LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
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contents Preface
Purpose of this annual report................................................................ 5 Council’s vision, mission and values.................................................... 6 Message from the Mayor...................................................................... 7 Message from the Chief Executive Officer........................................... 8 Part 1 – Overview of Liverpool City Council Liverpool City........................................................................................10 Elected Council......................................................................................11 Council Meetings..................................................................................14 Council Committees..............................................................................16 Organisational structure.......................................................................19 Access to Council information.............................................................20 Commitment to ethical governance...................................................20 Code of conduct....................................................................................20 Conflicts of interest...............................................................................20 Ethics and audit Committee................................................................20 Fraud and corruption prevention........................................................20 Community engagement.....................................................................21 Council’s community donations and sponsorship.............................22 Council’s financial summary................................................................23 Risk management................................................................................27 Managing Council Assets.....................................................................28 Asset management planning..............................................................28 Road and transport...............................................................................30 Drainage................................................................................................31 Parks and recreation............................................................................32 Buildings................................................................................................33 Condition of Assets...............................................................................34 Stormwater management service charge.........................................36 Works Funded from a special rate variation......................................37 Environment levy works......................................................................38
contents Part 2 – Delivery Program 2011-15 Achievements
Planning for the future............................................................................................................... 42 Community Strategic Plan.............................................................................................. 43 Delivery Program 2011-15 and Operational Plan 2012-13........................................ 44 Resourcing strategy......................................................................................................... 44 Reporting on progress..................................................................................................... 44 Sustainability.................................................................................................................... 45 Council’s achievements in implementing the Delivery Program during 2012-13.............. 51 Objective 1: Liverpool is the vibrant regional centre for South-West Sydney...... 51 Objective 2: Neighbourhoods and villages are well designed, safe and clean.... 54 Objective 3: Urban development is consistent with sustainability principles....... 57 Objective 4: Liverpool is a socially inclusive and healthy community................... 60 Objective 5: Council and the community work together to support environmental sustainability................................................... 63 Objective 6: The culture and diversity of Liverpool is recognised and valued...... 66 Objective 7: There is an efficient and highly connected transport system........... 68 Objective 8: Urban infrastructure meets the needs of a growing community..... 70 Objective 9: There is access to comprehensive education and training................ 72 Objective 10: Liverpool has a range of business and employment opportunities.... 74 Objective 11: Decision-making processes are transparent and the community has opportunities to be involved..................................... 76 Objective 12: The community is supported by a well-managed and responsive Council................................................................................. 78 Part 3 - Statutory reporting requirements Overseas visits by councillors and council staff...................................................................... 83 Mayoral and councillor fees, expenses and facilities............................................................. 83 Contracts awarded by council................................................................................................... 85 Amounts incurred in relation to legal proceedings................................................................ 86 Private works and financial assistance.................................................................................... 87 Planning agreements................................................................................................................. 87 Corporations, trusts, partnerships and joint ventures............................................................. 88 Rates and Charges written off during the year....................................................................... 89 Senior Staff remuneration......................................................................................................... 89 Equal employment opportunity management plan............................................................... 89 Companion animal management............................................................................................. 90 Work, health and safety............................................................................................................ 90 Separate document Part 4 - Audited Financial Statements and Notes to the Accounts
PART 1 / Preface
5
Preface Purpose of this Annual Report This Annual Report documents Liverpool City Council’s performance over the 2012-13 financial year in relation to the Principal Activities detailed in Growing Liverpool 2021, the Delivery Program 2011-15 and Operational Plan 2012-13. The Annual Report is made up of four parts:
Part 1 is an overview of Liverpool City Council and its governance. Part 2 provides details of Council’s performance against the Delivery Program 2011-15. Part 3 provides additional reporting information required by legislation. Part 4 contains Council’s audited financial statements.
The first three parts are published in one volume. Part 4 is published individually. Hard copies of this document are available from Council’s Administration Centre on Level 2, 33 Moore Street, Liverpool. This report is prepared in accordance with Section 428 of the Local Government Act 1993 and the Division of Local Government Planning and Reporting Guidelines for Local Government in NSW.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
6
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Council’s Vision, Mission and Values Council’s Vision for Liverpool Liverpool, a vibrant historical regional city of growth, prosperity and diversity.
Council’s Mission • Guide the City into the next century. • Provide purposeful and visionary leadership whilst being consultative, responsive and accessible. • Decide on resources required for sustainable growth and community expectations for the future of Liverpool.
• Protect the City’s reputation and align it with the perceptions of its residents.
Council’s Values At Liverpool City Council we: Value staff by working to enable the recognition of staff performance, encouraging and supporting career development and providing continuous learning. We also recruit competent staff willing to adhere to our values while pro-actively retaining good staff. Work together by contributing towards team goals as identified in work plans and, assisting other team members through cooperative work ethics. We also actively help other units and staff across the organisation. Respect people by encouraging an honest, courteous, ethical, fair and equitable workplace. Valuing cultural diversity issues and understanding the views of other people is also an important component. Communicate effectively by providing open, accessible and honest communication with all stakeholders. We also ensure all stakeholders have necessary information at their disposal. Show leadership at all levels by being pro-active in our approach in providing excellent levels of internal and external customer service, leading by example and showing initiative and innovation.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Mayor’s Message
7
Message from
the Mayor
It is with great pleasure that I introduce Council’s annual report for 2012-13. My commitment is to lead the growth of Liverpool into the thriving regional city for South Western Sydney. This year has seen significant progress towards this goal. This report provides a summary of just some of the many projects and services which Council delivered this year. Council commenced a City Centre Revitalisation Project which is aimed at delivering a program of major works to transform the city centre into the destination of choice for business, entertainment and recreation. We established the City Centre Revitalisation Committee and appointed Professor Edward J. Blakely of the United States Study Centre at Sydney University as an Honorary Advisor on Urban Revitalisation. We delivered on our commitment to install CCTV in the city centre and are using this as a way of also providing free wi-fi to anyone who visits the Liverpool CBD. We continued to refine Liverpool’s parking strategy, and were successful in receiving a low interest loan from the State to deliver a parking facility in the city centre. My fellow Councillors and I continued to advocate on issues which are important to the community, leading the campaign against the location of the proposed intermodals at Moorebank. Council acknowledges the need for an intermodal and the jobs it can create but opposes the location adversely affecting so many local residents, the Georges River, the parklands and our Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Council opened several new community facilities including the launch of a cutting edge sportsground at Brownes Farm Reserve valued at $5.5 million, new sporting ground, fencing and upgrades to Peter Miller Park and improvement works to all of our popular aquatic and recreation centres. Council adopted its new Community Strategic Plan in June 2013. We have listened to you carefully and delivered a budget which drives economic growth, invests in much needed infrastructure and provides a range of important services, programs and initiatives for our community. I am pleased to advise that we have: • More than doubled our roads budget in the last 3 years, from $11.6 million in 2011-12 to $27.2 million in 2013-14. • Increased our spending on cleaning by almost 50%, from $11.3 million in 2010-2011 to $16.9 million in 2013-14. • Almost doubled what we spent on footpaths and cycle-ways from $2.7 million in 2010-11 to $5 million in 2012-13. • Increased spending on planning for jobs, investment and growth by $1.5 million from $2.5 million in 2012-13 to $4 million in 2013-14. On behalf of Council, I extend my appreciation to our staff and many partners for the tremendous work they have done in delivering the best possible services to our community.
Ned Mannoun Mayor
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
8
Chief Executive Officer’s Message
Message from the
Chief Executive Officer
Council saw significant achievements being made in 2012-13 to enhance community wellbeing and the liveability of the city of Liverpool. We continued to deliver on implementing the vision, strategies and priorities which were outlined in the Growing Liverpool 2021 Community Strategic Plan and great effort was made to engage the community in the development of Growing Liverpool 2023, the new 10year plan for Liverpool which was adopted by Council at its June meeting. Council worked hard on ensuring its financial sustainability. Council is in a strong financial position; it had an operating budget in 2012-13 of approximately $191.5 million and our financial position was assessed as being sound and stable. Stimulating Liverpool’s economy and ensuring jobs are located closer to home was of upmost importance, Council determined more than $569 million in development applications, representing a significant investment in Liverpool’s economy. Council developed an Economic Development Strategy, providing a road map to guide growth in the local economy for the next five years. Building for a growing community was one of our highest priorities during the year. Seventy-four million dollars was spent on capital works and acquisitions. This included 12 kilometres of new roads, $17 million in road and transport improvements and $7.4 million on parks and recreational facilities.
Our facilities continued to be popular with the local community. Our libraries registered more than 1.1 million total visits and there were more than 750,000 visits to Council’s leisure centres. The majority of these were to Liverpool City Library and the Whitlam Leisure Centre, both located in the Liverpool Central Business District and reinforcing this centre as a destination which attracts people from all over the region. Council continued to invest in arts and culture through its iconic Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Visitation at this centre has doubled in the last three years, showcasing the Centre’s popular program and activities. Council held a range of community events to develop a sense of community spirit and bring people together. This included the inaugural New Year’s Event, providing families with the opportunity to celebrate the beginning of the year close to home. More than 5,000 people attended this event and Council received many positive comments and compliments from the community. The Local government elections in September saw us welcome a new Mayor, Deputy Mayor and four new Councillors, each bringing their different experiences, skills and perspectives to the development of our organisation and city. I would like to thank the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors, staff and community volunteers for their commitment and dedication to delivering Council projects and services throughout the year.
Farooq Portelli JP Chief Executive Officer
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 1:
Overview of Liverpool City Council
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
10 PART 1 / Liverpool City
Liverpool City
Macquarie Street Mall by night.
The Liverpool City Council area is one of the largest local government areas in metropolitan Sydney, covering 305 square kilometres and 42 suburbs. In 2012-13 Liverpool’s population was more than 191,000 people from a diverse range of backgrounds. The State Government has identified Liverpool City as the regional city for South-Western Sydney. Council is actively facilitating the ongoing development of Liverpool as a regional city through various initiatives including the establishment of an economic development portfolio and a city centre revitalisation project. Liverpool is geographically positioned as the gateway to Sydney, being at the crossroads for travel to Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide. Council’s aim is to improve the quality of life for people who live, work or visit the Liverpool area by developing a vibrant business climate where high quality jobs, education and training opportunities are located close to home. The area has recently undergone significant infrastructure upgrades with the launch of the largest hospital in Australia, high-end retail facilities including a large shopping mall, schools and tertiary education facilities (including TAFE and a teaching hospital). Growth in the health and education precinct provides an excellent opportunity for future cluster growth and investment attraction. Liverpool incorporates a significant part of the South West Growth Centre and will be subject to significant urban development. It is projected that the population of Liverpool will be 239,000 by 2021.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 1 / Elected Council 11
Elected Council Liverpool City Council has 11 elected members of Council comprising a Mayor that is elected by popular vote and 10 councillors. The local government area has two wards – north and south – with five councillors representing each ward. Councillors represent the community at council meetings and as council delegates on internal and external committees and boards. Council elections were held on 8 September 2012 and a new Council was elected. Liverpool City’s Councillors prior to 8 September 2012 were: Mayor Wendy Waller Deputy Mayor Tony Hadchiti Clr Ghulam Gillani Clr Mazhar Hadid Clr Peter Harle Clr Ali Karnib Clr Gary Lucas Clr Ned Mannoun Clr Jim McGoldrick Clr Nadia Napoletano Clr Anne Stanley
The North and South Wards of the Liverpool local government area
WALLACIA
LUDDENHAM
BADGERYS CREEK
CECIL HILLS
CECIL PARK
KEMPS CREEK
GREEN VALLEY
MIDDLETON GRANGE BRINGELLY GREENDALE
ROSSMORE
AUSTRAL
WEST HOXTON
HECKENBERG MOUNT PRITCHARD WARWICK BUSBY ASHCROFT FARM HINCHINBROOK SADLEIR LIVERPOOL MILLER CARTWRIGHT
HOXTON PARK
HORNINGSEA PARK
LURNEA
DENHAM COURT
MOOREBANK
PRESTONS CASULA
LEPPINGTON
CHIPPING NORTON
WATTLE GROVE
HAMMONDVILLE
EDMONDSON PARK
VOYAGER POINT PLEASURE POINT
INGLEBURN
HOLSWORTHY
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
12 PART 1 / Elected Council
Representative Member on
MAYOR Ned Mannoun
Budget and Finance Committee Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board Economic Development Committee Financial Contributions Panel Heritage Advisory Committee Liverpool City Centre Revitalisation Committee • Liverpool Multicultural Advisory Committee • • • • • •
• • • • • • •
Liverpool Sports Committee Liverpool Traffic Committee No Intermodal Committee Street Naming Committee Tourism and Events Committee Westpool Western Sydney Regional Organisations of Councils
south Ward Representative Member on
Councillor GUS BALLOT
• • • • •
Budget and Finance Committee Economic Development Committee Environment Advisory Committee Ethics and Audit Committee Liverpool City Centre Revitalisation Committee
• Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre Management Committee • Liverpool Multicultural Advisory Committee • Street Naming Committee • Tourism and Events Committee
Representative Member on
Councillor Tony Hadchiti
• Budget and Finance Committee • Liverpool Multicultural Advisory Committee • No Intermodal Committee
• Joint Regional Planning Panel • Western Sydney Regional Organisations of Councils
Representative Member on
Councillor SABRINA MAMONE
Budget and Finance Committee Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board Economic Development Committee Liverpool Access Committee Liverpool City Centre Revitalisation Committee • Liverpool Multicultural Advisory Committee • • • • •
Representative Member on Budget and Finance Committee Economic Development Committee Environment Advisory Committee Ethics and Audit Committee
Councillor GEOFF SHELTON
• • • •
Councillor Anne Stanley
• Liverpool Sports Committee
Representative Member on
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Liverpool Youth Council No Intermodal Committee NSW Metro Public Libraries Association The South West Sydney Academy of Sport Board • Tourism and Events Committee • • • •
PART 1 / Elected Council 13
North Ward Representative Member on
DEPUTY MAYOR Mazhar Hadid
• • • • • •
Budget and Finance Committee Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board Economic Development Committee Ethics and Audit Committee Financial Contributions Panel Liverpool City Centre Revitalisation Committee
• Tourism and Events Committee • Joint Regional Planning Panel • Macarthur/Liverpool Regional Advisory Council
Representative Member on
Councillor Peter Harle
Budget and Finance Committee Economic Development Committee Environment Advisory Committee Ethics and Audit Committee Floodplain Management Authorities Joint Regional Planning Panel (alternative) • Liverpool Youth Council • • • • • •
• Macarthur Bushfire Management Committee • No Intermodal Committee • Royal Fire Services (RFS) – Macarthur Zone Liaison Committee • Tourism and Events Committee
Representative Member on
Councillor Ali Karnib
• Tourism and Events Committee
Representative Member on
Councillor PETER RISTEVSKI
• • • • •
Budget and Finance Committee Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board Economic Development Committee Environment Advisory Committee Georges River Combined Councils Committee
• • • •
Aboriginal Consultative Committaee Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board Liverpool Access Committee Liverpool Youth Council
• Liverpool City Centre Revitalisation Committee • Liverpool Multicultural Advisory Committee • Tourism and Events Committee
Representative Member on
Councillor Wendy Waller
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
14 PART 1/ Council Meetings
Council meetings are held once a month.
Council meetings Liverpool City Council meets monthly. Dates are set by a resolution of Council and advertised in the local newspapers and on Council’s website. Council meetings are open to all members of the public. Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, some sections of a meeting may be closed to discuss matters such as legal proceedings and commercial in confidence issues, however the resolutions from these items are always made public. All council meeting agendas, reports and minutes are published on Council’s website. Councillor Briefings provide a forum for the Mayor and Councillors to conduct in-depth discussions with professional staff. The sessions provide the time needed to explore important and complex issues in detail. No formal decisions are made at Councillor Briefing Sessions. Twelve ordinary Council meetings, two extraordinary Council meetings and eighteen Councillor Briefing Sessions were held during the year. Attendance of councillors at these meetings is summarised in the following tables.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 1/ Council Meetings 15
July to August 2012 (prior to Council elections in September 2012) Council Meetings attended
Councillor Briefing Sessions attended
Mayor Wendy Waller
1
0
Deputy Mayor Tony Hadchiti
2
4
Clr Ghulam Gillani
1
0
Clr Mazhar Hadid
2
4
Clr Peter Harle
2
4
Clr Ali Karnib
2
0
Clr Gary Lucas
2
3
Clr Ned Mannoun
1
4
Clr Jim McGoldrick
2
1
Clr Nadia Napoletano
2
3
Clr Anne Stanley
2
0
Councillor
Two Council meetings and four Councillor Briefing Sessions were held during this period.
