Position Description Yarra Ranges Rural Advisory Committee Volunteer Rural Sector Representatives (9 Positions) Page 1 of 6 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 3 FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE .......................................................................... 4 POSITION OBJECTIVE(S) ........................................................................................ 4 AVAILABILITY AND COMMITMENT ........................................................................ 5 MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA ......................................................................................... 5 SELECTION PROCESS ............................................................................................ 6 FURTHER INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 6 INFORMATION PRIVACY ACT 2000 Council advises that some of the personal information submitted by applicants for this position will be added to our database for communication and administrative purposes only, and will not be disclosed to any parties other than those involved in the selection process. You may access this information by contacting Yarra Ranges Council on 1300 368 333. Page 2 of 6 INTRODUCTION Yarra Ranges Council is seeking expressions of interest for an exciting and unique opportunity for nine (9) volunteer rural sector representatives to take part in the Yarra Ranges Rural Advisory Committee (YRRAC). One representative from each of the following nine sectors is being sought: Stone fruits Pome fruits (such as apples, pears and quinces) Strawberries Nurseries/cut flowers Wine grapes Grazing Equine Forestry Rural service provider The rural sector representatives will join the following members, which will complete the Committee: One Councillor and a delegate, nominated by Council on an annual basis (one as Chair); Two agency representatives from DEWLPI and Melbourne Water; and Two Council officers including Director of Social and Economic Development (or delegate of) and appointed “Executive Officer” for the Committee. The Yarra Ranges is renowned for its rural landscapes and productive agriculture coexisting with significant native forest and national parks. The municipality has some of the State’s most productive soil types, a rich tradition in horticulture, viticulture and floriculture and important natural systems that are a critical part of Melbourne’s water catchment. Council has a role in maintaining these significant and valued areas for the community and encouraging productive and sustainable use of the rural environment. Achieving this role requires finding a balance between agriculture, tourism and rural living and assessing the appropriate use of land set aside for agriculture (i.e. Green Wedge land) without compromising the integrity of that land, nor the liveability of profitability of any rural or visitor focussed enterprises occurring in these areas. An important task to achieve this is to assess rural industry and tourism planning applications which require land and farm care management, especially for issues such as water quality and co-existence of farming and residential/tourism properties. This responsibility is carried out by Council directly managing its own land, and influencing private land management through its planning responsibilities. It is also undertaken by working in partnership with public land and water management agencies such as Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria and the Agriculture group of the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (formerly the Department of Primary Industries). Likewise, industry agencies like Yarra Ranges Page 3 of 6 Tourism, Agribusiness Yarra Valley and the Yarra Valley Winegrowers Association also work with Council to highlight issue impacting our rural zones. A healthy environment, especially quality rural landscapes, provides an enormous range of benefits to the community. Some of these benefits are economic and are linked to local food production, farming enterprises, recreation and a popular tourism industry. There are also social and cultural benefits that encourage physical activity; allow for social interaction; and create a stronger community identity. These benefits can contribute to why people make Yarra Ranges their home. FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE The Committee will provide Yarra Ranges Council with informed and constructive advice, input and support on rural issues and initiatives. This will guide management and stewardship of the rural areas within the municipality and assist optimal usage of rural land in ways that enhance liveability and productivity. The scope of concern for the Committee will be matters that relate to or impact the rural environment, especially the Green Wedge. Yarra Ranges’ Green Wedge encompasses approximately 237,000 hectares making it the largest of Melbourne’s 12 green wedges. The Committee will: Represent a range of sectors and opinions relating or impacting the rural environment, including community, agency, industry, etc. Provide local knowledge and expertise about the Yarra Ranges rural environment and impacts of agriculture, tourism and natural systems in these areas. Provide informed and constructive advice in regard to a wide range of issues arising from activities undertaken in rural landscapes. Identify emerging issues of concern to the profitability and liveability of businesses and landowners in Yarra Ranges rural areas. Provide specific and targeted feedback on a range of Council policies, strategies, and key rural management initiatives such as the Green Wedge Management Plan and its future iterations. Assist in determining Council priorities in regard to rural landcare management and agriculture – industry best practice. Support and assist the Council’s efforts to consult with and advocate to the broader Yarra Ranges community on the importance of rural sustainability. Support the Council’s efforts to maintain strong and close networks between individuals, groups, organisations, businesses and government agencies in pursuit of rural land, enterprise and stewardship outcomes. POSITION OBJECTIVE(S) As a rural sector representative on the Committee your role will be to provide local input and perspective into the rural management directions of the Yarra Ranges. You will be involved in the decision making discussions and processes to determine Page 4 of 6 the most effective way to manage the unique challenges faced by living and working in rural areas across the municipality. The role and expectations of Committee members are detailed in the YRRAC Terms of Reference 2015. The volunteer rural sector representative positions offer a unique opportunity to network and work closely with other community members as well and professionals within the agriculture, tourism and the Landcare/environment sector. You will represent your local rural sector and provide input into shaping the future of rural industry, agriculture and tourism occurring across our rural areas. This position will enable you to increase your skills, knowledge and experience in verbal communications and negotiations regarding business, community, environmental and rural actions. AVAILABILITY AND COMMITMENT Meetings will be held on a quarterly basis, with four meetings held per year. Additional special meetings may be scheduled by arrangement. Meetings are usually held on a weeknight at the Council offices in Lilydale from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. The first meeting of the newly elected committee is expected to be held in August 2015. Members of the Committee will hold the positions for a fixed term (two years) and are required to commit to attending meetings during this term. If members are unable to attend four or more meetings during the two-year appointment they must retire from the Committee. Members to the Committee will be appointed by the Council. MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA The following membership criteria will be used in making volunteer rural sector representative appointments to the Committee: Demonstrated skills, qualifications and/or experience in one of the nominated nine rural sector categories of the Committee. Demonstrated understanding of diverse issues pertaining to the Yarra Ranges rural areas. Understanding of the role of local government in relation to agriculture, tourism, landcare and environmental issues as they arise in our rural areas. Preference for relevant experience in committees and / or demonstrated ability to participate in, and constructively contribute to a group, committee or organisation. Ability to regularly attend and participate in meetings as scheduled. Live and / or work within the municipality, or have a demonstrated connection to the municipality through professional, technical or industry or volunteer alliances or land ownership Page 5 of 6 Ability to communicate with, understand and reflect the opinions of others from the broader community. This may be as a result of association with related or relevant community organisations or employment. SELECTION PROCESS Yarra Ranges Council is seeking representation from nine (9) nominated rural sectors to work effectively as part of the Committee. To assist with the selection process applications should include: A. Cover letter briefly addressing relevant membership criteria; a brief outline of your reasons for applying; and the positive contribution you can make to the Committee. B. Please indicate which position you are applying for: - Stone fruits Pome fruits (such as apples, pears and quinces) Strawberries Nurseries/cut flowers Wine grapes Grazing Equine Forestry Rural service provider C. Short personal resume outlining any relevant life experience or qualifications D. 1-2 personal or professional references or names of referees Applications close Friday 31st July 2015 at 5.00pm (or until positions have been successfully filled) Please e-mail applications to: business@yarraranges.vic.gov.au FURTHER INFORMATION For further information please contact: Tania Asper Executive Officer Economic Development Tel: 9294 6237 Mobile: 0408 010 142 Email: t.asper@yarraranges.vic.gov.au Page 6 of 6