It has taken two years to bring this all together, from the election results in 2020 to now.

An application to the Deputy Premier, Dr Steven Miles, to consider making a referral to the Change Commission to move us to the Gold Coast was submitted on 29th March 2022. It makes a case for the referral based on the requirements set out in the Local Government Act and Regulations. Obviously, it includes the results of the Household Plebiscite as well. 

This winds up the project for me, as I believe everything that could be done has now been done to give this a chance of succeeding. What happens from here is in the hands of the Deputy Premier. It is unlikely that this opportunity will ever present again, given that having the view we should be in the GCCC will mostly mean the Scenic Rim Division One Councillor would be making a case for potentially losing their job if it occurred, and this is not likely to happen again. It's not a position candidates in the 2024 elections are likely to embrace if we don't succeed this time. Regardless, the case put forward is in the Community's Interest, and the case for the change is logical, and it is the majority view. 

Thank you for the support from many people who assisted in bringing this together. It was a team effort. 

The entire process, regardless of the outcome, sends a strong message for the next election to any Mayoral and Divisional candidates (in just two years' time, 2024) that there needs to be more consideration of the needs of Tamborine Mountain, improved infrastructure, and the rates injustice must be addressed. 

The report will be published on the Scenic News website for all to read once the Minister makes his decision. 

At the last election, I promised to make this project a priority, and it is now complete. We wait to see if it goes any further. There are still other structural changes to address in the next two years left of my term. 

After the rain events, I am very cognizant of the major and minor drainage issues residents face and will seek to have more resources devoted to solutions in this area in the coming budget. 

MORE REFORM IS NECESSARY, AND SIGNS ARE ENCOURAGING 
Over the last two years, I have also concentrated and devoted considerable time to trying and encouraging Council to be more transparent, improve its performance and change its culture to make it more responsive and accountable to your needs. That is difficult to do in isolation. It needs a team effort. I'm encouraged that a majority of Councillors recognise the challenges ahead and are working hard to find a new CEO who can embrace cultural change and improve the Council's performance. 

Not every Councillor is on board with replacing the CEO, but change must come from the top of any organisation. I agree with Phil Giffard's recent sentiment. A hallmark of the last two years has been that the administrative arm of the Council is not taking its lead from all elected Councillors but all too often progressing its own agenda. That is not the democratic process and needs to be changed. Scenic Rim Council has recorded a record number (approaching 100) of dismissed OIA complaints, with most about internal matters. These are reported in a 36-page summary on the Council website. 

This alone speaks volumes about the culture, as it is not representative of a majority of Queensland Local Governments. 

The CEO presently has almost unfettered delegated authority to spend Council money, the only criterion being it must be within the 10-year financial forecast. This is way too broad. Also, he has too much-delegated authority to decide Town Planning applications, and Councillors need more transparency, structure, and control in this area. 

MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC NEED REMOVAL OF RESTRICTIONS TO ATTEND COUNCIL MEETINGS
I am hopeful that with the lifting of Covid-based restrictions, Council will rescind its restrictions and allow the media and public back into the gallery of Council's Ordinary meetings. This is an essential element of transparency. 

I trust everyone enjoys the Easter break, stays safe on our roads, and has a pleasant time with family and friends in the lead up to Anzac Day. 

Derek Swanborough
 Councillor. Division 1
 derek.s@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
 Ph 0436 351 567