Call for submissions as second Community Jury tackles river issue

newDemocracy Foundation has selected a new group of 24 local residents to form Noosa’s second Community Jury.

They’ll meet for the first time on August 22, and spend five months developing recommendations as to how Noosa River can be better managed, the role Council should play, and the resources it should apply.

“This process enables the community to help define Council’s role in managing, for example, the proliferation of abandoned and derelict vessels on the river and their environmental and visual impacts, so that our much-loved waterway remains clean and healthy for future generations,” says Council Community Engagement Manager Debra Bambrook.

“It’s a complex issue with implications for both state and local governments and all residents are encouraged to have a say. It’s as easy as making a submission for the Jury to consider.”

Research and charitable foundation newDemocracy (nDF), which is again partnering with Council in the jury process, says documents and research are welcome.

“Submissions go to the jurors unedited and there are no limits on the information provided – submitters can make their case as they see fit. The Jury can also call on any experts it wishes,” nDF Executive Director Iain Walker said.

Submissions will be made public, with personal details removed, along with Council’s background paper, on Council’s Your Say Noosa website at http://yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au

Submissions can be lodged via email to NoosaCommunityJury@newdemocracy.com.au from August 7.

nDF will host two stakeholder briefings in August for anyone interested in hearing more about the jury process and how to get involved.

The stakeholder briefing sessions will be held on 21 August at 1pm and 4pm. RSVP to iain.walker@newdemocracy.com.au

Residents can contact Iain Walker on 0412 544 116 or iain.walker@newdemocracy.com.au with questions, or alternatively visit http://yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au 

The new jurors were drawn from the residents who responded to Council’s random-selection invitation mail-out in November last year.

Council opted to trial the community jury model for two major issues, as a way of giving residents a greater say on important local issues. Jury meetings are open to the public.

6 August 2015