Palerang Council Climate Change Advisory Committee Charter / Terms of Reference (Roles and Responsibilities) Adopted 2 July 2009 Council has resolved to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent over 2005 levels. The purpose of the Climate Change Advisory Committee is: To assist Council to develop an appropriate baseline for measuring Council’s greenhouse gas emissions against which the 30% reduction target may be measured. To assist Council establish the most probably scenarios for the impact of climate change on council using the best available scientific data. To provide a co-ordinated body, representative of the community and Palerang Council, to give advice and make recommendations to Council on climate change adaptation and mitigation policy. To advise Council on climate change issues at a strategic level. Membership Committee membership shall comprise: The Mayor (ex officio) Three Councillors, one of whom is the Chair Three staff nominated by the General Manager Three community representatives with relevant expertise. The appointed members shall serve until the committee completes its primary function, which is to provide a recommended climate change and mitigation policy to Council Quorum A quorum shall be a simple majority of the appointed members provided that at least one Councillor and one staff member are present. Meeting Procedures The meetings shall follow Council’s procedures for committee meetings. The Committee shall determine its own meeting schedule. A minutes secretary will attend and record outcomes of the meetings. The meeting minutes will be distributed to all committee members and the full Council at its next ordinary meeting. Recommendations, as contained within the meeting minutes, will be presented to Council for consideration. The Committee does not have delegated authority to act on behalf of Council and further, Council is not required to adopt the recommendations of the Committee. Responsibilities Each member shall represent their relevant appointment responsibilities, taking into account any legislative requirements in meeting the following objectives: a)       Assist Council to develop policies and strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation b)      Assist in implementing appropriate management strategies; c)       Provide input from their representative fields to assist Council and the community in meeting desired aims; d)      Promote Council’s resolutions relating to climate change adaptation and mitigation e)       Provide advice and assistance to Council in relation to creating and reviewing policy documents. Sunset Clause This committee shall cease to exist onceit has provided Council with its final recommended climate change adaptation and mitigation policy or on 30 June 2010, whichever is the earliest. Council may then determine to establish a new committee to assist the implementation of the policy if Council adopts it.