Mayor Beresford’s December 2022 Council Meeting Wrap-up

Mayor Beresford’s December 2022 Council Meeting Wrap-up

The final Council meeting for 2022 was held on Tuesday 13 December at the CCEC in Cunnamulla. I was away that day but due to zoom technology was able to attend and chair the meeting virtually, so very grateful for what we can manage through technology.

During the meeting Council approved the following applications for in-kind and/or financial support:

Wyandra State School – waive hire fee for the Wyandra Hall for break-up and concert Bluelight Cunnamulla – waive hire fee for Shire Hall for Christmas Bluelight Disco Cunnamulla Primary Health Care Centre – waive hire fee for Supper Room every Tuesday afternoon during school terms for 2022/2023 for the Girls’ Group, subject to availability

Council has assisted numerous community groups this financial year with either financial grants or in-kind assistance to the value of $41,731.25.

The Council will be applying to the Country Universities Centre to establish an education hub in Cunnamulla, subject to funding being available and Paroo Shire receiving approval. The centre will provide a space and support for those studying through a university and also those undertaking vocational courses, certificate courses, plus micro and skill enhancement courses. The CUC is keen to extend its existing model and it is proposed the Cunnamulla centre would also look to provide support for students on distance education.

Minutes from the recent Local Disaster Management Group meeting were tabled together with the following LDMG documents which Council approved and endorsed:

Paroo Local Disaster Management Plan Local Disaster Co-ordination Centre – Standard Operating Procedures Paroo Pandemic Response Sub-plan Paroo Bushfire Risk Mitigation Resupply Sub-plan

Over the next few months Paroo Shire will be developing its new Corporate Plan for the five years 2023 to 2028 which will allow its 2023/24 budget and operational plan to be consistent with the new Corporate Plan. Council has decided to engage Suttor & Associates to develop the plan which will incorporate community consultation and outline the organisation’s strategic direction as well as performance indicators for measuring the Council’s progress in achieving its vision for the Shire’s future.

Paroo Shire Council has received its draft Local Housing Action Plan, one of six pilot plans developed under the Western Qld. Alliance of Councils project being funded by the State Government. The draft plan was received by Council and several amendments were proposed so that it can be finalised as soon as possible. Council will then consider the recommendations it should follow to try and improve the housing situation within the Shire.

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