About this report

This is the fourth annual report prepared by Georges River Council. Based on the 2019/20 financial year, it reports on our accomplishments in realising the community’s vision for the local government area (LGA).

It outlines our progress against our Community Strategic Plan 2018-2028, Delivery Program 2018/2019-2020/21, and Operational Plan 2019/20 and reports on the six most important themes – or pillars – identified by the community during the development of the Community Strategic Plan 2018-2028.

The six pillars are:

A protected environment and green open space Quality, well planned development Active and accessible places and spaces A diverse and productive economy A harmonious and proud community with strong social services and infrastructure Leadership and transparency

Each of these pillars is accompanied by specific goals that further focus our efforts to meet the community’s vision. This Annual Report offers an accountability mechanism between the community and Council. It has been prepared in accordance with Section 428 of the Local Government Act 1993 and the Office of Local Government’s Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines.

The theme of this Annual Report – Securing our Future – reflects the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies the impacts and strategies we are putting in place for recovery. (Refer to pages 182-194 for detailed information).

Georges River during COVID-19. Photography by Elder

Securing our future – recovering from the impacts of COVID-19

Council is operating and providing local services in unique circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our experiences during this time will be recorded by and reflected on by others in years to come. Because a pandemic affects everyone in the world, this allows us to learn from the experiences of others. However, it also limits the opportunity to seek assistance. Collaboration and partnership are now an essential part of our new business as usual. We cannot thrive without working with others.

We have adjusted how we operate and provide necessary services; from this, some changes will continue post-pandemic – for example, webinars for community engagement. While we all look forward to returning to face-to-face community engagement, webinars will remain in place for community members who cannot leave their homes or cannot attend a workshop.

We have demonstrated that we are responsive, resourceful, resilient, adaptable, and compassionate. At all times we have prioritised the health of our community, customers, and staff.

Key impacts have been:

reduced direct face-to-face contact temporary closure of services and facilities changed operation of services and facilities (for i.e. a reduced number) reduced events or attendance at events loss of income

The pandemic has affected our services (January-June 2020):

100 fewer events conducted 5,000 fewer visitors to our service centres 158,000 fewer visitors to our libraries 49,000 fewer visitors to Hurstville Entertainment Centre 9.8 per cent increase in illegal dumping 26 per cent reduction in trade waste 6 per cent increase in volume of waste through community income from car parking down approximately $276,000 reduction in commercial leases - $22,000 per month temporary closure of Early Learning Centres

(For more information on our response to the COVID-19 epidemic see page 182194).