Frances Perkins helped to establish the forum, and said the aim is to create a united and independent voice for the community.

“For some time, the chamber of commerce has been the defacto community voice for council, which isn’t an accurate representation,” she said.

“One-hundred business people can’t represent the other 90 per cent of the community, they don’t represent youth or retirees, for example.”

Ms Perkins said the forum was a grassroots effort to create a space for residents to share their concerns and ideas with their peers. 

She said the forum would look at council issues, but its purpose was to address any issue that may affect the community. She hopes the project will lead to vibrant and functional community discussion.

Aside from discussion, the forum aims to assist residents by promoting upcoming events and providing endorsements on behalf of the community for local groups seeking government grants and funding.

Sapphire Coast Tourism chairman Bruce Lever will be the interim chair for the forum.

Matters on the forum’s first agenda include affordable accommodation, clean energy options, local development of the Great Southern Walk and the Bemagui CBD Master Plan. 

The inaugural meeting will also seek the community’s views to shape the forum’s objectives and roles going forward. 

The forum will take place at the Bermagui town hall from 5.30pm.