Collaborative Group

What is the Collaborative Group?

This is a group of people who are committed to supporting community organisations in addressing the social impacts of economic growth across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Hinterland region.  Group members include people from community based organisations, government, industry, university and government.

How did the Collaborative Group start?

During a presentation by Deborah Rae from MRCSD at the Regional Social Impacts of Economic Growth Forum (held on 20-21 August 2007 in Mackay), forum attendees were invited to participate in the development of a regional collaborative group.  The group would include a range of representatives from the corporate sector, government, community based organisations and the community, and its mandate would encompass identifying strategies that support balanced social and economic growth. 

What are the Group's objectives?

The Group's members are currently developing a draft Terms of Reference, which will include their purpose and objectives.  It is envisaged that this could include:

• Contributing to social policy and long term regional planning
• Identifying priority community issues from the combined perspectives of the collaborative partners
• Providing recommendations about strategies to address regional concerns related to social and economic growth
• Facilitating implementation of priority needs
• Where appropriate, administering resources and/or identifying key projects for the region

How can I become involved?

The next meeting of this group will be held on 12 February 2008, which will involve beginning to define its structure and terms of reference.  Individuals and/or groups interested in attending this meeting are all welcome.  Please contact Deborah or at the Mackay Regional Council for Social Development on 4957 3088.