ISSUE 22 - MAY 2022
WHAT’S INSIDE PAGE 6 AMENITY UPGRADES UNDER THE STRONGER COUNTRY COMMUNITIES FUND
PAGE 9
Progressing Delivery Program 2018 - 2022 (REVISED)
LANDCARE INITIATIVES EXPANDED
PAGE 10 SUMMER IN MAITLAND PROGRAM
CONTENTS Message from the Mayor and General Manager
4
Sport and recreation works
6
Local road programs and works
6
Community programs and events
7
Heritage
8
Environment
8
Economy and growth
10
Community leadership
11
Council performance and statistics
12
Your Councillors
17
We acknowledge the Wonnarua People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land within the Maitland Local Government Area. Council pays respect to all Aboriginal Elders, past, present and future with a spiritual connection to these lands. Cover photo: Maitland River Regatta, January 26 2022
2 Maitland 2 Maitland City Council City Council
BOLWARRA COMMUNITY PLANTING DAY
ABOUT THIS REPORT On The Move is a six monthly report delivered in May and November each year. The report provides an overview of the activities undertaken to meet the objectives of the Delivery Program for the periods October to March and April to September. The Delivery Program is Council’s ‘how to’ guide for achieving our community’s goals, as set out in the community strategic plan ‘Maitland +10’. Throughout the document a number of ‘Council Objectives’ are stated with information on how these are being achieved. For more information visit maitland.nsw.gov.au/my-council/planning-and-reporting/ long-term-planning. Published and distributed in 2021 by Maitland City Council. 285-287 High Street, Maitland NSW 2320. ABN 11 596 310 805. Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information herein however Maitland City Council accepts no responsibility for any consequences resulting from misdescription or inadvertent errors. Copyright: © Maitland City Council 2022. This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from Maitland City Council. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the General Manager, Maitland City Council, PO Box 220, Maitland NSW 2320 or via the website maitland.nsw.gov.au.
On the Move - May 2022 3
MESSAGE FROM MAYOR AND MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR GENERAL MANAGER AND GENERAL MANAGER We are pleased to present this edition of On the Move, capturing the activities of Council in delivering the 201822 (revised) Delivery Program for the period 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Delivering infrastructure Listening to young people and delivering what they want to see in spaces designed for them has been a priority during this period. We held two significant engagement events to get feedback from our local young people – the first to gather ideas to inform the concept plan for the Harold Gregson Youth Space, and the second to inform the redesign of Woodberry Skatepark. Our sporting facilities are also going to receive significant upgrades, with $560,000 of a $1.1 million NSW Government grant through the Stronger Country Communities Fund heading towards amenities upgrades at Cooks Square Park in East Maitland and a further $400,000 to Maitland Park to provide facilities that are better equipped to accommodate and encourage women in sport to participate and thrive. We will also see a range of upgrades and site improvements at the Lochinvar Sports Complex, after securing $306,862 in funding from the Round 8 Resources for Regions grant program. The funding includes installing seating adjacent to the sportsground and constructing a new footpath to improve accessibility to the spectator seating from the amenities and roadside parking areas. Refer to page 6 for details. Community programs and events Our community came together with Council and the Newcastle based community youth organisation, UP&UP, to bring a bright and engaging design to the rebound wall at Norm Chapman Oval in Rutherford. We supported families in need over Christmas with the facilitation and delivery of 400 Christmas hampers through the ever growing Food Assistance Network. Maitland Regional Art Gallery celebrated winning two awards at the Museums & Galleries of NSW Imagine Awards, as well as the securing of two NSW government grants to boost free programs at the gallery. Refer to pages 7 and 8 for details. Heritage and environmental programs Maitland’s heritage will further be conserved and promoted through four heritage projects that have secured state government funding to take place over the next two years.
