Weipa Town Authority CORPORATE PLAN 2020-2025 Contents Introduction 1 “Whatever the future Our Vision 2 Who are we? 4 direction and growth that Our Approach 5 Introduction Service Excellence 6 our community wants it will A vibrant, connected and Welcome to the Weipa Town Authority (WTA) Corporate Plan resilient community 8 not happen by accident, for 2020‑2025. This plan is the guiding document for the WTA Partnerships and collaboration 10 members and staff and directs all our planning and service delivery. A thriving, diverse economy 12 it needs to be guided and Community infrastructure 14 I want to acknowledge the traditional custodians The Weipa Port is a vital piece of transport directed, through vision of the land upon which we all live, and I pay my infrastructure as the only deep water harbour Our planning processes 16 respects to elders past, present and emerging. between Cairns and Darwin (without the Great The WTA Members 17 and commitment.” Working together we can shape the future so that it Barrier Reef). There is opportunity to re-purpose benefits all people. and diversify use of the port to ensure viability and sustainability into the future. A plan like this only comes together because of the hard work, passion and commitment of so many The continued sealing of the Peninsula people, including Rio Tinto and WTA members Development Road, the upgrade of our regional who have generously provided input, expertise airport, the installation of state-of-the-art and collaboration in the development of the WTA medical equipment (CT scanner) in Weipa are Corporate Plan 2020-2025. A plan envisions the all catalysts contributing to the growth of Weipa best way forward across all the areas to make a as a Regional Centre. To make the most of this vibrant community through delivery pathways growth opportunity we need to continue providing including infrastructure, economy, liveability, infrastructure and services that support the development, growth and environment. demand driven by change.
2020 has been disrupted by the impact of the The WTA believes that revitalisation and COVID-19 pandemic. An event that has impacted development of the Weipa Town Centre is a our nation to the extent that this virus has, forces significant enabler for the Region. This project us to be always prepared, flexible and adaptive and aims to enhance the current Nanum shopping yet still strive to live the best life that we can. We district creating a community and government hub can still choose how we want our community to be, with local Government offices, commercial office the seed of opportunity often lies in the heart of space, new community facilities and social spaces all adversity. to improve amenity and inject much needed energy and confidence into this area. Some aspects of a community are a constant like water supply, sewerage, waste management, Whatever the future direction and growth that our roads and infrastructure. These are the bones of community wants it will not happen by accident, it our community upon which all the rest grows. And needs to be guided and directed, through vision and just like a body our community is a living growing commitment. This plan is part of that journey and I entity which is not static, change is something that am happy to commend this plan to you. is happening all around us and to us, and if we are honest change is part of us.
The foundation and mainstay of this community has been the mining of bauxite, and while the mine will be here for the foreseeable future, mining is changing and moving further away from the Michael Rowland township. As land use changes, development Chair opportunities arise for traditional owners and also Weipa Town Authority the investment and diversity of industry across the Western Cape.
Pictured: Michael Rowland (left) with Stretch Noonan, Chair Weipa Local Disaster Management Group and Deputy Chair Weipa Town Authority.
Corporate Plan 2020 -2025 1 Our Vision Our Mission Our Values “The pathway forward for Weipa is through strong A diverse, connected and To deliver strong, accountable and Integrity Value leadership and partnerships sustainable community; the hub inclusive leadership that meets Excellence Engagement with government, business of the Cape’s unique lifestyle. the needs of the community. People and residents”
Service A vibrant, connected, Partnerships A thriving, Community excellence resilient community and collaboration diverse economy infrastructure
Positive experiences A community working Partnerships and A diverse and prosperous Quality community for our customers and together to develop and strategy to support the economy offering infrastructure that great services to our maintain the unique development and growth employment, training and supports a liveable and community. Weipa spirit. of the region. lifestyle options. sustainable community.
