CQLGA
Central Queensland Local Government Association
The CQLGA is the peak local government association for the Central Queensland region and membership is voluntary. In July 2003 the former Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Council (CQROC) merged with the CQLGA to form one regional organisation for Central Queensland councils. Currently the Association has 14 member councils - Banana, Bauhinia, Broadsound, Calliope, Duaringa, Emerald, Fitzroy, Jericho, Livingstone, Monto, Mount Morgan, and Peak Downs Shire Councils, and Gladstone City and Rockhampton City Councils.
The CQLGA represents a broad range of local government interests at a regional level and the association’s aim is to be:
A united, pro-active advocate for the CQLGA community, ensuring mutual co-operation and the facilitation of positive outcomes.
The association has four key roles:
1 Advocacy - act as an advocate to governments or public bodies on issues of concern to members;
2 Regional Collaboration and Participation - activities best addressed from a regional perspective and include:
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The sharing of experiences and ideas;·
Opportunities for member Councils to seek regional support; and,·
Forums for councils to gather information and form views, and develop at a regional level.3 Regional Planning and Regional Development - Influence and implement integrated regional planning in particular, appropriate implementation strategies for relevant elements of the CQ Regional Growth Management Plan.
4 Project Management - a co-operative approach to the needs, opportunities, and challenges of the region and to promote projects that benefit the region. Projects include:
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Implementation of the Central Queensland Regional Waste Management Strategy;·
Local Government participation in the development of a Natural Resource Strategy for Central Queensland in a collaborative and supportive manner to procure the maximum benefits for Central Queensland in sustainable development;·
Regional coordination for the implementation of the Water Act 2000;·
Support of Pest Management groups in the CQLGA region;·
Support of road, rail, port, and air projects that demonstrate benefits for the CQLGA region, including the Central Queensland Regional Road Group (CQRRG);·
The implementation of models of best practice with respect to services delivery, and resource sharing across the Central Queensland region.Projects
Regional Waste Management Strategy
A key project for the Central Queensland Local Government Association is the Regional Waste Management Strategy (RWMS). The purpose of the RWMS is to develop strategies to reduce waste production, promote resource recovery and to realise better management of solid wastes and secondary resources within the CQLGA region.
The aim of the strategy is to provide CQLGA and its member Councils with a range of regional waste management and resource recovery options and identify opportunities and actions for their implementation at appropriate regional and sub-regional levels. This is being achieved by reducing waste production, promoting resource recovery, and better management of solids waste and secondary resources within Central Queensland.
The Strategy and its Implementation Plan will:
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Produce economic benefits for the region via cost savings, employment and business generation;·
Reduce the risks to Councils and public in the operation of waste services;·
Promote resource sharing and utilisation between Councils (knowledge, contracts, staff, plant, facilities, etc);·
Increase efficiency and professionalism in the operation and management of wastes;·
Increase waste management and utilisation knowledge within the community; and·
Show strong societal leadership in the area of sustainable development.The Regional Waste Management Strategy can be accessed at www.cqwm.asn.au
The strategy has been adopted and supported by all 7 of the original member councils (former CQROC councils) and this is a first in Queensland, demonstrating the strong collaborative commitment amongst Central Queensland councils. This collaborative approach has been extended to all CQLGA member councils, and currently the Port Curtis Alliance of Councils (PCAC) is being incorporated into the strategy.
The RWMS employs two full time officers who are responsible for the areas of Communication and Public Awareness, and Technical Services.
CQ Regional Roads Group
The Central Queensland Regional Road Group (CQRRG), with the support of a Technical Committee and sub groups, is responsible for planning, prioritising, and managing investment on a specific road network. This road network is known as the "Local Roads of Regional Significance" (LRRS).
The CQRRG is also able to influence investment decisions on other road networks and have a co-ordinating role in the areas of asset management, joint purchasing, resource sharing and workforce capability improvement on behalf of Local Government and Main Roads.
The Central Queensland Regional Road Group (CQRRG) comprises three sub-groups, the largest number of sub-groups in the Queensland Roads Alliance. The CQRRG have successfully completed the first four elements of the roads alliance (RRG formation; selection of local roads of regional significance; implementation of asset management systems and data collection training; development of investment strategies.)
For more information on the Central Queensland Local Government Association Inc (CQLGA) please click here: www.cqlga.asn.au