Philip Penfold Mayor
4 Maitland City Council
David Evans PSM General Manager
The ever popular recycling event, the Mattress Muster saw 1,620 mattresses diverted from landfill and the Bolwarra Community Planting Day saw over 40 volunteers come together to plant 380 natives behind the tennis courts at John Wilkinson Sporting Complex. Our community will have more opportunities to get involved with environmental programs through local Landcare groups following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Council and the Hunter Region Landcare Network. Refer to pages 8 and 9 for details. Supporting our local economy We saw a huge program of family friendly events over the summer, including existing favourites such as the Dive in Cinema at East Maitland Aquatics Centre, and inaugural events like the River Regatta that proved to be a hit with the community. The plans and vision for Maitland Gaol to become a hero tourism destination for Maitland and the region is one step closer, with the announcement of $10m in shared State and Federal funding to go toward the site. Venues right across the City hosted a range of craft beer focused activities and events for Twisted Beer Week, supporting them to bounce back after being hit hard by recent lockdowns. Refer to page 10 and 11 for details. Community leadership Following the December local government elections, we welcomed our new Mayor, Cr Philip Penfold, and three new councillors, Cr Kristy Ferguson, Cr Stephanie Fisher, and Cr Bill Hackney. We celebrated Maitland’s 2021 Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year, Melita Chilcott and Montana Duggan and 20 people that became Australian citizens as part of Maitland’s official Australia Day ceremony. Refer to page 12 for details. We hope you find this update informative.
HIGHLIGHTS DURING THE PERIOD
new council elected
successful summer in maitland program BRINGING A SERIES OF FREE AND AFFORDABLE EVENTS TO OUR COMMUNITY FROM DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY
$1.1M GRANT FUNDING RECEIVED FOR AMENITY UPGRADES UNDER THE STRONGER COUNTRY COMMUNITIES FUND
$200,000 in funding
SECURED TO UNDERTAKE A BUSINESS CASE FOR THE THORNTON ROAD AND GLENWOOD DRIVE INTERSECTION
380 natives
PLANTED AT THE BOLWARRA COMMUNITY PLANNING DAY
On the Move - May 2022 5
SPORT AND RECREATION WORKS Contributing to Council Objective 2.1.4 To promote participation in activities that increase the usage of Council’s community, recreation and leisure facilities
$1.1 MILLION BOOST FOR COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE Council has received $1.1 million in NSW Government grant funding through the Stronger Country Communities Fund to upgrade amenities at locations across Maitland. The majority of the funding will target inclusiveness, with $560,000 heading towards amenities upgrades at Cooks Square Park in East Maitland and $400,000 to Maitland Park Outer Fields, to provide facilities that are better equipped to accommodate and encourage female participation in sport. The remaining $140,000 will support upgrades at the Steamfest rally ground, enabling the construction of a storage shed, viewing platform, and rail tracks to preserve and display heritage industrial equipment. Contributing to Council Objective 2.1.1 To plan for a broad range of community, recreation and leisure infrastructure and services that meets the needs of a growing community
YOUTH HAVE THEIR SAY ON HAROLD GREGSON PARK PLANS Harold Gregson Park in Central Maitland is set to be transformed as part of the fourth and final stage of the Maitland Regional Sports Complex upgrades, funded by the NSW Government Public Spaces Legacy Program. A concept plan for the site includes new pathways, BBQ and picnic spaces, overnight RV parking, plus a new space designed for young people. In December we asked our youth to share their ideas for this space. 246 responses were received, which will be used to inform a final concept plan for the space. Construction is planned to commence this year.
The upgrade will also connect both the sports complex and the adjacent Rural Fire Station to the sewer line. The current septic system will be decommissioned, including removing the transpiration pits.
LOCAL ROAD PROGRAMS AND WORKS Contributing to Council Objective 5.2.2 To enhance connectivity between local amenities through improvements to our on and off road cycleways.
KEY CONNECTIONS IN OUR SHARED PATHWAYS The Morpeth to Walka Water Works Shared Project will see significant progression after $956,480 was secured for Stage 2B of the project, through Round 8 of the Resources for Regions Round Grant Program. This work will extend the pathway from the Steamer Street stage for 2 kilometres back along Morpeth Road to Tank Street. Once completed, the community will be able to enjoy a shared pathway scenic loop from Tank Street to Queen’s Wharf and back along Steamer Street to connect to Morpeth Road, under the shade of the famous Morpeth fig trees.