September 2012 to June 2013
Council Meetings attended
Extraordinary Council Meetings attended
Briefing Sessions attended
Mayor Ned Mannoun
10
2
11
Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid
10
2
14
Clr Gus Balloot
9
1
11
Clr Tony Hadchiti
10
2
12
Clr Peter Harle
10
2
11
Clr Ali Karnib
9
2
8
Clr Sabrina Mamone
10
2
8
Clr Peter Ristevski
10
2
8
Clr Geoff Shelton
10
2
14
Clr Anne Stanley
10
2
9
Clr Wendy Waller
7
1
0
Councillor
Ten Council meetings, 2 Extraordinary Council Meetings and 14 Councillor Briefing Sessions were held during this period.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
16 PART 1/ Council Committees
Council Committees Council has established a number of committees that provide advice to Council on a range of community matters. Most of the committees are made up of community representatives and at least one councillor. They meet on a regular basis and are governed by a charter which is endorsed by Council. The following committees were held during the year: • Aboriginal Consultative Committee • Budget and Finance Committee • Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board • Economic Development Committee • Environment Advisory Committee • Ethics and Audit Committee • Floodplain Management Committee • Heritage Advisory Committee • Liverpool Access Committee • Liverpool City Centre Urban Revitalisation Committee • Liverpool Multicultural Advisory Committee • Liverpool Sports Committee • Liverpool Youth Council • No Intermodal Committee • Street Naming Committee • Order of Liverpool Advisory Committee • Tourism and Events Committee • Warwick Farm Racing Precinct Steering Committee Councillor attendance at committee meetings is summarised below-
Committee Name
Meetings Attended
Meetings Held
5
7
Clr Peter Harle
1
1
Mayor Ned Mannoun Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid Clr Gus Balloot Clr Tony Hadchiti Clr Peter Harle Clr Sabrina Mamone Clr Peter Ristevski Clr Geoff Shelton Mayor Ned Mannoun Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid Clr Sabrina Mamone Clr Peter Ristevski Clr Wendy Waller
5 5 5 0 5 2 2 5 2 2 1 1 1
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 2 2 2 2
Mayor Wendy Waller
1
1
Clr Nadia Napoletano Clr Gary Lucas
0 1
2 2
Clr Gary Lucas
1
1
Clr Nadia Napoletano
0
2
Councillor Representative Clr Wendy Waller
Aboriginal Consultative Committee
Budget and Finance Committee
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board
Pre September 2012
Pre September 2012
Community and Recreation Panel (Panel merged with Community Forums in November 2012)
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Pre September 2012
PART 1/ Council Committees 17
Committee Name
Economic Development Committee
Environment Advisory Committee
Ethics and Audit Committee
Financial Contributions Panel Heritage Advisory Committee
Liverpool Access Committee
Liverpool City Centre Revitalisation Committee
Liverpool Multicultural Advisory Committee
Liverpool Sports Committee
Liverpool Traffic Committee Liverpool Youth Council
Councillor Representative Mayor Ned Mannoun Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid Clr Gus Balloot Clr Peter Harle Clr Sabrina Mamone Clr Peter Ristevski Clr Anne Stanley (1/7/12-17/1/13) Clr Geoff Shelton (18/1/13-30/06/13) Clr Gus Balloot Clr Peter Harle Clr Peter Ristevski (1/7/12-29/5/13) Clr Geoff Shelton (30/5/13-30/6/13) Pre September 2012 Mayor Wendy Waller Clr Peter Harle Clr Gary Lucas Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid Clr Gus Balloot Clr Peter Harle Clr Geoff Shelton Pre September 2012 Clr Peter Harle Clr Jim McGoldrick Clr Nadia Napoletano Mayor Ned Mannoun Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid Mayor Ned Mannoun Pre September 2012 Clr Gary Lucas Clr Sabrina Mamone Clr Wendy Waller Pre September 2012 Mayor Wendy Waller Mayor Ned Mannoun Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid Clr Gus Balloot Clr Sabrina Mamone Clr Peter Ristevski Mayor Ned Mannoun Clr Gus Balloot Clr Tony Hadchiti Clr Sabrina Mamone Clr Peter Ristevski Mayor Ned Mannoun Clr Anne Stanley Pre September 2012: Clr Mazhar Hadid Clr Anne Stanley Mayor Ned Mannoun Clr Peter Harle Clr Sabrina Mamone Clr Wendy Waller
Meetings Attended
Meetings Held
6 5 4 6 3 3 1 5 0 2 0 1
6 6 6 6 6 6 1 5 2 2 2 2
1 1 0 1 0 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 0 3 3 0
1 1 1 3 3 2
1 2 2
1 5 5
2 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 4
2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4
1 1 4 6 4 3
1 1 7 7 9 9
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
18 PART 1/ Council Committees
Committee Name
No Intermodal Committee
Order of Liverpool Advisory Committee
Street Naming Committee
Tourism and Events Committee
Councillor Representative Mayor Ned Mannoun Clr Tony Hadchiti Clr Peter Harle Clr Sabrina Mamone Pre September 2012: Mayor Wendy Waller Clr Hadid Clr Harle Mayor Ned Mannoun Clr Gus Balloot Pre September 2013 Mayor Wendy Waller Mayor Ned Mannoun Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid Clr Gus Balloot Clr Peter Harle Clr Sabrina Mamone Clr Peter Ristevski Clr Ali Karnib
Meetings Attended
Meetings Held
2 1 4 1
4 4 4 4
1 1 1 2 2
1 1 1 4 4
1 5 5 4 4 2 4 3
1 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Council staff and councillors were also involved in a number of external committees that deal with issues that impact on the Liverpool area. Councillor representation on external committees is as follows. External Committee/Affiliated Boards
Council representative/s
Floodplain Management Authorities
Councillor Peter Harle
Georges River Combined Councils Committee
Councillor Peter Ristevski
Joint Regional Planning Panel
Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid Councillor Tony Hadchiti Councillor Peter Harle (alternate)
Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre Management Committee
Councillor Gus Balloot
Macarthur/Liverpool Regional Advisory Council
Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid
Macarthur Bushfire Management Committee
Councillor Peter Harle
NSW Metro Public Libraries Association
Councillor Sabrina Mamone
Royal Fire Service (RFS) – Macarthur Zone Liaison Committee
Councillor Peter Harle
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport
Councillor Sabrina Mamone
WESTPOOL
Mayor Ned Mannoun
Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils
Mayor Ned Mannoun Councillor Tony Hadchiti
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 1 / Organisational Structure 19
Organisational structure The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the general manager of Council. The CEO leads the implementation of Council’s strategic objectives and ensures that Council’s decisions are turned into action. The CEO’s responsibilities include the effective and efficient operation of Council, employment of Council staff and management of resources. The Executive Directors provide strategic leadership and guidance. Executive Directors also provide professional, positive staff and workplace leadership by creating and maintaining an environment where staff are valued, challenged and inspired to achieve strategic objectives. When necessary, the Executive Directors deputise for the Chief Executive Officer. Council’s organisational structure as at June 2013 is shown below.
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Director
Group Manager Planing and Growth
Group Manager Infrastructure and Environment
Executive Director
Group Manager Economy and Engagement
Group Manager Strategy and Executive
Group Manager Community and Culture
Group Manager City Presentation
Group Manager Business Excellence
Group Manager City Governance
Our staff
At the end of June 2013 Council employed 680 staff, comprising of 554 full-time, 92 part-time and 34 temporary staff.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
20 PART 1 / Access to Council information
Access to Council Information Council facilitates public access to information in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. During 2012-13, Council processed 969 informal requests for information. In addition, Council received 29 formal access applications, of which 3 were refused. Applications for information are only refused when there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.
Council’s Proactive Release of Information
Conflicts of Interest As there is significant potential for conflict of interests to arise in the course of a council official’s role, it is important that these are managed appropriately and all interests are disclosed before the matter is considered. During 2012-13 there were: • two declarations of pecuniary interests by Council staff • two declarations of non-pecuniary interests by Council staff • forty seven declarations of non-pecuniary interests made by Councillors These were all dealt with in accordance with Council’s Ethical Governance Conflicts of Interest Policy.
During the year Council proactively released information on its webpage and in the local media, including Development Applications, Local Environment Plans, Development Control Plans and local policies.
Ethics and Audit Committee
Commitment to Ethical Governance
• strategy and systems with respect to business ethics and corporate conduct • financial reporting and control processes, both internal and external • the scope of the internal audit program and its effectiveness.
Council is committed to ethical governance and has a suite of policies in place to support this. These policies are available on Council’s website and include topics such as conflict of interest, gifts and benefits, internal investigations and fraud prevention.
Membership of the Committee for 2012-13 was:
Council has been acknowledged and recognised for its governance processes. The Division of Local Government’s Promoting Better Practice Program, identified Council’s management of gifts and benefits as “better practice” which “exceeds current requirements”.
Council’s Ethics and Audits Committee oversees:
• • • • • • •
Jay Plibersek (independent Chair) Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid Councillor Gus Balloot Councillor Peter Harle Councillor Geoff Shelton Councillor Jim McGoldrick (prior to September 2012) Councillor Nadia Napoletano (prior to September 2012)
Code of Conduct
Observers at the meetings include Farooq Portelli (Chief Executive Officer), Julie Hately (Executive Director), Matthew Walker (Group Manager Business Excellence), Dennis Banecevic (Council’s External Auditor) and Chris Van Zyl (Senior Internal Auditor).
Council’s Code of Conduct assists Councillors, Council staff and members of Council committees to:
As of June 2013 the committee had one vacant independent member position.
• Understand the standards of conduct that are expected of them • Fulfil their statutory duty to act honestly and exercise a reasonable degree of care and diligence • Act in a way that enhances public confidence in the integrity of local government.
Fraud and Corruption Prevention
It provides the foundation for ethical decision-making and is based on the Division of Local Government’s Model Code of Conduct. Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
All councillors and managers of Liverpool City Council are responsible for creating an environment that promotes active fraud and corruption control by carrying out and issuing clear standards, strategies and procedures that prevent fraudulent and corrupt behaviour. Council’s Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy and Plan outline responsibilities and strategies for detecting and mitigating opportunities for corrupt conduct within Council.
PART 1 / PART 1 / Community Engagement 21
A range of community forums and meetings are held at Bringelly Community Centre.
Community Engagement Council has a number of strategies in place to engage with the community and ensure that the community is aware and involved in Council’s operations. These include: • • • • • • • • • •
Placing draft plans, strategies and policies on public exhibition Ensuring information on the website is relevant and up to date Distributing regular newsletters to households Facilitating Council committees on a range of subject areas Hosting engagement booths at different locations across Liverpool and at community events Organising Public Meetings on topical issues Facilitating Customer Service and Developer Focus Groups Facilitating monthly Community Forums, both rural and urban Using social media forums such as Facebook and Twitter Undertaking an annual community telephone survey
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
22 PART 1/ Community Donations and Sponsorship
Community Donations and Sponsorship In 2012-13 more than $166,000 was provided to community groups, organisation and individuals in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993. The recipients and funding received by each are detailed in the following table. The below table details funding information. Community donations Liverpool Family and Children’s Services Interagency Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre Miller Art and Fact Y Foundations South West Child Adolescent and Family Services Liverpool District Combined Senior Citizen’s Progress Association Inspire Community Services Liverpool Neighbourhood Connections Liverpool Women’s Health Centre AFAQ Culture Arts and Sports Association Disability South West Australian Ethiopian Community Good Family Welfare City of Liverpool Meals on Wheels Liverpool Association The Junction Works Ltd, Wattle Grove Neighbourhood Centre Treehouse Theatre Spanish and Italian Speaking Seniors' Group Liverpool Sudanese Australian Union Outer Liverpool Community Services IGBO Association of NSW Total:
$ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 7,000 $ 6,500 $ 6,000 $ 5,250 $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ 4,000 $ 3,500 $ 3,500 $ 3,250 $ 3,000 $ 2,325 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 $ 1,519 $ 1,423 $ 631 $86,898
International donations Lau Samoa Council Total
$ 5,000 $ 5,000
Youth donations Natasha Lay - 8th International Conference of Youth Adrian Vincent - World Vision Youth Ambassador Seth Dias - NSW Youth Parliament Total:
$ 500 $ 500 $ 100 $ 1,100
School donations Ashcroft High School Cecil Hills High School Christadelphian Heritage College Sydney Hoxton Park High School James Busby High School John Edmondson High School Lawrence Hargrave School Liverpool Girls High School Miller Technology High School Moorebank High School William Carey Christian School Total:
$ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 1,100
Sports Donations Total:
$ 16,200
Corporate Sponsorship Australian Turf Club Shree Santab Dharma Pratinidhi Sabha of Australia Combined Mission Vedic Festival Friends of India Miracle Babies Sanatan Satsang Sabha of NSW Precedent Productions Lau Samoa Council Friends of Fiji Autism Association Fil-Oz Liverpool and Districts Macedonian Cancer Research ANZAC Golf Day Police Officer of the Year Total:
$ 10,000 $ 6,000 $ 5,500 $ 5,000 $ 3,500 $ 3,500 $ 2,500 $ 2,225 $ 2,200 $ 2,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 46,425
Other Donations PCYC Gift of Time for Kids Event Thomas Hassall High School Total
Donations Annual Total: Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
$ 5,000 $ 5,000 $ 10,000
$166,723
PART 1 / Financial Summary 23
Council’s Financial Summary Council’s financial position as at 30 June 2013 continues to demonstrate a sound and stable position.
SNAPSHOT • $191.5 million income from Continuing Operations • $74 million capital expenditure (including $23.46 million Land Under Roads dedicated by developers) • Rates and Charges comprised $96.93 million (50.62%) of the total income from Continuing Operations • Operating Surplus $47.1 million • Cash reserves increased by $10.34 million • $23.46 million road reserve dedicated to Council in new land release areas.
Council provided more than $160,000 in funding to a range of community groups.
Income Statement The income statement shows how much Council earned or expended during the 2012-2013 financial year and is calculated using the following formula: Total revenue – total expenses = net result The operating surplus in 2012-2013 was $47.1 million. A positive net result does not necessarily mean there is a surplus of funds that can be used for Council operations or future capital expenditure. Some of the net result is made up of items representing funds which have been set aside for a specific purpose and “Non-Cash” revenue. For example, during 20122013 these included: • Non–Cash revenue of $23.46 million road reserves dedicated by developers to Council at Moorebank, Carnes Hill, Middleton Grange, Edmondson Park and Len Waters Estate. The value of these assets is included as revenue (these are non-cash revenues, i.e. do not represent funds available for Council operations or future capital expenditure); and • $1.1 million “in kind” contributions from developers (value of works completed at the developer’s expense in lieu of Section 94 cash contribution). • $19.4 million cash contributed by developers to fund future infrastructure associated with new development (Council is restricted as to how it may use these funds). Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
24 PART 1 / Sourcing our Revenue
Sourcing our Revenue – where our money came from Council had revenue of $191.5 million during 2012-2013. The largest contributions to revenue were provided by general rates and capital grants and contributions.
Where Our Money Came From ($,000 and %) Capital Grants & Contributions $47,084 - 25%
Operating Grants & Contributions $14,838 - 8%
Net Gain on Sale of Assets $1,620 - 1% Net Share Interest in Joint Ventures $785 - less than 1%
Other Revenues $11,807 - 6% Interest & Investment Revenue $6,355 - 3%
General Rates $73,579 - 39%
User Charges & Fees $12,031 - 6% Other Rates & Charges $23,355 - 12%
Identifying our expenses – where our money was spent The primary components of our $144.37 million expenditure are employee costs, depreciation and materials and contracts. Total gross expenditure increased by approximately 6.3% per cent mainly due to: • 4.8% increase in employee costs (3.25% annual award increase and 1.55% increase for the competency review and costs associated with the organisational restructure). • 11% increase in ‘Materials and contracts’ consisting mainly of maintenance costs for infrastructure assets, parks and open space; price and tonnage increases for garbage and recycling materials collected during the year.
Where Our Money Was Spent ($,000 and %) Depreciation & Amortisation $32,594 - 23%
Other Expenses $11,6295 - 8%
Materials & Contracts $46,133 - 32%
Employee Costs $51,273 - 35%
Borrowing Costs $2,736 - 2% Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 1 / Balance Sheet 25
The iconic Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is just one of Council’s many assets.
Balance Sheet The balance sheet shows what we own (our assets) and what we owe (our liabilities) and our net worth.
Assets – what we own As at 30 June 2013, Council held assets worth $1.88 billion. The major components of our assets include: • property, plant and equipment (land, buildings, roads, stormwater drainage, motor vehicles, trucks and other plant items) • capital works in progress • investment properties • cash and investments
Revaluation of Assets and Correction of Prior Year Errors Council is required by the Division of Local Government to re-value its assets at Fair Value every five years and on a cyclical basis for each major asset class in accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB116. For the financial year ending 30 June 2013, Council engaged a registered external Valuer to revalue its buildings and operational land. Council recognised a fair value gain of $36.9 million upon completion and review of the Valuer’s report. This gain consisted of $29.67 million for buildings and $7.3 million for operational land. As part of the review process, Council identified and revised down the rate per square metre on a number of operational lands held in its asset register. This resulted in a total write down of $93.2 million for this asset class. The main reason for the asset write down was an overstatement of the rate per square metre used in the 2008 revaluation. The land values
in Council’s asset register have been adjusted as at 30 June 2013 to reflect zoning, development restrictions, limited use and other factors that were not considered during the 2008 revaluation. Both the Revaluation Gain of $36.9 million and the correction of errors of $93.2 million are reported in the Statement of Comprehensive Income (OCI), as they have no impact on the results for the reporting period. They are instead reported as equity adjustments to the Asset Revaluation Reserves and to Retained Earnings in Council’s Statement of Financial Position.
Capital expenditure The level of capital expenditure in 2012-13 strived to deliver on the challenge of renewing community assets. During the year $74 million dollars was spent on capital works and acquisitions including $23.46 million of road reserves dedication and in kind contributions of $1.1 million by developers.
Reviewing our liabilities – what we owe Council’s liabilities include debt, amounts owed to suppliers and amounts owed to employees for leave entitlements. Council’s total liabilities of $77.1 million represent an increase of 6.1 per cent from the previous year. The increase is mainly due to a net increase in borrowings for $3.5 million as follows: 1. Increase in loan liability for $9.6 million – Round One Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS). 2. Reduction of loan liability by $6.6 million Repayments of loan principal during the year. 3. Increase in loan liability $0.5 million - Unwinding of deemed interest income for 2012/2013 on the ten year interest free loan.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
26 PART 1 / Cash Reserves
Cash Reserves 2009 - 2003
Cash reserves
Conclusion
Council’s cash holdings have increased by $1.5 million during 2012-2013, with an increase of $2.4 million in external restrictions and $0.9 million reduction in internal restrictions. Unrestricted funds increased from $4.9 million in the previous year to $8.9 million as at 30 June 2013.
