Annual Report details Scenic Rim's progress during a challenging year

A challenging year in which Council continued to strive to deliver the highest standards of service to the community is documented in Scenic Rim's 2023-2024 Annual Report. 

Adopted at today's Ordinary Meeting, the 194-page report details Council's performance in achieving the objectives of its Corporate Plan, Scenic Rim 2026, and its 2023-2024 Operational Plan in line with excellent business practices and sound governance principles. 

Mayor Tom Sharp said that, as much of the year's programmed activity was substantially completed before the swearing in of the new Council in April 2024, he wished to acknowledge the contribution of the previous Council team and employees across the organisation for their efforts during 2023-2024. 

The impacts of the Christmas-New Year weather event and flooding that occurred in Boonah in early 2024 presented major challenges for both Council and the community which were already experiencing cost of living pressures. 

"Following the swearing in of the new Council in April, we moved quickly to seek the community's feedback on the draft 2024-2025 Budget to ensure it aligned with community expectations," Cr Sharp said. 

"A particular focus for Council in 2024-2025 will be on continuous improvement and minimising waste to ensure we provide best value for our Scenic Rim ratepayers.  

"Understanding the cost-of-living pressures faced by our community, it was pleasing to see the Scenic Rim introduce the lowest rates rise of any South East Queensland Council for the coming year."

With a continued focus on the growth of the local economy and employment opportunities, Council in 2023-2024 continued to promote the Bromelton State Development Area, achieving significant interest from potential investors. 

It also reached an audience of more than 6.6 million through marketing activities to promote the Scenic Rim as a leading destination for domestic and international visitors. 

The spectacular scenery and natural environment for which the region is renowned was supported by Council's adoption of the Scenic Rim Climate Change Roadmap 2024-2034 and the Scenic Rim Climate Change Action Plan 2024-2026. 

The region's relaxed living and rural lifestyle were supported by the adoption of the Scenic Rim Local Housing Action Plan and the development of a major amendment to update the Planning Scheme. 

Council's investment in community infrastructure continued in 2023-2024 with the commencement of stormwater drainage works as part of the Beaudesert Town Centre Revitalisation Project and the development of masterplans for Canungra and Kalbar. 

To support the region’s economic growth and the community’s increasing need for key services and infrastructure, Council continued to progress its local government infrastructure plan and developed a regional sports and recreation plan in consultation with the community. 

Other highlights of the year included the completion of the Tamborine Mountain Library and the installation of new sports field lighting at Selwyn Park, Beaudesert.  

The region also welcomed as new Australians 31 Scenic Rim residents from 17 nations at the Australia Day citizenship ceremony in January 2024 followed by 43 residents from 12 countries at the Queensland Day citizenship ceremony in June. 

In line with its commitment to open and responsive government, Council in 2023-2024 commenced video live streaming of its Ordinary Meetings to provide greater transparency of its decision making. 

Scenic Rim’s 2024-2025 Annual Report achieved an unqualified audit result for the year following the review by Queensland Audit Office of Council’s finances and processes. 

"Although a number of activities were delayed following two extreme weather events which impacted the Scenic Rim, steady progress was made across many areas, although there was still much to be done at the year's end as our region continued its journey of recovery," Cr Sharp said. 

"Council's achievements in 2023-2024, as highlighted in this Annual Report, reflect our commitment to creating a stronger economy for our region, meeting infrastructure needs, encouraging the health and wellbeing of our community, protecting our environment and providing open and transparent government. 

"I look forward to continuing to build on this in the year ahead."