Citizens' Jury Process - Wollondilly Shire Council

A public participation case study based on the Wollondilly Shire Council Social Planning Community Panel (Citizens' Jury) Process - written by Max Hardy, Twyford Consulting and Sandra Ruecroft, Wollondilly Shire Council.

This case study describes the use of a revised citizens' jury model as a method of consultation to assist a local council to prepare a social plan. It has been written by both the consultant and the client representative, to offer a range of perspectives.

The limited literature available on the use of citizens' juries suggests that an appropriately run citizens' jury will cost no less than A$50,000 (1998). The case study which follows describes some of the challenges, achievements and issues arising from using a modified jury process, necessitated by the limited resources of council. It is difficult to quantify how much the Wollondilly Shire project cost. Although the consultancy fees were less than one fifth the cost of the minimum amount recommended, considerable effort and paper was expended by Council. It took a real team effort to organise and manage the event in such a short period of time.

The introduction, section 2, describes the scenario of Wollondilly Council being required to produce a social plan as per the requirements of the Department of Local Government (DLG - a state government department). It includes an overview of the political backdrop, the definition and purpose of a social plan as defined by DLG and key demographic characteristics of the Shire.

Section 3 discusses the particular challenges in the planning stage facing the Manager Community Services to gain internal understanding and support for the citizens' jury approach, and the need to work with the consultant to find ways of adapting the model to alleviate concerns expressed by Council.

In section 4 we describe the procedures we used to implement the model, and relate some of the discoveries along the way. The need for a more thorough and independent review of the process is indicated.

Finally we list a number of points that represent the key lessons, findings, learnings and matters worthy of more thought in regard to this consultation tool.

Case study of the Wollondilly Shire Council Social Planning Committee Panel (Citizens' Jury) Process

For further information

Contact	:	Max Hardy, Twyford Consulting
Address	:	PO Box 6004 Wollongong NSW 2500
Phone	:	(02) 4226 4040
Fax	:	(02) 4226 4042
Email	:	twyford@twyford.com.au