2015 ANNUAL REPORT
Contents Vision, Mission and Values Who We Are Moree Plains Shire 2015 Statistics and Maps
3 4 5
The Year in Review 2014/2015 Highlights Mayor’s Message General Manager’s Overview At a Glance Finance Snapshot
6 6 8 9 10 12
Governance Our Councillors How Do We Govern Our Shire?
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Our Organisation Our Executive Team Our Staff Organisational Development Work Health and Safety Corporate Governance Framework
30 33 34 36 40 44
Our Performance An Inclusive Caring Community A Vibrant Regional Economy An Environmental Role Model Coordinated, Committed Leadership
49 50 53 55 57
Statutory Information Our Performance Our Organisation Our Community Our Environment Our Economy and Infrastructure
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Your Feedback
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Acknowledgement Moree Plains Shire Council acknowledges the Kamilaroi people as the traditional custodians of this land.
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Vision, Mission and Values Our Organisational Vision
Moree Plains Shire is a strong, robust community that provides a relaxed, healthy and harmonious lifestyle with an economy that supports the local region and preserves the important environmental qualities of our area.
Our Organisational Mission
Moree Plains Shire Council’s mission is to lead the way in fostering a healthy, positive and wellresourced community.
Our Organisational Values
Commitment: working hard to get the job done. Integrity: being open and honest in our dealings. Partnerships: working together with the community. Protection: ensuring our activities do not impact on the health, safety or welfare of our stakeholders. Respect: valuing the feelings, opinions and needs of others. Service: giving our best to the community.
Our Community Vision
Blessed by the Plains’ rich black soils and artesian waters, Shire residents enjoy a vibrant rural economy, have a deep cultural connection to Country, and harbour a deep respect for their place and each other in such a way as to impress newcomers.
Our Community Values
Celebrate our cultural diversity: Moree Plains gains so much from the diversity of its people. Celebrate and embrace our differences by working together: a real sense of opportunity is evident within the Shire and residents work together to improve their quality of life. A country lifestyle: residents have a commitment to maintaining a relaxed and tranquil community, ensuring that the Shire is a great place to raise a family. An engaged community: there is an understanding that our vision cannot be achieved without involvement and contribution from the entire community.
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Who We Are The first Moree Municipal Council, with nine elected representatives, was incorporated in 1890. Moree Plains Shire is located in northwest New South Wales near the border of Queensland. Moree is 640km from Sydney and 480km from Brisbane. The Shire covers approximately 18,000km2. The town of Moree accounts for 9,346 of the Shire’s 13,429 people (2011 Census). The townships of Boggabilla, Mungindi and Pallamallawa are the other major centres, with the remaining population dispersed across the Shire. The mild to hot climate and fertile land supports a strong agricultural industry. The Mehi, Gwydir, Barwon and Macintyre Rivers flow through the Shire. Our abundance of water – particularly the bore water of the Great Artesian Basin – is a major tourist attraction and community asset. Moree Plains is a great place to live and work. Moree Plains Shire Council (or “Council”) is committed to preserving our special place and lifestyle and helping create a strong and rewarding economy for all residents.
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Moree Plains Shire 2015 Statistics and Maps Area: 17,930km2 Population as per 2011 Census data: 13,429 Percentage of males: 51% Percentage of females: 49% Population under 15 years of age: 23.5% Population aged 55 years and over: 23.6% Median age of residents: 35 years Moree Plains Shire residents born in Australia: 86.2% Indigenous persons as a percentage of total: 20.8% Median weekly household income: $1,053 Median monthly mortgage repayment: $1,300 Median weekly rent: $140 Average household size: 2.5 Total labour force: 6,185 Percentage of workforce in full-time employment: 64.7% Percentage of workforce unemployed: 6% Number of rateable properties: 6,498 Number of people enrolled to vote: 8,251 Note: Data from Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Electoral Commission
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The Year in Review 2014/2015 Highlights First Quarter: July–September 2014 • • • • • • • • • • • •
Winner of “Council of the Year” at the Local Government Aboriginal Networking Conference. A component of the Award was based on our successes in Aboriginal Employment which is, in turn, embedded into the Reconciliation Action Plan. Conducted a “Stress Less Fest” youth forum in conjunction with Mental Health Month. There were approximately 250 students from Warialda, Boggabilla, Mungindi and Moree in attendance. Extended the organic waste service to villages and outlying areas of Moree. Repainted the Gurley Hall. Funding was granted to the Ranger Program to conduct a de-sexing program in Boggabilla and Toomelah to reduce the amount of unwanted animals. Participated in the Heavy Vehicle Slow Down Campaign. Erected a hard shade structure at the Mungindi Pool. Launched Myroadinfo.com. Provided an emergency operations centre facility and resources for multi-agency responses. Implemented the “Moree Street Lighting” project in hotspot areas. Resealed Taxi-way B at Moree Regional Airport. Completed a landscaped garden at the Boggabilla Cemetery including rockery for the recording of details of persons whose graves are unidentifiable.
Second Quarter: October–December 2014 • • • • • • • •
In collaboration with Hunter New England Health, organised the hosting of workshops for local interpreters which were held on 25, 26 and 27 October. Completed and installed the Boggabilla Cemetery Memorial. Completed audits of all Shire cemeteries. Built a preschool playroom and associated amenities to cater for an additional 20 children of preschool age at Gwydir Day Care and Preschool. Upgraded the playground at Gwydir Day Care and Preschool to ensure compliance with National Standards. Moree Solar Farm commenced construction. Construction of the Moree Evergreen Precinct Water Ski Lakes commenced. Reviewed ‘Alcohol Free Zones’ within Moree, Mungindi and Boggabilla.
Third quarter: January–March 2015 • • • •
Held the 2015 Senior Citizen of the Year luncheon at which more than 120 seniors attended. Our first indigenous recipient, Ms Zona Moore, was awarded 2015 Senior Citizen of the Year. Held a very successful ‘Colour Run 4Kids’. Held Moree Superstar auditions and Grand Final. Completed the purchase of Taylor Oval.
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• • • • • • • • •
Conducted and facilitated an Engagement Seminar for local contractors in relation to the Moree Solar Farm Project. Launched the iPhone, iPad and Android apps at the Tourism Moree AGM in March 2015. Completed improvements and upgrades to the drainage at Yarraman. Upgraded flood gates, operational manual and flood study in relation to Mungindi. Arranged life-saving initiatives at Boomi and Mungindi pools. Completed contract sewer maintenance services to Mehi Crescent, Stanley Village and Toomelah. Completed a shared pathway adjacent to the Gwydir Highway from Morton Street to Anne Street. Resealed Taxiway B at Moree Regional Airport. Held Community Consultation meetings in Moree and Mungindi to inform the community of Council’s progress in implementing the Delivery Program 2014-2017 and Operational Plan 20132014 and 2014-2015.
Fourth Quarter: April – June 2015 • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Participated in a Customer Service Benchmarking program where Moree Plains Shire Council ranked 5th out of 43 Councils taking part in the program. Hosted a round of ‘Report to the Community’ meetings at Gurley and Boggabilla, at which a Council Committee meeting was also held. Implemented a full review of overtime management across Council. Officially opened the Moree Gateway. In conjunction with the Moree Aero Club, hosted the very successful Moree “Sky’s the Limit” Airshow. Prepared a Roadside Vegetation Plan for Moree Plains Shire. Installed flood gates on storm water drains. Designed, constructed and installed entrance signs at Boomi and Terry Hie Hie. Implemented the “Moree Street Lighting” project in ‘hotspot’ as identified in the plan. Implemented the Frome Street Pedestrian Safety campaign. Reviewed power supply options to reduce the cost of electricity. Resealed Taxiway C at Moree Regional Airport. Conducted heavy patching repairs to Runway 01/19 at Moree Regional Airport. Submitted Council’s Improvement Proposal to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal as part of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future reform initiative.
