The Jury is 'In'

The Citizens’ Jury model for collaborative planning is a way of addressing the difficulties of gaining effective public consultation on complex and technical issues. It has been used extensively in the UK and USA to guide major public infrastructure projects such as airports and motorways.

A ‘Jury’ of community representatives is established, which then becomes intensely involved in the consideration of complex issues. The Jury receives verbal and written briefings, presentations and discussions, much like a court jury would listen to evidence in a trial. In a relatively short period, the Jury members become sufficiently knowledgeable to ask probing questions, before forming their views.

Late last year, Max Hardy modified the Citizens Jury model to help Wollondilly Shire Council develop its Social Plan. This was possibly the first time in NSW such an approach had been used for this purpose.

After three days of presentations and deliberations, the Jury Panel prepared its report and submitted it to Council. Feedback from Presenters, Council and Jury members suggests that this had been a refreshing approach to consulting the public on complex matters.

Twyford Consulting Newsletter May 2000