Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:4:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 2/11)
Character Range: 3076433–3079469

to the decision-making processes. However, when engaging with the community, there are some legislative issues to consider that may limit or modify the information provided.

For example:
    * Commercial-in-confidence materials should not be disclosed.
    * Privacy legislation restrains the giving out of personal information to any other person without the permission of the person named.
    * Freedom of information (FOI) legislation means that written material can be requested and viewed by any citizen with an interest in it. FOI covers all forms of 'writing', including emails and sticky notes.
    * Coroners' courts will investigate incidents where there has been a fire or a death. The court will review information that has been provided.
In planning communication, the first contact should be with the assessor's organisational communication or liaison officer. Planning should also involve government agencies and emergency services (if necessary) to ensure that procedures are understood and that everyone involved agrees on roles and procedures.

A communication plan starts by answering the following questions:
    * Why do you need to communicate? (purpose of communication)
    * Who do you need to communicate with? (target audience/s)
    * What is your message? (what you need to say or what information you need to gather)
    * How will you communicate? (communication methods and tools)
    * How will you use the information you gather? (evaluate and review).

4.1.1         Identify the purpose of communication
It is essential to have a clear understanding of the purpose of communicating. Is it:
    * to simply inform (the decision has already been made)?
    * to consult with the community (obtain their input for consideration)?
    * to involve the community in the final decision-making process?
In order to manage expectations, the purpose of the communication activity should be made clear to the community, including the elements that have already been decided upon and are non-negotiable, and what aspects are open for discussion and decision.

4.1.2         Identify your target audience and undertake audience analysis
Once the purpose of the communication has been identified, it is important to identify and analyse the target audience including for cultural and religious sensitivities. If communication efforts are aimed too broadly, the message may not reach key persons. The more tailored messages are to specific audiences, the more effective they will be. Audience analysis will also provide an insight as to what communication methods and tools will best reach each target audience. The communication plan should identify all of the stakeholders—including those beyond the affected community. This includes local and state officials and politicians, other agencies and organisations and, if relevant, emergency and health services.

Establish the project's area of impact. Determining how far interest in the project extends, and determining the location of geographic boundaries and