Budget to streamline Council’s internal operations

Toowoomba Regional Council’s Governance and Audit portfolio has been formed to streamline the new organisational structure and implement efficient operating procedures throughout the entire region.

Governance and Audit portfolio spokesperson Cr Peter Marks said the budget allocation in this area was directed towards setting up internal practices that would ensure the smooth operation of council’s day-to-day administration.

“Governance matters include adhering to legal compliance; providing support    to council and councillors regarding meetings, reports and civic functions; property management including acquisition, sale and leasing of land; and administrative support such as reception and telephone systems,” Cr Marks   said.

“While these functions are not perhaps the most glamorous services provided by council, they are fundamental to the conduct of sound local government.”

Cr Marks said due to the extensive area that council now governed, combined with the diversity of sectors to manage, it was imperative that a solid management framework be established and maintained.

“When you consider that Toowoomba Regional Council employs 1500 staff across a geographical area of nearly 13,000 square kilometers, you can understand the importance of administering the complex internal structure of the organization.

“One area that has been under the spotlight is the significant upgrade of our internal communications network to bring all staff in the region into one integrated telephone and email system.

“This is only one of many aspects that has required our attention but an intrinsic part of seamlessly connecting all council employees, regardless of their location or duties.”

Cr Marks said the foundation of the Governance and Audit portfolio was maintaining a transparent and accountable way of doing business so council could make informed decisions on behalf of the community.

“One example of this relates to council's property portfolio. We are in the process of auditing all property-related assets to take a strategic view on how this aspect of the financial portfolio can be utilised for the long-term benefit of the community.

"In light of this, council has made provision in the budget for the City Centre Master Plan, a project designed to guide the future development of the Toowoomba city centre. 

“This project recognises that council is one of the largest landowners in the city centre and that future growth will result in the need for improved and expanded public facilities, including open space.

“From my present responsibility as chairman for the revitalisation of the CBD, I couldn’t be happier to see funding allocated towards this level of future planning.  It has been a long time coming so I know Council and the majority of residents will be excited about this project.”

The City Centre Master Plan will draw on findings from the City Centre Future Directions Scoping Project undertaken in 2007. 

“Under the master plan, the city centre will be analysed in terms of economic growth and prosperity, land use and housing, traffic and transport, environmental and heritage and cultural values, community facilities and services, and infrastructure such as water, waste and power.

“We also have to control the cost burden to all our ratepayers and, like all areas of council, this will be a challenge but I am sure one that will succeed.”

Additionally, Cr Marks said Council has allocated $43,000 to the appointment of a local laws solicitor to conduct a full review of local laws as required by the State Government.

“From an audit and government prospective, one of the many challenges ahead of us will be for council to embrace change to keep up with government regulations. 

“The aim is to consolidate between 120 and 130 local laws across the region to provide consistency for residents. This will involve a public consultation process and must be completed by the end of 2010.”