Coronation brings change of portraits

plans of management, transport, access, etc.

• Sustainable Communities Committee, discussing planning, environment, housing, growth and other community issues.

The two new committees mirror the portfolios of the new directors – Planning Environment and Communities; and Infrastructure and Livability.

Each of the committees will include councillor, community and staff representation, and will be able to draw upon expert input as required.

A proposal to require the membership of youth and First Nation representatives did not end up in the endorsed framework, with specific engagement on issues preferred.

While the existing membership of the Destination Kiama Committee will remain, despite its enlarged ambit, an EOI process for three community members for both of the new committees will be advertised shortly.

“The EOI will include some questions about the individuals, including qualifications, experience and why they have applied,” says Ms Rippon.

“We are seeking community members who may have professional experience in areas of planning, community and engineering, who have time to commit to attending meetings and contributing to discussions about the items presented by staff through reports.”

She says that the Destination Kiama Advisory Committee includes members with a background in economic development, and additional reports will be provided when necessary, eg. about the changes to employment zones and updates about the economic development strategy.

“Our Economic Development Coordinator will also attend the meeting to assist,” she says.

It is expected the new committees will meet on a bi-monthly basis to enable business papers to be prepared and considered along with the Council Meeting cycle.

Council’s statutory committees – the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and the Kiama Local Traffic Committee – are not affected by the restructure.

The Finance Advisory Committee, established to assist Council out of its financial difficulties, will continue under current membership. The new structure will be trialled for a year to allow for its effectiveness to be assessed.

While King Charles III has held his position since his mother’s death, until the coronation the royal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has continued to hang in official and community buildings.

At Kiama Council, the portrait of the Queen has long presided over the Meeting Chamber, and this will now be replaced by a portrait sent to Council in time for use at the Australia Day ceremony.

Groups and individuals seeking a free portrait of King Charles are invited to apply for the new image, through Federal Member Fiona Phillips, after the official portrait is unveiled on May 6.