Strategic Risk Register for Central Highlands Regional Council

Background 

Central Highlands Regional Council faced the challenge of navigating a complex risk landscape from financial pressures and operational uncertainties to reputational and compliance concerns. They knew that simply reacting to risks wasn’t enough; a more strategic, proactive approach was essential to safeguard the council’s future and serve their community effectively. 

Recognising this, the council turned to Local Government Management Services (LGMS) for guidance. Through LGMS’s Regional Risk Coordinator program, they set out to build a Strategic Risk Register that would not only identify and prioritise risks but also embed a culture of risk awareness at the highest level of leadership. 

Objectives 

• Pinpoint and evaluate the most significant strategic risks facing the Council. 
• Create a living Strategic Risk Register packed with practical controls and mitigation strategies. 
• Strengthen risk ownership and proactive management within the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). 

Approach 

Rather than a tick-box exercise, LGMS facilitated a highly collaborative workshop that brought the ELT together to openly explore the Council’s risk landscape. David Munro, LGMS’s Regional Risk Coordinator, expertly guided discussions to uncover risks that might otherwise have been overlooked. 

Together, the team: 

• Mapped out risks across all critical areas—financial, operational, reputational, and compliance. 
• Used a structured assessment to prioritise risks by their likelihood and potential impact. 
• Candidly evaluated existing controls, identifying gaps and opportunities for stronger mitigation. 
• Documented all insights in a comprehensive Strategic Risk Register designed to be a practical tool for ongoing risk management. 

Impact 

The difference was clear. This wasn’t just another document, it was a strategic roadmap that empowered the ELT to make informed decisions with confidence. Risk awareness shifted from being a background consideration to a central part of leadership thinking. 

As Rhys Dennison, General Manager People, Safety & Legal, puts it: 
"David’s practical expertise and customer-focused approach made the workshop an invaluable experience. The Strategic Risk Register we developed is more than a checklist—it’s a foundation for continuous improvement and risk maturity. Knowing LGMS is just a call away gives us confidence to tackle challenges proactively.” 

The collaborative process also strengthened teamwork and communication across the ELT, fostering a culture where risk is openly discussed and managed as a shared responsibility. 

Conclusion 

Central Highlands Regional Council’s partnership with LGMS has transformed how they approach strategic risk — from reactive to proactive, from isolated assessments to a shared leadership priority. With a clear, actionable Strategic Risk Register and ongoing support from LGMS, the Council is now better positioned to navigate uncertainties and protect the community’s future with confidence.