Future Workplace project

Ageing and unsafe office infrastructure, rising costs to maintain multiple workplaces, and a focus on improving access to services and customer experience prompted us to look at our future workplace needs.

We have found that a consolidated workplace will help improve the delivery of services to our community, while reducing costs and supporting our commitment to more environmentally sustainable practices.

A consolidated workplace with satellite offices will:

• Improve service delivery
• Improve customer service and our ability to support the community
• Enable greater connection with our communities across the 44 villages and towns
• Increase collaboration and connection within the organisation
• Support organisational flexibility
• Reduce costs from duplication and maintaining multiple offices
• Reduce construction costs and building footprint (one major building)
• Increase sustainability through a minimised infrastructure footprint
• Resolve access, safety and non-compliance issues within current office spaces
• Allow greater flexibility to explore options for all Shire-owned land and assets.

While we know what the high-level future model looks like, we don’t yet know exactly where the consolidated office will be or what that facility will look like.

Identifying the best location for the new main office and satellite offices is currently underway, with options due to be presented to Council in late 2023.

Expert advice on a proposed operating model, preferred office locations and improved customer service is being prepared and will be presented to Council in late 2023.

Once these major decisions have been made, a further 12 months of detailed planning is expected to take place before concept development and design work begins.

The Future Workplace project will explore the use of Council-owned land and facilities and commercial funding opportunities and partnerships to achieve a cost neutral delivery, where possible.