As I mark the first anniversary of becoming Rockhampton Regional Council’s first Mayor, I must confess I love this diverse and dynamic region of ours even more now than I did 12 months ago, if that’s possible.
It has been 12 months of significant activity for Council, and I believe that everything we are working towards is helping to make the Rockhampton region the most livable region in the world.
One of the best aspects of my first year with Council has been the independent, healthy and vigorous debates around the Council table. This proves to me that your voices, as our community, are being heard when each issue is being brought before Council.
There is strong investor confidence in our region, and with Rockhampton Regional Council “open for business” and working with business and industry, together we will continue to achieve positive results.
Council’s key organisational achievements in the past year include our strategic management of amalgamation, releasing the first budget with a responsible rate rise of 9.5%, completing a permanent organisational structure with new values and a draft Corporate Plan, achieving parity for our workers, and creating the Development Control Unit (DCU) to speed up the process of Development Applications. This has been powering ahead and delivering great results.
The opening of the new $12 million Rockhampton Regional Library and our continued support for major international events like the Queensland Resources Exposition (QREX) and Beef 2009 are also achievements of which I’m particularly proud.
Council has sought the community’s input on a range of issues including the future of the Rockhampton Zoo, and in our commitment to one of our core values of “Innovation and Continuous Improvement”, we have been conducting Council and Committee meetings throughout our regional areas, including in Mount Morgan, Gracemere and Yeppoon.
As we look back on Council’s first 12 months, I feel encouraged and energised for this region’s future and what we will continue to achieve. I assure you Council is committed to being customer-focussed, outcome-based and seeking the very best outcomes for our region.
Here’s to the next 12 months, together!
Brad Carter
Mayor, Rockhampton Regional Council