2021-08-16 General Committee Meeting Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                   16 AUGUST 2021


   Council introduced a new Tenderer Financial Capacity Assessment Process Policy to ensure
    that tenderers have the financial capacity to deliver Council contracts, thus reducing the risk of
    contractors failing during construction projects.
   Council continues to grow and support our staff through leadership/ supervisor development
    programs and the employee training program.
   The 2020/21 leadership development program focused on continuous improvement and the
    development of a strong, cohesive, high performing leadership team. Staff involved commended
    the program for delivering genuine improvement in leadership capabilities and helping to build
    stronger relationships. We also had a team of future leaders participate in the LGMA
    Management Challenge to develop their management skills.

Other Initiatives to enable Council to achieve its goal for this theme
   The Queensland Audit Office gave Council another clean bill of health issuing an unmodified
    audit opinion.
   The use of social media platforms remained an integral part of Council’s strategy to keep the
    community informed. Facebook followers on Council’s main page grew 11% to finish the year at
    19,617 followers. A focus on building the LinkedIn page resulted in a 57% growth to 5,905
    followers. Similarly, Council’s Instagram followers increased 60% to 3,523 and Council’s eNews
    subscribers have increased 76% to 4,285.
   Regular Mayoral video updates helped improve communication and engagement with the
    community throughout the year, particularly during lockdown periods. Council also introduced a
    new “Your Noosa” newspaper centrepiece in local papers to keep the community informed about
    Council news.
   Council successfully transitioned to remote working during the COVID-19 restrictions allowing
    many services to continue to be provided to the community. Employees were supported through
    flexible work arrangements and initiatives which focused on their health and wellbeing.
   Council finalised a new four year Certified Agreement with unions and staff.
   Council continued its "Public Question Time" at its monthly Ordinary Meetings as part of its
    ongoing commitment to accountability and community engagement.
   Council updated its Councillor Code of Conduct, Standing Orders, Meeting procedures etc in
    response to major legislative reform by the State Government in November 2020. These reforms
    were designed to improve Council governance across Queensland and Noosa Council is fully
    compliant with all of the new legislation.
   The Audit and Risk Committee continued to provide valuable advice and independent assurance
    for governance and finance matters across Council even during these difficult times impacted by
    COVID-19. This included reviewing Council’s strategic risks, policies and organisational key
    performance indicators. The two independent members continued to provide crucial guidance,
    expertise and advice on high risk matters. A new Audit and Risk Committee Chairperson was
    appointed as well as a new independent member who are both providing Council with valuable
    insight into management of risk and good governance.
   Council’s Internal Audit Program continued with an audit being undertaken of Asset
    Management.




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