Council hits 100 days – progress, lots more to do

6 August, 2012
Author: Charles Hodgson

  • Met with a broad range of community and business groups across the Sunshine Coast to discuss the needs, issues and priorities of the region.
  • Met with Premier and senior Ministers to establish productive and professional relationships
  • Held the Inaugural Business Leaders Round Table
  • Convened the Commonwealth Games Opportunity forum
  • Unveiled portfolios with a greater focus on economic development
  • Developed and adopted the 2012/13 Council budget, Operational Plan and annual Capital Works Program
  • Approved the 10 year capital works program in line with the long term financial model.
  • Commenced international flight connection between Auckland and Sunshine Coast Airport with Air New Zealand
  • Launched Business Ezy – an online eBook designed in consultation with local business leaders and operators to be the foremost resource for Sunshine Coast’s current business operators, people considering a business in the region and businesses contemplating relocation or expansion
  • Scheduled information sessions for the Sunshine Coast University Hospital construction project – Council is encouraging all trades, sub-contractors, small companies and others to find out more to be well placed when tendering for hospital-related work
  • Commenced the Environmental Impact Study for the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport
  • Awarded the first contract for the Maroochydore Principal Activity Centre to a consortium of three locally based companies.

  • Reduced fees for employment generating development such as commercial, retail or industrial floor space applications as part of the adoption of the 2012/13 Budget and targets.  The fees have been reduced by 5% up front and any new development approved and use commenced within 2 years will receive a 25% refund upon commencement

  • Waived all fees associated with pre-lodgement meetings and encouragement of multiple meetings – this applied initially to Operational Works applications and has now been extended to planning applications

  • Commenced of electronic lodgement of plumbing applications for faster processing and completion

  • Commissioned a Community survey to establish a baseline for the performance of this Council from the community’s perspective

News
Council Economy Mark Jamieson