2011-12 Annual Report Contents Our vision 3 Our guiding principles 3 Purpose of the report 3 Message from the Mayor 4 Message from the Chief Executive Officer 5 Council (July 1, 2011 to May 14, 2012) 6 Council (May 14, 2012 to June 30, 2012) 7 Executive team 8 Recognising customer service 9 OUR GOVERNANCE 11 OUR COMMUNITY 15 OUR ECONOMY 25 OUR ENVIRONMENT 31 OUR MOVEMENT AND ACCESS 35 OUR PLACES AND SPACES 39 Statutory information 47 Community Financial Report 59 2 Fraser Coast Regional Council Annual Report 2011-12 Our vision Our vision is for the Fraser Coast to offer a “lifestyle for everyone”. Fraser Coast Regional Council will work towards achieving this vision by sustaining our unique natural environment, building a dynamic region, maintaining a healthy community and establishing a smart customer orientated organisation. Our guiding principles These are the principles that guide our actions and decisions when dealing with the community, customers and stakeholders: Honesty We behave ethically and act with honesty, fairness, courage and loyalty. Accountability We conduct ourselves in a business-like manner to deliver efficient and expert services in the public interest and we are open, consistent and transparent about our decisions. Teamwork We work together to strive for excellence, creativity, leading-edge technology and quality outcomes for the organisation and the region. Respect We recognise and support the contribution of individuals and respect each other, our families, our clients, those with different ideas and from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Communication We keep people informed through active engagement and consultation and being open to alternative ideas. Purpose of the report This annual report enables Council to share with the community and interested stakeholders information about our achievements, plans and challenges during the 2011-12 financial year. The report covers six key themes which stem from the Fraser Coast Community Plan - a high level strategic planning document which outlines a desired future and sets goals for the Fraser Coast local government area. The annual report also contains statutory information required by the Local Government Act 2009 including Council’s audited financial statements. Fraser Coast Regional Council Annual Report 2011-12 3 Message from the Mayor It has been an exciting year of consolidation and launching I am extremely hopeful that a review of the Local many projects that will stimulate our economy and provide Government Act will return more power to Councils to allow facilities to take the community forward. us to cut red and green tape, improve efficiencies and cut costs which will help us stimulate the regional economy to Projects such as the Maryborough Aquatic Centre, the produce jobs and investment. Fraser Coast Cultural Centre, Maryborough Pound and extensions to the Hervey Bay Airport Industrial Estate were Through initiatives such as extending the Infrastructure long awaited and will ensure that the Fraser Coast remains Charges Incentive Policy; review of our purchasing policy at the forefront of the region. and procurement procedures we have been able to maximise opportunities to support local businesses. While the local government elections disrupted momentum, we moved swiftly to consolidate our vision I am pleased that the widespread community support as a new Council and drive that vision through the for change seen at the elections has translated into implementation of a 120 Day Action Plan. widespread support from the peak industry bodies across the Fraser Coast. We also introduced a portfolio system allowing each Councillor to be responsible for a specific area within We all agree that the region needs to move forward and we Council. The portfolios take into account a Councillor’s are working together to reach our potential. interests and strengths. Councillors will act as the conduit between Council and the businesses, industries and sectors that they represent. Council commissioned an independent review of our financial position, promoted our investment potential and met the premier and state ministers to gain support for our plans, especially on a new boat ramp for Burrum Heads and reinvigorating the Urangan Harbour. Gerard O’Connell Mayor 4 Fraser Coast Regional Council Annual Report 2011-12 Message from the Chief Executive Officer Repairing the Fraser Coast after two summers of floods The Fraser Coast is well placed to supply workers and has and prolonged rain has been a major priority for Council in the industries to supply equipment and services to the the past 12 months. resource sector. At the same time Council has also delivered on a massive Council also promoted the concept of Live here, Work capital budget that has included: