Annual report shows clear progress towards council’s new vision

The report, adopted at today’s ordinary council meeting, includes key achievements and exciting major projects that align with council’s new Corporate Plan (2022-2027) and strategic vision.

Mayor Greg Williamson said during this financial year council had celebrated some important milestones with our landmark projects.

“The Waterfront PDA and Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails are standouts,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It was tremendous to unveil the new River Wharves public realm and turn the sod on stage one of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails,” he said. “The mountain bike project will be transformative for our valley and for the region’s tourism industry.”

Mayor Williamson said the appointment of CEO Scott Owen in November 2022 had also helped to focus council’s strategic vision around the key pillars of the Corporate Plan.

“Invest and work, live and visit, community and environment, financial strength and operational excellence are the areas we are committed to driving forward to achieve our vision and this report tells the story of the progress we have made in those areas,” he said.

CEO Scott Owen said the annual report was an excellent snapshot of how council was working to deliver the best possible service to our clients.

“The 1113 council staff have delivered outstanding service to our community and our region over the last financial year,” Mr Owen said.

“The sheer scope of services provided by this team is detailed in this report and makes you realise the business of council is so much more than just roads, rates and rubbish,” he said.

Mr Owen said some of the services provided would undoubtedly surprise residents.

“For example, our Vector Control team treated 3903 hectares for mosquitoes; our Mackay Natural Environment Centre team grew 45,776 native plants to help green our region; our Community Programs team facilitated more than $564,000 in community grants to support not-for-profit groups; and our Libraries team delivered 1880 programs and 152 outreach events across the region,” he said.

All this information and more can be found in the 2022-2023 annual report on council’s website.