Community engagement is about involving the community in the decision making process and is critical in the successful development of acceptable policies and decisions in government, the private sector and the community.

The Department for Planning and Infrastructure has been at the forefront of developing innovative ways in which to consult with the people who are affected by our decisions and policies.  In Western Australia we have taken a leading role in exploring innovations in community engagement, with 21st Century Town Meetings (Dialogues), Deliberative Surveys, Citizens' Juries, Multi Criteria Analysis Conferences and Consensus Forums.

The Department's largest interactive community engagement event, Dialogue with the city, held in September 2003 was attended by 1100 people.  Since then, more than 100 Dialogue participants have been involved in refining a wealth of information gathered to develop Network city: community planning strategy for Perth and Peel.