Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Community and stakeholder engagement in NSW is essential to successful development planning, and no one does it better than Meliora Projects. Whether you’re managing a residential build or a commercial expansion, engaging with your community the right way ensures smoother approvals, more substantial support, and better outcomes. At Meliora Projects, we make sure your voice is heard — and your vision is understood. Contact us today!
Shaping Projects with Community and Stakeholder Engagement
At Meliora Projects, we believe that meaningful community and stakeholder engagement is not just a compliance requirement—it’s a vital part of creating developments that are responsible, inclusive, and aligned with local values.
Whether your project involves rezoning, large-scale development, or sensitive land use changes, engaging early and effectively with stakeholders can build trust, reduce opposition, and enhance project outcomes.
Our experienced team tailors engagement strategies to suit your project’s context, ensuring all voices are heard and considered throughout the planning process.
Let’s build better places together—reach out to Meliora Projects today to see how our engagement expertise can support your next development.
Why Community Stakeholder Engagement Matters
Community and stakeholder engagement is a critical component of successful urban planning and development. It ensures that the voices of those affected by a proposal are heard and considered, leading to more informed and accepted outcomes. Effective engagement helps to:
- Inform and educate stakeholders about your proposal
- Identify and address concerns before they escalate
- Build transparency and social licence to operate
- Meet Council and statutory requirements (e.g. for Social Impact Assessments or Planning Proposals)
- Strengthen planning submissions by incorporating local context
Our Approach
We tailor our engagement strategies to each project’s scale, complexity, and location. Our approach is guided by industry best practices, Council guidelines, and relevant state planning policies. Throughout our projects and documentation, we refer to this service as Community and Stakeholder Engagement (CaSE).
We can support your project through:
- Stakeholder Mapping & Analysis
- Community Engagement Plans
- Facilitation of Public Consultation
- Surveys and Feedback Channels
- Workshops, Drop-in Sessions, and Briefings
- Engagement Reporting for Council Submission
- Support for Social Impact Assessment (SIA) Requirements
Where appropriate, we also collaborate with specialist partners to support specific project requirements.
When Engagement is Required
Engagement is often a statutory requirement under NSW planning frameworks, especially for developments with significant impacts or public interest. Our team prepares compliant community and stakeholder engagement reports and delivers targeted stakeholder communication strategy frameworks to support planning processes at every scale. We’ve facilitated engagement for projects where consultation is required, including:
- Planning Proposals and Rezoning Applications
- Designated or Regionally Significant Developments
- Social Impact Assessments (SIA)
- Major Project Approvals (e.g. State Significant Developments)
- Projects involving public land or sensitive land uses
At every stage, we adhere to the NSW Development Assessment Guide, ensuring our processes meet regulatory standards and community expectations.
Recent Projects
We’ve facilitated community and stakeholder engagement for a range of projects, including:
- Required for Social Impact Assessment
- Strategic rezonings
- Mixed-use and residential developments
- Aquatic and leisure centres
- Regional planning initiatives
Each project is managed with a clear understanding of planning policy, social dynamics, and risk mitigation. Our tailored Community and Stakeholder Engagement (CaSE) strategies have supported various development projects across NSW. Below are some examples of recent projects where CaSE played a central role in shaping positive outcomes:
The Belvedere by Fortezza Group – Nelson Bay (In Progress)
Currently in the planning phase, this mixed-use residential and commercial development involves structured community and stakeholder engagement.
The active phase of the CaSE is now underway, with public feedback shaping the next steps in the DA process.
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Facility – Port Stephens Council (Completed)
As a Designated Development, this project required a robust approach to engagement. Our CaSE strategy supported the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by integrating a strong social planning perspective. Engagement activities ensured key community concerns were captured early and reflected in the final assessment.
The Community and stakeholder consultations are now closed for this project.
Richmond Swimming Centre – Hawkesbury Council (In Progress)
We are currently facilitating stakeholder engagement for the proposed Richmond Swimming Centre. This includes liaising with local user groups and community members to capture input on accessibility, amenity, and community needs—helping shape the project ahead of formal assessment.
Oasis Aquatic & Leisure Centre (In Progress)
This project involves alterations and additions to an existing facility. While the scale is modest, community feedback is being welcomed as part of the planning process to ensure the upgrades respond to local needs and expectations.
Ettalong Beach Redevelopment – Central Coast (In Progress)
Community and stakeholder consultation is being undertaken as part of the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) process for the proposed redevelopment. Feedback from local businesses, residents, and service providers is helping to assess the project’s potential social outcomes and inform mitigation strategies.
Let’s Plan with Purpose
Whether you’re in early concept planning or preparing for formal submission, we can help guide your project with a strong, transparent engagement process. Contact us to discuss how we can support your project’s community and stakeholder engagement strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community and Stakeholder Engagement (CaSE)?
CaSE refers to the process of involving individuals, groups, and organisations who may be affected by or have an interest in a proposed development. It ensures that planning decisions consider community values, local knowledge, and potential impacts.
Why is engagement important in planning projects?
Effective engagement builds trust, identifies concerns early, and can improve the quality and acceptance of a project. In some cases, engagement is also a statutory requirement under Council or State Government planning processes—particularly for larger or more sensitive developments.
Who do you engage with during the process?
Engagement may involve:
- Local residents and businesses
- Community groups and service providers
- Aboriginal stakeholders and cultural representatives
- Government agencies and regulatory bodies
- Council planning officers and elected representatives
The scope of engagement is tailored to each project’s context, location, and level of impact.
What happens to the feedback received?
All feedback is carefully reviewed and documented. We prepare an engagement outcomes report, which summarises key themes, identifies areas of concern or support, and outlines how the input has informed the project or assessment process (e.g. through design changes or mitigation strategies).
What if there is strong opposition to a project?
Our approach focuses on early, transparent, and respectful engagement. If opposition arises, we work with project teams to explore mitigation options, clarify misconceptions, and facilitate constructive dialogue. The goal is not always to reach full agreement but to ensure that concerns are heard and considered.
How can Meliora Projects support my project’s CaSE needs?
We manage the entire CaSE process—from strategy development and stakeholder mapping to facilitation, documentation, and reporting. Our team brings planning expertise and community insight to help ensure your project meets both regulatory expectations and community expectations.
Town Planning Expertise Across NSW
Wherever your project is located, we provide trusted guidance tailored to local Council requirements.
With extensive experience across metropolitan, regional, and growth areas throughout New South Wales, we offer clear, informed planning advice that supports smooth approvals and successful project delivery.
Greater Sydney Region
- City of Sydney
- Parramatta City Council
- Blacktown City Council
- Liverpool City Council
- Campbelltown City Council
- Penrith City Council
- Fairfield City Council
- Cumberland City Council
- The Hills Shire Council
- Canterbury-Bankstown Council
- Bayside Council
- Inner West Council
- Georges River Council
- Northern Beaches Council
- Sutherland Shire Council
Hunter & Central Coast Region
- Newcastle City Council
- Lake Macquarie City Council
- Maitland City Council
- Port Stephens Council
- Central Coast Council
Illawarra & South Coast Region
- Wollongong City Council
- Shellharbour City Council
- Shoalhaven City Council
Western NSW Growth Areas
- Dubbo Regional Council
- Orange City Council
- Tamworth Regional Council
Other Expanding Regional Centres
- Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
- Coffs Harbour City Council
- Ballina Shire Council
- Tweed Shire Council
