Access Advisory Committee - Nominations Open
October 22, 2007: Council is calling for nominations for the Access Advisory Committee.
The Access and Equity Committee has been streamlined and renamed as part of a comprehensive review of the working group with the aim that members will have more input and influence into issues affecting people with a disability.
The Access Advisory Committee will comprise nine members with meetings to be held bi-monthly. It is expected that the frequency of meetings will facilitate more community visits and consultation than was previously possible.
Council’s Social Planning Coordinator Simon Schweitzer said the changes would provide a stronger direction for the committee in meeting the strategic direction of Council’s social plan.
“The review and changes will expand the opportunity for the committee to forge stronger links across Council departments,” Mr Schweitzer said.
“This is something we are keen to progress, as well as having the committee provide a greater input into strategic planning issues.
“The changes mean the Access Advisory Committee will become a more effective and strategic arm of Council in matters relating to people with disabilities and Council’s obligations under disability legislation.”
Mr Schweitzer said a reduction in committee members would allow members to play a key role in different aspects of the working group.
The changes will also see a reduction in the number of formal meetings and the introduction of more regular sub group meetings on specific projects, such as development applications and the disability action plan.
The formal meetings will be held in December, February, April, June, August and October.
“The restructuring of the committee will have long term benefits for the community and will provide opportunities for people with a disability to have a greater say in guiding the shire when it comes to decision-making on services that affect people with access issues,” Mr Schweitzer said.
Nomination form and information packages are available on Council’s website or by contacting Council’s Community Services section on 64992164.
More information about the nomination process can be obtained by phoning Jenni Sorensen on 64992317 or email jsorensen@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
