Noosa’s new councillors report for duty
Noosa’s newest councillors have wasted no time starting work, this week receiving back-to-back staff briefings on Council’s business areas and local government responsibilities.
Cr Ingrid Jackson praised CEO Brett de Chastel and staff for providing a comprehensive induction.
“During my professional career, I received and gave many briefings, and the Noosa Council CEO and managers have excelled with this program,” she said.
Councillors have so far heard from finance, planning, asset management, community engagement, community services, local laws and infrastructure staff.
“New councillors need to get the essential information clearly and succinctly so we can develop a good knowledge base and fully discharge our duties,” Cr Jackson said.
“Council staff have responded by providing an exceptional and comprehensive range of information about all aspects of the organisation’s work.”
Councillors’ induction includes a bus tour of Council facilities, briefings on planning scheme development, as well as waste and transport strategy development and the outcomes of recent community juries.
“The program has been so good I am not surprised to see the mayor and continuing councillors joining us newly-elected representatives for a refresher,” Cr Jackson said.
Fellow new councillor Jess Glasgow said he was impressed with the way the organisation was operating.
“People may not realise just how strong a financial position Noosa Council is in. But it’s clear from the detailed briefings I’ve had that there has been an incredible amount of work done over the past two years to re-establish the organisation following de-amalgamation.
“All of the staff have done a great job helping us get up to speed on a wide range of issues in a short space of time.”
The councillors’ induction will continue into the coming weeks, with the new council’s first round of meetings beginning 19 April.
“I’m impressed by what I’m hearing and believe the stage is being set for a great four years,” Cr Jackson said.
April 15, 2016