23 428157 Camden Open Space Design Manual 1 August 2023 - Flipbook - Page 52
5.1.6 Community Engagement
Every open space project, whether undertaken by Council or delivered by an external team, must
undertake an appropriate level of community engagement.
Community and stakeholder engagement is all about involving people in decision-making, especially
those who may be affected by the decisions made or can influence implementation.
Identifying who has a 'stake' in a project offers the opportunity to scope potential risks, sensitivities
and impacts before making a plan for how we will involve them in decision-making or ensure they are
kept informed. And involving these people in developing a design can often find solutions or identify
opportunities to improve the outcome for all.
A healthy process understands and respects diversity, incorporating engagement methods that allow for
the widest possible reach and inclusion of all impacted individuals and groups, especially those who are
typically harder to reach and under-represented in the community.
Councils have a responsibility to advocate on behalf of their communities, as well as to deliver a range
of essential services.
Our community is rapidly growing and changing. Diversity will create a community with a greater range of
views and aspirations, in different age groups and household types from a variety of cultural and linguistic
backgrounds. See www.profile.id.com.au/camden for further information.
By 2036 Camden is projected to have close to 250,000 residents, transitioning from rural areas with
clusters of towns and villages to thriving suburbs established alongside historic places. As our population
increases it is important that we find effective ways to communicate with and hear from people across the
whole local government area.
Please refer to the Community Engagement Policy and Communications and Community Engagement
Strategy on www.camden.nsw.gov.au for further guidance.
5.1.7
Connecting with Country
Camden Council recognises that Traditional Owners have distinct cultural rights and responsibilities to
care for Country and must be involved in decision-making about the design, management, and protection
of their cultural heritage.
Meaningful consultation with the Aboriginal community is essential to the process of open space design
development. It enables Aboriginal Peoples to have a voice and work in partnership with Council to
ensure that projects reflect the needs and priorities of our local Aboriginal community.
Involvement of Aboriginal community should be based on the scale and significance of the project.
Refer to the The Connecting with Country Framework prepared by the Government Architect NSW for
further guidance on how to respond to Country when planning and designing public open spaces in
Camden.
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DESIGN GUIDELINES