Performance Delivery Strategic Strategic Delivery Pathways Pathways Pathways Pathways Pathways
Excellence in governance Healthy and active Investing in relationships Investment attraction Long-term financial and asset Branding for pride and community – government, regional, Tourism/destination planning management planning consistency Community garden stakeholders and attraction Regular asset review Capability and leadership Connected pathways TCICA participation Town planning Safe and reliable water and framework Shady open spaces Regional Alliance Strategy Policy support for small/home wastewater Performance framework Vibrant community events Business Networks business Sustainable natural Staff training plan programme Regional approaches to Research and development environment Safety first Community grant support disaster management opportunities Contemporary and appropriate technology Regular engagement with community Assets meet endorsed standards
2 Weipa Town Authority Corporate Plan 2020 -2025 3 Who are we? Our Approach
Weipa is a vibrant and dynamic coastal community located on The Weipa region is extremely rich in bauxite, with much To meet its vision for a diverse, connected and sustainable community; with Weipa as the Albatross Bay on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, in the of the surrounding land around the township leased to hub of the Cape’s unique lifestyle, Weipa Town Authority will deliver strong, accountable “By actively engaging Gulf of Carpentaria. The township sits around 200km south the mining company Rio Tinto. Rio Tinto Weipa is a major and inclusive leadership and support for Weipa, both now and into the future. of Australia’s northern tip and about 800km north west of contributor to the regional economy, making significant with stakeholders across Cairns. Despite the distance from other major cities, the Weipa investments in local infrastructure. WTA recognises the interconnection between its activities and the rest of the Cape York the region, Weipa will township contains most of the facilities and conveniences of Communities. Weipa will build on it’s natural place as a service hub and facilitate access modern living. However, as mining operations move away from the Weipa to government and community services as well as supporting education, research, grow as the heart of a township and across the region, opportunities present recreation and employment. Rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage, this region for new economic growth, the diversification of industry, vibrant and connected of the western Cape York Peninsula features stunning beaches, encouragement of new markets and the need for innovation By actively engaging with stakeholders across the region, Weipa will grow as the heart of unspoilt wilderness and unrivalled fishing making Weipa the across all sectors in Cape York. a vibrant and connected Cape York Community. Cape York Community.” ideal base to explore the Cape’s many attractions. It is home to This will be achieved through strategic land use, business development, the revitalisation several different Traditional Owner groups, each contributing of the town’s land and infrastructure and the attraction of government and corporate to the unique diversity of the area. investment. The growth of tourism will also serve to facilitate improved amenities for both residents and visitors.
S Weipa’s population is Weipa has a low socio‑economic Weipa’s residents are younger e r approx. 4,000 and 20% disadvantage but shares a than the Qld average, v i identify as Aboriginal and location with some of Qld’s most with a high proportion of c e Torres Strait Islander disadvantaged communities young families. e (compared to 4% in Qld). across Cape York. ty infrastruct x uni ure c m e m l o l C e n
c
e
The average household in Weipa Weipa employees work Weipa workers are highly has two full time workers and a longer hours than the mobile, with over half household income near double average across Qld. changing homes in the e s Our , the Qld average. past five years. r d e e Community t y v t i y c i d e n m n , n u o g o m n c n i , m o t o v n c i ra c r t e vib n Rent in Weipa is twice the The workforce is dominated Unemployment in Weipa h A ie t il amount of the Qld average with by mining, followed by is low compared to the res
A P the cost of living in Weipa being health, education and rest of Qld. a 30% higher than Brisbane. tourism as the next highest rt employment industries. n co er ll sh ab ips ora and tion
More people in Weipa The incidence of diabetes Tourists predominantly travel volunteer, compared to in Weipa is three times the to Weipa via road. The demand the rest of Qld. average for Qld. for eco, cultural and adventure and fishing experiences are on the increase.
