2022-11-14 GC Agenda - Item 5 - Attachment 1 - Annual Report 2021-22

           Noosa Shire Council




     Impacts of COVID-19 and
     Natural Disasters
     The health and safety of the community and our workers is our highest priority. This year has been
     challenging for Noosa Shire as we have lived through a significant natural disaster coupled with the
     ongoing effects of COVID-19.


     COVID-19
     During this financial year, COVID-19 continued to impact staff n umbers and some Council essential
     services, such as mowing, parks and tree services. Crews received a large volume of reports about
     trees or branches needing attention and they have been busy getting through the backlog as quickly
     as they could. Council continues to carefully monitor the situation and appreciates the community’s
     patience and understanding as we work to support the community by ensuring essential services are
     continued.


     Flood Response
     The rain event in early 2022 severely impacted Noosa Shire roads, resulting in issues such as
     landslides, damaged water crossings and storm water outlets, plus other road damage.
     As the floodwaters receded, council staff and contractors have been busy assessing the damage
     and developing plans for reconstruction. Some assets have now been fixed but there are still some
     awaiting action.
     Works are being prioritised to ensure isolated communities are supported. In some instances,
     reconstruction work cannot begin until engineering testing is completed, which in some areas
     has been delayed due to the ongoing wet weather. Subsequently, work preparing the design for
     reconstruction of these repairs is being undertaken in anticipation of reconstruction work which may
     take many months to complete.
     Where possible, Council is working with State and Federal governments to access funds through the
     Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement which is administered by the Queensland Reconstruction
     Authority. The funding grants are still in the process of being released so Council is working on
     preparation of works with funding available and undertaking planning for those works still awaiting
     funding.




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