2023-02-07 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   7 FEBRUARY 2023




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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                         7 FEBRUARY 2023

               Table — Summary of 2022 submissions

                1     Date received                   Written Submission on 10 October 2022
                                                      Oral Submission on 17 October 2022 LGAQ Conference
                      Received from
                                                     Western Downs Regional Council:
                                                      CEO Jodie Taylor
                                                      Councillor Paul McVeigh
                                                      Deputy Mayor Andrew Smith

                      Summary of submission           Council is currently identified by the LGRC as a category 3
                                                      council. Council submitted that it be elevated to Category 4.
                                                      The following factors were relied upon in Council’s submission:

                                                      1. Size, Geographical & Environmental terrain of Western
                                                         Downs RC is extensive and Council covers >38,o0okm2 and
                                                         comprises   six  principal towns   -  Chinchilla, Dalby,
                                                         Jandowae, Miles, Tara and Wandoan - with 23 smaller towns
                                                         and 99 communities. Significant travel is required in order
                                                         for  Councillors to  fulfill their duties, and   provide
                                                         Representation across the region, particularly at community
                                                         and business events.

                                                      2. Councillors hold additional portfolio responsibilities
                                                         linked to key council business functions and the corporate
                                                         plan, carrying additional responsibilities and constraints on
                                                         Councillor’s time.

                                                      3. Population, demographics, spread of population & extent
                                                         of services provided are important considerations for
                                                         Council. Council submitted that its population unlike many
                                                         other regional areas, has expanded rapidly with 56% growth
                                                         in migration from urban areas in last 12 months. The Region
                                                         was one of top 5 LGAs in Australia (and only LGA in Qld)
                                                         achieving this level of migration increase. Managing 6
                                                         principle towns, 23 smaller towns and 99 communities
                                                         creates significant challenges in service delivery, additional
                                                         budget and financial management complexity, as well as
                                                         significant asset and infrastructure management outside of
                                                         the  scope of a    Category 3   Council,  in  particularly
                                                         highlighting that Council has the Largest road network in
                                                         Qld — 7,500km of local roads and 2,500km of state/federal
                                                         roads managed by council; 20 water schemes; 7 sewerage
                                                         schemes; 18 transfer stations and landfills; gas reticulation
                                                         network; over 1000 buildings; 116,000 hectares of stock
                                                         routes; large network of parks & open spaces; 8 airport
                                                         facilities; saleyards business - throughput over 230,000
                                                         head per annum. Council submitted these factors require
                                                         significant time spent on strategic development, building
                                                         skills, knowledge and    understanding the diversity of

       LOCAL GOVERNMENT REMUNERATION COMMISSION | ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22                                          20

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