Quarter One Report shows Council on track to achieve Operational Plan activities

Adopted at today's Ordinary Meeting, more than 75 per cent of the activities outlined in the Operational Plan 2023-2024 are complete or on track to be delivered by the end of the financial year. 

Council’s Operational Plan 2023-2024 contains 128 actions items and sets out how Council plans to progress activities which contribute to the delivery of Council’s Corporate Plan, Scenic Rim 2026, which was developed by resolution of Council in 2020. 

This includes a number of activities which were delayed from 2022-2023 and approved by Council to be delivered in 2023-2024 due to the ongoing impacts of natural disasters, market conditions and resourcing challenges. 

Mayor Christensen said he was proud of Council’s employees who continued to deliver outstanding results across the region despite recent tough conditions.  

“When I read the Quarter One report, I see an organisation that is committed to delivering a sustainable future for our unique communities and rich environments,” he said.  

Mayor Christensen said several key projects had already been achieved in 2023-2024, including the Tamborine Mountain Library refurbishment, the draft Flying-fox Management Strategy, phase one of the Community Grants Program, and lighting upgrades at Selwyn Park in Beaudesert.  

“Development of Council’s Sports and Recreation Plan is well underway, with community consultation currently planned for Quarter Two,” he said.  

“Preparations have also commenced on a major amendment to the Planning Scheme in response to emerging issues and matters identified through its implementation and this is on track to be delivered by the end of the financial year.” 

Mayor Christensen said Council continued to support the region’s $2.09 billion powerhouse economy through initiatives such as the biennial Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards and the Shop Scenic Rim program which 109 local businesses had registered for.  

“There has been a significant increase in potential investment enquiries regarding the Bromelton State Development Area this quarter, which was no doubt bolstered by the 9.81 per cent increase in the region’s Gross Regional Product for the 2021-2022 financial year,” he said.  

Mayor Christensen also recognised Council’s commitment to remaining an open and responsive government through the implementation of several new processes.  

“Council now live-streams its Ordinary Meetings in both audio and video format, and a list of the items discussed in Councillor Briefing Sessions and Strategy Workshops are now published on Council’s website,” he said.  

“Councillor Portfolios were also established in Quarter One, with each Councillor allocated responsibility for a particular component of Council's service delivery across the region.” 

Mayor Christensen said he was extremely pleased with the work Council had delivered in the first quarter of the financial year.  

“From implementing a Scenic Rim koala breeding season campaign which resulted in an increase in koala sightings, conservation and awareness in the region, to the new artworks in Beaudesert featuring local wildlife painted by artist Ash Taylor, it’s already been a remarkable year for our region,” he said.  

“I can't wait to see what our hardworking staff achieve in the next quarter.”