Risk Management Foundations for Burdekin Regional Council

Background 

When Burdekin Regional Council appointed new independent members to its Audit and Risk Committee, it presented both a challenge and an opportunity. To ensure these members could confidently fulfil their oversight responsibilities, the council recognised the need for a foundational understanding of risk management tailored to their specific role. This step was essential to strengthen governance and provide assurance. 

Objectives 

• Equip newly appointed independent Audit and Risk Committee members with essential knowledge of risk management principles. 
• Clarify the Committee’s role in overseeing Council’s risk framework, appetite, tolerance, and strategic risks. 
• Establish a shared understanding to support effective future risk governance. 

Approach 

To meet this need, LGMS’s Risk & Resilience Coordinator partnered with Burdekin Council’s Senior Governance Officer to develop a tailored presentation for the Audit and Risk Committee. The session provided an independent, clear overview of risk management and the Committee’s vital role within it. 

Delivered with practical insights and aligned to the Council’s context, the presentation empowered Committee members to engage confidently in risk discussions and oversight. 

Impact 

The tailored session successfully established a strong foundation for the Committee’s work. Members gained: 

• A clear understanding of their responsibilities in reviewing the risk framework and strategic risks.
• Insight into the Council’s risk appetite and tolerance levels. Increased confidence to provide informed assurance to council. 
• This initiative has reinforced Burdekin Regional Council’s commitment to robust governance and proactive risk oversight. 

Insights for Other Councils 

LGMS encourages all Scheme members to connect with the Risk & Resilience Coordinator to leverage expert guidance and resources. The support offered through the Risk and Resilience Program can significantly enhance a Council’s risk management capability and help achieve organisational goals with greater confidence. 

Testimonial 

"David was incredibly helpful when I contacted him about developing a session for our Audit and Risk Committee members. He took the time to understand our needs and delivered a tailored session that will strengthen our approach to risk management.” 

— Rebecca Stockdale, Senior Governance Officer, Burdekin Regional Council 

Conclusion 

By investing in tailored, expert-led risk management education for its Audit and Risk Committee, Burdekin Regional Council has taken a proactive step towards stronger governance and risk oversight. With LGMS’s continued support, the Council is well-positioned to maintain a vigilant, informed approach to managing strategic risks.