CORPORATE PLAN 2018 - 2023

REVIEWED 30 JUNE 2020 - 19

CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR AND CEO 4

PAROO SHIRE COUNCILLORS 5

ABOUT PAROO SHIRE 6

KEY STATISTICS 7

ABOUT THE CORPORATE PLAN 9

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PROCESS 10

OUR VISION, MISSION AND VALUES 11

MONITORING OUR PROGRESS 11

COUNCIL’S ROLE 11

OUR PRIORITIES FOR 2018 - 2023 12 - 13

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 14 - 19

Photo credit (bottom image on front cover): Footprints in Mud by M Johnstone 2019 #ParooPride Photography Competition Adult Runner-up

2 PAROO SHIRE COUNCIL 2018 - 2023 CORPORATE PLAN 3 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR AND CEO

We look forward to the coming year as Paroo Shire comes out of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and starts to rebuild its visitor numbers which in turn will re-energise our local businesses.

This year is the mid point of our Corporate Plan and a number of our priorities have been achieved, particularly our aim to obtain funding for major infrastructure works. A number of these projects will reach completion this year and will add to the long term sustainability of the Shire.

Our staff are at the forefront of service delivery to the community and we extend our appreciation for their efforts and contribution to the organisation.

Cr Suzette Beresford Sean Rice Mayor, Paroo Shire Acting CEO, Paroo Shire Council

4 PAROO SHIRE COUNCIL PAROO SHIRE COUNCILLORS

Mayor, Cr Suzette Beresford 0427 551 191 [email protected]

Deputy Mayor, Cr Rick Brain 0400 088 013 [email protected]

Cr James Clark 0499 299 700 [email protected]

Cr Patricia Jordan 0427 551 452 [email protected]

Cr Joann Woodcroft 0427 551 230 [email protected]

2018 - 2023 CORPORATE PLAN 5 ABOUT PAROO SHIRE

Paroo Shire is a rural region located in south west and includes the townships of , Eulo, Wyandra and . Covering an area of almost 48,000km2, Paroo borders the Bulloo, Murweh, Maranoa, Quilpie, Balonne and Bourke Shires.

A region built on wool production, Paroo is an area rich in history. Cunnamulla was home to the largest wool shed in the southern hemisphere and has not rested on its laurels. Industries within the region now also include meat sheep, cattle, goats, macropod harvesting, opals and honey production. Tourism is also a growing industry, with people from around the country and overseas visiting to share in this unique part of Australia.

Our residents are spirited, determined, welcoming and resilient. We are blessed with strong community pride with residents all contributing to Paroo’s positive future.

WHERE ARE WE NOW? WHERE ARE WE GOING?

Our real strength is our people. Council is Despite some challenges, Paroo is preparing dedicated to running the shire as best we for a period of positive change. Council is can, by providing as much support to our implementing measures and developing residents as possible, and also running the strategy to create growth and bring extra Council responsibly to ensure a sustainable revenue into the region. future. Local governments today are expected to deliver more services than just “roads, The Paroo Shire is working closely with both rates and rubbish”, with Council’s roles and State and Federal Governments to assist with obligations now extending to social, economic, meeting the needs of our shire, specifically in cultural and environmental issues at both a the area of asset replacement and projects local and regional level. which will provide ongoing local employment opportunities. Considerable effort has already Our shire profile shows that we have a been put in and will continue to be put into relatively high degree of social and economic destination branding and shire imagery in disadvantage that both impacts on Council’s order to develop the region as a popular ability to generate revenue and increases tourist destination. As the fastest growing the reliance on Council as a service provider. sector, tourism is an industry Council will It’s no secret that Council has struggled be concentrating on in order to bring extra financially in recent years, in particular with dollars to local businesses. our operating deficit and not being able to fully fund depreciation of our assets. We have This combined with support from the been working extensively on this aspect of our community will no doubt contribute to finances and improving our sustainability. The a sustainable and exciting future for the result of this work shows a great improvement Paroo Shire. in our ability to better manage our assets into the future. We will continue to be responsible in the way we manage our finances and deliver services to the community.

