Central Coast Council currently has in place a Social Media Policy that was reviewed in 2022 and endorsed by Council on 13 December 2022. At this time Council adopted the LGNSW Model Social Media Policy.

An additional statement is being considered for the current policy which identifies the need for Councillors to have separate personal and councillor-related social media profiles.

This recommendation has been made to make it simpler for the community to interact with councillors in appropriate channels.

Council aims to build and maintain a positive reputation and has adopted a proactive approach to communicating with the public. Professionally managing all information that is published by Council to the public via social media platforms is important to protect Council’s reputation and manage risks that may arise due to social media use.

The proposed change to the Social Media Policy 2022 is the inclusion of a statement that maintains a clear distinction between personal and Councillor-related social media. It is important that the Council has the right policy settings in place so that it can realise the full benefits of social media whilst mitigating risk.

The community were invited to make submissions on the Draft Social Media Policy between 3 September and 1 October 2024.

Submissions were to be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Farmer via:

• online: submission form (preferred)
• email: ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
• post: PO Box 20, Wyong NSW 2259

When providing feedback to Council, your attention is drawn to the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 which allows for possible access to certain public and personal documentation. View our privacy statement.

Following the public exhibition period, Council staff will review all submissions and prepare a report on the outcome of the public exhibition process for Council's consideration. Staff are aiming to present the report to Council at the November 2024 Council Meeting.