Facilitating Strategic Risk Awareness at Longreach Regional Council

Background 

Longreach Regional Council sought to deepen understanding of strategic risks and refine their risk appetite among both elected members and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Given the complexities of modern governance, the council recognised the value of an external, expert-led workshop to guide this important conversation. 

Objectives

• Provide councillors and senior leaders with up-to-date insights on emerging risk trends affecting local government. 
• Facilitate collaborative discussions to identify and assess strategic risks relevant to the council.
• Update the council’s risk appetite to reflect current priorities and risk tolerance. 

Approach 

The LGMS team, led by Risk & Resilience Coordinator David Royston-Jennings and Account Manager Stephanie Teo, delivered a professionally facilitated workshop. The session included: 

• An overview of contemporary risks impacting councils across Queensland and beyond. 
• Interactive workshops to identify, discuss, and prioritise strategic risks specific to Longreach. 
• A collaborative review and update of the Council’s risk appetite, aligning it with evolving challenges and objectives. 

Impact 

The workshop equipped councillors and the ELT with a clearer, shared understanding of strategic risks and how to address them proactively. By engaging an independent facilitator, senior staff were able to fully participate and contribute without the distractions of internal dynamics. 

Insights for Other Councils 

Engaging an external expert to facilitate risk discussions can create a neutral space for honest dialogue and deeper participation from senior leaders. This approach strengthens risk governance and supports more effective decision-making. 

Testimonial 

"The strategic risk workshop facilitated by David Royston-Jennings and Stephanie Teo provided Longreach Regional Council with an informative update on external trends impacting councils. It helped our Council update its strategic risk register and refine our risk appetite. The session was professionally run and presented in terms that councillors understood." 

— David Wilson, Chief Financial Officer, Longreach Regional Council 

Conclusion 

By partnering with LGMS for a targeted, expert-led strategic risk workshop, Longreach Regional Council has enhanced its capacity to understand and manage emerging risks. This collaborative approach strengthens leadership alignment on risk priorities and prepares the Council to navigate future challenges with confidence.