6 PAROO SHIRE COUNCIL KEY STATISTICS

Total population of

1,562 (ABS Estimated Resident Population, 2019) (13.6% decline from the previous five years)

Median age 28.2% 28.2% of of the population 46 71.8% years are indigenous (ABS Census, 2016) (ABS Census, 2016)

Drought declared since 31.4% employed in 1 April agriculture 2013 (NIEIR, 2019)

Median household income is 6% of residents Simply Organized 62.9% of the are born Queensland overseas average (ABS Census, 2016) (ABS Census, 2016) 2018 - 2023 CORPORATE PLAN 7 8 PAROO SHIRE COUNCIL ABOUT THE CORPORATE PLAN

Long term strategic planning is crucial to ensure our shire and Council become not only sustainable, but stays sustainable and grows for future generations.

The Corporate Plan 2018 - 2023 is Council’s key long-term planning document which will guide the allocation of resources and delivery of services to the community. It is also the primary document from which Council’s other plans and strategic documents are developed.

The Plan identifies and is structured around five key priority areas, which will form a base for all Council decisions and strategy over the five year period.

SET LONG TERM SHIRE VISION VISION

IDENTIFY PRIORITIES AND SERVICE DELIVERY FIVE YEAR CORPORATE PLAN COMMITMENTS

DETERMINE AND ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN AND BUDGET IMPLEMENT (INCORPORATED INTO ALL BRANCH OPERATIONAL PROJECTS BUSINESS PLANS)

QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE MONITOR AND REPORT ASSESSMENTS AND ON PERFORMANCE ANNUAL REPORT

2018 - 2023 CORPORATE PLAN 9 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PROCESS

In developing the 2018 - 2023 Corporate Plan, Paroo Shire Council utilised the content and community consultations that took place for the 2008 - 2012 Corporate Plan, as well as the current local and regional issues that the shire is facing through community feedback at Council meetings.

What Paroo might lack in population size, it makes up for in community spirit and mateship. Due to the tight-knit nature of the community, the elected members of Paroo remain closely in touch with residents so the engagement process never ends.

Councillors’ scan of current environmental and future Residents trends survey Councillors and other vision and community priority setting feedback to Councillors THE

Corporate Plan ENGAGEMENT Draft adoption and Corporate Plan implementation PROCESS developed

Consideration Community of submissions engagement received on on draft plan draft plan

10 PAROO SHIRE COUNCIL OUR VISION OUR VALUES

Paroo Shire is committed to being progressive In making and implementing our decisions we in thought and action, where our inclusive will be guided by the principles of integrity, communities provide unique places for people efficiency and continuous improvement and to live, visit and prosper. exhibit the following values:

P – Pride A – Accountability OUR MISSION R – Respect O – Open and Transparent O – Opportunities for Employment To improve the Paroo Shire’s assets and S – Safety amenities, act as a custodian of culture and C – Commitment the environment, and foster sustainable development and innovation.

MONITORING OUR PROGRESS

QUARTERLYThis Corporate PERFORMANCE Plan will CouncilANNUAL will OPERATIONAL report on the CouncilPAROO will conduct SHIRE an be implementedREPORT annually implementationPLAN AND BUDGET and long annualANNUAL review REPORTof what was through Council’s operational term objectives through achieved, measured against plans and budgets, which quarterly reporting the priorities listed in this details specific actions and to Council. Corporate Plan. The results their associated cost to will be published in the Paroo meet the current and future Shire Annual Report which is needs of the community. published in the first quarter of each financial year.

COUNCIL’S ROLE

As we work towards our outcomes, we recognise that not all of them can be achieved by Council alone. Council will fulfil a range of roles in working to achieve the outcomes outlined in this plan.