Council is continuing to work to ensure it is in a strong financial position to provide for the present and future needs of Liverpool’s growing community. In accordance with the requirements of the Division of Local Government, Council developed a 10-year Community Strategic Plan supported by a Resourcing Strategy consisting of a Long Term Financial Plan, an Asset Management Plan and Workforce Management Plan.
Debt levels Council’s single largest liability is its debt as a result of its loan borrowing program; at 30 June 2013 this liability was $46.2 million including a $7.8 million interest free loan. Council obtained approval from the Division of Local Government (DLG) for an interest subsidy loan through round one of the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS). Council borrowed $9.6 million through this scheme at a net interest rate of 1.55% to fund road pavement reconstruction ($8.19 million) and the City Library mechanical services ($1.4 million). Council will be reviewing its future needs to borrow as part of its Long Term Financial Plan, especially opportunities to apply for future LIRS rounds as they become available. Council’s debt service ratio is at around 6.34 per cent and is well below the industry benchmark of 10 per cent.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
The Long Term Financial Plan is updated annually as part of the development of the Operational Plan and reviewed in detail as part of the four yearly review of the Community Strategic Plan. These plans will assist Council to inform all stakeholders of what is required to ensure a financially sustainable Regional City for all residents.
PART 1 / Risk Management 27
Risk management
Macquarie Mall in Liverpool’s City Centre.
Council identifies risk based on risk assessments, risk registers, claim trends and emerging risk factors. Asset inspections were undertaken based on set criteria and time frames. Council managed known risk factors within allocated funding and available resources. Council has as part of its self-insurance program a comprehensive Risk Assessment Program for Work Health and Safety. Council progressed implementation of an Enterprise Risk Management Program including a register of identified risks across the organisation. Council has a critical incident response plan to respond to any major event or infrastructure loss to enable continuity in the provision of services to the community.
Workers Compensation Liverpool City Council is a self-insurer for workers compensation purposes and is licensed by Workcover NSW under NSW legislation to manage its own claims. Council has held this licence for 28 years.
Westpool – United Independent Pools Liverpool is a founding member of Westpool Group of Councils. This group was established to help stabilise insurance premium costs and has achieved significant
cost savings and long term benefits for member councils through effective risk management. The organisation was established in 1988 by Liverpool, Fairfield, Blacktown, Penrith, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains Councils. Parramatta joined in 2002, Wollongong in 2010 and Shellharbour in 2011. The nine member councils work together to manage their risk and secure all their required insurance cover. Westpool also works closely with Metropool which is made up of seven inner city councils and Kiama Council to form the United Independent Pools (UIP) to combine the buying power and enhance the services to both pools, their member council and communities. Financial contributions to the pool are based on the relative size of each council and incorporate a proportion of underlying claims experience so as to reflect risk exposure. Westpool is owned, governed and administered by elected and appointed delegates from each member Council, with the assistance of professional staff and service providers. Types of insurances purchased by the councils of Westpool and the United Independent Pools include public liability, professional liability, property, motor vehicle, councillors and officers statutory liability, fidelity, artworks and transit, volunteers and other insurances. Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
28 PART 1 / Managing Council Assets
Managing Council Assets Introduction Council is responsible for the management, care and control of a wide range of infrastructure assets. These include public roads and other transport related facilities, floodplain and drainage networks, parks, reserves and recreational facilities, property and buildings. The combined replacement cost of these is more than $1.87 billion. The scope and value of assets managed by Council is shown in the figure below.
Current Replacement Cost Infrastructure Assets 2013 Roads $1,039 million 55%
Drainage $418 million - 22%
Building $272 million - 15% Parks $145 million - 8% Council’s assets are used to provide a range of services which aim to deliver social, environmental and economic outcomes for the community of Liverpool.
Asset Management Planning Council has a comprehensive suite of asset management planning documents in place which are in line with current best practice. The planning documents ensure that assets continue to provide services effectively and efficiently.
Asset Renewal and Replacement During the year, Council continued its capital works program to renew and replace infrastructure assets. Works were funded from the following income sources: • • • •
special rate variation; stormwater management service charge; grants from Commonwealth and State governments; and Council’s own funding sources including Section 94 developer contributions.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 1 / Asset management Planning 29
The M7/M5 Interchange connects Sydney with the Southern Highlands, Canberra and Victoria. Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
30 PART 1 / Road and Transport assets
Council spent approximately $5 million on footpaths and cycle ways.
Road and Transport Assets Council is responsible for the care, control and management of more than 840 kilometres of formed roads. Approximately eight kilometres of this network is unsealed and 36 kilometres has regional road status. During 2012-13, an additional 12 kilometres of new roads were added to the network as the result of subdivision, mostly in Middleton Grange and Edmondson Park.
• Bernera and Kurrajong Roads are major subarterial roads that provide primary access to the above areas and Council is continuing the staged reconstruction and widening of these roads with an estimated cost of more than $40 million.
Council continued to implement road pavement management strategies to progressively upgrade assets that are in poor condition, while focusing on preventing assets that are in fair or good condition from falling into the poor category.
• Major upgrades were undertaken at Collimore Car Park to provide 155 additional spaces at a cost of approximately $145,000.
Achievements for the year
• Road pavement renewal and rehabilitation works valued at more than $4 million were completed.
• Resurfacing of five streets was completed in Austral and Kemps Creek covering an area of more than 28,000 square metres.
Council spent more than $17 million on preserving, restoring and enhancing all road and transport related assets during 2012-13. Key achievements include:
• Surface rejuvenating treatments were carried out on more than 20,000 square metres of pavements in Hinchinbrook.
Streetscape enhancement works on the following streets in the city centre: • Moore Street between George and Bigge Streets. • Macquarie Street between Bathurst and Scott Streets. • Scott Street at George Street.
• $1.4 million in funding was secured through the State Government’s River Cities Bike Program. This was used to construct five kilometres of shared paths along key regional parks and major arterial roads.
• Major road upgrades to support current and predicted future growth in the residential and industrial release areas of Prestons, Carnes Hill, Edmondson Park and Horningsea Park.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
• New and upgraded traffic facilities were provided at the following locations: −− Pedestrian refuge at Australis Avenue, Wattle Grove −− School Crossing at Cross Street, Kemps Creek −− Footbridge at Fifteenth Avenue, West Hoxton.
PART 1 / Drainage Assets 31
Council has been recognised as an industry leader for using innovative technology to restore its piped drainage system.
Drainage Assets Council’s drainage assets include more than 590 kilometres of piped drainage systems and associated pits, gross pollutant traps, flood retention basins, formed channels and waterways with a combined value of more than $418 million. Council uses state-of-the-art CCTV to assess the structural condition and hydraulic performance of its drainage network. These inspections provide Council with accurate condition data and digital imagery of its pipe network. Council has been recognised as an industry leader for using innovative technology to restore its piped drainage system and was highly commended at the NSW Stormwater Industry Association Excellence Awards.
Achievements for the Year Council spent more than $3 million dollars on preserving, restoring and enhancing drainage infrastructure. This includes: • Renewal and rehabilitation of more than two kilometres of Council’s piped drainage system (covering a network of just over 24 kilometres).
between Moore and Scott Streets to boost existing stormwater capacities and reduce flooding within the city centre. This $2 million project was jointly funded by the State government’s Floodplain Management Program. Designs for the final stage of this project were also completed. • Council implemented a substantial program of works at the following locations: −− Erosion protection and bank stabilisation of Brickmakers Creek at Reilly Street, Lurnea. Designs for a flood detention basin at Amalfi Park to mitigate the adverse impact of flooding from Brickmakers Creek were also completed. −− Works to prevent ongoing erosion of South Creek at Western Road, Kemps Creek. −− Drainage improvement works at Cubit Drive, Denham Court to alleviate property flooding from overland flows. −− Three gross pollutant traps were installed in the city centre to prevent pollutants from reaching Georges River.
• 320 metres of a new underground piped drainage system was constructed along George Street,
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
32 PART 1 / Parks And Recreation Facilities
A full upgrade to Peter Miller Reserve was completed and included a new sports field, playground, sports amenities building, car parking and landscaping.
Parks and Recreation Facilities Council manages more than 500 open space reserves which span over 1,400 hectares and provide opportunities for active and passive recreation. This includes recreational facilities such as netball courts, tennis courts, cricket nets, skate ramps, parks and sportsgrounds. These assets have a combined replacement cost of more than $145 million.
Achievements for the year Council spent $7.4 million on parks and recreational facilities. $583,000 was spent on upgrading the following playgrounds: • • • • • • • • • •
Paramor Reserve, Green Valley Ayshford Park, West Hoxton Paine Park, Moorebank Lions Park, Lurnea Sullivan Park, Lurnea Sanananda Park, Holsworthy Kelso Park, Moorebank Fairall Park, Chipping Norton Lakeside Park, Wattle Grove Schell Park, Liverpool
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
$845,000 was spent on improving the following key parks: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Ashfordby Park, Chipping Norton Collimore Park, Liverpool Lakeside Park, Wattle Grove Woodward Park, Liverpool Glendevie Park, West Hoxton Sanananda Park, Holsworthy Sullivan Park, Lurnea Liverpool Pioneer’s Park, Liverpool Lions Park, Lurnea Vasta Park, Moorebank Whitlam Park Oval, Busby Bardia Park, Holsworthy.
$173,000 was spent improving floodlighting at: • Jardine Park, Casula • Hammondville Park, Hammondville. Planning for the upgrade of the following parks commenced: • • • • • • •
Bardia Park, Holsworthy Whitlam Park Oval, Busby Ida Kennedy Reserve, Hinchinbrook Apex Park, Liverpool Glendevie Park, West Hoxton Liverpool Pioneer’s Park, Liverpool Georges River Casula Parklands
PART 1 / Buildings 33
Council launched the new Brownes Farm Reserve which included basketball courts, 2 new playgrounds, cycle ways, floodlighting and irrigation.
Buildings Council cares for 210 buildings which have a wide range of uses and include office space, parking stations, aquatic centres and heritage buildings. The combined replacement cost of these buildings is currently more than $272 million.
Achievements for the year Council spent $4.4 million dollars on renewing, refurbishing and improving many of its existing properties. Achievements include: • A $2.3 million upgrade of Brownes Farm Reserve in Hoxton Park, which includes a new amenity building for AFL and cricket club use, two rugby/ cricket ovals with flood lighting and irrigation system, a 100 space car park, half-size basketball court, playground and landscaping.
• Completion of the Rose Street Operations Centre. • Improvements and upgrades to the following buildings: −− Dr Pirie Centre −− Rosedale Oval amenity building −− Casula, Casula, Cecil Hills, Holsworthy, Hinchinbrook and Prestons child care centres −− Liverpool Regional Museum −− Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre and Stadium −− Miller Senior Citizens and Heckenberg Community Centre −− Liverpool City Library
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
34 PART 1 / Condition of Assets
Condition of Assets Council proactively develops maintenance and renewal strategies to ensure responsive and cost effective management of its assets. Information on the condition and performance of Council’s key assets is provided in the following graph.
Condition of Infrastructure Assets
Notes to table (see page 35) 1. Current replacement cost - estimated cost to replace existing asset with modern equivalent which will deliver same service potential. 2. Average condition - an overall assessment of the average condition of assets within an asset category. Selected from five condition levels comprising excellent, good, average, poor and very poor or unserviceable. 3. Estimated cost to bring to a satisfactory standard - estimated cost required to bring assets within an asset group to a condition level equal to, or better than “good” as required by the Division of Local Government’s (DLG) Planning and Reporting Manual for Local Governments in NSW - 2010. Note: a. Approximately 120km of the rural road network is predominantly within the South West Growth Centre. Council will only implement low cost strengthening and stabilisation strategies which aim to keep these roads in a reasonable condition until full reconstruction can occur as part of the development of the South West Growth Centre. The upgrade costs reflect this strategy. b. Most of the amenities or toilet blocks located in parks and reserves are not required to be maintained as per DLG standard (good or above good) as they are currently considered to be fit for the intended purpose. Furthermore, most of the small sheds and structures at the depot will be demolished in coming years and these structures have been excluded from any upgrades. 4. Estimate annual cost of maintaining asset - estimated annual expenditure required to maintain all assets within an asset group at a satisfactory standard. 5. Annual maintenance expenditure - Council’s expenditure during the financial year for the purpose of maintaining, preserving or restoring assets.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
6. Footpath and cycleways - a comprehensive inspection program was undertaken in 2012-13 to assess the condition of all footpaths and cycleways. A large portion of footpaths and cycleways located in parks and reserves were not included in previous inspections undertaken in 2006-7. These footpaths are now included and mapped in Council’s footpath network. The reason for the valuation increase in road transport assets is due to the significant increase in footpaths (114 km) with an estimated value of $21 million. 7. Off street car parks - Council sold Elizabeth Drive car park and four small car parks associated with the Council administration building at Hoxton Park Road. 8. Libraries - three libraries at Moorebank, Miller and Green Valley which are located in a composite building that also accommodates community facilities were valued separately in the previous valuation. These three libraries are now included in the Community Centres category (increasing this asset category from 35 to 38). 9. Parks buildings and associated structures - the number of assets in this category decreased from 114 to 111 due to removal of two small structures and addition of the amenities building at Brownes Farm Reserve. 10. Playground equipment - number of playgrounds decreased from 160 to 155 due to demolition of five poor and unserviceable playgrounds.
PART 1 / Condition of Assets 35
The following table provides average condition of Council’s assets and costs to upgrade and maintain these assets to ensure they continue to provide acceptable standards of service over the long term.
Asset Description
Quantity
Current replacement cost (Note 1)
ROAD AND TRANSPORT ASSETS Roads Kerb and gutter Footpath and cycleways
note 6
Bridges and culverts Road furniture and structures Off street car parks
note 7
Required annual maintenance (Note 4)
$1,039,138,000
Annual maintenance expenditure 2012-13 (Note 5)
$149,610,000
$20,715,000
$17,044,000
$138,272,000
$16,898,000
$13,417,000
840 km
$642,734,000
Average
1270 km
$189,273,000
Good
$1,208,000
$358,000
$519,000
652 km
$97,674,000
Good
$1,452,000
$1,740,000
$1,313,000
101
$41,349,000
Good
$2,596,000
$285,000
$237,000
12801 Nos
$57,120,000
Excellent
$4,787,000
$981,000
$1,392,000
117
$10,988,000
Good
$1,295,000
$453,000
$166,000
$12,789,000
$2,541,000
$2,960,000
$1,847,000
$1,810,000
FLOODPLAIN AND DRAINAGE Pipes
Estimated Average cost to bring condition as to satisfactory at June 2013 standard (Note 2) (Notes 3a and 3b)
$417,703,000 590 km
$318,952,000
Excellent
$7,856,000
Pits
20290 No
$68,380,000
Excellent
$2,624,000
Headwalls
1275 No
$2,231,000
Good
$1,227,000
$100,000
$58,000
Retarding Basins
57
$16,987,000
Good
$558,000
$233,000
$869,000
Gross Pollutant Traps
112
$5,527,000
Excellent
$118,000
$256,000
$105,000
19 No
$5,626,000
Good
$406,000
$105,000
$118,000
$34,493,000
$7,666,000
$4,388,000
Wetlands BUILDING ASSETS
$272,466,000
Admin Building
1
$41,829,000
Average
$4,000,000
$1,177,000
$694,000
Aquatic Centres
6
$37,760,000
Average
$9,107,000
$1,062,000
$394,000
Bush Fire / SES
9
$2,373,000
Average
Childcare Centres
10
$11,157,000
Good
Commercial Properties
2
$10,711,000
Average
Community Centres
38
$49,589,000
Good
Heritage Buildings
14
$34,058,000
Good
Libraries, Museumsnote 8
3
$21,916,000
Excellent
Multi-Level Car Parks
2
$23,145,000
Average
Parks Buildings / Structuresnote 9
111
$33,185,000
Works Depot
13
$6,743,000
PARKS AND RECREATION
$808,000
$67,000
$33,000
$1,609,000
$314,000
$430,000
$750,000
$301,000
$47,000
$4,255,000
$1,395,000
$766,000
$4,600,000
$958,000
$294,000
$617,000
$743,000
$4,090,000
$651,000
$354,000
Average
$4,008,000
$934,000
$334,000
Average
$1,266,000
$190,000
$299,000
$9,881,000
$7,517,000
$7,373,000
$3,961,000
$1,708,000
$1,794,000
$145,238,000
Sporting Fields/ Ovals
92
$34,150,000
Good
Sporting Facilities
115
$6,892,000
Average
$638,000
$345,000
$1,359,000
Natural Reserves
32
$9,081,000
Good
$683,000
$454,000
$475,000
Parks, gardens and streetscapes
509
$86,140,000
Good
$812,000
$4,307,000
$2,956,000
Playground equipment note 10
155
$8,444,000
Average
$3,684,000
$676,000
$758,000
Wharves, Jetties, Boat ramps
6
$531,000
Average
$103,000
$27,000
$31,000
$206,773,000
$38,439,000
$31,765,000
GRAND TOTAL
$1,874,545,000
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
36 PART 1 / Stormwater Management Service Charge
Stormwater Management Service Charge The Stormwater Management Services Charge commenced in July 2008 and generates approximately $1.2 million in funding each year to undertake additional stormwater rehabilitation and renewal works to accommodate for Liverpool’s growing population. The following table provides a summary of works completed as at 30 June 2013.
