According to the council,  the jury will be a representative group of people, picked at random, that will directly influence decisions on future rating strategies.

“In recent months we’ve heard loud and clear that our community does not trust the process. We need to do better when it comes to involving people in the decisions that affect us all,” the council’s website stated. 

“This means involving people, sharing the challenge, and being open to any answer. It includes involving everyday people like you, in making difficult trade-offs and giving authority to your final recommendations.

“Council wants to act on informed opinions from a representative cross-section of the community and holding a Jury as opposed to a survey is a good way to do this.

“The Rating Strategy Advisory Group and the Jury processes are an opportunity to really do something different – to show that we value your input, your expertise, your willingness to work alongside us to make decisions that affect all of us.”

Jurors will be randomly selected from the people who register.

25 people will participate and they will be selected across a range of demographics that represent the various Ararat Rural City communities and rate payers. 

Selected jurors will be provided with access to Ararat Rural City rating information and given time to reach informed, consensus style recommendations in a process designed by representatives of newDemocracy Foundation.

Jurors will also be provided with a number of models that are under consideration from the Rating Strategy Advisory Group as well as the chance to recommend a new model.

The Jury will meet on the weekend of April 21 and 22 at the Alexandra Oval Community Centre in Ararat. The workshops will be two full days.

The ‘Council Rating Strategy Jury’ is being formed with the assistance of The newDemocracy Foundation, which will design the jury, selected members and free advice and support to council. 

To register your interest and availability, go to www.newdemocracy.com.au/rsvp or call in to the Council offices.

For further information on the selection process and project contact newDemocracy via projecthelp@newdemocracy.com.au or call on 0467 066 185

Registration of interest and contact details will remain private. 

A payment of $300 will be made to each selected Juror to assist with any costs associated with participating. 

Registrations will close at 5pm on April 2.