FNQROC Update - April 2013
By: Sandra McCormack, Administration Officer...
We trust you all had a relaxing and enjoyable Easter break and are raring to go.
FNQROC staff members have been busy this past month with their various projects as well as fielding de-amalgamation-related queries and of course, holding the fort while our intrepid leader Darlene enjoys some annual leave.
We are preparing for our 100th FNQROC Board meeting on Monday 15 April 2013 and look forward to welcoming a new colleague also on Monday 15 April 2013 - more on Scott's involvement in Darlene's blurb below.
By: Darlene Irvine, Executive Officer...
Yes, I am still on leave and I have every confidence Sandra and the project coordinators have been doing a great job in my absence. I am due to return to full activity on Monday 15 April 2013 at the 100th FNQROC Board meeting.
FNQROC achievements
FNQROC'S origins gained momentum in the 1980's with the nomination of the Wet Tropics for World Heritage Listing and subsequent response to the Wet Tropics Management Plan.
After this time issues such as waste management were discussed.
The State Government developed the FNQ2010 Plan in the 1990's and Councils collectively were involved in the development of this plan and advocated for the upgrade of the Kuranda Range Road within the plan.
In 2001, FNQROC employed it's first dedicated officer to:
o Provide a Local Government response to the FNQ2010 Plan
o Develop a strategic and business plan
Since this time we have gone from strength to strength with a number of first's, to name just a few:
o Regional Pest Management Plan
o Regional Development Manual
o Design and construct portable washdown facilities, which are still in use today
o Regional Asset Management Strategy
o Regional strategy to mitigate risks in a carbon economy
o Interactive Biodiversity Assessment and Planning Framework
o Alternative business models to manage our road network
Justification of the benefit to Councils of working collaboratively came with an independent review undertaken at the end of 2011 which showed on average the return on investment to member Councils was $13.30 per $1.
It needs to be acknowledged that the achievements would not have occurred without the support of Councils and their technical committees officers. This is where the hard work is done.
Our future initiatives are identified within our strategic plan which includes:
o Continued dialogue over issues with the NDRRA Guidelines and State implementation of these;
o Alternative business models for our urban water supply to feed into the State Government's 30 year Water Strategy discussion paper;
o Joint procurement initiatives which have already shown significant savings to Councils
o Coordinated effort for the significant number of events which cross our council boundaries
o Development of a regional strategy for our mountain biking trails so this region and its unique landscapes can be promoted as a new destination.
Regional Infrastructure Project Coordinator
As you may know, I advertised for a full time Regional Infrastructure Project Coordinator in February 2013. For the past four years Gerard Read has been undertaking part of this role, however a new position has been created to take on various infrastructure projects including the Regional Road Group, Regional Development Manual and asset management, among other things. And, that person will sit alongside other FNQROC staff in Cairns.
I am excited to announce Scott Britton has been appointed to this position on a full time, in Cairns, from 15 April 2013. Scott has worked previously with the Regional Road Group as DTMR's state representative to Far North Queensland. For the past 2.5 years Scott has been working in Brisbane for GS Energy Limited as Business Operations Manager. Scott will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this region to support the Board's strategic directions.
Gerard has supported FNQROC in many ways for about 12 years ... as both Manager of Engineering Mareeba Shire Council, and as a consultant via his business GWR Civil Engineering Management. Gerard has been successful in obtaining a significant amount of support and funding for this region which we would not have ordinarily received. He has been worth his weight in gold! Gerard does not leave us until the end of June 2013 but I would like to publicly thank him while introducing Scott.