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Mayor’s Message As Mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council, I am delighted to present the Council’s Annual Report for the 2014/2015 financial year. What a year! Cr Katrina Humphries, Mayor,
We have spent a great deal of time this year reflecting on Council’s scale and Moree Plains Shire Council capacity to continue to be sustainable into the future. We feel very strongly that we are best placed to continue without amalgamation and have put forward a submission to the Office of Local Government consistent with this view. Having said this, we acknowledge that there are opportunities for improvement and Council endorsed a suite of actions for staff to undertake to investigate ways to enhance the way Council operates. This is an exciting time for the organisation and I thank all staff who contributed to this. Council was immensely proud to be awarded the Business of the Year award at the Moree Reconciliation Awards. We pride ourselves on our initiatives in this area and are honoured to receive recognition of this in the community. We conducted some ‘Reporting to the Community’ sessions and were pleased to hear the views from the community. There will be more widespread engagement occurring next financial year and I encourage everyone to get involved in any way you can to ensure you have the opportunity to have your say about the future directions of Council. This year we said goodbye to David Aber who finished up with the organisation in May. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for the way he has led this organisation and the strong position that we find ourselves in. I wish him well in the future. I am delighted at the appointment of Lester Rodgers in the role of General Manager. Lester has lived in Moree all his life and is a long term employee of the Council. I have complete faith in Lester’s ability to lead this organisation into the future and position us as a regional leader. I encourage you to read through the Annual Report to understand what the Council has achieved over the past year. I’m sure you will be both amazed and impressed. On behalf of the Council, I wish to thank the staff, capably led by the General Manager, for the hard work that they put in for our local community.
Cr Katrina Humphries Mayor
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General Manager’s Overview Local Government reform, customer service and project delivery marked the year 2014/2015. David Aber, General Manager, Moree Plains Shire Council (up to May 2015)
Lester Rodgers, General Manager, Moree Plains Shire Council (from May 2015)
Governance The NSW Government’s announcement of the Fit for the Future reform has dominated the sector this year. Council staff have worked extremely hard to put together a sophisticated, well informed submission featuring sensible ways to ensure Moree Plains Shire Council has the scale and capacity to continue as a stand-alone council. Council has spent a lot of time this year working on the development of a Business Contingency Plan, improving ability to respond in the event that operations of Council are interrupted. It is important that our organisation is able to continue to operate and avoids lengthy down times.
Community A Preschool Room was built at Gwydir Daycare and Preschool this year and the project was undertaken on time and within budget. This was in response to a shortage of Preschool places and addressed a long waiting list for the centre. Council participated in a Customer Service Benchmarking Survey this year and I am pleased to report that we were ranked fifth highest out of the 43 Councils surveyed. This is a fantastic result and I am immensely proud of all the staff and their commitment to providing the highest level of service to the community. Progress on the Evergreen Precinct Water Ski Lakes is on track and will be a great drawcard for the Shire.
Thank you and Farewell I would like to thank the Councillors for their support in setting the strategic direction for the organisation. The commitment and dedication of Council’s staff in delivering what the community have asked for is outstanding and I am proud of each of them for the invaluable contribution that they make. This will be my final Annual Report to present as General Manager, it has been a pleasure and an honour to lead this wonderful organisation over the past 13 years and I wish everyone the very best in the future.
David Aber General Manager
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At a Glance
Highlights
Results
An Inclusive, Caring Community
A Vibrant Regional Economy
An Environmental Role Model
Built a preschool playroom and associated amenities to cater for an additional 20 children of preschool age at Gwydir Daycare and Preschool. Introduced the organics waste collection services to villages areas. Provided a landscaped garden for the recording of details of persons whose graves are unidentifiable at Boggabilla. Provided emergency operations centre facilities and resources for multi-agency responses. Implemented the Moree Street Lighting Project in hotspot areas. Reviewed the location of Alcohol Free Zones within Moree, Boggabilla and Mungindi. Delivered contract sewer maintenance services to Mehi Crescent, Stanley Village and Toomelah. Launched Myroadinfo.com
Completed purchase of Taylor Oval. Updated the Shire’s marketing materials. Completed the Regional Road Repair Program. Prepared a submission to Infrastructure Australia, in conjunction with the Australian Rural Roads Group, for consideration in the 2015/2016 financial year. Completed gravel re-sheeting of floodways and critical access on identified rural roads. Completed the recurrent resealing program. Recruited suitable candidates into Council Scholarships in skill shortage areas. Held a very successful Moree ‘Sky’s the Limit” Airshow, in conjunction with the Moree Aero Club. Tourism Moree Launched the iPhone, iPad and Android apps.
58 69 24
19 34 8
8 37 7
Updated the Pollution Incident Response Management Plan. Prepared a Roadside Vegetation Plan for the Moree Plains Shire. Completed the Gwydir Highway tree planting program. Designed, constructed and installed entrance signage at Boomi and Terry Hie Hie. Held a very successful Main Street Christmas Carnival. Participated in DrumMUSTER operations. Constructed footpaths and cycleways.
Committed, coordinated Leadership Upgraded drainage at Yarraman.
Developed a policy
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for overland flows for rural areas. Upgraded flood gates, operational manual and flood study for Mungindi. Audited all cemeteries within the Shire. Updated the Sewer Asset Management Plan. Reviewed power supply options to reduce the cost of electricity. Conducted a round of ‘Reporting to the Community’ meetings at Mungindi, Boggabilla and Gurley. Participated in a customer service benchmarking program where Council was th ranked 5 out of 43 participating Councils. Continued membership in the Australian Rural Roads Group. Implemented a full review of overtime management across Council to inform efficient work practices. Installed flood gates on storm water drains.
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Key Services, activities and projects delivered on time and on budget Services, activities and projects being delivered/progressing as planned Services, activities and projects that have not been delivered on time or on budget
Challenges
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The Future
Further information
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Improve connectedness in our community. Grow our population, which is shrinking as many young people leave the Shire for educational and career opportunities. Maintain community wellbeing. Create safe and inviting public spaces and a safe road network.
Support efforts to reduce crime by such means as facilitating Crime Prevention Committees. • Continue sportsfield upgrades and improvements to swimming pool facilities. • Continue to provide access to diverse recreational and cultural activities and investigate new opportunities. • Construct additional cycleways along a number of streets in Moree. Pages 49-51, 60-62
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Support our existing businesses and provide a framework for business growth. Attract new businesses, tourists and residents. Leverage our advantages – such as resources and strategic location. Improve our key infrastructure – our local road network. Increase skills and knowledge in sectors of local skills shortage. Continue to promote the Moree Gateway. Continue to promote the Moree Solar Farm. Support the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre and the tourism industry it brings to the Shire. Continue to advocate for additional roads funding. Continue to develop a business relationship with China.
Pages 52–53, 63-64
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Halt the degradation of the environment. Adapt to a changing global environment and the associated reduction in water security. Ensure that our outlying villages and town fringes aren’t left behind but undergo real improvement. Learn to manage our resources in a manner which promotes sustainability and waste management.
