20190416 - communities standing committee meeting - agenda · 4/16/2019 · minutes –...

OUR VISIONA progressive region creating opportunities for all

OUR MISSIONWe are a council committed to continuous improvement, a sustainable

future and efficient investment in our communities

OUR VALUESRespect and Integrity

Accountability and TransparencyProviding Value

Commitment and Teamwork

OUR PRIORITIESStrong, vibrant communities

Building and maintaining quality infrastructureSupporting our local economy

Protecting our people and our environmentLeadership and governance

Our organisation

Communities Standing Committee Meeting

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Regulation 2012, that the next Meeting of the Central Highlands Regional Council will be held in the Council Chambers, 65 Egerton Street, Emerald on

Tuesday, 16 April 2019At 11.30 am

For the purpose of considering the items included on the Agenda.

Rodney FergusonActing Chief Executive Officer

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Agenda - Communities Standing Committee Meeting - 16 April 2019

Central Highlands Regional Council 2 of 152

AGENDA CONTENTS1 PRESENT ..................................................................................................................................................32 APOLOGIES..............................................................................................................................................33 LEAVE OF ABSENCE...............................................................................................................................34 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY ...................................................................................................35 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING .....................................................................35.1 Minutes - Communities Standing Committee Meeting - 12 March 2019.................................................36 BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF MINUTES ...............................................................................................187 REVIEW OF OUTSTANDING MEETING ACTIONS ...............................................................................188 REVIEW OF UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS............................................................................................189 MATERIAL PERSONAL INTEREST, CONFLICT OF INTEREST, PERSONAL GIFTS AND BENEFITS

.................................................................................................................................................................1810 DECISION ACTION REPORTS...............................................................................................................1910.1 Sister City Student Exchange Program..... Approx 10 mins..................................................................1911 DISCUSSION REPORTS ........................................................................................................................2112 INFORMATION REPORTS .....................................................................................................................2112.1 Communities .........................................................................................................................................21

12.1.1 Presentation by Mr Aleem Ali - Chief Executive Officer of Welcoming Cities ................................2112.1.2 Community Recreation and Facilities - Quarterly update report ....................................................8112.1.3 Clean up Australia Day 2019..........................................................................................................9012.1.4 Departmental Update .....................................................................................................................9312.1.5 Overview of Development and Planning ......................................................................................125

12.2 Customer and Commercial Services...................................................................................................13712.2.1 Customer and Commercial Services............................................................................................137

13 GENERAL BUSINESS ..........................................................................................................................15214 LATE AGENDA ITEMS .........................................................................................................................15215 CLOSURE OF MEETING ......................................................................................................................152



1 PRESENT

2 APOLOGIES

3 LEAVE OF ABSENCE

4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

5 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

5.1 Minutes - Communities Standing Committee Meeting - 12 March 2019

Communities Standing Committee Meeting

Meeting of the Central Highlands Regional Council held in the Council Chambers, 65 Egerton Street, Emerald on

Tuesday, 12 March 2019

Commenced at 10.15 am

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MINUTES – COMMUNITIES STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING – TUESDAY 12 MARCH 2019 – PAGE 2

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS REGIONAL COUNCIL

COMMUNITIES STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING

TUESDAY 12 MARCH 2019

MINUTES CONTENTS

PRESENT .................................................................................................................................................... 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY ...................................................................................................... 3 APOLOGIES ................................................................................................................................................ 3 LEAVE OF ABSENCE ................................................................................................................................. 3 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ......................................................................... 3 Communities Standing Committee Meeting: 5 February 2019 ...................................................................... 3 Review of Upcoming Agenda Items .......................................................................................................... 3 PETITIONS (IF ANY) ................................................................................................................................... 3 MATERIAL PERSONAL INTEREST, CONFLICT OF INTEREST, PERSONAL GIFTS AND BENEFITS .... 4 Event budget for McIndoe Park .................................................................................................................... 4 COMMUNITIES ............................................................................................................................................ 4 Emerald Botanical Gardens Playground renewal project – Shade Structures ............................................... 4 Creative Cultural Futures and Heritage action plan ....................................................................................... 4 Central Highlands Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee planning meetings ................................................ 5 Community Planning Advisory Group Minutes .............................................................................................. 5 Australia Day 2019 ....................................................................................................................................... 6 Council buildings and facilities maintenance ................................................................................................. 6 Bauhinia Hall and Springsure Showgrounds Disability Ramps ...................................................................... 7 Camping options update ............................................................................................................................... 7 Parks, People, Play Strategy ........................................................................................................................ 7 DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES ...................................................................................................................... 8 Departmental Updates Communities ............................................................................................................ 8 Departmental Updates Customer and Commercial Services ........................................................................ 9 CUSTOMER AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES ............................................................................................ 9 Community Consultation Meeting – Bauhinia – 6 February 2019 .................................................................. 9 Community Consultation Meeting – Dingo – 6 February 2019 .................................................................... 10 Community Consultation Meeting – Duaringa – 6 February 2019 ............................................................... 10 Community Consultation Meeting – Comet – 7 February 2019 ................................................................... 11 Community Consultation Meeting – Bluff – 7 February 2019 ...................................................................... 11 Community Consultation Meeting – Capella – 19 February 2019 ............................................................... 12 Overview of Ranger Services ..................................................................................................................... 13 GENERAL BUSINESS ............................................................................................................................... 14 CLOSURE OF MEETING ........................................................................................................................... 14




MINUTES – COMMUNITIES STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT 10.15AM TUESDAY 12 MARCH 2019 IN THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EMERALD OFFICE

PRESENT Councillors Councillor (Crs) K. Hayes (Mayor), G. Godwin-Smith (Deputy Mayor), M Daniels (Chair) Councillors (Crs) C. Brimblecombe, A. McIndoe, G. Sypher Officers General Manager Communities D. Fletcher, General Manager Customer and Commercial Services M. Webster, Minute Secretary N. Kerr ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Cr Daniels commenced the meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country. APOLOGIES Nil LEAVE OF ABSENCE Cr Sypher moved and seconded by Cr Godwin Smith “That a leave of absence be granted for Cr Daniels for the 16 April meeting.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 001 Carried (6-0) CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Communities Standing Committee Meeting: 5 February 2019 Resolution: C Sypher moved and seconded by Cr Brimblecombe “That the minutes of the previous Communities Standing Committee Meeting held on 5 February 2019 be confirmed.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 002 Carried (6-0) Business Arising Out Of Minutes Resolution 2019 / 02 / 05 /005 from the previous meeting regarding the update in relation to Council’s approach in maintaining significant trees, plants and green spaces in Council’s regional open space areas during the current dry conditions taking into account current and potential future water restrictions to watering has been deferred to April Communities Standing Committee Meeting. Outstanding Meeting Actions Nil Review of Upcoming Agenda Items New agenda items have been discussed and will be updated for next meeting. PETITIONS (IF ANY) Nil




MATERIAL PERSONAL INTEREST, CONFLICT OF INTEREST, PERSONAL GIFTS AND BENEFITS Cr McIndoe declared that he has a conflict of interest in Item 11.5 the matter of Event budget for McIndoe Park (as defined by section 175D of the Local Government Act 2009) as follows: -

(a) This may be a perceived conflict of interest.

Cr McIndoe advised that he will be dealing with this declared conflict of interest by leaving the meeting while this matter is discussed and voted on. Event budget for McIndoe Park The chair directed that in accordance to section 29 and 39A of the Central Highlands Regional Council Standing Orders Policy that this report is to be referred to the General Council Meeting of 12 March 2019 Cr Brimblecombe moved and seconded by Cr Sypher “that this report is to be referred to the General Council Meeting of 12 March 2019.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 003 Carried (6-0) Attendance Manager Community Recreation and Facilities J. Bryant entered the meeting at 10.22am

COMMUNITIES Emerald Botanical Gardens Playground renewal project – Shade Structures Executive summary: The Emerald Botanical Gardens Westside Playground renewal project has been delivered during 2018 and 2019 providing significant improvements to the area. The installation of hard roof shade structures over the play equipment and exercise equipment is proposed. Resolution: Cr Sypher moved and seconded by Cr Brimblecombe that “Central Highlands Regional Council:

1. Receive the report; and

2. Endorse Council officers proceeding with the supply and installation of hard roof shade structures over the playground equipment and exercise equipment at the Emerald Botanical Gardens

Westside area.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 004 Carried (6-0) Attendance Manager Community Recreation and Facilities J. Bryant left the meeting at 10.41am Coordinator Community Engagement B. Frawley and Arts & Cultural Officer K. Newman entered the meeting at 10.41am Creative Cultural Futures and Heritage action plan Executive summary: The Central Highlands Creative Cultural Futures Strategy 2016-2026 was written after extensive community engagement and was adopted by council on 24 October 2016.




During the development of the Creative Cultural Futures Strategy it was recognised that there was a gap in council’s knowledge of the region’s heritage related assets. Consequently, the Heritage Management Framework was written and endorsed by council on 10 July 2018. These two strategic documents require actions to be undertaken for their successful implementation. The actions from each of these have been drafted into a combined action plan titled the Creative Cultural Futures and Heritage action plan. The draft action plan outlines activities to match the six objectives within council’s Creative Cultural Futures Strategy 2016-2026 and seven categories within the Heritage Management Framework. The draft Creative Cultural Futures and Heritage action plan covers projects and programs scheduled for implementation between July 2018-June 2020. It lists projects and actions funded in the current 2018-19 FY and priorities projects and actions for 2019-20 FY budget consideration. Items identified by community, that are not achievable within this timeframe are noted in a separate future aspirations document for future planning purposes. Resolution: Cr Godwin-Smith moved and seconded by Cr Sypher that “Central Highlands Regional Council:

1. Endorse the Creative Cultural Futures and Heritage action plan 2018-2020.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 005 Carried (6-0) Central Highlands Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee planning meetings Executive summary: This report presents the meeting notes of the Central Highlands Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee (CHACAC) planning meetings held in Emerald 31 January and Blackwater 14 February 2019 to be ‘received’ by Central Highlands Regional Council. Resolution: Cr Brimblecombe moved and seconded by Cr Godwin-Smith that “Central Highlands Regional Council:

1. Receive the report; and 2. Endorse the meeting notes from the Central Highlands Arts Culture Advisory Committee planning

meeting held in Emerald on 31 January 2019 and in Blackwater 14 February 2019 and specifically note:

a. That project documentation and ongoing discussion have been requested regarding the Carnarvon Artist retreat project with Central Queensland Regional Arts Services Network; and

b. Finalise council’s Regional Arts Development Fund Bid before 5 April 2019 for 2019-2020

financial year.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 006 Carried (6-0) Attendance Arts & Cultural Officer K. Newman left the meeting at 10.49am Corporate Communications Officer J. Lorenzen entered the meeting at 10.49am Community Planning Advisory Group Minutes Executive summary: This report presents meeting notes from council’s Community Planning Advisory Group (CPAG) meeting held in Emerald on Friday 25 January 2019 and to be ‘received’ by council.




Resolution: Cr Sypher moved and seconded by Cr McIndoe that “Central Highlands Regional Council receive the meeting notes of the CPAG held 25 January 2019 and note the following actions:

1. That work continues pursuing online options for interactive road maps. 2. That the Community Reference Group (CRG) marketing and membership campaign commences

February 2019. 3. That the community engagement policy is deferred pending the CH2022 Community Plan Refresh

outcomes. That the CRG representation table is updated noting changes as requested.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 007 Carried (6-0) Attendance Coordinator Community Engagement B. Frawley left the meeting at 10.57am Australia Day 2019 Executive summary: On Saturday 26 January 2019, staff from Central Highlands Regional Council delivered four Australia Day events across the region.

Along with the Australia Day award ceremonies, other celebrations included a citizenship ceremony in Emerald; a car, ute and bike show in Blackwater; a billy cart race in Springsure; and a thong throwing competition in Tieri.

All festivities commenced with a free community barbeque breakfast and finalising the official ceremonies with an Australia Day-themed cake.

Resolution: Cr McIndoe moved and seconded by Cr Brimblecombe that “Central Highlands Regional Council receive the report.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 008 Carried (6-0) Attendance Manager Community Facilities and Recreation J. Bryant entered the meeting at 11.05am Council buildings and facilities maintenance Executive summary: The report provides Council with an overall perspective of the current buildings and facilities maintenance regime along with suggestions for improvements to the current process to ensure Council’s building assets are sustainable in the long-term. Resolution: Cr Godwin-Smith moved and seconded by Cr McIndoe that “Central Highlands Regional Council receive the report.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 009 Carried (6-0)




Bauhinia Hall and Springsure Showgrounds Disability Ramps Executive summary: The report provides updated information on two disability ramp projects that have been delivered recently in the region at Bauhinia Hall and Springsure Showgrounds Dining Hall. Resolution: Cr McIndoe moved and seconded by Cr Godwin-Smith that “Central Highlands Regional Council:

1. Receive the report; and

2. Note the investigations that are currently underway regarding the disability ramps at Bauhinia Hall

and Springsure Showgrounds Dining Hall and, upon completion of these investigations, a further report will be presented to council on the options to address community concerns.”

2019 / 03 / 12 / 010 Carried (6-0) Camping options update Executive summary: The report outlines the recent actions taken to develop Council’s position regarding the management and provision of camping options in the region. Resolution: Cr Sypher moved and seconded by Cr McIndoe that “Central Highlands Regional Council:

1. Receive the report; 2. Note the actions being taken to develop an Interim Plan of Management for the Emerald

Showgrounds; and

3. Note that a further report will be provided to Council regarding the development of a Camping Options Strategy for the region to address the ongoing provision and management of Council

owned and/or operated camping locations.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 011 Carried (6-0) Parks, People, Play Strategy Executive summary: Council is currently developing a strategy document called Parks, People, Play which is intended to replace the existing Central Highlands Regional Council Open Space and Recreation Plan that was adopted by Council in March 2014. Resolution: Cr McIndoe moved and seconded by Cr Brimblecombe that “Central Highlands Regional Council receive the update report.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 012 Carried (6-0) Attendance Manager Community Facilities and Recreation J. Bryant left the meeting at 11.34am




DEPARTMENTAL UPDATES Departmental Updates Communities Executive summary: The following information provides an update on key activities for the Communities department. 1. Capital Works

2. Library International Women’s Day Road Show 3. Library ‘Baked with Love’ Partnership 4. Ranger Services consider sprinklers to deter flying fox in the gardens 5. Flying fox numbers on the rise at Duaringa 6. Parkinsonia at Blackwater landfill 7. Rangers assist Department of Agriculture and Fisheries spraying the Gemfields 8. Ranger Services consider Roost modifications at Duaringa 9. Emerald Art Gallery Exhibition - "Overture” 10. Bauhinia Bicentennial Art Gallery refurbishment 11. Former Springsure Hospital (FSH) Conservation Plan stage 1 12. Community Consult monthly updates now available via Have Your Say 13. Gemfields Volunteer Recognition "Who We Are" event 14. Town entrance signage 15. Suicide prevention training 16. Street Beautification workshops 17. 1 RAR Band visiting Springsure and Emerald 18. Heritage Training Day in Capella 19. Central Queensland Regional Arts Services (CQ RASN) 'Carnarvon Creates ...' Artist Retreat 20. ArtSynergy 21. Have Your Say, Central Highlands - https://haveyoursay.chrc.qld.gov.au/ 22. Central Highlands Art Trail Booklet 23. Biennial Community Satisfaction Survey 24. Development and Planning – Infrastructure charges legislation change teleconference 25. Development and Planning – EDQ delegates forum 26. Development and Planning – DA file audit 27. Youth development program 28. Youth events and activities delivered 29. Upcoming youth events and activities 30. Central Highlands Headspace 31. #BIGRURAL Resolution: Cr Godwin-Smith moved and seconded by Cr Brimblecombe “That Central Highlands Regional Council receive the Communities departmental update report, highlighting key activities for the month of February 2019.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 013 Carried (6-0)

Attendance Acting Manager Customer Service R. Brosnan entered the meeting at 11.35am Attendance Manager Community Recreation and Facilities entered the meeting at 11.36am Manager Community Recreation and Facilities left the meeting at 11.44am




Departmental Updates Customer and Commercial Services Executive summary: The following information provides an update on key activities for the Customer and Commercial Services department. 1. Customer Service and Area Support Resolution: Cr Sypher moved and seconded by Cr Godwin-Smith “That Central Highlands Regional Council receive the Customer and Commercial Services departmental update report, highlighting key activities for the month of February 2019.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 014 Carried (6-0)

CUSTOMER AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES Community Consultation Meeting – Bauhinia – 6 February 2019 Executive summary: Central Highlands Regional Council regards community engagement activities as the cornerstone of good governance and critical to effective planning and delivery of infrastructure and services that meet the needs and expectations of the community. Community Consultation Meetings are conducted once annually in various communities throughout the Central Highlands Local Government Area (LGA) and provide opportunity for council and the community to meet and discuss key issues, plans and projects. Bauhinia Community Consultation Meeting was held on 6 February 2019. Resolution: Cr McIndoe moved and seconded by Cr Godwin-Smith that “Central Highlands Regional Council receive the minutes from the Community Consultation Meeting held at the Bauhinia Town Hall on 6 February 2019, noting the following actions have been logged as Customer Requests (CRM):

a. Council to inspect material used on Taroom Road that road users believe poses a safety risk

to motorists. [CRM 77354/2019] b. Council to inspect the condition of culverts on Taroom Road and raise maintenance issues

with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) [CRM 77355/2019]

c. Council to investigate current usage, number and location of bins, perimeter fencing and signage located at Bauhinia Transfer Station [CRM 77356/2019]

d. Council to investigate the current location of the disabled ramp at the Bauhinia Hall in response to feedback from the community that it should be moved to a more suitable

location [CRM 77357/2019].” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 015 Carried (6-0)




Community Consultation Meeting – Dingo – 6 February 2019 Executive summary: Central Highlands Regional Council regards community engagement activities as the cornerstone of good governance and critical to effective planning and delivery of infrastructure and services that meet the needs and expectations of the community. Community Consultation Meetings are conducted once annually in various communities throughout the Central Highlands Local Government Area (LGA) and provide opportunity for council and the community to meet and discuss key issues, plans and projects. Dingo Community Consultation Meeting was held on 6 February 2019. Resolution: Cr Brimblecombe moved and seconded by Cr Sypher that “Central Highlands Regional Council receive the minutes from the Community Consultation Meeting held at the Dingo Town Hall on 6 February 2019, noting the following actions have been logged as Customer Requests (CRM):

a. Council to facilitate a Road User Group meeting for Dingo residents. [CRM 77310/2019] b. A representative from Council’s planning section is requested to attend the next Dingo

Community Reference Group meeting to discuss the ability to subdivide rural land into smaller lifestyle blocks. [CRM 77316/2019]

c. Council to consider a project to upgrade the toilet facilities at the Dingo Race Club under Works for Queensland Grant Funding. [CRM 77319/2019]

d. A Council representative is requested to attend an upcoming Dingo Community Reference Group Meeting to discuss the Dingo Cemetery. [CRM 77333/2019]

e. Council to advise if it is possible to have the Dingo Rodeo and Pony Club included on council’s mowing schedule. [CRM 77336/2019]

f. Council to raise at the next Transport Advisory Group meeting, that the community would like the speed limit on the Capricorn Highway (past the Dingo Roadhouse) changed to 60km/Hr. [CRM 77337/2019]

g. Council to provide an update on audit of street numbering in Dingo. [CRM 773462019] h. Council to consider a project to upgrade the Dingo Hall kitchen in the next budget and/or

Works for Queensland Grant Funding. [CRM 77339/2019].” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 016 Carried (6-0) Community Consultation Meeting – Duaringa – 6 February 2019 Executive summary: Central Highlands Regional Council regards community engagement activities as the cornerstone of good governance and critical to effective planning and delivery of infrastructure and services that meet the needs and expectations of the community. Community Consultation Meetings are conducted once annually in various communities throughout the Central Highlands Local Government Area (LGA) and provide opportunity for council and the community to meet and discuss key issues, plans and projects. Duaringa Community Consultation Meeting was held on 6 February 2019. Resolution: Cr Godwin-Smith moved and seconded by Cr McIndoe that “Central Highlands Regional Council receive the minutes from the Community Consultation Meeting held at the Duaringa Old Library Building on 6 February 2019, noting the following actions have been logged as Customer Requests (CRM):

a. Council to confirm location for long distance coach stop in Duaringa. [CRM 77359/2019] b. Council to inspect quality of roadworks performed on Apis Creek Road. [CRM 77360/2019]




c. Council to repair pothole in the middle of Mourindilla Road. [CRM 77361/2019] d. Council to investigate reinstating the recycle skip bin at the Duaringa Transfer Station. [CRM

77362/2019] e. Council to prepare hole for the heritage walk signs. - [CRM 77363/2019] f. Council to investigate numbering water meters that come off the Dawson River line to make

it easier to report issues. - [CRM 77364/2019] g. Council to follow up signage for the Duaringa Golf Club. [CRM 77365/2019]

h. Council to monitor bat numbers in Mackenzie Park due to reports numbers have increased. [CRM 77137/2019]

i. Council to provide attendees with a copy of Council’s Housing Policy along with information regarding Council’s plans for the vacant council owned properties in Duaringa. [CRM

77366/2019].” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 017 Carried (6-0) Community Consultation Meeting – Comet – 7 February 2019 Executive summary: Central Highlands Regional Council regards community engagement activities as the cornerstone of good governance and critical to effective planning and delivery of infrastructure and services that meet the needs and expectations of the community. Community Consultation Meetings are conducted once annually in various communities throughout the Central Highlands Local Government Area (LGA) and provide opportunity for council and the community to meet and discuss key issues, plans and projects. Comet Community Consultation Meeting was held on 7 February 2019. Resolution: Cr Sypher moved and seconded by Cr Godwin-Smith that “Central Highlands Regional Council receive the minutes from the Community Consultation Meeting held at the Comet Town Hall on 6 February 2019, noting the following actions have been logged as Customer Requests (CRM)

a. Council to inspect the quality of gravel used on Olive Vale Road. [CRM 77427/2019] b. Council to lodge an amendment with Google Maps to correct spelling of Olive Dale Road to

Olive Vale Road. [CRM 77428/2019] c. Council to contact Telstra to ensure they are using the new addresses assigned as part of the

street renumbering project. [CRM 77429/2019]

d. Council to install speed limit signs on Adams Street and Lurline Road in Comet and a give-way sign to Shakespeare Street, Comet. [CRM 77430/2019]

e. Council to investigate road drainage issues on the corner of Adams and Shakespeare Streets

in Comet. [CRM 77431/2019].” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 018 Carried (6-0) Community Consultation Meeting – Bluff – 7 February 2019 Executive summary: Central Highlands Regional Council regards community engagement activities as the cornerstone of good governance and critical to effective planning and delivery of infrastructure and services that meet the needs and expectations of the community. Community Consultation Meetings are conducted once annually in various communities throughout the Central Highlands Local Government Area (LGA) and provide opportunity for council and the community to meet and discuss key issues, plans and projects.




