2018/2019
Year in Review Griffith City Council’s Annual Community Report
Message from the Mayor On behalf of Council I am pleased to present this Year in Review, which provides an overview of Council’s accomplishments over the past 12 months. •Yambil Street Upgrade (Stage 1) - although we have encountered setbacks along the way, work has continued on this important upgrade. This is the first step in the wider CBD Strategy. • The new Skate Park was officially opened in July 2018 and has proved a popular space. • Lake Wyangan and Catchment Management Strategy - Council recognises Lake Wyangan as a high priority for the community. The appointment of the Project Officer in August 2018 has allowed us to make some good progress in improving water quality, which is a first step in developing recreational opportunities for the
community • Griffith Regional Sporting Precinct – Funding has been secured and planning has well and truly commenced for the 50m outdoor swimming pool. • East Mirrool Regulator (EMR) - construction of new automated flood gates at Yenda commenced in October 2018 and I am delighted to say this work is now complete. • Griffith City Library continues to be a safe and inclusive public space with access to a wide range of services, events and activities. • Griffith Regional Theatre Community Production of Legally Blonde was a fun, inclusive project, with a cast of 50 locals putting on a high energy, high quality, feel good show. These, and a whole host of other infrastructure, community and service improvements highlighted
in this report aim to meet our ‘guiding griffith 2040’ Community Strategic Plan goals. Griffith is full of untapped potential and now is the time to work together. I would like to thank our Councillors for their commitment to Griffith City Council and their ongoing effort on behalf of residents. I also thank businesses, community groups and organisations for their efforts throughout the year. I would like to acknowledge the work of Council staff and my fellow Councillors. Council staff continue to demonstrate their commitment and dedication to the City providing a broad range of services and assistance to our residents and ratepayers. John Dal Broi Emeritus Mayor
Message from the General Manager 2018/19 has been another very busy year for our City and one indicator of this is the activity through Griffith Airport. Passenger numbers utilising the REX air service to Sydney has jumped to around 72,000 and the new low price “Community Fare” introduced last October has proved very popular. Sharp Airlines commenced their daily air service connecting Griffith with Melbourne (Essendon) 14 July 2019 and positive passenger feedback is already coming in. Development activity during the last 12 months has been strong with 436 development applications received from July 2018 to June 2019. Council is progressing several important infrastructure projects which will consolidate Griffith’s reputation as a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family. A new skate park in Olympic Street, community pathways, a new community stage and renovation of the amenities block in Memorial Park are just some of the great projects Council has worked toward. The new Western Riverina Country Universities Centre (CUC) located in Kooyoo Street, registered its first students early July 2019. The CUC is a student study hub equipped
with modern IT equipment and high speed internet connectivity with all Australian Universities. Stage 1 of the Central Business District Upgrade (Yambil Street) is nearing completion and that section of the street will look great when completed. It is acknowledged however, that businesses and pedestrians in this section of Yambil Street have experienced considerable inconvenience during construction and Council apologises for this. This is a very complex project and the contractors engaged have worked closely with Council and have done their utmost to achieve a quality outcome while completing the job as soon as possible. The new automated East Mirrool Regulator (EMR) at Yenda has been constructed and commissioned. Council has worked in close partnership with Murrumbidgee Irrigation and NSW Government to complete this important project. In terms of residential land availability, in the Collina area alone, subdivisions have been approved providing 394 new blocks for purchase and construction of new homes. Griffith certainly needs more housing stock especially for rental purposes. During 2018, Council engaged external
assistance to investigate the housing needs of the City and the result is the development of a draft Affordable Housing Strategy. Council will obviously have a key role in implementing the Strategy but this must be a whole of government, business and community effort. Council has launched a new Business Prospectus - Invest in Griffith - which provides valuable information to attract new businesses and development in Griffith. The prospectus is complemented by a new monthly Business Newsletter, “Evolve”. I would like to make special mention of our amazing farmers who contribute so much to the economic prosperity of the region. Irrigation is the lifeblood of this economy but the very limited water availability is making it very tough for our men and women on the land. In closing, thanks as always to my amazing staff who do their best every day to provide services to the community and to Councillors for their time and commitment. Brett Stonestreet General Manager
Griffith Visitor Information Centre Communications
29,170 4,442 68 87,610 $19.6M 6 71
Visitors to the Centre during 2018/19 Garden visits during the 2018 Spring Fest Real Juice Citrus Sculptures erected for the 2018 event
website
207
media releases distributed
40
phone-ins on local radio
107K
website sessions
Tourism dollars injected into the community
10%
Major Tourism events
5005
increase in web users
Facebook likers Itineraries created by staff at the Visitors Centre
Stormwater & Floodplain Risk Management Major Achievements • Griffith City Council now has a number of completed Flood Studies and Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plans which assist in the strategic planning of Griffith and surrounding areas. The most current studies and plans are available on Council’s web page. • Through Floodplain Risk Management process, Council has prioritised the mitigation measures adopted in the Griffith Main Drain J and Mirrool Creek Floodplain Risk • Management Study and Plan on the following projects. Yenda * Installated flood warning devices at Barellan Road bridge site and Yenda East Mirrool Regular (EMR) site * Integration of the flood warning system into BOM’s flood forecasting system. * Established a set of EMR Emergency Breaching Protocols and Decision Support Framework for the management of Mirrool Creek flood waters at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Main Canal East Mirrool Regulator at Yenda. * Completed the new automated flood gates at the East Mirrool Regulator (EMR) at Yenda. Yoogali * Design completed for the Yoogali McCormack Road Levee and DC605J Culvert Upgrade. Hanwood * Hanwood Stormwater Pump and Levee.
