In July, Council considered a new Economic Development Advisory Committee which will support the ongoing economic transformation, diversification and growth required for our community to thrive through the closure process of the region's coal fired power stations and thereafter. In the December Council meeting, revisions to the Term of Reference were endorsed to ensure a diverse membership and leadership.
Membership for the committee will be sought through an Expressions of Interest process to identify and recommend suitable candidates with significant experience in their industry sector and established professional networks. Council is keen to seek industry leaders to support Council's economic development and investment activities.
An independent chair is to be directly appointed by Council from within the membership group to lead the committee in advising Council on issues and opportunities for growth and diversification of the region's economy.
Councillors have requested a further report to be presented for the consideration and appointment of committee members and Chair, noting the importance of having a balanced representative group of industry leaders.
Council have adopted a set of selection criteria to ensure a diverse membership with particular consideration to be taken on ways to enable women to participate, such as mentoring, appropriate promotion and flexible meetings.
"For the highest level of success and strategic focus we want industry leaders from diverse backgrounds to play a main role in the Economic Development Advisory Committee," said Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson.
"It is important that we support women in leadership roles to have a more balanced committee, as such we look forward to having a strong and fair committee advising us on opportunities to expand our economy."
The committee will consist of a maximum of eight external members, including the allocation of an external Committee Chair. The Expressions of Interest process will be promoted widely to encourage a diverse membership.