Bluff Community Consultation Meeting was held on 7 February 2019. Resolution: Cr Sypher moved and seconded by Cr Brimblecombe that “Central Highlands Regional Council receive the minutes from the Community Consultation Meeting held at the Bluff Community Hall on 7 February 2019, noting the following actions have been logged as Customer Requests (CRM):

a. Council to provide a response to the Community Reference Group regarding the new

addresses for Bluff not being used by State Government and Telstra. [CRM 77367/2019] b. Council to investigate options to make it easier to use the skip bins at the Bluff Transfer

Station. The community reports they are hard to access and too high to put rubbish in from a wheelie bin. [CRM 77369/2019]

c. Council to contact Aurizon regarding a regular mowing schedule for the section of railway line that runs through Bluff. [CRM 77370/2019]

d. Council to continue to advocate the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) to upgrade Bluff Creek. [CRM 77371/2019]

e. Council to liaise with Bluff Coal to address the concerns of the community about the amount of dust coming from the mine. [CRM 77378/2019]

f. Council to inspect and conduct repairs to the edge of Colliery Street, Bluff that is breaking up. [CRM 77383/2019]

g. Street sweeper to be in Bluff on a more regular basis focusing on streets with kerb and channel. [CRM 77385/2019]

h. Council to inspect and repair the end of Colliery Street near the camp. The bitumen is narrow and slush on the side of the road makes it dangerous. - [CRM 77386/2019]

i. Council to liaise with Aurizon regarding maintenance around the railway station where there is a pile of sleepers and ballast that make the town look untidy. - [CRM 77387/2019]

j. Council to provide the community with an update regarding town entrance signage. [CRM 77388/2019]

k. Council to investigate if another wheelie bin is required at Centenary Park to cater for the travelling public. [CRM 77390/2019]

l. Council to inspect and conduct repairs to bitumen in pull off area at Centenary Park. [CRM 77391/2019]

m. Council to investigate local business operating from a residential property. [CRM 77395/2019]

n. Council to inspect and replace guidepost on the corner of South and Main Streets, Bluff. [CRM 77396/2019]

o. Council to provide a response to Bluff Community Reference Group regarding why a local council employee is no longer based in Bluff. [CRM 77398/2019]

p. Council to investigate and remove dumped cars located near the gravel pit and racecourse in Bluff. [CRM 77399/2019]

q. Council to consider spraying footpaths more regularly for goat heads and prickles. [CRM 77401/2019]

r. Council to investigate unsightly allotment at 38 Main Street, Bluff. [CRM 77402/2019].” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 019 Carried (6-0) Community Consultation Meeting – Capella – 19 February 2019 Executive summary: Central Highlands Regional Council regards community engagement activities as the cornerstone of good governance and critical to effective planning and delivery of infrastructure and services that meet the needs and expectations of the community. Community Consultation Meetings are conducted once annually in various communities throughout the Central Highlands Local Government Area (LGA) and provide opportunity for council and the community to meet and discuss key issues, plans and projects.




Capella Community Consultation Meeting was held on 19 February 2019. Resolution: Cr Sypher moved and seconded by Cr Godwin-Smith that “Central Highlands Regional Council receive the minutes from the Community Consultation Meeting held at the Capella Cultural Centre on 19 February 2019, noting the following actions have been logged as Customer Requests (CRM):

a. Acknowledging Council has some great facilities, but the Capella Skate Park is very hot. The

youth of the town look after the facility. Can Council consider putting a permanent hard cover shade structure over it? The shade sails are regularly damaged in storm events. [CRM 77974/2019]

b. Bridgeman Park is the focal point of Capella with great facility and a multitude of sports and groups using this facility. Upon recent inspection of the facilities it is looking derelict, the main show arena fence is rusting, buildings needing maintenance, football ovals and grounds in general need maintenance. Another concern is the safety of the sand in the main arena. Competitors, especially juniors having difficulty jumping, the sand is too loose. Also, difficult to walk on the surface. Groups are still waiting on a response from Council in relation to what will happen with this in the future. There are far better materials that can be used instead of the river sand. Need to focus on the safety of the ring. Some of the lights in the show ring are not working. [CRM 77948/2019]

c. The main ring is the worst ring in Queensland. There was no consultation with the groups when additional lighting was installed. They were installed in the wrong location. [CRM 77947/2019]

d. Exchange of land between Council and the Pony Club has never been finalised. As part of the exchange, the land was to be fenced. This matter has been ongoing for 15 years and needs to be sorted. When is this going to happen? [CRM 77973/2019]

e. Reporting that Clermont end of the Malthoid Road had some grading done on it, but it then rained and is a mess. The road is currently corrugated, with holes and rocks. [CRM 77946/2019]

f. Are there any more plans for the exercise equipment near Bridgeman Park? There is no access into it, driveway, parking or safe path to walk down with children and the equipment

is deteriorating. [CRM77945/2019].” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 020 Carried (6-0) Attendance Acting Manager Customer Service R. Brosnan entered the meeting at 11.51am Attendance Coordinator Ranger Services B. Keys, Ranger Trainees A. Patterson and E. Lee entered the meeting at 11.51am Acting General Manager Corporate Services R. Ferguson entered the meeting at 11.54am Overview of Ranger Services Executive summary: This report has been compiled to provide an overview snapshot of the Central Highlands Regional Council Ranger Services teams efforts and to welcome the new trainees to the Central Highlands Regional Council family. Resolution: Cr Sypher moved and seconded by Cr Godwin-Smith that “Central Highlands Regional Council receive this report.” 2019 / 03 / 12 / 021 Carried (6-0)




Attendance Coordinator Ranger Services B. Keys, Ranger Trainees A. Patterson and E. Lee left the meeting at 12.02pm

GENERAL BUSINESS

CLOSURE OF MEETING There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.03pm CONFIRMED MAYOR DATE





6 BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF MINUTES

7 REVIEW OF OUTSTANDING MEETING ACTIONS

8 REVIEW OF UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS

9 MATERIAL PERSONAL INTEREST, CONFLICT OF INTEREST, PERSONAL GIFTS AND BENEFITS



10 DECISION ACTION REPORTS

10.1 Sister City Student Exchange Program..... Approx 10 mins

DECISION REPORT

Date: 16 April 2019 Presentation Duration: Approx. 10 minutes

To: Communities Standing Committee Meeting

Author: Suzanne Poulter, Manager Connected Communities

Authorising Officer: Daniel Fletcher, General Manager Communities

File Reference: TBA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The Central Highlands Regional Council and Ichinoseki City (Fujisawa, Japan) Sister City relationship is based on the Sister City Agreement signed in 1993. The relationship has provided many opportunities for cultural exchange between the two regions and two countries.

The contribution for the students’ expenses has not increased since 2006. It is proposed the current amount of $750 be increased to $1000 per student, to be allocated to each student undertaking the Sister City exchange. Up to eight students participate in the program annually.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION:

That Central Highlands Regional Council:

1. Endorse the council contribution for the Sister City Student Exchange Program be $1,000 per student, for up to eight students per year; and

2. That future budgets be amended accordingly to reflect this change.

REPORT:

The Central Highlands Regional Council Sister City relationship with Ichinoseki (Fujisawa), Japan has existed since 1993.

The relationship has fostered many opportunities for cultural exchange between the two regions including: the Sister City student exchange program, exchange of art, patchwork, and music (Japanese Taiko group performed at the CH Multicultural Festival 2013), adult exchanges, building reciprocal gardens in each region and sharing the industry skills and knowledge.

Council supports the annual Sister City Student Exchange Program by contributing: $750 per student, a council logo shirt for each delegate, the council officer chaperones’ travel costs, council gift for the Sister City and hosting of the reciprocal student group visit.

Council officer chaperones, students and their families work diligently to raise the additional funds to cover the expenses of the trip. This ensures that each student has the opportunity to participate in the program regardless of their family’s financial situation.

The contribution of $750 per student has been in place since 2006 and is due to be reviewed. With Consumer Price Index and increasing costs, it is recommended the student allocation increase.



It is proposed the current amount of $750 be increased to $1000 per student, to be allocated to each student undertaking the Sister City exchange. Up to eight students participate in the program annually. This will assist students with their travel expenses.

CONSIDERATIONS / IMPLICATIONS:

Corporate/Operational Plan Reference:1. Strong Vibrant Communities; 1.1 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Strong diverse communities1.2 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Respecting our cultures1.3 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Active and inclusive communities.

Budget/Financial/Resourcing: The current year budget provides $21,000 for the Sister City Program. Council officers request an increase of $2000 in the FY 19-20 to support this recommendation.

Legal/Policy/Delegations:Council officer chaperones and students participating in the Sister City exchange program sign a code of conduct.

Communication/Engagement:Council promotes the student exchange program and the Ichinosekii region through fundraising activities, welcome and farewell dinners when the Sister City visits, tour of the region and local attractions when the Sister City visits. The Youth Development Team markets the program through liaison with local schools. The program is promoted through council’s social media and website.

Risk Assessment: There is a risk to the Sister City program not being inclusive of all students regardless of their families’ financial situation if this report’s recommendation is not endorsed.

Timings/Deadlines:The increase in budget is required to support the annual Sister City Student Exchange delegation visit to Ichinoseki, Japan during the June/July 2019 school holiday period.

Alternatives considered:Council could endorse to continue to contribute $750 per student, rather than increasing to $1,000 per student, however this would not manage the risk identified in the risk assessment.

SUMMARY:

This report requests endorsement to increase the council contribution for the Sister City Student Exchange Program to $1000 per student, for up to eight students per year.

ATTACHMENTS:

{attachment-list}

– END OF REPORT –



11 DISCUSSION REPORTS

12 INFORMATION REPORTS

12.1 Communities

12.1.1 Presentation by Mr Aleem Ali - Chief Executive Officer of Welcoming Cities

INFORMATION REPORT

Date: 16 April 2019 Presentation Duration: Approx. 15-20 minutes


Author: Daniel Fletcher, General Manager Communities


File Reference: TBA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The purpose of this report is to introduce and welcome Mr Aleem Ali, Chief Executive Officer from Welcoming Cities to our Standing Committee Meeting.


That Central Highlands Regional Council receive this report.

REPORT:

This report provides an update on preliminary work commenced with the Welcoming and Inclusive Communities consultation being undertaken on behalf of Multicultural Affairs QLD (MAQ) which is reporting directly to Minister Hinchliffe.

A report is to be prepared for Minister Hinchliffe on the opportunities for settling migrants in regional Queensland. Three locations have currently been identified:

1. South West Brisbane;2. Rockhampton; and 3. Emerald.

The project is in the preliminary stages of evaluating (superficially and anecdotally) the infrastructure needs in the above areas to ascertain the suitability of these locations to resettle migrant families.

There is no clear direction from the Queensland State Government on commitment to supporting these locations or when and how further suitability will be evaluated.

The reporting deadline for this phase of the project was Wednesday 5 December 2018 where a report is to be presented to the Minister with the collated findings from the preliminary assessment.

It has been indicated that the outcome of the impending federal election will have an impact on the progression of this initiative – that impact is currently unknown.

A briefing note was sent to councillors on 4 December 2018 providing an update on this initiative and asking the following questions for council’s considerations:



1. Do you believe Emerald (and the greater Central Highlands region) is a suitable location for resettling migrant families?

2. What infrastructure and/or service challenges currently exist within the region (e.g. housing, health (including mental and allied services), education, employment, other) that would prevent the region from successfully re-settling migrant families?

3. What policy issues would you like to see addressed (e.g. health, economic and social benefits) to prepare Emerald (and the broader Central Highlands region) for re-settling migrant families?


Corporate/Operational Plan Reference: 1. Strong Vibrant Communities; 1.1 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Strong diverse communities1.2 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Respecting our cultures1.3 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Active and inclusive communities.

3. Supporting our Local Economy; 3.1 Corporate Plan Strategy: Facilitate investment and employment opportunities.3.2. - Corporate Plan Strategy: Support local business and emerging industries

4. Protecting our People and our Environment; 4.1 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Well-managed and protected communities4.2 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Environmental sustainability

5. Leadership and Governance;5.1. - Corporate Plan Strategy: Leadership and communication5.2 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Advocate for our region5.3 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Accountability and integrity5.4 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Financial sustainability

Budget/Financial/Resourcing: No current budget implications have been identified.

Legal/Policy/Delegations:Not applicable

Communication/Engagement:No engagement to date has occurred. This session will be the first opportunity for engagement and updating of information.

Risk Assessment: Nil risks associated with the update opportunity.Further risks will need to be considered as this program progresses.

Timings/Deadlines:Not applicable.

Alternatives considered:Nil.

SUMMARY:

This report is to introduce Mr Aleem Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Welcoming Cities to provide an update for council on the potential initiative of migrating families being located in Emerald.

ATTACHMENTS:



1. Welcoming Regions - Central Highlands [12.1.1.1]2. Welcoming Cities - Central Highlands - April 2019 [12.1.1.2]


Welcoming Regions:

Migrant Settlement in Regional Queensland

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

John van Kooy and Rebecca Wickes

Monash Migration and Inclusion Centre

Aleem Ali

Welcoming Cities



Welcoming Regions: Migrant Settlement in Regional Queensland

ii

Contents

Glossary of terms ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. iii

Executive Summary ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. iv

1 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1

2 Methodology …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1

3 Key success factors of regional migrant settlement …………………….…………………………………………………….. 3

4 Central Highlands ……..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7

5 Next Steps …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 21

References …………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Queensland Government through Multicultural Affairs Queensland and

supported by Welcoming Cities.

Cover: Thargomindah, Hungerford Rd (Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons)




iii

Glossary of Terms

ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics

ALP Australian Labor Party

ACMID Australian Census and Migrants Integrated Dataset

AEDC Australian Early Development Census

Employment or

labour force region

Refers to sub-state level labour markets used in analysis by the federal

Department of Jobs and Small Business. For a visualisation see:

https://docs.jobs.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/employment_regions.html

In ABS terminology, labour market regions reflect the labour markets within

each state and territory. Labour market regions are equivalent to Statistical

Areas Level 4 (SA4s) and are smallest geographical output of Labour

Force Survey data.

ERP Estimated Resident Population

IRSD Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage

Labour force status A classification of the civilian population aged 15 years and over into

employed, unemployed or not in the labour force, as defined. The

definitions conform closely to the international standard definitions adopted

by the International Conferences of Labour Statisticians.

LGA Local Government Area

LNP Liberal National Party (State)/Parties (Federal)

ONP One Nation Party

SA2 Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) are medium-sized general-purpose

statistical areas. Their purpose is to represent a community that interacts

together socially and economically. There are 2,310 SA2 regions covering

the whole of Australia without gaps or overlaps.

SEIFA Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) is a product developed by the

ABS that ranks areas in Australia according to relative socio-economic

advantage and disadvantage. The indexes are based on information from

the five-yearly Census.

SSC State Suburbs (SSCs) are an ABS approximation of localities gazetted by

the Geographical Place Name authority in each State and Territory.

SWOR Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Risks analysis

UCL Urban Centre and Locality, Developed utilising 'Place of usual Residence'

population figures from the 2016 Census. An Urban Centre is a cluster of

contiguous areas with an aggregate population exceeding 1,000 persons

that are of 'urban character'.



https://docs.jobs.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/employment_regions.html


iv

Executive Summary

Encouraging migrants to move to regional Australia is often portrayed as a ‘win-win’ for receiving

communities, local economies, and migrants themselves. Migration has the potential to revitalise regional

towns and bring new life to local economies, adding cultural richness and diversity to regional

communities, while easing pressure on urban infrastructure and services.

However, the social and economic characteristics of Australia’s regions differ greatly. Many of the

potential benefits of regional settlement may be offset by existing inequalities and gaps in social and

physical infrastructure. Moreover, few communities in remote areas have experience dealing with cultural

and linguistic diversity. Migrants themselves may be wary of limited employment pathways and the effects

of cultural distance with regional communities; they may choose to relocate only temporarily or simply to

meet visa requirements. These risk factors can compromise the sustainability of resettlement efforts

before they have even begun.

Realising the benefits of regional settlement requires careful planning, knowledge of ‘what works,’ and

close collaboration between key stakeholders. Commissioned by Multicultural Affairs Queensland, this

report details the findings of our analysis of available secondary data, and the results of initial

consultations with local stakeholders. Drawing on the available evidence, the report offers a summary of

the key success factors of migrant settlement in regional Australia, followed by a detailed review of

secondary data, and is accompanied by our recommended settlement scenario for the Central Highlands

region.

Key success factors of regional migrant settlement

Our review of the available evidence from scholarly, community and government sources identified

several factors that contribute to successful migrant settlement. Below we summarise the services,

opportunities and resources needed to welcome new arrivals while maintaining and enhancing the

vibrancy of local communities.

Essential: Locally-driven coordination, consultation, planning and budgeting

Careful planning is required in each regional location to determine local workforce needs, service gaps and

appropriate strategies to respond. Local planning should commence well in advance of new arrivals and

take account of economic trends, community concerns, service provider capacities, and funding

constraints. Given the annual budgeting and policy cycles of government departments, local planning

approaches and resourcing may need to be responsive and adaptive to the non-linear dynamics of

settlement. Councils and Shires need to have a formal role in settlement planning networks and program

delivery. Planning should be inclusive of community groups (businesses, schools, volunteers, etc.), and

importantly, migrants themselves.




v

Essential: Meaningful consultation and a culture of welcome in receiving communities

Meaningful consultations with migrant groups (through, for example, ethno-specific community

organisations) can provide insights to real experiences, concerns and aspirations, and mitigate risks of

early flight from regional destinations. Receiving communities and local organisations should also be well-

informed and prepared to welcome new arrivals. An understanding of local attitudes towards migrants, as

well as the perceptions that locals have about different cultures and ethnicities, need to be addressed in

planning for regional settlement.

Community consultations and information-sharing are critical approaches to build trust, respect and

understanding. Engaging local Indigenous communities in welcoming work is a core component of

resettlement preparation and planning. Policies and programs that include First Nations Peoples while also

emphasising shared values and building positive social relationships can go a long way to fostering

openness and acceptance in local communities.

Essential: Employment that matches demand with the characteristics of new migrants

Economic security is at the heart of the ‘win-win’ argument advanced in favour of regional settlement.

Sustained employment that enables migrants to meet their costs of living and pursue career advancement

is central to settlement success. Given the diversity of regional economies and labour market

opportunities, however, careful consideration must be given to the potential ‘fit’ between available jobs

and migrants’ skills, qualifications and career aspirations.

While government-initiated skilled migration schemes have attempted to direct migrant workers to

regional destinations for decades, there remains no coordinated system or strategy for linking migrant

workers with regional employers. Despite this, Australian employers are proactively playing a variety of

roles in regional areas to attract and retain migrant workers, including acting as proxies for settlement

service providers in remote areas, and as hosts and ‘cultural ambassadors’ for new arrivals. In other cases,

employers or employer associations have acted on ethical motivations to participate in ‘welcome’ projects

for newly-arrived refugees. Smaller employers, however, are likely to have limited capacity to absorb extra

responsibility for supporting new arrivals and may need assistance to support adaptation to Australian

work settings, to understand visa conditions and options, and facilitate employee settlement.

Channelling temporary workers and migrants on short-term visas to regional areas addresses a narrower

policy objective. Temporary migrants may provide an immediate boost to regional economies, but the

durability of these benefits is likely to be limited. Moreover, the nature of these benefits will change

according to macroeconomic and industry trends. In regional contexts experiencing high levels of

disadvantage, unemployment, depopulation or even environmental calamities, the arrival of temporary

migrants who have no intention or feasible option to remain could exacerbate existing social and economic

inequalities.

Essential: Accessible housing, transport and culturally-appropriate services

Social and physical service infrastructure needs to be affordable, culturally-appropriate and accessible to

newly-arrived migrants. Specialised services such as skilled interpreters, medical staff trained in refugee




vi

health, and English second-language tuition in schools may be required to help migrant populations

establish themselves. To meet employment requirements, migrants also need access to vocational

education and training options. While federal policies afford humanitarian migrants access to mainstream

settlement services, other temporary and skilled migrants do not have the same eligibility for government

services. This leaves some groups at risk of isolation, especially where established groups from similar

cultural backgrounds are not present. Affordable housing options are also critical to attract and retain

migrants who presently reside in metropolitan areas. Without this optimal mix of services and

infrastructure in regional locations, the promise of the ‘win-win’ will be difficult to realise.

Desirable: Established ethnic communities and multicultural organisations

Integration can also be assisted by the active role of established ethnic communities and multicultural

institutions. Where these communities do not yet exist in regional areas, there may be opportunities to

foster intercultural contact through existing institutions such as schools and workplaces.

Conceptualising settlement scenarios

We propose four conceptual scenarios to inform the design of migrant resettlement initiatives. We briefly

summarise them here, followed by our assessment of how they map to the Central Highlands.

Figure 1. Operational contexts for migrant settlement in regional areas

Destinations for new and emerging migrant communities

This scenario refers to regional towns that do not have a history or experience with supporting migrant

settlement or multiculturalism. However, a detailed needs analysis may identify population decline, low

demand for services and/or worker shortages that could be addressed by a targeted long-term settlement

program. Community consultations, especially with First Nations people, should indicate a sentiment and

willingness to facilitate settlement of a small number of migrants from emerging migrant communities on

a long-term and/or permanent basis. This process would not be suited to areas with high levels of youth

unemployment, or significant socioeconomic inequalities between existing cultural groups.




vii

Regions of welcome for refugees

Based on extensive community consultation, local governments in regional areas may initiate small-scale

refugee resettlement programs based a commitment to humanitarianism and the concept of ‘welcome’.

Core principles would include appreciating the benefits of cultural diversity and social inclusion. First

Nations communities should be engaged in ‘welcoming work’ that reflects the cultural heritage and

traditional owners of the land. Receiving communities may consider community sponsorship approaches

for individual refugee families. The possibilities of long-term employment and refugee career pathways

should be carefully considered, primarily for their potential to facilitate integration and household

economic security—rather than merely addressing immediate labour shortages. Resettlement requires

the support of service providers and ethno-specific or multicultural organisations.

Demand-driven economic gain

In these contexts, employer demand in regional industries drives the identification and recruitment of

skilled migrants and temporary workers for secondary migration to regional locations. Employer-worker

linkages are facilitated by partnerships between state and federal agencies, local governments and service

providers. Migrants are placed into local labour markets and matched with jobs that meet their income

and visa requirements. The policy objective is not necessarily settlement but could include pathways to

long-term residence for some visa holders. It would not be suited to areas with high levels of youth

unemployment, or significant socioeconomic inequalities between existing cultural groups.

Optimal migrant settlement

Optimal regional settlement contexts are destinations that exhibit most of the social, cultural and

institutional features necessary for successful long-term primary or secondary settlement (i.e. a

combination of the elements of all other scenarios). With the commitment of local authorities supporting

new arrivals, receiving communities and First Nations people engage in collaborative planning and

preparation. Employment pathways are identified that reflect career opportunities rather than short-term

job placements. Local service providers have demonstrated intercultural competencies. The settlement

opportunities in this context would suit a range of different migrant cohorts, including short-

term/temporary migrants, humanitarian entrants and permanent family or skilled migrants.

Assessment of settlement options in the Central Highlands

The Central Highlands region may be suitable for receiving skilled migrants and temporary workers in a

scenario of demand-driven economic gain. Cyclical, skilled employment opportunities and low-cost rental

housing create some of the conditions for successful short-term relocation. ‘Work-ready’ migrants with

English language skills (especially those who have already lived in Australia for some time) may not have

significant difficulties participating in the Central Highlands economy. New arrivals, however, would need

to be comfortable with a degree of location remoteness, particularly if Council prefers settlement in peri-

urban or rural locations within the LGA.




viii

As in the case of Southwest Queensland, the lack of established migrant communities, multicultural service

providers and the relative monoculturalism of the existing population are not ideal conditions for migrant

settlement. The lack of proximity to services would disadvantage higher-needs groups within the migrant

community.

Central Highlands also has a very young (and growing) population, including a predominance of young

families with children. Adding younger migrant families who fit a more traditional ‘settler’ scenario may

create strain on local education providers and, eventually, competition for entry-level jobs for young

workers. The data does not support a regional revitalisation objective in Central Highlands, but rather one

of plugging labour market gaps and strategic population management.

Six steps for moving forward with regional migrant settlement

Currently, there is no comprehensive federal mechanism to coordinate a process of migrant settlement

initiatives across. In the absence of such a mechanism, a series of ‘bottom-up’ pilot initiatives should be

developed to demonstrate how migrant settlement could work in regional areas. Based on our analysis we

propose the following key elements of such an approach:

1. Councils and partner organisations commit to implementing The Welcoming Cities Standard.

The Welcoming Cities Standard establishes the framework for local councils to: benchmark their

cultural diversity and inclusion policies and practices across the organisation; identify where and

how further efforts could be directed; and, assess progress over time. Engagement with the

Welcoming Cities network and application of The Standard can assist local councils and

communities to address and advance the key success factors of regional migrant settlement in the

areas of social and cultural inclusion, economic development, and coordinated local planning.

2. Councils employ ‘Local Settlement Officers’ to coordinate settlement planning processes and

relevant working groups.

Local governments are a critical conduit for information and community perspectives on migrant

settlement. Encouragingly, Council and Shire representatives from Southwest Queensland,

Rockhampton and Central Highlands all expressed enthusiasm and willingness to play a central

role in these initiatives. To this end, we recommend that local governments employ focal point-

persons with responsibilities for leading coordination and communication efforts, networking with

all relevant stakeholders, and seeking funding and other opportunities for pilot programs.

