The document provides examples of different online engagement strategies used by various local councils in Australia. It summarizes key metrics like site visits, visitors, comments, and documents downloaded for each engagement site. Some examples of successful strategies highlighted include building a community through regular updates and discussion, asking open and appreciative questions, using knowledgeable facilitators, and running parallel consultations on high-interest issues. Demonstrating responsiveness to participant comments is also noted.

6. Hot Local Topic Built up database Stopped unofficial sites gaining traction in the community Hornsby Housing Strategy www.bangthetable.com/ hornsbyhousing 35,300 Visits 9,200 Visitors 1,148 Comments 1,444 Docs Downloaded

7. Unique LightRail to Randwick Unique project branding Campaigning on a key local issue www.yoursayrandwick.com.au/lightrail 28,137 Visits 7,435 Visitors 208Comments (still live) 4,733 Docs Downloaded

9. Your Say Warringah Consistent approach to online engagement Compliments traditional engagement activities Over 25 projects Always something going on www.yoursaywarringah.com.au 18 Months 90,000 Visits 18,500 Visitors 2097 Comments 23,606 Docs Downloaded

14. Parallel Issues Blue Mountains Council ran nine consultations online in quick succession and in parallel to drive traffic from high interest issues through to lower interest projects when they launched have your say Blue Mountains. www.haveyoursaybluemountains.com.au 16,364 Site Visits 3,780 Visitors 46,816 Page Views Comments In the Launch Period

16. New things to discuss

17. New Videos and information

18. Regular emails to participants

19. Open discussion- but issue with expectations here.Community Building Local Engagement that brought people back to the site on a regular basis over almost 2 years. www.sydneyharbourpom.net.au 60,000 Visits 14,126 Visitors 12,109 Downloads 333 Comments

21. Demonstrable responsiveness “Hi Chookman, A 2 bin system achieves the same reduction to landfill as the 3 bin system - it recycles the general waste and turns it into a compost through an alternative waste treatment system. The benefit with a 2 bin system is people don't need to sort their food waste from everything else in their general kitchen bin, it remains business as usual, which caters to those people who are reluctant to make the effort to do this sorting.” The Lake Macquarie Council waste management team made 62 comments on their own forum to either respond, thank or follow up on participant comments. www.haveyoursaylakemac.net.au 5968 Site Visits 1966 Visitors 286 Comments

22. Knowledgeable Facilitators Knowledge specialist facilitators prompted participants to dig deeper in the Yarra Ranges Art in Public Places Consultation. www.yarrarangesviews.com.au 2,400 Visits 600 Visitors 248 Comments 8 Average per Participant 28/220 Comment/Reply Ratio

25. Open Questions Open Question What are your thoughts on the best way to structure the entry fee and what do you think would be an appropriate charge? Open Question Do you have a view on the best way for recreational swimmers, club swimmers and lap swimmers to share the 25m and 50m pools? Open Question What new facility would you like to see incorporated into the complex should extra funding become available? Broken Hill City Council got a thoughtful response to its Aquatic Centre consultation by asking a series of open questions. www.bangthetable.com/brokenhillpool 9,200 Visits 2,800 Visitors 92 Comments

26. Appreciative Questions Appreciative Question What are three things you like to do in the City of Melville and why? Appreciative Question What ideas do you have to enhance the quality of life in our local community? Appreciative Question When people visit, what are you proud to show them in your local community and why? The City of Melville’s community development team asked their community to think positively to help inform their cultural plan. www.werelisteningmelville.com.au 2097 Site Visits 809 Visitors 146 Comments

27. Is an offence that only risks a high level of harm more or less serious than an offence that actually causes a lower level of harm? Scenario 1David throws a rock off a freeway overpass into moving traffic. The rock narrowly misses the windscreen of a car and bounces to the side of the road. No one is physically injured. Scenario 2 David punches Victor once in the face, intending to injure him, Victor’s face is bruised. Scenario Based Questions Scenario based questions prompt participants to respond deeply to complex issues and provokes thoughtful dialogue. www.talksentencing.vic.gov.au Visits 1440 Visitors 218 Comments