The Pelican boat ramp was damaged in the April 2015 super storm, then closed by Council in October 2015 due to the cumulative effects of storm damage and long-term tidal erosion. Just after New Year, the Department of Industry – Lands released a recommendation that the ramp be moved to an alternative site 170 metres south.

The proposed new site is a sheltered sandy beach that is popular with swimmers, particularly young families, and the recommendation has raised the ire of many who are concerned about the impact on the beach if a boat ramp is erected there.

Council, as the manager of the Crown Land site, is undertaking community consultation on the State Government’s recommendation. At the time of writing, members of the community had made more than 1100 submissions – in less than two weeks – through the Council’s online feedback portal (haveyoursaylakemac.com.au), believed to be the biggest response Council has had to an online survey.

The response indicates the high level of feeling on this issue, but it also demonstrates the effectiveness of digital engagement tools in reaching deep into the community and allowing people to have their say.

This is how people can play an active role in decision-making, and it can take as little as a few minutes. All of the responses Council receives are used to guide the recommendations and actions we take.

It also helps residents keep up to date with the progress of an issue, as everyone who supplies a return email address with their submission receives regular updates.

Of course, there are considerations other than public opinion that contribute to the decision-making process, but having comprehensive community feedback helps councillors and staff gain a broader understanding of an issue.

Council uses the Have Your Say portal to seek input and opinion from the community for a range of purposes, from the drafting of plans and strategies to gathering ideas on how public spaces should be used. 

Cr Fraser will be at a pop-up information stall on the Pelican  foreshore between 8am and noon on Saturday, January 21. Residents can provide feedback at the stall.