Flinders Shire Council adopts new organisational structure
Published on 28 January 2026
Flinders Shire Council today adopted a new organisational structure following more than 12 months of detailed planning, review, and consultation.
Mayor Kate Peddle said the changes reflect Council’s commitment to strengthening service delivery, supporting staff, and ensuring the organisation is fit for purpose as it prepares to deliver major capital works over coming years.
“This organisational structure has been thoroughly reviewed, including detailed consideration of every position,” Mayor Peddle said. “It has been shaped by extensive feedback from staff and elected members and aligns with our corporate plan and long-term vision for operational excellence.”
A key driver of the new structure is the significant investment recently secured from the Queensland Government to address longstanding water and sewerage challenges across the Shire.
“Council was fortunate to receive a substantial funding contribution to address critical water and sewerage infrastructure,” Mayor Peddle said. “Given the scale, complexity and duration of the works ahead, it is both strategic and necessary to establish water and sewerage as a standalone area of operations.”
The new structure includes the creation of additional positions to support the delivery of these works over multiple years.
“This investment allows us to finally address areas that have experienced historic underinvestment and are no longer meeting the standard our community expects for essential services,” Mayor Peddle said. “Importantly, these works are funded by the Queensland Government, easing the burden on local ratepayers.”
Mayor Peddle said the organisational review also identified a need to strengthen human resources, safety, and governance functions within Council.
“As a growing organisation, we want to ensure that our people remain central to our success”, Mayor Peddle said. “Establishing a standalone People, Culture and Governance function ensures our staff are supported in a healthy and safe working environment, with dedicated oversight and resources.”
To improve operational performance, Council has also endorsed the introduction of a dedicated operations leadership role within Engineering.
“Engineering is our largest department, and the introduction of an Operations Manager or Superintendent of Works is common practice in local government,” Mayor Peddle said. “This role will focus on supporting the Director of Engineering and ensuring our operational outputs are seamless, efficient and aligned with community expectations.”
Mayor Peddle said Council stands firmly behind the adopted structure and the creation of new roles.
“These changes are being made to support growth, deliver our priority projects, and rebuild trust through greater transparency and accountability. They reflect what we have heard clearly from our community and are a necessary step to delivering the priorities our residents have asked of us,” she said.
Mayor Peddle reminded the community that elected members are their representatives and that decisions of this significance are made carefully, responsibly and with the community’s interests at the forefront.
“These decisions represent progress. They demonstrate our commitment to our community, our staff, and to addressing the gaps identified through internal and external audits,” Mayor Peddle said. “They also show strong leadership in delivering on the Queensland Government’s historic investment in regional water and sewerage infrastructure – costs that could not otherwise be borne by a regional council.”
Mayor Peddle confirmed the new structure is financially responsible.
“This adoption would not have occurred if it were not within the financial means of Flinders Shire Council,” she said.