Noosa Council chief executive officer Scott Waters has tabled a detailed roadmap for change to councillors, focussing on delivering a sustainable, customer-centric, agile organisation to serve the community.
The comprehensive report, to be formally endorsed at Thursday’s Ordinary Meeting, contains 64 recommendations from a review of 17 specific areas.
Mayor Clare Stewart said the health check of the organisation was needed to improve efficiencies and get the best possible outcomes for the community.
“This is something I flagged last year, so it’s pleasing to see our new CEO has taken the opportunity to deep dive into our organisation in the short time he’s been here to provide us with such valuable feedback and a roadmap to ensure that Council and our community go from strength to strength.”
Cr Stewart said the consistent theme across the organisation was to improve and invest in the relationship with our community.
At Monday’s General Committee, councillors unanimously approved a councillor-executive team workshop be held to collaboratively develop a change management program to drive the organisational renewal.
In his first 100 days, the CEO collaborated with the Mayor, senior executive team and met with staff and external stakeholders to better understand the past and map out a plan for the future of council.
Mr Waters said it was important to recognise the work of the previous administration, but to modernise the organisation to realise operational efficiencies.
“Different by Nature is the cornerstone of this council and that will remain through innovation and collaboration with the single goal of delivering quality service to the community,” he said.
“What we are calling Noosa Project 2.0 is the start of a change management program.
“It will focus primarily on culture, internal and external service delivery, provide a more consistent strategic direction and improve engagement with the community,” he said.
Key recommendations included reviewing all policies during each term of council, completing an audit on all council assets, conducting a high performing culture survey with staff and renewing the Customer Service Charter.
Mr Waters said a structural realignment would be considered to create higher operational performance, accountability and improved outcomes to the community.
“Staff are faced with significant workloads and we need to review how we operate and what resources are needed to create a customer-centric focus to what we deliver,” he said.
Cr Stewart viewed the report and its recommendations as a once in a generation opportunity to reshape organisational performance.
“Our staff do an exceptional job in an environment where there are high expectations from the community.
“So it’s important we provide the necessary equipment, processes and workplace where, as an organisation, we get the best possible outcomes for the community,’ Cr Stewart said.
Mr Waters told council the report had been compiled to respect the legacy of Council while identifying constructive improvements to deliver an innovative and agile council.
“We have a very committed workforce that goes above and beyond with limited resources.
“This is a two to three year plan and recommendations will be prioritised and workshopped, in some cases with the community, to ensure we create a structure that enhances organisational collaboration, communication and performance improvement,” Mr Waters said.
Cr Stewart said since de-amalgamation a continued commitment to limit rate rises below CPI had had impacts on a range of areas.
“There has been significant under-investment in long term assets such as roads and facilities, so this is an opportunity to pause and realign our focus to better deliver essential services to the community,” she said.
Mr Waters said while some aspects of the report remained confidential due to their sensitive nature relating to staff remuneration, the plan was to provide quarterly progress reports to council meetings to keep the community informed.
A summary of the incoming CEO Report will be provided to the community after the Ordinary Meeting and made available on council’s website.
