THE Sunshine Coast’s first Citizens’ Panel came together at a meet and greet last Tuesday, September 17, bringing together 53 residents selected to reflect the diversity of the region.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said: “This Council really wants to listen to our community in a genuine way.
“By creating a panel that reflects the diversity of our community, across criteria like age, gender and geography, we make space for perspectives that might not otherwise be heard.”
The panel was formed after 10,000 households across the region were randomly invited to register. More than 340 residents responded. Registrations were sorted by demographic information such as age, location, education and housing tenure.
The final panel of 53 members was then selected by lottery to reflect the makeup of the region’s population. Recruitment was managed independently by the Sortition Foundation, experts in citizens’ panel processes.
Panel members will now begin their first deliberative session in October, where their task will be to explore one of the most complex issues for Council: budget and services. Over the coming months they will receive detailed briefings, consider evidence, discuss trade-offs and provide advice for Council to consider.
Mayor Natoli said: “When people from different walks of life learn together, weigh up information and share experiences, the advice they produce is thoughtful, balanced and incredibly valuable.”