Contributing to Council Objective 3.2.1 To seek and support major sporting and cultural events appropriate to the capacity of venues across the city
SHOWCASING OUR NEW ATHLETICS CENTRE In January , we saw the biggest event yet to be held at the Maitland Regional Athletics Centre since its upgrading and reopening in October 2020. The city’s state of the art facility hosted 1,000 athletes and their families for the 2022 NSW Country Championships, which an Athletics NSW spokesperson described as ‘one of the best’.
UPGRADES TO LOCHINVAR SPORTS COMPLEX Contributing to Council Objective 2.1.2 To build a range of community, recreation and leisure facilities based on sound asset management principles.
We will see a range of upgrades and site improvements at the Lochinvar Sports Complex, after securing $306,862 in funding from Round 8 of the Resources for Regions grant program. The funding includes installing seating adjacent to the sportsground and constructing a new footpath to improve accessibility to the spectator seating from the amenities and roadside parking areas.
6 Maitland City Council
ALLANDALE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
Contributing to Council Objective 4.1.1. To improve the way we move around the city by integrating land use and transport planning
SUPPORTING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE THORNTON ROAD NETWORK The next stage of the Thornton Road network upgrades are a step closer with Council securing $200,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program, to undertake a business case to support the Thornton Road and Glenwood Drive intersection. This grant funding will enable the engagement of a specialist consultant to help identify design requirements, stakeholder engagement and business case development to help prioritise works and support evidence based requests for future infrastructure grant funding. Contributing to Council Objective 5.1.2 To deliver improved safety, quality and amenity of local roads through increased road construction and maintenance programs
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS Contributing to Council Objective 1.1.4 To develop and support partnerships that increase community benefits and create a sense of community
YOUTH SPACE ACTIVATION PROJECT AT NORM CHAPMAN OVAL Council once again teamed up with Newcastle based community youth organisation UP&UP to bring colour to our youth facilities, this time at the rebound wall at Norm Chapman Oval in Rutherford. Young people were encouraged to get hands on in designing and creating the space, with dozens coming down on the day to pick up a spray can and pitch in as the bright and engaging design came together. The project was part of Council’s Youth Space Activation Project, funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. The result is a rebound wall with a design that reflects the community and will encourage Rutherford’s young people to make the space their own in a respectful manner. Contributing to Council Objective 1.4.2. To partner and collaborate with the community to build capacity to solve identified social issues.
CHRISTMAS HAMPERS PACKED AND PRIMED FOR FAMILIES IN NEED As part of our response to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, Council contributed $12,000 to the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre’s Christmas hampers program in the form of fresh food vouchers. The vouchers helped enhance the hampers by providing access to fresh meat and veg for more than 1,000 of the community’s most vulnerable people. Staff supported the preparation, packaging, and readying for delivery of the 400 Christmas hampers for families in need, with Council a proud contributor and supporter of our ever growing Food Assistance Network, and the role it plays supporting our community. Contributing to Council Objective 2.2.2 To service community creative needs through the effective management of Maitland Regional Art Gallery
PROJECTS, GRANTS AND AWARDS FOR MAITLAND REGIONAL ART GALLERY Archibald Prize exhibition tour Maitland Regional Art Gallery hosted the Archibald Prize 2021 exhibition tour from 22 January to 6 March 2022. It was a ticketed event that saw over 13,300 visitors to the Gallery to experience one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art awards. Artist talks were included as part of the event, with Kathrin Longhurst and Mirra Whale providing exclusive discussions around their Archibald Prize finalist portraits. Digitisation project brings collection online Over 6,000 pieces from Maitland Regional Art Gallery’s art collection can now be explored and enjoyed by the community from the comfort of their homes, with the culmination of an extensive digitisation project bringing the entire collection online. The digitisation and accessibility of the collection was identified as a priority for the Gallery in early 2020, with this major milestone under Phase One of Council’s Digital Collections: Opened Minds project now reached.
On the Move - May 2022 7
Grants boost free community programs
•
Two grants secured from the NSW Government will allow Maitland Regional Art Gallery to continue to provide free programs for teen audiences, and those living with dementia and their carers.
Continuation of stage two of conservation works to the historically significant East Maitland Glebe Cemetery, restoring and preserving gravestones, vaults and iconic monuments.
