2021-10-12 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                12 OCTOBER 2021


REPORT
At the August 2021 Ordinary Meeting, Noosa Council requested the CEO:
•    to establish a community reference group within 3 months of adoption to assist with the
     implementation of the Climate Change Response Plan; and
•    to investigate options for the formation of a Youth Reference Group or the like, to participate
     in Council’s climate change response and contribute to practical solutions.
The following report provides an overview of the selection process of potential members of the
Community Reference Group (CRG) and presents the proposed members for the group.
A specific invitation has been sent to the Kabi Kabi and should the Kabi Kabi take up a position,
this position would be in addition to the community representatives presented in this report.
The composition of the CRG and its effectiveness will be reviewed in 9 months.
Expression of Interest
An Expression of Interest and draft terms of reference for positions on the CRG opened on Monday
13th September and closed Friday 24th September. The EOI was promoted in the following ways:
•    “Have Your Say” web page under the Climate Change Response Plan with links to the EOI
     form and the draft Terms of Reference
•    Media Release issued 15th September calling for expressions of interest
•    Advertisement in Noosa Today Friday 10th September
•    Advertisement shared by relevant community groups on Facebook
•    Noosa Today Article Friday 17th September
•    Personal communications with relevant community groups to promote the EOI
The Expression of Interest to be completed by potential community members included questions
on the applicant’s details, the sectors they would represent, organisations they are affiliated with
and two questions by which the application would be assessed:
•    Describe your knowledge and experience with regard to climate change mitigation and
     adaptation. Please include relevant positions held, employment and business and/or
     individual interest.
•     Describe how you are linked to your community or stakeholder representative group and the
     way you will bring forward the views of that group to the CRG, and feedback discussions and
     decisions.
The EOI called for approximately 10 community members to join the CRG.
Assessment Process
Thirteen (13) applications were received within the stipulated timeframe.
The assessment of each applicant was undertaken by three staff members of Noosa Council. The
assessment considered representative sectors, the applicant experience and potential contribution
to the CRG.
As the Terms of Reference identified “approximately 10” community reference group members, the
assessors decided that all 13 applicants had merit and would make significant contributions to the
implementation of the Climate Change Response Plan and provide a valuable balance across the
sectors, geographical areas and climate change issues to be considered.




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