Projects partly or fully funded through stormwater management service charge Flood Mitigation
Funding from stormwater charge
Total Expenditure
$119,304
$2,088,570
Chauvel Park, Chipping Norton - outlet protection works to reduce erosion and improve water quality
$46,332
$46,332
Flood Mitigation - works to address overland flooding
$38,734
$131,581
CBD Trunk Drainage Improvements - George Street and Moore Street to Scott Street
$34,238
$1,910,657
$123,399
$123,399
City Centre - new Gross Pollution Trap
$97,356
$97,356
Brickmakers Creek at Homepride Avenue - new Gross Pollution Trap
$26,043
$26,043
$204,394
$215,273
$140,000
$150,879
$64,394
$64,394
$133,322
$155,322
Brickmakers Creek and Reilly Street - erosion protection works
$91,188
$91,188
South Creek at Western Road - bank stabilisation to reduce erosion
$42,134
$64,134
$643,716
$709,803
Stormwater Pipe relining
$382,451
$412,153
Stormwater Pipe structural patches
$261,265
$297,650
$1,224,135
$3,292,367
Stormwater Quality
Drainage Enhanced Maintenance Programed Drainage Maintenance Stormwater Pipe Inspection, assessment and ancillary works Erosion Protection Works
Stormwater Pipe Restoration and Renewal
Grand Total
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 1 / Works Funded by a Special Rate Variation 37
Works Funded by a Special Rate Variation Council introduced a special rate variation of nine per cent commencing 1 July 2009. The purpose of the variation is to allow Council to increase its maintenance budget by $0.6 million and capital works program by approximately $5 million annually. As a result of the variation, Council is able to undertake more enhanced maintenance and fund much needed infrastructure works to bring community infrastructure up to a satisfactory standard. Council’s main focus areas have been road, bridge and footpath works, improvement and restoration of public buildings, drainage and floodplain improvements which reduce the impact of flooding and sporting field renovation. The additional works that have been funded by the special rate variation during 2012-13 are listed in the table below. Projects partly or fully funded from Special Rate Variation Buildings
Funding from SRV
Total expenditure
$529,000
$599,000
Rosedale Oval – design of new toilet amenities
$285,600
$295,600
Child Care Centres - Rehabilitation and renovation works
$129,000
$179,000
Hammondville Oval Baseball Amenity - Renewal design
$54,400
$54,400
Liverpool Regional Museum - Air-conditioning upgrade
$40,000
$50,000
Audit on vulnerability of Council’s buildings to fire and vandalism
$20,000
$20,000
$214,688
$283,422
Flood Mitigations - at Cubit Drive Denham Court
$92,847
$131,581
Brickmakers Creek Flood Mitigation – Construction of Amalfi Park detention basin
$69,875
$99,875
Drainage and Floodplain
CBD Trunk Drainage - Elizabeth Street, George Street to College Street
$51,966
$51,966
$921,000
$699,049
Playground replacement program
$240,000
$168,131
Whitlam Oval No. 4 – field improvement works
$145,000
$95,849
Lakeside Park – upgrade as per Key Suburb Park Program
$130,000
$80,165
Parks and Recreation
Bi-annual audit of sports courts and facilities
$90,000
$90,000
Hammondville Park - Floodlight Staged Upgrade Program to soccer field
$85,000
$81,852
Access improvement works to parks as per the Disability Action Plan
$70,000
$70,000
Pioneers' Park - Monument replacement program
$64,000
$37,910
Jardine Park - Floodlight Staged Upgrade Program
$51,000
$51,000
Amalfi Park (Main Oval) – Upgrade to floodlighting
$46,000
$24,142
$2,815,300
$3,179,775
Fifteenth Avenue, West Hoxton - Second to Herley
$375,840
$364,481
Atkinson Street, Liverpool - East end to eastern side of railway
$195,050
$195,050
General Bridge Rehabilitation and Renewal works
$129,600
$129,600
Roads, Bridges and Footpaths
General Footpath and Cycleway Restoration works
$34,560
$56,721
Disability Action Plan works
$27,650
$79,771
Pavement Stabilisation and Strengthening
$424,000
$403,410
National Street, Warwick Farm - Bull to Hope
$384,260
$332,604
St Johns Road, Busby - Aberdeen to South Liverpool
$326,380
$286,380
Grove Street, Casula - Highway to Gibb
$279,670
$257,670
Moore Street, Liverpool - George to Northumberland
$229,800
$252,403
Pacific Palms Circuit, Hoxton Park - 19th East to Lismore
$138,670
$138,670
Frederick Road, Cecil Hills - Gabriella to Spencer
$129,270
$471,844
Kerb and Gutter Replacement
$105,750
$126,340
Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan Grand Total
$34,800
$84,831
$4,479,988
$4,761,246
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
38 PART 1 / Environment Levy Works
Environment Levy works
Council staff delivered restoration works including locally native tree planting and weeding.
On 3 July 2007, Council received approval for a permanent environment levy from the then Department of Local Government. The environment levy is an ad valorem charge per rateable property and is approximately $20 per property per annum. The funds allow Council to undertake projects, programs and initiatives which address environmental sustainability in Liverpool. Council’s Environment Restoration Plan provides the framework for delivery of key projects which are funded through the environment levy.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 1 / Environment Levy Works 39
The following table provides details of all projects funded through the levy in 2012-13.
Income and Expenditure for the Environment Levy Income Environment Levy
Amount ($1,489,475) ($1,367,172)
Interest Environment Levy
($122,303)
Total Expenditure
$900,334
Education and Administration
$345,940
Administration Costs (includes staffing)
Community Support George’s River Riverkeeper Program
Educational Material and Programs
Maintenance, Materials and Equipment
Details
$250,535
$8,679
• Salaries of Environment Restoration Coordinator, two project officers, volunteer supervisor and site inspector • Consultant costs • Provision of support for Environment Advisory Committee and environment groups meetings and activities • Provision of training for environment volunteers
$34,750
Contribution to delivery of Georges River Riverkeeper Program which undertakes creek cleaning projects at various locations around Liverpool
$51,976
Development and delivery of educational material and programs including: • Major environment restoration projects • Sustainability Blitz environmental workshops • Quarterly environment activity flyers • Development and distribution of Council’s environment newsletter Sustaining Liverpool • Tree planting activities and environment events
$227,614
Plants
$15,144
Native local plants for community tree planting activities, tree giveaways, environment group activities, schools programs, grant projects, bush regeneration maintenance activities and Sustainability Blitz workshops
Mulch and site preparation
$17,953
Site preparation and provision of mulch for programs and activities
Site Maintenance Bush Regeneration Maintenance Equipment and Tools On-Ground Contracted Works Round 5 Projects, 2011-12
Delivery of riparian restoration works including weeding, locally native tree planting and litter removal
On-Ground Contracted Works Round 4 Projects, 2010-11
$3669
Site maintenance on completed major bush regeneration project sites
$184,398
3 full-time staff to undertake maintenance of bush regeneration sites
$6,450
Delivery of annual tree planting calendar, environment group activities, environment events including National Tree Day, bush regeneration maintenance and Sustainability Blitz workshops
$19,071
Bushland and riparian restoration works for Round 5 of the environment restoration project which includes weeding, locally native tree planting and litter removal (24 month duration)
$17,439
Cabrogal Park Riparian Restoration Project – Area 2 (Commenced February 2013 , proposed completion February 2015)
$1632 $307,709
Mannix Park Bushland Restoration Project – Area 2 (Commenced May 2013, proposed completion May 2015) Bushland and riparian restoration works for Round 4 of the environment restoration project which includes weeding, locally native tree planting and litter removal (18 months duration)
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
40 PART 1 / Environment Levy Works
Income and Expenditure for the Environment Levy
Delivery of riparian restoration works including weeding, locally native tree planting and litter removal
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Amount
Details
$10,210
Public Reserve – Tucker Road Bushland Restoration Project – Area 2 (March 2011 - November 2012)
$15,424
South Park Riparian Restoration Project – Area 2 (September 2011 - April 2013)
$14,484
Murragan Park Bushland Restoration Project – Area 2 (September 2011 - April 2013)
$12,729
Paciullo Park Riparian Restoration Project – Area 1 (October 2011 - April 2013)
$31,390
Havard Reserve Riparian Restoration Project – Area 3 (August 2011 - April 2013)
$9,901
Blamfield Oval Riparian Restoration Project – Area 1 (November 2012 - July 2014)
$24,269
The River Walk Riparian Restoration Project – Area 1(August 2012 May 2014)
$26,437
Powell Park Riparian Restoration Project – Area 1 (August 2012 - July 2014)
$24,269
Fassifern Park Riparian Restoration Project – Area 2 (August 2012 - March 2014)
$33,394
Dwyer Oval Riparian Restoration Project – Area 1 (August 2012 - February 2014)
$38,321
Brickmakers Creek – Lawrence Hargrave Drive – Riparian Restoration Project – Area 1 (August 2012 - February 2014)
$30,527
Maxwells Creek Riparian Restoration Project – Area 2 (August 2012 - February 2014)
$36,354
Glen Regent Reserve Bushland Restoration Project – Area 1 (September 2012 - February 2014)
Part 2:
Delivery Program 2011-2015 Achievements
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
42 PART2 / Planning for the Future
Planning for the future
Council held a series of community consulations to develop Growing Liverpool 2023 the new 10-year plan for Liverpool
Council has developed the following plans and strategies in accordance with the requirements of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. • A 10-year Community Strategic Plan • A 4-year Delivery Program • A 1-year Operational Plan • A detailed Resourcing Strategy
Community Strategic Plan 10 years+
Resourcing Strategy Delivery Program 4 years Perpetual monitoring and review framework
Operational Plan Annual
Annual Report
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 2 / Planning for the Future 43
Council launched the new plan to a range of community partners and business leaders.
Growing Liverpool 2021, the Community Strategic Plan for the City of Liverpool Growing Liverpool 2021 is the 10-year Community Strategic Plan for Liverpool. It outlines what the community has said is important. It is a plan for the whole city, not just Council. Council is a leader and custodian of the plan and is one of the parties responsible for its delivery. Growing Liverpool 2021 identifies 12 key objectives for Liverpool: Objective 1: Objective 2: Objective 3: Objective 4: Objective 5: Objective 6: Objective 7: Objective 8: Objective 9: Objective 10: Objective 11: Objective 12:
Liverpool is the vibrant regional centre for South-Western Sydney Neighbourhoods and villages are well designed, safe and clean Urban development is consistent with sustainability principles Liverpool is a socially inclusive and healthy community Council and the community work together to support environmental sustainability The culture and diversity of Liverpool is recognised and valued There is an efficient and highly connected transport system Urban infrastructure meets the needs of a growing community There is access to comprehensive education and training Liverpool has a range of business and employment opportunities Decision-making processes are transparent and the community has opportunities to be involved The community is supported by a well-managed and responsive Council
This is the final annual report for Growing Liverpool 2021. Future annual reports will report on the implementation of Council’s new Community Strategic Plan, Growing Liverpool 2023. Growing Liverpool 2023 was adopted on 26 June 2013 following a review of the previous plan to and reflect the emerging priorities and direction of Liverpool.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
44 PART 2 / Planning for the Future
Delivery Program 2011-15
Reporting on Progress
The Delivery Program is where the strategies and objectives in the 10-year Community Strategic Plan are translated into actions. It outlines the principal activities that Council will deliver over four years to move Liverpool forward.
Progress Reports on the Delivery Program and Operational Plan are developed on a six-monthly and annual basis in accordance with the requirements of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. Quarterly reports to Council on key achievements were also made by the Chief Executive Officer and provided a visual overview on the progress of projects and services.
Operational Plan 2012-13 The Operational Plan is developed each year. It describes the specific actions that Council will undertake. It is an opportunity to review progress and achievements. The Operational Plan allocates responsibility and outlines a detailed budget for each year.
This annual report provides information on Council’s progress against the Growing Liverpool 2021 Delivery Program and Operational Plan. It is the final report that will be completed against Growing Liverpool 2021 as future reports will be made against the Principal Activities outlined in Growing Liverpool 2023.
For improved integration, the 2011-15 Delivery Program and 2012-13 Operational Plan have been incorporated into one document.
Resourcing Strategy The Resourcing Strategy is about the resources required by Council to deliver the activities outlined in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. • The Long Term Financial Plan identifies the financial resources needed for the next 10 years to ensure Council operates in a financially sustainable manner. • The Asset management Plan identifies strategies to ensure that assets are developed, managed and maintained effectively and efficiently to meet current and future community needs. • The Workforce Management Plan details the staffing, skills and human resources that are required for Council to achieve the outcomes documented in the plans.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Copies of all Progress Reports, CEO Quarterly Presentations and Annual Reports can be found on Council’s website www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au
PART 2 / Planning for the Future 45
Sustainability Indicators Council uses a range of indicators to measure its progress in relation to environment, social, economic and governance aspects. These are reported below and divided into Council and community indicators. They are categorised in line with the objectives in the Delivery Program. Comparison with industry benchmarks is made where comparative data is available.
Legend
Valuable progress is being made
Indicator
Opportunity for improvement
There is insufficient data to make an assessment
Result 2012-13
Attention is required
Progress
Objective 1- Liverpool is the vibrant regional centre for South-West Sydney Council Community satisfaction with the general appearance of the city centre
Moderate satisfaction Satisfaction increased from 2011-12
Community satisfaction with festivals and major events
Moderately high satisfaction Satisfaction increased from 2011-12
Community satisfaction with city centre parking
Low level of satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
Community satisfaction with footpaths
Moderate satisfaction Higher satisfaction compared to other cities
Community satisfaction with city centre parks and gardens
Moderate satisfaction. No change from 2011-12
*
Community Trend in growth in office and commercial space in the city centre
Data currently not yet available
Trend in number of people employed in Liverpool city
53,803 in 2011 A 10 per cent increase since 2006
* T o address community concerns regarding city centre parking, Council introduced a range of measures including discounted parking in the city centre, 15 minutes free parking everyday and free parking on weekends.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
46 PART 2 / Planning for the Future
Indicator
Result 2012-13
Objective 2- Neighbourhoods and villages are well designed, safe and clean Council Community satisfaction with keeping public spaces clean
Moderate satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
Community satisfaction with controls over illegal parking
Moderate satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
Community satisfaction with level of access to the community facilities they require
Moderately high satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
Per cent of residents who have a high quality park within 1 km walk of their home
69 per cent An increase from 61 per cent in 2011-12
Community Trend in estimated value of development in Liverpool
$645.7m in 2012-13 309 per cent increase from 2011-12 ($158m)
Percentage of residents who feel safe when using their local park
65 per cent in 2012-13 A small decrease from 2011-12 (67 per cent)
Trend in the rate of non-domestic assaults
3.10 per 1000 people in 2012-13 Decrease from 4.8 in 2011-12 Less than the NSW rate ( 4.8 per 1000 people)
Indicator
Result 2012-13
Objective 3- Urban development is consistent with sustainability principles Council Community satisfaction on whether development is compatible with the local area
Moderately high satisfaction. Higher satisfaction compared to other cities
Community Trend in growth in office and commercial space in the city centre
Data currently not yet available
Monitor trend in the number of people in rental and mortgage housing stress
37 per cent of people in mortgage stress in 2011 Higher than 14 per cent in 2006 38 per cent of people in rental stress in 2011 Higher than 28 per cent of people in 2006
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Progress
PART 2 / Planning for the Future 47
Indicator
Result 2012-13
Objective 4- Liverpool is a socially inclusive and healthy community Council Community satisfaction with support for aged persons
Moderate satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
Community satisfaction with support for people with a disability
Moderate satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
Community satisfaction with support for youth
Moderate satisfaction Higher satisfaction compared to other cities.
