FORMER mayors Herman Beyersdorf and Hans Hietbrink have been rewarded for their commitment to the newly formed Armidale Regional Council with positions on its advisory panel.
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They are among a team of eight former councillors who will be paid an annual stipend of $8540 as members of the Local Representation Advisory Committee.
Administrator Ian Tiley announced the panel at Council’s June meeting on Monday.
“The committee will provide a range of support and consultation and assist at public events and community consultation forums,” Dr Tiley said.
One of their first jobs will be selecting a panel to advise on major planning decisions.
“[This panel] is a critical part of the public consultation process,” Dr Tiley said.
Ratepayers will be able to approach committee members to express their concerns about planning matters.
Dr Tiley said he consulted with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Local Government Minister Paul Toole before forming the committee.
All other merged councils have similar committees to help steer administrations through the amalgamation process.
Other members of the local advisory committee include former Armidale Dumaresq councillors Rob Richardson, Colin Gadd, Andrew Murat and Margaret O’Connor, along with ex-Guyra Shire councillors Dot Vickery and Simon Murray.
Former mayors Jim Maher and Laurie Bishop and deputies Chris Halligan and Jenny Bailey were not picked in the group.
Among other duties, the committee will also advise on Council’s operational plan, liaise with the local community and help outline priorities and vision.
Mr Beyersdorf said he was delighted to be asked to be part of the committee and was looking forward to starting work.
“It’s a great honour,” he said.
Each member agreed to the terms of reference outlining their roles on the committee before signing up for their new duties.
