By Jena Carr
Healthy connected communities, environmental leadership and First Nations reconciliation were a big focus for the Surf Coast Shire Council, according to the 2023-24 annual report.
The report, which highlights council’s achievements and performance over the past financial year, was unanimously adopted by the councillors during its Tuesday, October 22, meeting.
Councillor Mike Bodsworth said the report showcased the extent of what council does across the seven council plan themes.
The themes included First Nations reconciliation, healthy connected community, environmental leadership, sustainable growth, robust and diverse economy, arts and creativity, and accountable and viable council.
“It highlights a high performing council, a strong performance by the organisation, high quality standards and a highly engaged, active, and effective community,” he said.
“There are cultural pieces that underpin all this, which is the culture of cooperation on council and within the organisation, and the report focuses on the important work at hand.
“The report and audits show a sound financial position against the backdrop of strict revenue constraints, broadening scope of activities and sustained inflation that’s challenging the whole local government sector.”
Thirty-one deliverables, which identify performance against the council plan, were completed in the healthy connected community theme category, followed by environmental leadership with 23 completed deliverables and First Nations reconciliation with 21.
Capital council spending on roads also dropped to 37 per cent during the 2023-24 financial year compared to 2022-23, where 53 per cent was spent on roads.
