At the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation AGM in December, the NBRF constitution was changed from members consisting only of Directors and ex-Directors to also allowing individuals or bodies corporate to apply for membership.
Although no longer the tightly closed shop that the Council-funded NBRF has been to date, the application process appears rather constrained. Applications can only be considered once a year at an Annual General Meeting of members (not at interim general meetings or by the Board).
The selection criteria are not clearly defined, other than being “in the opinion of the members, supportive of the purpose of the company”. And an application requires nomination by a current member. So politicisation or favouritism are not ruled out. But a transparent process of selection is a possibility to be hoped for.
Another major change is that ordinary NBRF membership is now only for three years, after which the person or entity has to re-apply. This applies to both new and existing members (all of the latter being ex-Directors).
I note that the NBRF purpose is still only defined as “protecting and enhancing the natural environment”, not the socially, culturally and environmentally sustainable economic development envisioned by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program. When as councillor I asked why, Noosa Council’s former CEO asserted this limitation was due to requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
Nevertheless the cautious opening up of membership is a positive first step towards potentially allowing more community involvement in NBRF decision-making. This could lead to something good by facilitating synergies with experts and organisations which have compatible objectives.
But we await the AGM next December, as only at AGMs will the proof of the pudding be in the eating.
Gaining acceptance for change is never easy and those who worked to make this change happen deserve appreciation.