3. Community consultations and social impact assessments are conducted and documented to

inform clear settlement policy objectives.

A multi-staged consultation process based on social inclusion principles can ground this report’s

analysis in local realities. As with the above recommendation, Council should lead this effort in

collaboration with First Nations peoples and a cross-section of community groups and employers,

ensuring a shared commitment. Consultation should proceed with the goal of defining the

objective of migrant settlement for the region: settlement, revitalisation, skills gaps and/or

cultural diversity? The Welcoming Cities Standard includes several indicators to measure the




ix

efficacy of consultation, such as the provision of accessible information, active sharing of stories

and narratives from the community, encouraging diverse participation in discussions, meetings

and forums, and ensuring clear spaces for the airing of concerns or disputes.

4. Economic advisory groups provide detailed analysis of short- and long-term employment

opportunities.

Political rhetoric often gives the impression of a simple demand and supply equation between

regional job vacancies and a latent migrant workforce. However, our analysis shows that regional

labour markets are subject to seasonal ‘boom and bust’ cycles, and emerging or declining

opportunities that make the ‘skills matching’ exercise very complex. Employers, employer

associations, unions and employment service providers must all be engaged to understand

regional economic characteristics. Critically, the analysis needs to consider realistic pathways (if

any) between immediate workforce needs, secure jobs, and the potential for sustainable

employment that offers financial security and independence.

5. State government provides a package of policy supports to settlement initiatives.

States are critical for including local communities, migrant groups, and metropolitan

constituencies in the coordinated allocation of services and infrastructure. Successful settlement

initiatives depend on states working to extend multicultural services to regional areas, funding

relocation packages for migrant families, providing public housing options or subsidies where

appropriate, and resourcing the monitoring and evaluation of programs to highlight lessons and

demonstrate impact. Furthermore, service providers and community organisations in regional

areas may need additional state support to develop effective and culturally-appropriate service

offerings for new migrants.

6. Multi-sectoral working groups help migrants to access information, build awareness and

develop realistic expectations about relocating to regional areas.

Migrants considering primary or secondary settlement in regional Queensland need to be

confident that they are well-informed and prepared for the experience. Where appropriate, they

need to develop exposure to and familiarity with local culture, climate, and conditions. A working

group comprising representatives of migrant communities, multicultural institutions, service

providers, interpreters and other stakeholders (many of whom may be based in metropolitan

centres) can act as a mechanism to prepare migrants for resettlement, maintain connectivity with

ethno-cultural groups, and mitigate feelings of isolation or cultural distance.




1

1 Introduction

Welcoming Cities has partnered with Monash University’s Migration and Inclusion Centre (MMIC) to

review evidence on developing recommendations for migrant settlement in regional Queensland. This

research, supported by Multicultural Affairs Queensland, identifies the key services, opportunities and

resources needed to help new migrants settle well in the Central Highlands region.

The study examines, in detail, the conditions for migrant settlement in these locations, offering critical

information and guidance to assist decision-makers and local communities with settlement preparation

and planning.

2 Methodology

Evidence Review

We reviewed scholarly literature published in Australia on regional migrant settlement, integration,

service infrastructure and settlement policy and programs. We also reviewed key publications produced

by government agencies, peak bodies, community sector organisations, multicultural organisations and

advocacy groups. Our search criteria for the literature review included publications that addressed:

primary and secondary (re)settlement; labour migration; rural and regional contexts; revitalisation;

dispersal policies; settlement services, opportunities and resources.

We used the following key questions to interrogate the literature:

• What are the key factors that contribute to successful migrant settlement in regional Australia?

• What are the services, opportunities and resources needed to receive new arrivals in regional

locations while maintaining and enhancing the vibrancy of local communities?

• What are the potential opportunities to revitalise communities, or address workforce shortages

and demands in regional Queensland?

• Which areas require further investigation?

The findings of the evidence review are drawn together in Chapter 3 of this report, summarised as key

success factors of regional settlement. More detailed findings are contained in the first report for this

project, submitted in September 2018.

Assessment Framework

Section 4 of this report provides an in-depth analysis of available primary and secondary data for the

region. Beginning with an overview of the geography and population characteristics of each region, the

analysis examines secondary data across five domains:

• Population, household and family characteristics

• Economy and labour market




2

• First Nations peoples

• Migrant community profile

• Inequality and disadvantage

Sources of secondary data that were reviewed for this study include:

• the Australian Census of Population and Housing (2006, 2011 and 2016 editions); for detailed

population data, demographics, living conditions, economic indicators, and a range of other

domains

• the Australian Census and Migrants Integrated Dataset (ACMID), which links 2011 and 2016

Census data to Permanent Migrant Settlement Data from the federal Department of Social

Services (DSS)

• the Labour Market Information Portal (LMIP) and Small Area Labour Market (SALM) data—both

provided by the federal Department of Jobs and Small Business, which draws on data from the

ABS Labour Force Survey

• data on visa grants and settlement patterns available from the Department of Home Affairs

(DoHA)

• summaries of locational demand (SOLDs) prepared by the Queensland Department of

Communities, Disability Services and Seniors. These analyse statistical areas against a range of

demographic, employment, poverty, family and health indicators, and rank areas according to

quintiles of disadvantage (full SOLD profiles can be found in Appendix B)

• analysis of state and regional population projects and economic conditions provided by the

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (Queensland Treasury)

• summary data from the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), which is a nationwide

survey of early childhood development at the time children commence their first year of full-time

school

• crime statistics from the Queensland Police

• election results available from the Australian Election Commission (AEC, federal) and Electoral

Commission of Queensland (ECQ, state).

Welcoming Cities also conducted stakeholder consultations to assess the views and perspectives of local

communities and organisations. Where primary data has been made available, we also provide a summary

of the results of these stakeholder consultations.

We then provide a summative analysis according to identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and

risks (SWOR analysis) which will influence the potential success of migrant settlement initiatives. The

analysis concludes with a recommended migrant settlement approach, based on the conceptual scenarios

as outlined in the Executive Summary.




3

3 Key success factors of regional migrant settlement

The diversity of Australia’s regions underscores the importance of understanding good practice and

knowing ‘what works’ before embarking on the resettlement of migrant communities. This chapter

outlines key success factors (four essential and one desirable) of successful migrant settlement, based on

the findings of our literature and evidence review.

Essential: Locally-driven coordination, consultation, planning and budgeting

Sustainable resettlement of migrants in regional areas requires appropriate resourcing, careful planning,

and coordinated management of an end-to-end process (McDonald-Wilmsen et al. 2009; Piper 2017).

These are more than just platitudes; in the absence of a federal government planning mechanism, a range

of sub-national stakeholders need to collaborate and share information to ensure the success of regional

settlement initiatives.

Local councils and community stakeholders need to drive the identification of specific opportunities and

constraints in their region. While analysis of available secondary data (such as in this report) is critical for

understanding socioeconomic trends, local stakeholders are best placed to contextualise ‘on the ground’

realities. Councils are an important conduit for this local information, facilitating strategic connections

between service providers and communities, assessing local conditions, and seeking diverse sources of

funding appropriate for the fluid nature of settlement processes (Boese & Phillips 2017; Broadbent,

Cacciattolo & Carpenter 2007; Boese, van Kooy & Bowman 2018). Groups that represent cross-sections of

the local community—such as businesses, educators, volunteers, and advocates—must be genuine

partners in this process to develop a shared and detailed understanding of how the community will

support integration of new arrivals (McDonald et al. 2008).

State governments have a critical role in providing a ‘package of supportive policy initiatives’, such as

ensuring the provision (and sustainability) of multicultural services, funding relocation packages for

migrant families, and overseeing program monitoring and evaluation (McDonald-Wilmsen et al. 2009;

Broadbent, Cacciattolo & Carpenter 2007). State governments may also be called upon to advocate to

federal counterparts for changes to visa rules or entitlements so that migrant communities can fully

participate in the labour force and gain full access to support services.

Finally, settlement service providers, multicultural associations and ethno-specific community

organisations provide a critical interface with migrant communities. They understand the service needs of

migrant as well as the diversity within cultural groups. In addition to service provision responsibilities,

these organisations can facilitate access to and input from migrants themselves, including an appreciation

of their perceptions, aspirations, and unique contributions (Curry, Smedley & Lenette 2018). Establishing

partnerships with these organisations is important for helping migrants to make informed choices and set

clear expectations about relocating to regional towns (QCOSS 2014). Recognising that most of these

organisations are located in urban areas that have a guaranteed minimum client base which ensures




4

financial and workforce sustainability (Ernst & Young 2015), the provision of ‘settlement advice’ in regional

areas is a gap that may need to be filled by local and state governments.

Essential: Meaningful consultation and a culture of welcome in receiving

communities

Regardless of the settlement scenario in a given regional location, the incorporation of new migrants

should be seen as a ‘community project for local economic and social sustainability’ (McDonald-Wilmsen

et al. 2009). The success of this project is dependent on the commitment and buy-in of the receiving

community, informed by welcoming attitudes, cultural awareness and a well-developed understanding of

settlement dynamics.

Engaging local Indigenous communities in welcoming work is a core component of resettlement

preparation and planning. First Nations people are the traditional custodians of all migrant settlement

destinations in Australia, and their active voice and participation is critical in negotiating matters of

settlement, cultural exchange and understanding (Booth 2015). Collaboration with present and emerging

elders in resettlement policies, initiatives and public events, as well as opportunities for cultural exchange

and understanding, is central to a holistic community welcome of new migrant arrivals (Welcoming Cities

2018).

Meaningful consultation processes are required to develop a shared understanding of local attitudes,

expectations, concerns and the scope of practical contributions. Genuine consultation and knowledge-

sharing is particularly important in regional settings where historical interface with diverse ethnic groups

may be limited, perceptions of cultural stereotypes may be prevalent, and social views may be an obstacle

to the acceptance of difference and cultural change in communities (Schech 2014).

A ‘top-down’ consultation process that satisfies only bureaucratic requirements is unlikely to achieve

requisite local support for migrant relocation. Instead, a multi-pronged approach to local consultation

should involve provision of accessible information, active sharing of stories and narratives from the

community, encourage diverse participation in discussions, meetings and forums, and ensuring clear

spaces for the airing of concerns or disputes (Welcoming Cities 2018).

Essential: Employment that matches demand with the characteristics of new

migrants

Secure employment that enables migrants to meet their costs of living and plan for the future is widely

recognised as a critical component of successful settlement (Ager & Strang 2008). Stable employment

can also ‘speed up’ integration into Australian society and is one of the important factors in social inclusion

(Schech 2014). Careful consideration of the possible match between available jobs and the skills,

qualifications and career aspirations of migrants is required to ensure employment does indeed facilitate

successful settlement.




5

Here again, local governments have a key role to play in assessing job markets in regional towns. State

government departments may be better placed to provide insights into ‘boom and bust’ cycles and

dynamics of regional economies. Working with employment service providers, government stakeholders

can also ensure the provision of pre-arrival and post-arrival settlement and employment information;

professional and peer support, and; information for regional employers in relation to visa conditions,

skilled migration processes and employee integration (Cameron 2011). Importantly, employers and

employer associations are critical in identifying and communicating workforce requirements, investing in

training opportunities, identifying longer-term career pathways, and sometimes acting as ‘hosts and

cultural ambassadors’ (Boese 2014).

As this report shows, regional economies are diverse in their job offerings, including the distribution of

skilled employment opportunities, job security and earning potential. While some sectors might appear to

represent a good ‘fit’ for migrants from similar backgrounds in their home countries, regional labour

markets can also be quite ‘thin,’ offering limited depth and variety of jobs, and few options for

advancement for a diverse range of migrants (DIBP 2014). In turn, clear distinctions need to be made

between:

• immediate labour needs in established industries (such as on-going mining projects),

• ‘niche’ vacancies in skilled occupation groups (such as health care professionals or engineers), and

• long-term projections for industry change and emerging employment growth (such as decline in

primary industries and the rise of employment in tertiary services).

Each of these scenarios has implications for the education and training needs, economic security and long-

term settlement prospects of migrants. The act of ‘matching supply and demand’ requires not only linking

up job seekers with available jobs; if settlement is the policy objective, detailed knowledge of employers’

needs and workers’ expectations and aspirations is required.

Essential: Accessible housing, transport and culturally-appropriate services

Affordable housing, transport options and welfare services in regional areas affect a broad cross-section

of the population, especially low-income groups. An influx of new migrants arriving in regional towns which

are already grappling with these challenges can create a ‘double disadvantage,’ limiting the possibilities

for migrants’ full social participation in the context of pre-existing regional inequalities (Correa-Velez,

Spaaij & Upham 2013).

Assessing realistic thresholds for absorbing new arrivals into local communities is a key strategy for

settlement success and avoiding the aggravation of social inequalities. The process, like others suggested

above, involves inclusive consultation and thorough needs analysis, with Council playing a key role

(Welcoming Cities 2018). As this report argues, potential migrants to regional areas should have the

opportunity to access housing, transport, and services that facilitate their settlement without saturating

demand or creating unwanted competition. In remote locations where services are limited, the preferred

‘migrant profile’ may be closer to that of established, ‘self-sufficient’ residents (with private

transportation) and complementary labour market attributes.




6

Different migrant groups also have specific service needs and entitlements. Specialised services such as

skilled interpreters, medical staff trained in refugee health, and English second-language tuition in schools

are required to help migrant populations establish themselves (Schech 2014). However, there is significant

variation across regional areas with regard to availability of these services (Curry, Smedley & Lenette 2018;

Johnston, Vasey & Markovic 2009). Accessibility is also determined by the cultural competency of staff and

frontline workers, who need the attributes and knowledge to work with diverse clients. Again, in areas

without a history of intercultural contact, the potential for effective service provision may be limited

(Major et al. 2013). This points to the need for additional support and training for mainstream service

providers in designated regional areas as part of any resettlement initiative (QCOSS 2014).

Desirable: Established ethnic communities and multicultural organisations

The presence of previously-settled migrant communities in regional towns can be an ‘anchor’ for new

arrivals, providing a source of experience, advice and familiarity with settlement processes and

opportunities (McDonald-Wilmsen et al. 2009). A ‘critical mass’ of migrants or refugees from the same

or related ethnic backgrounds helps to consolidate the settlement of new arrivals and attract further

numbers of refugees to that town. In contrast, the absence of culturally and linguistically diverse groups

in regional towns can be a ‘unique source of acculturation stress’, especially for young migrants (Joyce &

Liamputtong 2017).

While the presence of established ethnic communities and multicultural organisations can be a strong

asset for settlement, this report demonstrates that it is rarely found in parts of regional Queensland.

Locations in this study are typically monocultural and politically conservative, with limited experience

welcoming diverse migrant groups. This does not rule out the possibility of some pioneering ethnic

communities in new locations, provided that migrants are confident in their knowledge of Australia and

are well-prepared for experiences of sociocultural distance. While underscoring the need for a ‘culture of

welcome in the destination community, channels of communication also need to be kept open between

migrants in regional areas and those remaining in metropolitan centres to mitigate feelings of isolation

(this may also require the active support of local organisations and Councils).



Analysis: Central Highlands

7

4 Central Highlands

Key insights from the data:

▪ Small population (less than 30,000) spread over a large geographical area (nearly 60,000 km2)

▪ Moderate population growth is expected over the medium-long term population scenario

▪ The Central Highlands population is younger overall than all other regions in this study, with relatively

few residents over the age of 60 years and almost 25% of people under the age of 15

▪ Over 40% of households are couples with children under 15, far higher than state or federal levels

▪ Nearly half (47%) of all households in Central Highlands are renters, which far exceeds state or federal

levels. This may be explained by low relative rental costs but higher relative monthly mortgage costs in

the region

▪ Voting patterns suggest a politically conservative electorate, with strong support for LNP and ONP

▪ The regional economy is prone to being cyclical, particularly in mining and construction industries

▪ The unemployment rate (now at 4.5%) has risen slowly in recent years but remains below state and

federal levels. The largest industry of employment as of 2016 was coal mining (22% across Central

Highlands)

▪ The existing labour force of Central Highlands is skewed towards manual labour, trades and lower-skilled

professions

▪ Long-term projections show that the most employment growth is likely to be in tertiary services (real

estate, professional services, administration and support, health care and social assistance), while the

steepest declines will be in agriculture and retail

▪ Workers in Central Highlands are mostly reliant on private transport to get to work, with 4.7% of the

population using bus services

▪ The region recorded a net loss of 112 business exists between 2015-2017 from a variety of industries

▪ The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of Central Highlands is relatively small, though a

socioeconomic divide can be observed in post-secondary education levels and unemployment

▪ Around 13% of the Central Highlands population was born overseas, with over half having arrived in

Australia since 2006. As almost half of all migrants are from New Zealand or England, only 5% of

residents spoke a language other than English at home

▪ There are high rates of employment amongst permanent migrants—whether skilled, family, or

humanitarian visa holders

▪ The proportion of temporary skilled visa holders in the Central Queensland region declined by 41% in

the ten years to September 2018

▪ The eastern region of Central Highlands (including small townships of Blackwater, Duaringa and

Bauhinia have high relative disadvantage)—however, median household incomes are high overall, and

rental costs in the region are relatively low

▪ Proportions of developmentally vulnerable children are low compared to state levels, while youth

unemployment and disengagement levels are similar to that of Queensland overall

▪ Some crime rate statistics are concerning, particularly breaches of DV protection orders




8

Overview

The Central Highlands area begins approximately 100km west of Rockhampton, and includes rural

localities and small towns, with the regional centre in the town of Emerald. The region is rich in minerals

and agriculture, and claims the largest sapphire-producing fields in the Southern Hemisphere (CHRC n.d.).

Figure 4.1. Map of Central Highlands region (SEIFA IRSD quintile, LOTE by SA2 %), 2016

The estimated resident population (ERP) of the Central Highlands LGA at June 2017 was 28,610 people,

spanning an area of 59,835 km2. The area has a very low population density of 0.5 people per square km.

As of the 2016 Census, 51% of Central Highlands residents lived at the same address as they did five years

prior, similar to rates of 52% for Queensland.

Town Population

Emerald 13,523

Blackwater 4,618

Tieri 1,129

Capella 1,010

Springsure 857

Table 4.1. Population of selected urban areas, Central Highlands LGA, 2016

Note: Population estimates based on ABS Urban Centre/Locality (UCL)




9

Population profile

Central Highlands experienced total population growth of nearly 6% between the 2006 and 2016 Census

years, adding 1,522 people during this period. However, this figure masks fluctuations within this period—

the population grew by 8.5% between 2006 and 2011, but then decreased by 2.5% between 2011 and

2016 (see Figure 6.2). Using a ‘medium’ scenario,1 the Queensland Government projected that the Central

Highlands population will grow to just under 40,000 people by 2036, or a 38% increase over the current

estimated resident population—similar to the overall rate for the State of Queensland (37%).

Figure 4.2. Population change between Census years (%), Central Highlands LGA

The age distribution in Central Highlands differs from that of Queensland and Australia overall, with larger

proportions of residents (25%) being below 15 years old, as well as a larger spike in the 30-44 years

category. There are also far smaller proportions of people over the age of 60 (see Figure 6.3) The median

age of all Central Highlands residents is 33.3 years, the youngest of all regions in this study. As of 2015-16,

Central Highlands ranked in the highest quintile (Q5) for number of people aged 0-17 years, relative to all

other Queensland areas.

1 To account for uncertainty in possible future fertility, mortality and migration patterns, the Queensland

Government population projections include low, medium, and high series, which represent a range. For the purposes

of this report, we use the medium series.

8.5%

-2.5%-4.0%

-2.0%

0.0%

2.0%

4.0%

6.0%

8.0%

10.0%

12.0%

2006-11 2011-16

Central Highlands Queensland Australia




10

Figure 4.3. Age distribution (% in 15-year groups), Central Highlands LGA, 2016

Household and family characteristics

There were 2.7 people per household in Central Highlands in 2016, slightly higher than state and federal

levels of 2.6 people per household. Reflecting the age distribution in the region, 41% of households in

Central Highlands were couples with children under 15—far higher than state or federal levels of

approximately 30%. A comparatively small proportion (7%) were single parent-households with children

under 15.

Almost half (47%) of all households in Central Highlands were renters, and only 22% owned their home

outright (compared to 35% renters and 29% outright owners in Queensland overall).

Central Highlands appears to be a politically conservative region. The Central Highlands region is located

in the Federal Division of Flynn, which also includes the Rockhampton LGA. The majority of 2016 first

preference votes in Flynn flowed to the Liberal/National Party (LNP) and significant minority votes to One

Nation (ONP) (see Figure 5.3 in the previous chapter). The state electorate of Gregory is also a safe LNP

seat, with that party having won 45% of first preference votes and a further 24% flowing to One Nation in

the 2017 State Election.

Economy and labour market

Central Highlands sits within the Fitzroy employment region, which also incorporates Rockhampton (see

Appendix A for regional correspondence tables). While the ABS employment regions are much larger than

the LGAs selected for this study, they usefully reflect broader regional labour market conditions that affect

possible settlement destinations.

Headline economic data provided by the federal Department of Jobs and Small Business indicates that,

while total employment fell by nearly 5% in the five years to 2017, it is expected to rebound and grow by

nearly 6% to May 2022 (see Table 6.2). This may reflect observations made by local stakeholders that the

regional economy is prone to being ‘cyclical,’ for example, ‘booms and busts’ in the natural resources

sector. Workers in the Fitzroy region have slightly lower levels of education than state or federal levels,

with only 16% having a bachelor’s degree or higher, while 41% have no post-school qualifications.

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

0-14 years 15-29 years 30-44 years 45-59 years 60-74 years 75+ years





11

Employment Employment profile Educational profile Projected

Employ’t Nov

2017

5 yr chg to Nov

2017 Part-time Female Aged 15-24

Aged 55+

Bachelor degree

or higher Cert III

or higher

No post-school

qual 5 yr chg to May 2022

‘000 % % % % % % % % %

Fitzroy 106.5 -4.7 27 45 16 19 16 37 41 5.7

Queensland 2,459.9 7.6 32 47 16 19 25 34 35 7.6

Australia 12,380.1 8.5 32 47 14 19 30 31 33 7.8

Table 4.2. Headline employment figures and projections for employment regions

Source: Dept of Job and Small Business, 2018

The Central Highlands unemployment rate has slowly increased since 2011, but has remained consistently

below state and federal rates, resting at 4.5% in June 2018 (see Figure 6.4).

Figure 4.4. Unemployment rates, Central Highlands (smoothed) and state/federal (trend) (%)

Nearly 30% of Central Highlands residents spent time doing unpaid volunteer work through an

organisation or group in the twelve months prior to the 2016 Census, somewhat higher than proportions

for Queensland and Australia overall (21%).

The ‘natural resources boom’ mentioned by several stakeholders in Central Highlands appears to be

reflected in employment data for towns in the region. While the economy of Emerald is largely comprised

of tertiary services (particularly primary education, supermarket and grocery stores, secondary education,

and takeaway food services), the largest industry of employment as of 2016 was coal mining (18%). This

is also true in Blackwater, where 48% of the population is employed in coal mining, and the remainder

largely in the services sector. The concentration is even higher in Tieri, where 63% of the population is

employed in coal mining.

The existing labour force of Central Highlands is skewed towards manual labour, trades and lower-skilled

professions. Overall, 18% of workers in Central Highlands are employed as machinery operators and

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

Jun-11 Jun-12 Jun-13 Jun-14 Jun-15 Jun-16 Jun-17 Jun-18




https://australianjobs.jobs.gov.au/jobs-location/queensland


12

drivers, 18% as technicians and trades workers, 15% as managers, 12% as labourers, 11% as professionals

and 11% as clerical and administrative workers.

ABS Labour Force data for Fitzroy (incorporating Rockhampton and Central Highlands) in the five years to

August 2018 shows strong growth in agricultural industries. Stakeholders consultations also noted that

the agricultural sector is ‘very diverse’ and includes cattle, sorghum, cotton, chick peas, citrus, lychees,

macadamias, peanuts, melons and potatoes.

There was moderate growth in mining in the five years to August 2018, as well as tertiary industries like

retail, education and training, and health care and social assistance. Steep declines were recorded in

construction, with marginal declines also observed in transport, postal and warehousing, and public

administration and safety (see Figure 5.4 in the previous chapter).