50%
increase in organic facebook reach
1,274
subscribers to Council’s eNewsle�er - The COG
West End Stadium hosted many cultural events including Indigenous Workshops, Sikh Games, Dances, and Services General sporting events include Domestic Basketball Competition, Badminton Senior Competition, Netball, and Lifeball School Sport Events Over 2,500 students used the facility, including programs for those with a disability Athletics carnivals at both a Local and State level were held on West End Oval and utilised the facilities of the Stadium. Hosted round 1 & 3 of the Western Jnr. League Basketball Comp, with 14 Basketball Centres participating and 1,300 visitors
Sustainable Development 333 436 $87.3M certificates issued Development Development - 197 construction Applications Applications - 116 occupation processed value - 20 subdivision Highlights $ • Murrumbidgee Regional High School – Griffith Campus – 82-86 Coolah Street, Griffith – Alterations & additions 6,081,087 • Collina 10 Pty Ltd – 686 Clifton Boulevard, Griffith – 112 lot Torrens Title subdivision 4,500,000 • Mayuresh Group Pty Ltd – Citrus Road, Griffith – 83 lot Torrens Title Residential Subdivision 3,300,000 • Casella Wines Pty Ltd – Wakley Road, Yenda – Extension of existing warehouse & loading pad 3,009,078 • 912 Management Group Pty Ltd – Kidman Way, Griffith – New industrial building offices 3,000,000 • Liberty Oil (WA) Pty Ltd – 6-8 Mackay Avenue, Griffith – Proposed service station redevelopment 2,000,000 • Griffith Post School Options Inc – 8-18 Hebden Street, Yoogali – Multi unit housing development 1,800,000 • ICI Industries Pty Ltd – 3-5 Harris Road, Griffith – New industrial complex 1,714,300 • Mr CM & Mrs AL Gonzo – 7-9 Shaw Road, Griffith – 8 industrial buildings & 8 lot strata title subdivision 1,150,000 • Griffith Leagues Club – 21-27 Jondaryan Avenue, Griffith – Alterations & additions 1,000,000
Griffith Livestock Marketing Centre Major Achievements • Sheep sales at the Griffith Livestock Marketing Centre totalled 505,039 during 2018/19. • Work is expected to start on the new truck wash in the first half of 2019 financial year. • Council continues to improve the Centre’s operations.
Biosecurity (Weeds) Major Achievements • Prickly Pear removal was undertaken at Jack Carson’s Reserve, Tharbogang Landfill and adjoining lands. • Various sites within the LGA had St Barnaby’s Thistle identified, treated and controlled. • Infestations of African Boxthorn have been greatly reduced at Lake Wyangan North. Boxthorn has also been diminished at Jack Carson’s Reserve, the south eastern side of Campbell’s Swamp, Nericon Swamp and 11km of Gum Creek Road has been treated. The Whitton Stock Route has also been treated with a 90% success rate. • Sweet Briar Rose infestations have been treated with a 90% success rate in the north eastern corner of Lake Wyangan North. Infestations have also been treated in McArthy Road with a 98% success rate. • Coolati Grass has been treated and controlled at a historical site located on Rifle Range Road, resulting in a significant reduction in the infestation size.
