Place-based Engagement Model Review

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About Community Consultative Bodies (CCBs)

Community Consultative Bodies (CCBs) were established in Shoalhaven in 1991 to provide a structured way for local communities to share information, discuss issues and present collective views to Council.

CCBs are resident‑led groups that represent defined geographic areas. Over time, they have helped communicate local issues, spread Council information and support discussion within their communities.

Why Council is reviewing the CCB model and place-based engagement now

While the CCB model has played an important role, Council is reviewing it to ensure community engagement remains inclusive, effective and safe into the future.

Over time, legal uncertainty has emerged about the status of these bodies—specifically whether they are Council committees, or independent community groups.

This lack of clarity creates legal and governance risks for both Council and participants. In response, Council has resolved to conclude the current CCB model of engagement from 1 July 2026 (16 Dec 2025: Min CL25.418) and consult with community and CCBs to determine the most appropriate alternative engagement model that should be for the long term.

What Council is aiming to achieve

Through this review, Council is seeking to:

  • Ensure the community has clear and easy access to information

  • Provide clear legal separation between Council and community groups

  • Provide safe, fair and transparent ways for people to share feedback

  • Strengthen community engagement through place-based community representation

Council wants to make it easy for people to connect with us, raise concerns, and provide input whenever it is needed, whether through local groups, direct engagement opportunities, or a mix of both.

How the community can help

Council has met with CCB representatives to outline a practical way forward and develop a model that strengthens governance, safety and accountability.

We now want to hear from the broader community to share views on the proposed Accredited Community Forum model.

Your feedback will help inform Council’s decisions about the future of place-based community engagement in Shoalhaven.

About Community Consultative Bodies (CCBs)

Community Consultative Bodies (CCBs) were established in Shoalhaven in 1991 to provide a structured way for local communities to share information, discuss issues and present collective views to Council.

CCBs are resident‑led groups that represent defined geographic areas. Over time, they have helped communicate local issues, spread Council information and support discussion within their communities.

Why Council is reviewing the CCB model and place-based engagement now

While the CCB model has played an important role, Council is reviewing it to ensure community engagement remains inclusive, effective and safe into the future.

Over time, legal uncertainty has emerged about the status of these bodies—specifically whether they are Council committees, or independent community groups.

This lack of clarity creates legal and governance risks for both Council and participants. In response, Council has resolved to conclude the current CCB model of engagement from 1 July 2026 (16 Dec 2025: Min CL25.418) and consult with community and CCBs to determine the most appropriate alternative engagement model that should be for the long term.

What Council is aiming to achieve

Through this review, Council is seeking to:

  • Ensure the community has clear and easy access to information

  • Provide clear legal separation between Council and community groups

  • Provide safe, fair and transparent ways for people to share feedback

  • Strengthen community engagement through place-based community representation

Council wants to make it easy for people to connect with us, raise concerns, and provide input whenever it is needed, whether through local groups, direct engagement opportunities, or a mix of both.

How the community can help

Council has met with CCB representatives to outline a practical way forward and develop a model that strengthens governance, safety and accountability.

We now want to hear from the broader community to share views on the proposed Accredited Community Forum model.

Your feedback will help inform Council’s decisions about the future of place-based community engagement in Shoalhaven.

  • Have your say on how Council engages with your community

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    Community consultation is now open on the future of place‑based community engagement in Shoalhaven.

    Council has decided to wrap up the current Community Consultative Body (CCB) model from 1 July 2026 and replace it with an alternative model that maintains community independence and provides clear legal separation between Council and community groups.

    Please review the proposed Accredited Community Forum model document by clicking here.


    Have your say before 19 April 2026 by clicking here.

Page last updated: 20 Mar 2026, 08:14 AM