New mayoral reference group for Blue Mountains business

A Mayoral Reference Group is to be established for Blue Mountains businesses, to advise Council on matters affecting business.

Council endorsed the establishment of the Mayoral Reference Group at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 18 September.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said the Council’s representative, and Chair of the Reference Group, will be Ward 1 Councillor Kevin Schreiber.

“The Blue Mountains Business Community has long advocated over numerous issues in which the Council has a significant interest, from tourism and development processes through to place based master planning matters and the Local Environmental Plan,” Cr Greenhill said.

“The Council acknowledges the contribution of the local business community, as both an employer and service provider to the local community and seeks to strengthen and grow its relationship with business through the establishment of this reference group.

“An initial meeting will be convened with business representatives to guide the establishment of such a group including its membership, Terms of Reference and likely agenda items.

“The Council will receive a report by December 2018, detailing the outcomes of the initial Mayoral Reference Group meeting, including any recommendations.”

The Mayoral Reference Group will complement the work delivered by Blue Mountains Economic Enterprise (BMEE) and enhance Council’s previous commitment to the Office of Small Business Commissioner, in being a Small Business Friendly Council. 

The Reference Group will be limited to an advisory role, and will not have any budget attached to its responsibilities. The group is to meet quarterly for a period of 12 months.

The establishment of the group aligns with the community-endorsed Community Strategic Plan’s key direction of Thrive, in striving to create a sustainable economy.