4 minute read
Report from the CEO
In this, my first annual report as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Highlands Regional Council, I’d like to acknowledge and thank our councillors, staff and the community for their warm welcome since arriving in November 2021 from Victoria.
Central Highlands is a beautiful region and I have been struck by the pride of place that shines through from each of our 13 unique communities, as well as the commitment and passion of our staff and councillors.
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I was particularly attracted to the strength and stability of this council and inspired by the organisation’s clear commitment to a culture of accountability, innovation and progression.
Our 2021-2022 annual report speaks to this in volumes, highlighting the incredible ways in which our workforce has served and delivered for the region over the past 12 months.
As at 30 June 2022, we had expended $164 million in dayto-day operations and close to $60 million in capital works. This represents 96.1% expenditure of our capital program which is an extraordinary achievement, especially given the challenges with workforce and supply of materials and equipment currently being experienced.
Council’s capital projects are strongly focussed on renewal but also include new things, like the construction of a building or a park. We also invest in planning and design to access additional funding opportunities.
Family, youth and improved liveability were at the centre of a number of our key projects. The redevelopment of the Emerald Community Kindergarten was successfully completed in partnership with the federal government, allowing an extra 30 to 50 spaces for children. We also invested in our region’s skateparks, upgrading facilities in Sapphire, Capella and Blackwater.
In the infrastructure space, we replaced $2 million in council plant and equipment ensuring we can continue to deliver top-quality services to our communities. We also completed a $1.9 million resurfacing program and a $4.98 million gravel resheeting program to improve safety on our roads. improving the management of our region’s floodplains, strengthening community resilience and overall reducing risk to people and property.
It was also a strong year for Emerald saleyards, with strong demand continuing in the livestock market. The facility underwent some major improvements, including a new tag scanner on the weighbridge, half-deck scale platform, front fence and grid entrance. We also commenced construction of additional spelling yards.
The 2021-2022 financial statements and sustainability ratios indicate that council is in a sound financial position with healthy cash balances and a community net worth in excess of $1.6 billion. This year we recorded an operating surplus of $2.5 million reflecting a positive short-term performance that’s expected to be maintained over the medium term. Council’s community infrastructure assets also increased by $75 million during the year as a result of the capital works program, depreciation, disposals, write-offs and revaluation adjustments. Long-term financial sustainability of the council remains a risk and key goal, with global changes to supply and demand for coal always on the horizon. Council's cash position is very important moving into the future and will impact our future budget.
Finally, we finished the financial year with the adoption of a new 5-year corporate plan, a key milestone in this council’s journey. The new plan outlines the vision, long-term goals, values and strategies that will underpin our decision-making as we keep a steady focus on the future.
We look forward to the first year of this new plan, and strive to continue to grow, diversify and advance this region for you – our people.
Once again, thank you to our staff for their dedication, our community for their faith and our leaders for their guidance. I hope you enjoy reading more about the year as you follow our journey through the pages of this report.
After months of consultation and hard work under the Our Region, Our Resilience program, our amendment to the planning scheme for floodplain management was approved. This was a great achievement for council and the community,
Sharon Houlihan Chief Executive Officer Central Highlands Regional Council
Spotlight on: New corporate plan marks start of 5-year journey
After months of planning and consultation, council adopted a new 5-year corporate plan in June 2022.
A corporate plan is council’s main planning tool, providing the basis from which specific council strategies, plans and policies are developed.
Mayor Kerry Hayes said this was the fourth corporate plan for the Central Highlands and the first under the current council. ‘This is an exciting milestone for us as a council and for our community,’ Mayor Hayes said.
‘This new plan provides a sense of ownership, clarity and inspiration for the direction and activities of council for the next 5 years. ‘A lot has changed since the last plan was prepared in 2017, both economically and socially. This plan seeks to build on previous plans to ensure it reflects the contemporary aspirations of our communities.’
Mayor Hayes said the overarching long-term vision for the Central Highlands had been refreshed, but the heart of it remained the same.
‘Our people have invited us to be bold, innovative, caring and to build on the wonderful lifestyle that our places provide,’ he said.
‘We look forward to now using this plan to guide and deliver our annual budget, capital works program and operational plan for the coming years.’
