Annual Report endorsed at general council meeting

Central Highlands Regional Council adopted its annual report today, presenting the community with a comprehensive summary of the performance and activities of the organisation, throughout the 2022-23 financial year.  

‘The report provides a window into the inner workings of council, shining a light on what we do, why we do it, and how we go about it, well beyond simply meeting our legislative reporting requirements,’ CEO Sharon Houlihan emphasised.  

‘This report covers a range of activities including enhancements to corporate systems, advocacy for improvements in road and telecommunication networks combined with upgrades and improvements to  community facilities and services,’ she said. 

Some highlights include a return to pre-pandemic passenger numbers through the Emerald Airport and the endorsement of a 5-year, forward planning capital program to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of key regional projects.  

As well as highlighting operational successes and challenges, the report also serves as a valuable resource to prospective employees, investors and anyone interested in the positive growth of the region. 

Team profiles provide insight into some of the behind-the-scenes work completed by council’s 441 employees, and provide an authentic look into the inner workings of one of the region’s largest employers.  

If numbers are more your thing, the report contains comprehensive financial statements and a concise, user-friendly summary that provides an overview of council’s financial management. Like all businesses, council continues to operate under uncertain levels of inflation and cost escalations but hopes that with long-term forecasting and strategic decision-making, the trajectory will remain positive into the next reporting period.  

Alongside the many and varied highlights and challenges across all departments in council, Mayor Kerry Hayes acknowledged the tragic accident in March which took the life of valued council employee Richard Sheridan.  

‘Whilst the investigations are ongoing,’ Mayor Hayes said, ‘we continue to keep Richard and his family in our thoughts and dedicate our future work to supporting our communities and employees as they navigate through the complexities of this tragedy and its aftermath’ he concluded.  

View the full annual report here.   

If you have any enquiries, please contact council on 1300 242 686.