Governance Portfolio Report - 20 April 2016

Operational Plan 2015-16

• Council is now three quarters through the current financial year 2015-16 with the quarterly review report tabled for Council adoption at this meeting. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the significant achievements to date. Council have:
• Taken a business approach to successfully mitigate the enterprise risk in relation to the service provision from the Lady Bjelke-Petersen Community Hospital.
• Implemented an apprenticeship and trainee employment program through the Queensland Government’s ‘First Start Program’ to support our youth.
• Offer a substantial and varied array of library programs across our 6 libraries.
• Produced the 135 page comprehensive annual report for 2014-15 of Council’s projects and financial operations.
• Provided over $60,000 in grants through Communities and Events.
• Delivered 100% of services in accordance with Centrelink, Queensland Government Agency Program and Electricity Credit Union agreements.
• Developed a draft new planning scheme for the South Burnett region currently with the Minister for review.
• Delivered, ahead of schedule, the restoration of Legacy Landfills being implemented in accordance with the adopted timetable in the Council’s Waste Management Plan.
• Delivered multi-million dollar capital works and maintenance programs for Roads, Water, Waste Water, Property and Parks.

Operational Plan 2016-17

• The operational plan 2016-17 is currently in draft ready for discussion with Council. The operational plan implements the strategic direction from the Corporate Plan 2014-18 and informs the budget process. Over the coming months Council will undertake a number of budget workshops to ensure that we make informed effective sustainable decisions planning for 2016-17.

Planning for the future of our Community

• The Councillors and I, last week completed an intensive induction program lead by our Chief Executive Officer, Gary Wall. The program provided our newly elected Council as a whole, with an understanding of the diverse operations of the Council as well as our roles and responsibilities in leading the region to a sustainable more prosperous future.
• Council captured the issues raised by our community throughout the election process strategising how to prioritise the needs and wants of our community. There were a number of individual issues identified however the top five focus points were confirmed as roads, communication/ engagement, economic development, value for money and water security.