Delivering $51 million in capital works – including the $9 million rebuild of Doonella Bridge (pictured) – is among the Noosa Council priorities a new operational plan will guide over the next 12 months.
Councillors endorsed the new Noosa Council Operational Plan 2025-2026 at the recent Ordinary Meeting, with Mayor Frank Wilkie highlighting its prime function for the year ahead.
"The Operational Plan outlines to the community the councillor-endorsed initiatives and goals we've allocated resources to this year and aligns with the five-year Corporate Plan vision under the themes of Environment, Liveability, Prosperity, and Excellence," he said.
"This councillor-endorsed blueprint gives staff clear direction on how to progress the strategies and plans we've developed with extensive community consultation such as the Environment Strategy, Housing Strategy, Social Strategy, Transport Strategy, and the Noosa Plan 2020.
"These councillor-endorsed plans inform all the recommendations staff bring before councillors for approval over the next year.
"The CEO will update councillors quarterly on how the 98 Operational Plan initiatives are progressing, to give a clear picture on the progress of the commitments made to our community."
CEO Larry Sengstock said the Operational Plan, and quarterly reporting, keeps Council on track.
"It ensures accountability in what we do, and it's not the only reporting our community can access to see how their council is performing," Mr Sengstock said.
"Other regular reports are provided, such as the monthly Financial Performance Reports which show how Council is tracking against its budget, while any changes in funding allocations are reported to Council as part of the budget review process, which occurs several times a year.
"Progress on the delivery of our annual capital works program is reported to Council on a quarterly basis too, and to strengthen oversight and management, we also have a Capital Works Executive."
Mayor Wilkie said Council has ensured resources are available for critical work like the shire-wide road reseal and gravel resheeting program as well as upgrades to footpaths, cycle ways and park furniture. Progress is also being made on elements of the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan, including a new Changing Places facility.
"We will also continue with Noosa Housing Strategy actions, such as partnering with the state and community housing providers and industry to deliver affordable housing.
"We will also investigate the feasibility of providing affordable housing above Council-owned carparks.
"We will progress designs for the Beckmans Road duplication in collaboration with the state, complete the Destination Management Plan and begin delivering its key actions and deliver upgrades to key sporting and community facilities."
Council's Operational Plan 2025-2026(PDF, 826KB) and five-year Corporate Plan 2023-2028(PDF, 4MB) are available to read on Council's website.
Mayor Frank Wilkie discusses the Operational Plan 2025-2026:
Mayor-Frank-Wilkie-Operational-Plan.mp3
