Council leads a sustainable future for the Region

Published on 12 October 2016

Rockhampton Regional Council is ahead of other Councils in the recommendations from the Queensland Audit Office (QAO) but, Mayor Margaret Strelow says it is still a constant task to find the right balance in managing the $2.4 billion worth of very long life assets.

“From the park benches to sewerage treatment plants, the condition of the majority of our assets have been formally assessed,” Mayor Strelow said.

“And for those assets that are difficult to access, because they are underground, we have renewal strategies in place.”

Mayor Strelow said each budget is a fine balance between renewal and the demands of new stimulus projects.

“The Riverbank Revitalisation project, for example, will have a hugely positive impact on the community and business centre,” she said.

“Our asset values continue to increase with price increases, and our Financial Forecast takes these increases into account, together with population growth.

“It is a robust plan that has been tested during our Credit Review where we have been given great feedback from Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC).”  

The QTC report states, “Forecasts indicate that Council is planning to make sufficient investment in maintaining and renewing existing infrastructure adequately balanced with investment in new assets”.

“Council continues to refine its planning and processes, but the LGAQ have it right in their statement about Local Government generally - we have limited resources and in some instances limited information, for example, the condition of Stormwater pipes,” Cr Strelow said.

“Overall the report from QAO about the plight of Local Government is important and I hope it receives attention from the State Government when they are making funding decisions on assistance with key infrastructure.

“At present, subsidies are rarely available to assist Council with replacement works.

“This means that Councils like ours, that try to keep up with renewal works as a first priority, are disadvantaged in the grant programmes.”