SCENIC ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 Winton SHIRE COUNCIL LEGENDARY SAFE SCENIC Annual Report 1 | P a g e Contents TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS ........................................................................................................................ 3 Forward................................................................................................................................................... 3 Mission Statement .................................................................................................................................. 3 Vision ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 Values ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR ................................................................................................................ 4 WINTON SHIRE COUNCIL STAFF PROFILE AS AT 30TH JUNE 2020 .................................................. 14 COMMUNITY CONTACT AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS ..................................................................... 15 COMMUNITY FINANCIAL REPORT 2019/2020....................................................................................... 16 RESOLUTIONS 2019/2020 ...................................................................................................................... 18 CAPITALISATION THRESHOLDS ........................................................................................................... 19 COUNCILLORS FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES .......................................................................................... 19 CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE OF COUNCILLORS .......................................................................... 20 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION COMPLAINTS ............................................................................................. 21 OVERSEAS TRAVEL ............................................................................................................................... 22 SENIOR MANAGEMENT REMUNERATION ............................................................................................ 22 EXPENDITURE ON GRANTS TO COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS ....................................................... 22 OTHER CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................ 23 SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................... 25 GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE ............................................................................................................... 26 TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................................................. 31 COMMUNITY, CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE ............................................................................................. 38 Achievements of the Aims of the Queensland Plan .................................................................................. 49 Appendix A – Financial Statements 2019-2020 ........................................................................................ 51 Appendix B - Expenses Reimbursement and Provision of Facilities for Mayor and Councillors Policy ...... 92 Annual Report 2 | P a g e TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS Forward This Annual Report provides a summary of activities undertaken by Winton Shire Council during the 2019/2020 financial year. Its purpose is to provide information of value to businesses, government departments and most importantly, the Winton Shire community, who can then assess the delivery and performance of their Council. Mission Statement “To lead and work in partnership with the Community, to improve our lifestyle whilst preserving our heritage for future generations” Vision Winton, Legendary, Safe, Scenic Values Accountability The ethical concept associated with responsibility, enforcement, blameworthiness, transparent process, liability and other terms associated with being answerable for the trust that is bestowed by those whom we serve. Effectiveness The idea of carrying out a program or process that is entirely adequate to accomplish the purpose that has been identified as a goal or aspiration. Efficiency The concept that in the process of pursuing or effecting any program, procedure or task where all wastage is minimised. Sustainability Is the capacity to maintain a certain process or state indefinitely. When applied in an economic context, a business is sustainable if it has adapted its practices for the use of renewable resources and is accountable for the environmental impacts of its activities. Meaningful Community Engagement Encompasses the principle of seeking the views and opinions of the Community. This is to be through an effective committee system and public consultation process as part of Council’s decision-making methodology. Good Governance This describes the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). Hereby, public institutions conduct public affairs, manage public resources and guarantee the realization of human rights. Good governance accomplishes this in a manner essentially free of abuse and corruption and with due regard for the rule of law. Ethical & Legal Behavior Ethical behavior is characterized by honesty, fairness and equity in all interpersonal relationships. Ethical behavior respects the dignity, diversity and rights of individuals and groups of people. When coupled with legal behavior there is an expectation that there will be a penalty for conduct that breaches any law, statute or regulation. Annual Report 3 | P a g e MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Once again, it’s been an eventful year in Winton. have engaged new event managers (Chandler & Everyone was wondering what the year would bring Shaw) to co-ordinate the 2021 event with a new after the Monsoon of early 2019, then back into drought direction and a revised budget. The WWOWF hopefully by the end of the year, but no one predicted the events will attract 1000’s of people into our region early in the of 2020 a worldwide pandemic. COVID-19, from early tourist season and give our economy a kickstart after 2020, crippled our economy. It closed businesses for the off season. many months and stopped travellers and tourists, who are essential to our economy, from visiting Winton. This The Geothermal continues to be a major issue for was a very difficult time for not only Winton but the council. The commissioning process looked promising world. These troubling times tested our shire, but it also in late 2019 but due to malfunctions the project has showed the grit and determination that makes Winton stalled. Be rest assured council is working hard with the such a special place. Locals rallied around and Project Manager & Contractor to rectify the dispute and supported businesses and helped friends and family for everyone to honour their side of the contract. This get through the lock down. During this time, the rural project has seen a significant input of funds by council industry continued as normal, being isolated out of and we need to get it operational, so we can start town, and played a big role in keeping the economy seeing some return on investment. ticking over, especially the rural supply businesses who commented that “they haven’t been this busy for a long Moving into the future council has initiated several time”. Thankfully restrictions started to ease in May projects this term to help guide infrastructure and through to June and life started to get back to normal funding opportunities, these include; with travellers and tourists flooding into town. • Showgrounds Masterplan; It’s been another busy year for our road crews with the • Saleyards Masterplan; continued rollout of the 2019 flood damage program. • Childcare Masterplan; Work has continued in the southern part of our shire • Airport Feasibility Study; before moving into the north. Winton Shire has over • Town Planning Scheme. 2000km of the rural road network that needed repairing after the monsoon and this program of works has kept Finally, I’d like to welcome our new council team which both our staff and contractors fully engaged for the last was elected in March 2020. We have 3 new councillors 12 months and will continue into the 20/21 financial Cr Sandy Gillies, Cr Anne Seymour and Cr Cathy White year. There have also been construction jobs occurring who, I’m sure, will be a great addition and work hard to with new sections on the Richmond and Hughenden make Winton a prosperous shire into the future. The Road. It’s important that we keep advocating to below portfolio’s have been assigned to councillors: complete the seal on the Richmond Road as it’s the Cr Sandy Gillies Governance and Finance missing link of the Australian Dinosaur Trail and a major transport corridor for properties in the gulf. Cr Anne Seymour Business & Economic Development Cr Tina Elliott Community, Culture & Lifestyle The completion of the redevelopment of Elderslie Cr Shane Mann Transport, Infrastructure & Utilities Street was a priority during this term of council and it’s Cr Cathy White Agriculture & Rural Development great to see both locals and travellers utilising the shaded areas. The amount of comments I’ve received I’d also like to thank Judy, Joel and Travis for their hard regarding