Council Advocacy
Shellharbour City Council is committed to advocating for key projects that are important to our community. Through strong leadership and collaboration, we work to drive positive change at local, regional, and national levels.
What is advocacy?
Advocacy is the process of influencing decision-makers to create positive change. It involves raising awareness about issues affecting the community, working with stakeholders, and seeking policy or funding support from different levels of government.
Advocacy ensures that the needs and priorities of the Shellharbour community are heard and addressed.
How do we advocate?
Council advocates by engaging with the community, collaborating with other councils, organisations, and government agencies, and ensuring transparency in all our efforts.
Our advocacy aligns with the Local Government Act 1993, which guides us to provide strong representation, strategic planning, and best value for residents. We work to ensure our city’s needs are met efficiently and sustainably, both now and in the future.
Council’s Strategic Projects Advocacy Plan 2024-25 outlines our key advocacy priorities and aligns with the themes and objectives of the Delivery Plan 2022-2026 and the Community Strategic Plan 2022-2032.
We show leadership by advocating directly to the Australian and New South Wales Governments, making sure residents’ voices are heard at all levels. Our close collaboration with local Members of Parliament also allows us to address key community issues effectively.
To achieve meaningful results, Council uses a range of advocacy strategies, including preparing formal submissions, engaging in direct lobbying, leading delegations, and hosting key decision-makers. We also use media strategies, targeted advertising, and community campaigns to further our advocacy goals.
Why do we advocate?
Council is dedicated to delivering the projects you care about and pushing for the policy changes you want.
We advocate to:
- Influence public policy and secure funding for key projects.
- Ensure Shellharbour receives the resources to support a thriving community.
- Partner with state and federal governments to address local issues.
- Improve infrastructure, services, and opportunities for residents.
In the past year, our advocacy efforts have helped secure funding for critical community projects, benefiting our region.
How to get involved in the conversation?
We encourage community members to share their ideas, concerns and feedback to help shape our advocacy efforts. Stay informed and participate by visiting our Let’s Chat website.
Read our Strategic Projects Advocacy Plan 2024-2025 here or below: