At last night's meeting, councillors voted unanimously to establish the Cohesive Communities Advisory Group.

Expressions of interest will now be sought from residents and organisations who want to be part of the advisory group.

It is expected the group would include representatives from residents' groups, the council, service clubs, the Country Women's Association, Camden Historical Society, sporting groups and chambers of commerce.

A report to councillors said ``additional focus'' was needed to help create harmonious communities where new residents would feel welcome and existing residents would be supported through a period of significant change that would come with Camden's planned population increase over the next 20 years.

The report said that community cohesion had been a goal of the council for some years.

"The reactions and responses to, and media commentary on, recent events in Camden have shown that there is a need to accelerate and focus upon further development of social capital across the [local government area], ahead of and through these changes,'' it said.

The report said social capital was the "bond of trust and relationship that communities build and renew when people interact with each other''.

The advisory group would work in partnership with the council to develop and comment on strategies to build positive and sustainable relationships in the community; reduce intolerance, and recognise and support cultural diversity.