Western Downs Regional Council leads the way in audit compliance

Western Downs Regional Council is leading most local governments in Queensland to deliver strong outcomes for the community, following the release of the latest Queensland Audit Office (QAO) Report.   

The Local Government Audit 2020 by the QAO examined all 77 Queensland Councils and judged each Council’s performance across several key areas including financial statements, financial sustainability, and internal controls.  

Council Spokesperson for Finance, Corporate Services and Business Strategy Councillor Ian Rasmussen said the report demonstrated Council’s high standard of performance across vital business areas.  

“Western Downs Regional Council is focussed on creating a stronger and more sustainable future for our community and it’s great to see our continued efforts are bringing real results,” Cr Rasmussen said.  

“The report assesses Councils on a range of integral governance processes including monitoring, risk assessment, controls, end of financial year processes, information and communication and financial sustainability.  

“These business areas aren’t necessarily seen by the community, but they are crucially important to our operations. 

“To be recognised as one of the leaders across the state is a huge achievement for Council.” 

Chief Executive Officer Ross Musgrove said the results showed Council’s continued ability to be efficient and sustainable. 

“Since 2015 Council has worked hard to build its financial sustainability and in recent years have become one of only a handful of Queensland Councils to be debt-free,” Mr Musgrove said.  

“The report clearly shows our internal processes are creating strong performance across the board, which means our community continues to benefit.” 

A full copy of the Local Government 2020 Audit Report can be found here: https://www.qao.qld.gov.au/  

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