SMBI Communities Advisory Committee appointed

7th May 2009

Ten Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) residents with a broad range of skills and experience have been appointed to the inaugural SMBI Communities Advisory Committee.

The selection, from 31 nominations, was endorsed at Wednesday’s Policy & Planning Committee meeting.

The new statutory advisory committee is part of Redland City Council’s framework for addressing strategic issues for the four islands – Karragarra, Lamb, Macleay and Russell.

The committee will provide an important interface between Council and the SMBI communities, with a scope of interest including land use planning, social and civil infrastructure, environmental management, transport, economic development and community development.

The confirmed community representatives on the committee are (in alphabetical order):

• Ronald Bowden
• Walter Crook
• Pauline Gaven
• Robert Hancock
• Robin Harris
• Dr Gail Parsons
• Rudi Schmidt
• Lee Shipley
• Charmaine Stubbs
• Debra Wilson

The selection process, overseen by a probity auditor, involved a short-listing of candidates on merit base.

The probity auditor’s role was to ensure the selection was made with fairness and impartiality; use of a competitive process; consistency and transparency of process; security and confidentiality; identification and resolution of conflicts of interest.

Redlands Mayor, Melva Hobson, congratulated the successful nominees and said she looked forward to working with them.

“As I have said before, this is one of the most significant initiatives in our efforts to build a strong partnership between Council and the island communities,” Cr Hobson said.

“Appointing the committee is a vital step towards building a stronger future for the islands, in partnership with the SMBI communities.”

Division 5 Councillor Barbara Townsend also congratulated the new committee members.

“I welcome these people to the table. Their contributions will be imperative to the success of this initiative and they can be assured that I will be fully committed to positive outcomes for the community throughout this process,” Cr Townsend said.

“I’d like to thank all 31 nominees. Their willingness to put their names forward has provided Council with an insight into the depth of interest and commitment from within the SMBI communities.”

The committee will meet as often as required, but at least once every three months (holding every second meeting in Council chambers, with the other meetings rotating between the four islands).

The initial term of the advisory committee will be two years. In addition to the community representatives, its membership will include Division 5 Councillor Barbara Townsend as Chair, and Mayor Melva Hobson.