•
Development of a digital tour experience to bring to life the sights, sounds and stories of the Walka Water Works site, its mysteries and the people who worked there.
For teens, the Gallery is one of five recipients in the 2021 round of the Audience Development Fund, a NSW Government grant program delivered through Create NSW and administered by Museums & Galleries of NSW. The awarded $10,000 will support a new program called Take One, presenting a series of labs in performance based practice at the Gallery for young creatives. From the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, the Gallery received $19,206 under the ‘Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors’ program which will fund another year of conversations, connection and creativity at the free Art & Dementia program in 2022. The sessions are guided by a trained facilitator who uses art as a trigger for conversation and self expression through art making, and is a great opportunity for those living with dementia and their carers to reconnect, and for carers to connect with each other. Recognition of ‘Our Place’ codesign project Maitland Regional Art Gallery was recognised with two awards at the Museums & Galleries of NSW Imagine Awards: the Innovation and Resilience Award, and the Imagination Award. The recognised ‘Our Place’ codesign project brought together local First Nations students with architecture students from the University of Newcastle to work together and redevelop the gallery’s garden space. The Imagination Award will support the launch of this space, with a community event designed by the participating young students, including artist talks, creative activities, Indigenous plantings, and music in a celebration of art, architecture, and Country.
ENVIRONMENT Contributing to Council Objective 2.1.3.1 Plans of Management for Community and Crown Land to support efficient management of community land, including passive and active recreation facilities
WALKA WATER WORKS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC Council has been exploring future use options for Walka Water Works, and as part of this process, has undertaken condition assessments of the site funded by the State’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. Qualified assessors have identified the presence of asbestos, most likely associated with the site’s historical use as a power station.
Contributing to Council Objective 1.2.1 To realise the development of new spaces, activities and programs that unlock Central Maitland’s unique heritage and character.
HERITAGE Contributing to Council Objective 6.2.3 To encourage adaptive and creative usage of privately owned heritage buildings
FOUR EXCITING HERITAGE PROJECTS HAPPENING AROUND MAITLAND Council successfully secured $153,000 in NSW Government funding to deliver projects over the next two years, which will conserve, promote and seek to understand more of Maitland’s rich heritage and history. The projects include: •
The Morpeth Aboriginal cultural history project, working closely with the local Aboriginal community to ensure that Aboriginal History, which precedes Morpeth’s colonial history by thousands of years, is accurately documented and shared.
•
The Maitland Town Hall interpretation project, digitally capturing the associated heritage of the Maitand Town Hall.
8 Maitland City Council
MATTRESS MUSTER AT MAITLAND SHOWGROUND
While asbestos has only been identified in some parts of the site, the health risks of asbestos exposure are well documented, so the entire site is closed to the public until further notice as a precaution. Walka Water Works is owned by NSW Crown Lands and managed by Council so we will be working with Crown Lands as the site owners on an asbestos management plan. The contamination assessment by specialist contractors is expected to be completed by June 2022, with major remediation works to commence in July 2022. Council will be providing updates to the community through social media and the website as they become available at mait.city/WalkaClosure. Contributing to Council Objective 10.2.1 To review, coordinate and collaborate with the community on environmental and sustainability programs
COUNCIL AND LANDCARE SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) Supporting the delivery of sustainable land conservation, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Council and the Hunter Region Landcare Network (HRLN). The MOU will result in new Landcare sites on public land and on the ground support such as training, tools and seedlings from Council and HRLN. For the community, this means the opportunity to get involved in more environmental programs through local Landcare groups. Contributing to Council Objective 10.3.1 To provide opportunity for residents to participate in environmental education and awareness programs and projects
MATTRESS MUSTER Our popular recycling event, the Mattress Muster, returned to Maitland Showground this February with 1,620 mattresses collected from households across Maitland. The Mattress Muster is one of our most successful circular economy events, giving thousands of mattresses a new life by turning them into new roof sheeting for houses, carpet underlay, and mulch for gardens. This is important because mattresses are a problem waste that use a lot of space in landfills when they’re not recycled. This year is the final year that the NSW Environment Protection Authority will be funding the program, with our Domestic Waste Management Charge in 2022/23 funding future mattress recycling programs. Contributing to Council Objective 10.3.2 To provide strong environmental leadership for the community.
