THE Southern Grampians Shire Council is seeking to establish an Advisory Committee to assist with the development of the Hamilton Showgrounds Master Plan.

At the council meeting last week, draft terms of reference were submitted by community and corporate services director, Evelyn Arnold, to inform the Advisory Committee on their purpose and extent of authority, as well as set clear expectations around governance requirements and membership.

“The terms of reference are here before you to be endorsed, and then we’ll commence the expression of interest process to canvass our community to find some key members to contribute to this important committee,” she said.

The motion acknowledged the Hamilton Showgrounds was an important facility as it provided a centrally located space that allowed community and sporting groups to meet and undertake activities, including as a training facility and base for State Emergency Services.

Council decided that it would be in the interests of the community to have an Advisory Committee, including members with specialist skills and knowledge that will provide advice to Council on strategic priorities and the development of the Hamilton Showgrounds Master Plan.

Councillor, Albert Calvano, asked if the mechanism of establishing such a committee had a formal sequence, and Ms Arnold said that such committees were not governed by the Local Government Act and as such “Council can decide the process themselves as to how they’re established”.

The motion was passed unanimously.