Western Distributor Community Liaison Group (Clg)

WESTERN DISTRIBUTOR COMMUNITY LIAISON GROUP (CLG)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. PURPOSE

A Community Liaison Group (CLG) will be established for the Western Distributor as an avenue for community involvement during the planning phase.

The CLG will contribute to the Western Distributor planning phase by:

 Establishing an effective communication and consultation arrangement

 Encouraging a broad range of community representatives to participate in planning for the project

 Providing a local perspective on the project, particularly in relation to minimising impacts on local communities

 Assisting with resolving community concerns where possible

 Allowing stakeholders to appreciate each other’s views to the benefit of the project.

2. COMPOSITION

It is anticipated the Western Distributor CLG will comprise the following representatives:

 An independent chairperson

 Representatives of local government

 Community members representing the project corridor

 Industry

 The Western Distributor project team

Other individuals or organisations who are not members of the group will provide support and give presentations to the CLG as required.

The CLG may invite presentations or submissions from special interest groups at the discretion of the chair.

Community representative positions are publicly advertised and appointments are based on a formal selection process.

3. FUNCTIONS

Members of the CLG are required to:

 Attend CLG meetings and participate in discussions  Represent the interests and views of the local community

 Disseminate project information, status and direction within their community, organisation or network, and convey feedback to CLG meetings

 Restrict issues and debates to matters relevant to the project

 Provide views and advice on issues raised through wider community feedback

 Ensure a broad range of community perspectives are considered in project development and planning

4. OPERATION

Key operational details of the group include:

 The independent chairperson will

o lead the group and facilitate discussion and participation by all members

o determine issues to be dealt with in accordance with the Terms of Reference

o ensure the proper and professional conduct of the group

o where possible, refer any issues and ideas arising which fall outside the Terms of Reference to the relevant authority.

 All meetings will be closed forums.

 A forward meeting schedule to be determined at the initial meeting. Frequency of meetings will reflect the project program and milestones.

 Meeting are generally expected to run for two hours.

 The Western Distributor project team is responsible for administration including the organisation of invitations and support activities such as the distribution of agendas, minutes and briefing papers.

 The chairperson will determine priorities for each meeting. The number of issues placed on the agenda may be limited to allow for adequate levels of discussion.

 The CLG will operate until Western Distributor planning is completed. The frequency of meetings will be reviewed regularly with input from CLG members.

 A Code of Conduct must be signed by all members.

5. ACCOUNTABILITY

The composition of advisory groups, minutes of meetings and advice of activities will be published on the project web page and information could be reported publicly and included in other project publications. 6. EXPENSES

The Government recognises community involvement should not be an impost on volunteers. Reimbursement of expenses may be offered in accordance with individual circumstances, as discussed with the Chair and Project Director.