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Continue to monitor/manage the Coal Seam Gas situation and keep abreast of changes in this legislative landscape. Develop a Shirewide Waste Management Strategy. Continue to educate the Moree Plains community about recycling and organics disposal. Continue to explore opportunities for sustainable resource management.
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Pages 54–55, 65
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Sustain commitment to coordinated collaboration and action in our towns and villages. Foster a proactive community that ‘jumps up and down’ to obtain improvements it is seeking from governments. Manage and maintain our assets for their current purpose and for future generations.
Continue to advocate on issues of importance to our communities, such as coal seam gas and additional roads funding. Continue to communicate with and engage our communities. Revamp our intranet to improve internal communications.
Pages 56–58, 66-69
Finance Snapshot Our Status as at 30 June 2015 For the 2014/15 financial year Council reported a strong operating result. A surplus of $1.939 million before grants and contributions provided for capital purposes was achieved and a net operating result of $5.807 million. Set out below is a summary of where Council’s income is derived, how it is spent and also a snapshot of our assets, as at 30 June 2015.
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Recreation & Culture; $1,365,000 Developer Contributions; $369,000
Grants & Contributions Other; $2,133,000
Transport; $4,281,000
Financial Assistance Grant; $6,540,000
Bushfire & Emergency Services; $331,000
RMS, $5,451,000 , 63%
Other; $645,000 ; 8%
Other User Charges & Fees Tipping Fees; $750,000 ; 9% Rent; $548,000 ; 6% Child Care; $634,000 ; 7%
Water, $3,347,000 , 27%
Other Revenues; $1,417,000 ; 3%
Domestic Waste; $921,000 ; 20%
Annual Charges; $6,312,000 ; 12%
Rates; $20,697,000 ; 39%
Where our money comes from
Grants & Contributions; $15,019,000 ; 26%
Interest & Investment Revenue; $823,000 ; 1%
Other User Charges & Fees; $8,665,000 ; 15%
Specific User Charges
Specific User Charges; $4,597,000 ; 8%
Sewer; $329,000 ; 7%
Water, $3,347,000 , 27%
Business; $2,331,000 ; 11%
Sewer; $2,613,000 ; 42%
Rates
Farmland; $14,137,000 ; 68%
Domestic Waste, $1,973,000
Annual Charges
Water; $1,388,000 ; 22%
Residential; $4,229,000 ; 21%
Non-Domestic Waste; $338,000 ; 5%
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Water; $1,039,000 ; 8% Other; $369,000 ; 3%
Buildings & Other Structures; $1,122,000 ; 8% Plant & Equipment, $1,873,000
Gwydir Day Care; $163,000 ; 1%
Max; $104,000 ; 1%
General; $11,138,000 ; 74%
Salaries & Wages, $12,190,000
Other; $457,000
Employee Benefits & On-Costs
Superannuation; $1,513,000
Training; $398,000
Leave; $3,088,000
Workers Compensation; $539,000
Borrowing Costs; $2,946,000 ; 6%
Sewer; $1,290,000 ; 9%
Water; $2,337,000 ; 15%
Materials, Contracts & Other Operating Costs (incl. asset maintenance)
Employee Benefits & On-Costs; $17,321,000 ; 34%
Net Loss on Disposal of Assets; $223,000 ; 0%
Where our money goes
Materials & Contracts; $15,032,000 ; 29%
Depreciation; $13,417,000 ; 26%
Other Expenses; $2,784,000 ; 5%
Electricity; $938,000 ; 34%
Other Expenses
Insurance; $642,000 ; 23%
Depreciation Drainage; $213,000 ; 1% Sewer; $1,029,000 ; 8%
Transport; $7,772,000 ; 58%
Other; $342,000 ; 12% Fire Service Levy; $333,000 ; 12%
Communications; $280,000 ; 10%
Street Lighting; $249,000 ; 9%
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2015/16 Budget Council’s consolidated budget includes, in addition to General Fund activities the following business units: • Water Supply • Sewer Services • Solid Waste Management • Gwydir Day Care and Preschool For the 2015/16 budget year Council has an operating budget of $49.872 million and a capital budget of $36.714 million. For a better understanding of how Council uses its funding across its functions, below is a representation of this.
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2015/16 Budget For every $100 we spend
$32
$19
$13
Transport & Communications
Water Supply
Recreation & Culture
$10
$7
$6
Environment
Organisation Support Functions
Sewer Services
$3
$3
$2
Housing & Community Amenities
Community Services & Education
Economic Affairs
$2
$1
$1
Public Order & Safety
Governance
Mining, Manufacturing & Construction
$1 Health
For every $100 we spend, only $29 is from general rates and $71 is from grants, fees and charges
Major capital expenditure planned for the year includes: • • • • • • • • •
Road Rehabilitation and resealing works ($9.32 million) Replacement of heavy plant ($1.20 million) Remediation of Yarraman Landfill ($2.20 million) South Moree Sports Facility ($1.67 million) Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre refurbishment ($0.50 million) Shared pathways ($0.35 million) Replacement of the raw water pump at Boggabilla ($0.65 million) Sewer manholes and mains relining ($0.63 million) Water and Sewer telemetry upgrades ($2.05 million)
This list excludes projects which may have been included in the Moree Plains Delivery Program 20142017 and Operational Plan 2015-2016 which are contingent on successful grant funding applications. The budget and complete list of projects can be found in the Moree Plains Delivery Program 20142017 and Operational Plan 2015-2016.
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Governance The Moree Plains Shire is a large, undivided local government area that spans nearly 18,000km2. Residents and ratepayers are currently represented by nine (9) elected Councillors from across the Shire. Councillors are elected by the community for a four (4) year term following an election. The Mayor is elected annually by the Councillors. Together, the Councillors develop the policies and make the decisions that determine how the Shire runs on a daily basis and how it will develop in the future. Council elections are held every four (4) years on the second Saturday of September. Elections were conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission on 8 September 2012, and the next election will be held in September 2016. Voting is compulsory. As a result of a referendum conducted during the 2008 elections, the number of Councillors elected at the 2012 elections was reduced to nine (9). For more information on Local Government elections, and to find out how to enrol, where you’re enrolled and how to vote as well as how to become a candidate, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website: www.elections.nsw.gov.au/local_government_elections.
Our Councillors for the 2012–2016 Term of Office: Back row, from left to right: Cr John Tramby, Cr Mick Cikota, Cr Rodney Brazel, Cr Theo Tzannes, and Cr James von Drehnen. Front row, from left to right: Cr Brendan Munn, Cr Claudia Gall, Mayor Cr Katrina Humphries, Deputy Mayor Cr Sue Price
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Our Councillors Local government elections were held in September 2012. Councillors for the 2014–2015 Council term of office are listed here. Mayor, Cr Katrina Humphries First elected: 2008 Major assignments: Council’s internal committees • Council Committee of the Whole • General Manager’s Performance Review Committee • Internal Audit Committee • Moree Racecourse Redevelopment Advisory committees • Moree Safety Crime Prevention Committee • Moree Flood Management Committee • Floodplain Risk Management Committee • Public Works Program Committee Section 355 Committees • Garah Public Hall Committee Local Government organisations • Country Mayors Association Inter-government liaison • Joint Regional Planning Committee Community liaison • Moree Plains Gallery • South Moree Neighbourhood Board • Tourism Moree • Reconciliation Action Plan Other external organisations • Gwydir Water Users’ Group • Murray Darling Association Cr Katrina Humphries was born in Moree in 1960 and is the fourth generation of her family on the black soil plains. Cr Humphries grew up halfway between Moree and Mungindi, near Garah. All Katrina’s schooling, except for four (4) years at boarding school in Sydney, and most of her working life has been spent in Moree. Cr Humphries is married to Gregg Humphries and they have two (2) children, Robert and Belinda. Cr Humphries sees her role as Mayor as being the custodian of the health and wellbeing of Shire. This has been particularly evident during three (3) major floods in 2011 and 2012, where she successfully provided leadership throughout the disasters and the recovery period. Cr Humphries is passionate about the ongoing development of tourism and industry in the Shire and she is committed to the completion of infrastructure and building Moree Plains as the jewel in the crown of the North West. Cr Humphries has held the Mayoral position for Moree Plains since 2008.
