Seqwater is inviting expressions of interest from the community to participate in the reformed Somerset Dam Improvement Project Community Reference Group (CRG).
The purpose of the Somerset Dam Improvement Project CRG is to provide a formal channel for community input on issues of relevance and highlight any local concerns that may relate to the project. The group will also assist in the dissemination of information about the project throughout the region.
The Somerset Dam Improvement Project CRG will:
- Provide input to appropriate sections of the project’s Detailed Business Case to ensure both community and Seqwater needs are represented, project impacts are understood and addressed, where possible, and any opportunities and benefits are considered and maximised
- Assist in refining the potential social impacts of the project and possible mitigation measures by confirming or updating information provided by the former CRG in 2020
- Actively involve the community and key stakeholders in planning to ensure the project delivery meets community expectations, including for the proposed early and enabling works
- Raise awareness and understanding of the project in the community through the active sharing of information between well informed CRG members and their local networks
- Improve Seqwater’s understanding of community impacts and concerns related to the project
The utility is seeking applications and said it is looking for a variety of community members, such as those who live near the dam, live upstream or downstream of the dam, local businesses, and/or have a heritage or environmental interest. Being on the CRG is a voluntary, unpaid position and will require a commitment of some personal time.
Nominations will be open for a two-week period from Friday 18 October 2024 until Sunday 3 November 2024.
The first Community Reference Group meeting will be held local to Somerset Dam on Thursday 28 November from 5:00pm–7:00pm. It is expected that the successful applicants will be available to attend the meeting in person on this date. Information on the meeting location will be provided to successful applicants.
Featured image: Seqwater.