Council is about to give its Corporate Plan an overhaul. While legislation requires councils to develop Corporate Plans, it is also an opportunity to set a direction for the organisation for the next five years. With so much change in recent years it’s pertinent that we review the Corporate Plan and the direction of the organisation. The new plan will provide a 2023-2028 blueprint for the Shire. There will be a series of community workshops, an online survey and session with the industry to ensure we get a good cross section of input. With assistance from Nicholson Sheehan Consulting group, this new plan will reflect the community’s changing needs and priorities. Community consultation will start in the next few weeks with a focus to have the plan adopted in January 2023. The new Corporate Plan will help guide Council’s decisions every day and outline key strategic issues or projects Council will prioritise and advocate for on behalf of the community.
Recently, I ventured to Canberra as part of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) first official visit to Parliament House since the election of the Albanese Government. Over the course of two days we met with 18 Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Senators, Leader of the Opposition and Chief Advisors to the Prime Minister and Treasurer. Topics included natural disasters, climate change, the importance of skilled migration and the importance of collaboration between all levels of government. The Brisbane 2032 Games present an enormous opportunity for all levels of government to respond in a co-ordinated way to some of the many challenges our SEQ region is currently experiencing. Challenges include housing availability and affordability, attracting skilled labour and critical investment in infrastructure to improve connectivity. Dealing with population growth and tackling traffic congestion will continue to be one of our combined region’s greatest economic, social and environmental challenges. Without significant support from other levels of government we will struggle to cater for this growth let alone the additional load the Brisbane 2032 Games will bring. SEQ is the fastest growing region in Australia and councils are the ideal delivery partners when it comes to investment in this region. It’s important that Noosa has a seat at the table and a voice in these discussions. As one of the 11 SEQ councils working together as part of the Council of Mayors (SEQ), we are now involved in the shared commitment to improve the region. To deliver better outcomes for the business sector and wider community we need to work collaboratively. Noosa Councillors, by committing to join the SEQ Council of Mayors, have stood up for the Shire and highlighted the important role Noosa plays in the future prosperity of Queensland while still maintaining our uniqueness and what makes Noosa so special.
Closer to home, our operational and capital works continue to forge ahead. Works start on 3 October 2022 on remedial tree pruning and removal along Walter Hay Drive from south of Noosa Civic to the Emu Mountain Road roundabout. Work will take around six days to complete, weather permitting. The new vert ramp at Sunshine Beach Skate Park has been installed and is now open. The new surface has an improved texture for skating consistent with those used in international vert ramp competitions and the ramp will perform better in the tough Qld weather and not heat up like the old steel surface.
Finally, the application period is now open for the first round of Noosa Council’s Community Disaster Response and Recovery Grants. Council has received $60,000 worth of funding from the Public Health Network to support communities to recover and build resilience. It’s part of the mental health support package to assist flood- affected Australians. For more information please visit: www.noosa.qld.gov.au/community/grants/council-grants
Until next month, stay safe,
Clare
