Community Biodiversity Reference Group

Call for Nominations

Council is seeking nominations for community members to participate in the Community Biodiversity Reference Group (previously the Biodiversity and Koala Habitat Development Strategy reference group).

The group will provide information and inputs into the whole-of-Council direction in relation to development, biodiversity and koala management. Council however may also choose to undertake broad community engagement on issues to utilise advice from this group in the development of engagement instruments, processes and consideration of feedback including officer recommendations.

The following stakeholder groups are represented:

private planners
developers
builders
land care group
koala groups
business
community
agriculture - farmers and graziers
fauna and flora
riparian and riverine specialist groups
coastal and marine environment specialist groups
Gympie Regional Council.

Council is requesting expressions of interest from the community to fill representative vacancies for following positions:

coastal and marine environment specialist groups
agriculture - farmers and graziers
riparian and riverine
developers.

Council has a clear position that it wants to manage the balance of biodiversity and development in a manner that is driven by community partnership. To achieve an outcome that is owned by the community Council will promote its vision to developers, builders, business, the community and Government agencies.

The objectives of the reference group will be:

encourage engagement on issues of biodiversity across the Gympie Council area
seek out issues, advice and feedback on matters relating to the development of a Biodiversity Strategy
provide focus on the importance and relevance of biodiversity across the region
encourage sustainable development in respect to economic, social and environmental outcomes
provide direction to the new Planning Scheme considerations on matters of biodiversity
support community partnerships that foster sustainability and biodiversity outcomes.

Members will be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer. That appointment will be based on consideration of the selection criteria.

Meetings will be on a regular basis as set by Council. It is expected there will be 4-6 meetings per annum. Reference group members may also be asked to provide feedback on issues through email requests.

Section Criteria

Council is requesting expressions of interest from the community to fill vacancies for the following positions:

coastal and marine environment specialist groups
agriculture - farmers and graziers
riparian and riverine
developers.

The selection will be based on one person per stakeholder sector. That person should provide with their nomination:

a short summary of experience and interest that will support your nomination for the appointment
evidence of support from peers within the stakeholder group they wish to represent
evidence that the nominee lives in the Gympie Regional Area
a commitment to providing the time to attend meeting and be willing to collaborate with other reference group members and they stakeholder sector
a summary of how they will act as an advocate for the reference group process
evidence of understanding of Council process, conflicts of interest and a commitment of dealing with confidential information in an appropriate manner.

You can submit your completed application via email to environment@gympie.qld.gov.au.

Applications close 30 June 2022.

For more information, contact council on 1300 307 800.