Council’s Advisory Committees call for members

Townsville City Council is seeking volunteers to sit on three advisory committees aimed at making Townsville a better place to live and work.

Nominations for memberships are open for the Arts & Culture, Inclusive Communities and Placemaking advisory committees.

Mayor Jenny Hill said the committees were a key way to include members of the public in important decisions in each committee’s sector.

“Council’s advisory committees help provide information and advice to Council to help us with decision-making and planning,” Cr Hill said.

“Memberships consist of representatives from various groups and organisations or individuals within the Townsville community who can directly contribute and provide community leadership on matters relating to the committee focus areas.

“Having advisory committees helps Council take a collaborative approach to local matters and helps us reach out to members who are able to provide their honest feedback, concerns and suggestions to help deliver better services for the city.”

She said the committees each had a clear focus.

“The Arts & Culture Advisory Committee’s purpose is to provide information and advice about current and emerging arts and culture-related matters to Council, so we are looking for people with specialist knowledge and skills to apply,” she said.

“The Inclusive Communities Advisory Committee homes in on matters related to social planning and community development which help make Townsville a liveable city that is accessible and inclusive for all people.

“The Placemaking Advisory Committee is structured to provide information, advice and advocacy in support of public realm development in line with the values of the community. This committee focuses on supporting projects that directly contribute to population growth and liveability improvement outcomes across the local government area.”

Cr Hill said having transparent decision-making was a priority for Council.

“Council is committed to being forthright with the people who live and work in Townsville. We do this by hosting our own information-sharing services as well as by working with external agencies to ensure a high level of transparency,” she said.

“Having advisory committees to help us in our decision-making means locals are able to have more of a say about Council’s plans and helps us continue to be open and honest with the community about how we make important decisions that affect our city.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a voluntary member of one of the three advisory committees to head to Council’s website to read more about the committees and role that the voluntary members play.”

To be eligible for nomination for membership to one of the advisory committees, applicants must apply in writing through Advisory Committees and address the application process for the relevant advisory committee.

For application details and terms of reference, visit Advisory Committees or call Council on 13 48 10.