Red/Green Tape Reduction Advisory and Working Group

“This is one of the points I campaigned on and is very much something that I know the community wants to see. It was actually CEO Mark’s idea to start the working group in an effort to find a solution to some of the problems that get bogged down with Council processes,” Mayor Duff said.

Red Tape refers to regulations that restricts the activities of businesses or imposes compliance costs on businesses.

Green Tape refers to regulation that places restrictions or imposes requirements on businesses that relate to environmental concerns and impacts.

The Mayor, CEO and all Councillors will be on the committee along with some internal staff who have volunteered their time. The committee will establish a Terms of Reference but their core role will be to look for ways to streamline Council processes and provide better outcomes for the community.

Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb also recently met with Council and was keen to work closely with South Burnett Regional Council to assist with the process. Dominique was able to provide some simple suggestions that have worked for other Councils that will be on the agenda at the first meeting of the new group.

The Working Group will initially be an internal group but as they move forward, they will be looking at ways to involve other groups, organisations, agencies, service providers, businesses and State and Federal Government representatives.

Mayor Duff said “It will also be a key part of the process to get community feedback and it will be important that the community has a major say in the outcomes”.

As Council continues with a back to basics approach, business as usual will be challenged and where appropriate, fresh and streamlined processes are to be introduced.  Some of these processes will be visible to the community and others will reflect back on office activity.  For example, a governance review has commenced and where possible, policies and procedures are being investigated to see their relevance and if they can be amended to make two documents into one or if they can be rescinded as they are no longer required. 

In this same vein Council has recently rescinded and removed two obsolete local laws and has commenced the review of the remaining local laws.

Mayor Duff said “we want to challenge the process of how Council works and have a culture that is built on performance and achievement and that is outcome focused.   We will review the processes that are in our control and continue to advocate to the State and Federal Government to review their processes.”

It is expected that the group will meet quarterly or as needs dictate.

For more information contact Council on 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.

 

Mayor Kathy Duff and CEO Mark Pitt

 

Pictured from left to right: Director Strategy and Engagement Luke Forster, BIEDO General Manager Mistrel Badesso, Cr Sander, Mayor Duff, Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb, Cr Potter, Cr Dennien and Council CEO Mark Pitt.