4 Weipa Town Authority Corporate Plan 2020 -2025 5 Service Excellence Positive experiences for our customers and great services to our community
Weipa Town Authority understands that Building staff pride and commitment to 2020-2025 PRIORITY what we deliver and how we deliver · quality through recognition strategies, Continuous excellence our services directly impacts the daily communication and the branding of across all aspects of experience of residents and visitors. We public and project works we undertake. WTA service delivery and strive for excellence in service to support governance. customer experience and create value. Monitoring and reporting to community People Service excellence means flexibility, regular Our people value is enacted through monitoring and adjustment as required. our commitment to service excellence. We will develop, apply and monitor It is respect for our people - those performance targets and indicators for in the community, our customers all major activities, benchmarked against and stakeholders and also within similar organisations. PERFORMANCE PATHWAYS our organisation. Excellence in governance Communication and access · We consider safety and wellbeing in all · Branding for pride and that we do. To deliver excellence, we must understand consistency community needs and impacts. We We actively seek, listen to and respect all Capability and leadership will communicate regularly and openly views in our decision-making. · framework with the community seeking their views and feedback. Performance framework Service Culture · We will ensure that the community has Staff training plan · Service excellence can only be delivered regular access to all of us, as Members, to Safety first where there is a service culture. We discuss matters of concern or interest. · foster a service culture throughout the organisation by: PERFORMANCE MEASURES · Ensuring our people are ready and Analysis of complaints and able. This means that we provide · service data and trends ongoing training in leadership and business management to support high Number of complaints or performing teams; · requests for service Consistently reiterating our On-time performance for · · commitment to great governance waste collection practice, developing policies and Staff turnover guidelines which are clear and make · compliance easy; and
Pictured L to R: Weipa Street sign, WTA and RTA Representatives, Hibberd Library History Display, Town Office.
6 Weipa Town Authority Corporate Plan 2020 -2025 7 A vibrant, connected and resilient community A community working together to develop and maintain the unique Weipa spirit
We will support and enhance the Provision of shade using native flora in 2020-2025 PRIORITIES community spirit and cooperation that urban areas will be a priority. • Sports Centre operations makes Weipa a unique place to live and a great place for families of all ages. Establish a community garden to • Events that connect ensure a supply of fresh vegetables, community Community health and wellbeing is foremost in our endeavours. To support promote a healthy lifestyle and foster • Playgrounds them, we will provide amenities to community connection. encourage healthy lifestyles, opportunities Leadership includes an important role for connection and education for life. in education and the WTA will continue to invest in community education with Facilities, activities and events a focus on mental and physical health We will offer a range of targeted events and wellbeing. and activities which bring community DELIVERY PATHWAYS members together in culture, sport Safety and amenity · Healthy and active and celebration. This includes We will partner with police on community community recognising, supporting and valuing our and public safety initiatives that engage community volunteers. Community garden community and address issues such as · anti-social behaviour. Connected pathways WTA will continue to provide essential · services and infrastructure to meet the Shady open spaces We seek to improve community amenity · needs of the community, adapting as the through a reasonable and equitable Vibrant community community grows. Including: local laws system. We will encourage · events programme Creating a town centre, community pride via community Community grant support · education initiatives such as an · Continuing focus on sport and · anti‑litter campaign. · Regular engagement recreation facilities, underpinned by a with community sport and recreation plan, and Engaged community Investigating opportunities to enhance We will undertake regular engagement · the youth precinct. PERFORMANCE MEASURES with the community through a wide range of modes to test ideas and affirm needs. · Community connecting Health and wellbeing events (minimum 2 per year) We will enable active transport by We will also communicate our decisions through varied channels targeting all Encourage full utilisation of connecting footpaths and cycleways to key segments of the community so that · new sports centre facilities and potentially between Weipa and Napranum. the whole community can be part of New or improved pathway our development. · works each year Management of parks, gardens, coastal reserves and foreshores will focus on New trees planted annually · active and passive use, protecting cultural and natural heritage.
Pictured L to R: Clean Up Australia Day Event 2019, Magicians in the Hibberd Library, Girl’s Night In 2020, Weipa Junior Cricket Club.
