Central Coast Council will develop a discussion paper on its advisory groups and committees to inform a framework going forward.
A Council resolution on March 23, 2021, to develop a framework for management of advisory groups, working groups and networking groups, was impacted by the Public Inquiry into its finances and postponement of the 2021 Local Government election for the region.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the development of a framework should be considered before an elected body is returned to Council.
“I believe there is an opportunity to create some synergies not only between subject matter expert groups, but all key stakeholder groups that are impacted by future projects Council is progressing,” Hart said.
“It is unclear to me that the current committee structure is serving the purpose for which it was designed.
“More often than not, I see issues being raised that are either out of scope of the purpose the committee is established for, or an even stronger divide between key stakeholders on a particular issue, rather than working constructively together to resolve an issue.
“That said, I’d like to thank the members of the community who have been part of Council’s advisory groups and committees for their valuable contributions over the years and look forward to the development of this discussion paper to determine the best path forward.”
Council will develop a discussion paper on the current committee structure including but not limited to: the governance arrangements/charters; length of term; membership; and legislative requirements, if any.
A report will come to back to Council for consideration by May 2022.
Source:
Media release, Feb 22
Central Coast Council