there, and assisted local airlines to develop routes to service the fly-in fly-out resources workers. • Construction of the Maryborough Aquatic Centre; The long term benefits for the region are more residents • The replacement of Jumpo Bridge at Bidwill and Maria to help stimulate the local economy and the possibility Creek Bridge at Howard and repairs to the Burrum of northern flights to connect the Fraser Coast to a wider Bridge; tourist market. • Starting construction of the Fraser Coast Cultural Our role in successful economic development is to promote Centre and Regional Gallery; the region’s competitive edge; welcome and facilitate new • Replacement of the Harland Car Park drain, and; business; support local business; and reduce red tape. • Rebuilding Chapel Road. To promote growth Council extended its Infrastructure Charges Incentives Program and joined with Energy Skills Council continued to focus on the regional economy by Queensland to help 30 Fraser Coast Jobseekers gain forging partnerships with business to grow our economy, valuable skills and training. especially leveraging off the resources boom in Central Queensland. Council continued to support local business, spending $65 million with local suppliers and a further $49 million The region hosted one of the two Mining and Gas Jobs employing 550 staff across the region. Expos organised by the State Government. More than 10,000 people flocked to the expo held at the Brolga I encourage you to read about our other achievements Theatre and Convention Centre. during 2011-12 and I congratulate our staff and community for their contribution to making the Fraser While the expo gave residents a chance to link into Coast a desirable place to live, work and play. the mining boom, it was an opportunity for Council to showcase the region to the mining companies, and the subcontractors building the new developments. Lisa Desmond Chief Executive Officer Fraser Coast Regional Council Annual Report 2011-12 5 Council (1 July, 2011 - May 14, 2012) Council was undivided until the election in April 2012, with Councillors representing all residents across the region. It was a decision of Council to reform its meeting regime and replace the portfolio system. Councillors were therefore responsible and available to represent all residents on all issues. Councillors (as shown in images below): Cr David Dalgleish Cr Mick Kruger (Mayor) Cr Belinda McNeven Cr Sue Brooks Cr Debbie Hawes Cr Gerard O’Connell Cr Les MucKan Cr Barb Hovard Cr Linda Harris Cr Julie Arthur Cr Anne Nioa 6 Fraser Coast Regional Council Annual Report 2011-12 Council (May 14 - June 30, 2012) The local government elections were conducted on April 28, 2012 with the poll being declared on May 14, 2012. Councillor Trevor McDonald was elected as Deputy Mayor of the new Fraser Coast Regional Council at the Post Election meeting on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. At the meeting, Council adopted a portfolio system allowing each Councillor to be responsible for a specific area within Council. The portfolios take into account Councillors’ interests and strengths. The Portfolio Councillors act as the conduit between Council and the businesses, industries and sectors that they represent. Cr James Hansen Cr Trevor McDonald (Deputy Mayor) Division 1 Division 6 Primary Production & Rural Infrastructure Infrastructure Planning & Delivery Cr Phil Truscott Cr Darren Everard Division 2 Division 7 Waterways and Coastal Infrastructure Sport, Recreation, Open Spaces & Events Cr Chris Loft Cr Robert Garland Division 3 Division 8 Small Business, Manufacturing & Service Health, Education & Training Industry Cr Daniel Sanderson Cr Stuart Taylor Division 4 Division 9 City & Town Centre Development Tourism & Regional Marketing Cr Rolf Light Cr George Seymour Division 5 Division 10 Aviation Community, Cultural & Family Services Fraser Coast Regional Council Annual Report 2011-12 7 Executive team Wayne Sweeney, Director - • Adoption of the Eli Waters Structure Plan and the Local Infrastructure & Environment Heritage Register; The Infrastructure and Environment Directorate was • Adoption and implementation of six new Local Laws; successful in gaining about $23 million for emergency and • Implementation of a number of initiatives which reconstruction works as a result of the adverse weather assists the development industry, including events in December 2010/January 2011. Expressway, Infrastructure Incentives Policy, focus Much of the directorate’s resources were channelled group meetings; towards the design and delivery of repairs to the damaged • Successful funding and commencement of the Live infrastructure across the region. Life Healthy Program; Wet conditions during the past two years have contributed • Major projects during the year