I feel this is too important a matter to not "call out", given the theme of International Women’s Day 2022 - Break the Bias and similar themes in past years.

As community leaders, we as councillors – and in fact, all community leaders – need to be exhibiting equality in all that we do. I found it particularly disappointing that 4 of my fellow councillors overruled such sentiments in a recent Council resolution to seek gender equity on the recruitment panel for the new CEO of Scenic Rim Regional Council. Gender balance on any recruitment panel has been a very well documented and accepted philosophy in Australia that has been sadly overlooked in this situation.

COUNCIL BUDGET 2022- 2023
Council has held a series of budget discussions for a number of weeks now, and, as with each year, the process is somewhat challenging with such a broad and varied network of towns and villages, our vast road network across the Scenic Rim and the increasing demands that a growing population places on the region.

REPORTING OF POTHOLES AND OTHER ROAD CONCERNS
Since the prolonged rain event, potholes are still emerging on many Council roads, as well as State-controlled roads which are the responsibility of the Department of Transport and Main Roads. To report issues relating to Council roads, simply phone 5540 5111 or email maial@scenicrim.qld.gov.au and include the road name and location. For State-controlled roads, phone 5563 6600 or email SouthCoast@tmr.qld.gov.au.

Residents will be seeing increasing emergency recovery works throughout the region, and this will be followed up with future works as assessment and funding become available from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority. The damage points have exceeded 2,000 across our 11,756-kilometre road network. Thank goodness for the dry weather we have been experiencing, so crews can perform uninterrupted repair work.

BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY REPORT CARD 2015-2020
Take a look at the Council website for the first report card, which highlights numerous successes and projects that have contributed toward the enhancement and protection of the region’s spectacular environment. I would like to sincerely thank our Landcare groups and other environmentally focussed community groups who work tirelessly in a volunteer role to contribute to the biodiversity of our region. 

LET’S TALK SCENIC RIM
Have you signed up for this community consultation portal yet?
Let's Talk Scenic Rim is an online community where you have your say on Council projects and programs of work. Established in February 2022, Let's Talk Scenic Rim is designed to seek valuable feedback from our community. To sign up, all you have to do is head to www.letstalk.scenicrim.qld.gov.au and hit 'Join our Community Panel'. 
You'll see a range of projects in process and any items that are currently open for consultation.  

CONTACT ME
I am always available to talk with residents on 5540 5403 or 0407 630 052 or via email at virginia.w@scenicrim.qld.gov.au.

I am at the Canungra Library on the second Saturday every month to meet with residents from 9 am until 11.30 am. The next Saturday for this opportunity will be 9 July.