At a regional level, Lord Mayor Jim Soorley has demonstrated significant leadership working with the 18 Councils in South East Queensland on various planning and environmental matters. These include transport, water catchment and air quality issues.Comprising Councils from Noosa in the North, Gold Coast in the South and Toowoomba to the West, this region has over 2.3 million residents. As the fastest growing region in Australia, the population is expected to reach 3.2 million by the end of this decade.
“The future will no longer be dominated by states,” said Lord Mayor Soorley. He said economic activity belongs to regions, cities and groups of cities.
“At an organisational level, we are also building stronger relations with our neighbouring Councils,” said CEO, Jude Munro. “We are shifting from being insular to cooperative, recognising there is much to be learned from all Councils large and small.”
Looking further afield, Council has also established its Sizzling Cities Project. Brisbane has identified 60 of the world’s most livable cities. This project aims to build relations with these cities as a two way information flow for sharing ideas.
“We have invited staff to nominate to become the city liaison officer for each of the 60 cities,” Jude Munro said. “Due to our size and unique qualities, some staff have lived and worked in these cities, others have visited for conferences or on staff exchanges. We are looking for people who have already had some contact with their city of choice or have a keen interest in that particular city.”
She said that as well as looking for ideas to bring into Brisbane, this program will see Council acting as a mentor for others, particularly Councils in the third world and developing nations.
“This will strengthen our position as a Capital City globally,” Jude Munro said.