32,682 calls to Customer Service
93%
answered within 20 seconds
Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre Centre Attendance Total
Gym Attendance
159,003
23,036
Total Usage
135,797 Aerobics 17,959 Attendance
143,941 143,941
42,590 5,000
61,833 45,000+
Swim School Enrolments
Swim Lessons
Swim School Entries
Swimming Entries
82%
Customer service level achieved
97.6%
Customer Service sa�sfica�on
614
Planning Cer�ficates processed
Griffith Pioneer Park Museum
Griffith City Library
1 Fe atte ,20 Sa sta nde 0 lsi De d cc lla e
12,571 visitors during 2018/19
to 4 ur ,5 ev 8, ist v 62 en 00 is t v 9 its isi ts
0 d 00 de day , 2 en ri ay t F at od n D o Go cti A
123,211 visits
54
shows
31
9,294 members
17,260 eBook & eAudio loans
39,100 mobile Library loans
24
sell-outs
season events
10
Legally Blonde
Performances
128,653 loans
32,429 PC/wifi sessions
4,624 new items
e 0 th y 30 ded Da t n lia s te ra fa at ust eak A Br
Griffith Regional Theatre
417 events held
25,310 website visits (WRL)
261 total days used
Griffith Regional Art Gallery
5,520
events 10
exhibi�on patrons
exhibi�ons
29
1,798
young people engaged
Programs & workshops
Community Development
9
SMART Recovery facilitators trained for Teen SMART
$44K in community grants
131
people from 17 countries became ci�zens
85
young people a�ended Youth Week Events
4
grant wri�ng sessions conducted
Roads
Construction
$4.6M
Footpath & Other Works
Maintenance
Traffic & Safety
$7.6M
$672K
$795K
Drainage
$187K
Urban Water Supply
Cemeteries
Major Achievements • Construction of twenty three Single Below Ground Vaults at the Griffith Cemetery. • Installation of bench seats at Griffith, Yenda and Bagtown cemeteries.
Information Technology
50
iPads rolled out to external staff to improve efficiencies
7
PCs and one 75” TV in Council’s upgraded IT training room - for organisa�ons to hire and Council’s internal use
Major Achievements • Griffith City Council continues to supply high quality potable water in compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. • Council has commenced the refurbishment of the Griffith Water Treatment Plant with 2 filters having the walls recoated and the filter sand replaced. • Council replaced 483 water meters. • As well as water meter installations, Council has commenced installing Backflow Prevention devices on all medium to high hazard connections to Council’s water main to ensure the protection of the potable water supply.
Sewerage Services
Major Achievements • Council was successful in obtaining funding from Infrastructure NSW totalling 42% of the $5 million for the sewer backlog project that enabled the villages of Lake Wyangan, Nericon and Tharbogang to be provided with a reticulated sewerage system. Construction works on site commenced in February 2018 with the project completed in October 2018. The project finished well ahead of schedule and under budget. • A variety of maintenance and upgrade works were performed on the sewerage Rising Main network and sewage Pumping Stations to ensure reliability in the critical components of the sewerage system.
5
Council sites now offering free WiFi to the community
CCTV
Upgrades to City Park to improve safety and reduce vandalism
Above: The directional drilling machine used to install the sewer reticulation system in the Villages.
Parks, Reserves & Sports Grounds
Fleet Management
Major Achievements New plant and equipment purchased during 2018/19 included: • 28 x Passenger and light commercial / SUV vehicles • 5 x Trucks • 1 x Motor Grader • 4 Minor plant items (Generators) • 2 x Tractors • 7 x Mowers including three point linkage mowers • 1 x Stump Grinder • 1 x RTV • 1 x Forklift • 1 x Trailer fitted with a vehicle loading crane.
Major Achievements • Concreting of the large amenities area at Ted Scobie Oval. • Concreting of the Jubilee Park - Netball kiosk awning area. • Completion of the new Griffith Skate Park. • Installation of an automated irrigation system at the Women’s Land Park – Hanwood. • Upgrade of the fence at the Dog Park - Off Leash Area • Completion of the landscaped pathway along Noorebar Avenue.
Fire Hazard Reduction 576
permits
542
incidents
272
members
Economic Profile
$71M
non residental investment
$33M
residen�al investment
1.02%
jobs ra�o 13,876 jobs
95.18% employment rate
$1.7B GRP
Environment & Health
328
Food business inspec�ons
79
Public pool inspec�ons
43
Public health inspec�ons
12
38
Immunisa�on clinics
Mosquito traps
2500+ residents used ‘dump for free’
31210 tonnes of waste processed
Waste Management
622 tonnes recycled
8271 domestic waste collection services
1033 recycling collection services
Our community Top 3
population now
30,507
industries are 1. Manufacturing 2. Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry 3. Retail
ATSIC population
1
26,882
377,000
visitors to the region annually
population 2036
4.8%
9
towns and villages
born overseas
popularly elected Mayor
11
elected representatives
32.2%
100
70%
community satisfaction rate (2016 community survey)
local businesses
3,304
parks sporting grounds
9,345
households
50.1%
couples with children
10.5%
university educated
7.1%
$820M
1,640km 2
covered (LGA)
622
tonnes of waste recycled
above sea level
134m
75%
$456B
NSW wine grapes are grown in the region
Agricultural production value
78.2%
households contain 2 or more people
children under 18 years above regional average
26.2%
mortgage
30%
renting
31.3%
24.9%
$1,287
speak Italian
52,000
7
49.9%
median weekly household income
Council’s community infrastructure
regional population
21.7%
aged 60 and above
60.6%
workforce participation
$230
median rent p/w
$75.3M
tourism & hospitality sales
71.2%
connected to the internet