Productivity - Reports
Ordinary Meeting - 11 September 2013
In consideration of these factors, in 2012 the FCC initiated a review of its functions and membership. As a result of this process, the FCC put a recommendation to Council that it be disbanded and that a Greater Bendigo Farming Advisory Committee (FAC) be established as a formal Advisory Committee to Council. Council endorsed the establishment of the FAC and its Terms of Reference at the Council Meeting of 17 April 2013. The Terms of Reference place strong emphasis on the FAC being very proactive in identifying emerging rural issues and opportunities and providing advice to Council on possible responses. Following Council endorsement of the FAC and its Terms of Reference, the final meeting of the FCC was held on 7 May 2013. At this meeting, members reflected on the many achievements of the FCC and were congratulated for their significant contributions to Greater Bendigo's rural communities throughout their FCC membership terms. Each FCC member was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Mayor, and encouraged to consider submitting an Expression of Interest for membership of the FAC. Previous Council Decision(s) Date(s): Report Expressions of Interest for membership of the FAC were publically sought throughout late May and early June 2013. This opportunity was promoted through articles and / or advertisements in local newspapers, community newsletters, relevant email networks plus Council’s website and social media accounts. Expressions of Interest were invited from individuals with knowledge / experience from across a range of commercial rural enterprises.. The FAC Terms of Reference outline the requirements for membership of the Committee as follows: 3.1 Membership to the Committee shall consist of one City of Greater Bendigo Councillor from each of the three Wards plus nine community members drawn from across each of the three Wards. Each community member shall satisfy a set of key selection criteria and be ideally drawn from the following categories of commercial rural business: (a) Broadacre farming; (b) Horticulture; (c) Viticulture; (d) Animal husbandry; (e) Farming related business; (f) Agribusiness. 3.2 To ensure a balanced and comprehensive advice base, Committee members will collectively have a diversity of relevant expertise and experience. Ideally there will be balanced gender representation within the Committee. Each applicant was requested to respond to a range of Key Selection Criteria in order to assist with consideration of their relevant knowledge / experience.
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