Community satisfaction with support for the multicultural community
Moderate satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
Community satisfaction with access to the services that residents require
Moderately high satisfaction Satisfaction increased from 2011-12
Community Monitor trend in the annual rate of volunteering
10 per cent of residents over 15 in 2012 No change from 10 per cent in 2006 Higher than the NSW rate of 6.9 per cent
Monitor trend in the proportion of people who participate in 48.1 per cent participation rate in 2013 Increase from 47.2 per cent in 2010 physical activity Monitor trend in the number of people participating in local organised sports
39,264 participants in 2012
Indicator
Result 2012-13
Objective 5- Council and the community work together to support environmental sustainability Council Monitor trend in corporate and community total annual waste diverted from landfill
69.4 per cent in 2012-13 Council is above the State government target of 66 per cent
Monitor trend in Council’s energy consumption
Decrease in energy consumption by 1.3% in gas and electricity
Monitor trend in Council’s total annual water consumption
Increase in water consumption by approximately 23 per cent
Community satisfaction with the health of rivers and creeks
Moderate satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
Monitor cumulative area of land restored and maintained as 757,174m2 in 2012-13 Increase from 632,272m2 in 2011-12 native plant ecosystems Monitor trend in area of bushland with Environment Protection zonings
991.4 hectares in 2010-11 This is reviewed every 4 years
Community Monitor trend in corporate and community total annual waste
72,532 tonnes in 2012-13 A 3.6 per cent decrease since 2011-12 (75,216 tonnes)
Monitor trend in community total annual water consumption
18,332,433 kilolitres in 2012-13 Increased from 17,232,303 in 2011-12
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
48 PART 2 / Planning for the Future
Indicator
Result 2012-13
Objective 6- The culture and diversity of Liverpool is recognised and valued Council Community satisfaction with support for arts and cultural groups
Moderate satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
High level of satisfaction Community satisfaction with Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Satisfaction increased from 2011-12 Higher satisfaction compared to other cities Community Monitor trend in number of visitors to Casula Powerhouse per year
65,668 visitors 11 per cent increase from 2011-12
Indicator
Result 2012-13
Objective 7- There is an efficient and highly connected transport system Council Number of bus shelters installed per year
Four bus shelters were installed this year
Length of cycle way and footpath constructed per year
4 kilometres constructed in 2012-13 Increase from 2.9 in kilometres 2011-12
Community satisfaction with access to cycle ways and walking tracks
Moderate satisfaction No significant change since 2011-12 Council is above the industry benchmark
Community satisfaction with access to the public transport
Moderately high satisfaction No significant change since 2011-12
Community satisfaction with road maintenance in Liverpool
Moderately low satisfaction Equal satisfaction to similar cities
Community Monitor trend in proportion of trips made by modes other than private car
21 per cent in 2011 Less than 32 per cent for Sydney overall
Indicator
Result 2012-13
Objective 8- Urban infrastructure meets the needs of a growing community Council Trend in capital works expenditure by Council
$74 million in 2012-13 Higher than Council’s average of $69 million from 2008-11
Trend in length of road added to the Council managed network each year
9.2km of new roads Less than 11kms in 2011-12
Community satisfaction with access to community centres
Moderately high satisfaction Satisfaction increased from 2011-12 Higher satisfaction compared to other cities
Community satisfaction with swimming pools and leisure centres
Moderately high satisfaction Satisfaction increased from 2011-12 Higher satisfaction compared to other cities
Community satisfaction with provision and maintenance of sporting ovals, grounds and facilities
Moderately high satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
Community satisfaction with provision and maintenance of playgrounds
Moderate satisfaction Satisfaction increased from 2011-12
Community satisfaction with level of access to the community facilities they require
Moderately high satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 2 / Planning for the Future 49
Indicator
Result 2012-13
Objective 9- There is access to comprehensive education and training Council Community satisfaction with provision and operation of libraries
High satisfaction No significant change from 2011-12
Community Monitor trend in number of residents with post-secondary qualifications
37.6 per cent in 2011 Increased from 33.4 per cent in 2006
Monitor trend in school retention rates
73.4 per cent in 2012 Decrease from 76.5 per cent in 2011
Monitor trend in proportion of young people participating in post school education
25.5 per cent in 2011 5 per cent increase since 2006 Lower than 31.5 per cent in Sydney overall
Indicator
Result 2012-13
Objective 10- Liverpool has a range of business and employment opportunities Council Community satisfaction with encouragement of local employment
Moderate satisfaction No change since 2011-12
Community Monitor increase in the number of local residents working within Liverpool
27.7 per cent in 2011 Decreased from 28.1 per cent in 2006
Monitor trend in number of workers entering Liverpool LGA to work
61.7 per cent in 2011 Increased from 61.1 per cent in 2006
Monitor trend in proportion of workforce in Managerial and Professional occupations
25.2 per cent in 2011 Higher than 23.8 per cent in 2006 Lower than 38.8 per cent Sydney overall, however increasing at a faster rate. Sydney was 37 per cent in 2006
Monitor trend in labour force participation rate
58.1 per cent in 2011 Lower than 61.7 per cent in Sydney overall
Monitor trend in proportion of people receiving government 20,225 (15%) in June 2013 Higher than Sydney overall benefits Monitor the employment rate
7 per cent unemployment in 2012-13 Increased from 6.5 per cent unemployment in 2011-12
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
50 PART 2 / Planning for the Future
Indicator
Result 2012-13
Objective 11- Decision-making processes are transparent and the community has opportunities to be involved Council Community satisfaction with provision of information on Council and community services
Moderate satisfaction Higher satisfaction compared to other cities
Community satisfaction with information on Council’s website
Moderately high satisfaction Slight decrease from 2011-12
Ratio of applications for advertised Council committee positions to total positions available
2 applications per available community representative position Increase from 1.3 applications in 2011-12
Community satisfaction with consultation with the community
Moderate satisfaction Satisfaction increased from 2011-12 Similar satisfaction compared to other cities
Monitor trend in use of language aides as a proportion of total customer contacts
219 uses of 221,870 contacts in 2012-13
Monitor trend in use of translation services as a proportion of total customer contacts
391 of 221,870 contacts in 2012-13
Monitor annual attendance at community forums
227 attendees in 2012-13 Less than 335 in 2011-12
Indicator
Result 2012-13
Objective 12- The community is supported by a well-managed and responsive Council Council Community satisfaction with the performance of Council
Moderate satisfaction No significant change since 2011-12 Similar satisfaction compared to other cities
Monitor trend in annual rate of staff turnover
10.7 per cent in 2012-13 Increase from 9.61 per cent in 2011-12 Less than the industry benchmark of 15 per cent
Monitor trend in hours of training per employee per year
9 hours per employee in 2012-13 Increased from 8.8 hours per employee in 2011-12
Council’s financial performance for unrestricted current ratio
2.02:1 in 2012-13 Higher than the industry benchmark of 1:1:1
Council’s financial performance for debt service ratio
6.34 per cent in 2012-13 Below the industry benchmark of 10 per cent
Council’s financial performance for rates and charges ratio
50.63 per cent Higher than 45.48 per cent in 2011-12
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 2 / Objective 1 51
Council’s achievements in implementing the Delivery Program 2011-2015 Council’s Delivery Program 2011-15 contained 145 principal activities. The progress made on Council’s Principal Activities for the year is outlined below. Objective 1 Liverpool is the vibrant regional centre for South West Sydney
Plans are under-way to transform Liverpool into the vibrant regional city of opportunity, prosperity and diversity.
How Council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 1.1 Provide quality spaces that support an active social and cultural life for all ages including civic and other events Develop and maintain developer contribution plans and voluntary planning agreements that enable collection of contributions for public spaces Draft Section 94 contributions plans were prepared in partnership with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure for the Austral and North Leppington precinct and East Leppington precinct. Council also entered into two Voluntary Planning Agreements for the New Brighton Golf Course at Moorebank and land at the former Hoxton Park Airport site at Len Waters Estate. The Planning Agreements will see developers funding or undertaking works-in-kind to provide much needed infrastructure around these areas. Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
52 PART 2 / Objective 1
Provide a venue for arts-related cultural activities Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC) is Liverpool’s iconic arts and cultural facility. It hosted a range of successful exhibitions, performance, programs and activities and was hired by 58 groups for their own cultural activities. Visitation at CPAC has been growing rapidly since 2010-11. There was an 11.9 per cent increase in attendance at the Centre since 2011-12 and visitation has almost doubled since 2010-11. Manage and further enhance Council’s art collection, making works available to the public to enjoy CPAC delivered a range of significant exhibitions including Pacifica Power, No Added Sugar, OnsideWomen in Sport, Landlock, Wild Stories and Pigeon Auction. CPAC also began to tour exhibitions nationally, raising the profile of the centre and attracting new audiences to exhibitions developed by CPAC.
Strategy 1.2 Encourage and promote businesses to develop in the hospital, health and medical precinct Promote establishment of professional medical suites, and consulting rooms in the streets surrounding the hospital A Health and Education Precinct Strategy which is aimed at establishing a health and education precinct in the area around the hospital was released in partnership with Regional Development Australia - Sydney. Council also hosts a Precinct Group which is aimed at progressing this concept.
Strategy 1.3 Further develop a commercial centre that accommodates a variety of employment opportunities Promote economic development within the City Centre by actively encouraging investment and development Council made significant process in this area with the development of an Economic Development Strategy which outlines priorities, actions and targets that will guide the growth of Liverpool’s economy for the next five years. An economic profile and an investment prospectus called Liverpool: City of Growth and Opportunity were also completed.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Strategy 1.4 Encourage commercial and retail development in the city centre, including the southern part of the city Provide flexibility in planning controls to encourage investment and development of the City Centre A Retail Hierarchy Study which provides information on Liverpool’s existing retail catchment and forecasts retailing in the future was developed. The study is being used by Council and the development industry as a tool to evaluate the appropriateness of rezoning applications and investment decisions. Council also initiated a City Centre Revitalisation Project which is aimed at transforming the city centre, revitalising Macquarie Mall and strengthening Council’s gateways. A City Centre Revitalisation Committee was established to oversee the project. Work with developers to achieve high quality development outcomes Sixteen development applications for potential projects in the city centre were referred to the Design Review Panel. The Panel was established to encourage quality development in the growth of Liverpool as a regional centre and provides independent advice to ensure that new developments are well designed and consistent with sustainability principles.
Strategy 1.5 Provide vibrant community and cultural activities and events Deliver a range of events Council held several family-friendly community events including Liverpool’s Australia Day celebrations at Woodward Park, its first New Year’s Eve Celebration at Chipping Norton Lakes, Christmas Carnival and Open Air Cinema. Council also held events to celebrate significant days including Refugee Week, International Day for People with a Disability and Harmony Day.
Strategy 1.6 Enhance the urban and visual amenity of the city centre Undertake education and enforcement action to encourage commercial premises to better manage their waste A discussion paper on commercial waste in Liverpool was completed. Rangers undertook regular patrols of laneways adjacent to commercial premises.
PART 2 / Objective 1 53
Council held a range of events to promote economic development in Liverpool.
Undertake cleansing programs Council completed a range of cleansing programs including daily cleaning of the city centre, street sweepers which carry out footpath and service way cleaning, litter collection foot patrols and a chewing gum removal machine to remove gum from the mall and city streets. Deliver works to improve public spaces $7.4 million was spent on parks and recreational facilities for the community. Key suburb parks, ten new playgrounds and Council’s leisure centre were all upgraded. Works were also carried out at Pioneers’ Park including a contemplation area, fencing and screen planting. Council has an ongoing program in place for monument repair and re-installation which spans several years and is underway. Improve safety in the City Centre Council received $150,000 from the state government to implement programs which prevent young people from participating in anti-social behaviour, and to undertake work on five sites in Liverpool to make them less susceptible to opportunistic crime. Council received a further $49,947 from the NSW Department of Attorney General and Justice to deliver the Non-Domestic Violence Assault Risk Minimisation Project. This project aims to reduce incidences of common assault, particularly alcohol-related assault in the Liverpool City Centre.
Strategy 1.7 Provide efficient parking for the city centre Improve access to parking in the City Centre Council undertook a range of activities to improve parking in the city centre, including: • An additional 150 free, all day car parking spaces were made available at Collimore Park. • Revising the parking policy to provide cheaper access to all-day car parking at Warren Service Way Car Park and Northumberland Car Park.
Strategy 1.8 Encourage opportunities for quality food and entertainment choices Regulate outdoor dining areas Outdoor Dining Permits for 20 premises were renewed during the year.
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Objective 2 Neighbourhoods and villages are well designed, safe and clean
Concept drawings of new Elizabeth Hill estate, adjacent to Cecil Hills.
How Council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 2.1 Develop and implement planning policies that respond to environmental, social and economic considerations Ensure planning policies provide for development that achieves an appropriate balance of environmental, social and financial outcomes Council continued to review development applications in line with sustainability principles. Eleven amendments to Liverpool Local Environmental Plan 2008 were progressed. These amendments seek to facilitate development and investment opportunities within the Liverpool.
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Ensure planning controls encourage growth and provide an adequate mix of land uses and a variety of opportunities for living, working and recreation Amendments to the Liverpool Local Environmental Plan 2008 and Development Control Plan 2008 which are aimed at promoting a range of development opportunities and protecting agricultural viability were made in accordance with findings from the Rural Lands Study 2012. Council also completed a Retail Hierarchy Study which is aimed at increasing investment in the city. Provide and enforce a suite of planning policies Highlights for the period include: • $569 million in development applications lodged • $645.7 million in development applications determined • 799 residential dwellings approved • 970 residential lots approved This represents a significant growth, and investment in Liverpool as a regional city. Contribute to the planning for urban expansion of areas within the South-West Growth Centre Council is working closely with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to plan for the urban expansion of areas within the South-West Growth Centre. During the year, Council was involved in the development of the Indicative Layout Plan for East Leppington, undertaking further verification studies in relation to flooding, traffic and ecological values of the site.
Strategy 2.2 Undertake continual improvement to public areas
Strategy 2.3 Foster neighbourhood pride and a sense of civic responsibility Conduct illegal dumping enforcement program A joint government helicopter fly-over in the rural areas of Liverpool was conducted to identify properties used as illegal dumping grounds. Enforcement Officers conducted regular patrols of identified ‘hotspot’ dumping areas and Council worked with the Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squad to carry out joint surveillance operations. Reduce graffiti vandalism Murals which are aimed at preventing graffiti were delivered at various locations across the city, this includes the dynamic Ashcroft Shops street gallery which was launched on 2 May 2013.
Strategy 2.4 Manage air, water, noise and chemical pollution Enforce regulations for air, water and noise pollution Council proactively enforced regulations for air, water and noise pollution. Council also began to develop an Environmental Auditing program for industrial and commercial premises.
Strategy 2.5 Facilitate development of a community sense of safety in public spaces in partnership with police, local stakeholders and residents Liaise with Police, local stakeholders and the community to deliver targeted initiatives Council provides in-kinds and financial assistance the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Services. Council continued to work the local police to address safety issues in Liverpool.
Clean and maintain public spaces and facilities Council continued to maintain its public spaces and facilities, including renewing playgrounds, undertaking enforcement, scheduled and responsive maintenance. Deliver programs that aim to build community pride Several programs were delivered to build community pride in Liverpool including tree-planting days, community events and festivals, and delivery of the Community 2168 Project. Furthermore, Council began a campaign for a sporting stadium for Liverpool as a way of fostering a sense of identity.
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Strategy 2.6 Support policies and plans that prevent crime Promote public safety through the design of buildings and public areas Thirty-five development applications were referred to the local police for comment and assessment on how to reduce opportunistic crime by applying the principles of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. Undertake planning in relation to safety and crime prevention Council developed a Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan. Safety audits were undertaken at city centre car parks and lighting audits were held within the city centre. Initiatives to reduce assault in the city centre included personal safety awareness information days and the establishment of a secure taxi rank at Macquarie St. Consultations were undertaken in relation to community safety with local business and community members. In addition Council: • Produced safety and car park signs for city centre car parks. • Distributed alcohol related educational information to residents through community activities. • Secured funding from the state government to deliver a Car Security Project. • Submitted funding applications to the federal government to deliver Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in the city centre.
Strategy 2.7 Undertake enforcement actions based on sound compliance policy Undertake inspections as required by legislation Regular inspections were carried out on food premises, hairdressers, beauty and skin penetration premises, public swimming pools and spas, caravan parks, mortuaries, cooling towers and warm water systems in Liverpool. Promote responsible animal management Council’s annual free micro-chipping day resulted in micro-chipping of 269 companion animals, an 83 per cent increase from last year. Council’s animal management program included collection of stray animals and feral cats, inspections of Council off leash areas, a subsidised companion animal desexing program, and animal registrations. Council also developed a restricted breed inspection program.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Enforce offences regarding illegal land filling and or educate offenders to ensure appropriate land use Illegal landfill incidents were investigated. A joint surveillance operation was conducted with the RID Squad which involved a helicopter fly-over to identify any potential illegal dumping sites in Liverpool’s rural district. Inspect existing developments to ensure compliance with conditions of development consents Council continued to investigate reported incidents of illegal development and construction.
Strategy 2.8 Encourage the revitalisation of local retail centres Undertake planning reviews for local centres A Retail Hierarchy Study was completed and is being used to evaluate the appropriateness of rezoning applications.
Strategy 2.9 Promote positive and healthy behaviours in public places Encourage the community to introduce practical solutions to liquor related problems Council collaborated with Liverpool City Liquor Accord and participated in the Plan B campaign which is aimed at preventing drink-driving.
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Objective 3 Urban development is consistent with sustainability principles
New urban development in Liverpool’s west..
How Council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 3.1 Preserve and maintain heritage, both landscape and cultural as urban development takes place Provide adequate heritage protection for significant items of local heritage value and consider applications for state listing of items where appropriate Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee met regularly to discuss various heritage issues and identify projects to promote Liverpool’s heritage. The Conservation Management Plan for Apex Park, Liverpool was exhibited. The Liverpool Local Environmental Plan was updated to improve description of heritage properties and to reflect changes in heritage legislation. New controls regarding conservation of Aboriginal and historic heritage were incorporated into planning documentation for the East Leppington precinct.
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Strategy 3.2 Implement planning policies which encourage commercial and residential high-rise in major centres near transport interchanges, complemented by open space and facilities Promote the inclusion of appropriate forms of urban renewal and urban release development in planning proposals and planning amendments Eleven amendments to Liverpool’s Local Environmental Plan 2008 were progressed. These amendments seek to facilitate development and investment opportunities within Liverpool. Significant amendments were major residential release proposing 16,500 dwellings at Austral and North Leppington and allowances for a Costco site.
Strategy 3.3 Provide appropriate infrastructure for the communities of new urban areas as they are being settled Undertake infrastructure needs planning for new areas of Liverpool including the South-West Growth Centre Council continues to work with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and relevant partners to plan for the South-West Growth Centre. Deliver new infrastructure assets and upgrade existing assets as identified in the contributions plans Kurrajong Road from Kookaburra Road to Sarah Hollands Drive was extended to improve access and traffic between key suburbs in Liverpool. Develop and maintain developer contribution plans and voluntary planning agreements that enable collection of contributions During the year, Voluntary Planning Agreements were entered into for the former Hoxton Park Airport site and the New Brighton Golf Course site. Major road upgrades, land dedication, public amenity improvements and pedestrian facilities, will be delivered as a result of the agreements. In addition, more than one million dollars’ worth of road and drainage works were delivered through the works-in-kind program.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT
Strategy 3.4 Regulate for a mix of housing types that responds to different population groups such as young families and older people Planning policies provide for towns and suburbs which have a range of dwelling types that deliver housing choice for owners and renters Council provided input and submissions on draft State Government policies, directions and legislative proposals with impact on dwelling types including the draft planning legislation and White Paper.
Strategy 3.5 Retain viable opportunities for local food production while managing land use to meet urban growth demands Consider opportunities for agriculture to be maintained within the South-West Growth Centre area as the area establishes The Austral and North Leppington precinct of the South West Growth Centre was rezoned in March 2013 and caters for approximately 52,000 people and 16,000 dwellings. Approximately 51 hectares is zoned to allow agricultural land uses.
