Report highlights Council’s achievements despite impacts of flooding and COVID-19

The announcement in March of the SEQ City Deal, which will provide $5 million to unlock the potential of the Bromelton State Development Area, is just one of the highlights of Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Operational Plan Quarter Three Progress Report.

Tabled at Council’s Ordinary Meeting this week, the report for the third quarter of the 2021-2022 financial year highlighted progress towards achieving key deliverables in line with the objectives of the Corporate Plan,
Scenic Rim 2026.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said that significant progress had been made by Council during the March quarter despite the considerable operational challenges presented by the recent wet weather and flooding and COVID-19.

“While recent weather events have caused havoc in some areas, requiring resources to be reallocated and some projects to be re-prioritised due to flood recovery efforts, we have still made great headway in delivering for our Scenic Rim community,” he said.

Wet weather resulted in widespread repairs across Council’s road network, using 150 tonnes of premix for potholes and 120 tonnes of asphalt. Some 600 kilometres of roadside slashing was carried out during the quarter.

Although flooding has been the most recent challenge for the Scenic Rim, Council is continuing to work to reduce the risk of bushfire in the region and obtained $361,000 in funding from the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program during the March quarter.

“This will assist in the construction of new fire trails on the western escarpment of Tamborine Mountain and help landholders to improve and maintain existing fire trails, which are vital for bushfire mitigation and access by firefighters,” Mayor Christensen said.

Queensland Government funding provided for the launch of two programs, the EmpowHER Hiking Program and Cuppa in the Communi-tea.

“EmpowHER, supporting women and girls to explore the spectacular natural surrounds of the Scenic Rim while building fitness, confidence and an interest in hiking, has attracted keen interest since the program’s launch with more than 800 tickets sold to participants who will enjoy moderate or more advanced outdoor adventures,” Mayor Christensen said.

Cuppa in the Communi-tea sessions across the Scenic Rim, funded by the Queensland Government’s Localised Mental Health Initiative, have helped to reduce social isolation and brought community members together in a friendly and supportive environment.

These events have also enabled Scenic Rim’s Libraries to reach out to residents through the Click and Collect Outreach service and First 5 Forever storytimes to encourage early literacy for the region’s youngest residents.

“With some 584 new library memberships during the quarter and 30,230 library visits recorded across the region, our Scenic Rim libraries continue to be important hubs of community connection,” Mayor Christensen said.

The March quarter also saw the phased introduction of red-lidded waste bins for general waste collection, in line with Australian Standards and standard industry practice, and the release of a guide to encourage residents to reduce waste.

Council received 47 Development Applications in the March quarter, which Mayor Christensen said highlighted the thirst within the wider community to be part of the Scenic Rim region.

"The Operational Plan Quarter Three Progress Report reflects the significant achievements by Council and the community and shows how ‘we are one Scenic Rim’, proudly working together for our region," he said.