The Risks and Benefits of Online Community Engagement Matthew Crozier

Convenient 24/7 consultation

What if they don’t come? Bass Coast Vision – 2 comments (239 UVs) Medowie Settlement Strategy – 17 comments (322 UVs) BUT Newcastle Bus Review – 505 comments (761 UVs) Wingecarribee LEP – 141 comments (907 UVs)

Nobbys Lighthouse Redevelopment Jodi MacKay MP Provide the local member with feedback from the broader Newcastle community on the proposal to redevelop Nobbys lighthouse with a restaurant and bed and breakfast facility. 2 weeks online 14,644 page views 1416 visits 854 visitors 470 comments 5000+ dis/agrees

Port Stephens Management Plan Port Stephens Shire Council Provide a standalone consultation tool to replace ten community workshops the previous year. 5 weeks online 1566 page views 334 visits 167 visitors 29 comments 44 downloads

Demographics... 64% of Australian homes have “net” access Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Hijacking

If we fail to consult online... We will continue to hear from the same few people... again, and again , and again Regular correspondents The broader community

Bullying

Activism

Myth Spreading

Disaffected Groups

Reveal the real issues

Bus Network Review Tree Preservation Policy The LONG Tail of community consultation

Data Security

www. online community consultation .com