Strategy 3.6 Manage the impact of flooding through the delivery and maintenance of drainage systems Identify areas prone to flooding and develop flood management options A Risk Management Plan for areas subject to overland flooding was completed. Council pursued voluntary purchase of properties confronted with severe flood risk from Georges River at Moorebank. Acquisition of properties has been less than expected due to owner reluctance to participate in the voluntary property acquisition scheme.
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Concept design of Edmondson Park in Liverpool’s south.
Maintain creeks, waterways and man-made drainage systems Council’s drainage assets were surveyed and maintenance carried out as required. Sediment and rubbish removal from waterways was completed at known ‘hotspots’. Council also undertook removal of aquatic weeds from waterways to improve water quality and flow. Highlights include: • Over two kilometres of drainage pipes repaired and strengthened within the suburbs of Chipping Norton, Warwick Farm, Lurnea and Liverpool. • Major erosion protection works around drainage structures and creeks in Ireland Park, Chauvel Park and Amalfi Park • Construction of 320 metres of large diameter underground pipe in the city centre. • Completed design of a flood retention basin at Almalfi Park
Strategy 3.7 Support urban renewal Encourage renewal of older urban areas Council has worked closely with stakeholders in Miller for the redevelopment of Miller Town Centre. However, Council is currently awaiting feedback from Housing NSW in order to continue with plans for the redevelopment which prevented the project from proceeding in this financial year.
Strategy 3.8 Support housing affordability Undertake planning for housing affordability A Housing Affordability Briefing Paper was drafted.
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Objective 4 Liverpool is a socially inclusive and healthy community
Liverpool hosted the Biggest Family Workout at Bigge Park.
How Council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 4.1 Support community organisations, groups and volunteers to deliver coordinated services to the community Support and resource the Liverpool Community Services Sector Council resourced and attended community services networks in Liverpool including the Liverpool Migrant Interagency, Liverpool Community Safety and Crime Prevention Working Group and the Liverpool Youth Workers Network. Several capacity building workshops were delivered throughout the year including Social Enterprise 101 in September 2012, Managing a Social Enterprise in October 2012, Financial Understanding for a Social Enterprise in October 2012, Grant Writing in November 2012 and Working Better with Government in April 2013. $86,898 was donated to the community sector through the Community Donations Program. Council also facilitated ClubGRANTS in partnership with local participating clubs. A total of 121 applications were received requesting more than $1.2 million in funding.
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Build a pathway of creative opportunities for Liverpool’s people in collaboration with the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre through community access programs Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre worked with Liverpool’s diverse communities on several programs. Highlights for the year included Pacifica Power with a suite of exhibitions, performance and festival opportunities, the Sweet As festival highlighting multicultural food and delicacies, Landlock exhibition featuring AfghaniAustralian artists and the presentation of Boxman about refugee experiences.
Strategy 4.2 Raise awareness in the community about available services and facilities
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre also delivered programs which are aimed at engaging older audiences including matinee performances, a Seniors’ Week program which comprised of a Seniors Film Festival, workshops and high tea.
Strategy 4.5 Deliver high quality services for children and their families Provide Child Care Services for under five year olds compliant with national standards 415 children were enrolled in Council child care centres. Hinchinbrook Multi-Purpose Children’s Centre and Wattle Grove Children’s Centre were assessed during the year and both exceeded National Quality Standards.
Undertake publicity for Council services, facilities and activities Council undertook:
Casula Preschool, Cecil Hills Children’s Centre and Warwick Farm Children’s Centre received upgrades to outdoor areas to provide better learning environments. Children’s Week was celebrated at all centres.
• 267 media and marketing campaigns • 51 Liverpool City Council weekly news pages in the Liverpool Leader (News Local) and South West Advertiser (Fairfax) newspapers. • Four Liverpool City Council residential newsletters
Deliver program and activities for children and their families Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre delivered a range of programs including:
Council also increased its use of social media with 1156 combined Facebook and Twitter updates being posted. Council now has 1143 Twitter ‘followers’ and 562 Facebook ‘fans’.
Strategy 4.3 Support local health services and programs that prevent disease and improve well being Work with local health services to improve community health and wellbeing Four healthy living programs and a healthy cooking program were delivered. Eight groups participated in Council’s learn to ride cycling program and a Bike Week event was held to engage residents in cycling programs. An active travel map has been developed and translation into community languages commenced.
Strategy 4.4 Support access to services for older people and prepare for an aging population
• The Way Out West Festival for Children at CPAC, attended by more than 3500 people • Hosting the National Conference for Young People • School holiday programs • A Kids Studio
Strategy 4.6 Support young people’s access to activities, services and spaces Implement Council’s Youth Strategy Council supported local young people through a range of activities including, the CBD Exposed urban youth festival, the Street Jam basketball competition and Street Legacy dance competition. These programs play an integral role in connecting young people to local services and provide recreational activities in a safe environment. $1,100 in funds were provided to young people through the Liverpool Youth Donations Program and Council convened the Liverpool Youth Workers Network and Liverpool Youth Council.
Run programs specifically for the ageing community Two information sessions for older people to raise awareness of, and increase access to community services were delivered during Seniors’ Week.
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Strategy 4.7 Support access and services for people with a disability Improve access to public infrastructure for those with a disability Council progressed works in the disability access upgrade program which was completed in this financial year. Deliver programing at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre specifically targeting people with special needs A program of activities was delivered for people with special needs, including Create It workshops, opportunities to try new dance and movement forms, creative expression workshops, a tour of the building translated in Auslan and installation of public art. In addition, all exhibition openings are interpreted in Auslan. Implement footpath and cycleway programs to improve accessibility and mobility across Liverpool Works include: • Construction of more than four kilometres of footpaths and shared paths • Disability compliant bus shelters at: −− Wroxham Road and Kurrajong Road, Prestons −− Greenway Drive, West Hoxton −− Horningsea Park Drive, Horningsea • Accessibility ramps were completed at Miller Senior Citizens Centre and Heckenberg Community Centre.
Strategy 4.8 Support initiatives that improve health, education and employment outcomes for aboriginal people Undertake planning in relation to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities An Aboriginal Employment Strategy which is aimed at enhancing employment and training opportunities for residents with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds was drafted. Work commenced on the Aboriginal Culture and Heritage Study.
Strategy 4.9 Support access to services and support for migrants and refugees Deliver programs for culturally and linguistically diverse communities Actions from the Local Ethnic Affairs Policy Statement Action Plan 2012-13 were completed during the year. Council also held 12 citizenship ceremonies for 799 people from 56 countries.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Provide information and resources to culturally and linguistically diverse communities A Refugee Forum was held on Thursday 13 June in partnership with the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre. The forum was attended by government and non-government agencies and focused on how to build social cohesion among diverse multicultural communities. Deliver programs at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre that engage migrant and refugee communities A range of programs were delivered, including Boxman, Landlock , Pacifica Power and No Added Sugar. In addition, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre engaged with not for profit organisations in the planning and promotion of its programs.
Strategy 4.10 Support access to healthy and affordable food for the local community Collaborate with local groups and stakeholders to deliver a targeted initiative aimed at increasing access to healthy and affordable food The following programs were delivered: • Community gardens at Lighthorse Park, Dunbier Park, Hart Park and Miller Technology High were resourced. • Support for Liverpool Community Kitchen and Hub • Development of a Healthy Food Provision Policy for Council events and activities.
Strategy 4.11 Facilitate the development of community leaders Deliver actions that enhance community leadership An Ethnic Leaders Forum was held in partnership with Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre and support was provided to Liverpool Youth Council.
STRATEGY 4.12 Provide a diverse range of recreation services Conduct a range of recreation events and activities Council’s leisure centres offer a range of recreational facilities including swimming, sports and gym. More than 750,000 people visited the Whitlam Leisure Centre, Michael Wenden Aquatic Leisure Centre and Holsworthy Swim Centre.
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Objective 5 Council and the community work together to support environmental sustainability
Council held a range of activities as part of the Live Well in Liverpool program, including community walking groups.
How Council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 5.1 Minimise household and commercial waste Provide residents with a sustainable waste collection service More than 75,532 tonnes of recycling and waste were collected by Council. Council continues to be one of the top performing Councils in the state for its efforts in diverting waste away from landfill. Deliver a range of waste collection activities Activities include: • 21,884 residential household collections which gathered 3,620 tonnes of materials • 7,116 residential white goods collections which resulted in 219 tonnes of materials • Collection of 6,550 mattresses • A Chemical Cleanout event on 23 February 2013 where 10.27 tonnes of unwanted chemicals were collected and disposed in an environmentally safe manner • An E-Waste collection from 8 - 11 March 2013 where 22 tonnes of TV’s and computers were collected • A Clean Up Australia Day event on Sunday 3 March 2013 which involved community groups and schools cleaning their local environment Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
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Undertake a waste education strategy Council facilitates a proactive waste education program which includes information and education to households to reduce contamination in bins. Households are identified through a thorough bin inspection program. Council also worked with eight local schools on a school waste minimisation program.
Strategy 5.2 Manage the environmental health of waterways Reduce the amount of pollution entering creeks and rivers Patrols of Council managed waterways in parks were carried out. These ensure any pollution matters are identified, rectified or reported to relevant agencies. Aquatic weed spraying was undertaken for noxious and toxic weeds across Liverpool and three gross pollutant traps were installed as part of Council’s source control strategy to prevent pollutants reaching waterways. Incorporate appropriate controls into Development Control Plans (DCP) to manage potential impacts of development on waterways Council provided comprehensive feedback to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure on the water quality impacts of development.
Strategy 5.3 Protect, enhance and maintain areas of endangered ecological communities and high quality bushland as part of an attractive mix of land uses Seek to incorporate appropriate controls into planning policies to ensure endangered ecological communities are adequately protected Council proactively worked with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to provide appropriate planning controls for the new East Leppington release area. Undertake significant bush regeneration projects that include locally native tree planting and weed and litter removal Works commenced on eight new bush regeneration sites. Council is now maintaining over 80 sites that have been completed under the Environment Restoration Program.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Deliver tree management programs Three tree giveaway events were held and more than 4000 native trees were provided to the public for planting at home. Applications for tree removal and pruning were also assessed in line with Council’s policies and procedures. Implement a generic plan of management for natural areas in Liverpool Completion of this item was deferred in order to develop the preliminary feasibility study for a stadium and entertainment centre.
Strategy 5.4 Raise community awareness and support action in relation to all environmental issues Facilitate Council’s Environment Volunteer Program to support environmental activities around Liverpool Ten volunteer groups were supported to work on environmental activities, including a new group for Chauvel Park. Community tree planting activities were held at Voyager and Riverside Park, Chipping Norton, Australis Park, Wattle Grove and Overett Park, Kemps Creek. Conduct an education program on a range of sustainability issues A comprehensive education program was implemented, highlights include: • Nine sustainability workshops • Four editions of the Sustaining Liverpool newsletter • A councillor workshop on energy and water efficiency. • Completion of a Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation Strategy. Encourage public comment in relation to planning proposals and planning controls which may result in environmental impacts Eleven amendments to the Liverpool Local Environmental Plan 2008 were progressed. Each of these involved consultation with state government agencies and the local community. Include environmental awareness in arts programs The Wild Stories exhibition at CPAC was the culmination of an 18 month community engagement project that explored foraging, use of the natural environment and engagement with plants and nature. The Way out West festival included recycling themes and provided positive and engaging messages about sustainability.
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A city centre clean-up day was held in February 2013.
Strategy 5.5 Act as an environmental leader within the community Increase the capacity of Council to meet its environmental legislative requirements and improve environmental performance Council’s Integrated Environmental Sustainability Action Plan focuses on improving six key environmental performance areas (Energy, Sustainable Procurement, Sustainable Transport, Waste, Water and Environmental Sustainability Engagement). All tasks scheduled for the financial year were completed.
Strategy 5.6 Enhance the environmental performance of buildings and homes Ensure that the environmental performance of buildings and homes is considered in all relevant Development Applications Council continued to require developers to demonstrate that appropriate environmental performance is achieved through compliance with BASIX standards. Improve environmental performance of Council’s buildings through maintenance and renewal projects New energy efficient high performance air conditioning systems were installed at Prestons, Casula and Holsworthy child care centres.
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Objective 6 The culture and diversity of Liverpool is recognised and valued
Council ran a range of events to support community identity and a sence of belonging.
How council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 6.1 Facilitate the celebration of the rich variety of cultures Facilitate the development of local stories An exhibition featuring local artists, titled 8 x 8, was held in the Marsden Gallery. The Marsden Gallery also showed local solo exhibitions that complemented the major exhibitions on display. HSC art students from schools in Liverpool were exhibited in NEXT: 2012. Local artists and performers were employed during the Way Out West festival for children and Pacifica Power.
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Deliver a program of city wide community events Community events were delivered in partnership with a range of government and community organisations. Highlights were: • NAIDOC Week street march and family day - July 2012 • Harmony Day event - 21 March 2013 • Two Youth Week events - Street Legacy III dance competition and the Street Jam basketball competition. The Library ran a series of highly successful programs for children and adults. These included story time, rhyme time, English language conversation classes, a broadband class for seniors, author talks and a monthlong celebration for Christmas.
Strategy 6.2 Promote community harmony and address discrimination Provide programing and art experiences that physically brings together communities The Pacifica Power program was successfully held from 13 October - 20 November. More than 15,000 visitors participated in the program of events. Highlights included the presentation of Tautai theatre from New Zealand, Pacific Empowerment Tours, workshops with school students.
Strategy 6.3 Provide cultural centres and activities for the enjoyment of culture and the arts Provide a centre for the collection and enjoyment of local historical and heritage items The Liverpool Regional Museum continued to provide an attractive venue for the enjoyment of Liverpool’s history and culture. Many heritage collections were catalogued including family papers and objects donated to the Museum by the Bartlett family who lived in Collingwood house during the 1850s.
Conduct an extensive arts and culture program and events at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre CPAC continued to grow in popularity. Total visitation to the Centre was 65,668. This is an increase of 11 per cent from the previous year. Highlights for the year included: • An extremely diverse and critically received exhibition program including Onside, Landlock, Pigeon Auction and Wild Stories • Three major festivals – Way Out West, Pacifica Power and Sweet As • A performance program comprised of drama, comedy, children’s theatre and music • Production of a printed guide showing the building, public art works and key facts about its history
Strategy 6.4 Create awareness of and encourage use of significant historical and cultural sites Implement a variety of approaches to raise awareness of Liverpool’s historical and cultural heritage The Library and the Museum provided an extensive program of historical or cultural exhibitions and events: • Resonances: objects, lives and stories of Liverpool • They Never Knew Why - The Holsworthy Internment Camp • Smalltown exhibition featuring photographs by Martin Mischkulnig with words by Tim Winton • Reading through the Ages, a National Year of Reading 2012 exhibition
Strategy 6.5 Support community identity and a sense of belonging Promote diversity and harmony and enhance community identity A highlight for the year was the You Are Here project. The project was produced in collaboration with CuriousWorks and produced a series of films with young people to engage them in developing multimedia skills and enhance community pride.
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Objective 7 There is an efficient and highly connected and integrated transport system
A trial taxi rank was set up in Macquarie Street to improve safety in and around the central business district.
How Council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 7.1 Promote an integrated and user friendly public transport service Advocate to state government to improve public transport services for our suburbs Council made the following representations to state government transport agencies: • Submission on the draft NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan • Submission on the draft NSW Freight and Port Strategy Council also supported the Liverpool Transport Taskforce which makes submission to the state government for improvements to public transport services in Liverpool.
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Strategy 7.2 Support the delivery of a range of transport options Advocate to State government for increased road, rail and bus capacity to meet increasing travel demands of south-west Sydney Representations at state level are covered by Strategy 7.1.
Strategy 7.3 Deliver and maintain a high quality local road system including provision and maintenance of infrastructure and management of traffic issues Undertake timely renewal and replacement of road assets More than $5 million was spent on renewing and resurfacing 15 local and regional roads across Liverpool with a combined length of more than six kilometres. Council continued the $40 million upgrade to Bernera and Kurrajong Roads which provides access to the development areas of Prestons, Carnes Hill, Edmondson Park and Horningsea Park. Proactive road repairs, resealing, pothole patching, regrading road of shoulder and drains were carried out in line with Council’s Works Program. Council continued to facilitate the Liverpool Local Traffic Committee which meets regularly to provide advice to Council on matters relating to traffic control devices and facilities.
Strategy 7.4 Deliver and maintain a range of transport related infrastructure such as footpaths, bus shelters and bikeways Put in place development controls which require the provision of bus shelters, footpaths and bike paths Council provided comprehensive feedback to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure regarding the Development Control Plan which provides for bus shelters and paths. Continue to deliver new paved footpaths, shared paths and bus shelters More than 1.5 kilometres of new paved footpaths were provided at the following locations: • Falcon Crescent, Bernier Way, Chapel Ave, Cristobal Drive in Hinchinbrook and Green Valley • Leacoks Lane, Tallwood Ave, Reserve Road and De Meyrick Avenue in Casula
• Bus Shelters were also constructed at Wroxham Road and Kurrajong Road, Prestons; Greenway Drive, West Hoxton and Horningsea Park Drive, Horningsea Regularly maintain footpaths, cycle ways and kerb and gutter Civil maintenance works were completed. All safety issues were addresses within 48 hours.
Strategy 7.5 Enhance road safety for all road users Implement Road Safety Action Plan Actions delivered includes: • Road Safety Officers and Rangers carried out site visits and regular patrols to address road safety and parking concerns around the schools • A slow down on local roads campaign was implemented with the aim of reminding residents of the default speed limit (50 kilometres per hour) • Eight free child restraint checking sessions were held to teach parents the correct procedure for fitting child restraints and properly fixing child seats • Four workshops were held for parents and supervisors of learner drivers to provide practical advice on better supervision • A Children’s crossing fact sheet was distributed to schools where new crossings or upgrading was carried out • School zone penalty flyers were distributed to all schools in Liverpool
Strategy 7.6 Promote the provision of a well-functioning regional transport network by state and federal governments Advocate to State Government to improve transport services and infrastructure Council made the following representations to state government transport agencies: • Submission on the Draft NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan on the transport improvements required to accommodate development • Submission on the Draft NSW Freight and Port Strategy with a detailed assessment of the impact of the strategy on Liverpool Council also supported the Liverpool Transport Taskforce which makes submission to the state government for improvements to public transport services in Liverpool.
