Despite developing advocacy efforts in the lead up to state and federal elections, the City of Mandurah has lacked a broader framework to manage its advocacy priorities.
However, a new advocacy framework was unanimously endorsed by councillors in the first meeting of 2021 to help determine the priorities of the City of Mandurah.
The framework is set to assess projects based on the outcome and potential impact it would have on the community.
Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams said it was a "really big step forward" for the City.
"What tends to happen often is the nuts and bolts of things that we have to deal with everyday are often the things that come into this chamber as part of us doing business," he said.
"Yet the strategy and the long term work that we are doing to shape a better future for our Mandurah residents gets left off the list because it's not something we are considering on a regular basis.
"The advocacy strategy gives visibility about work, it says these are the things that are important to us and these are the things we believe...will help to ensure the future of Mandurah is bright.
"It also puts in a hierarchy those important projects and those important ideas."
Deputy mayor Caroline Knight, who seconded the motion, said the strategy reflected council's priorities for 2021.
"This provides good governance to ensure our priorities are transparent and accountable," she said.
To determine appropriate resourcing, timing, effort, and response, each advocacy project is assessed on whether it will be a "game changer, high impact (critical), medium impact (important) or low impact (beneficial)".
As per the draft City of Mandurah Advocacy Framework, council has identified a number of advocacy priorities for 2021, which include the Transform Mandurah plan as a game changer and the Peel Health Campus expansion identified as critical.
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According to City officers, the ratings of projects will be regularly reviewed by council and adjusted according to progress and changes in external environment.
