SUITABLY qualified and skilled members of the community will soon have the opportunity to apply for a position on one of eight advisory committees, appointed by Southern Downs Regional Council at its recent July general meeting.
Southern Downs mayor Tracy Dobie said a significant review of all previous council advisory committees and groups had been undertaken.
“With the new term of the council and establishment of councillor portfolios, it was an appropriate time to look at all existing advisory committees and groups and determine the new way forward,” Cr Dobie said.
As a result of the review and the council’s decision, a new Advisory Committee Policy has been adopted along with the following eight advisory committees: Community; Economic Development; Events, Sport and Recreation; Regional Promotion, Tourism and The Arts; Pest Management; Southern Downs Road Safety; Saleyards; Water and Waste Water.
Cr Dobie pointed out that the committees each had a specific terms of reference covering the purpose, scope and membership, and were linked to the respective councillor’s portfolio areas.
“Of key importance to the membership of every council advisory committee is to have representation from young people; to give them a voice on council matters,” Cr Dobie said.
“This requirement is built into the Advisory Committee Policy which says that the committee membership must include at least one member aged 25 years or less.
“The council will proceed to call for expressions of interest to attract members of the community with the necessary skills and experience relevant to each advisory committee.
“I would encourage those that may be interested in being part of these advisory committees to keep an eye on the council’s website, www.sdrc.qld.gov.au, as details about the expressions of interest for each committee will soon be rolled out.”
