The 2079 Audit highlights the need for meaningful and effective engagement so communities can help to shape infrastructure decisions.108 Involving local people in decision-making is a core component of good governance.109 It increases trust in institutions and delivers infrastructure that meets community needs, ensuring projects deliver value.110
" Involving local people in decision-making is a core component of good governance. "
To be most successful, engagement needs to be part of early decision-making. Firstly, by land use departments when they are developing strategic plans that determine the overarching needs of the community and the infrastructure required to support them. Secondly, by network operators and asset owners in the early design of individual projects.111
This approach will ensure community needs and expectations are the starting point for planning and design efforts, and that project outcomes are anchored on planning decisions.