Committee for Torquay forms

A NEW lobby group for Torquay is describing itself as “an independent think tank and champion” for the whole of the town, and says it will “provide thoughtful leadership to all decision makers beyond any electoral cycle”.

The Committee for Torquay has elected former Torquay Commerce and Tourism (TCT) president Barrie Sutherland as the first chair of its board, which has met twice and has about a dozen members.

According to the committee’s draft charter, its aims include:
• Influencing economic growth as an ardent advocate in any public debate
• Ensuring Torquay’s character is balanced within the context of a leading regional town and its global recognition
• Operating beyond political cycles or single interests to enable long-term planning outcomes for Torquay
• Uniting business and community leaders in Torquay and surrounding vicinity to influence public policy, and
• Being a positive and influential voice for Torquay that is future-focused, independent, fact-based, and works collaboratively in a whole-ofcommunity approach.

The Committee for Torquay has already started its activities, making a submission to the planning application to build a five-storey hotel at the start of the Great Ocean Road.

Speaking to this newspaper last week, Mr Sutherland said discussions about forming the committee began within TCT in July 2017.

“We’ll just look for projects that are worthwhile pursuing that we judge are for the good of the town.

“I don’t know whether we will look at the railway or the swimming pool… we’ll just go through the discovery process, talk to people, and then say ‘this one’s good, we’ll advocate for that’.

“We won’t get involved in debates. You won’t see a lot (from the committee) for 12 months, because we’ve got to get it right.”