2. Did you know? Information about the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. Presented by Cr. Jennifer Downs – 11 th August 2009.

3. That Cassowary Coast Regional Council is the 20 th biggest Council in Queensland?

4. Council now has a Corporate Plan for the next ten years and an Operational Plan that is reviewed quarterly.

5. A Service Review Process is now underway – one of the first strategies looked at was Fleet and Plant Use – and how to reduce those costs. Council’s Fuel bill for 2008-09 was $1.2mill.

6. Other services reviews include:  Levels of Grass Cutting, Park Maintenance, Library Services, Insurances, all facilities provided to the community – corporate services generally.  Aim – looking for savings

7.  Council has also set up an Audit Review Committee of 3 Community members and 3 Councillors to establish a framework to support a culture of compliance and risk management.

8.  Council experienced a $500,000 decrease in income as a result of interest rate decreases due to the Global Financial Crisis.

9.  Key Infrastructure Projects needing funding just for water and sewerage projects across our region total $60 million.

10.  Recent changes to State Govt. policy for the whole of Queensland means that there are no new State Govt. subsidies for this work so we need to find solutions.

11.  Withdrawal of proposed subsidies for water and sewerage by the State Government add $5,000 to the cost of the average new dwelling.

12.  Council knows that we need to work with State and Federal Governments in a culture of non- blame to solve our challenges – we cannot do it alone.

13. Just some of our challenges:  Our abundant rainfall is a mixed blessing. Council needs to maintain 168 bridges across our region – in various stages of repair.  Our sealed road network is 621k’s long. Council’s major asset.  Unsealed roads – 526k.

14. Council’s budget for 2009- 2010 is $65 million. Revenue from 15,302 ratable assessments totals $51,652,966. Other Income – F.A.G., T.I.D.S.,N.D.R.R.A.

15. Upcoming Community Events:  Baby Boomers Focus Group - Liveable Cassowary Coast project – 12 th August  Senior’s Week – next week – Bus Trip and function at Innisfail Shire Hall – more info from Library.  Bikeway Strategy Meeting with consultants – Mission Beach – at C4 theatrette – 5.30pm on Monday 17 th August.