Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R)

Value for money for our members is at the heart of all Central NSW Joint Organisation programming. We are committed to driving strategic initiatives that empower our councils to deliver outcomes aligned with both local community aspirations and state government priorities. Central to this effort are our biennial Community Sentiment Surveys, the Placemats Project, and our Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) frameworks. These initiatives provide councils with the tools and resources they need to embed critical topics into their planning processes, ensuring that their strategies are both data-driven and reflective of community needs. By supporting councils in this way, we help build stronger, more resilient communities across our region.

For more information on Integrated Planning and Reporting, please visit the NSW Office of Local Government website

Community Engagement Strategy and Sentiment Survey

Under the Local Government Act, councils must develop a Community Engagement Strategy (CES). This strategy is essential for ensuring that the voices of our communities are heard and reflected in council planning processes. Additionally, under the Environmental Planning and Assessment (EP&A) Act, councils must have a Community Participation Plan, with some councils opting to integrate this with their CES. 

Community Engagement covers,

a broad range of activities that could be supported regionally. The recently empanelled Regional Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Group has carriage of this work where an example is community sentiment surveying.

CNSWJO has piloted a regional approach to conducting community sentiment surveys. This initiative supports our roles in strategic planning, intergovernmental collaboration, and shared leadership and advocacy. The pilot has shown that a collaborative approach not only delivers cost savings but also enhances the quality of data collected. This approach goes beyond meeting legislative requirements—it strengthens the relationship between local councils and the state government by providing a structured, collaborative process for gathering community sentiment. By working together, we ensure that the insights gathered are robust and truly reflective of regional needs.  It also empowers councils to advocate more effectively for their communities’ needs at the state level, fostering better alignment and cooperation between local and state government.

Watch this space as this program develops!

Learn more about: Placemats project

IP&R Frameworks and Placemats Project: Supporting Strategic Conversations and Strengthening Governance

Our IP&R frameworks, along with initiatives like the Placemats Project, are key mechanisms that support councils in meeting their community engagement obligations while fostering closer collaboration with state government. These tools enable councils to integrate data and insights from the community into their strategic planning, ensuring that plans are robust, data-driven, and aligned with community needs.

The Placemats Project

provides councils with 48 essential data sets that are pivotal for informed community consultations and the development of Community Strategic Plans (CSPs). This initiative leverages the strong working relationship between Joint Organisations and state agencies, promoting more effective regional planning and alignment with state priorities.

By delivering clear, data-driven insights into community needs, these frameworks and placemats empower councils to advocate more effectively for project funding and policy support. They also play a crucial role in strengthening the relationships between local councils and state government by providing a structured approach to integrating community feedback into planning processes. This approach enhances the visibility of local government needs and supports more effective regional governance.

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How These Initiatives Benefit Our Councils

Our approach is centered on fostering stronger, more collaborative relationships between councils and state government agencies. The sentiment surveys, IP&R frameworks, and placemats are all developed with direct input from our councils and tailored to address the unique challenges of our region. This ensures that councils are not only meeting their obligations but also cultivating a cooperative environment where shared goals and strategies lead to better outcomes for our communities.

The CNSWJO sees these IP&R initiatives as a step towards a more integrated and collaborative approach to regional planning. By working together, councils and state agencies can drive initiatives that are better aligned with the aspirations of our communities, leading to more resilient and vibrant regions.

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