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Objective 8 Urban infrastructure meets the needs of a growing community
AERIAL
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Design concepts of the new Carnes Hill Community and Recreation Precinct.
How Council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 8.1 Support the provision of major infrastructure including electricity, sewerage, water, schools and telecommunications Liaise with State agencies to secure delivery of infrastructure to support urban renewal and to underpin development of new suburbs Planning for lighting infrastructure in the new release areas of Georges Fair, Middleton Grange, and Edmondson Park is underway.
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Strategy 8.2 Manage Infrastructure assets in accord with established asset management principles
Strategy 8.4 Provide and maintain a diverse range of recreation services and facilities
Maintain Council’s building assets in sound condition to meet the community’s needs All scheduled building maintenance works were completed. Highlights include:
Support the delivery of new and upgraded recreation facilities in new and recently established areas Eight new sporting fields are being planned for delivery in the Austral and North Leppington regions.
• A new amenities building in Rosedale Oval • Significant renovation of the Voyager Point Community Centre at an estimated cost $16,600 • Approximately $40,000 worth of works on the Durrant Oval change rooms, toilet facilities and club house Monitor and manage works carried out by others to ensure Councils standards and specifications are maintained All driveway inspections were completed within required timeframes. Applications for permits to undertake works on Council’s roads and road reserves were issued in line with Council’s standards.
Strategy 8.3 Provide well designed community facilities to meet community needs Deliver the Community Native Plant Nursery and Environment Education Centre The delivery of this Centre has been significantly delayed by the proposed Moorebank Intermodal as the site for the Nursery has been identified as a potential location for the Intermodal rail link. This program has been included in Council’s new 20132017 Growing Liverpool 2023 Delivery Program and Operational Plan as a Significant Project and is subject to the location of the Intermodal rail link.
Provide equitable access to Council’s community facilities Eighteen community groups were allocated community buses, tenancies were allocated to 33 community groups and permanent hires were allocated to 130 community groups. Access to Council’s community facilities is assessed against set criteria and an open and transparent expression of interest process. Research future community requirements for recreation and open space infrastructure Council allocated $120,000 dollars to prepare a feasibility study on a stadium and entertainment centre. The study commenced and is on track for completion by the end of October 2013.
Strategy 8.5 Provide assets in a manner that meets relevant standards and identified service levels Ensure Council’s buildings comply with sustainability principles Council continued to undertake post construction reviews on all major projects to ensure that environmental, social, economic and governance requirements have been met.
Support the delivery of new and upgraded community facilities in new and recently established areas Council supports the Human Services Planning Group which plays a lead role in lobbying for services and resources for Liverpool’s growth areas. Deliver the Carnes Hill Community and Recreation Precinct The design and building brief for the Carnes Hill Library and Community Centre has been completed. A development application for the precinct was lodged. The project is progressing in accordance with the project plan.
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Objective 9 There is access to comprehensive education and training
iPads were introduced at the Liverpool Library to support early literacy programs for children.
How Council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 9.1 Support opportunities for informal learning and resource a network of libraries in the community Provide modern Library facilities to meet the learning and leisure needs of the people of Liverpool The Library continued to provide first class learning facilities and opportunities. There were more than 1.1 million visits to the library and almost 750,000 borrowings. The library held a range of programs throughout the year and continued to expand its collections, in particular its online collections.
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Strategy 9.2 Support access to the internet, in particular broadband connection
Strategy 9.5 Support education opportunities that meet the needs of the community
Work with government to promote delivery of information infrastructure Optic fibre by the National Broadband Network Company is being installed in parts of Liverpool, including the city centre.
Take action on identified education related issues Young people were supported to plan and deliver the Twisted Sounds Youth Music Festival and Youth Week events. This provided valuable event management, leadership and volunteering opportunities.
Strategy 9.3 Support access to postsecondary education, including tafe and university
Construction of a People’s Shed at Busby is currently underway. The shed is aimed at supporting lifelong learning. Council also resolved to provide grants of up to $20,000 to support men’s sheds in Liverpool. Preliminary planning has begun to identify potential locations.
Collaborate with education providers to enhance access for the local community to educational opportunities Council partnered with TAFE on a range of initiatives including: • A state-wide TAFE awards event which was held at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre in July 2013 • The Health, Education and Medical Precinct Group • Local employment workshops
Strategy 9.4 Support programs for students requiring assistance Encourage study by providing appropriate facilities Council continued to support students through the provision of facilities at libraries, including new study benches, additional power points for electronic devices and an interactive floor in the children’s area. The Library also introduced tablets for young children to support early literacy programs. The library’s Digital Literacy Hub was expanded to meet increasing demand. The Hub provides English and information literacy programs to people from a non-English speaking background and computer and internet lessons to seniors.
Liverpool City Library continued to be the most visited library in the state. There were more than 1.1 million visits to the library and almost 750,000 borrowings.
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74 PART 2 / Objective 11
Objective 10 Liverpool has a range of business and employment opportunities
More than 600 people participated in 2168 Employment and Education Expo.
How Council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 10.1 Encourage further development of a variety of employment opportunities, which provide for a range of skill levels and employment categories Zone land to allow a range of employment types within a variety of locations to best meet local employment needs Council worked with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to prepare the planning documents for the East Leppington Precinct. These documents include an Indicative Layout Plan which designates land for a local centre and a neighbourhood centre that will provide local employment. The precinct is within walking distance of the planned North Leppington Major Centre which will be developed to have a range of employment, retailing and services.
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Facilitate the development of social enterprise initiatives across Liverpool A community forum for residents and community agencies which focused on the development of social enterprises in the 2168 area was held.
Strategy 10.3 Support access to employment and training particularly for young people, older people, migrants and those experiencing long term unemployment
Strategy 10.2 Facilitate economic development
Conduct a program of training and learning activities at the Community 2168 Training and Research Centre More than 600 people participated in the 2168 Employment and Education Expo which featured workshops and stalls from 55 government, nongovernment and business agencies.
Provide information and support to improve the quality of development applications Council held four developer’s focus groups which provide an opportunity to discuss planning matters and assist developers in the preparation of applications. Actively promote Liverpool as a place for business to invest and grow A Liverpool Economic Development Strategy, Economic Profile and investment prospectus called Liverpool: City of Growth and Opportunity were completed. Provide opportunities for local artists to sell or present their work Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre has dedicated the Marsden Gallery to local artists and community groups. This supports the local creative community by providing a professional exhibition space.
A men’s health forum was also held on 7 June 2013 and attended by more than 50 residents and agencies.
Strategy 10.4 Facilitate development of new tourist businesses based on local attractions and culture-in-tourism as well as other creative industries Implement a creative industries strategy that includes cultural tourism Council was involved in consultations on creative industries strategies, cultural policy and cultural planning at both a state and national level.
More than 20 local artists had their work exhibited in gallery spaces, this assisted many of the artists to secure other exhibition and development opportunities. In addition, annual exhibitions from Liverpool Art Society and Mil-pra Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group (AECG) were held and local theatre groups were also able to use the space, most notably Liverpool Performing Arts Ensemble. Hold markets at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre for local business and community to sell produce and products Record and craft fairs were held including a small ‘popup shop’ in the building which profiled local designers and craftspeople.
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Objective 11 Decision making processes are transparent and the community has opportunities to be involved
Council facilitated a comprehensive consultation and engagement program including community meetings, committees and forums.
How Council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 11.1 Encourage the community to engage in council initiatives and actions Support and resource the Committees of Council The following committees were held during the year: • • • • • • • •
Aboriginal Consultative Committee Budget and Finance Committee Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board Economic Development Committee Environment Advisory Committee Ethics and Audit Committee Floodplain Management Committee Heritage Advisory Committee
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PART 2 / Objective 11 77
• Liverpool Access Committee • Liverpool City Centre Urban Revitalisation Committee • Liverpool Multicultural Advisory Committee • Liverpool Sports Committee • Liverpool Youth Council • No Intermodal Committee • Street Naming Committee • Order of Liverpool Advisory Committee • Tourism and Events Committee • Warwick Farm Racing Precinct Steering Committee Implement a program of community engagement Council facilitated a comprehensive program of community engagement: • Eighteen urban and rural community forums were held, the forums had a combined attendance of 227 people • Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel • 293 Facebook and Twitter updates • 267 media and marketing campaigns Provide a volunteer program at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre On average 30 provided support to Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre on a range of programs during and events.
11.2 Provide information about Council’s services, roles and decision-making processes Provide timely and accurate information to residents Information to residents was provided through: • Website updates • Social media • Weekly newspaper updates in the Liverpool Leader and South West Advertiser • Newsletters to every household • Public Council Meetings and publishing the minutes of the meeting on the internet. Provide educational opportunities on the services provided by Council, Council’s role within the community and the decision making process Council provided Discovery Tours to new migrants which provide information on the role of Council. Council also facilitated four educational presentations to schools on the role of Council, its services and facilities.
11.3 Undertake communication practices with the community and stakeholders across a range of media Seek customer feedback on services, programs and facilities Council surveyed 500 residents through its annual telephone survey. 43 of the 46 services were rated as moderate to high satisfaction. Customer feedback was also sought on specific Council projects and activities, including the upgrade of Council’s website and the Carnes Hill Recreation and Community Precinct.
11.4 Support communication and consultation methods that are accessible for people with special needs or who may experience barriers to participation Develop and implement communication strategies that address specific needs in the community Information on the National Relay Service phone service for people who have a hearing or speech impairment is provided on Council’s promotional material. Stories in the residential newsletters are translated into Hindi, Arabic and Vietnamese. Regular access workshops are held in both visual arts and dance at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Council undertakes a range of initiatives to improve access for people with a disability, including utilising hearing loops where necessary and providing accessible seating.
Council surveyed 500 residents through its annual telephone survey. 43 of the 46 services were rated as moderate to high satisfaction.
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78 PART 2 / Objective 12
Objective 12 The community is supported by a well-managed and responsive council
Council’s Customer Contact Centre served more than 150,000 calls and 50,000 counter transactions.
How Council worked towards this objective during 2012-13 Strategy 12.1 Develop, implement and regularly review a financial strategy that balances community aspirations and willingness to pay Effectively manage all aspects of Council’s financial management function in accordance with legislative requirements Council maintained a Sound and Stable financial position for 2012-13. Council met all of its financial legislative obligations during the year and all reports were submitted on time. Develop and monitor Council’s Resourcing Strategy including long term financial plan and annual budget in compliance with the Division of Local Government requirements Council continued to monitor and progress its Long Term Financial Plan. The annual budget was adopted by Council on 26 June 2013.
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PART 2 / Objective 12 79
Reduce the dependency of Casula Powerhouse on Council revenue Casula Powerhouse Arts centre received $5,000 in sponsorship for the Way Out West festival for children and a value-in-kind sponsorship for signage. Value inkind sponsorships were also received for the Women in Sport initiative. A comprehensive philanthropic giving program was implemented to allow people to make donations towards specific programs. Audience numbers continued to trend upwards, particularly in children’s theatre and the senior’s matinees, increasing the total amount of revenue received from ticket sales.
Strategy 12.2 Develop, implement and regularly review a workforce management plan to support council’s delivery program and operational plan Co-ordinate review and maintain the Workforce Management Plan Review of the Workforce Management Plan commenced. Actions include: • Completion of the Climate Survey • Improvements to the way Council communicates with applicants and reduction in recruitment timeframes • Exit interviews with employees to provide information on future retention activities • Review of policies including staff recognition, performance management and leave New employee profiles are being entered into the new Human Resources and Information System and existing employees’ profiles will be added in 2013-14.
Strategy 12.3 Deliver services that are customer-focused Operate Council’s Customer Contact Centre Council maintained a 24 hour phone service throughout the year in accordance with agreed delivery standards. The Contact Centre took 157,915 calls and Council’s after hours service took 11,902 calls in the year. 62,941 customer requests were raised in addition to 459 customer requests received online. Council’s Customer Service staff handled 52,053 face to face transactions. Prompt and efficient service was provided with an average queue waiting time of only one minute and 37 seconds which is considerably better than the service delivery standard of five minutes.
Strategy 12.4 Operate a well-developed governance system that demonstrates accountability, transparency, ethical conduct, a safe workplace and manages risk Provide a sound corporate governance framework Council’s governance policies and procedures were reviewed and amended to ensure legislative, regulatory and internal policy compliance, as well as in support of Council’s commitment to continuous improvement. These included: Code of Conduct, Conduct Procedures, Code of Meeting Practice, Privacy Management Plan, Customer Feedback Policy, Councillor Access to Information and Interaction with staff, annual monitoring of Gift and Benefits Register and the Ethical Governance Secondary Employment Policy. Ensure the community is aware of its rights and responsibilities in relation to accessing information Council undertook following activities: • The Public Access to Information page on Council’s website was updated • All new and revised policies were published on the Council website • Training and information on probity, procurement, procedural fairness and other issues related to ethical standards was provided. Provide training and support for elected representatives Eighteen briefing sessions and five training sessions were held for Councillors in the year. Continue to implement Council’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) system Council continued to implement its Work Health and Safety system, training was provided to staff and policies were updated. Fiver Work Health and Safety Audits were conducted for the year. Provide learning and development opportunities to all staff to improve delivery of Council services Council commenced development of a training needs anaylsis. Develop a policy and process that delivers a performance-based culture A new policy and procedure was developed.
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Manage Council’s property portfolio in accordance with statutory requirements Council’s property portfolio is actively managed to optimise returns to Council. Two road leases, one pipeline lease and two land leases were negotiated. In addition, five leases for office space were renegotiated. Acquisitions for infrastructure, open space and drainage are facilitated as required. Three properties were acquired for road widening. Eight properties were acquired for drainage and flood mitigation and six properties were acquired for both drainage and open space. Conduct a sound audit system Nine planned audits were completed during the year. Six commenced and substantially progressed. Internal Audit conducted 20 unplanned projects during the period which included the investigation of referrals by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, Public Interest Disclosures and other investigation referrals.
Strategy 12.5 Undertake integrated planning that meets the requirements of the state government Implement the integrated planning framework The End of Term Report on the delivery Growing Liverpool 2021 was completed and adopted by the Council at its meeting 20 August 2012 and a comprehensive sixth monthly report on the Delivery Program 2011-15 was made available to Council and the public in February 2013. A new Community Strategic Plan called Growing Liverpool 2023 was developed in consultation with the community in early 2013, exhibited in May and adopted by Council at its meeting on 26 June. Council’s four-year delivery plan and one-year operational program were also adopted. Develop and monitor Council’s Resourcing Strategy including long term financial plan and annual budget in compliance with State Government requirements Review of the Asset Management Plan, Long Term Financial Plan and Workforce Management Plan commenced. Research and provide demographic data for planning purposes The Liverpool Community Profile on the Council’s website was updated with 2011 Census data.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Strategy 12.6 Actively advocate for federal and state government support, funding and services Undertake advocacy to relevant State and Federal bodies to improve services, infrastructure and facilities Council considered and responded to a number of government initiatives, draft policies, directions of new legislation. This includes the draft planning legislation and White Paper, the updated Sydney Metropolitan Strategy, the Western Sydney Employment Lands project, the Moorebank transport intermodal proposals, Camden Coal Seam Gas proposal, and major road upgrades. In responding to these projects, Council considered the strategic benefits for the local community and sought to ensure Liverpool’s residents and businesses are supported. Research and pursue relevant grants as an alternative means of funding priority actions Grants received included: • $150,000 for the Graffiti Reduction and Removal Program • $ 50,000 for the Car Security Project • $21,500 to deliver an Ageing Strategy for Council • $9,770 to deliver the 2168 Health and Family Day in March 2013 • $4,000 to deliver a Bike Week event • $3,000 for activities which raise awareness on mental health • $1,000 for Seniors’ Week activities Applications submitted during the year include the Regional Development Australia Fund Round 4, Arts NSW Public Outcomes Program, Safer Suburbs Program, Taxi Security Scheme, Operation Bounce Back, an application to the National Crime Prevention Fund for a CCTV network in the city centre, an application to the Cancer Council to fund workplace health and safety initiatives and a Library Development Grant application to the Library Council of New South Wales for $40,000.
PART 2 / Objective 12 81
Strategy 12.7 Utilise up-to-date and integrated information systems Support and manage Councils information and technology requirements Council commenced implementation of a new integrated human resource information system Helpdesk services were provided in accordance with agreed service levels. Selected computer equipment leases have been extended and the replacement program will be back on schedule by the end of October 2013. Implement new and update existing information and technology systems Certified versions of Corporate Software are reviewed and updated as required. Office 2010 and Windows 7 were implemented across the organisation. Review and update information technology Disaster Recovery Plan and processes The update of the Disaster Recovery Plan continued on an on-going basis in response to changing circumstances and further consideration is being given to new technologies to maintain the availability of systems. Tests were carried out on several servers.
Strategy 12.8 Take account of the quadruple bottom line in the design council decision making processes Monitor progress on improving community wellbeing Council collected and monitored census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, health data from the Population Health Survey, employment information from the labour market information portal and social determinants of health from the Health Atlas. New fact sheets summarising recently released data were developed and are available on Council’s website.
