Ongoing Successes & Achievements

A successful capital works program, increased assets value and substantial progress in reaching desired outcomes in the Tablelands 2030+ Community Plan have dominated Tablelands Regional Council’s Annual Report 2022–23.

The report details achievements and shows progress in delivering priorities from the Corporate and Operational plans.

‘Development in our region is booming and last year we restructured our organisation and implemented policies to better accommodate the demand,’ said CEO Gary Rinehart.

‘As part of our continuous improvement journey we undertook service planning — a long-term blueprint for sustainability adapting to the reduced financial assistance grant and creating a detailed understanding of service delivery and implications to meet community need.

‘Key findings and recommendations from the first stage of the review were endorsed and we are now focusing on detailed service reviews for water, waste, wastewater, roads and asset management planning.

‘In 2022–23 we delivered 91% of the capital budget and our assets increased in value by $62.67M or 9%.

‘We also achieved certification of the Certified Agreement 2023, which provides the framework for improved working conditions for staff, and ongoing productivity and efficiency improvements for the organisation.

‘We offered six new trainee positions and two apprenticeships with funding support from Skilling Queenslanders for Work as an important ongoing commitment to supporting careers in local government.

‘We applied for 13 grants and secured $6.33M in funding to deliver nine projects.

‘Consultants working with us commented on the high degree of staff capability and enthusiasm, which reinforces what a great asset our staff are to the organisation and the community.

‘I look forward to working with Councillors and the TRC team to deliver our 2023–24 Operational Plan for our community,’ Mr Rinehart said.

Mayor Rod Marti believes critical infrastructure improvements including water, sewerage treatment and the Priors Creek Development remain priority projects.

‘We’ve had some success with State and Federal Government investment to support these upgrades but ongoing advocacy is key.

‘Our Corporate Plan 2021–26 was updated to align with the Tablelands 2030+ Community Plan vision and aspirations, and I’m impressed with the progress we have made towards the desired community outcomes.

‘It’s testament to our commitment to working with the community to achieve mutual outcomes.

‘I’ve been privileged to engage with our Indigenous leaders on projects including the expansion of the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park, Priors Creek Development and progressing our reconciliation journey.

‘I thank the members of our advisory committees for their contributions throughout the year, and acknowledge the support we receive from our passionate volunteers.

‘This year their contribution was valued at $1.56M representing 36,246 volunteer hours.

‘I acknowledge the work of all Councillors over the last twelve months as we’ve contended with extraordinary growth and development, pressures on infrastructure, impacts from spiking land valuations, major commitments to water infrastructure, progression of the Priors Creek Development and the fourth consecutive year of road upgrades.

‘It has been a concerted effort and busy time for all Councillors,’ said Mayor Marti.

Service Snapshots

84.6% of roads and projects capital budget ($14,036,816) delivered.
$732,307 on gravel resheeting and $1,776,992 on bitumen resealing
47.2km bitumen reseals.
451.7t of blade mix used for pothole repairs.
1380km rural roads graded.
310,600m2 roadside vegetation cleared with boom slashing.
5481km street sweeping.
21 material change of use developments decided.
31 reconfiguration of lot developments approved creating 241 lots.
53 survey plans endorsed creating 223 new lots.
$5,154,375 infrastructure construction delivered by developers.
247 food licences issued (56 new businesses) and 274 inspections undertaken.
29 accommodation licences and permits.
118 event and activity permits issued.
466 private certification of buildings and structures with an estimated value of $82,061,309 ($76.13M residential).
9976 waste services provided.
7135t tonnes of general waste collected.
1354t of kerbside collection recyclables sent for processing.
841t of steel and 162t of cardboard recovered.
34,444m3 green waste mulched.
685m of new water mains installed.
40 new build wastewater meters installed and 437 meters replaced.
2071m of sewer infrastructure relined.
6498m sewer lines, 118 manholes and 22 pump stations inspected.
1339M litres of sewage influent treated.
12M litres of sludge produced/sent for beneficial reuse.