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Community & Business

9 December, 2021

Year of change, growth and challenges

IT was a year of growth, challenges and change for Tablelands Regional Council, according to its annual report.

By Robyn Holmes

The $7 million Ravenshoe Reservor is well underway.
The $7 million Ravenshoe Reservor is well underway.

In his message, Mayor Rod Marti acknowledged the organisation had faced issues in the past year but with the permanent appointment of CEO Gary Rinehart, things were looking up. 

The council had much to celebrate throughout the year, with building approvals valued at $92.8 million recorded, $67.4 million of those in the residential sector. 

Finishing the year with a $956,000 positive operating position, Mr Rinehart said the outcome was better than expected and attributed this to finding savings when purchasing goods and services, finding new and efficient ways to deliver services and the “ongoing scrutiny of risks associated with not doing certain things are no longer relevant or required”. 

“Since joining …. council I’m impressed with the professionalism of our workforce and the passion from our elected members to support local businesses, improve liveability, focus on our customers and address issues relating to our ageing infrastructure,” he said. 

“A detailed organisational review, the implementation of improved project management, project decision and risk management frameworks, and the introduction of customer experience standards have contributed to improved operations, decision making and customer satisfaction.” 

Mayor Marti said striking the rate rise this year had been the most difficult to date as council attempted to mitigate the rate impacts from substantial land valuation increases. 

“The 2021-22 Budget was prepared with one eye on the capacity/ resilience of our ratepayers while the other was focused on the long-term financial plan. And it’s my view that we got the balance exactly right,” he said. 

The report reveals the assets of council, valued at $628.7 million, rose by 2.4 per cent of $14.6 million over the 12 months.

Council spent $21.5 million in renewing, upgrading or building new assets, 74 per cent of which funded core infrastructure for roads, stormwater and water. 

Works undertaken throughout the year included the construction of the Ravenshoe reservoir and pipelines, the new animal management facility at Tolga, and the resealing of 59.7km of road. 

Community groups, economic development, the arts and regional events were also supported, with $189,618 of financial assistance provided. 

Other highlights include the launch of council’s new website, the hosting of 20 art exhibitions at three galleries, and the commencement of a new community vision (Tablelands 2030+).

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