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Contact details Telephone: 0429 079 217 Email: katrina.humphries@mpsc.nsw.gov.au Deputy Mayor, Cr Sue Price First elected: 2008 Major assignments: Council’s internal committees • Council Committee of the Whole • General Manager’s Performance Review Committee • Internal Audit Committee Advisory committee • Mungindi Crime Prevention Committee Section 355 Committees • Boomi Baths Committee • Boomi Memorial Hall Committee • Mungindi Aged Care Committee • Mungindi Showground Committee • Weemelah Hall Management Committee Local Government organisations • Australian Rural Roads Group (member of Executive) • Border Region Organisation of Councils • Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance Inter-government liaison • Joint Regional Planning Panel Community liaison • Moree Bypass Committee Other external organisations • Member of the Board of Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre Limited • Member of the Board of Arts North West • Member of the Board of Regional Development Australia Northern Inland After graduating from the University of New England, Armidale, in 1978, Cr Sue Price enjoyed a 25 year teaching career across several schools in northern New South Wales. In 1982, Cr Price and her husband Glen moved to Mungindi to embark on their own farming enterprise. Cr Price is an active community member with a passion for rural living and rural communities. She strongly encourages visitors and new residents to embrace the attractions the region offers. Cr Price is also a fierce proponent for the need to maintain and upgrade rural infrastructure – particularly local roads where most of Australia’s food first begins its journey to market. Cr Price has held the Deputy Mayor’s position for Moree Plains since 2008. Contact details Telephone: 0427 169 676 Email: sue.price@mpsc.nsw.gov.au
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Cr Rodney Brazel First elected: 1995 Major assignments: Council’s internal committees • Council Committee of the Whole • General Manager’s Performance Review Advisory Committee • Moree Safety Crime Prevention Committee • Moree Aerodrome Advisory Committee • Multicultural Advisory Committee • Boggabilla Crime Prevention Committee • Local Traffic Committee • Moree Plains and Gwydir Shires Road Safety Program Steering Committee Section 355 Committees • Ashley Hall Committee • Pallamallawa Hall Committee Inter-government liaison • Disability Access Committee • North West Regional Community Care • Road Safety Committee Community liaison • Moree Plains Shire Youth Council Cr Rodney Brazel was born in Moree and having spent the majority of his life in Moree, became involved in local government over 20 years ago. Cr Brazel was involved in the shearing industry for over 35 years and has been nominated to be inducted into the Shearer’s Hall of Fame at Hay. Cr Brazel has been instrumental in initiating and progressing significant community projects such as playgrounds and toilets in parks, streetscape beautification works, the Moree Bypass and the installation of CCTV cameras throughout Moree. Contact details Telephone: 0407 614 385 Email: rodney.brazel@mpsc.nsw.gov.au Cr Mick Cikota First elected: 2012 Major assignments: Council’s internal committees • Council Committee of the Whole • General Manager’s Performance Review Committee • Cinema Working Group Advisory Committees • Moree Memorial Hall Group
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Multicultural Advisory Committee
Community liaison • Moree Chamber of Commerce • Healing Waters Festival Committee • Reconciliation Action Plan • Moree Plains Shire Youth Council Cr Mick Cikota has been an active member of the Moree Plains community since coming to the area in 1997. He has been a member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee for the past four years. Cr Cikota and wife Zelch are the owner/operators of a Moree motel and have two children. Cr Cikota’s priority on Council is to improve infrastructure and grow industry in the Shire. He is committed to engaging with youth, so they feel a sense of belonging and community. He is passionate about making Moree Plains a vibrant, peaceful and welcoming Shire for people to view as a great place to live and raise a family. Contact details Telephone: 0414 225 554 Email: mick.cikota@mpsc.nsw.gov.au Cr James von Drehnen First elected: 2008 Major assignments: Council’s internal committees • Council Committee of the Whole • General Manager’s Performance Review Committee • Moree Racecourse Redevelopment • Cinema Working Group • Sports Moree • Moree Aerodrome Advisory Committee • Grain Harvest Management Scheme Advisory committee • Moree Memorial Hall Group Meeting • Sports Moree • Urban Advisory Committee Local Government Organisations • North West Weight of Loads Community liaison • Saleyards Committee Other external organisations • Member of the Board of Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre Limited • Local Traffic Committee ( Community member) Inter-Government liaison • War Memorial Education Centre Trust Cr James von Drehnen is a fourth generation local. His family purchased farming land in the area in 1917. A plant mechanic by trade, he and his brother Robert built up a successful farm machinery
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business together which they sold in 1999. Cr von Drehnen has since been involved in businesses critical to the Moree economy and employment. Cr von Drehnen is committed to developing policies that help build strength in the local economy. He believes tourism and industry generate employment, community projects encourage growth in population and productivity must be supported with a range of recreational opportunities. Contact details Telephone: 0427 521 315 Email: james.vondrehnen@mpsc.nsw.gov.au Cr Claudia Gall First elected: 2004 Major assignments: Council’s internal committees • Council Committee of the Whole • General Manager’s Performance Review Committee • Moree Aerodrome Advisory Committee Advisory committee • Moree Safety Crime Prevention Committee • Moree Memorial Hall Group • Local Traffic Committee • Urban Advisory Committee Local Government organisations • Northern Regional Library and Information Service (Big Sky Libraries) Inter-government liaison • Joint Regional Planning Committee • War Memorial Education Centre Trust Community liaison • Moree Bypass Committee Cr Claudia Gall moved to Moree from Parramatta, aged 13, when her parents purchased The Max Hotel. In 1971, she married fifth generation Moree grazier Peter Gall and in the following years had two children, Sam and Sarah. Cr Gall loves playing grandma to her gorgeous grandchildren, Albert, Sylvia and Darcy. Cr Gall was elected Deputy Mayor of Moree Plains for the period 2005 – 2006. She has chaired many significant local government committees and is an active member of several community associations. Cr Gall is confident that with Councillors working side-by-side with staff and the community, Moree Plains will advance to regional significance. Contact details Telephone: 0427 521 546 Email: claudpete@bigpond.com
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Cr Brendan Munn First elected: 2012 Major assignments: Council’s internal committees • Council Committee of the Whole • General Manager’s Performance Review Committee • Cinema Working Group Advisory Committee • Moree Flood Management Committee Section 355 committees • Mallawa Hall Management Committee Local Government Organisations • North West Weight of Loads Inter-government liaison • Weeds advisory Committee Community liaison • Healing Waters Festival Committee Other external organisations • Saleyards Committee Born in Moree and raised in Pallamallawa, Cr Brendan Munn has represented the area in various sporting pursuits. He has worked in the agricultural industry and has experience in broadacre and irrigated operations. He has a background in civil construction and bridgework. Cr Munn and wife Karen have two children and is Deputy Captain of the Gurley Rural Fire Brigade. He served as President of the Moree Show Society for the period 2009 – 2012 and again in 2015. He is also the past President of the Gurley Hall Committee. Cr Munn is passionate about the rights of freehold landholders. He wants to protect the black soil plains from detrimental development, in particular exploration mining. Contact details Telephone: 0427 220 920 Email: brendan.munn@mpsc.nsw.gov.au Cr John Tramby First elected: 1995 Major assignments: Council’s internal committees • Council Committee of the Whole • General Manager’s Performance Review Committee • Cinema Working Group • Moree Aerodrome Advisory Committee • Moree Racecourse Redevelopment Advisory Committee • Moree Safety Crime Prevention Committee • Moree Flood Management Committee
