River before second jury

NOOSA Council is calling for submissions as the second Community Jury gets ready to tackle the Noosa River.
NewDemocracy Foundation has selected a new group of 24 local residents who will form Noosa’s second jury.
The new jurors were drawn from the residents who responded to council’s random-selection invitation mail-out in November last year.
They’ll meet for the first time on 22 August, which is open to the public, and will spend five months developing recommendations as to how Noosa River can be better managed, the role council should play, and the resources it should apply.
Noosa Council community engagement manager Debra Bambrook said the process enabled the community to help define council’s role in managing aspects of Noosa River.
“For example, the proliferation of abandoned and derelict vessels on the river and their environmental and visual impacts, so that our much-loved waterway remains clean and healthy for future generations,” she said.
“It’s a complex issue with implications for both state and local governments, and all residents are encouraged to have a say. It’s as easy as making a submission for the jury to consider.“
NewDemocracy Foundation executive director Iain Walker said documents and research were welcome.
“Submissions go to the jurors unedited and there are no limits on the information provided,” he said.
“Submitters can make their case as they see fit. The jury can also call on any experts it wishes.”
Submissions will be made public with personal details removed, along with council’s background paper, on council’s Your Say Noosa website at www.yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au.
Submissions can be lodged via email to NoosaCommunityJury@newdemocracy.com.au from 7 August.
NewDemocracy Foundation will host two stakeholder briefings in August for anyone interested in hearing more about the jury process and how to get involved.
The stakeholder briefing sessions will be held on 21 August at 1pm and 4pm. RSVP to iain.walker@newdemocracy.com.au. Residents can contact Iain Walker on 0412 544 116 or iain.walker@newdemocracy.com.au with questions, or alternatively visit www.yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au.
Council opted to trial the community jury model for two major issues, as a way of giving residents a greater say on important local issues.