The community-based organisation proposes to establish seven area committees, each with eight to 12 members, to meet regularly to discuss matters affecting their areas and liaise with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

Residents Action Network president Hilton King said the area committees could go ahead without council endorsement but RAN hoped to secure council support.

Mr King encouraged community members passionate about their local areas to attend the October 22 public meeting.

The RAN president said he hoped lots of people would want to get involved with their local areas, socialise with other people through the committees and bring their concerns to the council.

The proposal will be discussed at the public meeting at Port City Bowling Club on October 22 from 5.45pm. The meeting will also gauge public support.

The meeting will hear from speakers David Winterbottom, who is a secretary of one of the neighbourhood forums in the Wollongong City Council area, and RAN secretary Gregory Franks, a former president of an area committee at Eden.

Deputy mayor Lisa Intemann will also address the meeting.

Cr Intemann will attend the public meeting due to mayor Peta Pinson’s commitment at the Local Government NSW Conference in Albury.

Cr Intemann said she was happy to hear what the speakers had to say and to talk about the importance of community engagement and the council's current activities in terms of 18 community plans.

One of the ways the council is connecting with communities is through the development of community plans in close association with residents.

Bonny Hills was the first cab off the rank.

Mayor Peta Pinson acknowledged the importance of community engagement.

“I would really like to see our community engage more on things that matter to them,” she said.

“We cannot improve our services without our community telling us what it is they would like to see improved or what they think of plans council has for the future of our region.”

Cr Pinson said community engagement, whatever form that may take, was so very important.

RAN anticipates area committees would work side by side with progress associations.

Mr King said they expected to have a positive working relationship with members of progress associations and progress association members might also like to join area committees.

Contact RAN president Hilton King on 6583 3430 or email hiltonking@westnet.com.au for more information or to express of interest in joining an area committee.

Applications from potential area committee members will be accepted at the meeting.

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