These roles include:

COUNCIL ROLE DESCRIPTION Provider Delivering services to the community Funder Funding other parties to deliver community services Regulator Regulating activities through legislation, local laws or policies Forming partnerships and strategic alliances with other parties in the interests Partner of the community Assisting others to be involved in activities by bringing groups and interested parties Facilitator together to deliver community outcomes. Promoting the interest of the community to other decision makers and influencers Advocate to advance community outcomes

2018 - 2023 CORPORATE PLAN 11 OUR PRIORITIES 2018 - 2023

PRIORITY AREA PRIORITY FOCUS

SI1 Develop a Shire Road Maintenance Plan with annual program SI2 Achieve high delivery of annual capital works programs in line with funding for renewals as per the Asset Plan Building and Maintaining SI3 Successfully deliver Councils Capital Works Program including key projects such as the our Shire’s Infrastructure new CCEC, John Kerr Park Development, (SI) Hot Springs and Riverwalk Development. SI4 Assess cost/community benefit of non-essential infrastructure SI5 Enhance our focus on sound Asset Management strategy, planning and implementation for all Councils assets

POF1 Adopt and implement a three year Economic Development Strategy POF2 Develop an advocacy plan Planning For Our Future POF3 Develop a Business Attraction Strategy (POF) POF4 Pursue alternative sources of revenue to diversify Council’s income streams POF5 Enhance community communication and engagement

WC1 Support our volunteers and existing service providers Ensuring the Wellbeing WC2 Support existing businesses of Our Community WC3 Attract new businesses WC4 Enhance local employment opportunities and (WC) job containment WC5 Enhance lifestyle for Paroo resident and visitors

12 PAROO SHIRE COUNCIL PRIORITY AREA PRIORITY FOCUS

CSC1 Implement new Corporate Organisational Structure and control framework to Creating a build governance and capability within the organisation Sustainable Council CSC2 Develop a 10 Year Sustainability Plan focusing (CSC) core business and value for money CSC3 Adopt and implement a long-term Asset Management Plan

GMG1 Attract and support new investors GMG2 Take proactive steps to increase Generating and the population Managing Growth GMG3 Enhance connectivity GMG4 Maintain wild dog control program (GMG) GMG5 Provide greater focus on delivery of works for TMR, noting the importance of this funding to Councils sustainability

Developing and TD1 Develop a destination brand for Paroo Promoting Paroo as a TD2 Examine Sister City tourism opportunities TD3 Develop a shire-wide image campaign Tourist Destination TD4 Develop collaborative parterships to (TD) promote Paroo’s destination brand

2018 - 2023 CORPORATE PLAN 13 PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

PROGRAM 1: MANAGING COUNCIL AS A BUSINESS

COUNCIL AREA SERVICE AREA SERVICE EXAMPLES COUNCIL ROLE • Civic leadership • Advocacy Provider / Advocate / Executive • Ensure compliance with the Partner Local Government Act • Civic leadership • Advocacy Provider / Advocate / Councillors • Ensure compliance with the Partner Local Government Act Office of • People management Human the CEO • Workplace culture Partner / Regulator Resources • Recruitment Staff • Internal transfer of labour on-costs across Provider Resources Council’s service areas

• Protect the health and safety of Council staff, Workplace contractors and community Health Partner / Regulator • Ensure compliance with the Workplace and Safety Health and Safety Act • Maintain financial health of Council • Facilitate and guide procurement activities • Optimise the return on Council’s cash and investments Financial Financial • Manage Council’s debts, and recover overdue Provider / Partner / Management Management debts owed to Council Regulator • Undertake the delivery of Council’s rates and property functions • Optimise the compliant management of tax obligations • Facilitate and guide business practices Information Partner / Regulator / • Ensure Council is open, fair, compliant and Technology Advocate responsive to complaints • Provide systems and protocols to enhance Corporate Governance the performance, effectiveness, efficiency and Provider Governance transparency of service areas Financial • This revenue is Council’s receipt of the general Assistance Provider component of FAGS Grants (FAGS)

14 PAROO SHIRE COUNCIL

PROGRAM 2: BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY

COUNCIL AREA SERVICE AREA SERVICE EXAMPLES COUNCIL ROLE

Community Provider / Services • Administration of community service programs Regulator / Advocate Administration Celebrations Provider / Funder / • Enable the celebration of significant events and Functions Partner / Facilitator Community • Coordinate services and interagency Provider / Development collaboration to support the community Partner / Funder • Provide information, advice and referrals to Provider / Youth Program young people and their families Partner / Funder Sport and • Provide health and wellbeing programs to the Provider / Liveability of Recreation community and schools Partner / Funder the Community Program • Deliver RADF program in partnership with the RADF Provider / Partner Funded • Provide and support a range of community Funder / Regulator Programs facilities, organisations and services • Work with other organisations, Councils and Regional Provider / government departments in the region to Partnerships Partner / Funder deliver services to the Paroo community Drought • Provide and support a range of facilities, Provider / Community organisations and services that help meet the Partner / Funder Program community’s needs and aspirations Library / Cemeteries / Community Swimming Assets and Pool / TV • Provision of services for Paroo Shire Provider Services Translators / Community Housing

