
Glen Innes Severn Council says it strongly supports a community consultation process on all significant projects essential for the local government area's future prosperity or which may impact residents and ratepayers in important ways.
This includes consulting with the community on the council's spending on grant-funded projects.
"We up-date the community regularly on projects, and we actively seek community opinions and input," said Glen Innes Severn Council general manager Craig Bennett.
"This includes our communication process through the various platforms we use such as council's website, social media, and local media.
"It also includes forums and drop-in sessions which the community can attend to get first-hand information about projects."
An example given by the council to illustrate its community consultation process is how it is up-dating information and seeking input on the Rail Trail project.
"We are holding monthly drop-in sessions for the community to ask any questions or raise any concerns regarding the construction of stage 1 of the New England Rail Trail, which is now fully funded through the Local Economic Development Recovery Fund - a state and federal government initiative," Mr Bennett said.
The next council drop-in session will be held on Wednesday, December 1, at the Glen Innes Library.
"You can call in between noon and 2pm, or from 5pm until 6.30pm," Mr Bennett said.
Residents can also complete a quick survey to show their support for the rail trail or use it to show that they are against the project if that is the case.
"The New England Rail Trail has a website and a Facebook page with links for all of the plans and documentation that has provided our community with this opportunity," Mr Bennett said.
"Council recommends either attending a drop-in session, or checking the available information, or both, followed by completing the survey."
The link to the survey can be found on the Facebook page and the council's website home page.
Council is also calling for nominations for the 2022 Glen Innes Australia Day Awards.
Nominations will be accepted until December 14, and late nominations will not be accepted.
"These awards aim to honour the voluntary achievements of fellow citizens, community groups, and community events and their contribution to our community," Mr Bennett said.