Mayor Andrew Willcox said that Whitsunday Regional Council recognises the keen interest in Council’s business and service delivery by a range of stakeholders and is committed to maintaining mutually open communication with the community.

“The MCF will be held every month with a set time of 30 minutes allocated to each interested party to speak with Council, allowing both parties to better understand each other and provide a forum in which we can discuss any concerns or ideas,” Cr Willcox said.

“As a progressive Council we recognise that on occasions our client’s dealings with us can be difficult in terms of the many legislative parameters council is required to operate in.

“This then can be confusing to our clients, and as a result opportunities to enhance our region can be reduced or lost.”

Cr Willcox said the new council is determined to ensure a prosperous and informed community.

“As Mayor I will chair the forums with our CEO Barry Omundson and his four Directors also present,” he said.

“The Divisional Councillor, where applicable, would also be in attendance for a divisional specific matter.”

Cr Willcox stressed that the purpose of the MCF is not intended to be a way of surpassing council processes or policies but rather a means to seek or pass on information or to address matters that have not been resolved through formal council channels.

“As a Council it is our priority to support all opportunities to enhance our region and ensure that we have a prosperous and informed community; this forum will allow us to better understand the needs of our local groups and businesses.

“Matters that have not been through a normal formal council process will not be considered as a MCF agenda item.”

The first MCF will take place at Bowen on Tuesday, July 26.

Interested parties can learn more about the MCF and application process by visiting Whitsunday Regional Council’s website.