CAPITAL WORKS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT - SUNSHINE COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL

The Sunshine Coast Council is the fourth largest Local Government Authority in Australia. It was formed from the forced amalgamation of Caloundra City, Maroochy and Noosa Councils in March 2008. This paper is about the development of a Capital Works framework and Program to bring three very different cultures, systems, priorities and needs together to develop a whole of organisational 5 Year Capital Works Program, in excess of $771 million. Council staff undertook a unique process by including the elected representatives in the development of the Capital Works framework and program from day 1. This paper takes you through the journey undertaken by both staff and Councillors in the development of the framework, systems, processes and projects. The major steps and tasks involved in the development included: • Conducting an initial workshop with the elected representatives and the Executive Leadership Team to determine the overall direction and level of “buy in” from Councillors; • The establishment of cross organisational teams from all departments, consisting of senior staff and Councillors to develop a framework including programs, sub-programs, activities and whole of life costs; • The development of weighted prioritisation models, based on a set of seven criteria for each sub program; • The consolidation of three previous databases into one capital projects database; • Cross organisational integration for the program to compliment – Councillor & community expectations, agreed levels of service, funding levels and delivery capabilities: and • The development of a 5 Year Capital Works Program listing incorporating over 3,500 projects.