Community Engagement for less than $500

Low-cost Community Engagement Programs (Under $500)

This program outlines simple, effective community engagement activities that can be delivered at little to no cost, with a focus on at-risk communities and local disaster risk.

Target Audience

Residents in bushfire-prone areas

Communities identified as high risk through flood overlays

Households that may not normally engage with online information

Coastal Communities at risk of Cyclones and Storm Tide

Bushfire Information Night

Purpose:
To increase community understanding of bushfire risk and practical actions residents can take to prepare their properties.

Section	Details
Target Communities	Residents in bushfire-prone areas, identified through the QFD Bushfire Overlay or known high-risk locations within the local government area. Tip: Consult with local brigade(s) to identify locations of heightened risk or concern and develop a 12–24 month engagement plan for these communities.
Format / Venue	In-person community information night held at a local community hall or council venue (e.g. library, depot, or council head office). Look for a venue that has no hire fee*
Speakers	Council Environmental Health Officers • Vegetation management requirements • Permit processes and compliance Council Disaster Management • Promote tools and resources available to the public such as Disaster Dashboards, Early Warning Alert Service Local Rural Fire Brigade • Identifying bushfire risk around the home • Property preparation • Reducing fuel loads • Understanding back burning and local response Queensland Police Service (QPS) • Discuss District Disaster Management Planning • Supports messaging around preparedness and evacuation
Promotion	• Targeted mail-out inviting only residents in at-risk area to attend ($300–$500) • Social media event promotion (free) • Rates insert, include a DL brochure on the event in the next mail out for rates notices (printing costs $300-$500) • Event listing on Council Website (free)
Catering	If budget permits, put on a sausage sizzle or light refreshments as a draw card for attending a night time event. ($150 approx)

Flood Information Night

Purpose:
To help residents understand their flood risk and how to prepare before heavy rainfall or flooding occurs.

Section	Details
Target Communities	Residents in flood-prone areas identified through council flood mapping or areas known to council (low lying areas/catchments)
Format / Venue	In-person community information night held at a local community hall or council venue. Look for a venue that has no hire fee*
Speakers	Council Disaster Management • Promote tools and resources available to the public such as Disaster Dashboards, Early Warning Alert Service • Discuss local disaster management arrangements, including how and where an evacuation centre might be located State Emergency Service (SES) • Understanding flood risk • How to prepare households and properties Queensland Police Service (QPS) • Discuss District Disaster Management Planning • Supports messaging around preparedness and evacuation
Promotion	• Targeted mail-out inviting only residents in at-risk area to attend ($300–$500) • Social media event promotion (free) • Rates insert, include a DL brochure on the event in the next mail out for rates notices (printing costs $300-$500) • Event listing on Council Website (free)
Estimated Cost	$0–$500 Light refreshments or a sausage sizzle may be included if budget allows.

Street Meet or Community Hub (outdoors/day time)

Section	Details
Event Type	Bushfire and Flood Community Drop-In Session
Purpose	To provide residents with the opportunity to speak directly with council, SES and their local fire brigade about local bushfire and flood risks, and understand practical steps they can take to prepare their household and property.
Target Communities	Residents in bushfire-prone and flood-prone areas identified through the QFD Bushfire Overlay and council flood mapping (where available). Tip: Work with local rural fire brigade(s) and SES to prioritise locations of heightened risk and plan engagement in these areas over a 12–24 month period.
Format / Duration	Daytime, in-person drop-in session held over a 3-hour period, allowing community members to attend at a time that suits them.
Venue	Outdoors at council venue (e.g. park, community centre, local shops/shopping centre carpark or see if you can partner with a local bunnings or mitre 10).
Stakeholders / Speakers	Council • Local bushfire and flood risk information • Disaster Dashboard • SMS alert system • Permits, vegetation management and local preparedness initiatives State Emergency Service (SES) • Understanding local flood risk, storm and cyclone • How to prepare households and properties Local Rural Fire Brigade • Identifying bushfire risk around the home • Property preparation • Reducing fuel loads • Understanding local response and back burning Queensland Police Service (QPS) • Discuss District Disaster Management Planning • Supports messaging around preparedness and evacuation
Engagement Style	Informal, one-on-one or small group conversations at information tables rather than formal presentations.
Promotion	• Targeted mail-out to bushfire and flood prone areas using available overlays and flood mapping (Aus Post $300–$500 & Printing free/in house) • Social media promotion (free) • Invitation included as a rates notice insert (free)
Resources / Materials	Printed preparedness information, maps, QR codes to trusted local disaster information and sign-up options for alerts.
Estimated Cost	$0–$500 Light refreshments or a sausage sizzle may be included if budget allows.

Targeted Mail-out (Bushfire or Flood)

Section	Details
Purpose	To reach residents who may not attend events or engage online.
Format	Letter or flyer delivered directly to high-risk properties.
Targeting	• Bushfire-prone areas identified using the QFD Bushfire Overlay (free) • Flood-prone areas identified through council flood mapping (where available)
Content	• Local risk information • Where to find trusted preparedness information • Key actions residents can take now
Estimated Cost	Low cost. Print in-house, target the mail out to lower AUS POST delivery fees.

Rates Notice Insert

Section	Details
Purpose	To ensure preparedness messaging reaches every household.
Format	Printed insert included with rates notices.
Content	• Simple preparedness messaging • Links or QR codes to local disaster information • Promotion of upcoming information nights (if applicable)
Estimated Cost	Free

Social Media Campaign

Section	Details
Campaign Type	All Hazards Social Media Preparedness Campaign
Purpose	To raise awareness of local risks and encourage residents to take simple preparedness actions using trusted, locally relevant information.
Target Communities	Residents in at-risk areas within the local government area, including those identified through the QFD Bushfire Overlay and council flood and storm tide mapping (where available).
Format / Duration	Digital campaign delivered across council social media channels over a 2–4 week period, with regular, repeat messaging.
Content Focus	Bushfire • Understanding local bushfire risk • Property preparation and fuel load reduction • Vegetation management and permits Flood • Understanding local flood risk • Household and property preparation • Knowing where to find local flood information
Key Messages	• Know your local risk • Stay informed through official channels • Take simple actions to prepare early
Content Types	• Static posts and tiles • Short videos or reels (where available) • Stories and pinned posts • Links and QR codes to trusted local disaster information
Stakeholders Featured	• Council (local risk, dashboards and alerts) • State Emergency Service (flood preparedness) • Local Rural Fire Brigade (bushfire preparedness)
Promotion	• Organic social media posts (free) • Optional boosted posts targeted to bushfire- and flood-prone areas ($0–$500, if budget allows)
Estimated Cost	$0–$500