Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has endorsed 13 community members to be part of a new Environment Advisory Committee.
TRC Chair of Planning and Development Committee Cr Megan O'Hara Sullivan said the new Environment Advisory Committee is a great step forward for Council and the Environment.
"The new Committee would provide advice on matters relating to the natural environment and sustainability of the region," Cr O'Hara Sullivan.
"Councillors originally requested a diverse and experienced committee membership, and the broad range of our community members certainly fit the bill.
"The membership represents the interests of the community, professionals, agriculture, education and tourism.
"The members represent the interests of the community, professionals, agriculture, education and tourism and links Council to various local environmental groups including Landcare, Friends of the Escarpment Parks, Condamine Alliance, Wildlife Preservation Society, Darling Downs Environment Council and the HOPE Organisation.
Cr O'Hara Sullivan said that of the appointees, 69% held one or more accredited qualifications in the environment or scientific field or equivalent.
"I'm excited about the expertise that the membership will bring to this brand new advisory committee," Cr O'Hara Sullivan said.
"The Environment Advisory Committee will provide high-level leadership, advice and recommendations on issues within the committee's terms of reference.
"Some of the committee's objectives include providing policy advice on ways to protect and enhance our Regions natural assets, matters of local environmental significance including biodiversity and sustainable urban design through to strategy aimed at improving climate resilience; and responding to the challenge of Climate Change.
"The advisory committee's recommendations will be presented to Council for its consideration, in line with the work performed by all of Council's voluntary advisory committees.
"The community members would serve on the advisory committee alongside five nominated Councillors and one Council staff member.
Cr O'Hara Sullivan said the 13 appointees would provide the necessary experience and knowledge to deliver expert advice to Council.
The full list of community members to the Environment Advisory Committee include:
- - Penny Claringbull;
- - David Carberry;
- - Vincent Parisi;
- - Jayne Thorpe;
- - Michael Kennedy;
- - Sid Plant;
- - Cam Mackenzie;
- - Vicki Green;
- - Hubert Krenske;
- - Ian Whan;
- - Bernie Ingle;
- - Alistair Silcock; and
- - Jude Cook.