COUNCILS MOVING TO 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY Matiland City joined councils from across the region, including Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Upper Hunter, Cessnock and Muswellbrook in a joint energy procurement project to maximise energy cost stability and meet environmental outcomes. By teaming up, we secured a long term electricity contract with Mojo Power, backed by new renewable electricity generation projects in regional NSW and the Hunter Region. Many of our major sites, such as Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland Library and Maitland Aquatic Centre, plus street lights around the city are now sourcing their power from the contract. We will transition to 100% renewable energy status at many of our major venues by 2025 as more regional power projects come online. Contributing to Council Objective 10.3.1 To provide opportunity for residents to participate in environmental education and awareness programs and projects
BOLWARRA COMMUNITY PLANTING DAY Kicking off a new Landcare site at Bolwarra, the Bolwarra Community Planting Day saw over 40 volunteers come together to plant 380 natives on Council land behind the tennis courts at John Wilkinson Sporting Complex. Through our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hunter Region Landcare Network, we are improving support for current groups such as Earthcare Park, who work on land within Council’s care and control, as well as establishing two new Landcare sites this year. The Bolwarra Landcare site is the first one, and a community expression of interest will help to confirm the second site.
On the Move - May 2022 9
ECONOMY AND GROWTH
FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS ALL SUMMER LONG WITH COUNCIL’S SUMMER IN MAITLAND PROGRAM
Contributing to Council Objective 3.1.1. To create an economic, social and cultural benefit to the community through the delivery of the city’s seven flagship events
Our popular summer events program returned from December to February, bringing a series of free and affordable events to our community.
‘TWISTED BEER WEEK’
Live at the Levee
Inspired by our classic Bitter & Twisted event at the Gaol, unfortunately canceled due COVID-19 restrictions, Council initiated and supported the delivery of Twisted Beer Week to celebrate all things craft beer from 22 to 28 November. Venues across the City hosted a range of craft beer focused activities and events, supporting recovery resulting from recent lockdowns.
We hosted our largest Live at The Levee yet, with two nights of live music from five Aussie acts, performed from a special floating stage on the Hunter River.
Contributing to Council Objective 11.2.1 To encourage the integration of contemporary and interesting public artworks to enliven city spaces and create a vibrant public realm
MORPETH BICENTENARY WORKS On Friday 19 November, lights installed on Morpeth Bridge were turned on as part of the village’s Bicentenary celebrations. The bridge will continue to be lit up every night for the community and visitors to enjoy. Another Bicentenary project in Morpeth, a shared pathway connecting Queens Wharf to Morpeth Road via Steamer Street was opened to the public in January. The Riverside shared pathway, from Robert Street to Illalaung Park Morpeth, is also in the final stages of design, being the first stage of what will ultimately be the Morpeth to Walka Water Works shared pathway. Both of these paths will include enhancements such as public art, interpretations and seating over the coming months. The official commemorations and program of activities for the Morpeth Bicentenary was delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions and will now be held in November 2022 when it’s possible to invite the whole community to celebrate safely together. Contributing to Council Objective 6.2.1 To promote and support the adaptive reuse of Maitland Gaol
MAITLAND GAOL TO RECEIVE OVER $10M IN STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING The plans and vision for Maitland Gaol to become a hero tourism destination for Maitland and the region is one step closer, with the announcement of over $10m in shared State and Federal funding to go toward the development of the site. The funding will go toward delivering elements of the Maitland Gaol Development Plan and Site Master Plan, including: • • • • •
After securing a grant under the state government Festival of Place, Summer Night Fund, it was great to see the Live at The Levee concept that our community loves so much, successfully upscaled and executed. Over 3000 people attended the event and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback on the night and comments on Council’s social media channels praising the initiative. Aqua Hire Aqua Hire ran through January from Lorn beach, with 286 bookings made for paddle boards and kayaks. Participants were able to hire out the watercrafts for an hour while spectators were able to sit on the sand of the riverbank in a comfy beach chair. River Regatta On 26 January, over 500 people took to the Hunter River on inflatable rafts for the inaugural Maitland River
Free visitor access to parts of the site Boutique accommodation An activity hub including with an upgraded café with internal connection to the Gaol Better access for event infrastructure A new 200 seat theatre and centralised amenities.
