FACEBOOK will "inevitably" be used by Tweed Shire Council to communicate with the shire's 100,000 people.

Residents can now comment on its Online and Social Media Policy which clearly lists guidelines for the council to follow when using the internet and social media.

General manager Mike Rayner said the use of social media was not "immediate" but "inevitable".

"We are already using social media such as our Bang the Table forums to engage with the community," Mr Rayner said.

"And the early results show this will only become a more valuable tool."

He said social media could be used to inform, consult with and provide emergency information to the community.

"It also highlights the advantages of communicating by social media which include the rapid sharing of information, low costs and the ability to reach specific target groups such as young people."

Councillors Dot Holdom, Joan van Lieshout and Mayor Barry Longland did not respond to My Daily News' phone calls.

Crs Longland and Holdom appear not to have Facebook profiles.

Cr Lieshout has a Facebook page linked to her Liberal candidacy for the seat of Tweed, which is "liked" by 44 people.

The Online and Social Media Policy states any Tweed Shire Council social media activity should be "based on the newsworthy principles of timeliness, significance, proximity, prominence and human interest".