Frequently Asked Questions

We offer the community opportunities to provide input on key areas. Examples include:

• Environmental sustainability
• Services and facilities, such as libraries, waste, and community centres
• Policies, strategies and plans
• Infrastructure projects, such as bike paths, roads, and skate parks
• Flood management
• Cultural development
• Play and recreation
• Public safety

Your feedback on these initiatives is essential for shaping a community that meets everyone's needs.

We design each engagement activity to fit the needs of the project and the affected community. We may offer a combination of online discussions, surveys, information stalls at community events such as street fairs, drop-in information sessions or workshops. Some people don't have time to come to a face-to-face engagement and some people aren't interested in using computers. You can participate in whichever way suits you best.

In community engagement, your feedback is a way for you to share your thoughts and ideas on a particular issue or project. The goal is to make sure your voice and the community’s voices are heard and considered. It helps provide valuable insights, identify potential issues and suggest improvements. This way, decisions can be more inclusive, transparent and effective, reflecting what you and the community really needs and wants.

You can give feedback in different ways, such as:

• Writing to us: writing emails or letters that explain your opinions and suggestions
• Filling out surveys: answering questions to provide specific feedback on certain topics
• Speaking to us: giving verbal feedback during meetings, in-person sessions or over the phone

When providing feedback in written form or verbally, please consider that Council’s response will be based on the merits of the ideas and issues you raise rather than the quantity of feedback making similar points. For this reason, feedback that clearly explains the matters it raises will be the most effective way to influence the final plan.

Feedback is most effective when we understand your ideas and the outcomes you want. Some suggestions include:

• Be clear and specific about the issues that are of concern to you
• Note which part or section of the document your comments relate to (where applicable)
• Give reasoning in support of your points – this makes it easier for us to consider your ideas and will help avoid any misinterpretation
• Tell us specifically what you agree/ disagree with and why you agree or disagree
• Suggest solutions or alternatives to managing the issue if you can.

You can join our Register of Interest and we will let you know via an email when there is an opportunity to have your say on specific topics that interest you.

For example, if you select Environment as an interest, we'll love your input on our Kerbside Electric Vehicle Charging Points Pilot. Or you can select Sports as an interest, and we'll ask you what skate ramp you'd prefer for our Mobile Skate Parks.

If you would like to add or update your topics of interest simply:

• Sign into Our Wollongong. You can register here
• Select the person logo in the top right corner
• Select 'My Account' from the drop-down menu
• Scroll to the bottom and select ‘Yes’ to the question about joining the Register of Interest
• Select the topics that interest you and save your changes

By adding your interests, we can reach you on topics you care about.

If you would like to unsubscribe – please follow the steps above. However, select ‘No’ to the question about the Register of Interest.

Absolutely!

Council will accept petitions at anytime, not restricted to projects we are seeking comment on through our online engagement website.

To find out more about what you need to do visit https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/contact-us/petitions

The purpose for seeking your feedback on advertised matters is to better assist Council in its decision-making processes.

All community feedback is considered by Council. Responses to engagement projects are compiled and considered. When projects are reported to Council to make a decision a summary of community feedback will be included. Updates on projects will be included in these pages and elsewhere on Council's website. Sometimes it takes some months to provide feedback to the community and to make a decision as further investigation is often needed. We are listening and we do take your suggestions on board!

Council decisions can only be made at a formal Council meeting or by delegation, where the responsibility is given to Council officers or special committees to make the decision.

• Community feedback
• Reports and studies prepared by Council officers, consultants or other experts
• Advice from reference groups, advisory committees and other authorities
• Legislation and other legal information
• Policies and procedures

The City of Wollongong local government area is represented by a Council made up of a Lord Mayor and 12 Councillors. Both the Lord Mayor and the Councillors are popularly elected. This means that they are voted in by people on the Commonwealth electoral roll. The City is divided into three areas called Wards, with four Councillors elected from each Ward. 

Find out more information about our Lord Mayor, Councillors and wards. 

The Local Government Act 1993 is New South Wales law that sets out Councils’ responsibilities and how they can operate. It also makes sure that Councils engage with their communities.

Chapter 4 of this Act details the ways that community can influence what Council does.

Policies and procedures are the rules and processes we follow. They guide our decision-making, actions and how we direct and control the business of Council. All of Council’s current policies .

If you're d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. 

If you need an interpreter you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You'll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111 when using these services.