2018, a big year for the Southern Downs

The benchmarks get higher every year, but in a high performing organisation with solid Councillors and great staff, the benchmarks are achieved and the successes celebrated. There are always failures, and it is important to learn from those experiences. It really has been a big year at Southern Downs Regional Council, from undertaking over $10 million of repairs across the road network due to flood damage, to managing the community through the ongoing drought and implementing a regime of water restrictions. Work has begun on the $125 million University of Queensland Solar Farm, as well as the $25 million upgrade to the John Dee Food processing facility, both projects in which Southern Downs Regional Council has played a partnership role. Other investments are occurring in rail, aviation, aged care and more food processing. For the second year in a row Council staff have won the Southern Queensland Rural Management Challenge, a huge achievement. The next 12 months promises to be just as busy and it will be great to have a full suite of Directors on board. These appointments include Jane Stroud, Director Sustainable Development, Graham O'Byrne Director Infrastructure and Joanne Morris, Director Corporate and Community Services. Have a great Christmas and a prosperous 2019. I better get this reindeer down the pound and see if anyone claims him.