Collective Delivery

GRC joins other councils to assist SEQ recovery efforts

When South East Queensland was heavily impacted by devastating floods in February 2022, Council staff were ready to lend assistance. GRC’s Disaster Response Specialist spent several weeks relieving Ipswich City Council staff who had been working non-stop since the disaster began. Three Calliope-based Operators volunteered to spend two weeks assisting Brisbane City Council’s recovery efforts. The team also brought two tippers and an excavator to assist with kerbside rubbish and debris removal in several impacted suburbs. Having received similar assistance when the Gladstone Region experienced bushfires and flooding, we were more than happy to return the favour. Queenslanders are no strangers to disasters, but it’s the resilience and unity we show when times are tough that gets us through to the other side, together.

First electric vehicle added to Council’s fleet

Council has taken its first step towards a greener fleet with the purchase of its first ‘100 per cent electric’ vehicle (EV). This trial was the result of the Operations Team identifying benefits of new vehicle technology and saving efficiencies. The EV will be used by Gladstone Regional Libraries to travel between their six locations across the region. The combination of lower maintenance costs, higher resale value and zero ongoing fuel cost will mean savings for ratepayers. The data collected during the trial will provide insights into the ability for EVs to meet Council’s future operational needs. Council has also progressed to purchasing five electric forklifts which will replace five aging, diesel forklifts.

Regional collaboration - waste opportunities across Central Queensland Councils

In 2021/22, six Central Queensland councils formalised the establishment of the CQROC Waste Working Group. The group is made up of a Councillor and Council Officer from the six CQROC councils, with the purpose to work collaboratively to identify and deliver improved waste management practices and services across the combined CQ Region from Banana Shire Council, Central Highlands Regional Council, Gladstone Regional Council, Livingstone Shire Council, Rockhampton Regional Council and Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council. A Regional Waste and Infrastructure Management Plan was identified as a key step towards these goals and is progressing via funding received from the State Government, through the Department of Environment and Science. This regional plan is currently under initial development and on track to be delivered in early 2023. Actions from the regional plan will assist to direct regional specific actions, initiatives, efficiencies and subsequent improvements in waste management within the Gladstone Region.

Disciplined investments lead to robust results

During 2021/22, Council embedded an Investment Decision Framework (IDF) to provide a structured approach for the business to consider and select investment opportunities and manage the process through from inception to completion. The IDF supports us to make disciplined and well considered investments that are in the best interests of the community, with a strong link to our Corporate Goal 5. Accountable Council – we are providing good stewardship built on a foundation of trust. Developing and embedding the IDF enables Council to identify, select and manage investments in a fit for purpose manner so resources are operated effectively and efficiently. Investments include capital investments such as acquiring, constructing, or upgrading assets or operational investments such as improving delivery or introducing a new service and allow us to secure a more financially sustainability future for our business, communities, and ratepayers. At the recent Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia awards, Council’s Manager of Asset Planning won best paper award for her presentation on Robust Decisions Delivering Fit for Purpose Investments.

Diversified income

Council was successful in securing an additional $30,491,681 worth of external funding in the 2021/22 year. Having improved processes and funding principles, we can now connect with all areas across the business allowing Council to best access funding opportunities and business needs. This is demonstrated in the effectiveness of Council’s strategy to seek specific funding from both state and federal government grants, for continual improvement in our region through external funding and not ratepayer dollars. Council’s aim is to secure funding to deliver local projects that will support local jobs, a resilient economy and enhance our region’s liveability. With a commitment to continue sourcing the right external funding at the right time to deliver the right services, infrastructure, events and future opportunities for our communities. A few highlights of Council’s 2021/22 funding projects: • $3.9M State and Federal Government contribution for bridge replacements along

Bindaree Road, Gorge Road, Charnwood

Road and Stockbridge Road – all located in the southern area of our region • $2.6M State Government contribution for sewer main renewals • $2.4M State Government contribution to

Stage 3 of the Gladstone Aquatic Centre upgrade to be delivered over multiple years • $1M Federal Government contribution for the capping of Cell 2 at Benaraby Landfill

• Funding for an Enhanced Resilience Project

Officer and Illegal Dumping Compliance and

Education Officer.

Collectively investing in our region’s future

Council is committed to connecting with the next generation through programs and initiatives to educate, involve and celebrate young people. Gladstone Region Youth Council gave young people in our community a voice while providing young leaders a platform to advise Council and lead programs for their demographic. The 2022 Mayor’s Youth Breakfast gave us all a chance to celebrate the many achievements of our region’s youth; whether academic, athletic or within the community. Through Council’s Apprentice and Trainee Program, we provided dozens of young people with expert training, hands-on experience and mentorship to jumpstart their career. We’ve also been fortunate to have several high school students join a variety of our teams for work experience. Council has facilitated school education programs for students in our region focussed on waste management, environmental conservation and responsible pet ownership. We also hosted school tours at a variety of our facilities with several Councillors eagerly involved. Each of these initiatives is part of a collective effort across our organisation to invest in our region’s future through our youth.