Annual report reveals a productive year, despite challenges

Council’s 2021/22 Annual Report, tabled at Council’s General Committee Meeting, reflects on a big 12 months. 

The opening of the hugely popular $6.7 million Hinterland Adventure Playground was among the highlights of 2021/22.

“Despite the lingering impacts of COVID-19, major floods and severe weather, plus tough economic conditions, 2021/22 was a very productive year,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

“The delivery of more than $35 million worth of capital projects sets a new record.

“A few of the projects making up this extraordinary infrastructure spend include the start of the Tewantin Bypass project, start of the upgrade of Noosa Parade and our hinterland bridge replacement projects.

“The opening of the hugely popular $6.7 million Hinterland Adventure Playground, completion of the $3 million Peregian Beach Community House – part of the $5 million Rufous Street Precinct – plus refurbishment of Pomona Community Hall and Tablelands Road Bridge renewal are other key achievements.

“But it’s community at the heart of everything we do, and the past year was no exception,” Mayor Stewart said.

“We distributed more than $1.5 million to support a wide range of community groups, clubs, environment groups, the arts, and a host of activities through our grants program.

“We made significant headway in development of our housing strategy, and we united with our hinterland residents to launch legal action against the Kin Kin Quarry operators for alleged breaches of the Quarry Management Plan.”

Council’s Land for Wildlife and Voluntary Conservation program reached a significant milestone with 400 registered Land for Wildlife members actively managing 3000 hectares of native habitat on their properties. 

Council has continued to secure conservation land, with 40.8% of land in the shire now secured for conservation, compared with 34.75% in 2018.

“Council also joined the South-East Queensland Council of Mayors, giving us wider community connection and a seat at the table as the southeast region lobbies for vital infrastructure in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.”

Waste and environmental health matters, roads and tree maintenance requests topped the list of customer enquiries in 2021/22.

“Residents are making the most of the different channels available for getting in touch with our Customer Service team,” CEO Scott Waters said.

“Staff received more than 3000 requests via the online chat tool on our website – which logged more than one million views – in addition to more than 10,000 in-person enquiries.”

Council recorded an 11 per cent growth in followers on its three corporate social media platforms for the 21-22 financial year.

The organisation generated $113.1 million in operating revenue in 2021/22 and retained its sound financial rating.

“Meanwhile, we’re finding new ways to divert waste from landfill, including our first ever textile recycling drive, which netted 1.5 tonnes of linen and a further 1.7 tonnes of clothes for donation to St Vincent de Paul Society,” Mayor Stewart said.

Transport featured highly with the Free Weekend Bus Trial and adoption of the Walking and Cycling Strategy.

“Importantly, disaster response to support our community following the floods earlier this year has been an important focus, as has building resilience as we double down on our efforts to better protect the shire from the threat of bushfires.”

The Annual Report includes a range of facts about Council and Noosa Shire.

Noosa Shire covers an area of 869.9km² with more than 800 kilometres of roads and nearly 450 kilometres of bikeways. 

The shire is home to more than 7,000 businesses and has a proud history of preserving its natural environment.

The 2021/22 Annual Report will be available on Council’s website after Thursday’s Ordinary Meeting.