COMMUNITY REFERENCE GROUP
The University of Queensland is reviewing its early draft of the St Lucia Campus Master Plan. It
is establishing a Community Reference Group (CRG) to provide community input and feedback
to support the design, planning and development of the UQ St Lucia Campus. The CRG will be
an important part of the University’s engagement with the community. The University invites
individuals and community organisation representatives from St Lucia, Long Pocket and
Guyatt Park to lodge expressions of interest in joining the group.
The Community Reference Group does not replace the need for wider community engagement
on the Master Planning process, but is a valuable tool in understanding community views.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Purpose:
The Community Reference Group will:
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provide community input and feedback to support the design, planning and development of
The University of Queensland St Lucia Campus;
ensure that Master Plan takes into account the diverse range of community views and voices
that make up the St Lucia community;
provide information and advice to the University on strategies for consulting the community
about relevant issues; and
ensure that information regarding the Master Plan and planning process is effectively
communicated to the community.
Accountability:
The Community Reference Group will have an advisory role to the University and project consultants.
Its advice will be provided to the relevant project teams and the University’s Master Planning Steering
Group, led by the Vice-Chancellor.
Term
The term of group shall be from February 2016 to February 2017.
Roles and Responsibilities
Community Reference Group members will be volunteers providing advice to the project team. The
CRG is an opportunity to provide advice, insights and ideas reflective of diverse community and
stakeholder views. It will not be a decision-making body.
Meetings
The Community Reference Group will meet face-to-face at least once every two months, starting in
February 2016. The group may also provide advice out-of-session, electronically or via teleconference
as required.
Minutes of all meetings will be recorded and published on the UQ Master Plan website.
Reference Materials
The Community Reference Group will be provided with appropriate materials identified by the
University’s Master Planning Steering Group.
Advisory Capacity
Advice will be determined by consensus, with members responsible for voicing any concerns or
reservations about issues being considered by the group.
There will be no quorum for meetings. Members present at meetings will provide input. It is the
responsibility of members to inform the University if they are unable to attend and to convey their views
about any matter on the agenda to the identified contact.
Attendance and Replacement
Any member unable to attend three consecutive meetings without a reasonable excuse will be
expected to resign from the CRG. Members can request a leave of absence for a defined period.
Declaration of Interests
A member with a conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest in a matter before the group must
declare their interest before discussion of the item.
Privacy
Members’ personal data will be held by the University’s Master Plan Steering Group. It will not be
disclosed to any parties or be used for any purpose other than participation in the Community
Reference Group.
MEMBERSHIP
The membership of a Community Reference Group will be proposed as part of the establishment of
the group and may include:
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Representatives from community organisations;
Students attending the University in either a full-time or part-time capacity;
University staff members with administrative and technical support and expertise;
A specific number of members as defined by the Terms of Reference (maximum 15);
Membership is voluntary and involvement of University representatives will depend on matters being
discussed.
Members will be appointed for up to one year.
Members will be selected through an expression of interest process.
Members should live, study or work in the area highlighted below or represent local community or
sporting group.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST PROCESS
Membership will be determined through an expression of interest process once every calendar year, to
ensure membership reflects the community.
Selection Process
The University’s Master Plan Steering Group will consider all expressions of interest against the
guiding selection criteria to determine CRG membership. The University is seeking to ensure a mix of
interests, experience and skills are represented in the CRG.
Guiding Selection Criteria
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Good knowledge and understanding of local issues, and ability to represent a broad range of views
that reflect the diversity of the community.
Involvement in the community through a community, business, environmental or sporting
organisation or network. If representing a local organisation, nominees may be required to provide
supporting documentation.
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Open to participate in exploratory discussions regarding education priorities and the strategic role
of University.
Able to facilitate participation from and provide feedback to the community on the master planning
project.
Able to commit to the Community Reference Group for the required duration
These Terms of Reference for the St Lucia Campus Community Reference Group were endorsed by
the Master Planning Steering Group.