8 Weipa Town Authority Corporate Plan 2020 -2025 9 Partnerships and collaboration Partnerships and strategy to support the development and growth of the region
Weipa Town Authority will strive to provide Business networks 2020-2025 PRIORITIES a leadership role for community and WTA will facilitate business and industry across the Western Cape, and leverage To advocate for – networks by leveraging relationships local skills and resources to support • Becoming a Local across the Cape and through Governments regional development for the benefit of Government Entity and by providing information for business (Normalisation) the community. and prospective business investors. • Education and training opportunities Advocacy for the community • Research and Disaster Management We cannot do it all alone and will need development WTA has effective disaster management support from others to make Weipa the opportunities plans and practices in place. We will place our community aspires to be. We • Transport expansion – continuously review the plans and will advocate for the shared needs of roads, marine and airport support effectiveness through ongoing the Cape through relevant regional and services. community education. community leadership groups, including the Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils We will coordinate with neighbouring Alliance (TCICA). councils and other entities, ensuring STRATEGIC PATHWAYS consistency and cooperation across Investing in relationships Cape Development the region. · – government, regional, stakeholders Weipa is perfectly placed to be the hub for Western Cape economic, social and · TCICA participation cultural activity. WTA will map stakeholder Regional Alliance Strategy needs, developing understanding · of varied interests in order to build · Business Networks effective, collaborative relationships with Regional approaches to neighbouring councils and others in the · disaster management development of regional economic and liveability strategies that include:
new and emerging partnerships PERFORMANCE MEASURES · opportunities, · Representation of Weipa at priorities for infrastructure, resources regional and state forums · and services, · Appropriate levels of opportunities for co-branding promotion engagement of stakeholders · and support, and · State and Federal combined community, cultural, sport relationships · and recreation programmes. Partnerships and connections · with local business and community groups.
Pictured L to R: Governor-General Hurley and Mrs Hurley in Weipa, Torres and Cape York Indigenous Councils Alliance, Regional Development Australia, Weipa Local Disaster Management Group.
10 Weipa Town Authority Corporate Plan 2020 -2025 11 A thriving, diverse economy A diverse and prosperous economy offering employment, training and lifestyle options
To improve service to the community and Tourism 2020-2025 PRIORITIES sustainability for all, we will foster a more Partnerships to expand tourism diverse economy which includes varied • Transition to Local · including eco-tourism, cultural Government Entity commercial activities, a thriving small experiences, self-drive tourism, fishing business network and a tourism sector. • Investment attraction and adventure travel. • Diversification of investment and business Economic investment and · We will align marketing, signage and diversification collateral with the Western Cape brand and seek funding for visitor information The WTA acknowledges that economic centres and other supporting activities. opportunities in a broader sense will arise through: Government services and research hub STRATEGIC PATHWAYS · Sealing of the Peninsula Investment attraction Development Road, Strong and deep relationships with the · · Federal and State governments will Tourism/destination Weipa as a western facing · be a focus of WTA activity, ensuring · planning and attraction Queensland port, that we have support in addressing Town planning Marine and transport industry growth as challenges and that the community is · · mining moves further away from Weipa, Policy support for small/ provided with appropriate services as · home business Potential for space and Weipa is recognised as the hub of the · defence expansion. Western Cape. Research and development · We will promote the benefits of Weipa opportunities WTA will actively work to facilitate greater · as a base for aquaculture and other economic diversification by providing research fields, assisting relevant bodies enabling infrastructure, policy and to identify opportunities. PERFORMANCE MEASURES support including: Commitment to Home-based businesses, Innovation · procurement locally · Through the Weipa Town Planning We will support and invest in research Increased number of locally · Scheme, continue to provide and feasibility for new and expanded local · based businesses leadership for the appropriate use and industry. Examples - development of land, Support for new capital Space infrastructure · investments in Weipa Infrastructure that is future proofed and · · Biofuels Ongoing support for new purpose built to support Weipa’s long · · term outlook. Agriculture research and innovation · · Aquaculture · Native products e.g. honey · Timber harvesting.
Pictured L to R: PDR and Construction of Weipa Sports Complex.