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 23 of 101
• • • • •
Moree Memorial Hall Group Public Works Program Sports Moree Urban Advisory Committee Floodplain Risk Management Committee
Section 355 committees • Gurley Hall Committee • Gwydir Day Care and Preschool Parents Committee Local Government Organisations • Northern Regional Library and Information Service (Big Sky Libraries) Inter-government liaison • Bushfire Management Committee • Rural Fire Distict Liaison Committee • SES Liaison Community liaison • Moree Bypass Committee Cr John Tramby was born in Moree and the Tramby family settled in Moree Plains in the early 1860s. He has lived and worked in the Shire all his life except for two years of National Service in Vietnam. In partnership with his wife Marilyn, Cr Tramby conducts the family business – which was established in 1937 – in the village of Gurley. Cr Tramby is a patron of the Gurley Pony Club and the Moree Secondary College. He is a life member of the NSW Returned Services League (RSL) and a member of the Rural Fire Brigade. Cr Tramby was elected Mayor of Moree Plains for the period 2004–2007. Contact details Telephone: 0428 659 048 Email: johntramby@hotmail.com Cr Theo Tzannes First elected: 2008 Major assignments: Council’s internal committees • Council Committee of the Whole • General Manager’s Performance Review Committee • Moree Racecourse Redevelopment • Cinema Working Group Advisory Committee • Moree Flood Management Committee • Sports Moree • Floodplain Risk Management Committee Inter-government liaison • Bushfire Management Committee • Rural Fire District Liaison Committee • SES liaison
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Community Liaison • Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Cr Theo Tzannes came to Moree aged 19 expecting to stay for six months. That was 1962 and he’s still here! A motor mechanic by trade, Cr Tzannes managed the service department at the Moree Ford dealership for more than a decade working with his brother Steve. In 1979, Cr Tzannes and his other brother, Jim, took over from Steve and they have owned the dealership ever since. Cr Tzannes and wife Leonie have four children, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is a Director of the Moree Racecourse Trust. Cr Tzannes thinks Moree Plains has a great scope of opportunity – whether in farming or business. Even through droughts, floods and other challenges, Cr Tzannes admires the resilience of the people of Moree Plains. Contact details Telephone: 0428 566 662 Email: theo.tzannes@mpsc.nsw.gov.au
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How Do We Govern Our Shire? Determining the direction of a Shire is a complex matter. There is rarely communitywide consensus on the issues that face a Shire. The Role of Council Council’s role is to formulate policies for the Shire’s direction, funding, expenditure, investment, borrowing, finance, strategic development and growth. Determining the direction of a Shire is a complex matter. There is rarely community-wide consensus on the issues that face a Shire. The elected Council weighs up the options and ensures that ratepayers’ money is spent in the most effective way. This can mean balancing the needs of the community against the needs of individuals and taking into account the long- and short-term implications of decisions. Together, the Councillors form the governing body of Moree Plains Shire, a public statutory body constituted under the Local Government Act 1993.
Council Meetings Regular Council and Committee meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month as well as an additional committee meeting on the third Thursday of the month, in the Council Chamber at the Max Centre in Balo Street, Moree. Meetings are open to the public, and residents and businesses are actively encouraged to attend and participate in the decision-making process. Some matters, due to their confidential nature, may be considered by Council in closed session. All Council and Committee meetings are carried out in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice and the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (General) Regulation 2005. Council’s meeting schedule, agendas and minutes, are available on the Moree Plains Shire Council website: www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au The Mayor’s role, as the civic leader of Council, is crucial to effective relationships within the administration and to good governance. One of the key roles involves presiding at, and being responsible for, the orderly conduct of Council meetings. The Mayor also ensures that Council’s decisions are carried out as expediently as possible.
Council Decisions Council is recognised as a single entity and Councillors only have the authority to make decisions as a group, when they are acting as the ‘Council’. At Committee meetings, reports from Council officers are submitted for the consideration of the Committee members. The Committee will then make a recommendation to Council for determination.
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Council and Committee Meetings attended Councillor
Ordinary meetings attended (22 held)
Extraordinary meetings attended (2 held)
Committee of the Whole (33 held)
Cr Humphries
19
1
27
Cr Price
19
2
29
Cr Brazel
20
1
11
Cr Gall
21
2
30
Cr Tramby
22
2
32
Cr Tzannes
16
1
23
Cr von Drehnen
19
2
29
Cr Cikota
18
2
23
Cr Munn
17
1
25
Mayoral and Councillor fees* Year
Mayoral allowance
Councillor allowances
2009/10
$19,790**
$9,060**
2010/11
$19,790
$9,060
2011/12
$21,770
$9,970
2012/13
$22,399
$10,220***
2013/14
$22,693.15
$10,479.96
2014/15
$23,439.96
$10,740
*
Additional details of Councillor fees, expenses and facilities are provided on page 70 of this report.
**
Councillors decided not to increase their allowances for 2009/10 and 2010/11. The slight increase shown in 2009/10 is because Councillors were not paid an allowance for several weeks in 2008 because Council was dissolved before the 2008 elections.
***
Not all Councillors were paid this amount. The outgoing and incoming Councillors were paid on a prorata basis for their time as elected members.
Community Engagement The Integrated Planning and Reporting Manual sets out Council’s requirement for engaging in community consultation. The Manual refers to the Public Participation Goal which includes: •
Inform - To provide the public with balanced and objective information to help them understand a problem, alternatives, opportunities and/or solutions
•
Consult - To obtain public feedback on alternatives and/or decisions
•
Involve - To work directly with the public throughout the process to ensure that public concerns and aspirations are consistently understood and considered
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 27 of 101
•
Collaborate - partner with the public in each aspect of the decision including the development of alternatives and identification of the preferred solution
•
Empower - To place final decision-making in the hands of the public
Moree Plains Shire Council is committed to engaging with residents, businesses, stakeholders and Council officers as it plans services, policies and facilities. Involvement in the planning and delivery of services has a number of benefits for the community, stakeholders and Council. It: •
Ensures that the community has been consulted in relation to the services to be delivered and the level of service to be provided;
•
Ensures that service priorities are appropriate for current and future needs;
•
Provides valuable information and increases understanding for planning; and
•
Adds value to projects and the outcomes they seek to achieve.
