Feedback and consultation are an important part of any decision making and Newcastle residents can have their say now about how the city will run during the next 12 months.

The 2008/2009 draft Management Plan in on public exhibition until Tuesday 27 May. The plan is the blueprint for projects, services and spending so it is important Council has an indication from the community that we are heading in the right direction.

Community consultation for the preparation of the yearly management plan has increased significantly in the past few years. The process is not just about putting a plan together and saying to the community here it is. It is vitally important to provide options, stimulate debate and have a plan that responds to community input.

One of the key elements of effective community consultation is ensuring everyone has the chance to be heard and equal consideration is given to feedback received from everyone who makes a submission or attends an information session.

Community information sessions are being held during the public exhibition of the 2008/2009 draft Management Plan and it is important for interested residents and groups to get involved in the process. Last Friday a session was held with the business community and it was very positive and productive. The remaining information sessions will be held across the city in Wallsend, New Lambton and Warabrook.

I would like to assure everyone that this is a robust consultation process and Council keen to hear what the community has to say. For more information about the plan visit Management Plan.

Send your comments about this message to mayorsmessage@ncc.nsw.gov.au or go to council's website and fill in the online feedback form.