12 Weipa Town Authority Corporate Plan 2020 -2025 13 Community infrastructure Quality community infrastructure that supports a liveable and sustainable community
Infrastructure is the foundation of any We will review environmental training and 2020-2025 PRIORITIES community and the decisions around the notification procedures adopted. • Smart water meters infrastructure provision and management are critical for a community’s We will consistently seek improved • Energy efficiency energy efficiency in WTA facilities and will programme roll-out long‑term outlook. investigate opportunities for grey water This means that the infrastructure and storm water capture and re-use. meets the needs of the community or organisation at a cost that can Environmentally responsible be sustained. Much of what the community loves about Weipa is the natural amenity. We will Water management work to preserve this, ensuring that our DELIVERY PATHWAYS We will provide leadership and public activities consider the sustainability of Long-term financial and guidance to foster the sensible use of our region, from ecological, social and · asset management planning water resources. environmental perspectives. This means: · Regular asset review The WTA will provide a framework for · Acting to mitigate climate risks · Safe and reliable water and reasonable water usage, measure per Offering a progressive environmental wastewater capita consumption and reduce water · approach via development of a wastage through technology solutions. Sustainable natural climate change adaptation and · mitigation strategy, environment Sustainable asset management Contemporary and Working with stakeholders on natural We will work to secure a sustainable · · appropriate technology resource management including financial base through solid asset weeds, pests and conservation of · Assets meet endorsed management with the implementation our biodiversity, standards of a long-term financial and asset The inclusion of planning controls in management plan and regular · the town plan which enshrine climate asset review. responsive design as a condition PERFORMANCE MEASURES We will consistently work towards of build, · Completion of capital works alternative financial and revenue growth Seeking grants for alternative programme strategies (including potential for public/ · energy projects, private partnerships and investment and Investment in long-term · grant funding opportunities). Installing public amenities and providing asset management/ · services to preserve natural amenity replacement and manage and reduce waste, and Sustainable operations · Reduction in electricity and Incorporating culture and history into water usage Our services will be delivered through · projects and programmes. responsible management and operations · Water quality reporting that minimise resources and waste.
Pictured L to R: Dogs enjoying the Weipa Dog Park, Grand Opening of Dog Park, Rocky Point Boat Ramp, Upgraded Kumrumja Centre & Parklands.
14 Weipa Town Authority Corporate Plan 2020 -2025 15 Our planning processes The WTA Members
The Weipa Town Authority (WTA) acts in the role The WTA is comprised of four elected of Local Council for the Weipa Town Area. This is Community Representatives, two Rio Tinto carried out on behalf of RTA Weipa Pty Ltd, with appointed representatives and one appointed Weipa Community Plan all the powers and resources of a local council Traditional Owner representative. 2012-2022 in Queensland. The WTA has a Chair (akin to a Mayor) and Identifies community values and priorities RTA Weipa Pty Ltd (RTAW) governs the Weipa Members (akin to Councillors). Town Area by virtue of the Commonwealth Aluminium Corporation Pty Limited Agreement The WTA endeavours to operate and function as Act 1957 (Qld) and the Comalco Aluminium though it were a local government constituted Corporation Pty Ltd Agreement. and established under the 2009 LG Act. The WTA meets once per month and makes WTA Corporate Plan The services supplied and maintained through decisions on local government matters, such 2020-2025 the WTA are those supplied by local councils as town planning, community development, throughout Australia, and include road infrastructure, services and local government Sets strategic direction and key projects maintenance, water supply, town planning, rates and charges. garbage collection, parks, ovals, sporting facilities, library and aquatic centre.
WTA long-term Financial & Asset Management Plan Five yearly review WTA Members
Outlines income and expenditure projections, infrastructre and asset management
WTA Operational Plan Annual
Itemises work programme and performance measures
Michael Rowland Stretch Noonan Dave Donald Jaime Gane Chair Chair Weipa Local Disaster Member Member Weipa Town Authority Management Group and WTA Operating Budget Deputy Chair Annual
Staff and project funding
WTA Capital Budget Annual
Asset Investment Aaron Schleich Jackie Malacoola Fiona Kruger RTA Representative Traditional Owner (Alngith) RTA Representative Representative
16 Weipa Town Authority Corporate Plan 2020 -2025 17 Weipa Town Authority
1 Hibberd Drive, Rocky Point, Weipa QLD 4874
PO Box 420, Weipa QLD 4874
P: (07) 4030 9400
W: www.weipatownauthority.com.au