tion of about 350. In fact, the Barcoo
Shire Council employs about 16 per-
cent of the population while the per-
centage of people relying on the Coun-
cil for income purposes sits at around
40 percent. Agriculture, tourism, and
local government are the three major
economic drives in the area though
the rural community is experiencing a
reinvigorating era ahead thanks to the
hard work of the Council.
Intertwining the Council in
the community
More than most Councils in other
municipalities, the Barcoo Shire Coun-
cil is deeply involved in virtually every
aspect of the community. It acts as
the backbone to most economic, so-
cial, and cultural activities in the re-
gion and it provides support for count-
less services. For instance, the council
is responsible for the operation of the
school bus, a service that would nor-
mally not fall under their responsibil-
ities. Because of the unique charac-
teristics of the shire, such as its small
population, the Council had to assume
a very active role to ensure the well-
being of the community and the sta-
ble and continuous operation of public
services.
To positively affect the economy of