Committees in Maitland

The function of the City Planning, Heritage and Design Advisory Committee is to provide advice, guidance and expertise on the development of strategies in relation to city planning, urban design, economic development and heritage that will ensure Maitland is more resilient, productive, liveable and sustainable. The purpose of the committee includes:

1. To provide advice on the development of land use planning, urban design and economic development strategies to ensure Maitland grows in a sustainable way – socially, economically and environmentally; 
2. To provide advice on the development of strategies that provide clear direction for planning and managing rural and environmental land in the Maitland LGA;
3. To provide advice and guidance on policies that support well managed growth leading Maitland to be a more resilient, productive, liveable and sustainable place to live;
4. To provide advice and guidance on good planning and urban design that will guide the growth and renewal of Maitland as a centre and its neighbourhoods, whilst ensuring identity and community values are maintained; and
5. To monitor Council’s performance and achievements across the relevant focus areas in the Community Strategic Plan.

Contact: Team Leader, Office of the General Manager on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Mayor, Cr Whiting, Cr W Penfold, Cr Halliday, Cr Yarrington

The function of the Culture and Community Advisory Committee is to provide advice, guidance and expertise on the development of strategies in relation to arts and cultural opportunities, community belonging, wellbeing and local identity. The purpose of the committee includes:

1. To provide advice on the development of cultural and community strategies to ensure Maitland is a thriving community where people feel connected, safe and supported.
2. To provide advice and guidance on policies that support the progress and development of arts, culture and learning to make Maitland a culturally rich and vibrant community;
3. To provide advice on the development of programs and strategic partnerships that enhance the quality of life in Maitland; and
4. To monitor Council’s performance and achievements across the relevant focus areas in the Community Strategic Plan.

Contact: Team Leader, Office of the General Manager on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr Hackney, Cr W Penfold, Cr Flannery, Cr Worth and Cr Atkinson

The Maitland City Council Local Transport Forum (LTF), formerly known as the Maitland City Council Local Traffic Committee, meets on the first Thursday of every month. LTF's membership is made up of representatives from Council, Transport for NSW, NSW Police and the NSW Government Member for Maitland. 

The LTF provides advice and technical reviews to Council on traffic-related issues as per the Transport for NSW Authorisation and Delegation to Council. The LTF assists with the coordination of works and events within the road reserve, however it does not issue approvals, endorsement or make decisions.

Contact: Operations Manager Transport & Infrastructure Engineering, City Services on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr W Penfold

The function of the Sport, Recreation and Leisure Advisory Committee is to provide advice, guidance and expertise on the development of strategies in relation to sport, recreation and leisure. The purpose of the committee includes: 

1. To provide advice on the development of sport, recreation and leisure strategies to ensure Maitland is a thriving community where people feel connected, safe and supported.
2. To provide advice and guidance on policies that support the progress and development of sport, recreation and leisure to make Maitland a culturally rich and vibrant community;
3. To provide advice on the development of programs and strategic partnerships that enhance the quality of life in Maitland; and
4. To monitor Council’s performance and achievements across the relevant focus areas in the Community Strategic Plan.

Contact: Team Leader, Office of the General Manager on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Mayor, Cr Halliday, Cr Hackney, Cr Worth, and Cr Jordan

The function of the Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee is to provide advice, guidance and expertise on the development of strategies in relation to the environment and sustainable development. The purpose of the committee includes:

1. To provide advice on the development of environmental and sustainable development strategies to ensure Maitland is a thriving community where people feel connected, safe and supported.
2. To provide advice and guidance on policies that support the progress and development of valuing our natural environment and building sustainable and resilient communities;
3. To provide advice on the development of programs and strategic partnerships that enhance the quality of life in Maitland; and
4. To monitor Council’s performance and achievements across the relevant focus areas in the Community Strategic Plan.

Contact: Team Leader, Office of the General Manager on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr W Penfold, Cr Yarrington, Cr Halliday, Cr Flannery and Cr Ferris

The Floodplain Risk Management Committee considers and provides input to Council on the preparation and implementation of flood studies, and a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan throughout the Maitland local government area.

Contact: Manager Environment and Sustainability, City Planning on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr Hackney (Mayor), Cr Halliday and Cr Flannery

The Bush Fire Management Committee comprises of representatives from agencies with technical expertise, experience and local knowledge who work together for bush fire management purposes, and who can collaboratively develop better bush fire management decision.  Members are drawn from particular organisations and agencies, as specified by the Act. The Rural Fires Regulation 2013 require the Mayor, or a councillor or a senior representative of the council to become members of the Bush Fire Management Committee. 

