Ed,
I read with interest CVC lack of a Media Policy (CVI 23/6/21).
Those responsible should understand Council can use the media to:
- maximise assistance and information from the public to address community issues;
- warn people of dangers or threats, eg: flood, bushfires, serious weather events etc;
- correct or clarify information in the community
* create discussion in the community;
* highlight key projects;
- increase Council visibility;
* reassure the community and encourage participation, and
* provide transparency and maintain community faith in Council projects & activities.
It is important that Council communicate to the public the actions and efforts of Councillors and staff alike. Positive and proactive news stories are a proven method to help improve the community’s perception of Council, as well as providing the community with the confidence to engage with Council.
This is vastly different to a Communications Policy.
Geoffrey Beresford, Yamba