Employment projections released by the federal Department of Jobs and Small Business indicate that, in

the five years to May 2023, the industries that will grow the most in the Fitzroy employment region are:

health care and social assistance (13%), rental, hiring and real estate services (11%) and electricity, gas,

water and waste services (8%). The steepest decline will be seen in agricultural industries (9%) (see Figure

5.5 in the previous chapter).

In 2016 the Queensland Government also released long-term employment projections to 2040-41 for its

planning regions. Projections for the Central Queensland region (incorporating Central Highlands and

Rockhampton) show that the largest industries by share of employment in 2040-41 will be mining (13%),

health care and social assistance (12%), manufacturing (9%) construction (9%) and education and training

(9%). Agricultural industries are projected to lose nearly 21% of the current workforce, and retail trade

over 5% (see Figure 6.5).

Figure 4.5. Long-term change in employment by selected industries (%), Central Queensland, 2015/16 to 2040/41

Reflecting the large geographical area of Central Highlands, journey to work data for the region shows

that the average commute for residents to their place of work is 40km—more than double the average for

-25.0%

-5.0%

15.0%

35.0%

55.0%

75.0%

95.0%

115.0%




13

Queensland (17km) and Australia overall (16km). Use of public transport is low, with only 4.7% of the

working population relying on public transport as their primary method of transport to work—primarily

bus. In addition, a slightly higher proportion of workers in Central Highlands walk to work (7%) or work at

home (9%), compared to state and federal levels (see Table 6.3).

Car as driver or passenger

Public transport (any) Other Walked only

Worked at home

Central Highlands 75.7 4.7 3.6 6.5 9.3

Queensland 79.8 6.0 4.3 3.8 6.1

Australia 77.0 9.6 3.8 4.0 5.5

Table 4.3. Primary method of transport to work (%), Central Highlands, 2016

The ABS records business entries and exits, which is an indicator of economic health in the regions.

Between 2015 and 2017, Central Highlands had a net loss of 112 business exits (the most of any region in

this study), or 3.5% of businesses in the area (compared to the State of Queensland which experienced a

2% growth over the same period). Most business exits were recorded from construction, the service

industry (e.g. retail, professional services, real estate), and mining.

First Nations peoples

According to the most recent Census data, approximately 5% of people in the Central Highlands LGA

identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This is marginally higher than the overall proportions for

the State of Queensland (4.2%). In the urban centre of Emerald, the proportion of Indigenous people is

3.5%. This may be an explanation for the Central Highlands Council taking the view that there is a very

limited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in town [Emerald] and that they ‘fly under the

radar.’ The Central Highlands LGA encircles the Woorabinda Aboriginal community, which has around 900

residents. Woorabinda was formerly a government-controlled settlement and is now owned and

administered by the Indigenous community, independently of the Regional Council.

The traditional custodians of areas within Central Highlands include the Gayiri and the Kanolu nations. As

described in the previous chapter, Central Queensland was one of the centres of ‘colonial warfare’

between Aboriginal people and European settlers. One of the largest massacres of European settlers by

Indigenous people occurred just north of Springsure in 1861, with 19 settlers killed on the grazing property

of Cullin-la-ringo, bringing significant reprisals from the Europeans. The massacre is credited, at least in

part, with aggressive colonial expansion throughout Queensland (Stünzner 2016).

As with other regions, challenges persist in supporting the well-being of First Nations people. There are

differences between non-indigenous and Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islanders across a range of health,

economic and social indicators. For example:

• Approximately 29% of the Indigenous population of Central Highlands had a post-secondary

education in 2016 (see Figure 6.6), compared to 47% of non-Indigenous people




14

• Indigenous unemployment in Central Highlands was at 15.4% on Census night, compared to 5.4%

for non-Indigenous people (see Figures 6.7 and 6.8)

• The median weekly income for Indigenous households in 2016 was 14% less than that of all

households in Central Highlands.

Figure 4.6. Highest level of educational attainment (%), Central Highlands, 2016

Figure 4.7. Labour force status (%) Indigenous, Central Highlands, 2016

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

Bachelordegree and

above

Diploma andAdvancedDiploma

Certificate III& IV

Years 10-12 Certificate I &II

Year 9 orbelow

Noeducationalattainment

Indigenous Non-indigenous

Employed FT

61.3%

Employed PT

23.3%

Unemployed15.4%




15

Figure 4.8. Labour force status (%), Non-Indigenous, Central Highlands, 2016

Migrant community profile

Census data shows that the share of overseas-born people in Central Highlands grew from 9.0% (2,194

people) in 2006 to 12.5% (3,023 people) of the total population in 2016. While representative of growth,

this is still well below the Queensland proportion of 23.3% overseas-born. A significant proportion of

overseas-born residents are recent arrivals, with nearly 51% having arrived in Australia since 2006 (see

Figure 6.9).

Figure 4.9. Year of arrival of overseas-born residents (%), Central Highlands, 2016

Amongst foreign-born residents of Central Highlands, the top countries of birth were New Zealand (34%),

England (12%), Philippines (10%) and South Africa (8%). Only 5% of residents spoke a language other than

English at home (with top language groups including Afrikaans, Tagalog, Filipino and Mandarin).

Statistics available from the federal Department of Social Services indicate that, from 2009-2018, there

were 947 permanent visa holders who arrived as migrants in the Central Highlands LGA (although the

statistics do not indicate whether these individuals continue to stay in the region). Of these, 67% were

skilled migrants, 32% held family reunion visas, and just 1% were humanitarian visa holders (refugees).

According to 2016 ACMID data, there were 783 permanent skilled visa holders, 308 family visa holders

and 11 humanitarian migrants living in the Central Highlands LGA who had arrived after January 2000.

Employed FT

69.4%

Employed PT

25.2%

Unemployed5.4%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

Arrived before 1995 Arrived 1996-2005 Arrived 2006-2016





16

Amongst those in the labour force, 94% of skilled migrants, 90% of family migrants and all (100%)

humanitarian migrants were employed. Around 20% of employed permanent migrants work in the mining

industry, with a further 18% in accommodation and food services, and 11% in health care and social

assistance. The major occupational groups for permanent migrants were technicians and trades workers

(23%), professionals (19%) and labourers (17%).

The Department of Home Affairs reports on numbers of Temporary Resident (Skilled) visa holders for

larger ‘employment regions’ (see Appendix A for regional correspondence tables). The statistics show that

over the ten years to September 2018, the number of temporary skilled visa holders in the Central

Queensland region declined significantly by 41% to a total of 1,097 people. This represents a share of

around 6% of all temporary skilled migrants in Queensland. The peak of temporary skilled migrants in

Central Queensland was around September 2014 (2,458 people).

Inequality and disadvantage

The SEIFA Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage (IRSD) for Central Highlands shows that the

eastern part of the region has high relative disadvantage (see Table 6.4) (quintile 1 is the most

disadvantaged on the IRSD index; data are presented at the Statistical Area 2 (SA2) level, allowing a closer

examination of local conditions within LGAs). As the map in Figure 6.1 (at the beginning of this chapter)

shows, the eastern SA2 also overlaps with a slightly higher proportions of residents speaking a language

other than English. The Central Highlands-East SA2 includes small townships of Blackwater, Duaringa, and

Bauhinia.

SA2 name Usual resident

population IRSD score Ranking w/in

Qld Quintile

Central Highlands – East 7,291 924 83 1

Central Highlands – West 8,137 993 223 3

Emerald 13,532 1,024 303 3

Table 4.4. Index of socioeconomic disadvantage (ISRD), Central Highlands SA2s, 2016

The median household income of Central Highlands is $1,823, significantly higher than Queensland

($1,402) and Australia ($1,438) overall. Compared to other regions in this study, and to Queensland and

Australia overall, there is a disproportionate proportion of households in Central Highlands (28%) with

weekly household incomes above $1,500 per week.

Central Highlands performs well on the AEDC domains of child vulnerability, with lower proportions of at-

risk children compared to state figures in across all except one domain (see Table 6.5).




17

Developmentally on track

Developmentally at risk

Developmentally vulnerable

Physical health and well-being

Central Highlands 81.7 9.8 8.6

Queensland 73.0 14.6 12.4

Social competence



Emotional maturity



Language and cognitive skills



Communication skills and general knowledge



Table 4.5. Developmental vulnerability of children (%), Central Highlands, 2015

Young people (15-24 years) in Central Highlands have similar levels of disengagement from work and

education (13%) compared to rates for Queensland (12%) and Australia (14%). The youth unemployment

rate for the Fitzroy region (incorporating Rockhampton and Central Highlands) in October 2018 was 13.6%,

slightly higher than the rate for Queensland overall (13.0%).

Although precise numbers are kept confidential, Central Highlands is in the highest quintile (Q5) for teen

births and teenage families as of 2014-15, relative to all other Queensland areas.

Central Highlands has far lower median weekly rent ($180), but higher monthly mortgage repayments

($1,842) compared to state and federal levels, which may explain the higher proportion of renting families.

The proportions of households under ‘housing stress’ (defined as more than 30% of household income

spent on housing costs) are 5% for both renters and mortgagees. The population-to-dwelling ratio (2.08

persons for every private dwelling) is somewhat lower than state levels (2.37).

Crime statistics released by Queensland Police for the Capricornia region (incorporating Central Highlands

and Rockhampton) in 2017/18 indicate high reported offence rates (per 100,000 persons) for the

categories represented in Table 6.6 (compared alongside offence rates for the State of Queensland). Of

particular concern may be breaches of domestic violence protection orders, for which the Capricornia rate

is double the state rate.




18

Capricornia Region Queensland (State)

Homicide 1.8 0.8

Assault 618.2 468.6

Offences against the person 945.6 729.3

Property damage 901.5 733.6

Drug offences 1,989.6 1,601.7

Breach DV protection order 1,053.8 526.0

Other offences 5,747.4 4,453.5

Table 4.6. Reported offence rate (per 100,000 persons), selected categories, Capricornia, 2017-18

As of 2016, Central Highlands was in the highest quintile (Q5) for clients presenting for emergency

accommodation due to domestic violence, and for population aged 19-75 years breaching domestic

violence protection orders.

Insights from community consultations

To supplement the secondary data analysis, the Central Highlands Regional Council was consulted to

provide insights from the ground. Findings include:

• The boom and bust cycle of the natural resources sector has had an impact on the region

• While Council indicated that agribusiness is thought to grow over the next 5-10 years, this appears

to be at odds with available projections from state and federal agencies (see above) which show

substantial decline in agriculture

• The lack of public transport (apart from limited bus services) was highlighted in consultations, and

is also supported by the above data

• Council is under the impression that the region does not see many recently-arrived migrants. This

is supported by the available data, which suggests that fewer than 1,000 new migrants arrived in

Central Highlands over the past decade

• Council noted that the town has a FIFO population working on solar farms, with the community

facing a number of issues, including a lack of connection to the town and the residents, availability

of money, and that the workers do not live with their families

• Council’s overall interest in receiving migrant communities is ‘to populate (and effectively

decentralise the metropolitan areas - providing relief on infrastructure) regional communities.’ It

is argued that this requires ‘genuine incentives through relocation and regional living allowances’

• Housing developers were ‘burned’ by the mass development of housing during the natural

resources boom, and may now be wary of investment in the area

• Allied health services are stretched, and there are no child psychologists in Emerald. This has

meant that a number of families have left town when children have been diagnosed on the Autism

spectrum and similar diagnoses. Youth suicide has also been flagged as an issue




19

Assessment of migrant settlement options

Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Risks

▪ Council appears genuinely interested in supporting migrant settlement in the area, especially regional communities

▪ Low rental costs may suit immediate/short-term relocation and temporary migrant resettlement

▪ Consultations indicated a number of ‘active churches in town’ [Emerald], which could be willing partners on resettlement initiatives

▪ A ‘massive investment’ has been made in sporting facilities across the region in recent years, which could support development of social capital

▪ Low proportions of developmentally vulnerable children may reflect strong education and primary care standards in the region

▪ Lack of available public transport in the area suggests that private transportation would be required for any new migrants

▪ While rental costs are low, house prices are high which may limit long-term settlement opportunities

▪ Health services in the region were described by Council as ‘over-subscribed,’ with long waiting lists

▪ Mental health issues raised during consultations could exclude humanitarian migrants with specialist trauma or counselling needs

▪ Nearest TAFE or university institutions are in Rockhampton, approximately 270km from Emerald

▪ Council suggested that local businesses struggle to find ‘qualified and experienced workers,’ with professional roles needing to be filled

▪ Available data suggests that future employment opportunities are likely to be in tertiary service industries

▪ Council has floated the possibility (and need) for remote living allowances to incentivise people to move to less populated areas

▪ Emerald may be ‘almost the perfect place to take refugees’, according to Council representatives—although the relevant conditions under consideration are unclear

▪ The Central Highlands population is already growing—this scenario would not suit a large influx of new migrants

▪ With nearly one-quarter of the population under the age of 15, a youth unemployment problem could be created with too many new school-age migrants

▪ Industry cycles, particularly in mining and construction, may create risks for sustainability of migrant employment

▪ Given the higher levels of relative disadvantage in the eastern part of the LGA, resettlement of migrants to this area should be avoided where possible

▪ Relative monoculturalism and political conservatism may need to be managed in the event that culturally diverse and ‘visibly different’ migrants consider relocation to Central Highlands

Table 4.7. SWOR analysis for migrant settlement in Central Highlands

Recommended settlement approaches

Based on the above analysis of conditions in Central Highlands, we recommend that the region may be suitable for receiving skilled migrants and temporary

workers in a scenario of demand-driven economic gain. Cyclical, skilled employment opportunities and low-cost rental housing create some of the conditions

for successful short-term resettlement. The apparent lack of established migrant communities, multicultural service providers and the relative monoculturalism

of the existing population are not ideal conditions for migrant settlement; however, ‘work-ready’ migrants with English language skills (especially those who

have already lived in Australia for some time) may not have significant difficulties participating in the Central Highlands economy. The data presented above

indicates that existing migrants in the labour force have high rates of employment. New arrivals, however, would need to be comfortable with a degree of

location remoteness, particularly if Council prefers settlement in peri-urban or rural locations.




20

In a demand-driven scenario, partnerships or networks between employers, employer associations, industry representatives, and local and state governments

need to be established to conduct a detailed analysis of current and projected job vacancies. Education and training providers may also need to be involved in

skills training/upgrading efforts for migrant workers. Though the initial planning may be based on short-term economic objectives, pathways to long-term

settlement and permanent residence for migrants may be possible through this initial entry point.

Higher-risk approaches

As in the case of Southwest Queensland, refugees who are new to Australia or recently resettled may face significant challenges in Central Highlands. The

absence (or distant location) of specialist services to which refugees are entitled under the humanitarian settlement program could significantly compromise

the integration and settlement outcomes for this group. There are also very few pre-existing refugee groups in the area. Refugee resettlement to Central

Highlands may be considered when dealing with humanitarian entrants who are already relatively self-sufficient in Australia, with pre-existing English language

capabilities and work experience.

An already very young (and growing) population, including a predominance of young families with children, would also be problematic for ‘new and emerging’

migrant communities who fit a more traditional ‘migrant settler’ model. The data does not support a regional revitalisation objective in Central Highlands, but

rather one of labour market gaps and strategic population management. Overall, we do not consider Central Highlands to be an optimal migrant settlement

destination.




21

5 Next Steps

The initial research, funded by the Queensland Government through Multicultural Affairs Queensland,

focussed on leading practice in supporting local governments to create opportunities to grow

welcome, belonging, intercultural connections and inform uptake of regional opportunities.

The next steps in this work will include:

Advising and supporting regional councils to strengthen welcome and inclusion

Informed by and building on the key learnings, Welcoming Cities will support interested regional

councils to consult, partner, plan and commence initiatives to strengthen welcome and inclusion in

local areas. This may include engagement with the Welcoming Cities network and the Welcoming

Cities Standard.




22

References

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ABS 2017a, Time Series Profile: Balonne (S) (LGA30300), Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra.

ABS 2017b, Time Series Profile: Bulloo (S) (LGA31750), Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra.

ABS 2017c, Time Series Profile: Paroo (S) (LGA35800), Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra.

ABS 2018a, Labour force, Australia, October 2018, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra.

ABS 2018b, Counts of Australian Businesses, including Entries and Exits, Jun 2013 to Jun 2017, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra.

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2018, from <https://www.aedc.gov.au/resources/detail/public-table-by-local-government-area-(lga)-2009-2015>.

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Studies, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 166–191.

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accessed December 6, 2018, from <https://results.aec.gov.au/20499/Website/HouseDivisionalResults-20499.htm>.

Boese, M 2014, ‘The roles of employers in the regional settlement of recently arrived migrants and

refugees’, Journal of Sociology, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 401–416.

Boese, M, van Kooy, J & Bowman, D 2018, Humanitarian migrants, work and economic security on the urban fringe, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Fitzroy, Vic.

Boese, M & Phillips, M 2017, ‘The role of local government in migrant and refugee settlement in

regional and rural Australia’, Australian Journal of Social Issues, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 388–404.

Booth, A 2015, ‘First Australians can speak on refugee crisis, but who is listening?’, NITV, accessed

September 6, 2018, from <https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2015/09/06/first-australians-can-speak-refugee-crisis-who-listening>.

Broadbent, R, Cacciattolo, M & Carpenter, C 2007, The Relocation of Refugees from Melbourne to Regional Victoria: A comparative evaluation in Swan Hill and Warrnambool, Victoria University, Melbourne.

Cameron, R 2011, ‘Responding to Australia’s Regional Skill Shortages Through Regional Skilled

Migration’, Journal of Economic and Social Policy, vol. 14, no. 3.

CHRC ‘About Central Highlands’, Central Highlands Regional Council, accessed December 7, 2018,

from <http://www.centralhighlands.qld.gov.au/about-central-highlands/>.

Correa-Velez, I, Spaaij, R & Upham, S 2013, ‘“We Are Not Here to Claim Better Services Than Any

Other”: Social Exclusion among Men from Refugee Backgrounds in Urban and Regional

Australia’, Journal of Refugee Studies, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 163–186.




23

Curry, O, Smedley, C & Lenette, C 2018, ‘What Is “Successful” Resettlement? Refugee Narratives

From Regional New South Wales in Australia’, Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies, vol.

16, no. 4, pp. 430–448.

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from <http://dharumbal.com.au/our-heritage/our-history/>.

DIBP 2014, Regional retention of migrants: critical success factors, Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Australian Government, Canberra.

DJSB 2018a, LGA data tables - Small Area Labour Markets, Department of Jobs and Small Business, Canberra.

DJSB 2018b, ‘ABS Labour Force Region - SA4 Data’, Labour Market Information Portal, accessed

December 6, 2018, from <http://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP/Downloads/ABSLabourForceRegion>.

Ernst & Young 2015, Evaluation of the Humanitarian Settlement Services and Complex Case Support programmes, Prepared for the Australian Government Department of Social Services, accessed July 13, 2018, from <https://www.dss.gov.au/settlement-and-multicultural-affairs/publications/evaluation-of-humanitarian-settlement-services-and-complex-case-support-programmes>.

Fesl, EM ‘A Guide To Gubbi Gubbi Culture’, accessed December 7, 2018, from

<http://www.gubbigubbi.com/Gubbi_Gubbi_Traditional_Custodians.pdf>.

GBRMPA 1998, ‘Gumoo Woojabuddee Section Fact sheets: Aboriginal interests and cultural

heritage’, accessed December 7, 2018, from

<http://elibrary.gbrmpa.gov.au/jspui/handle/11017/929>.

Johnston, V, Vasey, K & Markovic, M 2009, ‘Social policies and refugee resettlement: Iraqis in

Australia’, Critical Social Policy, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 191–215.

Joyce, L & Liamputtong, P 2017, ‘Acculturation stress and social support for young refugees in

regional areas’, Children and Youth Services Review, vol. 77, pp. 18–26.

Major, J, Wilkinson, J, Langat, K & Santoro, N 2013, ‘Sudanese young people of refugee background

in rural and regional Australia: Social capital and education success’, Australian and

International Journal of Rural Education, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 95–105.

McDonald, B, Gifford, S, Webster, K, Wiseman, J & Casey, S 2008, Refugee Resettlement in Regional and Rural Victoria: Impacts and Policy Issues, VicHealth, Melbourne, accessed August 1, 2018, from <http://library.bsl.org.au/jspui/bitstream/1/977/1/RefugeeResettlement_Report_Mar08.pdf>.

McDonald-Wilmsen, B, Gifford, SM, Webster, K, Wiseman, J & Casey, S 2009, ‘Resettling Refugees

in Rural and Regional Australia: Learning from Recent Policy and Program Initiatives’, Australian Journal of Public Administration, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 97–111.

Piper, M 2017, Refugee Settlement in Regional Areas: Evidence-based good practice, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, accessed July 12, 2018, from <http://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/cfs-file/__key/telligent-evolution-components-attachments/13-16-00-00-00-00-13-54/Refugee-Settlement-in-Regional-Areas.pdf?forcedownload=true>.

profile.id 2018a, ‘About the profile areas | RDA Darling Downs and South West Region | profile.id’, accessed December 6, 2018, from <https://profile.id.com.au/rda-dd-sw/about>.




24

profile.id 2018b, ‘Home | Rockhampton Regional Council | Community profile’, accessed December 7,

2018, from <https://profile.id.com.au/rockhampton>.

QCOSS 2014, Developing a framework for the implementation in Queensland of the Australian Government’s regional dispersal policies for the re-settlement of refugees in regional

Australia, Queensland Council of Social Service, accessed August 1, 2018, from <https://www.qcoss.org.au/refugee-re-settlement-regional-australia>.

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<https://www.qld.gov.au/atsi/cultural-awareness-heritage-arts/community-histories/community-histories-s-t/community-histories-st-george>.

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Queensland Government 2017, ‘Cunnamulla’, accessed December 6, 2018, from

<https://www.qld.gov.au/atsi/cultural-awareness-heritage-arts/community-histories/community-histories-c-d/community-histories-cunnamulla>.

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<https://www.police.qld.gov.au/rti/published/about/Crime+Statistics.htm>.

Romano, D 2015, ‘Diasporic connection to country and performing for the state: native title recognition

in remote South West Queensland’, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander Studies, accessed December 6, 2018, from <https://aiatsis.gov.au/publications/presentations/diasporic-connection-country-and-performing-state-native-title-recognition-remote-south-west-queensland>.

Schech, S 2014, ‘Silent Bargain or Rural Cosmopolitanism? Refugee Settlement in Regional

Australia’, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, vol. 40, no. 4, pp. 601–618.

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from <https://www.mary-cairncross.com.au/traditional-owners-sunshine-coast.php>.

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accessed December 6, 2018, from <https://www.swqict.com/cunnamulla>.

Welcoming Cities 2018, The Welcoming Cities Standard, Welcoming Cities, Kangaroo Point, QLD.



GLOBAL MIGRATION



Over the next 35 years migration will…

• drive economic, skills and sustainable population growth

• contribute 1.6 trillion dollars to Australia’s GDP

• add to cultural vibrancy

• revitalise local businesses and services

• attract increased funding and investment

BENEFITS OF MIGRATION



WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA



SOCIAL COHESION INDEX



"We went from evidence-based policy to policy-based

evidence. Now we have come to evidence-free policy."

- Jill Helke, International Organization for Migration

DEMONISATION + DEHUMANISATION



DIVERSITY IS OUR REALITY… INCLUSION IS A CHOICE



ESSENTIAL

1. Locally-driven coordination, consultation, planning

and budgeting

2. A culture of welcome in receiving communities

3. Employment that matches demand with the

characteristics of new migrants

4. Accessible housing, transport and culturally-

appropriate services (education, health etc.)

DESIRABLE

Established ethnic communities and multicultural

organisations

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS



POLICY + OPERATIONAL CONTEXTS

1. New and emerging communities

2. Regions of welcome for refugees

3. Demand-drive economic gain



MIGRANT SETTLEMENT



“Communities where everyone can belong

and participate in social, cultural,

economic and civic life.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF BELONGING



PLACE-BASED APPROACHES



“Council acts as a neutral and trusted

broker between employers, developers,

community organisations, education

providers, employment service providers

and local residents.”

