Northern Beaches Council received a significant number responses to its call for Expressions of Interest from 500 community representatives in the region of the Northern Beaches, to participate in the new Strategic Reference Groups (SRG).
"The extremely high number of applications shows the level of interest this community has in being involved and having a say in how the Northern Beaches of the future should look," said Dick Persson, Northern Beaches Council Administrator.
There will be 170 people appointed to the Strategic Reference Groups, replacing the roles of the previous formal special interest committees across the former council areas.
“The SRGs will consist of key stakeholders that provide an important two way connection with the community. Their collective input will assist in the development of the vision, priorities and objectives for our area and will help shape the draft Community Strategic Plan.
“The SRGs are aligned to the Local Representation Committee priorities Social, Environment and Economic and include a diversity of people from across the five wards of the Northern Beaches.
The Strategic Reference Groups will cover 11 subject areas:
- Affordable Housing
- Economic Development and Tourism
- Place Making
- Natural Environment
- Waste and Recovery Management
- Sustainable Transport
- Art, Culture and Heritage
- Community Safety
- Inclusive Communities
- Open Space and Recreation
- Youth
"Community members who applied, that are not appointed to a position on an SRG will be invited to take part in workshops, focus groups and other community engagement opportunities, and they will be regularly sent information about key initiatives being undertaken by Council," Mr Persson said.
Strategic Reference Group members will be formally notified by Council of their appointments by email. The first meeting will be held on 28 September 2016, to commence the engagement and consultation with all appointed representatives. A meeting schedule will be provided with each participant's letter of appointment.