13 November 2024
Southern Downs Regional Council has adopted the 2023/24 Annual Report, marking progress towards a vibrant and liveable region with new economic development opportunities, increased water security and affordable housing options.
Endorsed at the Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday 13 November 2024, the report provides a comprehensive overview of Council’s financial, operational and corporate activities, as measured against its strategic Corporate Plan.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton said the Southern Downs is full of potential and she is optimistic about the region’s future.
“I am proud to lead a team that is dedicated to realising the region’s potential, and in doing so building a vibrant and liveable region,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“Our region has experienced significant challenges over the past few years, but it is the community spirit and resilience through adversity that sets us apart.
“Great liveability and a vibrant economy are the strategic focus areas for our new Southern Downs Regional Council.
“We are developing strategic policies and goals to support this and by inspiring the community and our staff, we hope to take the journey together to a brighter future for our region.
“Rebuilding our Economic Development team this year is a key step in attracting business and investment opportunities to the region.
“As well as capitalising on our core sectors of agriculture, transport, tourism and the care economy, we will be seeking new opportunities in the circular economy.
“Water security for Stanthorpe is our top advocacy priority and we will engage with the Queensland Government to deliver tangible progress in our term.
“We will continue to advocate and liaise with housing providers, developers and our State and Federal Government counterparts to work towards long-term solutions regarding availability of housing in the region to better accommodate new families wishing to call Southern Downs home and attract a future workforce to the region.
“Over the year ahead, we will be looking at modernising our community engagement and giving strategic direction on matters that the community are passionate about, including our parks and community facilities.
“As we build a new leadership team at Council, the messages are clear: we must use ratepayer dollars wisely to deliver the liveable region that the community wants and which will help us attract and retain the new generation of younger families.
“I thank and congratulate all the staff who are a part of the Southern Downs Regional Council for their valued contribution and I remain positive looking to the year ahead as we build an exciting and sustainable future for our region.”
In a commitment to greater transparency, reporting on Councillor attendance at meetings has been expanded from the previous Council which reported only on statutory meetings to now include all meetings – briefings, information sessions, strategic sessions and trainings – so that the public has greater visibility of Councillors’ attendance.
The 2023/24 Annual Report also includes the audited financial statements which set out the financial performance, financial position, cash flow and net wealth of Council.
For the financial year ended 30 June 2024, Council delivered a net surplus of $35.6m while maintaining a healthy financial position.
Council continues to deliver essential services to the community; rolled out road repairs and upgrades following fires and floods; and completed several key projects.
Completed projects:
• Warwick Saleyards Redevelopment – Stages 1 and 2
• Stanthorpe Streetscape Project
• Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery and Library Expansion
• Warwick CBD road safety upgrades
• Victoria Park Dog Off Leash Area
• Brock Park toilet block and picnic shelter
• Jim Mitchell Park toilet block
• McGregor Park toilet block
• Leslie Dam toilet block
• Mount Stirling Road shared pathway design
• Homestead Road Bridge renewal
• Jack Smith Gully Road pavement stabilisation and rehabilitation
• Lyndhurst Lane pavement stabilisation and rehabilitation
• Freestone Road pavement stabilisation and rehabilitation
• Old Stanthorpe Road drainage works
• Inverramsay Road drainage works
• Road resealing - $469k
• Road resheeting - $652k
• Lyndhurst Lane bore
• Morgan Park recycled water supply extension
Other highlights included:
• Funded: Grants to Community - $50,247.13
• Funded: Regional Arts Development Fund - $115,567
• Assessed: 333 new plumbing and drainage applications
• Assessed: 197 planning applications
• Assessed: 161 new building applications
• Assessed: 22 new operational works applications
• Introduced: Paintback recycling
• Implemented: 24 waste education workshops in primary schools and kindergartens
• Shredded: More than 3000 mattresses, recovering approx. 50 tonnes of scrap metal
• Regulated: 691 commercial licensing permits
• Responded: More than 1,500 local laws complaints
The 2023/24 Annual Report is available for review
online.
Last edited date 13 Nov 2024