Have your say on Council’s award‑winning Engagement Strategy
Published on 02 March 2026
Residents are encouraged to have their say Western Downs Regional Council's communications and community engagement efforts across the region.
Council has reaffirmed its commitment to meaningful communications and genuine community engagement, inviting all residents to participate in the 2026 Communication and Community Engagement Check-In survey.
The survey follows the implementation of Council’s first-ever Communications and Engagement Strategy, endorsed in September 2022, and builds on the progress assessed in the 2024 survey.
Mayor Andrew Smith said Council was committed to strengthening its relationship with the community by ensuring residents are heard and actively involved in shaping Western Downs communities.
"In 2024, we conducted our inaugural check-in to assess the progress of our Communications and Engagement Strategy and gather feedback on Council's activities in these areas," Cr Smith said.
"The findings from this initial review have guided Council's ongoing communication efforts and reinforced the value of consistent community consultation over the past two years.
"Two years later, Council is checking in with our residents again to understand how the organisation's communication and engagement efforts are tracking, what we're doing well, and where improvements can be made.
"Since our last check-in, we've engaged with the community on vast range of important initiatives guiding improvements to the region's parks, signage, digital connectivity, library usage, public art, aquatic centres, and showgrounds.
"We recognise the significance of understanding and valuing a broad range of perspectives from within our communities, and community feedback from this survey will key to shaping Council's communications and engagement efforts."
Mayor Smith said regular ‘pulse checks’ helped ensure transparency and empowered Western Downs communities to be actively involved in shaping the region’s future.
“Enhancing delivery of meaningful communication and community engagement through the 2026 check in will provide Council with a clear direction on how to shape and deliver communication and engagement activities over the next few years.
"The 2024 check-in reinforced the value for residents to be involved in the conversation, not just heard, and I hope the new check-in will further strengthen our communication and engagement endeavours in the region.
"I'd encourage everyone in the community to spend a minute or two giving their feedback through participating in this survey, ensuring all voices are heard and valued."
The survey will be promoted right across the region and will be accessible to residents in online and print formats to ensure everyone has an opportunity to have their say.
Council's Communication and Community Engagement Check-In survey is now open and will close on Monday 13 April 2026.
The survey can be completed online via Council's online engagement platform or alternatively, print copies are available at Council Customer Service Centres, Libraries, and Visitor Information Centres.
Council’s Communication and Community Engagement Strategy can be found on Council’s website.