16 PAROO SHIRE COUNCIL COUNCIL AREA SERVICE AREA SERVICE EXAMPLES COUNCIL ROLE Public Order • Ensure Local Laws are fairly and consistently Regulator and Safety administered • Provide a health and safe environment Provider / Funder / Environmental • Minimise community’s exposure to health Partner / Health Regulating Our and environmental risks Facilitator / Advocate Community Stock Routes Provider / • Manage and maintain stock route network and Rural Lands Regulator Pest and • Coordinate pest and weed Provider / Regulator / Weed Control management activities Partner / Advocate • Promote and market the shire as a tourist destination Tourism Provider • Support local businesses to better deliver to the tourist market Community • Formuate and implement strategies that will Brand and Economic promote economic growth Provider Resilience Development • Enhance the Council and Paroo Shire brands • Activities and actions to reduce or eliminate the Disaster Provider/ likelihood or effects of a natural or man-made Management Partner disaster, including Get Ready QLD funding

2018 - 2023 CORPORATE PLAN 17 PROGRAM 3: MANAGING OUR ASSETS

COUNCIL AREA SERVICE AREA SERVICE EXAMPLES COUNCIL ROLE • Provide a safe and cost effective water supply Water Provider and treatment of wastewater Essential • Provide a safe and cost effective treatment Sewerage Provider Services of wastewater Waste • Waste collection Provider Management Council • Manage Council-owned buildings and facilities Provider Buildings Halls and • Maintain community halls and Recreation Provider recreation facilities Facilities Parks and • Maintain parks, gardens and Provider Gardens • sporting areas Maintaining and • Maintain levee banks to provide effective Levee Banks Provider Operating Our protection from a flood event Assets and • Maintain town streets of Cunnamulla, Eulo, Services Town Streets Provider Yowah and Wyandra

Storm Water • Maintain storm water infrastructure Provider

Shire Road • Maintain the shire road network to agreed Provider / Partner Maintenance levels of service.

Airport • Provide access to air travel Provider / Partner

• Management of Council assets Asset • Maintain data integrity Provider Administration • Deliver an effective and efficient insurance function • Procurement Warehouse Provider • Inventory management Managing Delivery of Our Depot • Maintain depot and remote work facilities Provider Assets and Services Plant • Supply and maintain Fleet, plant and equipment Provider Operations Engineering, Planning and • Management of the delivery for engineering, Provider Environment planning and environment related services Administration

18 PAROO SHIRE COUNCIL PROGRAM 4: EXTERNAL WORKS

COUNCIL AREA SERVICE AREA SERVICE EXAMPLES COUNCIL ROLE RMPC - State • Deliver infrastructure works as contracted with Provider Roads the Department of Transport and Main Roads

External Works Private Works • Deliver works on privately owned infrastructure Provider

Roads to • Deliver local road infrastructure maintenance Provider Recovery

PROGRAM 5: RENEWAL, UPGRADE AND CREATION OF OUR ASSETS

COUNCIL AREA SERVICE AREA SERVICE EXAMPLES COUNCIL ROLE • Manage assets so to improve the sustainability Depreciation Provider of our Shire • Projects that return the asset to agreed level of service Renewal, Capital • Projects that are improving Provider Upgrade and Program Creation of existing infrastructure Our Assets • Projects that will construct new infrastructure Works for Queensland • Undertake maintenance and minor Provider (W4Q) - infrastructure projects COVID-19

2018 - 2023 CORPORATE PLAN 19 PAROO SHIRE COUNCIL 82-88 Broad Street, Cunnamulla, Queensland 4490 [email protected] (07) 4655 8400 www.paroo.qld.gov.au