Council performance – COVID-19 begins to bite

The effect of COVID-19 on the region is just being felt in the third performance report from the Central Highlands Regional Council for the 2019-20 financial year.

Chief Executive Officer Scott Mason presented the report to the newly elected council at its first meeting, saying that some business outcomes and projects will be in jeopardy.

‘While the full effect of the pandemic response won’t be known until the end of the fourth quarter and beyond, at this stage $4 million of the capital program and 25 percent of key performance activities will be compromised.

Mr Mason said the pandemic had enabled the council to work on business continuity planning in earnest.

‘It’s given us a reason and time to be disciplined in scenario planning and being in a position to respond to anything in the future is a positive.’

In his address to council, Mr Mason revealed that, despite the current challenges, the quarter had some high points.

‘The severe storm damage experienced in February brought out the best in our parks and gardens team as they pulled out all stops to bring the Emerald Botanic Gardens back to its former glory; ably assisted by a crew “on loan” from Rockhampton Regional Council and other staff from across the region,’ he explained.

The report also details a number of positive events held within the community.

‘Twenty-two community groups benefitted from $143,000 of grant funding; the youth team managed to hold 26 successful events; the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Midlander rail disaster was a very well-attended celebration, and two major events, Australia Day and Clean up Australia Day, were popular,’ Mr Mason said.

‘We welcomed seven new trainees this quarter, and saw the completion of several large airport and aerodrome projects,’ Mr Mason concluded.

Highlights of the quarter three performance report include:

View the CHRC Quarter 3 Performance Report