Regional Projects - May 2014
By: Regional Projects Coordinator, Daniela Gambotto...
Whilst the world of Street Lighting has been very quiet this month, Regional Events have stepped to the fore and kept me busy...
Regional Events
The Terms of Reference established in 2012 for the Regional Events Group were put to the test this month. We had our first attempt at collectively evaluating funding applications for events which cross Local Government boundaries. Previously FNQROC members have assessed applications for event funding individually with little collaboration or opportunity to assess the regional return on investment. Through this new arrangement, all affected Councils are able to sit at the table and discuss the regional risks and benefits of supporting these applications.
As this was our first attempt we didn't really have a process to follow. The group however pulled together and had some very fruitful discussions about how we can best facilitate cross regional events with positive outcomes for Councils, the region, the event organiser and participants. The return on investment for Councils is obviously a very critical component of supporting event grant applications. Our ability to leverage this kind of information from event organisers as a region will be a key component of future contractual arrangements. Access to this kind of data will assist councils to continue funding events into the future.
As a separate matter, but still relevant to the Regional Events Group, it has become apparent that the provision of facilities for events has been an ongoing problem. Toilets and shower facilities continue to be an issue for both static and moving events. In most cases, facilities are being brought in from outside the region and often at considerable cost.
The increasing demand for good facilities is a critical part of the success of regional and local events, and is an important aspect of how we present ourselves as a region... people don't forget a dirty bathroom! To this end, I have been liaising with other key stakeholders to identify opportunities for private investment in facilities that would be available for hire in the region. I will be working together with TTNQ and the FNQ Hospital Foundation to pull together a business case which helps to demonstrate the high demand for these facilities.
Street Lighting and Sustainability
As I mentioned earlier, I have very little to report on the street lighting front. We have had no response from Ergon Energy's Regulatory Branch on the clarification of 'residual value' of out of date infrastructure. Nor have we had a response from the Australian Energy Regulator on our request to assist with negotiations with Ergon Energy for the replacement of out of date luminaires.
LGAQ has been working together with Ergon Energy and the Department of Energy and Water Supply to assist Councils to develop an understanding of the upcoming Alternative Control Service charge reinstatement (1 July 2014). I have been keeping abreast of these processes and have been keeping Councils informed where possible.