An Economic Activation Group (EAG) to help deliver the Byron Shire Economic Strategy 2025 to 2035 is being established by Byron Shire Council, with those involved in local businesses invited to apply.
In a media release, Council staff say, ‘This group will bring together Council, industry and agency representatives to guide the implementation of the Strategy’s Action Plans’.
‘At first, the group will help to refine the Action Plans. This will require you to attend three to five, two-hour workshops between March and June 2026.
‘Once the Action Plans are adopted, the role of the group will be to support and implement the actions’, say staff.
Terms of Reference
The draft Terms of Reference (ToR) says The Economic Activation Group (EAG) will support Council to initially refine, then implement the Economic Strategy 2025–2035 draft Action Plans.
‘There are three actions plans – business and Industry Destination Management & Visitor Economy and Events.’
‘All members will: Participate in meetings, facilitated workshops and sub-working group sessions for each Action Plan; Contribute informed feedback and recommendations within the outlined scope for change; Work collaboratively with Council and other members to identify priorities; Comply with Council’s Code of Conduct for Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisers (2023)’.
Membership make up
As for membership, the ToR says it could be up to 20 people.
Those invited to nominate members are Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce (1), Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce (1), Brunswick Heads Chamber of Commerce (1), North Byron Business Chamber (1), Byron Bay Visitor Information Centre (1), Brunswick Heads Visitor Information Centre (1), Destination Byron (1), Destination North Coast (1), Business NSW – Northern Rivers (1), Regional Development, NSW DPIRD (1), and Arts Northern Rivers (1)
Up to five ‘non-association representatives’ are invited to apply, who would prioritise ‘diversity, accessibility, inclusion and representation across the Shire’.
As for Council reps. The ToR says it comprise Two to three councillors, and Council staff (not defined in numbers or role)
‘Subject matter experts maybe invited to attend as required’.
Confidentiality
Like all of Council committees, ‘Members of the Committee must maintain the integrity and security of confidential information in their possession, or for which they are responsible’.
‘In addition to their general obligation relating to the use of Council information, members of the Committee must adhere to use and security of confidential and personal information outlined in induction material’, the ToR reads.
Media gag
As for speaking to the media, Council, like all its other committees, is wanting to adopt its policy of only providing the public any knowledge of their meetings via official channels.
The ToR says, ‘The primary objective of media communication is to inform the public about the EAG’s activities’.
‘The official spokesperson of the EAG for media engagement will be the Chair or as otherwise agreed by the Chair and Council Staff on a case-by-case basis.
‘Council will assist with media liaison and ensure accurate information is shared.
‘Members must not make individual or off-the-cuff comments to media.
‘Sensitive or confidential matters must not be disclosed publicly; confidentiality must be adhered to by all members as detailed in induction material’.
What’s involved?
‘Participate in 3 to 5, two-hour workshops between March and May 2026 to refine 3 Action Plans’.
‘From August 2026 onwards, participate in quarterly meetings with Council and key stakeholders on the delivery of actions.
‘Inform, support, collaborate and implement action’s for business, destination management, events and other action plans as they are developed’.
For more info visit https://yoursay.byron.nsw.gov.au/EAG
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