Thursday, June 26, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Strategy To Action

Council has introduced five strategic advisory committees to enable councillors to develop the strategic directions outlined in the corporate plan.  It’s important that councillors have opportunities to work with the CEO, directors and executive managers to ensure the best possible outcomes for our community.

The advisory committees also enable community members, organisations, state agencies, business and industry to inform the committees on matters that help the Mackay region to become the best region for liveability and livelihood. Committees are as follows:

Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategic Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs: Cr Namarca Corowa, Cr Heath Paton

_Responsibilities and strategic focus __

• Make recommendations regarding Reconciliation initiatives
• Enhance Arts, Culture and Heritage
• Make recommendations regarding community arts events and capacity-building opportunities
• Make recommendations regarding council Art, Museums and Heritage Collections polices and strategies

Economic Development and Growth Strategic Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs Cr Belinda Hassan, Cr Nathenea Macrae

Responsibilities and strategic focus

• Guiding diversification of the regional economy
• Facilitating development and innovation
• Investment opportunities
• Support for and growth in existing industries
• Tourism and events attraction

Sustainability Strategic Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs: Cr Alison Jones, Cr Peter Sheedy

Responsibilities and strategic focus

• Sustainability
• Natural environment
• Coastal management
• Catchment management
• Strategic planning

Regional Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs: Cr Karen May, vacant

Responsibilities and strategic focus

• Regional waste and recycling
• Regional transport and drainage
• Energy, water and communications
• Regionally focused parks/facilities

Liveability and Social Inclusion Strategic Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs Cr Karen May, Cr Ash-Lee Johnson

The committee is strategically focused on making recommendations regarding:

• Provision of community facilities
• Community events and place making opportunities
• Governance and regulatory mechanisms
• Locality social planning
• Community development
• Community safety

I would encourage community to reach out to councillors to discuss opportunities to have input into this important work.  It is important for the community voice to be heard, and the establishment of these committees is one way for community to influence council decision making. All recommendations from the advisory committees are presented at a council meeting.

Cr Karen May
Deputy Mayor

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