A NEW lobby group for Torquay is describing itself as \u201can independent think tank and champion\u201d for the whole of the town, and says it will \u201cprovide thoughtful leadership to all decision makers beyond any electoral cycle\u201d.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
According to the committee\u2019s draft charter, its aims include:
\n\u2022 Influencing economic growth as an ardent advocate in any public debate
\n\u2022 Ensuring Torquay\u2019s character is balanced within the context of a leading regional town and its global recognition
\n\u2022 Operating beyond political cycles or single interests to enable long-term planning outcomes for Torquay
\n\u2022 Uniting business and community leaders in Torquay and surrounding vicinity to influence public policy, and
\n\u2022 Being a positive and influential voice for Torquay that is future-focused, independent, fact-based, and works collaboratively in a whole-ofcommunity approach.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Speaking to this newspaper last week, Mr Sutherland said discussions about forming the committee began within TCT in July 2017.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll just look for projects that are worthwhile pursuing that we judge are for the good of the town.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know whether we will look at the railway or the swimming pool\u2026 we\u2019ll just go through the discovery process, talk to people, and then say \u2018this one\u2019s good, we\u2019ll advocate for that\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe won\u2019t get involved in debates. You won\u2019t see a lot (from the committee) for 12 months, because we\u2019ve got to get it right.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NEW lobby group for Torquay is describing itself as \u201can independent think tank and champion\u201d for the whole of the town, and says it will \u201cprovide thoughtful leadership to all decision makers beyond any electoral cycle\u201d. The Committee for Torquay has elected former Torquay Commerce and Tourism (TCT) president Barrie Sutherland as the first […]<\/p>\n