Local Government Engagement
Author: Dan Barr, 24 September 2025
How Stakeholder Engagement Impacts Project Timelines
Effective stakeholder engagement is critical to the success of local government services and infrastructure projects. Done well, it builds legitimacy, reduces risk, and aligns stakeholders around a shared outcome. But while engagement delivers long-term value, it often extends project timelines, reduces immediate productivity, and puts pressure on delivery schedules.
The Trade-Off Between Engagement and Productivity
Councils and local governments accept this trade-off because of the value engagement provides—community input strengthens decision-making and builds trust. However, the time impacts of engagement and approval processes are not always clearly accounted for in project management. The result? Even longer delays than expected.
In our work, we see this play out regularly. A project initially scoped as six months can easily stretch to twelve months once initial engagement, public exhibition, council reporting, and final endorsement are factored in.
Questions to Ask Early in the Process
To avoid unnecessary project blowouts, councils should ask critical questions at the very start of a project, whether it’s policy development, master planning, or infrastructure delivery:
· When should we engage stakeholders—early with open questions, or later with options?
· Do we need stakeholder input before moving forward, or are we testing a preferred option?
· Are we seeking feedback on a final draft, and how will we use it?
· What approvals are required—Executive, Council, or both—and when can these be scheduled?
· If a draft is released for public feedback, will a “final” version also need to go back to the public?
Not asking these questions upfront can conservatively double project timelines.
The Role of Decision-Makers
Another factor in project delays is the confidence decision-makers have in the engagement process. Elected representatives place great weight on engagement outcomes, making it essential to:
· Confirm the engagement approach early in project initiation.
· Clearly document stakeholder input and how it influenced decisions.
Council processes—such as meeting schedules, reporting requirements, and public display obligations—also add complexity. Understanding these nuances is critical for accurate project programming.
Doing More With Less
As councils across Australia strive to deliver more with fewer resources, integrating stakeholder engagement into project management planning is more important than ever. Efficiency and foresight in engagement planning can:
· Save time and reduce risk.
· Build confidence with elected representatives.
· Strengthen trust between councils and communities.
· Improve the quality and legitimacy of decisions.
The Bottom Line
Local governments can’t afford to treat engagement as an afterthought. By planning for engagement from the start, clearly defining processes, and aligning with council governance requirements, councils can deliver projects that are timely, trusted, and truly reflective of their communities.