Work is also progressing on the development of a Guard Tower Experience, with the DA for required works being lodged in March. Contributing to Council Objective 14.1.2 To activate public places in Central Maitland through art, food, performance and other renewal activities
10 Maitland City Council
MORPETH BRIDGE LIGHTING
Regatta at RH Taylor Reserve in Lorn, whilst approximately 3,000 people soaked up the live music, food trucks and amusements on offer at RH Taylor Reserve. Disc golf in East Maitland Two evening disc golf sessions were hosted at Stockade Hill Heritage Park in East Maitland, alongside Newcastle Disc Golf. 50 people attended the sessions, with hundreds more since attending for social disc golf, which underlines the potential of this sort of activation for the future. Disc Golf has been so popular, the course will remain in place for a further six months. Live Laneways Families were welcomed to discover two imaginative and interactive activities for kids as part of Maitland City Council’s Live Laneways initiative. Drill Hall Lane at The Levee hosted a construct your very own sea monster in Underwater World or magical creature costume in the Fairy Garden to match the colourful scenery with help from the magical folk at Alchemy of Arts. Dive in Cinema Movie screenings over two nights at East Mailtand Aquatic Centre attracted over and remains a popular fixture of our summer events calendar. Entertainment, food, laser tag and lawn games, as well as free swim time were a part of these activities. A third movie in the program had to be cancelled due to weather. Boho Picnic and Morpeth Common The final activity of our Summer Program, the Boho Picnic at Morpeth Common, was held on 13 February. This exciting new activity saw 68 people attend the ultimate picnic at Morpeth Common, featuring live music, pop up wine bar and gourmet grazing platters.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Contributing to Council Objective 15.1.1 To identify and facilitate opportunities for community leaders to connect and collaborate
MEET MAITLAND’S NEW COUNCIL The reporting period saw the retirement of Councillors Henry Meskauskus, Nicole Penfold and Don Ferris and the election of Councillor Philip Penfold as our Mayor and Councillor Mitchell Griffin as our Deputy Mayor for the term. We welcomed three new councillors Cr Kristy Ferguson, Cr Stephanie Fisher and Cr Bill Hackney who joined returning councillors Cr Kanchan Ranadive, Cr Peter Garnham, Cr Ben Whiting, Cr Robert Aitchison, Cr Sally Halliday, Cr Mike Yarrington, Cr Loretta Bake and Cr Ben Mitchell for the term to September 2024. Following the election, Councillors launched into an intensive period of inductions and workshops, reviewing community feedback on a vision for the future of Maitland and supporting the revision of Maitland +10, our community’s long term plan, along with Council’s Long Term Financial Plan, Delivery Program and annual Operational Plan. These documents will be available for public review and feedback from mid April to mid May via maitlandyoursay.com.au. To find out more about our councillors, you can view their extended profiles at https://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/my-council/about-council/councillorsinformation.
MEET MAITLAND’S 2021 CITIZEN AND YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Maitland resident Melita Chilcott was named Citizen of the Year and Bolwarra Heights resident Montana Duggan was named Young Citizen of the Year at Council’s official Australia Day ceremony held at East Maitland Bowling Club. A resident of Maitland for the past 30 years, Ms Chilcott was honoured for her volunteer work with vulnerable community members, senior citizens and the homeless. In addition to her tireless work with the State Emergency Service, Meals on Wheels and as a pro bono wedding and baby photographer for less fortunate people in the community, Ms Chilcott has applied her TAFE qualification in hairdressing by offering her services free of charge to homeless and disadvantaged people at rehabilitation clinics and churches. 25 year old Bolwarra Heights resident Montana Duggan was named Young Citizen of the Year for her work on the committee of local not for profit, Friends of Palliative Care. Since losing her father to cancer in 2011, Ms Duggan has worked with the group to raise money for quality palliative care services across the Hunter Valley, serving as both vice president and now president of the committee.
