The Sounds Advisory Group is established to advise the Marlborough District Council on planning matters and act as a conduit for information between the Council and the Sounds communities. It is comprised of representatives from various Sounds communities (including Port Underwood), several Marlborough councillors and representatives of other interested parties such as forestry, aquaculture, Iwi and Department of Conservation. Council staff members also participate in the meetings which are held four times per year with additional meetings as required.