THE new look Armidale Regional Council is rebranding for the future and it wants to know what you think.
Council’s new logo will feature in marketing and tourism campaigns, on the council letterhead and on signs and branding throughout the region.
Ratepayers could have their say on the new design according to Council’s administrator Ian Tiley who said a ground-up approach was key.
“I’m keen to hear from the people,” he said.
“Let’s see what’s out there in terms of ideas.
“I’d like to see us run a competition.”
The new branding will also see a commitment from Council to the name, Armidale Regional Council.
“The name is gazetted as Armidale Regional Council,” he said.
“The branding will be done with that name in mind.”
But an informal poll by Northern Tableland MP Adam Marshall shows there are members of the community who feel the current name does not correctly reflect the region.
“So far around two-thirds of those who have responded have been in favour of a change,” Mr Marshall said last month.
“I’m canvassing opinions on this because the community was given no choice on whether it wanted ‘Armidale Regional Council.”
“I’m hoping that this informal poll will give some clear guidance that I can take to the Minister.”
Dr Tiley said based on what people had told him on his listing tour, it was not a big issue.
“When we go through this community engagement process, If there is a compelling reason produced, for example by Adam’s survey, we would have to take that into consideration,” he said.
“But i have a strong sense that the vast majority of the people are happy with the name.
“More than 80 per cent of Armidale Regional Council lives in Armidale or very close by.
“I don’t believe those people would be very happy if the word Armidale was removed from the council name.
Council also intends to consult with local professionals and the Local Representation Advisory Committee, which consists of former Armidale Dumaresq and Guyra Shire councillors.
The recommendation will be introduced at this morning’s Council meeting.
