Advancing Risk Maturity at Sunshine Coast Council

Background 

Sunshine Coast Council recognised the importance of understanding its current risk maturity and identifying opportunities to strengthen its risk management framework. To support this, the council participated in a comprehensive Risk Maturity Analysis as part of the LGMS Risk Maturity Assessment Framework, an initiative designed to build resilient, forward-looking risk practices tailored to the council’s unique needs. 

Objectives 

• Assess the council’s risk maturity across all branches and functions. 
• Develop an actionable Risk Improvement Roadmap to guide strategic enhancements. 
• Strengthen integration of risk management with compliance, insurance, and major project delivery. 

Approach 

Building on the insights from the Risk Maturity Analysis, Sunshine Coast Council implemented several key initiatives: 

• Endorsed a new Risk Manual and Risk Policy in July 2024, rolled out across all Council branches alongside annual operational risk reviews. 
• Completed and continuously reviewed a Strategic Risk Register, with an upcoming review requested by the new CEO to ensure ongoing alignment and management. 
• Launched a new Compliance platform in February 2024 using Power BI, enhancing the tracking of compliance obligations across Council. Compliance training workshops leveraged data from LexisNexis to deepen understanding and reporting. 
• Developed and rolled out an Insurance Claims Policy and guidelines, widely communicated during the November Risk Forum, raising awareness of claims management processes. 

Impact 

These efforts have fostered a more mature risk culture and stronger involvement in key projects. The risk team is increasingly called upon to assist with project risk identification, manuals, guidelines, and risk charters, signalling trust in their expertise. The compliance program has also enhanced legislative awareness and accountability among Council employees. 

Insights for Other Councils 

Undertaking a comprehensive Risk Maturity Analysis can be a catalyst for developing a robust risk framework that positively influences multiple Council areas — from compliance to insurance and project management. It highlights the value of embedding risk management as a core governance function. 

Testimonials 

"I am currently in an asset management steering committee where Tim and Bart have acknowledged the great work you have been doing around asset-based risk management. I thought I would pass this on, as often this important governance function doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Well done!" 

— Luke Flanagan, Manager Strategy & Policy, Civic Governance, Sunshine Coast Council 

"Thank you so much for all of the work that has been undertaken by yourself and your team in progressing this significant body of work. I greatly appreciate your work on the strategic risks." 

— Craig Matheson, Group Executive, Civic Governance, Sunshine Coast Council 

"Excellent work! Thank you and well done to the team." 

— Megan Friend, Acting Group Executive, Civic Governance, Sunshine Coast Council 

Conclusion 

Sunshine Coast Council’s commitment to assessing and advancing its risk maturity through LGMS’s framework and support has positioned the organisation for stronger governance, compliance, and project outcomes. By embedding a comprehensive risk culture and leveraging data-driven tools, the council continues to build resilience and confidence for the future.