REDLAND City Council’s Audit and Risk Management Committee has called for tighter oversight of several of the organisation’s biggest risks, including its multimillion-dollar digital transformation program, the Birkdale Community Precinct and long-term financial sustainability.
Minutes from the committee’s June meeting, to be presented to Wednesday’s council meeting for adoption, show members requested a series of additional reports to monitor emerging risks, project delivery and financial performance.
Among the committee’s key concerns was Council’s Digital Transformation Program, with members requesting detailed reporting on whether the project is delivering promised benefits and a dashboard tracking implementation progress, risk ratings and mitigation measures.
The committee was told the program remains within budget, but delivery timeframes have been adjusted to balance organisational capacity, change impacts and day-to-day service delivery, while risks around resourcing, business readiness and financial pressures continue to be actively managed.
Members also sought a follow-up audit into the Birkdale Community Precinct to measure progress on recommendations arising from an earlier review, including outstanding actions, revised completion dates and any remaining risks requiring management attention.
Financial oversight was another focus.
Although the committee noted Council’s operating result and cash position remained favourable, it requested a detailed post-budget analysis examining the assumptions underpinning the 2026-27 budget and the potential impact if key financial forecasts vary.
The April financial report also found most sustainability measures were being achieved, although the Asset Sustainability Ratio remained below target.
The committee also reviewed Council’s enterprise risk profile, with emerging issues including fuel security, global supply chain disruptions, business continuity planning and long-term financial sustainability.
Members requested expanded reporting on legislative compliance, governance risks and regulatory issues.
Confidential information management was identified as Council’s primary integrity risk despite a reduction in overall integrity matters.
The committee heard investigations, control reviews and an internal audit were planned to strengthen safeguards and staff awareness.
The committee also considered risks associated with major projects including the Birkdale Community Precinct, Weinam Creek, Toondah Harbour, the Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area and the Judy Holt Remediation Project, while reviewing Council’s broader governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience.
Despite identifying areas requiring closer monitoring, the committee’s annual self-assessment concluded it was operating effectively, achieving an overall rating of 4.1 out of five.
The review found strengths in the skills of external members and commitment to continuous improvement, while identifying opportunities to strengthen risk oversight, strategic alignment, committee independence and organisational culture.