For the purpose of:

• Increasing the wellbeing, social inclusion

& economic participation of local people

• Increasing engagement with local

employers & developers

• Enhancing the overall economic prosperity

of the local community

FACILITATOR + BROKER



MEMBERSHIP – FREE + PREMIUM



Based on LGA population size:

PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP PRICING



ACCREDITATION LEVELS



PLANNING, BENCHMARKING + IMPROVEMENT

Categories

1. Leadership

2. Social & Cultural Inclusion

3. Economic Development

4. Civic Participation

5. Learning & Skills Development

6. Places & Spaces



STANDARD + ACCREDITATION



EVIDENCE TYPES



ACCREDITATION PORTAL



WELCOMING AUSTRALIA



Visit us Online

welcomingcities.org.au

Like us on Facebook

facebook.com/citiesofwelcome

Follow us on Twitter

@citiesofwelcome

Contact Aleem Ali

[email protected]

0400 917 756



mailto:[email protected]



12.1.2 Community Recreation and Facilities - Quarterly update report

INFORMATION REPORT

Date: 16 April 2019 Presentation Duration: Approx 15 minutes


Author: Jarrod Bryant, Manager Community Recreation & Facilities


File Reference: TBA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Council’s Community Recreation & Facilities section continues to deliver a vast range of services and projects to the community. The following report provides a summary of the activities that have been occurring within the section between 1 January 2019 and 31 March 2019.


That Central Highlands Regional Council receive the Quarterly Update Report for Community Recreation & Facilities for the period of 1 January 2019 to 31 March 2019.

REPORT:

SummaryThis report provides information on the activities and services of the Community Recreation & Facilities section for the quarter from 1 January 2019 to 31 March 2019. Report:Report commentary/sections:

1. Budgets2. Community Facilities

a. Operational Works projectsb. Operations (i.e. cleaning)

3. Parks Operationsa. Parks North (ECGT)b. Parks East (BDSR)c. Parks staff vacancies

4. Sport and Recreation5. Aquatic Centres6. Cemeteries7. Capital Works Projects8. Strategic Plans9. 2018/19 Operational Plan

Overall comment from Manager Community Recreation & Facilities:

Given the lack of rain and hot temperatures during the majority of the 3rd quarter, grass growth has not been a major factor to contend with in unirrigated locations. As a result, expenditure on supplementary contractor resources has been lower than anticipated resulting in budgets being slightly under spent. However, as a result of the rain fall experienced in March Parks crews are now busy undertaking mowing activities throughout the region within general open space areas and will be employing contractor resources to assist with this delivery.



All the Community Recreation & Facilities team have been working diligently at delivering the 2018/19 Capital Works program and completing the remaining projects from 2017/18. Efforts thus far have been positive and appear likely to put the team in a strong position to deliver the majority of the capital works program by the end of the financial year.

1. Budgets

Operational Budgets:Parks OperationsECGT Total Budget YTD at 31 March Percentage of budgetRevenue -$38,100 $17,636 46%Expenditure $4,583,461 $2,548,616 56% BDSR Total Budget YTD at 31 March Percentage of budgetRevenue -$18,000 $23,711 132%Expenditure $2,501,199 $1,508,741 60% Sport and Recreation Total Budget YTD at 31 March Percentage of budgetRevenue -$108,500 $95,083 88%Expenditure $3,793,805 $2,405,203 63% Community Facilities Total Budget YTD at 31 March Percentage of budgetRevenue -$121,800 $120,854 99%Expenditure $3,629,759 $1,855,980 68% Aquatic Centres Total Budget YTD at 31 March Percentage of budgetRevenue -$68,100 $4,363 6%Expenditure $2,624,759 $1,855,980 70% Overall Community Recreation & Facilities Total Budget YTD at 31 March Percentage of budgetRevenue -$354,500 $261,647 74%Expenditure $17,620,991 $11,135,534 63% Comments on Operational Budget performanceThe overall performance of the Community Recreation & Facilities section in terms of operational expenditure is on track for the current time of year. The minor underspend in Parks Operations will likely be absorbed during the 4th quarter following late rain fall events which will require the use of contractor resources. The use of contractor resources to supplement Council resources will be used prudently in the context of maintaining service delivery standards.

Capital Works budget:Overall Community Recreation & Facilities Total Budget YTD at 30 March Percentage of budgetRevenue -$1,104,695 $602,575 55%Expenditure $6,906,964 $3,315,267 48%Note: several projects have been identified that incorrectly don’t have commitments against them. This information is being tracked down to reflect the actual spend and commitment figures more accurately.

Comments on Capital Budget performanceEfforts to address the under expenditure of the capital works budget are a high priority for the Community Recreation & Facilities team. The actual expenditure and commitments for expenditure against the budget have increased by 20% between quarter 2 and quarter 3. Works are still underway to commit and expend the remaining funds. Unfortunately, it is likely that 100% delivery of the Capital Works program will not be



achieved for 2018/19. However, in some cases this has resulted in money be reallocated to other priority works and in effect achieving a greater level of delivery than previously forecast at the beginning of the financial year.

2. Community Facilities

a) Operations Following is a snapshot of the operational activities that have been occurring in the Assets and Facilities team during the 3rd quarter.

o Emerald Office security access card readers will be replaced in the coming month/s due to the brand of cards and readers Council has currently no longer being in production/available to purchase. All card brands are decrypted individually and cannot be cross-used on other brands of readers. As a result, Council needs to replace the security card readers and security cards to an upgraded system. Once all of the details have been organised the project will be delivered in two stages over a Friday evening and Saturday to minimise disruptions. An all staff/Councillor email will be provided in advance of the works to ensure all are informed of the possible impacts.

o A shade structure at Yamala Street Kindergarten has had the structural integrity of the item compromised through storm damage. Shamrock Constructions have been engaged to make the structure safe. Construction of cross bracing will need to be done to the secure shade structure. The original designers have been requested to provide a design for the new cross bracing which will be completed by Shamrock once received.

o Emerald Town Hall front shade structure flood lights have been replaced with LED lights due to the old lights beginning to fail.

o Emerald Library had major water leak under the concrete driveway requiring the concrete to be cut and then repaired.

o Comet Hall – a re-paint of the side entry ramp has been completed.o Pest and Termite control is occurring currently and will be completed by the end of this quarter.o Duaringa Office – an awning is being installed over the front entry in April due to water coming the

front door during storm events.o Springsure Office/Hall/Library - installation of new CHRC signage to be completed by April.o Springsure Office – installation of security alarm panels and a new security door and camera to be

completed by April.o Emerald Town Hall - emergency exit door replacement to be completed in May.o Town Hall – lighting replacement to be completed prior to ANZAC Day.o All Community Facilities inspections have been completed.o Air-conditioner scheduled maintenance in occurring and ongoing.o Capella Cultural Centre – Air-conditioning repairs have been completed.o Duaringa Office – Air-conditioning repairs have been completed.o Springsure Office – Window replacements to be completed by April.o Emerald Gallery Meeting Room – New carpet and repaint to be completed by May.

3. Parks Operations

a) Parks Co-ordinator North - Emerald, Capella, Gemfields, Tieri:

EMERALD o Work for the dole (WFD) program still going strong with up to 5 plus participants per day. We have

been successful with 7 of our WFD people achieving full time employment within Emerald and surrounds. This program is designed not only to help CHRC with work load but to also educate people on work ethics (start times, pack lunch, learning different ways of working, communication and all things related to what to expect in the work force).

o Vicki Peters Park, Lions Park, Rotary Park are the only parks in Emerald that have their sprinkler systems on at reduced rates. All other parks are turned off until further notice.

o Botanic Gardens is reduced by 50% watering on both sides.o All active sports fields are being watered and monitored frequently.o Ongoing maintenance and repairs on all irrigation systems are occurring.



o The upgrade works in the Botanic Gardens on the new path ways, play equipment and gym equipment has been met with a great response from the public and we are experiencing very high usage rates.

o Ongoing playground inspections in all parks.o Mowing has been at a minimum this quarter due to lack of rain. Mowing activity is just starting to

increase following the solid rain fall in early and late March.o Engaged new contractor for cleaning public amenities and have been receiving positive feedback

from the public.o A mulching program has been rolled out throughout the town and the team is up to 60% of all

gardens getting new mulch, including the Botanic Gardens.o Crews have been installing 9-volt controllers to our remaining manual watering gardens to ensure

more control over watering usage and times.o Litter pickups at town entrances and parks is occurring weekly.o Conducted interviews for a vacant position in Emerald in the week of 25 March. Offers to go out to

the successful candidates. CAPELLA

o Mowing has been occurring at streets, parks, aged care units, Cemetery and Bridgeman Park as required.

o Hedging weeding and spraying parks regularly.o Playground inspections are being carried out.o Irrigation repairs and maintenance is occurring as needed in all parks and for the covered arena.o Public toilets are being cleaned daily and repairs carried out if needed.o Preparation of the Cemetery has occurred for 3 burials in Capella in the quarter.o Slashing of the airstrip has been occurring following rain event and have sprayed areas where

required.o Refurbishment of public toilets at Bridgeman Park (painted inside and out, new cisterns, tapware

and flooring) has occurred (W4Q project). o Bridgeman Park football fields have been cored, top dressed, and fertilized and sprinklers have

been changed to a more appropriate type for a sporting fields.o The parks crew has been supplemented with 2 casual labourers with recruitment happening

currently, and 1 new crew member has started.

TIERIo Regular mowing has been occurring in all streets, parks and sports fieldso Cleaning public toilets daily.o Weekly playground inspections have been occurring.o Light repairs have occurred on No 2 Oval. All lights are now working.o Tree management has occurred at No 2 Oval and Zig Zag Park.o Had a clean-up day at the depot and sent a truck load of unused items to the auction.o Bundoora Dam has been closed due to low water levels, which may change depending on rainfall in

the area over the week of 25 March 2019. Will do an inspection early April to see if the status will change.

o Weekly litter runs have been occurring for streets, parks and fields.o Irrigation repairs and maintenance have been occurring in all areas.o There is currently one position vacant in Tieri which has been advertised and closes on 1 April

2019. GEMFIELDS

o Amenities are being cleaned daily at Rubyvale, Sapphire and Anakie.o Whipper snipping and mowing of main areas and around amenities has been occurring regularly in

all towns.o Allen King Memorial Park in Anakie is being mowed and whipper snipped as required.o Kangoulu Park in Sapphire is being mowed and whipper snipped as required and have been

carrying out irrigation repairs.o Rubyvale Flats is being mowed and whipper snipped as required.o Litter pickup has been occurring along road sides, including the removal of dead animals.

b) Parks Co-ordinator East – Blackwater, Duaringa, Dingo, Springsure, Rolleston:



Operational works in Blackwater: o Parks and open space - mowing, brush cutting, irrigation repairs, litter collection, amenity cleaning,

tree maintenance has been occurring on a regular basis.o Playground inspections and maintenance.o Hunter Street Sports Complex – regular maintenance to fields and surrounds, irrigation repairs.o Cemetery - grounds maintenance, burial preparation. Replacement of front fence, garden and row

marking bollards 80% complete.o BICC/Japanese Garden – regular grounds maintenance, preparation for events.o CRM/ECM requests – addressing and being completed.o Bedford Weir – mowing, brush cutting, weed control, irrigation repairs.o Vandalism – All Abilities Park has been subjected to continuous and substantial vandalism.

Discussions with Local Police on how to minimise the damage have resulted in a plan to make the area more visible. This message is being relayed to the community.

Operational works in Bluff, Dingo, Duaringa, Bauhinia: o Parks and open space - mowing, brush cutting, irrigation repairs, litter collection, amenity cleaning,

tree maintenance has been occurring on a regular basis.o Playground inspections and maintenance.o Maccas Oval - Sports field maintenance, irrigation repairs (upgraded solenoid valves).o Cemeteries - grounds maintenance, burial preparation.o CRM/ECM requests – addressing and being completed.o Amenity cleaning – occurring via both contractors and staff.

Operational works in Springsure/Rolleston: o Parks and open space - mowing, brush cutting, irrigation repairs, litter collection, amenity cleaning,

tree maintenance occurring on a regular basis.o Playground inspections and maintenance.o Cemeteries - grounds maintenance, burial preparation.o Addressing CRM/ECM requests.

Additional details: Irrigation/watering is being monitored following reductions to overall usage, current upgrades to

sites will include drip tube to garden areas (Tom Ohl Park, Hi-way Park in Bluff, Caltex Park and Robyn Messer Park in Blackwater).

Anzac Day preparations are occurring in all communities, ensuring all areas are well presented on the day.

Playground issues that were identified in the 12-month report are being addressed, replacement parts are being ordered, softfall sand is being topped, quotes for the replacement of the rubberised softfall are being obtained for where it is not compliant.

Parks staff vacancies: Total approved staff (including

Supervisors)Number of staff vacancies

Emerald 15 2 (interviews have occurred and awaiting the outcome of medical

checks) Capella/Gemfields 8 3 (1 vacancy being interviewed

for currently. 1 staff member on long service leave and will then

retire. 1 staff member on indefinite sick leave.)

Tieri 5 1 (interviews for a replacement occurring in the week of 8/4/19)

Blackwater 11 0Springsure/Rolleston 5 1 (new staff member starting on

15/4/19)Duaringa/Dingo/Bluff 3 0 (a new staff member started on

2/4/19)



4. Sport and Recreation

Game Plan Game Plan Policies and supporting documents have been emailed to all organisations on council owned and controlled sport and recreation land. 38% of clubs have returned their expression of interest for use of Council Facilities. Sport and Recreation officers have been contacting and assisting clubs to complete documents. This first stage of the implementation, workshopping phase commenced in March and staff are scheduling meetings for the upcoming months.

Sports Forum A Game Plan Workshop was delivered at the Sports Forum on 23 February 2019, presenting updates on the tenure framework and presentations from MacDonnells Lawyers, CPR Group and Game Plan Advisory Committee members. Facility management was presented by the CPR Group and linked the assetTRAC in to the management of assets and facilities. Leisa Donlan presented the Committee Masterclass and linked back to the Game Plan and club resource toolkit. Leisa Donlan was also available to clubs for one on one consultations for the days preceding the Sports Forum. Workshop AttendeesGame Plan Workshop 29Facility Management 22Committee Masterclass 28

Club C.O.A.C.HclubCOACH is an online resource repository for clubs and organisations and was launched at the Game Plan Workshop. CPR group delivered an introduction to the website and associated meetingTRAC and assetTRAC. The clubCOACH Ambassador program was also launched. Ambassadors will be a point of contact for volunteers from other clubs, providing local expertise, and actively supporting the use of clubCOACH and providing feedback for ongoing development of the portal. A communications strategy is being developed for clubCOACH. Sport and Recreation Assistance Grants, Round 1 2019Sport and Recreation Assistance Grants Round 1 2019 saw 11 applications with seven of those being successful. The list of successful applicants was endorsed by Council on 26 March 2019. Organisation Grant itemRural Skate Park Development Initiative Many Mobs Festival Naidoc Week 2019Central Highlands Cricket Inc Strengthening Central Highlands Cricket ClubsDuaringa Golf Club Inc Replace SignsDingo Rodeo Club Inc Canteen Equipment UpgradeEmerald Bowls Club Sun Smart Bowls Initiative - Phase 1Emerald Rodeo Association Amenity Block UpgradeSpringsure Jockey Club Replace Boundary Fence

5. Aquatic Centres

Aquatic Centre Attendance: Location Attendance –

month ofJanuary 2019

Attendance – month of January 2018

Adults Children & Pensioners


Capella Figures not available.

Total: 1,922

Emerald 1378 1800 Total: 3,904Sapphire Figures not

available.- -

Springsure 115 - Passes185

273 - Passes436

Total: 2,788



Blackwater 2722 Total: 2,290Rolleston 345 1500 (inc schools

& club)Total: 525

Location Attendance –

month ofFebruary 2019

Attendance – month of February 2018



Capella 1347 1315(plus 436 children under 3 years of age)

Total: 1,011


available.- -

Springsure 243113 - Passes

462196 - passes598 - School220 - Swim Club

Total: 2,854

Blackwater 2832 Total: 1,002Rolleston Figures not

available.Total: 762

Location Attendance – month ofMarch 2019

Attendance – month of March 2018



Capella 1036 987193 – under 3’s

Total: 618


available.- -

Springsure Figures not available.

Total: 1,969

Blackwater 2225 Total: 826Rolleston Figures not

available.Total: 200

6. CemeteriesFollowing is a summary of the cemeteries activities that have occurred throughout the region during the 3rd quarter:

Number of IntermentsLocation January February MarchCapella 1 1 1Springsure 0 0 1Rolleston 0 0 0Anakie 0 0 0Bogantungan 0 0 0Rubyvale 0 0 0Sapphire 0 0 0Emerald 1 0 3Duaringa 0 0 0Dingo 0 0 0Blackwater 0 0 0



7. Capital Works projects: please note that this information has been provided in the monthly Departmental update report and continuing monthly reports will be provided throughout 2018/19 to track delivery progress.

8. Strategic Plans Draft Internal Cemeteries Strategy – the item was considered at the March Strategic & Briefing

Meeting with some additional comments received. For all intents and purposes the document is complete barring the additional minor items for inclusion on the advice of Council.

Draft Aquatic Centres Strategy – the item was considered at the March Strategic & Briefing Meeting with some additional comments received. For all intents and purposes the document is complete barring the additional minor items for inclusion on the advice of Council.

Parks, People, Play Strategy – the development of this document is being re-initiated by the Planning section and will be prepared through the services of a consultant to progress its’ development as soon as possible.

Personal Trainers use of Council parks policy – a draft policy was presented to the February Strategic & Briefing Meeting and Council provided several comments in relation to the further amendment of the draft policy to make it more user friendly. Council officers will re-draft the document and re-submit it to Council.

9. Operational Plan deliverables

Operational Plan actions and targets are required to be reported to Council on a monthly basis. To avoid duplication, they have not been included in this report.


Corporate/Operational Plan Reference: 1. Strong Vibrant Communities; 1.1 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Strong diverse communities1.1.1 - Provide and maintain accessible community services and facilities that meet the needs of our diverse communities.1.3 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Active and inclusive communities.1.3.2 - Lead and influence community participation in healthy and active lifestyles.1.3.3 - Facilitate opportunities for learning, social activities, community events, grants and funding programs.

2. Building and Maintaining Quality Infrastructure; 2.1 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Well planned and connect communities2.1.2 - Implement an effective open space and recreational plan.2.1.3 - Implement a decision-making framework for the prioritisation of shovel-ready projects.2.1.4 - Plan and deliver essential infrastructure that supports a sustainable future.2.1.5 - Develop a strategy for our land and property assets.2.2 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Affordable and well serviced infrastructure2.2.4 - Implement energy efficient practices for our assets and facilities.

3. Supporting our Local Economy; 3.1.2 - Promote the Central Highlands as a region for tourism and development opportunities.

5. Leadership and Governance;5.1.1 - Clearly define the functions, services, roles and responsibilities of council.5.1.2 - Practice effective internal and external communication.5.4.2 - Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the region through prudent financial management and budgeting.

6. Our Organisation; 6.1.1 - Provide excellent customer service to ensure professional service delivery.6.2 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Continuous improvement culture6.2.2 - Create and sustain a positive and future-focused organisational culture that demonstrates and supports council’s values.6.3 - Corporate Plan Strategy: One team approach



6.3.1 - Develop and implement effective systems to manage risk to enable the efficient delivery of council services.6.4 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Working safely6.4.1 - Sustain a productive, efficient and safe workforce that is responsive to council and community needs.

Budget/Financial/Resourcing: Budget information relevant to the performance of the Community Recreation & Facilities section for operational and capital has been provided in the body of the report.

Legal/Policy/Delegations:No legal or policy items have been identified at this time.

Communication/Engagement:Communication and engagement with numerous internal stakeholders has occurred to prepare this report. Additionally, communication with external stakeholders such as Council’s Aquatic Centre lessees has also occurred.

Risk Assessment: Risk assessment requirements are made on a case by case basis for the projects or actions required for delivery by the Community Recreation & Facilities section. Coordinators and Supervisors and working diligently with other staff members to ensure risk assessments are conducted for works and all necessary WHS documentation is being completed. The Parks, and Sport and Recreation units have been working with Council’s governance team to complete an operational risk register.

Timings/Deadlines:No critical deadlines have been noted within the report.

Alternatives considered:Not applicable.

SUMMARY:

Council’s Community Recreation & Facilities section continues to deliver a vast range of services and projects to the community. Budget performance is primarily on track. In addition to the noted works staff have also been working on numerous grant applications and dealing with an abundance of customer service enquiries. Overall the team’s performance has been strong, and they continue to move in a positive direction while overcoming delivery challenges as they arise.

ATTACHMENTS:

Nil




12.1.3 Clean up Australia Day 2019

INFORMATION REPORT


To: General Council Meeting

Author: Andrea Ferris, Coordinator Communications


File Reference: TBA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

A successful Clean Up Australia Day event was held in Emerald this year. This report gives a summary of the event and advises of plans for a clean-up community day in other regional towns later in 2019.



REPORT:

Emerald was the only town to host Clean Up Australia Day (CUAD) in 2019 because other towns wanted to clean up along the sides of roads and this activity did not adhere to the CUAD regulations.

Central Highlands Regional Council will continue to participate in the CUAD event in Emerald every year, however arrangements will be made to host a council-run ‘clean-up community’ day in other towns. This event will run similarly to CUAD by having a set area to clean up, finishing with waste and recycling information sessions, and a community barbeque.

The events officer and area coordinators have commenced discussions for the preparation of these events to be held later in the year when the weather is cooler.

This year’s CUAD event in Emerald was held at the western entrance of the botanic gardens. An ideal location that provided new playground equipment, access to toilet facilities, plenty of room for a jumping castle, shade, and is a good distance away from passing road traffic.

Compared to 2018, holding the event near the new playground reduced the overall costs with savings being made by not hiring additional play activity equipment, such as a climbing wall. This event came in under budget with a total expenditure of $1,898.84.

A team of council staff set up marquees from 7.00 am, the Rangers team was on hand to give out information along with volunteers from CQ Pet Rescue. The Rotary Club volunteered their time and cooked the sausage sizzle, Coles donated bottled water, and a coffee van and ice cream van were present.

The environmental health team performed risk assessments on 20 different sites throughout Emerald prior to the event and approximately 230 community members worked together to clean these sites.

The most unusual find during the rubbish collection was a child-proof gate.

During a meeting after the event, some key learnings discussed were: to promote the Clean Up Australia Day event earlier and more creatively; ensure that everyone registers and then returns to sign back in; more signage regarding waste drop-off; and a water truck to decrease dust on the road into the playground.



A big thank you to council volunteers, to the members of Rotary for their barbeque equipment and for cooking the sausages and thank you to Coles for their donation of water.


Corporate/Operational Plan Reference: 1. Strong Vibrant Communities; 1.1 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Strong diverse communities1.2 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Respecting our cultures1.3 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Active and inclusive communities.



4. Protecting our People and our Environment; 4.1 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Well-managed and protected communities4.2 - Corporate Plan Strategy: Environmental sustainability

Budget/Financial/Resourcing: Total expenditure for Clean Up Australia Day 2019 was $1,898.84.

Legal/Policy/Delegations:There are no legal/policy/delegations related to this report.

Communication/Engagement:Not applicable.

Risk Assessment:There is no risk associated with the presentation of this report.

Timings/Deadlines:The presentation of this report is not time sensitive. Information is presented for information only.

Alternatives considered:This is an information report. There were no alternatives considered.

SUMMARY:

This report provides a summary of the activities undertaken during Clean Up Australia Day in Emerald in 2019.

ATTACHMENTS:

Nil




12.1.4 Departmental Update

DEPARTMENTAL UPDATE REPORTDSION REPORTDate: 16 April 2019 Presentation Duration: Approx. 15 minutes


Author: Communities Department


File Reference: TBA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The following report provides an update on key activities for the Communities department.


That Central Highlands Regional Council receive the Communities departmental update report, highlighting key activities for the month of March.

