Townsville update
As we head into the warmer months of the year in North Queensland, most of us start thinking about rain. It goes without saying that we all hope for a decent wet season to fill our dams and keep our water supplies topped up, but now is also a critical time of the year to monitor our water usage.
We are well on track to deliver the water pipeline to Townsville by December 2019, but we can’t be reckless with our current reserves. Water security is a major focus, with Council’s 3-point $225 million water security solution on track to guarantee our community has enough water to cater for future growth. Strong financial management has allowed the organisation to proceed with fast-tracking construction of the pipeline, despite the Queensland Government not bringing forward its funding agreement for the project.
It’s also a good idea to put some thought into cyclone preparation before the season starts. Council is hosting Cyclone Sunday on November 4th at Strand Park, with a range of demonstrations, free activities and over 30 exhibitors to help locals ensure they are disaster ready.
Council is making great progress toward cutting red tape in the way we operate, with over $300,000 saved by cutting red tape and streamlining procurement processes. My Council has slashed its paperwork by 99% for wet hire contracts and personal protective equipment uniform suppliers – awarding a public tender to manage these contracts. This transformation has reduced inefficiencies and duplications – allowing more resources to be invested in front line services and infrastructure. This money can be invested right throughout our community in services and projects that are important
to residents.
We are focused on investing in our people to ensure a better future for our community, hiring dozens more trainees to boost front-line services as part of the organisation’s continued transformation. Our investment in trainees and apprentices had soared in the past 18 months, going from just eight to about 100. These new recruits will continue Council’s record investment in the city’s youth through its commitment to hire new trainees and apprentices. These new team members will add to the biggest number of entry level team members in more than a decade.
My team of Councillors is absolutely committed to reinvesting in our front line services and training Council’s future workforce. Programs such as the State Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work help people from disadvantaged backgrounds break into the workforce, which we are proud to support.
Several projects in the Townsville 2020 masterplan – such as the proposed new Lagoon, Riverway Waterpark, Castle Hill Masterplan and Flinders Lane – as well as the Stadium Precinct will all be progressed throughout the financial year, which will create more jobs locally.
With the festive season just around the corner Council is busily putting together an exciting social calendar of events for the community. We look forward to bringing you Christmas in the City and Carols by Candlelight again, so stayed tuned for more holiday season details.
As the end of 2018 nears we’ve got good reason for festive cheer. With many projects taking shape in 2018-19 residents should feel excited about Townsville’s future and the positive changes taking place.
