Mayor Beresford’s April council meeting wrap-up

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Published
24th April 2020

Civic and Community Enterprise Centre (CCEC)

A momentous decision was taken at this week’s Paroo Shire Council meeting – awarding of the successful tender to finalise the design and construction of the new Civic and Community Enterprise Centre (CCEC) on the corner of Louise and Stockyard Streets in Cunnamulla. It is proposed work on the new building, a centrepiece of the town, will commence mid-June and should reach completion in February, 2021. The contract was awarded to D J Buckley Builders Pty Ltd of Toowoomba.
The new CCEC will replace the former Civic Centre which had become structurally unsound and was demolished last year. The majority of staff were relocated to the Works Depot office, however, with the onset of the COVID-19 restrictions, a number of staff are now working from home allowing sufficient space for staff at the depot to work in safety, mindful of social distancing.

Councillors’ Remuneration

Councillors have again chosen to set their own level of remuneration rather than accept the recommended schedule provided by the Local Government Remuneration Commission. Remuneration for Paroo Shire Councillors will remain the same for 2020/2021 without any increase. The level of remuneration set by Councillors for the forthcoming year is $107,503 below the recommended level.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

The tender to design and construct the new Sewerage Treatment Plant in Cunnamulla has been awarded to Pensar and it is expected work will commence on this project in May with a completion date scheduled for November.

CEO Position

The Council has engaged Peak Services to recruit applicants for the position of Chief Executive Officer. It’s encouraging to see that a large number of applications have been received and a short list is currently being compiled. It is expected initial interviews via Zoom will occur within the next week or so. In the meantime Sean Rice is filling the position as Acting CEO and is busy managing Council operations and getting to know to the local community.

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