REPORT:

Key Activities Summary

1. Capital Works2. Libraries International Women’s Day Roadshow3. Duaringa Library School Visit4. Teen Mental Health First Aid – Capella and Springsure5. Mental Health First Aid – Emerald6. Youth Program7. #Big Rural8. Headspace Central Highlands9. NAIDOC Week10. Reconciliation Action Plan11. Clean up Australia Day12. Tree trimming McKensie park Duaringa13. Future Food and Fibre14. Petpep Comet School15. Common muster Gemfields16. Local Government Compliance Group17. Community Reference Group Duaringa18. Rural Land Meeting19. CRG membership marketing campaign20. “Welcome to Town” Stall, Springsure 21. Have Your Say Central Highlands 22. Bauhinia Bicentennial Art Gallery Refurbishment23. Emerald Gallery Faces of… Personalities in Print exhibition24. State Government consultations 25. ‘Early Start Learning’ visit to the Emerald Art Gallery 26. Blackwater Library consultation27. Street Beautification consultations28. Development and Planning – Standard conditions package29. Development and Planning – Workshop with CHDC30. Development and Planning – Workshop between DA and Strategic Land Use team31. ARTSynergy workshop



32. Heritage workshops, Capella33. Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Bid 2019-202034. ATP9 Kids on Tour



1. Capital WorksPlease find an update on the Capital Works projects for the Communities Department.

LegendOn track Monitor At risk

Community Development TeamProject name Location Budget Status CommentsPublic access database of local collections

Emerald $20,000 On track Alternative solution will be implemented with zero cost. $20K will be reallocated in BR3.

Gemfields Security System Gemfields $10,000 On track Security system installed. Sensor light installation pending.

Bauhinia Bicentennial Art Gallery (BBAG) [Springsure] Refurbishment

Springsure $35,000 On track Completed work: Floor covering Walls

painted/carpetedPending work:

Remainder of picture rails to be mounted

Skirting to be mounted

Painting of doors Emerald Art Gallery (EAG) [Emerald] - lighting replacement

Emerald $15,000 Completed Lighting replaced.

Springsure Hospital Museum – heritage building maintenance.

Springsure $20,000 On track Springsure Hospital Museum Action Plan endorsed by council December 2018. Specialist heritage architect and builder visited and provided a report.Removal of trees and Tung oil application to the woodwork are pending.

CRG Regional Project Funding $100K

1. Blackwater signage

2. Capella signage

3. Capella Bakehouse oven

Blackwater

Capella

Capella

$20,000

$3,000

$17,500

At risk

At risk

Monitor

4 CRG projects in progress:1. Currently with designer awaiting technical specifications to inform quoting processes. 2. Currently with designer awaiting technical specifications to inform quoting processes. 3. Seeking a more cost-effective design based on the original design. Requires



$20,000 At risk4. Tieri signage

5. Community Grant (Improvement category)

Tieri

Regional$39,500 Ontrack

additional budget. Amount required to be confirmed. 4. Currently with designer awaiting technical specifications to inform quoting processes.

5. Six applications were successful in Round 1 2019.

Emerald Art Gallery Meeting Room - Storage and fit-out

Emerald $13,000 Complete Works complete.

Arts precinct Emerald $150,000 On track Architect to hold a workshop with Councillors on 15-4-19 to select their preferred design from the three options presented.

Emerald Library and Admin Storage solution

Emerald $30,000 Deferred Deferred to FY 19/20

Regional Libraries Tech Savvy Seniors Regional $4,745 On track Equipment ordered awaiting delivery.

Envisionware Public PC Management and Mobile Printing Software

Regional $40,210 On track Quotes sourced for new option. Testing of solution being planned. Priority ICT Committee project.

Community Recreation & FacilitiesAssets & Facilities TeamProject Name Location Budget Status StatusSpringsure Office Carpet Replacement and Refurbishment

Springsure $55,000 On track Completed.

Springsure Library Refurbishment and Paint

Springsure $100,000 On hold Project placed on hold. Funds required to cover the emergency replacement of the Blackwater Civic Centre Air-conditioning system in the 2017/18 Financial Year.

Springsure Showgrounds dining hall access upgrade - W4Q

Springsure $20,000 On track The installation of the ramp and car parking bays has been completed. Following further consultation a plan has been developed for the installation of



an additional parking area/drop off bay and path providing access from the back of the building. A new entry door at the front of Hall will also be installed. Works are scheduled to be completed by 31 May.

Upgrade / replacement of Kitchen Grease Trap

Capella $30,000 Completed Completed

Rolleston Hall Roof Replacement Rolleston $80,000 Completed Completed.Rolleston Hall Cladding and Asbestos removal.

Rolleston $140,000 Completed Completed.

Emerald Library Security System Upgrade

Emerald $35,000 Completed Completed.

Emerald Town Hall repaint supper room, replace flooring - W4Q


Staff Housing upgrades Emerald $250,000 Monitor Project scope has now been confirmed in consultation with the Housing officer. Works have been released for quotation and expected to be completed by 30 June.

Bauhinia Community Hall - Upgrade of Disability Access Ramp (Stronger Communities Programme)

Bauhinia $40,200 On track The disability access ramp has been installed but needs to be moved following community consultation. Accompanying upgrades such as a disabled car parking space and pathway to the ramp are still to be delivered. Design options for the movement of the ramp have been provided to the community for consideration.

Old Blackwater Pool Amenities & Kiosk Refurbishment

Blackwater $145,000 Monitor A report was provided to Council on the item at 26 March. $75,000 has been allocated to the development of a design for a new Library in Blackwater. The remaining funds will be used for the



development of a design for the refurbishment of the Amenities.

Duaringa Library/Office - disabled access compliance

Duaringa $50,000 Completed Completed

Capella Community Hall – repaint ceiling

Capella $15,000 Completed Completed.

Anakie Hall upgrade (Stronger Communities Programme)

Anakie $15,000 Completed Completed.

Springsure Art Gallery – upgrade floors and walls

Springsure $35,000 Completed Completed.

Emerald Art Gallery kitchen cabinet upgrade


Yamala Kindy Emerald $10,000 On track. Awaiting one final component to be delivered to site to achieve completion.

Borilla Kindy Emerald $10,000 Completed CompletedCapella Cats Closet Bakehouse structure

Capella $57,500 Monitor Quotations for the original design have come in substantially over budget. A revised design was still over budget, but also not preferred by the Capella CRG. An amended design is being obtained to keep the original CRG layout and look while reducing the structural components which resulted in the significant cost. A further report will be provided to Council to detail the options to progress the project

Blackwater Art Society replacement building

Blackwater $150,000 Monitor RFQ has been released for the construction of the replacement demountable buildings. Awaiting the receipt of the quotations.RFQ was released for the appointment of a Project Manager to deliver the project for Council. No responses were received. An alternative option will be implemented.

Carryover projects from 2017/18 Financial Year budget:



Project Name Location Budget Status StatusEmerald office solar upgrade 170kw system


Rolleston transaction centre internal upgrade

Rolleston $5,900 Completed Completed.

Emerald office - refit & refurbishment

Emerald $200,000 Completed Completed.The majority of the budget was moved over to the McIndoe Park Amenities project.

Blackwater Civic Centre - Toilet Upgrade/Access Upgrade

Blackwater $108,523 Completed Completed

Parks TeamECGT Location Budget Status StatusVicki Peters - Local Park

Emerald $195,000 On track The playground has been ordered and will be delivered and installed in May, as well as the new shade structure for over the playground.

Centenary Park - Local Park Softfall renewal


Lions Park - Neighbourhood Park

Emerald $145,000 On track The playground equipment has been ordered and will be delivered and installed in May.

Moreton Park - Emerald Skate Park

Emerald $350,000 On track Shade structures to be installed in April. Trial concrete repairs to the Skate Park concrete surfaces have been successful. Full repairs will occur in April/May.

Emerald Botanic Gardens - Eastside pathway improvements - W4Q

Emerald $200,000 Completed Completed

Emerald Showgrounds Upgrade to Pipeworks system

Emerald $40,000 Completed. Completed.

Emerald Botanical Gardens (east part 1) - Regional Park

Emerald $70,000 On track RFQ to be released mid-April. Works to be completed by the end of May.

Emerald Aquatic Centre - 25m pool area investigations

Emerald $35,000 Monitor Company has been engaged to investigate the structural integrity of the concrete lid on the balance tank to determine if further works are required to the area. Two RFQ’s have been released for the design of the spa area renewal with no response. A direct approach to local a designer has now occurred.

Emerald Emerald $100,000 On track The landscape design company has



Botanical Gardens (east part 2) - Regional Park

provided the first draft of the concept design. Community Consultation has been requested to help further develop the design which closed on 25 March 2019. The findings have been provided to the company to finish the design.

Refurb Water Slide & retaining wall

Capella $50,000 On track Water slide refurbished has been completed. The retaining wall will be addressed in April/May.

Capella Aquatic Centre - pump replacement


Roy Day Park - District Sports Park

Gemfields $55,000 On track Infrastructure Services to assist with the project to construct a gravel entry lane. Works to occur in April.

Roy Day Park Upgrade of Pipework systems

Gemfields $75,000 Completed Completed.

Sapphire Pool car park area sealing - W4Q

Sapphire $50,000 On track Working with Infrastructure to deliver the project and confirm a start date based on other works in the area. Expected to be delivered in April.

Sapphire - Upgrade to Toilet / Dump Point Disposal Area

Sapphire $130,000 At risk The preferred location for the dump point between Sapphire and Rubyvale was rejected by DNRME due to Native Title requirements. An alternative site has been identified by DNRME for Council to potentially purchase. Council officers are waiting on receiving price from DNRME so that a report can be presented to Council regarding the possible purchase.

The design of the new system has been completed and once a location has been secured it will be able to be installed promptly.

Given the need for the purchase of a suitable parcel of land for the project it is unlikely that it will be delivered prior to the end of the financial year.

Bogantungan Cemetery Fence

Bogantungan $15,000 On track The contractor is working towards completion to occur by the end of April.

BDSR Location Budget Status StatusBlackwater Cemetery

Blackwater $30,000 On track. Additional bollards have been purchased for the site and will arrive in April for installation in April/May. The front garden is also being reconstructed and will be finished prior to the end of the Financial Year.

All Abilities Park - security cameras

Blackwater $10,000 On track The grant application under the Safer Communities Program was unsuccessful.

The replacement camera was ordered in March. New poles are to be priced to



determine if this will be the preferred way forward noting the manufacturer is not willing to extend the current poles on site.

Hunter Street Sports fields Irrigation storage tanks

Blackwater $15,000 On track The identified supplier of the preferred foundation materials has not provided a quotation. As a result, foundation earthworks will be installed instead and completed in April. The tanks at the old Aquatic Centre will then be moved to Hunter Street in May.

Blackwater Aquatic Centre - various minor capital improvements

Blackwater $20,000 On track The office blind has been installed.Improved CCTV and a new Air Conditioner in the Kiosk are being installed in April.

Blackwater Skate Park

Blackwater $30,000 On track The skate park design consultant conducted a community consultation in March and the online survey closed at the end of March. The feedback is currently being considered to then inform the development of the first draft concept design.

Irrigation upgrades

Blackwater $50,000 On track A priority list of upgrade areas has been established and contractors appointed to deliver the works. Works have commenced with the completion of Bluff cemetery automation. The remaining upgrades will be delivered prior to the end of the Financial Year.

Old Aquatic centre and Lions park development in Blackwater

Blackwater $100,000 Monitor $50,000 has been allocated towards the development of the master plan for the site.

The remaining $50,000 will be used for the completion of additional removal and demolition works at the old Aquatic Centre site in preparation for future improvement works.

Rich Park playground replacement

Springsure $150,000 On track The new playground has been ordered following community consultation and installation is expected to occur in April.

Springsure Lawn Cemetery

Springsure $30,000 On track Ergon electrical investigation has been completed and Council officers are waiting on Ergon installing the electrical infrastructure and pole. An application for water access to the site is pending approval.

Zamia Parkland Project

Springsure $130,000 On track The shade structure building application has been lodged. The slab and footings for the solar light poles will be installed at the same time in April.

Skate Park Upgrade

Springsure $105,000 On track The installation of a half-court basketball court has been completed. Quotations have been obtained for a shade shelter at the southern end of the skate park and a building application is pending. Works on the irrigation system on the northern side of the park will occur in the coming months.



Rolleston Transaction Centre - irrigation, landscaping - W4Q

Rolleston $15,000 Monitor The tank base to now be constructed on site via earthworks. Irrigation materials and the tank were purchased in March and will be installed by the end of April.

Regional items Location Budget Status StatusSoftfall replacement/ replenishment

All $100,000 On track The detailed playground audit has been received. $20,000 was allocated towards the McIndoe Park Amenities project due to a funding shortfall as part of BR1.As part of BR2 $63,500 was allocated towards the Springsure Rich Park playground project to provide rubberised softfall throughout the whole area to provide a high-quality finish.

Aquatic Centres - Regional emergency renewal fund

Regional $100,000 On track The following projects have been identified for expenditure thus far:

Springsure Aquatic Centre - address concrete entry slip risk issues, pool side guttering and a ride-on lawn mower.

Replacement of shade sails at the Capella Aquatic Centre.

The remaining funds will be considered for the replacement of the Capella Aquatic Centre fence which is no longer secure.

Parks Carryover projects from 2017/18 Financial Year budget: Location Budget Status StatusBlackwater Pool - demolition of old pool

Blackwater $485,389 Completed Completed

Emerald Family Riding Park - Planning

Emerald $22,011 Completed A report will be presented to Council at the April Council Meeting for consideration regarding the item.

Emerald Botanical Gardens (west) - Regional Park

Emerald $662,024 On track Delivered elements: Playground equipment Fitness equipment Footpaths and culverts Turf and irrigation Picnic area shade shelters Solar lighting BBQ’s

Elements to be delivered in the coming months:

Shade shelters over the play equipment and BBQ’s

Sealed of the car parking areaSignage manual roll-out (Parks)

All $30,000 Completed The funds have been committed to regional signage projects for Capella.

Duaringa McKenzie Park - Replacement of water feature,

Duaringa $120,000 On track Tank bases will be constructed on site via earthworks in April, along with irrigation improvements and the installation of water fall materials.



garden and new interpretive signage (Works for Queensland 17-19)

Investigation is occurring to determine if the remaining budget will sufficient to install rubberised softfall around the play equipment and to install a shade shelter and seating in the area.

Capella Bridgeman Park - Replacement of disability access to the main sports pavilion (Works for Queensland 17-19)


McIndoe Park - Facility Upgrade Planning and construction

Emerald $367,768 On Track The project is on schedule to be completed by the agreed completion date of 12 April 2019.

Springsure Showgrounds - Carpark and bus bay seal/pavement works (Works for Queensland 17-19)

Springsure $30,000 On Track The installation of a ramp and car parking spaces has been completed. A consultation session occurred on site in March which identified the need for an additional access drop off point and path at the rear of the building, as well as the installation of a door at the front of the Dining Hall. These additional works are scheduled to be completed prior to the Show in May.

Sport & Recreation Team Location Budget Status StatusSporting Field Upgrades


Springsure Showgrounds Electrical Upgrade

Springsure $30,000 On track Audits completed on five facilities and a priority listing made. HDE engaged to project manage and are designing a scope of works.

Rolleston Sports Grounds/Camp draft Power Upgrade

Rolleston $250,000 On track Audits completed on five facilities and a priority listing made. HDE engaged to project manage and are designing a scope of works.

Regional Electrical Upgrade - metering

Emerald $160,000 On track Audits completed on five facilities and a priority listing made. HDE engaged to project manage and are designing a scope of works.

Hunter Street Multipurpose Clubhouse

Blackwater $70,000 Completed The project was completed under budget. The remaining funds have been proposed for allocation within the Sport & Recreation Capital Works budget.

McIndoe Park - Regional Sports Park

Emerald $200,000 Completed All of the budget item was required to be allocated to the McIndoe Park Amenities project dur to the tender price and variations exceeding the available budget.

Regional Water Upgrade - metering and irrigation

Regional $160,000 On track Roy Day Park – complete.Bridgeman Park – Complete.Springsure Showgrounds to commence on 01 April 2019.

Rolleston Rolleston $100,000 At risk Delayed were experienced getting the



Community Oval upgrade canteen & kitchen - W4Q

designs completed for the project. The call for quotation has been released and has needed to be extended due to needing to provide interested builders with sufficient time to quote.

Carryover projects from 2017/18 Financial Year budget: Location Budget Status CommentsInstallation of new Insulation to roofing at PCYC


Grant projects Location Budget Status StatusEmerald Town entrance beautification (east) - W4Q

Emerald $250,000 Monitor One rock garden bed has been installed at the approach to the Vince Lester Bridge. Water connection points have been installed at the location also. Further works are being investigated following a Councillor Workshop at the beginning of April.

Emerald Town entrance beautification (south)- W4Q

Emerald $250,000 Monitor Three rock garden beds have been installed along the Gregory Highway. Water connection points have been installed at the locations also. Further works are being investigated following a Councillor Workshop at the beginning of April.

Gindie Town entry statement - W4Q

Gindie $25,000 Monitor Community consultation occurred in January and designs are being developed from the feedback received. The draft designs will be released for further community feedback in April to finalise them for production. TMR approvals have been applied for, and quotations have been called for the installation of the garden beds.

Bauhinia Town entry statement - W4Q

Bauhinia $25,000 Monitor As above.

Tieri Town entry statement - W4Q

Tieri $25,000 Monitor As above

Bluff Entrance Statement $100,000 Monitor As above.Anakie Town entry statement - W4Q

Anakie $25,000 On track Concrete work, drainage and bollard installation has been completed.Waiting for topsoil to be delivered.Electrical work for the up lights has not started yet but is included in the project.Plants have not been purchased due to the drought conditions.

Emerald Park Run Rotunda - Stronger Communities Programme

Emerald $22,500 ($11,250 grant, $11,250 CHRC)

Completed Completed.

Planning and Environment

Project Name Location

Total Proposed

Budget (BR1) Comments



Planning and Environment Manager

Fairbairn Dam Masterplan Emerald $120,000

Progressing. Preliminary drawings taken to Strategy on 23/10/2018.Meeting with SunWater to be scheduled in early to mid December 2018.

Regional Waste facility Regional $120,000

Scoping document on track to being sent out week beginning 3 December 2018.

Meatworks proposal Emerald

Progressing. Awaiting finalisation of due diligence process with between BMA and Sojitz.

Development and Planning

Major amendment flooding Emerald $90,000

Purchase order raised 29 October 2018. KBR are on track delivering the flood modelling by end December 2018.The major amendment to be completed by 30 June 2019.

Yamala enterprise area structure plan Emerald $60,000

Consultants have been engaged with Structure Plan development underway, stormwater modelling required prior to the structure plan taking place. Yamala amendment meeting held 18/10/2018 to outline Yamala amendment requirements.No update for November 2018

LGIP planning All $20,000

Project underway. Consultant on track to delivering project by end December/early 2019 including the Open Space and Recreation Plan. Optimal solution is to combine Blackwater Priority Development Area Revocation project to avoid having to do a LGIP 3.Workshop with network providers scheduled week beginning 3 December 2018. Meeting with consultant to identify bottlenecks scheduled week ending 25 JanuaryMeeting with Consultant to identify bottlenecks 29 January.

Emerald Town Centre Beautification Stage 2 Emerald $20,000

Project Management Office (PMO) assisting Coordinator Strategic Land Use with this project. Scoping finalized, PMO call for tenders, Consultants evaluated December 2018. Consultants (Jim Gall Architects/Deicke Richards) engaged early January 2019, Inception discussions held 24 January; Inception visit planned for 4 February 2019; Community engagement forum planned for March.

Blackwater Town Centre Beautification Blackwater $100,000

Project Management Office (PMO) assisting Coordinator Strategic Land Use with this project. Scoping finalized, PMO call for tenders, Consultants evaluated December 2018. Consultants (Jim Gall Architects/Deicke Richards) engaged early January 2019, Inception discussions held 24 January; Inception visit planned for 4 February 2019; Community engagement forum planned for March

Capella Town Centre Beautification Capella $130,000

Project Management Office (PMO) assisting Coordinator Strategic Land Use with this project. Scoping finalized, PMO call for tenders, Consultants evaluated December 2018. Consultants (Jim Gall Architects/Deicke Richards) engaged early January 2019, Inception discussions held 24 January; Inception visit planned for 4 February 2019; Community engagement forum planned for March.



Emerald Liveability Strategy Implementation Emerald $50,000

Draft Liveability Strategy to be reviewed to address comments received. Major redraft completed to address comments and ensure the document conforms with the new State Planning Policy. Final draft now with the Communications – production team. Final draft with new graphics will be circulated internally (including ELT), changes made based on comments and presented to the Strategy Meeting of 11 March.

Springsure Town Centre Beautification Springsure $80,000

Project Management Office (PMO) assisting Coordinator Strategic Land Use with this project. Scoping finalized, PMO call for tenders, Consultants evaluated December 2018. Consultants (Jim Gall Architects/Deicke Richards) engaged early January 2019, Inception discussions held 24 January; Inception visit planned for 4 February 2019; Community engagement forum planned for March

Ranger Services

Security Camera Installation - Emerald AMC Emerald $10,000

To be scoped and completed.31/10/2018 – quotes being sought from 3 providers.Project has been awarded and cameras are set for installation before the new year.Cameras installed 17/12/2018 project finalised.

Emerald pound replacement Emerald $150,000

Project Management Office (PMO) assisting with this project. On 29 October 2018, a detailed meeting was held with Project leads (Coordinator) and PMO Officers.

- Work undertaken about updating Kingower Masterplan (from the February 2015 draft stage) - Kingower identified as optimal site, pending the workshop and depots super depot concept. Met with consultants 15/10/2018 to advise them of our position.

- Project scope drafted by the PMO and approved by Manager Planning and Environment.

- On 6 December 2018, project was workshopped with Council for consideration and it was determined that this is not going ahead.

Emerald Washdown Facilities future upgrade Emerald $100,000

Project Management Office (PMO) assisting with this project. On 29 October 2018, a detailed meeting was held with Project leads (Coordinator) and PMO Officers.

- Existing plan to be revisited and a meeting about the future of the Emerald Washdown to be considered.

- Tenderer approved, works commencing in mid January 2019

Signage manual rollout - Ranger Services Regional $30,000

Original scope completed. Under budget. May be required to utilise remaining budget to increase signage i.e. flying fox signage in the Botanics.Awaiting the last of the signs to arrive.

Stock Route Facility Upgrades Regional $85,000 Ongoing projectSpringsure pound upgrade Springsure 0 Not required, no longer a project.Pound upgrades Capella Capella 0 Not required, no longer a project.Pound upgrades Blackwater Blackwater $3,569

Project now 95% complete subject to finalisation of fencing. Troubles with getting fencing quotes.



Failing any willing suppliers to complete the job Rangers may undertake this project in house.

Duaringa Washdown Facility Design and Future Planning Duaringa $46,803

Project Management Office (PMO) assisting with this project. On 29 October 2018, a detailed meeting was held with Project leads (Coordinator) and PMO Officers.Tenderer approved, works commencing in mid January 2019

Mining Common/Stock Route Fencing Regional $13,350 Not commenced.

Lockable 1080 Shed at Blackwater Blackwater

Completed - additional requirements were a carryover from 2017/18

Environment and Waste

Blackwater Weigh bridge Blackwater $450,000

Project Management Office (PMO) assisting with this project. PMO Officers advise the project is at the tender stage, closing on 11th Jan 2019.

- Waste levy funding received in December 2018. - Jan 2019, PMO advise the project is at the

tender evaluation stage.

Rolleston Transfer station Rolleston $238,747 Completed - 31 August 2018

Surveillance cameras at unmanned Waste Facilities Regional $28,440

Quotes provided. Waste levy funding received for eligible sites in

December 2018. Project progression pending review of specifications expected January 2019.

- Waste Levy commencement date extended to 1 July 2019 from 4 March 2019.

- In December Council received confirmation of funding to finalise levy readiness

- Expressions of interest sent out Dec 2018- In Jan 2019, PMO advise strong interest from

potential suppliers.

Unmanned Waste Facilities - fencing Regional $110,000

Project Management Office (PMO) assisting with this project.


- In December Council received confirmation of funding to finalise levy readiness.

Dingo Landfill Closure Dingo $250,000


- Estimated completion date as end March 2019. - Project scope drafted by the PMO and

approved by Manager Planning and Environment.

- As of 10th Jan. 2019 site meeting held with PMO and contractors looking to tender.

Duaringa Site Improvements Closure Plan Duaringa $179,806

Work required following DES inspection 26/9 with enforcement activities required.

