Councillors, staff and community representatives are getting down to work across a range of key areas with the appointment of new council committees. Mayor Neil Reilly said the committees were the engine-room for decision-making, where the vast range of matters councils deal with are carefully considered, before recommendations are sent to councillors to review when they meet.
"Getting the right people on these committees is crucial if we're to address some of the big challenges we face as a Council and Municipality," Cr Reilly said.
"These committees bring together not just councillors and key staff in tackling all sorts of issues, but also an array of other people who provide their experience and expertise as representatives of community groups, government agencies and specialist advisors."
Cr Reilly said a critical decision was finalising the membership of the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC), with himself Cr Karen Renkema-Lang and Cr Jodi Keast appointed as Council representatives.
"We've been able secure some high-quality people to ARIC, including Rhonda Wheatley, David Pendleton and most recently Jim Mitchell, to guide our work improving our governance and other arrangements, in light of the Hopwood Review."
"I know myself, as well as Councillors Renkema-Lang and Keast will appreciate their significant experience and expertise in delivering the improvements needed for our long-term sustainability."
Cr Reilly said his appointment to the Blue Haven Advisory Board with Cr Kathy Rice was equally important. The councillors will join Ms Stroud in her role as Blue Haven CEO and new Chief Operating Officer Kerrin Hunter on the Advisory Board. The other members are John Cleary, Elizabeth Kelly, Joanne Sabena, Pearl Forrester, Richard Bialkowski and former General Manager Michael Forsyth.
Council has also finalised the membership of 18 other committees, including the Access Committee, Kiama Cultural Board, Destination Kiama, Economic Development , Health and Sustainability Advisory, Walking Tracks and Cycleways, Planning and Youth Advisory.
Appointments have also been made to the various external committees, boards and other bodies Council is a member of. These include CivicRisk Mutual, Friends of Kiama Library, Healthy Cities Illawarra, Illawarra Academy of Sport, Illawarra Bush Fire Management, Illawarra District Weeds Authority, Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation and Kiama and District Sports Association.
