ROLE and ACTIVITIES
ABOUT THE NETWORK
What is an Area Consultative Committee?
The Australian Government's approach to regional development is to work in partnership with communities, Government and the private sector to foster the development of self-reliant communities and regions. On-the-ground help is provided by local Area Consultative Committees.
There are 54 Area Consultative Committees across Australia serving rural, regional, remote and metropolitan communities. The national network effectively covers the whole of Australia. In the Kimberley, this on-the-ground help is provided by the Kimberley Area Consultative Committee.
Area Consultative Committees are non-profit, community-based organisations funded by the Australian Government.
Area Consultative Committees position themselves as key regional stakeholders to build networks and partnerships to find local solutions to local problems. Through these networks, Area Consultative Committees promote and disseminate information on Government priorities and programs for the benefit of business and the community. Area Consultative Committees are an example of how the Australian Government is working in partnership with business and the community to achieve regional economic growth.
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Who are the members of Area Consultative Committees?
The Minister of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government appoints a leading member of the community as Chair of the Area Consultative Committee. The Area Consultative Committee Chair provides strategic leadership of the Area Consultative Committee in fulfilling its charter and functions, and is responsible for the ongoing operations of the Committee. The Minister also appoints a Deputy Chair.
Every member of an Area Consultative Committee is a committed volunteer drawn from the community, local business and Government. Membership is voluntary and unpaid. Area Consultative Committee members give their time and energy because they have a personal commitment to working in partnership with the Australian Government to help local communities source assistance to create opportunities for regions to grow and diversify.
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How do Area Consultative Committees operate?
Each Area Consultative Committee works within the priority areas identified in the Charter for the National Network of Area Consultative Committees and in accordance with a Statement of Priorities issued on behalf of the Australian Government by the Minister for the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
To guide its local-level activities, each Area Consultative Committee brings community stakeholders together to identify opportunities, priorities and growth strategies for the region. This community consultation enables each Area Consultative Committee to develop a three-year Strategic Regional Plan for its region. The Kimberley Area Consultative Committee Strategic Regional Plan for 2007-2010 can be accessed from this website, under Corporate Profile.
Whilst Area Consultative Committee members are not paid for their services, each Area Consultative Committee receives annual operational funding from the Australian Government. The Area Consultative Committee Chair uses this funding to employ full-time paid staff to undertake administrative operations and assist the Area Consultative Committee in implementing both the National Charter and its Strategic Regional Plan.
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