The town of Bulman, one of the most remote Roper Gulf Shire towns, will host the next Roper Gulf Shire Council Ordinary Council Meeting on the first of May.
In a shire the size of Roper Gulf the sheer distance stops many residents from attending council or meeting the elected members. The Community Ordinary Council Meetings are one of a number of actions Roper Gulf Council has undertaken to make it more responsive to community needs.
The Mayor of Roper Gulf Shire Tony Jack spoke about the importance placed by Council on holding Council meetings across the Shire. “These community council meeting are very important in engaging people in the process of the council’s decision making and in making the council more inclusive for our widely distributed residents” Mayor Tony Jack said. “Logistically these meeting can very challenging for Councillors and Council Staff but we all look forward to them as a great engagement opportunity.” “They provide the opportunity for all the community to meet with all Councillors and talk freely about issues facing their community.”
Mayor Jack spoke about key issues likely to arise at the meeting and said,
“At this meeting we will be continuing the process of developing annual and strategic plans and we need the input of communities in developing priorities. Local Boards are a key part of this process but meeting with communities is also an important part. It gives us, as Councillors, a chance to find out about our communities and their aspirations, which enhances our decision making with on the ground experience.”
“In the past many residents felt alienated from Council but by trying to visit all our communities regularly we hope to better engage residents in the processes of Council… after all we are their representatives and try to make our decisions on behalf of all the Shire.”
A community BBQ has also been organised for all the community on the Tuesday night which will give residents a chance to speak informally with councillors and senior Council officers. “As councillors we learn a huge amount from these Community meetings and will be continuing them throughout the year.” Mayor Jack enthused.
The next Ordinary Council Meeting after Bulman will be in Barunga in June and Numbulwar in September. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor will also be visiting communities across the shire over the rest of the year.
For further details or to arrange interviews with Mayor Jack please direct your inquiries to Michael Berto, CEO Roper Gulf Shire Council on 08 8972 9000.
ENDS