Expression of Interest

We are inviting members of the community to apply for a position as a community representative on Council’s Catchment and Waterways Reference Group. As a community representative, you'll collaborate with experts and officials to ensure the views of residents are heard.

The Reference Group provides independent advice to Council based on input from Council officers, experts, and external organisations to consider and recommend programs and projects which manage catchments effectively to improve the cleanliness, health and biodiversity of our waterways.

Applications close 5:00pm Sunday 9 February 2025 and roles will commence in early March 2025.  

Eligibility

To be eligible you must:

  • be a resident, landowner, or eligible voter in the Sutherland Shire Council area,
  • be able to attend and participate in Reference Group meetings, held at least four times per year at Council’s administration building in Sutherland,
  • demonstrate a professional and ethical approach and work with stakeholders in a collaborative and professional manner, and
  • demonstrate interest, lived experience, or knowledge in the following areas:
    • Coastal Management
    • Watercourse Management
    • Water Sensitive Urban Design
    • Management of native fauna and flora
    • Resilience Planning
    • Biodiversity Conservation

We welcome Expressions of Interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals of diverse ages, cultures and experiences.

You are ineligible to be a community representative on a Reference Group if you:

  • have been employed by Sutherland Shire Council or a joint organisation in the past 12 months; or
  • have a close personal or business relationship with a Sutherland Shire Councillor or a person who has a senior role at Sutherland Shire Council that may lead to a real or perceived conflict of interest; or
  • are currently providing, or in the past 3 years have provided, any material goods or services – including consultancy, legal, internal audit or advisory services – to Sutherland Shire Council which directly affect subjects or issues considered by the Reference Group; or
  • are employed in any role that may lead to a real or perceived conflict of interest.

You will have a responsibility to understand and follow our Code of Conduct for Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisers.

About the role

Term

Community representatives will be appointed for up to a four-year term and can be reappointed for one further term, however, the total period of continuous membership cannot exceed eight years. Community representatives who have served an eight-year term must have a two-year break from serving on the Reference Group before being reappointed.

We will advise successful applicants no later than February / March 2025 with your role to commence in early March 2025.

Meeting frequency

The Reference Group meets at least four times a year, or if significant unexpected issues arise, additional meetings will be called. Meetings will be held at Council’s Administration Building in Sutherland Shire.

As a community representative, you are expected to read and review documents provided before each meeting.

Membership

To provide independent advice and input on matters within its scope, the Reference Group will be composed of the following members:

  • Five Councillors (including a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson)
  • Director Infrastructure
  • Council Officers

Training & Support

We will provide induction training to assist you as a new community representative and offer ongoing support during your term of appointment.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position, there is no remuneration.

How to apply

Apply online to be a community representative

Contact us with any questions you have secretaryshireinfrastructure@ssc.nsw.gov.au or by phone on 9710 0233.