On the Move - May 2022 11
COUNCIL PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICS
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT Council’s Delivery Program 2018-2022 (revised) is structured around the five themes of ‘Maitland +10’. The allocation of approximately $181.8 million of expenditure for 2021/22 is shown in chart below:
WHERE IS COUNCIL’S FUNDING ALLOCATED? Council allocates funding across a range of programs and services. In a number of areas, costs are fixed and are not controlled by Council. This includes State Government levies for waste and compulsory contributions to fire services, as well as street lighting. Employee costs cover the delivery of the full gamut of Council services from libraries and pools, to waste collection, roadworks, park maintenance, administration and more. A substantial proportion of Council’s employee costs is accounted for in the works and maintenance programs of Council. The allocation of $181.8 million in income and expenditure in the 2021/22 budget is as follows:
EXPENDITURE % BREAKDOWN Expenditure
INCOME % BREAKDOWN %
Income
%
Rates
52.1
Grants and contributions
12.2
31.1
Borrowings
20.0
32.7
Reserves
7.8
Employee costs, including Mayoral and Councillor costs
26.3
Capital works Other materials and contracts Reserves
7.6
Annual waste charges
9.6
Waste levy
1.5
Tipping fees
1.4
Waste disposal
3.2
Other revenue
1.9
Loan repayments
4.7
Development services
1.8
Street lighting
1.5
Interest
0.7
Recycling service
3.2
Other fees
4.8
Plant and equipment purchases
2.0
12 Maitland City Council
COUNCIL PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICS
RATES IN ARREARS
%
$
31 October 2021
2.72
2,564,981
30 November 2021
2.49
2,351,622
Rates in arrears can be an indication of how affordable annual rates are for members of the community.
31 December 2021
2.34
2,208,948
31 January 2022
2.20
2,073,830
These figures do not include any overdue installments from the current financial year.
28 February 2022
2.02
1,912,309
31 March 2022
1.88
1,778,195
The rates and charges you pay assist Council to fund services such as community, sporting and recreation, environmental planning, public health, environmental protection and waste collection, treatment and disposal.
Rates in arrears
IMMUNISATION
FOOD BUSINESS INSPECTIONS
Council provides four free immunisation clinics each month for 0 to 4 year olds at Council facilities in Thornton, Rutherford and Central Maitland.
Council routinely inspects food retail premises, both fixed and temporary, within the local government area for compliance with relevant food legislation.
Immunisation protects people against harmful infections before they come into contact with them in the community. Immunisation uses the body’s natural defence mechanism - the immune response - to build resistance to specific infections. Immunisation helps people stay healthy by preventing serious infections.
The goal is to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses to the community. Serious breaches or premises requiring ongoing intervention may be issued with a warning letter, improvement notice or penalty notice.
During the period 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, there were 141 immunisations provided by Council clinics. Due COVID-19 restrictions on the number of bookings per day, the numbers are reduced from previous years. A schedule with dates and venues for the clinics is available on Council’s website maitland.nsw.gov.au/my-neighbourhood/ environmental-health/baby-immunisaton-clinics
In accordance with the partnership agreement with the NSW Food Authority, each Council is required to lodge an annual activity statement outlining key aspects of their food surveillance program. During the period 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2021 there were 33 food premise inspections undertaken across the city. The number of inspections was greatly impacted by COVID-19.
LIBRARY FACILITY VISITATION COVID-19 stay at home orders were lifted and library facilities reopened on 19 October 2021. Visitation remained lower when compared to the same period last year, as COVID-19 restrictions were gradually eased. The visitation figures for March 2022 suggest a return to pre-COVID-19 levels. 66,628 visitors during the period
On the Move - May 2022 13
COUNCIL PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICS MAITLAND REGIONAL ART GALLERY VISITATION
ON THE MOVE 17 ICO
MAITLAND AQUATIC CENTRES VISITATION
LIBRAR
MRAG
ON THE MOVE 17 ICONS
VIC
GAOL
LIBRARY
MRAG
31,119 visitors during the period
107,851 visitors during the period
SWIMM POOLS
VIC
MAITLAND GAOL VISITATION
MAITLAND VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE VISITATION
MALE A FEMALE
ON THE MOVE 17GAOL ICONS
ON THE MOVE 17 ICON
LIBRARY SWIMMING POOLS
LIBRARY
MRAG MALE AND FEMALE ICONS
MRAG VIC
6,473 visitors during the period
COVID-19 IMPACTS ON VISITATION Visitation across our facilities remained low during October due to COVID-19 stay at home orders. Facilities began to reopen on the 19th October 2021, with visitation gradually returning to comparable levels to the same period last year. Maitland Regional Art Gallery saw a peak in visitation during January and February with the highly popular ticketed exhibition of The 2021 Archibald Prize.
