Community priorities drive funding for key positions

Protection of the region's natural environment is a priority for the Scenic Rim community

Community feedback has driven funding in Council's 2023-2024 Budget of new positions that will help to protect and enhance the Scenic Rim's natural environment and deliver wide-ranging social and economic benefits for the region.

Among a handful of new positions, providing valuable employment opportunities for local people, are a Biosecurity Officer, Senior Biodiversity Officer, Sport and Recreation Officer and an additional Customer Care and Engagement Officer.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the creation of the new roles reflected community priorities identified during the region-wide consultation on the Draft 2023-2024 Budget.

"Council and Scenic Rim residents share a vision for our region that is focused on the protection and enhancement of its spectacular beauty and natural environment and this was highlighted during the recent budget community engagement," he said.

"Each of the new roles has been created in response to community demand for increased levels of service."

The Senior Biodiversity Officer will lead the delivery of key services due to increased requests for services from community groups and  residents through programs such as Land for Wildlife, One Million Trees and Environmental Grants.

Applications for assistance through Council's Environmental Grants Program and its Habitat Protection Program have more than doubled in recent years and the number of applications for plants provided through the One Million Trees Program continues to grow annually.

By working with rural landholders on issues of soil condition and water management, and landowners in townships - who require support on environmental matters including urban wildlife, species identification and plant selection - the new officer will assist residents whose properties are not supported by traditional conservation programs.

The role will also be responsible for developing and delivering new and innovative modules as part of Council's environmental education program.

The new Biosecurity Officer with work closely with Council's environment team members and external stakeholders on biosecurity matters including invasive weeds and animals.

In line with the Biosecurity Act 2014, Council is developing the Scenic Rim Biosecurity Plan which will soon be released for community feedback and will be working with landowners to ensure they meet their General Biosecurity Obligations under the legislation.

"The creation of a Biosecurity Officer position recognises the need to preserve and enhance the Scenic Rim's unique environment and natural resources and reduce the economic and environmental impacts of invasive weeds and pest animals," Mayor Christensen said.

As planning for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games continues to gain momentum, Council will appoint a Sport and Recreation Officer to maximise opportunities and ensure lasting benefits for the Scenic Rim from these landmark events.

This will also involve working with officers across Council and with local sporting organisations across the region, peak sporting bodies, local government, the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, the Brisbane 2032 Leveraging Working Group and other key stakeholders in the implementation of a new Scenic Rim Sport and Recreation Strategy. 

"The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to maximise our region's chances to deliver fit-for-purpose and more inclusive sport and recreation infrastructure and to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the Scenic Rim before, during and after the games," Mayor Christensen said.

"This new role will assist Council and the community in identifying key priorities and helping to guide future planning that will maximise the economic, social and cultural benefits for Scenic Rim and provide lasting legacies that will transform our region."

Council's participation in the Queensland Government Agent Program will support the creation of a position for an additional Customer Care and Engagement Officer, who will join Council's team in delivering a range of government services, including drivers' licences and vehicle registration renewals, from the Boonah Customer Service Centre.

The Queensland Government Agency Program provides a one-stop-shop that means Scenic Rim residents in the region's west do not have to travel to Ipswich or Beaudesert to access government services.

"This popular service is highly valued by our community and requires additional resources as demand has continued to increase," Mayor Christensen said.