- Works delayed until 2019 dry season.- Drainage issues identified and discussion on

remedy began Dec 2018.

Emerald Transfer Station Security Cameras Emerald $50,000


- Quote requires updating. Seeking Waste levy funding.

- Funding allocation is now expected to be announced January 2019.





potential suppliers

Lochlees Landfill Security Cameras Emerald $35,000


- Quote requires updating. Seeking Waste levy funding.




potential suppliers

Signage manual rollout - Waste Regional $40,000

Project delayed for changes to corporate branding and closing time agreements to be finalised. Budget may be required to better inform users regarding waste separation.

Blackwater Landfill - Site Improvements Blackwater $94,000


- On 29 October 2018, a detailed meeting was held with Project leads (Coordinator) and PMO Officers.

- Clarification being sought about scope of improvements.

Capella Landfill - Site Improvements Capella $120,000


- Project underway. Surveyor engaged to survey area for a boundary realignment to capture all of the waste on our site due to historic poor landfilling practices.

- Discussion with State Government to be progressed to enable realignment.

- Project at discussion stage with landowner adjoining the site re compensation for landfill activity encroachment.

Lochlees Landfill Compound for Drum Muster Emerald

Completed. This was a carryover item previously budgeted in 2017/18 but monies not spent.

Emerald Transfer Station Structural Repairs to ramps, veranda and wall Emerald


Emerald Transfer Station Roofing Structure over Regulated Waste Storage Bays Emerald


$6,612,462.00 61%$3,568,246.00 32%$737,850.00 7%

Total Projects $10,918,558.00 100%

2. International Women’s Day Roadshow



The International Women's Day Roadshow, held in eight towns over the Central Highlands from Monday 4 to Friday 8 March 2019, was declared a great success.

The theme for 2019 was ‘Balance for Better’ and the guest speaker was exceptional. At every event the speaker Joy Coulson, past President of the Queensland Country Women’s Association, held the audience captivated with her inspirational personal story.

Audiences spanned age groups from teens to seniors, engaged and eager to follow the speech with questions and discussion afterwards.

Attendees exceeded library staff expectations, with a total of 186 people attending across the eight events.oBlackwater Event - 50 peopleoCapella Event - 12 peopleoDingo Event - 12 peopleoEmerald Event - 30 peopleoGemfields Event - 17 peopleoRolleston Event - 15 peopleoSpringsure Event - 25 peopleoTieri Event - 25 people

3. Duaringa Library School VisitOn Tuesday 5 March, Duaringa Library received its first visit from the school for 2019. The entire Duaringa State School, totalling 17 children with four teaching and support staff, visited the library in two groups. Each session lasted 45 minutes beginning with a tour of the library and a discussion about International Women's Day.

Two stories were read to each group from the book Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, which is filled with artwork depicting inspiring women and their complimentary stories. The students were then asked to create their own good night story by drawing a picture of a brave or important woman, then writing beneath their picture why she was brave or important to them. The completed artworks have been displayed in the Duaringa library for the community to view.

4. Teen Mental Health First Aid – Capella and SpringsureIn February 2019, Headspace Mackay delivered the Teen Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course to an additional 27 students in year 7 and 10 at Springsure State High School. This has resulted in all students at the school now having successfully completed the course.

The feedback from students was positive and highlighted the need for the course. Students reported they felt it was important and relevant for young people to understand how to deal with situations when their friends are having a crisis. The Deputy Principal/Principal was very appreciative that the students had the opportunity to learn new skills.

The Teen MHFA course is designed to help young people recognise when their friends are in need of help and focuses on seeking a responsible and trusted adult involved to assist as quickly as possible.

Thirty-nine students in years 10, 11 and 12 at Capella State High School will complete the Teen MHFA course from 6 to 9 May 2019.

The Teen MHFA courses have been provided through fundraising ventures of Council’s General Manager Communities.

Teachers at Capella and Springsure State High Schools have completed the Youth MHFA (a course designed for teachers and people who work with young people) as part of professional development in January 2019.

5. Mental Health First Aid – EmeraldPart two of the “Helping Me Helping You” project supported by Queensland Health Tackling Regional Adversity through the Integrated Care (TRAIC) program will deliver the following Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses through DiH Mental Health in Emerald:



Youth MHFA (two x 7 hour workshops) - 27 and 28 May 2019 for 25 teachers and people working with youth.

Teen MHFA (three x 75 minute workshops) – 29 to 31 May 2019 for 100 Emerald High School students years 10 – 12.

MHFA for the Suicidal Person (4 hour workshop) – 31 May 2019 to community.

6. Youth programSocial media: There were 37 individual posts on the Youth Development Facebook page from 26 February to 29 March 2019. These posts reached a total of 32,680 people.

Events and activities delivered in March: 18 March 2019 – Australian Defence Force Career Information Session – 35 young people and their

families (Emerald). 23 March 2019 - Ride, Scoot, Skate or Walk to School -70 attendees (Springsure) . 24 March 2019 - Road Safety Awareness – 60 attendees (Springsure). 22 March 2019 - Skate Party at Blackwater PCYC - 160 attendees (Blackwater). 18 March 2019 - Defence Career Information Session the Youth Development Team partnered with

the Australian Defence Force, to deliver a Defence Career Information Session in Emerald at the McIndoe Function Centre. 35 young people and their families attended the session (Emerald).

Youth Week 2019 events: The Youth Development Team have partnered with the following stakeholders - Anglicare Central Queensland, Police Citizens Youth Club, Capella Tieri Middlemount Links, Oaky Creek Coal, Emerald Park Run, Wheel of Wellbeing, Emerald Skate Mates, Blackwater International Coal Centre and Yarrabee to deliver 27 events over the Queensland Youth Week for 2019. The events are aimed at youth but are open to all ages including families.

DATE WHAT'S ON TIME LOCATION6 April Green Colour Run - Park

Run 6:30 - 9:00am Botanical Gardens - McIndoe entrance

Movie Night (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) 6:30 - 8:30pm Morton Park Emerald

7 April Skate Afternoon & BBQ 2 - 4pm Duaringa Tennis Court (Portable Skate Module)

8 April Bubble Soccer & BBQ 3 - 5pm Lochington Recreation Club

Rockhampton Bowl & Leisure Centre 8am - 5pm Rockhampton Bowl &

Leisure Centre

9 April Bubble Soccer, BBQ & Movie Night (TBA) 3:30 - 8pm Arcadia Valley School

Blackwater Pool 10am - 3pm Blackwater Pool10 April Activities Afternoon 2 - 5pm Blackwater PCYC

Skate & Pizza Afternoon 3:30 - 5:30pm Emerald Skate Park

Bubble Soccer & BBQ 11am - 2pm Springsure Rich Memorial Park

10-12 April Graffiti Art Workshop 11am – 2pm Emerald - Anglicare CQ

11 April Movie Night (Incredibles 2) 6:30 - 8:30pm Tieri Lions Park

Cinema Day (Captain Marvel) 10am Blackwater International

Coal Centre12 April Laser Tag & BBQ 5 - 7pm Emerald PCYC

Roller Skating (Under 10's) 10am - 12pm Blackwater PCYC

Roller Skating (10 and over) 2 - 5pm Blackwater PCYC

13 AprilLaser Tag & Movie Night (The House with a Clock in its Walls)

4 - 9pm Rubyvale Flats

14 April Movie Night (Christopher Robin) 6 - 8pm Dingo Town Hall

Skate, BBQ & Movie 3 - 8pm Capella Skate Park &



Night (Lego Movie 2) Cultural Centre

15 April Yeppoon Lagoon & Beach Day Trip 7am - 5pm Yeppoon Lagoon &

Beach Day TripANZAC Day Poppy and Wreath Craft 10 – 11:30am Springsure Library

16 April Easter Egg Hunt and Crafts 9am - 3pm Blackwater International

Coal CentreBubble Soccer, BBQ & Movie Night (Show Dogs) 3 – 8pm Rolleston Hall

17 April Skate & BBQ Afternoon 2 - 4pm Bluff Skate ParkBubble Soccer, BBQ & Movie Night (Show Dogs) 3 – 8pm Bauhinia Sports Club

18 April Movie Night (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) 5 – 8:30pm Springsure Rich Memorial

ParkCinema Day (Dogs Way Home) 10:00am Blackwater International

Coal Centre

Future youth events: 2 May 2019 – Annual Mayoral Student Leaders Summit (Blackwater)

27 May 2019 – Stand United Mental Health Awareness Day Out (Blackwater)

7. #BIG RURALThe #BIGRURAL talent quest was held on the 16 March 2019 and raised $1750. This money commences the fundraising efforts to purchase an outreach van to provide mental health visits across the region.

#BIGRURAL have also accomplished the following: established their Youth Advisory Committee with their first formal meeting and will be working on the

webpage formed a partnership with CH Rugby League to encourage youth health and wellbeing and offered

an outreach service at the football game on 13 April 2019. formed a partnership with a telehealth psychology service who offer bulk billed psychology services.

This is an addition to the existing two psychologists operating from the Emerald Medical Clinic.

Two of Emerald Medical Clinic, general practitioners (with experience in mental health) and two nurses (with youth health experience) have agreed to support the #BIGRURAL Model. They have purchased a large banner and a portable stand up banner to promote services when visiting communities and are developing guidelines with the youth advisory committee for POP-UP #BIGRURAL events. The volunteer group are planning to initiate a bereavement support group and are accepting referrals as part of their commitment to creating compassionate communities.

8. Headspace Central HighlandsAs of the 29 March 2019 the online petition to establish a headspace facility in the Central Highlands Region has 3079 supporters. A Facebook page, 'Central Highlands goes GREEN' has been created for the community to register their green events. The purpose of green events is to raise funds and/or awareness of the need for a headspace in the Central Highlands.

All funds raised will support the activities of headspace Central Highlands including: group programs, program development, the youth advisory group, community awareness initiatives and resource development to raise awareness about headspace Central Highlands and mental health.

Funds will be held in a trust with Anglicare Central Queensland until a headspace Central Highlands is established. Headspace meetings continue to be held monthly with continued support from government/non-government agencies and the community.

9. National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week 2019NAIDOC Week will be celebrated nationally from 7-14 July 2019. The Nogoa Natives, Rural Skate Park Development Initiative and Central Queensland Indigenous Development (Emerald) staff have planned the major NAIDOC Week event for Sunday 7 July 2019 titled “Many mobs festival”. A flag raising ceremony will be conducted at the Emerald council office on 8 July 2019 and an Elders lunch



will also be held in Emerald on 16 July 2019. Blackwater community will commence planning meetings for their NAIDOC activities when Term 2 of school resumes.

10. Council’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)The Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan endorsed by council on 12 March 2019 has been submitted to Reconciliation Australia for their review and endorsement.

11. Clean up Australia DayOn 3 March 2019, Rangers participated in the recent Clean up Australia day event held at Emerald Botanic Gardens. Rangers staffed a stall at the event communicating with members of the public around responsible pet ownership and other issues faced by the Ranger Services team.

12. Tree trimming Mackenzie park DuaringaOn 4 and 5 March 2019, Rangers and Park and Gardens collaborated to tackle tree trimming at Mackenzie Park, Duaringa. This was undertaken to minimise the likelihood of flying fox returning to the park after an influx of numbers from 150 to approximately 4,000. These efforts have been a success with the flying fox relocating out of the centre of town and not returning.

13. Future Food and FibreOn 8 March 2019, Rangers attended Future Food and Fibre forum staffing a stall at the event focussing on pest management issues throughout the CHRC region. Attendees were able to approach and speak directly to members of the team and have concerns answered and discuss in detail the direction of pest management and other Ranger related topics.

14. Petpep Comet schoolOn 13 March 2019, Ranger Service officers Kaye Jones and Ashleigh Dunn attended Comet school and delivered discussions to children around the importance of responsible pet ownership. Topics included registration, microchipping, caring for your pet and how to stay safe around dogs.

15. Common muster GemfieldsOn 18 March 2019, Ranger Services attended the Gemfields to commence data collection related to current stock numbers at the Gemfields with regard to common agistments. The Muster will conclude on the week ending 29 March. Ranger Services concluded the common muster at the Gemfields on 26 March, all cattle were rounded up and all tags accounted for, 94 cattle in total presently on the common.

16. Local Government compliance groupOn 20 March 2019, Ranger Services attended Gladstone to participate in a Local Government Compliance Group meeting around local law enforcement and other related matter. Topics included regulated parking, dog registration enforcement activities and initiatives related to in field recording of investigation on mobile data units.

17. Community reference group Duaringa.On 21 March 2019, Coordinator Keys attended Duaringa to participate in CRG meeting and presented information related to flying fox management in the area. Discussions focused on the current management strategy for flying fox roosts at Mackenzie park and what Ranger Services are undertaking as far as future management strategies.

18. Rural land meetingOn 29 March 2019, Ranger Services held the first Rural land meeting since 2017 at Emerald town hall. Representatives from state departments such as Department Natural Resources Mines and Energy, Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries as well as representatives from Fitzroy Basin Association and Central Highland Regional Resource Use Planning Cooperative were in attendance.

19. Community Reference Group (CRG) membership marketing Throughout February and March 2019, the following marketing activities promoting and encouraging CRG membership were conducted:

Flyer promotion:



Flyers promoting the CRGs were placed in four local community newsletters, nine school newsletters and four community noticeboards.

Community Events: CRG information was available at the Springsure “Welcome to Town” stall at the Lion’s Markets

10 March 2019 stall.

Inviting Guests: Capella CRG members have been active, inviting three guests from their local community to

attend the Capella CRG Quarter 1 meeting. One community member from Springsure has been personally contacted by a CDO and invited

to attend Quarter 2 CRG meeting and is showing great interest. Tieri CRG have three new members who joined following the Quarter 1 meeting.

Have your Say Central Highlands website: Six people have registered their interest in joining their local CRG via the ‘register your interest’

form on Have Your Say, Central Highlands. These individuals have been contacted and invited to attend meetings.

20. “Welcome to Town” Stall, Springsure The Springsure Community Reference Group (CRG) partnered with council to host a “Welcome to Town” stall at the Springsure Lion’s Markets on 10 March 2019.

As part of this activity the Springsure Library provided an area for children’s activities. An information table was set up that shared welcome to town packs, a rubbish collection calendar, dog registration forms, local watering times and Springsure CRG information. A total of ten people visited the information table with five welcome to town packs distributed. Longer standing community members also benefited from the welcome to town stand, with many receiving answers to their questions regarding dog registration, CRG representation and town planning enquiries.

21. Have Your Say Central Highlands Emerald Botanic Gardens - East Side Play Area Open 22 February - 25 March 2019With this engagement the Community Recreation & Facilities team gathered feedback on a proposed concept design for the east side play area of the Emerald Botanic Gardens. In addition to the online survey, a free sausage sizzle and on-site consultation was held on 6 March 2019. The online survey has received an enthusiastic response, with 95 surveys being completed. The concept design was downloaded 429 times.

Springsure Aquatic Centre Open 11 March - 8 April 2019Council are seeking feedback on the Springsure Aquatic Centre to determine whether a master plan is needed to plan for future improvement of this facility. The survey is available at council offices, libraries, the Springsure Aquatic Centre and Post Office. The survey can be downloaded from - https://haveyoursay.chrc.qld.gov.au/springsure-aquatic-centre-survey.

Smart Community Framework - Open 21 January - 18 April 2019Council continue to seek feedback from the Central Highlands community on their draft Smart Community Framework. On 11-12 April 2019 consultants will visit Emerald to hold workshops with community and key stakeholders on the topic of how we can improve our region with the use of smart technology.

Community Consultations, Arcadia Valley, Tresswell, Orion, Toprain Buckland, Rolleston Open 8 April - 7 May 2019In April an online survey will open in the lead up to the next round of community consultations scheduled for 15-17 May 2019.

22. Bauhinia Bicentennial Art Gallery updateAfter over 30 years of faithful service, the Bauhinia Bicentennial Art Gallery in Springsure, enjoyed a well-deserved refurbishment of its walls and flooring through-out the months of March and April 2019.

https://haveyoursay.chrc.qld.gov.au/springsure-aquatic-centre-survey



Preparations are currently underway for the annual Bauhinia Bicentennial Art Gallery art competition to be held in June 2019.

23. Emerald Gallery Faces of… Personalities in Print exhibitionEmerald Art Gallery currently plays host to the Emerald Photographic Club (EPC), showcasing their talents in photography and the use of various print medias. Over 100 people attended the 'Faces of ... Personalities in Print' exhibition opening night held 22 March 2019.

The exhibition profiles local personalities within the region, including their image and stories, as a complimentary feature of the exhibition. The images have been printed on various forms ranging from aluminium, glass, chiffon, coasters, a bar mat, laminated crystal, jigsaws through to a light box or a car bonnet.

The images were also printed in book form and on the exhibition opening night were projected onto the external wall of the Emerald Art Gallery. This project was funded by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program FY 2017-18. The project comprises of two parts. Part one: a specialised print workshop was held in August 2018. Part two: 'Faces of ... Personalities in Print' exhibition that is currently on display in the Emerald Art Gallery until 13 April 2019.

24. State Government consultations The community engagement team are encouraging members of the Central Highlands community to engage in State Government consultations on key issues. By following the link now on the homepage of Have Your Say, Central Highlands - https://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/

Community can view open consultations and get involved in problem solving the bigger issues affecting our state.

25. ‘Early Start Learning’ visit to Emerald Art Gallery The Early Start Learning group based in Emerald, visited the Emerald Art Gallery to view the Faces of … Personalities in Print exhibition on 21 March 2019. The group comprised 19 kindergarten aged children, as aspiring young art critics, along with five adult chaperones.

The early learners were very impressed by the many different photography printing techniques on display, with many wanting to get 'their' photographs printed as a soft blanket or jigsaw puzzle. They also thoroughly enjoyed a brief tour and viewing of one of the arts corridors on the upper floor of the Emerald council building which displays numerous indigenous artworks.

26. Blackwater Library consultation The community engagement team are developing an Engagement Plan to connect with Blackwater and Bluff communities, regarding the proposed new Blackwater Library building. The plan will include online and face to face consultations with community and stakeholders, to help inform building planning and design. A consultation report and design concepts for the building are scheduled to be presented to council this financial year.

27. Street Beautification consultationsDepartments worked together across council with the community engagement team and customer service area coordinators assisting in organising workshops on the Street Beautification Projects.

11 people attended a session in Capella on 27 March 2019 and eight people attended in Springsure on 28 March 2019. Sessions will be conducted in Blackwater 3 April 2019 and in Emerald on 4 April 2019. These engagement workshops are being hosted and facilitated by the Council Strategic Land use team, program delivery engineer Brian Duffy and Gall Architects.

The purpose of the workshops is to gather ideas and help guide the generation of final design concepts for the Street Beautification projects in Capella, Springsure, Blackwater and Emerald. A follow up community meeting will be held later in May 2019, to consider the design outputs by the architects, based on their ideas.

28. Development and Planning – Standard conditions package

https://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/



Development and Planning received the draft version of the standard conditions package for internal review on 15 March 2019. Workshop with DA planners to be held in April to progress conditions package to final review.

29. Development and Planning – Workshop with CHDCCoordinator of Development and Planning attended a workshop meeting with CHDC and Council’s Strategic Land Use team on 18 March 2019, to discuss upcoming major Planning Scheme amendment 3.

30. Development and Planning – Workshop between DA and Strategic Land Use teamThe Development Assessment team and Strategic Land Use team held a workshop on 19 March 2019, following the meeting with CHDC, to discuss deficiencies in the scheme and brainstorm upcoming major Planning Scheme amendment 3

31. ARTSynergy workshopARTSynergy is an arts initiative developed by Yeppoon artist Karen Jones that aims to foster the development of arts practitioners with a disability, in the Central Queensland (CQ) region. To increase their creative participation in the arts and link those artists into inclusive arts programs already active across the CQ region. An ARTSynergy forum was held in the Emerald Town Hall on 20 March 2019 as a Central Queensland Regional Services Network (CQ RASN) partnership project.

32. Heritage workshops, CapellaCentral Highlands Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee (CHACAC) have organised the Central Queensland Museum Development Officer from the Museum Networks Queensland to conduct a heritage training workshop. This workshop will be held at the Capella Pioneer Village on 27 and 28 April 2019.

33. Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Bid 2019-2020The RADF Bid for 2019-2020 was submitted to Arts Queensland to meet the 6 April 2019 deadline.

34. ATP9 Kids on Tour Council are partnering with the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) with their ninth Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, 'APT9 Kids on Tour’ program. A children's event was held at the Emerald Art Gallery Friday 12 April 2019. At this event children engaged with different artists and with the dynamic art, culture and life of the Asia Pacific region. They experienced six interactive artistic projects including drawing, hands-on and multimedia activities. The tour highlighted themes such as the preciousness of life and natural resources and the importance of community and storytelling.

35. Drop in sessions for the changes to the waste operating hoursBetween Monday 8 and Wednesday 10 April 2019, the Manager of Planning and Environment will be hitting the road to engage with the community in relation to the proposed changes to the operating hours at Council’s waste facilities. An additional day on 16 April 2019 has been scheduled to cater for residents who did not make it to the Blackwater or Emerald sessions. Based on the success of the sessions, a further round of consultation and a mailbox drop might be required.

Day 1 – Monday 08 April 2019Lochington 8.30am –

10.30amLochington Rec Club Booked Star Street, Springsure QLD 4722

(07) 4985 5155Willows Community Hall

12pm – 2pm Rang and confirmed with Sue Brown on 28/03 and advised to call her on 4985 5327 to get someone to open.

Willows Road, Willows QLD 4702Phone : 4985 5327

Capella 4pm – 6pm Capella Cultural Centre – Function Room booked

Address: O'Brien Street, Capella Queensland 4723Phone: 07 4984 9300

Tieri 6.30pm – 8.30pm Tieri Library booked Corner Grasstree and Anncrouye Streets, Tieri Queensland 4709Phone: 07 4984 8270

tel:0749855155



Day 4 – Tuesday 16 April 2019Bluff 2pm – 4 pm Bluff Community Hall – Kath

confirmed12 Church Street, Bluff QLD 4702

Comet 5pm – 7pm School of Arts Building – Booked - Please note key will be left for you in the metre box on the veranda, key for the toilets is hanging on the white post in the kitchen.Please make sure everything is turned off once done as to not leave us with a large power bill. The toilets and hall must be locked and keys placed pack in position.

33 Ballard Street, Comet QLD 4702Across from McDonald Park Truck stop, between pub and Comet Rest.Phone: 0409 631 397

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Planning and Environment Monthly Report March 2019 [12.1.4.1]


Day 2 – Tuesday 09 April 2019Springsure 7.30am – 9.30am Supper Room, Town Hall

booked and has arranged for the BBQ to be there.

Bauhinia Memorial Hall, Eclipse St

Rolleston 10.30 - 12.30am Spoke to Helen and Memorial Hall is booked.

Rolleston Memorial Hall, Planet St

Sapphire 3pm – 5pm Spoke to Amanda and booked Memorial Hall

1003 Rubyvale Road, Sapphire QLD 4702Phone: 4985 4664

Emerald 6pm – 8 pm McIndoe Function Centre booked.

Opal Street Emerald

Day 3 – Wednesday 10 April 2019Blackwater 7.30am – 9.30am Blackwater Aquatic Centre –

Meeting Room bookedHunter St, Blackwater

Dingo 10am – 12pm Dingo Hall booked Normanby St, DingoBauhinia 2.30pm – 4.30pm Town hall booked Bauhinia Community Hall, Fletcher

WayDuaringa 6pm – 8pm Old Library Building booked 12 William Street, Duaringa QLD

4712 – Behind the Council OfficePhone: 4925 6405


REPORT:

Manager, Planning and Environment

Achievements for the Month – February 2019 Technical Officer Resource Recovery interviewed with commencement date

expected early April 2019. Finalise preparations for Clean Up Australia Day EOI advertised for waste consultant to assist with the Blue Sky Project and

updating Council’s closure plans for waste. CapEx and OpEx budgeting process finalised. Fees and charges for 2019/2020 have been finalised. A number of new fees and

pro rata amendments have been proposed to ensure our fees are suitable to our community.

DA Factsheets finalised, awaiting a peer review.