Contact: City Services on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr Whiting

Maitland Aerodrome Consultative Panel is comprised of a representatives from Royal Newcastle Aero Club (RNAC), Maitland City Council and two community representatives. The panel meets three times a year and is responsible for reviewing operating procedures, in accordance with the adopted Community Operational Undertaking , and to address any noise complaints received in respect of the aerodrome operations.

Contact: City Planning on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr Yarrington

The District Liaison Committee is a committee comprising of Rural Fire Service (RFS) staff, Council staff and councillors. The Committee discusses a range of topics including the performance of the agreements between councils and the RFS within the local area, budgets, fire fighting vehicles, equipment and capital infrastructure. Maitland City Council is a signature to the RFS District Service Agreement Lower Hunter Zone 2009 with Cessnock, Dungog and Port Stephens Councils and The Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service. 

Contact: City Services on 4934 9700

The management group for the Bruce Street Community Hall promotes the use of the facility in accordance with determined community needs. The group meets monthly and assists Council with the day to day management of the bookings, maintenance and future needs of the facility.

Contact: Team Leader Community & Sport Liasion, City Services on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr Whiting

The Community Grants program provides financial support to local non-profit community based organisations to fund events, projects and activities that benefit the community and resident needs. Community Grants are designed to assist in the establishment of projects, services and facilities in Maitland that foster community partnerships, promote access to community resources, and are deemed to benefit the community.

Contact: Community Development & Program Officer, City Services on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Mayor, Cr Flannery and Cr Yarrington

The Hunter Valley Steamfest Planning Group is a stakeholder based group that assists Council in the planning, promotion and delivery of the Hunter Valley Steamfest event annually.

Contact: Team Leader Events, City Services on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr Jordan (Mayor) and Cr Hackney

The objective of the Morpeth Museum Committee is to collect, organise and conserve items of historical significance to the Maitland area, with a particular focus on Morpeth, and to make these items accessible to the community and tourists.

Contact: Team Leader Community & Sport Liaison, City Services on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr Griffin

Public Libraries NSW represents the interests of public libraries and their users throughout NSW. They focus on improving library services and access to information resources for all people living in NSW. The committee meets quarterly and is comprised of key stakeholders.

Contact: City Services on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr Griffin

The Internal Audit Committee is responsible for analysing, appraising and making recommendations following an audit review of Councils internal controls to ensure they are compliant, effective and efficient. They also act in an advisory capacity on new systems to ensure the adequacy of control measures.

Contact: Senior Risk & Audit Officer, People & Performance on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr Halliday

The Awards and Recognition Committee makes decisions about suitable award recipients on behalf of the City for the following awards presented by Maitland City Council:

• Freeman of the City
• Australia Day
• Maitland City Service Awards
• Hall of Fame
• Any future awards or recognition programs adopted by Council unless otherwise specified.

Contact: Team Leader, Office of the General Manager on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Mayor, Cr Griffin, Cr Yarrington, Cr Hackney and Cr Barstow 

Membership of the Hunter Joint Organisation is made up of 10 local councils of the Hunter Region and works to ensure communities in the Hunter benefit from positive cooperation and collaboration. 

Contact: Office of the General Manager on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Mayor

The Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel was created in July 2009 as an independent body for regionally significant development applications and other planning matters. The principal functions of Planning Panels are to determine regionally significant development applications and undertake rezoning reviews of planning proposals. 

Contact: City Planning on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Cr Halliday

The function of the Property Advisory Panel is to provide advice, guidance and expertise on strategic property matters. The purpose of the committee includes:

1. To provide advice on the development of strategies related to Maitland City Council landholdings;
2. To investigate, consider and provide advice on the acquisition of land and buildings for strategic purposes;
3. To investigate, consider and provide advice on the disposal of Council land and buildings that are surplus to the city’s needs and do not meet investment benchmarks;
4. To provide advice on the reclassification of Community or Operational land; and
5. To monitor Council’s performance and achievements across the relevant focus areas in the Community Strategic Plan.

Contact: Team Leader, Office of the General Manager on 4934 9700
Councillor members: Mayor, Cr Jordan, Cr W Penfold, Cr B Hackney and Cr Barstow