Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:5:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 5 (pt 3/5)
Character Range: 3110273–3114420

commitment to open engagement, provides focus for groups to organise a basis from which to lobby, provides consultant with some information on viewpoints of key stakeholders.  Limited role as submissions are unlikely to draw response from minority groups in the community, only 'organised' and articulate stakeholders are likely to respond, the formality of hearings may intimidate some.
Survey                               Structured questioning of community sample that statistically represents the whole population or sector, used to gather information about objective characteristics or attitudes of a community.  Provides data for analysis of characteristics of a community, and to document probable effects of a proposal and for gauging likely public reaction to a proposal.                                                           Minimal discussion and no interaction between members of the community, respondents may be indifferent to the subject matter and require persuasion.
Open houses                          Informal arrangement where tables or booths are manned by knowledgeable government staff or consultants who are able to discuss what individuals in the community want.                           Sets up a comfortable discussion situation for staff and members of the public. Especially useful early in the process to establish rapport and explain complex processes.                                                   Attendances may be low if distrust of the consultants and government by the public is already high.
Display and exhibitions              Means of disseminating information to the community, mobile or permanent exhibition, may be staffed for seeking response and giving detailed explanation.                                         Opportunity to inform and meet with the wider community who can speak directly to the consultants, opportunity to demonstrate commitment to engagement.                                                                      May be costly and ineffective, particularly if the community does not perceive the issues as being of high importance.
Observations                         Means of gathering information and establishing contacts in a community.                                                                                                                          Provides a thorough understanding of the community in preparation for engagement.                                                                                                                                            This technique is generally only suitable in the early information collection stage of engagement.
Information bulletins and brochures  Regular information bulletins and brochures distributed to households and/or made available to the community at key public outlets.                                                               Provides ongoing information on the project.                                                                                                                                                                                 Generic flyers may be perceived as junk mail and may be ignored.
Site office                          Temporary accommodation for consultants in the area, provides information for the wider community, needs to be suitably located and staffed.                                                      Provides consultants with a convenient base from which to work and establish contact in the area, satisfies some community needs for individual attention to their issues and concerns.                                      Does not involve interaction between members of the community and may be costly, has limited value in the overall engagement process if used alone.
Open door                            Conducting periodic open days to invite interested people and complainants to visit the site.                                                                                                     Can shift community confidence in current and proposed operations, pinpoint particular problems and result in problems being address and