The council have recently brought out a new draft corporate plan, the plan details five different themes which are: Economy, Community, Environment, Council and Infrastructure.
Economy
Starting with the economy, the plan explains how Council are aiming for growth with the future needs of the community, business and industry in mind, and are reaching for three main outcomes:
• Diverse economic opportunities where traditional industries and futuristic vision meet
• Committed to identifying and driving innovation and opportunities
• Bolstering local business and attracting new investment
Focus areas include:
• Prioritising advocacy, investment, and developing a prospectus for attracting opportunities
• Conducting economic and population studies, and exploring commercial opportunities (e.g., regional airports and Council businesses).
• Advocating for infrastructure development and government funding for major projects and tourism
Some project examples include:
• Whitsunday Economic Development Strategy and implementation of priority actions
• Airlie Beach Masterplan development and staged implementation, including Foreshore, streetscape improvements, car parking and pedestrian movement
Community
The second point the plan focuses on is community, specifically the places and spaces that enhance the livability and diversity of the communities with three main outcomes in mind:
• Supporting the community and everyone in the region
• Working with residents to provide opportunities, programs, facilities and resources
• Supporting strong relationships and engagement
Focus areas include:
• Enhancing regional infrastructure and services (parks, facilities, roads, etc.) and promoting arts, culture, and sports
• Regularly reviewing and aligning community and recreational grants with stakeholder needs
• Ensuring effective community engagement and advocating for State/Federal support for major projects and investments
Some project examples include:
• Whitsunday Regional Sports Precinct Masterplan and staged implementation
• Whitsunday Library Strategy and implementation
Environment
The plan focuses on improvements in the region's environment despite the region already being resilient and celebrating its natural assets.
The three main outcomes Council aims to achieve are:
• Recognise our natural advantage for liveability
• Demonstrate a commitment to leave a responsible, sustainable environmental footprint
• Minimise waste and encourage recycling as we work towards a circular economy through innovation
Focus areas include:
• Enhance the region's appearance by improving parks, gardens, and energy-efficient community facilities
• Invest in the waste network and address legacy infrastructure issues
• Collaborate on pest management and promote natural assets like the Great Barrier Reef through partnerships and trails
Some project examples include:
• Waste Infrastructure Network Plan and staged implementation
• Ongoing waste education
• Development of reef education displays and investigate Reef Centre at Shute Harbour
Council
Focusing on people, business and community
The three main outcomes for Council are:
• At the heart of the organisation are our people and community
• Delivering accountable goals through performance
• Ensuring good governance, agile procurement, consolidated systems and robust financials
Focus areas include:
• Conduct a comprehensive organisational review to improve efficiency in IT, governance, HR, procurement, and budgeting
• Enhance workforce planning, safety, and wellbeing systems to boost productivity
• Review rating systems, commercial business structures, and asset management for growth, cost efficiency, and long-term planning
Some project examples include:
• Complete a workforce plan to balance business need, levels of service and career development
• Safety system upgrades and implementation
• Asset management system upgrades and implementation
Infrastructure:
Focusing on having a region that has infrastructure that meets current and future needs.
The main outcomes include:
• Prioritise the needs of the region
• Plan and manage growth corridors for future expansion
• Develop and action Masterplans that support community ambitions
Focus areas include:
• Plan and advocate for upgrades to key infrastructure networks (stormwater, water, sewerage, roads, parks)
• Push for increased funding for rural roads and critical road upgrades
• Improve the Whitsunday Planning Scheme and enhance transport, drainage, and footpath networks for safety and future needs
Some project examples include:
• Develop Growth Management & Housing Strategy to refine infrastructure and land use planning to cater for future growth
• Investigate the development of a place of refuge or cyclone shelter to service the Airlie Beach and surrounds catchment