Sunshine Coast Council is launching a bold new initiative to redefine how the organisation listens and responds to matters important to local residents.
The Council says the inaugural Sunshine Coast Citizens’ Panel will be a platform for the unsung voices of the community. To find a true representation, 10,000 households selected by lottery will soon receive an invitation letter to register for the panel.
The Panel will come together and deliberate on a range of complex problems and key issues.
Mayor, Rosanna Natoli said the Panel was designed to gather input from everyday people in the community who may not otherwise participate in engagement processes.
“We’re making a clear commitment: to listen better and to listen differently,” Mayor Natoli (pictured) said.
“The Citizens’ Panel will bring real, everyday experiences to the table, with all kinds of people deliberating on the big challenges for our region.
“The panel’s advice and feedback provided to Council will help inform better and more inclusive decisions on behalf of the community.
“This will complement information from the range of other consultation activities Council runs, such as the Have your Say website and community pop-ups.”
Council is working with independent specialist, Sortition, to assemble the Citizens’ Panel. Anyone who lives in the household, and is aged over 16, can register their interest. Once registrations close, Sortition will then choose 50 people who represent the different backgrounds and characteristics of our community, according to data.
“This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your ideas and perspectives to help inform Council’s decisions on big issues and to shape the place that you live,” Mayor Natoli said.
“This is your golden ticket to take part, so if you found this letter in your mailbox, I urge you, and anyone in your household, to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”
