Tweed Shire Council's commitment to transparency and accountability has been recognised for the second year in a row, with its 2023–2024 Annual Report receiving a prestigious Silver Award in the Australasian Reporting Awards (ARA).
The ARA celebrated its 75th anniversary on Thursday 29 May, recognising excellence in reporting across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The awards set the benchmark for best practice in transparent, clear and timely reporting.
Council's Director Corporate Services Michael Chorlton said the award was a proud achievement that reflected the organisation's focus on good governance and community engagement.
"Our Annual Report was judged on how clear, comprehensive and well-structured it was – and this recognition shows we're on the right track when it comes to transparency, accountability and sharing what we've achieved with our community," Mr Chorlton said.
"This Silver Award is not just a mark of technical excellence, it shows we are effectively communicating how we are delivering on our Community Strategic Plan and making progress towards the long-term aspirations of our community."
Each year, Council's Annual Report outlines its performance over the past financial year, including progress made towards the Tweed's long-term Community Strategic Plan—a 10-year vision that guides everything we do to protect our environment, support quality living, foster a thriving community and enable sustainable growth across the Tweed.
Prepared as part of the Office of Local Government's Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, the Annual Report also includes key updates on financial health, service delivery and major projects.
Highlights from the assessed financial year included:
- Living: helping shape flood resilience at Tweed Heads South and Banora Point through the Tweed Heads South Levee and Drainage Study
- Protecting: development of Tweed Coast and Estuaries Coastal Management Program
- Growing: a focus on the need to create more opportunities for housing
- Thriving: launching the Tweed Seniors Festival with huge 2024 program
Council remains committed to maintaining high standards of reporting into the future. The award-winning Annual Report can be accessed on Council's website (Annual and financial reports | Tweed Shire Council).
