Aurukun Shire Council in Queensland has announced its corporate plan for the next five years looking to combat the many challenges facing the region, including the local economy, environmental challenges and community unrest.
“The key message in this corporate plan is that it is our plan for our future” said Mayor Dereck Walpo in a statement included with the plan’s release.
“For years, we have had well meaning agencies and organisations coming to our town and telling us what they believe we need.
“This corporate plan is our opportunity to put forward what we believe is important for the future of our community.
Aurukun Shire Council has a population of just under 1300, a very young average age, unemployment historically between 16 percent and 18 percent, and 69 percent of residents over the age of 15 having a weekly income less than $400 per week.
Increasing local employment, growing local business ownership, and developing a larger revenue stream for the council by bringing mining to the region are the focuses of the new corporate plan.
Specifics include developing a light industrial precinct to service mining opportunities and expanding the local airport’s runway and terminal.
Community goals include developing more housing, improving sport facilities, growing education programs in the region and fostering already talented community artists.
The environment is also a key factor with water management, waste facilities and the impact of mining all to be evaluated.
A constant motif throughout the plan is emphasising youth involvement and development ensuring that the community can grow with strong leaders developing in the community.
While the plan is ambitious, council is confident that if supported by government agencies and community organisations, it will be a success.
“It is the Council’s and community’s shared vision for our Shire and community” Mayor Walpo said.
“This will provide a clear direction for Aurukun. We believe that we have planted the seed for our future.”