Community consultation is an ongoing commitment. Our achievements are promoted to the community through our website, media releases, Facebook, the bi-monthly full-page ‘Council Clipboard’ published in the Moree Champion newspaper and Council Focus. Extensive consultation also takes place in relation to Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan, annual budget and Council policies. We report back to the community as to progress in relation to the Delivery Program and Operational Plan on a half yearly basis. Residents are invited to attend, ask questions at and make submissions to Council meetings. They are also invited to participate in forums on various issues. Our Councillors and senior management hold positions on many associations, urban infrastructure groups, regional committees and other groups.
Delegating Decision Making Under the Local Government Act 1993 the Council can delegate some of its decision-making authority to the General Manager, thereby allowing a more efficient operation in several areas such as enforcement of Council regulations and finalising or negotiating various matters within parameters set by Council. The General Manager can, in turn, delegate matters to other members of staff.
355 Committees Section 355 of the Local Government Act 1993 allows Council to delegate some of its functions to others, including community-run committees of management. Community members are appointed by Council to manage facilities or functions. Section 355 Committees enable interested parties to take an active role in the provision or management of Council facilities and services. The 355 Committees provide valuable assistance to Council and help to engage the community in the operation of vital programs and services. One Councillor joins community representatives on each of Council’s 11 section 355 Committees:
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• • • • • • • • • • •
Ashley Hall Committee Boomi Baths Committee Boomi Memorial Hall Committee Garah Public Hall Committee Gurley Hall Committee Gwydir Day Care and Preschool Parents Committee Mallawa Hall Management Committee Mungindi Aged Care Committee Mungindi Showground Committee Pallamallawa War Memorial Hall Committee Weemelah Hall Management Committee
Advisory Committees Council has also established a number of consultative forums and working parties to advise Council on specific issues. These groups often involve representatives of the community, Councillors and Council officers. Advisory Committees active in during the 2014/2015 financial year included the: • Urban Advisory Committee • Multicultural Advisory Committee • Moree Safety Crime Prevention Committee • Boggabilla and Mungindi Crime Prevention Committees • Local Traffic Committee • Moree Flood Management Committee • Floodplain Risk Management Committee • Moree Plains and Gwydir Shires Road Safety Program Steering Committee • Sports Moree • Moree Memorial Hall Group • Public Works Program Committee • Moree Aerodrome Advisory Committee • Grain Harvest Management Scheme
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Our Organisation Organisational Structure The organisational structure of Moree Plains Shire Council, as at the conclusion of the 2014/2015 financial year is as follows:
The Moree Plains Shire Council organisation exists as a body corporate under the Local Government Act 1993. The elected Council is the law-making body and consists of nine (9) Councillors.
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The statutory roles, functions and objectives of the Moree Plains Shire Council are delivered through a corporate governance structure that comprises: • Council • General Manager • Executive Team Moree Plains Shire Council, headed by the General Manager, is comprised of five (5) departments: • Executive • Corporate Services • Engineering • Planning and Development • Water and Waste. Each of the departments is responsible for the delivery of particular services to the community although, in practice, staff work together across departmental boundaries to provide efficient and effective service. The Moree Plains Shire Council has 222 full-time equivalent employees and also employs contractors for various works including concreting, road making, trades people such as electricians and plumbers and various aspects of information technology to assist in the delivery of new systems. Council is also supported by (and extremely grateful for) assistance provided by volunteers and community representatives on committees and working groups. The five (5) departments identified above report regularly to Council and the respective standing committees. Council actively promotes open and transparent corporate governance to support the community’s needs and foster confidence in the organisation’s decision-making practices.
Departmental Responsibilities Corporate Services Customer Service Finance Gwydir Day Care and Preschool Information Technology Moree Plains Gallery Northern Regional Library Plant Management (large) Records Risk Management Shire Pools Stores Tourism Moree Engineering Airports Cemeteries Depots Emergency Services Gravel Pits Parks and Open Space
Water and Waste Biosolid Removal and Treatment Daily Water Testing Landfill Disposal Sites Liquid Trade Waste Regulation Provision of Domestic and Commercial Waste Removal and Recycling Sewerage Transport and Treatment Water Treatment and Distribution Executive Communications of Council programs and services Effective Operation of Council Executive Project Delivery Human Resources Integrated Planning and Reporting Payroll Workplace Health and Safety
Planning and Development Building Asset Maintenance Building Services Community Services and Facilities Economic Development Environmental Health Environmental Planning Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 31 of 101 Moree Community Library Noxious Weeds
Plant Management (small) Road Safety Roads and Bridges Stormwater and Floodplains Traffic and Street Lighting Weight of Loads
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Our Executive Team The daily operations of Council are performed by 222 dedicated fulltime, part-time and casual employees led by a team of directors and managers. Council’s executive management team is headed by the General Manager, Lester Rodgers. General Manager Lester Rodgers
Lester Rodgers has been with Council for more than 24 years. He leads and coordinates Council’s statutory and strategic planning activities. Lester and his team are responsible for public health, environmental health, development and building functions, economic development, community services functions, road safety, ranger services, Moree Community Library, building asset maintenance, and youth project services.
Lester holds a Diploma in Applied Science majoring in public health, environmental health and building services. He also holds national accreditations as a building surveyor with the Building Surveyors and Allied Professionals Board (BSAP), the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS), and A1 level certification as an accredited certifier with the NSW Government Building Professionals Board. Lester accepted the role of General Manager and commenced in the role on Thursday, 22 May 2015.
Director of Engineering Ian Dinham
Ian Dinham joined Council in November 2011. He has worked in Local Government for the past 35 years, serving at Clarence Valley and the former Maclean Shire as well as with the former Clarence River County Council Floodplain Management Authority. The Engineering department manages the bulk of Council’s assets; in particular, roads, public reserves, parks and gardens and cemeteries as well as providing a Weight of Loads service to the region and a design service to Council.
Ian holds a Civil Engineering Degree from the University of NSW and a Business Management Certificate as well as a Local Government Engineers Certificate.
Director of Corporate Services Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell joined Council in 2004 and has more than 19 years of Local Government experience, having previously worked at Bathurst City Council and Byron Shire Council. Mitchell’s background is in Accounting and Financial Services and his current Directorate includes finance, legal, property management, shire pools, library services and Gwydir Day Care and Preschool. Mitchell is a local Gamilaroi man who is very passionate about Moree. He also is involved in the community through his various sporting and other interests.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 33 of 101
Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Business and a Masters in Business Administration, both attained from Southern Cross University, and is a member of Local Government Managers Australia.
Water and Waste Manager David Wolfenden
David has more than 35 years of experience in Public Works Engineering and Management and has held positions of Deputy Engineer, Shire Engineer and more recently Director of Engineering. He has also held the position of General Manager of an Engineering and Civil Construction Group. His practical skills developed when he earlier worked in the agricultural, land surveying, civil construction and manufacturing industries. More recently, David’s longheld passion for Asset Management found him taking up a role with Moree Plains Shire Council as Asset Manager and he has since been promoted to the position of Water and Waste Manager with Moree Plains Council.
Qualifications that David holds include a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Graduate Diploma of Business (Management). David is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia, also a Fellow of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia of which he held the position of Chairman of the New England Group. David is the NSW State Delegate to The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia National Asset Management Strategy Committee.
Director of Planning and Environment Angus Witherby
Angus Witherby commenced full-time work with Council in June 2015. He has been involved with Council as a consultant for 14 years and with Local Government since 1984. Angus coordinates a diverse range of portfolios within the Department. He, with his team, is responsible for public health, environmental health, development assessment, building approvals, land use policy and planning, compliance functions, economic development, community development, community events, ranger and weeds services and building maintenance. Angus holds a Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning as well is a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Economics. He is a fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia and a Certified Practising Planner. He has taught and researched in the tertiary sector including in planning, transportation planning and Local Government reform. He also has extensive private sector experience.
