Bega Valley Shire Council is calling for expressions of interest from members of the community interested in participating in the Cuttagee Bridge advisory group.
Acting Director of Assets and Operations, Ian Macfarlane said the advisory group will have a key role in representing the community and providing advice to Council on issues surrounding this important project.
“We want to engage with the broader community and ensure all interested parties have an opportunity to provide input and advice into the decision-making process for the upgrade of Cuttagee Bridge,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Cuttagee Bridge is structurally failing, and we know there is strong community interest in not only how to address the immediate problems, but also how to sustainably manage it into the future.
“We need to weigh up cost and potential funding mechanisms against a number of competing principles including risk and safety, durability, economics, heritage and tourism values, and environmental issues, but our goal is to work with the community to find a solution for Cuttagee Bridge.
“One of the first tasks for the advisory group will be to review the documentation that Council has already commissioned and provide its input into what it considers to be the best way forward.
“The recommendations of the group will be presented to Council at key decision points, along with technical reports, independent expert advice and any other relevant material.”
A panel comprising the Acting Director of Asset and Operations, the Director of Community, Environment and Planning and an independent Bega Valley community member will assess the expressions of interest.
The following criteria will be considered as part of the selection process.
- Independence from Council and its staff.
- Relevant professional qualifications, knowledge and expertise, such as (but not limited to) engineering, social policy, culture, heritage, logistics, business, tourism or other similar areas.
- Relevant local knowledge and/or demonstrated strong local community connections within the Bega Valley.
- Direct impacts of the project on the person, such as whether they are a resident of the immediate area, a regular user of the route, or a rural business enterprise owner in that area.
- Willingness to be inducted as a Council volunteer and adhere to the NSW Local Government Code of Conduct.
- Current/prior experience with similar committees is valued, but not necessary.
To register your interest in becoming a member of the community advisory group, go to begavalley.nsw.gov.au/cuttagee-bridge-eoi and submit an application by 15 August.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the process from 6 September.
