DERWENT Valley Council has received strong interest from local members of the public wanting to take part in a new look advisory bodies which will guide the new council in consultation and decision making.

Last month, the council called for expressions of interest from those wanting to take a position on six new advisory bodies which will come into play after the new council is installed later this month. The new council will also introduce a portfolio system where elected members are assigned a specific area to focus on and lead.

A council spokesperson said more than 30 EOI had been received and the deadline for returning applications had been extended as some candidates wanted more time to prepare their application. The new council will consider the applications and make appointments at the November council meeting.

Each advisory body will be made up of three to five individuals with relevant experience, knowledge and skills in the relevant subject area. They will collaborate with each other, an assigned portfolio councillor and council staff. Council advisory bodies will focus on one of six subject areas:
• Economic Development and Tourism;
• Planning and Infrastructure;
• Sport and Recreation;
• Arts, Culture and Heritage;
• Health, Wellbeing and Belonging; and
• Environment and Sustainability.

Last month Mayor Michelle Dracoulis said the advisory bodies would provide valuable insight and advice to determine strategy and would compliment other forms of community engagement that the council undertook. “Advisory bodies will be one of several ways that Council seeks advice and input from the community,’’ Mrs Dracoulis said. “Being able to tap into lived experience, professional skills and objective, non-biased advice will help bring new insights and perspectives leading to more informed decision making.”

Voters should know who will take up the eight elected positions on the Council a few days after polling closes on Tuesday October 25.