Council Snapshot - 13 November 2024
Council Snapshots provide a brief summary of each Council Meeting to highlight the issues considered.
Residents can see the full agenda for each meeting, as well as watch Council meetings here. You can go straight to the relevant discussion by clicking the headline below.
Among the topics discussed at its meeting on 14 November were:
The 2023/24 Annual Report was presented and adopted at this week’s meeting. The Annual Report highlights key achievements, financial performance, and significant projects completed in line with Council’s commitment to accountability and transparency. The annual report will be published on Council’s website soon.
Councillor appointments to Advisory Boards
Three Councillors have been appointed to Local Government Association of Queensland Advisory Groups. These committees play a critical role in providing strategic advice and recommendations to the peak body for local government in Queensland on emerging issues, strategic policy and advocacy priorities
- Cr O’Neil was selected for the Roads and Transport Committee.
- Cr Birkett was selected for the Water & Wastewater Committee
- Cr Vincent was selected for the Waste Management & Circular Economy Advisory Group.
- Cr Hancock was also appointed to the Regional Development Australia Darling Downs and South West Board. The national RDA committees work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the economic and social development of their regions.
This is a great outcome off the back of the Councillor’s attendance at this year’s LGAQ conference in Brisbane. Council has intends to be part of the important advocacy being done by Councils nationally. These appointments ensure Council has a voice in shaping policy for local government for our region.
Mayoral Robe – update on Expression of Interest
At the Ordinary Meeting on 24 July, a resolution was passed to purchase a Mayoral Robe to be worn at ceremonial events. An expression of interest was extended to local seamstresses to make the robe, however there were no responses received after several months searching. In order to have the robe available for Australia Day celebrations, Council resolved to acquire a ready-made set at the budgeted cost.
Audit Committee Meeting Minutes I 14 October 2024
The minutes from the Audit Committee’s meeting held on 14 October 204 was presented to Council in accordance with Local Government Regulation 2012. The main purpose of the Committee is to provide an oversight function to Council’s responsibilities related to draft financial statements, internal audit and risk management. Council endorsed the Audit Committee’s recommendations as presented.
- The 2025/26 State Emergency Services (SES) Support Grant recently opened for applications to support SES facilities and SES vehicles.
- Separately, Council has received a one-off exceptional payment of $73,642.84 from the Queensland Government to assist with the costs associated with the operation of active SES groups.
- At the meeting Council approved projects across the region including additional storage and shading at Surat, additional storage at Wallumbilla, vermin proofing at Mitchell SES and development of designs to improve the amenities, kitchen area and additional storage and parking at the Roma SES base.
- Council also took the opportunity to recognise and thank the volunteers from the SES across the region for the valuable work they provide to our community.
Injune Visitor Information Centre Christmas and New Year Operating Hours
Council approved the Christmas and New Years operating hours for the Injune Visitor Information Centre. The Injune Visitor Information Centre will be closed from Wednesday, 25 December 2024 to Wednesday, 1 January 2025. Council approved for the centre to be open on nominated closure dates with volunteer staff pending the coordination and confirmation of their availability.
Establishment of Biosecurity Advisory Committee
Council endorsed the development of a Terms of Reference for the re-established Biosecurity Advisory Committee. Once developed endorsement by Council, expressions of interest will be call for landowner and industry representation on the committee.
Endorsement of Chair I Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Committee
At the recent Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Committee meeting on 31 October 2024, a motion was passed for Cr Hancock to step down as Chair of the Committee. The Committee recommended Cr Brumpton, Portfolio Chair for Arts and Culture, as the new Chair going forward. Council approved this recommendation.
Request for Capital Works Program Reprioritisation and Amendment – Water Infrastructure
Council has approved an amendment to the 2024/25 capital works program to accommodate two new projects and the reallocation of $284,374. This includes upgrading the water mains at Beaumont Drive Roma and the installation of extra fire hydrants to the western industrial zones (Raglan St Roma). The projects will aim to improve firefighting capacity within the area’s industrial zone.
Organisational Structure Review
At the Meeting, Council approved the scope of the organisational structure review. The next steps will see consultation with Council, executive management and staff on suggestions on a structure that will deliver efficient and affordable services to the community.
This information will be collated and presented to Council for consideration in the first half of 2025.
The next meeting will be held on 27 November 2024.