14 Maitland City Council
GAOL
3,049 visitors during the period
VIC
GAOL SWIMMING POOLS By January, the Aquatics centres saw a return to comparable
levels with the same period last year as COVID-19 restrictions were gradually eased. Maitland MALE ANDGaol saw an increase in visitation in November and December, when compared to the same period last year, before FEMALE ICONS
SWIMM POOLS
seeing a general reduction at the beginning of 2022.
Visitor Information Centre saw a gradual increase over the period but an overall decrease in visitation compared to the same period last year.
MALE A FEMALE
COUNCIL PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICS DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE CITY Maitland continues to be one of the fastest growing inland cities in Australia. Our approval statistics provide an indication of the level of building and development activity across the city, as well as the efficiency of our processing systems.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS (DA) DURING THE PERIOD
678
LODGED
MEDIAN DA PROCESSING TIMES (CALENDAR DAYS)
742
APPROVED
NUMBER OF DA LODGED OR APPROVED DURING 6 MONTHLY REPORTING PERIODS
CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATES (CC) DURING THE PERIOD
232
LODGED
CC MEDIAN PROCESSING TIMES (CALENDAR DAYS)
240
APPROVED
NUMBER OF CC LODGED OR APPROVED DURING 6 MONTHLY REPORTING PERIODS
On the Move - May 2022 15
COUNCIL PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Council’s Customer Experience team received 29,508 calls from October 2021 to March 2022, which is a slight reduction in comparison to the previous reporting period. Council’s live chat service via the corporate website was comparable with the previous quarter with 2,552 chats. Council has nominated turnaround times it aims to meet for each customer service request category, subject to the seriousness of the issue. These range from three days for waste related matters, ten days for pothole repairs and 15 days for footpath maintenance. Of all the requests finalised over this time, 70% were completed within service level timeframes. The requests include garbage bin repairs, road potholes, barking dogs, stray dogs, street tree maintenance, missed garbage service, illegal rubbish dumping, parking infringement, community and recreation building maintenance and mowing. Maitland City Council is committed to providing personal friendly service with dedicated Customer Experience team ready each day to answer calls and offer assistance at our reception area. Office hours are from 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday at the Administration Building and from 8.00am - 6.00pm on via email, phone and live chat.
STATISTICS CUSTOMER CONTACT OVER 24 MONTHS
CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUESTS AND SERVICE LEVELS THIS PERIOD
16 Maitland City Council
MAYOR
Cr Philip Penfold 0427 330 771 mayor@maitland.nsw.gov.au
NORTH WARD
EAST WARD
CENTRAL WARD
DEPUTY MAYOR
WEST WARD
Cr Ben Mitchell 0458 929 202
ben.mitchell@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Stephanie Fisher 0438 062 895
stephanie.fisher@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Kristy Ferguson 0422 518 944
kristy.ferguson@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Mitchell Griffin 0402 168 359
mitchell.griffin@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Robert Aitchison 0427 455 215
robert.aitchison@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Mike Yarrington 0490 880 514
mike.yarrington@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Loretta Baker 4934 9712
mayor@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Sally Halliday 0477 772 697
sally.halliday@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Bill Hackney 0474 295 032
bill.hackney@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Peter Garnham 0401 895 482
peter.garnham@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Kanchan Ranadive 0477 704 838
kanchan.ranadive@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Ben Whiting 0425 349 938
ben.whiting@maitland.nsw.gov.au
On the Move - May 2022 17
285 - 287 High Street Maitland NSW 2320 t 02 4934 9700 f 02 4933 3209 info@maitland.nsw.gov.au maitland.nsw.gov.au
