Draft Media Policy on exhibition
Wingecarribee Shire Council is seeking comment from residents after councillors unanimously endorsed a draft Media Policy for public exhibition at Wednesday evening’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
Council’s Deputy General Manager, Corporate, Strategy and Development Services, Mark Pepping explained the purpose of the draft policy.
“This draft policy prescribes how Council intends to respond to both traditional and social media,” he said. “It details our procedures, responsibilities and responses when dealing with both mediums.”
“We also recognise that social media is becoming increasingly popular and we therefore felt it important that this policy detail the expectations of staff and Councillors when they use social media for personal use should it overlap with Council business.”
Some of the recommendations included within the draft policy suggest staff and Councillors ensure any views posted on social media cannot be misinterpreted as an official comment from Council. Other suggestions include not posting anything that is misleading, speculative, offensive, humiliating or threatening.
“While many of these recommendations may seem like common sense suggestions, they’ve been included to minimise risk to Council, Councillors and employees.”
The draft policy will be on public exhibition for 49 days until 31 January 2018.
“We encourage anyone interested in media and communications to view this draft document and make comment by the closing date.”
For further information, or to view a copy of the draft policy visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/whats-on-public-exhibition or in person at the Moss Vale Civic Centre.
Submissions and feedback close midnight Wednesday 31 January 2018.
Feedback and submissions can be made via:
- email at: mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au
- or in writing addressed to the General Manager – Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141, Moss Vale, 2577
Following the close of the exhibition period, all responses will be collated and included in a final report to be presented to Council.
For further information contact Council’s Media and Communications Coordinator on phone 4868 0888