Strategy 12.9 Undertake continuous improvement in governance, operations and leadership Advance ethical standards across the organisation Papers were distributed to relevant members of Council staff on Probity Issues in Tendering and Delegations – Getting it Right and information was provided to relevant staff members on legal professional privilege. A letter was sent to suppliers, contractors and consultants regarding procurement practices and the Code of Conduct.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 3:
statutory reporting requirements
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements 83
Overseas Visits by Councillors and Council Staff The following elected representatives and staff attended the US Studies Centre- Sustainability Study tour from 7 – 15 June 2013 to develop an insight into sustainable design and showcase best practice urban policy: • • • •
Mayor Ned Mannoun Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid Councillor Sabrina Mamone Chief Executive Officer, Farooq Portelli
Details of elected representative costs are provided in the next section.
Mayoral and Councillor Fees, Expenses and Facilities All fees, expenses and facilities are provided in line with Council’s Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilitation to Mayor and Councillors Policy.
Pre September 2012 election Mayoral and Councillor Fees and Facilities Mayor Allowance for Mayor Wendy Waller
Fees
Hardware Allowance
$11,506
$162
$4,033
0
$15,539
$162
Councillor Ghulam Gillani
$4,033
$167
Councillor Tony Hadchiti
$4,033
Councillor Mazhar Hadid
$4,033
Councillor Peter Harle
$4,033
Councillor Ali Karnib
$4,033
Councillor Gary Lucas
$4,033
Councillor Ned Mannoun
$4,033
Councillor James McGoldrick
$4,033
Councillor Nadia Napoletano
$4,033
Councillor Allowance for Mayor Wendy Waller Total Mayor Councillors
Councillor Anne Stanley Total Councillors
$167
$4,033 *$40,328
*$335
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84 PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements
Post September 2012 election Mayoral and Councillor Fees and Facilities
Fees
Hardware Allowance
Mayoral Allowance for Mayor Ned Mannoun
$46,089
$17
Councillor Allowance for Mayor Ned Mannoun
$17,345
0
Total Mayor
$63,434
$17
Deputy Mayor Mazhar Hadid
$17,286
$167
Councillor Ghassan Balloot
$17,286
Councillor Tony Hadchiti
$17,286
Councillor Peter Harle
$17,286
Councillor Ali Karnib
$17,286
Councillor Sabrina Mamone
$17,286
Councillor Peter Ristevski
$17,286
Councillor Geoffrey Shelton
$17,286
Councillor Anne Stanley
$17,286
Councillor Wendy Waller
$17,286
Councillors
Total Councillors
*$172,857
$167 $167
$167 *$669
*Data in the table is rounded to the nearest dollar and summation is based on actual amounts
Councillor Expenses
Total
Joint Regional Planning Panel Allowance
$8,400
Dedicated office equipment
$786
Mobile phone expenses
$505
Postage costs
$286
Conferences and seminars
$44,721
Training
$26,125
Interstate visits
$4,532
Overseas visits
$32,542
Partner/spouse expenses
Nil
Provision of childcare
Nil
Miscellaneous
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
$7,285
PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements 85
Contracts awarded by Council During 2012-13 Council awarded the following contracts for amounts greater than $150,000 (other than employment contracts) Contract Number
Contract Description
Price (GST Inclusive) over contract term
Contractor(s)
ST2168
Cleaning of 33 Moore Street Liverpool
• Storm International Pty Ltd
$220,000
ST2162
Streetscape weed control
• Garden Growing Solutions
$160,000
ST2206
Sports field floodlight upgrades
• Premier Lighting and Electrical Pty Ltd
$307,230
RCL2200
Demolition of building and removal of asbestos containing materials
• • • • •
WT1584
Landscape upgrade of various sites
• GJs Landscapes Pty Ltd • Sterling Group Services Pty Ltd
$259,307 $85,904
ST2167
Cash collection from parking meters
• ECS International Security & Investigations
$205,920
RCL2234
Reset and repair of heritage headstone monuments at Liverpool Pioneers’ Memorial Park
• Traditional Stonemasonry (Contracting) Pty Ltd • Monuments in Memoriam • E.H. Stonemasonry Services Pty Ltd.
Estimated
EOI2219
1-3 Hoxton Park Road, Liverpool
• Health Infrastructure (NSW) Pty Ltd
PST2149
Architectural Design Services for the Carnes Hill Recreation and Community Precinct
• Brewster Hjorth
$260,150
RCL1583
Manufacture, supply and installation of playground equipment
• Australasian Playgrounds Pty Ltd • Parkequip Pty Ltd • Hansen Pty Ltd t/a Forpark
Estimated
RCL2217
Bush regeneration works
• • • • • •
ST2204
Cleaning of Liverpool Library and Museum
• ADZ Cleaning
$375,000
WT2261
Fire system safety upgrade
• Grosvenor Fire Pty Ltd
$664,382
ST2237
Security Services
• Moresmate Pty Ltd T/A NSS Group
Supply of ready mixed concrete
• Advanced Ready Mixed Concrete P/L • Concrite Pty Ltd and • Hi-Quality Sitemix Pty Ltd
Estimated
PST2164
Supply of library materials
• James Bennett Pty Ltd • Digital Education Services
Estimated
WT2238
Local park upgrades AE Reay Park and Bunya Park
• GJ’s Landscapes Pty Ltd • Lamond Contracting Pty Ltd
$88,823 $158,468
WT2241
Affective Services (Aust) Pty Ltd Beasy Pty Ltd CPA Contracting Pty Limited RMA Contracting Pty Ltd Ronnies Demolitions Pty Ltd
Bush-It Pty Ltd Ecohort Pty Ltd Greening Australia NSW Southern Habitat (NSW) Pty Ltd Toolijooa Pty Ltd Total Earth Care Pty Ltd
Estimated $525,000
$400,000 Confidential
$1,000,000
Estimated $1,600,000
Estimated $600,000
$200,000
$450,000
Note: Estimated figures are based on forecasted spend over the entire contract term, including extension options.
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86 PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements
Amounts incurred in relation to legal proceedings In 2012-2013 Council was involved in the following legal proceedings and incurred costs as shown in the table below: Matter
Outcome
Costs
Finalised.
On advice from its solicitors, Council resolved to enter into consent orders and the development was approved by the Court.
$6,537
Finalised.
Council was successful. The respondent was ordered to pay a fine of $9,000 and was also ordered to pay court costs and Council’s legal fees.
$4,819
Finalised.
The court granted the easement sought by the applicant. The applicant was ordered to pay Council’s legal costs.
Benclutch Pty Ltd v Liverpool City Council. Class 1 proceedings in the Land and Environment Court appealing Council’s refusal of a development application to operate an existing freighting service at 20 Scrivener Street Warwick Farm on a 24/7 basis.
Finalised.
The appeal was upheld in part. The Court approved partially extended operating hours for a trial period of 12 months.
Liverpool City Council v Maller Holdings Pty Limited. Class 5, criminal prosecution proceedings in the Land & Environment Court for the alleged development without consent at 17 Manning Street, Warwick Farm.
Matter heard. Judgment has been reserved and, at the time of reporting, not yet handed down.
Judgment reserved.
Liverpool City Council v Robert Itaoui. Class 1 proceedings in the Land and Environment Court, appealing Council’s refusal of a development application for a non-denominational cemetery at 41 Greendale Road, Bringelly.
Finalised.
Appeal was upheld and the court approved the development.
$69,089
Liverpool City Council v NSW United Turkish Islamic Centre. Class 1 proceedings in the Land and Environment Court, appealing Council’s refusal of a development application for a cemetery at 31 Greendale Road, Bringelly.
Finalised.
Appeal was refused and the court refused the development.
$103,827
Mark Topic v Liverpool City Council. Class 1 proceedings in the Land and Environment Court, appealing Council’s refusal of an application to amend a condition of development consent requiring the applicant to pay a financial contribution under Section 94 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Finalised.
By way of consent orders, the appeal was upheld in part. The applicant remains required to pay a financial contribution but at a lessor amount than the consent originally required.
$42,290
Poletti and ors v Liverpool City Council and ors. Class 4 proceedings in the Land and Environment Court seeking declarations that two development consents on the same property are invalid.
Finalised.
The Court declared the consents invalid.
$13,427
Dib v Liverpool City Council. Class 1 proceedings in the Land and Environment Court appealing Council’s deemed refusal of a proposed subdivision of 2 Kurrajong Road Casula. Liverpool City Council v Direct Freight. Court elected Penalty Infringement Notice before the Local Court regarding the breach of development consent. Moorebank Recyclers v Liverpool City Council. Land and Environment Court proceedings initiated by Moorebank Recyclers seeking an easement over Council’s land for road construction.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Status
$230,778
$36,514
$179,488
PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements 87
Private Works and Financial Assistance 55 Cubit Drive, Denham Court Construction of drainage pipes and overland flow path through a private property at 55 Cubit Drive, Denham Court to convey stormwater runoff from the street in to the creek at the back of the property. This work was undertaken to mitigate overland flooding problems experienced by adjoining properties.Â
Planning Agreements The following planning agreements were held with developers and landowners during the reporting period: George’s Fair Estate Lot 2127 DP 11452258 Georges Fair (Boral Bricks Pty Ltd) and relates to the residential subdivision and provision of the necessary roads and public open space for the estate (including the link road). The conditions of the agreement have been complied with to date. 146 Newbridge Road, Moorebank also known as Benedict Sand and Gravel (Tanlane Pty Ltd) relates to the commercial and residential development of the land and requires works including the embellishment
and dedication of Georges River foreshore land and drainage land, and the construction of a bike/ pedestrian path and road bridge. Works and land dedication stipulated in the agreement are not yet due to be undertaken. 124-144 Newbridge Road, Moorebank also known as Flower Power Nursery site (Syesun Pty Ltd) relates to the commercial development of the land and requires works including the embellishment and dedication of Georges River foreshore land and drainage land, and the construction of a bike and pedestrian path. Works and land dedication stipulated in the agreement are not yet due to be undertaken. Former Hoxton Park Airport, Lot 22 DP 1042996 Cowpasture Road (Hoxton Park Airport Limited Freehold Pty Ltd and Mirvac Projects Pty Ltd) relates to the industrial, commercial and residential development of the land and requires works including the embellishment and dedication of land along Hinchinbrook Creek, construction of drainage detention basin, road bridge, bike and pedestrian path and signalised intersection at Cowpasture Road. The majority of the infrastructure items have now been provided and de-registration of this agreement is currently underway. The requirement for the developer to provide systematic inspections and maintenance relating to the revegetation of parts of Hinchinbrook Creek still applies.
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Lot 7 Sirius Road, Voyager Point (Defence Housing Australia) relates to the residential development of the land and requires works including the embellishment and dedication of land adjacent to Williams Creek. Land dedication and embellishments are not yet due to be undertaken. Amarino Pty Ltd Lot 29 Cowpasture Road, Hinchinbrook relates to the industrial development of the land and requires works including embellishment and dedication of Hinchinbrook Creek foreshore and drainage land, and construction of a signalised intersection on Cowpasture Road. A development application has been lodged for part of this land, dedication and embellishments are not yet due to be undertaken. Mirvac Homes (NSW) Pty Ltd and Landcom Lot 11 DP 1139171 Elizabeth Hills relates to the residential development of the land and requires works including embellishment and dedication of Hinchinbrook Creek foreshore and drainage land, provision of public recreation facilities, and public open space for the estate. Construction of works and land dedication has been undertaken, handover of these works to Council will occur in the next reporting period. Munday Street Warwick Farm, Lot 1 DP 1162276 relates to the commercial development of the land and requires the developer to signalise the intersection of Governor Macquarie Drive and Munday Street. The described works are yet to be undertaken. Inglis and Coopers Paddock sites Warwick Farm relates to the development on land both north and south of Governor Macquarie Drive Warwick Farm. The Planning Agreement requires the developer to provide road improvements, remediation of land, provide shared bicycle and pedestrian paths and dedicate foreshore and environmental land. Works are yet to be undertaken. New Brighton Golf Course relates to the development of part of the New Brighton Golf Course at Moorebank. The planning agreement requires the developer to pay monetary contributions, construct shared pedestrian and cycleways, dedicate Georges River foreshore and other land and rehabilitate existing vegetated areas. Works are yet to be undertaken.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Corporations, Trusts, Partnerships and Joint Ventures Council is a member of Westpool, a joint insurance and risk management venture that provides liability protection for nine western Sydney member councils. Member councils are Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. During 2011-2012 Council was engaged in resource sharing with a number of organisations including other councils and state government bodies as follows: • Be Sharp Be Safe Community Sharps Management • Chemical Cleanout • Floodplains Management Authority - NSW • Georges River Combined Councils Committee • Liverpool Local Emergency Management Committee • Macarthur Bushfire Management Committee • Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping Squad Council did not have a controlling interest in any companies during the year.
PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements 89
Rates and Charges Written Off During the Year There were no rates and charges written off during the year.
Senior Staff Remuneration As at 30 June 2013 the General Manager’s total remuneration, including salary, bonus payments, superannuation and motor vehicle, is detailed below: Position
Remuneration less FBT (Gross + Super + Car)
FBT
General Manager
$340,297.00
$16,909.00
As at 30 June 2013 total expenditure on Senior Staff remuneration (other than the General Manager) including salary, bonus payments, superannuation and motor vehicle is shown in the following table: Position Prior to March 2013: Director, Assets and Infrastructure Delivery Director, City Planning Director, City Services Director, Governance and Financial Services March 2013 – June 2013: Executive Director Group Manager, Business Excellence Group Manager, City Presentation Group Manager, Community and Culture Group Manager, Economy and Engagement Group Manager, Executive andStrategy Group Manager, Governance Group Manager, Infrastructure and Environment
Remuneration less FBT (Gross + Super + Car)
FBT
$ 1,165,995
$104,855
During 2012-13, Council reviewed its structure to ensure it was in line with industry best practice; this resulted in the transition from four directors to two Executive Directors and eight Group Managers. Council’s new structure places greater accountability on its management team and better outcomes for the community.
Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan Council supported equality in employment through building strong employment practices and ensuring the implementation of fair workplace policies and procedures with the aim of ensuring all recruitment is based on merit. Council has several programs in place to ensure that our workplace reflects our community and has a diversity of employees who are all trained and accountable for their behaviour toward each other and the Liverpool community. A particular area of focus for the year was on line training on Equal Employment Opportunity for all employees. Council also enhanced access and equity through education for disadvantaged groups. Council improved the qualification base of these groups through existing worker traineeships which have concentrated on recognition of existing skills and updating the knowledge base with the latest legislation and strategies for completing their work. Employees were encouraged to “Make a Difference” by providing ideas suggestions and feedback on any areas of concern. This feedback can be anonymous and the process ensures that all our employees have their suggestions considered at the highest levels of the organisation, irrespective of their backgrounds, status or personal attributes. Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
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Companion Animal Management Liverpool City Council delivered a range of activities during 2012-2013 to ensure compliance with the Companion Animals Act 1998 which included enforcement and education activities and programs. Council’s subsidised de-sexing program continued to be used by pensioners. This program is permanent and provides assistance to pensioners to de-sex their companion animal. Council provided 13 subsidies for the 2012-2013 year. It was promoted through Council’s website and in local papers. Liverpool City Council’s Micro-chipping Day provides the local community to have their companion animals micro-chipped free of charge. It was held on Saturday 18 September 2012 with more than 269 companion animals micro-chipped and educational show bags provided to the community. The event was advertised in local papers, on Council’s website, through flyers and on banners around the city. 1493 companion animals were registered during the year. Council embraced the new and more efficient process of reporting dog attacks via the Companion Animal Register. Council reported 53 dog attacks during the year. Council continued with its review process of all impounded animals to identify repeat offenders and take further action such as penalties and education to assist owners with their dogs and address any problem behaviours. Council now has two off-leash areas: Lieutenant Cantello Reserve, Stewart Drive, Hammondville and Hoxton Park Reserve, Wilson Drive, Hinchinbrook. Council continues to look at new locations to further increase the number of off-leash areas and also to improve the facilities we provide at the existing locations. Council, along with our authorised impounding facility is investigating ways to reduce the rate of euthanasia of companion animals. Help in the placement of unclaimed animals. Last financial year 365 dogs and 672 cats were released to these organisations for rehoming. Council has undertaken a proactive approach to the removal of feral cats within the local government area. Council has removed more than 90 cats with the assistance of residents who set the Council traps up in their yards. Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013
Animal management policies and procedures are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they meet any changes in the provisions of the Companion Animals Act 1998 and regulations. Companion Animal Funds were used in accordance with the guidelines of Section 85 (1a) of the Companion Animal Act 1998 which states “Any money paid to Council from the fund is to be applied by the Council only for the purpose that relate to the management and control of Companion Animals in its area”. The total cost of providing these services during 2012-13 was $608,418. The revenue generated from Animal Management services to the community was $162,899.
Work, Health and Safety (WHS) Council is required to comply with relevant legislation including the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011. During 2012-13 a major review of our WHS Management System was completed and all relevant changes were implemented. The WHS Management Plan includes various targets and objectives that are relevant to reducing workplace injuries, highlighting hazards and the enhancement of an inspection and audit schedule. Targets and objectives were formulated to ensure that we can provide a safe working environment for our workers and to encourage a proactive approach to safety. An electrical testing program and Emergency Procedures were completed across all work sites. The influenza vaccine was made available to all staff through the health immunisation program. Workers Compensation claims reduced significantly, 33 compared to 55 in 2011-12. A Workplace Health and Safety Committee continued to operate within Council with a membership comprising of staff and management representatives. The Committee meets every month to discuss issues, review changes to processes, statistical information and the WHS management system. A copy of the current Health and Safety policy is provided.
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Liverpool City Council, Level 2, 33 Moore Street, Liverpool NSW 2170 Phone 1300 36 2170 Visit www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au E-mail: lcc@liverpool.nsw.gov.au NRS: 133 677 (for hearing and speech impaired callers only) If you need this information translated call the interpreter service on 131 450 and ask them to contact Council on 1300 36 2170. Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT