What does consultation look like?

Community consultation is a big part of any major project, such as the Regional Rail Link (RRL).

There are a variety of groups with whom the government might consult - businesses, residents, community groups, public transport authorities, heritage organisations, local councils and other government departments.

A group called the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) sets standards (PDF document) for how community engagement for such projects should be conducted.

 

IAP2 uses a spectrum to describe the different levels of engagement, ranging from "inform" (where people are told things and have no opportunity to contribute to decisions) to "empower" (where people are allowed to make decisions).

This project is too big for "empower" to be a realistic option - we're not expecting that. However, so far, we've been given very little chance to have any say in the RRL decision-making process. The Department of Transport website page only commits to "keeping the community informed as the project develops." 

We'd like to be invited to comment on options and alternatives. We'd like to see our concerns acknowledged and to see that our input does affect what decisions are made. This would reassure us that the Victorian government values communities as well as costs. It would also prove that the government is sincerely committed to seeking the best route option for the very people that this new rail link will serve.