Our Staff Moree Plains Shire Council currently has a diverse and talented full – time equivalent workforce of 222 people. Around half of our workforce is employed in the Engineering Services Department and approximately 21% are employed in the Water and Waste Department. A further 6% work in Planning and Development, and 6% work in Finance and Administration. The remaining staff carry out a range of roles in areas such as child care, swimming pools, libraries, law and order, community development and communications.
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We aspire to be an attractive employer with a highly skilled, motivated and capable workforce equipped to deal with current and future challenges. Attracting, developing and retaining our people is extremely important to us and will be an increasing challenge in future as the pool of people entering the workforce shrinks. Council values and invests in its staff through a strong occupational health and safety culture, employee planning and performance reviews, skills training and development, and a variety of flexible working conditions. This year Council successfully implemented changes in the 2014 award which allowed for a controlled use of sick leave for preventative purposes. Moree Plains Shire Council is leading the way in Aboriginal Employment with 14.1% of staff identifying as Aboriginal at the conclusion of the 2014/2015 financial year, with the highest participation rate being 19.1% as at 30 December 2013. In terms of diversity, 2.1% of our staff identify as coming from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and just less than 1% formally identify as having a disability. The workforce is comprised of 61.7% male staff members, with the remaining 38.3% of staff being female. 2% of the workforce retired.
Staffing Levels As at 30 June 2015, Moree Plains Shire Council had a full-time equivalent staffing level of 222.
Position breakdown Number
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)
Full-time
202
Part-time
33
Casual
35
Other
0
All positions
270
222
Workforce Demographics (by age) Age cohorts are: 18 16 14 12 10
2012
8
2013
6
2014
4 2 0
15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65+ years years years years years years years years years years years
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Employee Relations Moree Plains Shire Council endeavours to work collaboratively with staff and three (3) unions – the United Services Union, the Developmental and Environmental Professionals Association and the Local Government Engineers Association. We always aim to reach mutually agreeable outcomes both for our staff and for the organisation. We continue to utilise the Joint Consultative Committee as our primary formal interface between management and staff. In addition, Equal Employment Opportunity contact officers are trained and utilised each year to communicate directly with employees.
Organisational Development Moree Plains Shire Council is committed to the development of our workforce to enable us to deliver the outcomes listed in the Community Strategic Plan. This year Council has completed a review of its workforce in response the establishment of the Namoi Joint Organisation and is working on ways to work collaboratively across Council’s within our region. This includes several visits to Gwydir Shire. Council has completed work on a knowledge management and retirement planning tool kit in response to ageing workforce and staff movement issues. These have been completed through funding and collaboration with Diversity Australia. Council completed several data or benchmarking exercises including remuneration surveys and LG NSW HR Metric Benchmarking. Council continues to review of the utilisation of overtime and management of staff leave liability and has empowered Managers and Directors to have information in their hands to inform decisions in relation to management of their workforce. This includes “live” dashboards on their screen with year to date data on each employee (and section) which they are responsible for. The positivity of the organisation’s culture has shown marked improvement in the standards of customer service and satisfaction levels of employees. Return on investment research continues to ensure that work being completed in areas such as training and development delivers on the ground as improvement within the organisation. The Council continues to build on the momentum developed through this program with a much stronger commitment to development of individual Key Performance Indicators linking with the Council’s annual Operational Plan and overall performance and productivity management. Online staff inductions commenced in January 2014 utilising the programs developed by LG NSW which are then reviewed at face-to-face inductions. These include units on Code of Conduct, Equal Employment Opportunity, Bullying and Harassment Prevention and Privacy. More and more remote learning is a part of the education system and Council must keep up to date with the use of and implementation of technology in order to serve the community. During the 2014/2015 financial year, the Council advertised 53 positions, with only three (3) requiring re-advertising to suitably fill the role. For some positions up to 46 applications were received. These results clearly demonstrate the competitive advantage generated through our strategic approach to develop Council as an Employer of Choice.
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Training and Development We continued our formal approach to identifying training needs and allocating associated budgets, with 2% of our labour costs invested in training and development. Each employee has a formal training plan developed in conjunction with his/her manager which includes statutory, competency-based and professional development needs. This approach ensures targeted training is delivered in the most cost-effective manner. The majority of training is now delivered within Moree, which allows other community organisations to access our training resources. This saves costs in time and travel. It also allows for training to be delivered at times that best suits our operations. Traineeships continue to be offered and all eligible staff are encouraged to complete training at Certificate III level or higher through this mode of delivery. It should be noted there have been dramatic changes in relation to the eligibility for funding for employees and this will have an impact on skills development and budgets over time. Training and development offered to staff aligns with our increased focus on customer service delivery. The training plan for the 2014/2015 financial year included the training sessions listed in the table below. This includes courses implemented internally. Statutory Compliance
Leadership and Governance
Customer Service and Business
Self Help Workshops
General Staff Induction including HR/Risk and Drug and Drug and Alcohol
Outdoor Leadership Engineering
Negotiation Skills
Improving your job application and interview skills
Drug and Alcohol Refresher
Aboriginal Cultural Awareness
Presentation Skills
Drug and Alcohol Training for Supervisors
Local Government Finance – 4 days
Customer Service Improvement Skills
EEO for Staff and EEO/ Grievance Management for Managers and EEO Contact Officers Update
Supervision for Trainees and Apprentices
Complaints Handling
Code of Conduct/Protected Disclosures
Public Interest Disclosures and GIPA
Basic Computers
EEO Refresher for staff > 5 years of service
The Art of Managing Teams and Building Resilience
Microsoft Project
Traffic Control – Yellow Card/ Blue Card
Privacy Management (on line)
Traffic Control – Red Card/Orange Card
Award History and Interpretations
Confined Spaces
Records Management (TRIM)
Plant Licence eg Forklift, EWP, Dogging
Assessor updates
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 37 of 101
Superannuation Workshops and Financial Planning
Statutory Compliance
Leadership and Governance
Customer Service and Business
Crane and Plant under powerlines
Chairing Effective Meetings
Chainsaw (Levels I and II)
The Art of Managing Change and Building Resilience
Chemical Accreditation
Team Buidling (Library)
Heavy Vehicle Driver’s Licence
Change Management (Library)
First Aid
Effective and Fair Meeting Procedures
Armed Hold Up
Events Management – Insurance / Risk Assessments
Self Help Workshops
Construction Induction Needle Stick Prevention Sharps collection and Disposal Manual Handling Manual Handling for Supervisors Bullying and Harassment Prevention (online) Joint Consultative Committee Training (JCC) Managing Psychological Injury Due Diligence Fatigue Awareness Workshop
The professional development of many of our employees is supported with access to Educational Assistance Funding. This allows for studies in relevant areas which, in turn, assists with succession planning for the organisation. Educational support was provided to employees studying in the following areas: • • •
Bachelor of Media and Communications Diploma of Local Government (Health Environment) Masters of Urban and Regional Planning
Five (5) employees were nominated and listed as finalists at the Regional Training Awards in Tamworth. Our External Customer Service Awards – which we promoted on Facebook – saw a high numbers of hits, demonstrating the interest of the community in our service provision. The internal and external awards were once again presented by the Mayor in December, with many worthy recipients receiving acknowledgement for various achievements.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 38 of 101
Shifts in the availability of funded training will see further changes in access to training and development, with a large additional component of our development being accessed through funding. Moree Plains Shire Council, however, can confidently report that it has maximised the benefit available to date and will continue to strive to ensure both the organisation and community is kept up to date with the opportunities available.
