Council’s future vision for region released in draft Corporate Plan

24 May 2021

The Southern Downs Regional Council’s draft Corporate Plan for 2021-2025 has been released and Council is now inviting community feedback.

This document lays down the foundation for the next four years and will guide how Council prioritises and delivers services, programs and facilities to the community.  These will be delivered by utilising the four core themes: Place, Performance, Prosperity and People. 

A number of key officers across Council have been involved in researching and developing the draft Corporate Plan. Workshops between Council staff and Councillors have been held to identify and prioritise the challenges and opportunities Council faces in the next four years, relating to each of the core themes.

The outcomes identified within this strategy will ensure the region’s long term sustainability, while also providing a great place to work, live, play and stay for the Southern Downs community.

Southern Downs region boasts a growing population nearly 39,000 people and covers an area of more than 7, 120 square kilometres. The region offers an outstanding mix of investment and business opportunities, industrial and rural locations and a relaxed country lifestyle. Add to that the 4,000 small businesses that make the region tick, established road transport networks, potential rail infrastructure linkages, increasing growth and advancement in agriculture and renewable industries and a vibrant tourism sector and it is clear that Southern Downs needs a strong plan for the future.

Council CEO Dave Burges said that reviewing Council’s Corporate Plan on a regular basis ensures that the organisation stays relevant, mitigates for impacts outside of Council’s control and takes into account the goals and visions the community aspires to.

“Over the past months I have engaged with community members representative of almost all sectors of the population and it has been insightful to hear their views on how they believe the organisation is performing and what needs to be done to grow Southern Downs into a region they are proud of,” Mr Burges said.

“There will always be challenges, but Council’s Executive Leadership Team has worked hard to flesh out deliverables and outcomes in the draft 2021-2025 Corporate Plan that they are collectively committed to delivering for our community.

“It is critical to deliver a document that rightfully reflects the community and supports long term outcomes that will position Southern Downs as one of Queensland’s lifestyle and economic regions of choice.”

Residents are invited to view the draft 2021-2025 Corporate Plan on Council’s website at www.sdrc.com.au/livinghere/haveyoursay and copies of the document will be available to view at Council Customer Service Centres and Libraries.  Feedback can be submitted via the online form or at Council’s Customer Care Centres before 5pm on 6 June 2021.

• View the 2021/25 draft Corporate Plan here (PDF 1.3MB)
• Complete the survey here