Traffic, city planning and crime are just some issues important to the community.

So important in fact, that a local resident is urging other community members to voice their ideas on how to shape Newcastle.

Lyn Kilby of Wickham will apply to join Newcastle City Council’s new strategic advisory committees.

There are 10 committees in total and nine are open to the public to apply for.

Each committee will be in charge of different issues within the city from transport to environment.

Most of the committees will include three councillors, three expert stakeholders and three community members.

Ms Kilby said she would apply for the safety and crime or the urban planning committees.

She said it was important for community members to apply to the new committees.

“I’d advise anyone who has an understanding of the town to join,” Ms Kilby said.

“We all have a responsibility to the city and the people in it.”

Ms Kilby said she was glad council had asked for community members to join.

“We want more community consultation and participation, especially now the community forums are gone.”

Residents need to apply online for the committees, but Ms Kilby said this was not the most effective way to reach residents.

“Older people don’t have computers to sign up online to these groups, so they will miss out,” she said.

Newcastle City Council city engagement director Martin Coates said the new committees were about involving the community with council decisions.

“We will have councillors involved in the committees, which will form a close link with the community,” Mr Coates said.

“We will aim to get good, concrete outcomes for the city.”

Mr Coates said the committees were a new approach to community consultation.

“This is an opportunity for people with the right expertise to shape the city.”

Mr Coates said he hoped the committees would start early next year.

To apply for the committees, go to www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au.in_counc il/committees and download the membership and information kit.

Or phone council governance officer Shane Spruce on 4974 2351 for more information.

Applications close this Monday, November 16 at 4.30pm.

Community input

The University of Technology Sydney centre for local government conducted a committee study for Newcastle Council.

It provided a report that identified council’s need to restructure its committees.

Newcastle residents can apply for nine committees.