Apply to join Karaaf Wetlands Community Reference Group

Published on 09 February 2023

Council is seeking expressions of interests from community members to join its Karaaf Wetlands Community Reference Group.

The group will work collaboratively with Surf Coast Shire Council and other stakeholders to help develop stormwater solutions to ensure the future health of the Karaaf Wetlands is the best it can be.

The group will be advisory in nature and comprise Council staff and up to 12 community members, who meet every eight to 10 weeks approximately, with additional meetings from time to time in line with key milestone deliverables under the program of works.  The initial period of membership is two years.

Candidates are required to complete an expression of interest form explaining their skills, knowledge, experience or passion for one or more of the following areas:

•   Cultural heritage

•   Climate change

•   Hydrology / stormwater systems

•   Environment and sustainability

Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Liz Pattison said the group was being established following the release of independent assessments late last year, which showed that stormwater from north Torquay is having an adverse impact on the Karaaf Wetlands.

“Our community has been very active in caring for the Karaaf, which we’re really grateful for, so we want locals to be involved in the next steps to improve the environmental health of the culturally and environmentally significant Karaaf Wetlands,” she said.

“We’d love to hear from passionate locals with good knowledge of the area, our environment, hydrology and stormwater systems, who are strategic thinkers and good problem solvers.”

Expressions of interest must be submitted by 5pm Sunday 26 February 2023. You can also pick up a hard copy form at Council offices, 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay.