• Can link stakeholders with technical experts
• Ensures people don't get 'the run around' when they call
• Controls information flow and promotes information consistency
• Conveys image of accessibility
• Useful when consultation process is intensive and widespread
• Gives the contact person(s) a good sense of stakeholder opinion.
• Useful in making suggestions for future consultation activities given understanding of stakeholder concerns
• Good for building up trust among all parties.