Targets for next month – March 2019 Finalise close out reports for Council for Nogoa November and the Rolleston

Transfer Station Project. Continue to recruit for vacancies –Compliance Officer, Coordinator Strategic

Land Use, Environmental Health Officer, Building Certifier. Successful deliver of Clean Up Australia Day. Finalise close out reports for Council for Nogoa November and the Rolleston

Transfer Station Project. EOI evaluation for waste consultant to assist with the Blue Sky Project and

updating Council’s closure plans for waste. 25 March 2019 – submission completion date for the Kerbside Collection

contracts due. TOTO training and meeting attendance. Preparations to be finalised for the DA Forum Preparations to be finalised for the drop in sessions for the waste roadshow.

Waste and Environmental Services



Ranger Services

Statistics Customer Requests Ranger Services received a total of 155 CRM’s for the month of February 2019, and in response to those requests the team has closed off 98 resulting in 122 (78%) matters



being responded to within desired timeframes. Only 33 matters remain overdue still under investigation.

Impounded Animals for February 49 animals collected. Rehoming remains a key focus for Ranger Services despite a stricter control approach to what can be rehomed particularly with dogs, with minimal euthanasia taking place, cat trapping continues with 10 disposed of this month.

Impounded animals for February



Achievements for the Month - February 2019

On 5 February 2019, Ranger Services met with Parks and Gardens to discuss installation of an array of sprinklers with in the botanical gardens to determine how effective this approach would be to deter the flying fox colony from remaining in the area. The decision was made to install sprinkler spears into the canopy of the trees in the presently occupied portion of the gardens to test the effectiveness of this option and to assess where the animal’s might be inclined to relocate to. A local contractor has been engaged to install these sprinklers in the next few weeks, additionally Ranger Services have purchased a set of ultrasonic sound devices to have placed throughout the gardens to further assist in the deterrence efforts.

On 7 February 2019, Ranger Services started receiving reports related to the return of flying fox at Duaringa with numbers increasing significantly. This has prompted Ranger Services to monitor the numbers closely with a view to undertake roost modification activity in the coming weeks. Requests have been made to Parks and Gardens at Duaringa to undertake other tree modifications in the area to prepare for the roost modifications to take place. Letter box drops will be undertaken in preparation of the roost modification.

On 7 February 2019, Ranger Services conducted weed spraying activity at the Blackwater landfill site for Parkinsonia present at that site.

On 12 February 2019, Ranger Services assisted the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Department of Natural Resource Mines and Energy with weed spraying at the Gemfields spraying Buddies dam for Salvinia weed as well as Bellyache and Hudson pear throughout various other locations.

On 18 February 2019, Ranger Services attended McKensie park at Duaringa to assess the increasing number of flying fox in the park area. McKensie park has seen an influx of numbers to approximately 2,000 and in turn Ranger Services is liaising with Parks and Gardens at Duaringa to undertake Roost modifications at that location in the attempt to deter the flying fox from remaining in the area and to minimise the safety risk created due to the animals being present. This risk is associated only with the breaking of tree limbs due to the weight of the animals in the tree. Tree trimming will be undertaken in the effort to reduce the available roost space for the animals at that location. The success of this activity will determine what other action if any is required. Ranger Services are also liaising with customer service at Duaringa to provide media communications with the residents about activity being undertaken, this includes flyers and a letterbox drop.

On 27 February 2019, Ranger Services attended Rockhampton and participated in Leucaena forum with The Leucaena Network group. Participants included members of TLN and other councils from varying interested council areas. Discussions focused on the production of Leucaena on cattle properties throughout Queensland and the difficulties faced by producers growing the plant. Speakers from the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, TLN and Meat and Livestock Australia provided input about the growing of Leucaena. Input was sought from attending councils around perceptions of Leucaena and the problems presented due to feral Leucaena outside of deliberate growth.

Targets for Next Month – March 2019



Reduction of outstanding reports and delivering improved customer serviceRanger Services continue to deliver on reducing time delays in officer response to customer enquiries and reduce the back log of CRMs.

Pest management of Reserves Ranger Services continue spraying of reserves and will continue to target other hotspots throughout the area as a day to day business approach. Including spraying around water facilities as well as upkeep of water facilities on the stock route.

Flying Fox numbers at the Emerald Botanic Gardens.Ranger Services continue to monitor the number of little red flying fox that are taking up residence at Both Duaringa and the Emerald Botanic Gardens. Numbers are on the decline at the Botanic gardens sitting between 500 and 1,000. Duaringa roost modification has seen completed.

Strategic Land Use

Achievements for the Month – February 2019 Finalised response submitters to Blackwater Pool redevelopment concept, review

background to Concept based on feedback. Generate briefing for internal circulation regarding suggested changes. Confirm concept changes, report to Council. Prepare briefing papers to Consultants for Stage 2 consultation.

Visit 1 – (Inception) by consultants for Town Beautification Projects. Planning for following up Enquiry by Design workshops in March/April.

Award the consultant for the Strategic Planning work to InsightSJC. Work plan generated by Coordinator and principal consultant for 6m program. Inception visit planned. Work on amendment commenced, Attendance of Strategy Meeting 18 February

Re-drafted Liveability Strategy to editors/graphic designers; production draft circulated, final amendments - take to the Strategic and Briefing Forum early March.

Targets for Next Month – March 2018

Final agreement negotiated and establish of the date for the Clean Growth Choices Workshop planned for 5 April 2019.

Progress of strategic planning projects: Liveability Strategy – production version ready for Strategy Meeting, early March, Major Amendment 1 (rezoning) - confirmed no-change in ownership of land, finalise responses and refer to DSDMIP; Blackwater Revocation (Major Amendment 2) – push EDQ for receipt of Infrastructure Audit, monitor progress of required legislative changes; LGIP2 Planning Scheme amendment – address bottlenecks, Major Amendment 3 (Business Improvement and Innovation) – consultant engaged (see above) and Minor Amendment to the Planning Scheme to improve the mapping (new GIS map layers confirmed), progress to DSDMIP; review of KBR Flooding scenario modelling strategy – to inform progress of TLPI.

Development & Planning

Achievements for the Month – February 2019 On 08 February 2019, staff attended the DSDMIP information session

teleconference to discuss the proposed Planning Regulation 2017 amendments to local government infrastructure charging. Changes to legislation seek greater transparency in Council’s charging for headworks.

DA file audit for July 2018 to January 2019, completed on 15 February 2019. On 25 February 2019, Coordinator Development and Planning attended the PDA

Local Government Delegates Forum hosted by EDQ.

Targets for Next Month – March 2019 Continuing work on the standard conditions project with a workshop to be held on

2 April 2019, with DA planners. Continuing work on full suite of zone cards factsheets to progress to second draft. To continue to streamline processes to enable staff to maximise productive time. Investigate training options for staff to improve professional skills.



To continue to improve response times for outstanding ECM and CRMs.

Statistics – Customer Requests – Development & Planning

The Development and Planning team received a total of 105 CRMs for the month of February, representing an increase of +61.5% from the previous month.

In addition, the team closed-off 65 (61%) of the 105 CRMs received before the end of month report, with 71% of CRMs within target. The number of overdue items (29% of CRMs received) is mainly due to ongoing building and planning compliance matters. Planning (65% closed; 73% within target); Building (55% closed; 65% within target) Plumbing (100% closed; 100% within target); and Strategic (100% closed; 100% within target).

Statistics – Development Assessment



The number of applications received in comparison to the previous month has increased from five (5) to nine (9), and the number of applications decided has increased from one (1) to five (5). This has resulted in an overall increase in the number of applications in the system (25 total).


Building

Statistics

Inspections by Council Certifier February 2019Pool Compliance Inspections 6Pool Compliance Re-Inspections 2Inspections (on behalf of Private Certifiers) 0Boundary Relaxations Now with Planning teamCHRC Applications - Inspections 9Other (Sheds, Carport, Dwellings, Frame, Footings etc.)

0

Audit Inspections 0Total Inspections for January 2019 13

Council Building Approvals – February 2019Description of Structure $ Value Location Nil – no new applications taken

Record Searches completed in February 2019 = 15

Privately Certified Building Approvals – February 2019Description of Structure $ Value Location Alterations to Shops 100,000 EMERALDDemolition of Granny Flat 40000 EMERALDNew Awning 5,500 EMERALDDwelling Additions 98,237 EMERALDDwelling 971,575 SPRINGSUREDwelling 243,100 EMERALDUpgrade to Fire Hydrant System 127,914 TIERINew Shed 8,000 EMERALDNew Shed 10,500 EMERALDNew Swimming Pool 0 CAPELLA



New Swimming Pool 47,105 EMERALDNew Swimming Pool 26,920 EMERALDNew Dwelling 489,433 ROLLESTONNew Dwelling 330,800 EMERALDAlterations to Awning 24,788 BLUFFNew Shed 21,000 EMERALDNew Dwelling 200,000 EMERALDNew Carport 0 EMERALD

Total PC Approvals = 18

Total: $2,744,872

Pool Immersion Incidents February 2019 - 0


Plumbing

Statistics

Plumbing Applications – February 2019Description QuantityResidential - New 3Residential - Alterations 1Commercial - New 3Commercial - Alterations 6Services - New 0Services - Alterations 0Mining Camps 0Disconnections 0Form 4 Applications (QBCC) 11

Plumbing Inspections – February 2019Inspection Type QuantityUnder-slab 2Rough In 7House Drain 6Plumbing Final 8Elevated Drain 3Audit/TW 39Other 96Meetings 46TOTALS 207






12.1.5 Overview of Development and Planning

INFORMATION REPORT



Author: Joseph Kirkwood, Coordinator Development and Planning


File Reference: TBA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This report is a covering report to provide an overview snapshot of the Central Highlands Regional CouncilDevelopment and Planning team’s work functions.



REPORT:

On 15 March 2019, Development and Planning were contacted with the request to provide a PowerPoint presentation to introduce the members of the team and provide a brief snapshot of the team’s work activities.

The attached PowerPoint will contain an introduction to the team members by name, and provide a rundown of some of the activities and projects undertaken over the last six (6) months, and moving forward.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Power Point - Development and Planning Overview [12.1.5.1]


Development & Planning 2019Development & Planning 2019Overview of the teamOverview of the team



Meet the teamDevelopment and Planning

Joe Kirkwood – Coordinator

Development assessment

Sarah Ronnfeldt – Principal Planner

Rian Tait – Senior Planner

Jen Marsh – Planner

Aidan Murray – Graduate Planner

Fiona Young – Para Planner

Building

Building certifier (Vacant)

Phyllip Bray – Building certifier (Temp)

Plumbing

Peter Kay – Senior Plumbing Inspector

Michael Reeves – Plumbing Inspector

Compliance

Compliance Officer (Vacant)

Codilea Giddins – Administrative Assistant (Temp)



What we do in Development Assessment

Administer and ensure compliance with the Planning Act 2016, subordinate instruments and associated legislation

Development assessment of material change of use, reconfiguring a lot, building works assessable against the planning scheme, and boundary dispensation application

Survey plan endorsement

Respond to internal and external customers

Audit development approvals (lapsed approvals, levied infrastructure charges, compliance)

Meet-a-planner, prelodgement meetings, and planning advice

Planning and development certificates

State submissions



What we do in Compliance

Recovery of infrastructure charges

Compliance inspections on full planning and development certificates

Respond to customer enquiries

Investigate allegations of unlawful development and contravention of development approvals

Assist Building and Plumbing units with compliance and enforcement investigations

Work with DA planners on survey plan endorsements


Educate the community regarding development



What we do in building Administer and ensure compliance with

the Building Act 1975, Planning Act 2016, and associated codes and regulations

Building applications – domestic and commercial

Compliance inspections, including final certificates

Pool fence safety inspections


Report on immersion incidents

Compliance investigations, show cause and enforcement

Audit building approvals for lapsing notices

Building record searches



What we do in Plumbing Administer and ensure compliance

with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002, and associated codes and regulations

Plumbing inspections on Form 1 Form 4 inspections Assess hydraulic plans and onsite

designs and reports for compliance Maintain backflow and onsite registers Respond to internal and external

customers Undertake compliance audit

inspections and issue PINs where appropriate

Inspection of fire line upgrades Assist with trade waste compliance Plumbing record searches



Development assessmentLast 6 months Received 13 compliance CRMs Received 158 planning enquires as CRMs Received 20 meet-a-planner CRM requests Received 46 development applications with 43 decided 26 concurrence referrals (boundary dispensations) decided 19 planning and development certificates 14 survey plan endorsements Undertaken an audit of development applications to improve

compliance with statutory timeframes Established the duty planner roster to improve customer service Held the Development and Planning forum on 15 April

Moving forward Infrastructure charges calculator Finalise suite of zone card factsheets Continue to assist the Strategic Land Use team on their strategic

planning projects Establish the duty planner front counter



Compliance

Last 6 months

Compliance inspections currently undertaken on an ad-hoc basis

21 complaints received resulting in compliance investigations

Five (5) compliance matters closed

One (1) Informal notice, three (3) Show Cause notices and two (2) Enforcement notices issued

One (1) application received in response to an Enforcement notice

No matters progressed to Planning & Environment Court

Moving forward

Currently recruiting for the Compliance Officer role

Signage audit and recovery of infrastructure charges compliance programs to recommence upon Compliance Officer role being filled



Building

Last 6 months

Five (5) new building applications

25 new compliance matters through CRMs

90 building enquiries

37 inspection requests

38 building record searches

90 compliance matters resolved

23 Show Cause notices issued

56 letters sent regarding illegal building work

Moving forward

Approximately 60 files to be followed up (lapsed, require final inspection or cancellation)



Plumbing

Last 6 months

19 CRM enquiries

138 applications

787 inspections

Coal mine inspections and investigations on all 13 coal mines in the area

Checking for correct and relevant licences of plumbers in the area (80+ plumbers)

Moving forward

Review and implementation of the new Pluming and Drainage Act 2018 and Regulation for its commencement in June/July 2019

Business investigation towards compliance program for Gemfields (Approved inspection program)





12.2 Customer and Commercial Services

12.2.1 Customer and Commercial Services

DEPARTMENTAL UPDATE REPORTDSION REPORTDate: 16 April 2019 Presentation Duration: Approx. 10 minutes


Author: Rebecah Brosnan, Acting Manager Customer Service

Authorising Officer: Michelle Webster, General Manager Customer and Commercial Services

File Reference:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The following report provides an update on key activities for the Customer and Commercial Services department.


That Central Highlands Regional Council receive the Customer and Commercial Services departmental update report, highlighting key activities for the month of March 2019.

REPORT:

Key Activities Summary

1. Customer Service and Area Support



1. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND AREA SUPPORT

Customer Satisfaction Survey open for the period 1 February – 31 March 2019. Full report attached.o Total of 621 customers across the region were asked to participate in the survey via iPad or

email link. 157 responses were received for the period. o Due to connectivity issues, the Rolleston Branch did not participate in the survey.o 97.5% respondents indicated they were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with the level of

service provided. o 100% respondents indicated the customer service representative adhered to professional

standards of conduct whilst providing assistance. o 77% respondents were taken care of immediately. o 86% respondents indicated their query was resolved by the customer service representative.o 2 respondents indicated they were extremely dissatisfied with the level of service provided. Both

respondents indicated the nature of their enquiry was Development & Planning and both also indicating they waited longer than 10 minutes to speak with a representative.

Supervisor Customer Service attended Local Government Managers Association Customer Service Village (6 March).

Strategy discussion regarding missed 1st Half Water Notices (Vacant Land). Decision made to continue with proactive approach to inform ratepayers and reduce likelihood of Customer Service staff receiving irate/abusive calls. A letter pre-warning ratepayer’s will be sent first week of April with a modified version to accompany Water Notices.

Direction for Customer Service Strategy discussed at Strategic and Briefing Forum (11 March). Initial planning commenced for Emerald Community Consultation to be held on 30 April at the Emerald

Town Hall. Councillor brief to be circulated to councillors for feedback on Tuesday, 9 April with a pre-meeting planned for 16 April (between Standing Committee Meeting and General Council Meetings).

Community Consultation Workshop 2.0 held with Area Office Coordinators, Cr Daniels, General Manager Customer and Commercial Services and A/Manager Customer Service.

CRM Statistics – February 2019

020406080

100120140160180

Ranger Services Environment & Heatlh Asset & Facilities Development &

Compliance Parks & Gardens Sport & Recreation Waste

Received 154 24 62 105 66 18 60Closed 98 15 29 65 29 4 45% Overdue 67% 62% 44% 37% 38% 83% 22%Total Open 32 75 31 114 30 8

Communities CRM Statistics

No.

of R

eque

sts



0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Roads Sewerage WaterReceived 111 13 250Closed 37 3 135% Overdue 82% 77% 47%Total Open 587 84 211

Infrastructure & Utilities CRM Statistics N

o. o

f Req

uest

s

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

RatesReceived 130Closed 116% Overdue 2%Total Open 4

Corporate Services CRM Statistics

No.

of R

eque

sts



02468

10121416

Airport Saleyards Property & Leasing Received 4 0 0Closed 0 0 0Total Open 15 0 0% Overdue 100% 0% 0%

Customer & Commercial Services - CRM Statistics

No.

of R

eque

sts

Statistics - March 2019

020406080

100120140160



Received 125 18 34 66 54 13 57Closed 77 5 14 43 19 2 49Total Open 59 97 55 151 41 17% Overdue 12% 22% 26% 8% 22% 15% 12%



Received 125 18 34 66 54 13 57Closed 77 5 14 43 19 2 49Total Open 59 97 55 151 41 17% Overdue 12% 22% 26% 8% 22% 15% 12%

Communities CRM Statistics

No

of R

eque

sts



0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

Roads Sewerage WaterReceived 93 7 230Closed 17 1 122Total Open 673 90 317% Overdue 32% 71% 23%

Roads Sewerage WaterReceived 93 7 230Closed 17 1 122Total Open 673 90 317% Overdue 32% 71% 23%

Infrastructure & Utilities CRM Statistics N

o. O

f Req

uest

s

020406080

100120140

RatesReceived 132Closed 132Total Open 4% Overdue 0%

RatesReceived 132Closed 132Total Open 4% Overdue 0%

Corporate Services CRM Statistics

No.

of R

eque

sts

02468

101214161820

Airport Saleyards Property & Leasing Received 3 0 3Closed 0 0 0Total Open 18 0 3% Overdue 100% 0% 0%

Customer & Commercial Services - CRM Statistics

No.

of R

eque

sts



CRM Improvements Two new request categories added;

o Community Development - General Enquiry – Youth, Indigenous, Arts and Cultureo Community Engagement – General Enquiry – CRG, Digital Engagement, Have You Say CH

Contact Centre Statistics Increase in % of calls resolved at first point of contact from 80% to 86% (Feb 19 – Mar 19). Introduction of Level 2 Water Restrictions had a moderate impact on customer service. Calls

received were mostly from residents wanting to report non-compliance. Rates due 18 March, moderate increase in calls (^138 calls from February -19).

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19Total Calls 2017 2190 1780 1957 2145 1919 2401 2210 1036 1787 1960 2098Resolved 1654 1729 1338 1364 1755 1538 1814 1718 751 1156 1423 1654Referred 208 229 243 347 212 208 319 274 210 368 367 291CRM 155 232 199 246 178 173 268 218 75 263 170 153Resolved at 1st point of contact

90% 90% 86% 82% 90% 89% 87% 88% 80% 80% 81% 86%

Contact Centre (Calls to 1300 Number)

Tota

l Cal

ls

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

*Jan-2018 *Jan-2019 *Feb-2019 *Feb-2019 *Mar-2018 *Mar-2019Total Calls 1738 1787 1286 1960 2252 2098Resolved 1479 1156 1108 1423 1832 1654Referred 259 368 84 367 185 291CRM 216 263 93 170 23 153Resolved at 1st point of contact 85% 80% 93% 81% 92% 86%

74%76%78%80%82%84%86%88%90%92%94%

*Jan-2018 *Jan-2019 *Feb-2019 *Feb-2019 *Mar-2018 *Mar-2019Total Calls 1738 1787 1286 1960 2252 2098Resolved 1479 1156 1108 1423 1832 1654Referred 259 368 84 367 185 291CRM 216 263 93 170 23 153Resolved at 1st point of contact 85% 80% 93% 81% 92% 86%

Jan-Mar 2018-2019 Comparison

Volu

me

of c

alls



Peak Services 79 Calls received for February 2019. 99 Calls received for March 2019. Significant increase in calls referred to Ranger Services. Feedback from Ranger Services suggests

a rise in complaints related to wandering dogs generally for the month of February and March.

Corporate Services Calls Resolved Calls Referred CRM Rates Issued (Aug) 406 21 21Rates Due (Sept) 515 24 19Water Notice Issued (Oct) 636 42 78Water Notice Due (Nov) 788 37 54Reminder Notice Water (Dec) 210 42 9Rates Issued (February) 231 73 11Rates Due (March) 379 75 12



0

5

10

15

20

25

Water Rangers Roads Facilities Parks & Gardens Other Grade of Service December 15 5 1 4 2 1 90%January 13 7 2 1 0 2 95%February 12 17 3 2 2 14 93%March 20 19 1 4 0 3 90%

After Hours Call-Outs(By Type)

Volu

me

of C

alls

TOTO Update Solution Design Document (SDD) walk-through and sign-off completed for ECR (Enterprise Cash

Receipting) and RM (Request Management). Stakeholder Workshops – Request Management and Works Module integration (Roads, Water &

Parks Teams) Request Management – Review of E-Learning Modules identified additional modules are required

for Go Live. SeeChange Consulting C.A.R.E sessions with 100% attendance from Customer Service and Area

Support team. Review of permissions and security set-up completed for Request Management. Testing (Ongoing).



Business Efficiency Project Team (BEPT) Initial review conducted of entire list of TOTO business processes. Team is prioritising the list and scheduling discussions with content experts to progress recommendations to the TOTO Steering Committee.

ATTACHMENTS:

Summary of results – 2019 Customer Satisfaction Survey


42.68% 67

15.92% 25

10.19% 16

0.64% 1

5.10% 8

6.37% 10

22.93% 36

Q1 What was the nature of your enquiry ?(You can select more than oneoption)

Answered: 157 Skipped: 1

Total Respondents: 157

Rates & WaterCharges

Animals

Development &Planning...

Suppliers &Tenders

Waste &Recycling

Facilities &Recreation

Other

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES

Rates & Water Charges

Animals

Development & Planning (includes Plumbing & Building queries)

Suppliers & Tenders

Waste & Recycling

Facilities & Recreation

Other

1 / 6

Customer Service Satisfaction SurveyAgenda - Communities Standing Committee Meeting - 16 April 2019


86.08% 136

3.16% 5

10.76% 17

Q2 Was your query resolved by the customer service representative ?Answered: 158 Skipped: 0

TOTAL 158

Yes

No

Partially

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

Partially

2 / 6



76.92% 120

16.67% 26

3.21% 5

0.64% 1

2.56% 4

Q3 Approximately how long did you wait before speaking to arepresentative ?


TOTAL 156

I was takencare of...

Within 3minutes

3-5 minutes

5-10 minutes

More than 10minutes

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


I was taken care of immediately

Within 3 minutes

3-5 minutes

5-10 minutes

More than 10 minutes

3 / 6



100.00% 156

0.00% 0

Q4 The customer service representative adhered to professionalstandards of conduct whilst providing assistance ? For Example: Did the

customer service representative greet you and treat you with respectwhilst assisting you ?


TOTAL 156

Yes

No

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Yes

No

4 / 6



70.06% 110

27.39% 43

1.27% 2

0.00% 0

1.27% 2

Q5 Do you agree or disagree ? The customer service representative wasknowledgeable and able to attend to my enquiry ?


TOTAL 157

Strongly agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

StronglyDisagree

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Strongly agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

5 / 6



74.68% 118

22.78% 36

0.63% 1

0.63% 1

1.27% 2

Q6 Overall, how satisfied are you with the customer service experienceyou received from us today ?


TOTAL 158

ExtremelySatisfied

Satisfied

Natural

Dissatisfied

Extremelydissatisfied

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Extremely Satisfied

Satisfied

Natural

Dissatisfied

Extremely dissatisfied

6 / 6





13 GENERAL BUSINESS

14 LATE AGENDA ITEMS

15 CLOSURE OF MEETING

20190416 - communities standing committee meeting - agenda · 4/16/2019 · minutes –...

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