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.