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We're seeking feedback on our updated Social Media Policy.
What is the Draft Social Media Policy 2026?
The Draft Social Media Policy 2026 sets out how Indigo Shire Council, Councillors, staff, volunteers, contractors and consultants use social media to conduct Council business. It replaces the version adopted in April 2022 and has been updated to reflect changes in workplace law, current online risks, and the way Council now engages with the community across its social media channels.
Why this policy matters
Social media is a core part of how Council connects with the community, promotes services and events, and shares timely information, including during emergencies. Used well, it supports open, responsive and accountable communication.
But social media also carries risk. Content posted or shared online can be viewed publicly, spread beyond Council's control, and remain accessible long after it is posted. Poorly managed use can cause lasting harm to Council's reputation, and to the Councillors, staff, volunteers, contractors and consultants who represent Council online.
The Draft Social Media Policy 2026 exists to manage that risk. It sets clear standards for how Council and the people who represent it use social media, so Council can use these platforms effectively while protecting its reputation and the individuals who post on its behalf.
Key updates
The updated policy introduces a number of changes since 2022, including:
A right to disconnect for staff with social media administrative access, so posting and comment moderation can be limited to business hours, reflecting changes to workplace law.
Broader coverage, extending the policy to contractors, consultants and work experience students, not just Councillors, employees and volunteers.
A clear Council position on community-run pages - Council will not generally respond to comments made about it on pages it doesn't manage, unless the information is misleading, harmful, or a risk to community safety.
Stronger links to Council's Codes of Conduct, so breaches of the policy are considered against the Employee Code of Conduct, Councillor Code of Conduct.
Expanded content standards, reflecting current online risks such as fake profiles and the sharing of images of children.
A clearer explanation of why Council uses social media, and the risks the policy is designed to manage, for Council's reputation and for the people who represent it online.
Provide your feedback
A copy of the Draft Social Media Policy 2026 is available in the Documents section of this page.
Feedback closes at 5pm on Wednesday 28 October 2026. All submissions will be considered before the policy is finalised.
We're seeking feedback on our updated Social Media Policy.
What is the Draft Social Media Policy 2026?
The Draft Social Media Policy 2026 sets out how Indigo Shire Council, Councillors, staff, volunteers, contractors and consultants use social media to conduct Council business. It replaces the version adopted in April 2022 and has been updated to reflect changes in workplace law, current online risks, and the way Council now engages with the community across its social media channels.
Why this policy matters
Social media is a core part of how Council connects with the community, promotes services and events, and shares timely information, including during emergencies. Used well, it supports open, responsive and accountable communication.
But social media also carries risk. Content posted or shared online can be viewed publicly, spread beyond Council's control, and remain accessible long after it is posted. Poorly managed use can cause lasting harm to Council's reputation, and to the Councillors, staff, volunteers, contractors and consultants who represent Council online.
The Draft Social Media Policy 2026 exists to manage that risk. It sets clear standards for how Council and the people who represent it use social media, so Council can use these platforms effectively while protecting its reputation and the individuals who post on its behalf.
Key updates
The updated policy introduces a number of changes since 2022, including:
A right to disconnect for staff with social media administrative access, so posting and comment moderation can be limited to business hours, reflecting changes to workplace law.
Broader coverage, extending the policy to contractors, consultants and work experience students, not just Councillors, employees and volunteers.
A clear Council position on community-run pages - Council will not generally respond to comments made about it on pages it doesn't manage, unless the information is misleading, harmful, or a risk to community safety.
Stronger links to Council's Codes of Conduct, so breaches of the policy are considered against the Employee Code of Conduct, Councillor Code of Conduct.
Expanded content standards, reflecting current online risks such as fake profiles and the sharing of images of children.
A clearer explanation of why Council uses social media, and the risks the policy is designed to manage, for Council's reputation and for the people who represent it online.
Provide your feedback
A copy of the Draft Social Media Policy 2026 is available in the Documents section of this page.
Feedback closes at 5pm on Wednesday 28 October 2026. All submissions will be considered before the policy is finalised.