Trainees and Apprentices (including School-Based Trainees) In 2014/2015 Moree Plains Shire Council employ a total of 5 Trainees and 3 Apprentices, of whom, 50% identify as being of Australian Aboriginal descent. The Moree Plains Shire Council’s Trainee and Apprenticeship program included traditional trades that are identified as experiencing a national skills shortage on the National Skills Needs List including Plumbers and Motor Mechanics. School-based traineeships provide students with the opportunity to attain a nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training qualification as well as their Higher School Certificate and gain valuable work skills and experience through paid employment. Fifty-five of our staff commenced (or continued) enrolment in the 22 different disciplines utilising New Entry Traineeship Funding or Strategic Skills Program Funding (“SSP Funding”).
Funded Traineeships Certificate II Aviation Certificate II Community Activities Certificate II Library & Cultural Services
Certificate IV Asset Maintenance (Waste Management) Certificate IV Automotive Certificate IV Business Certificate IV Finance
Certificate III Arts Administration Certificate III Automotive Certificate III Children Services Certificate III Civil Construction Certificate III Horticulture Certificate III Information and Cultural Services Certificate III Local Government Operations Certificate III Plumbing
Certificate IV Plumbing Certificate IV Water Operations Certificiate III Business Certificte IV Horticulture Diploma Children’s Services
Certificate III Water Operations
Certificate II Business Administration
Through SSP Funding, 12 employees completed a Diploma of Project Management. Further funding was granted and eight (8) employees have been enrolled into a Diploma of Management with participants also from Gwydir Shire Council. Project Management skills are seen as foundation to a variety of work performed by Council and in addition, Council is conscious of the amount of large development both internally and externally being undertaken. This training is being completed with six (6) face-to-face sessions and the remainder being delivered online. The Diploma of Management opened up the opportunity for staff from a variety of agencies to enrol and work with Council staff both in Moree and Gwydir Shires. The focus of the Diploma is change and continuous improvement and aligns with the expectations set for improvement under the Fit for the Future Regime.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 39 of 101
University Scholarships and Trainees In addition to the trainees discussed above, the Council supports the development of staff through scholarships with Charles Sturt University (across skill shortage areas), University of New England (Engineering and Urban and Regional Planning) and University of Southern Queensland (a four (4) year Bachelor of Engineering). Currently Council has its full suite of scholarships and bursaries filled. Moree Plains Shire Council is delighted to also report that both the previous full time engineering trainees remain employed with Council; one operating as the GIS officer, the second moving to employment as a Project Engineer. The Council has a strong relationship with these regional universities which is utilised for the benefit of the community including remote student services which are delivered through the Moree Community Library.
4. Schools-Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships - January 2014 Moree Plains Shire Council advertised for eight (8) school-based traineeships, of which four (4) students in Moree were placed in jobs of whom, 50% identify as being of Australian Aboriginal descent. Undertaking school-based apprenticeships and traineeships can have enormous benefits for a young person which gives them a head start in a career with a nationally recognised qualification.
Work Health and Safety Moree Plains Shire Council continues to monitor and review its performance in Work Health and Safety management and injury prevention. Training and induction was made available to relevant staff in Work Health and Safety (“WHS”) in construction induction; manual handling; slips, trips and falls and drug and alcohol awareness. In addition, statutory requirements were met in the areas of traffic control, confined spaces, working under power lines and similar tickets which are required for Council staff to complete works. Council continues to use all available resources to ensure employment within the organisation is safe. Internal and external health, safety and wellbeing programs were offered, including the preemployment health screening and influenza immunisation as well as information placed on Council’s intranet site including safety alerts and health and wellbeing newsletters.
2014/2015 Financial Year WHS Achievements Safety projects for the 2014/2015 financial year within Moree Plains Shire Council included: •
The Return to Work/WHS Officer quarterly report to senior management on the number and type of incidents and injuries and WHS actions to improve the organisation’s safety culture.
•
Review of manual handling injuries. Over the past three (3) years, manual handling injuries have been reduced by 17% with the cost of workers’ compensation claims remaining static. The
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 40 of 101
Return to Work/WHS Officer will monitor data to assist in reducing incidents and improving the organisation’s safety culture in the forthcoming financial year. •
WHS Site Inspections were conducted and an action plan developed and reviewed by WHS Committee and relevant Site Supervisor.
•
StateCover Mutual supported Council through the development of Local Government specific work health and safety training manuals, documents and guides.
•
StateCover Mutual strongly promotes injury prevention through effective work health and safety practices and Council received a financial incentive of $57,639 for improving current practices.
•
An occupational therapist assessed new staff workstation ergonomics to identify potential problem areas and supplied corrective action advice to enable staff to work safely and accommodate any current limitations/restrictions. Equipment to improve workstation design and usage was purchased, on the occupational therapists recommendation.
•
Relevant policies and procedures are in the process of being updated to reflect changes to legislation including, for example smoking in the workplace and personal protective equipment.
•
Emergency Response Procedures were developed for the Moree Sewage Treatment Plant, Mungindi Swimming Pool, Moree water Treatment Plant, Boomi Pool and Boggabilla Works Depot.
•
Ongoing support provided by the Return to Work/WHS Officer following a workplace-related injury or illness to ensure all employees and supervisors become compliant with reporting requirements.
•
Ongoing support provided by the Return to Work/WHS Officer following a non-work related injury or illness.
•
The Drug and Alcohol Management Plan was reviewed and adopted with the inclusion of random testing.
•
The Return to Work/WHS Officer attended team meetings to provide staff with the opportunity to raise any WHS issues and to discuss the drug and alcohol program.
•
WHS Committee members reviewed issues raised, with support from the Return to Work/WHS Officer.
•
Completion of Council’s insurers, StateCover Mutual, WHS’s audit and self-assessment.
2014/2015 Financial Year Workers’ Compensation Staff are required to notify Council of all injuries and to seek medical treatment early rather than potentially allow an injury to worsen. This approach provides a better outcome for injured staff, and generally, has led to a reduction in the workers’ compensation premium. Council’s workers’ compensation premium costs remain under $600,000 per annum, but such premium can fluctuate depending on many variables, including: •
Increase in the frequency and/or severity of injuries;
•
Increase in the number of claims;
•
Lack of control and claims’ management process between Council and medical treatment providers;
•
Delays in treatment due to distance and waiting times for specialist appointments;
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 41 of 101
•
Failure to be able to provide suitable/alternative duties due to severity of injury, skills/education of claimant and/or operational issues; and
•
The impact a single particular claim may bring on the premium because of the complexity of issues surrounding that claim.
Note: From 1 July 2015 WorkCover NSW has introduced significant changes to the methodology for calculating workers compensation premiums including: • • • • • • •
Workers Compensation claim estimates excluded Return to Work incentives and performance discounts apply – 15%, 10% and 5% dependent on RTW duration (number of weeks working) Hindsight adjustment based on claim cost excluded 3 years wages claim cost applied to renewal (previously 2 years) Medical treatment and expenses costs excluded Opportunity to improve performance Scheme performance determines premium – better/discounted or worse/loaded
Whilst Council has maintained a strong focus on managing workers’ compensation claims and premiums the type of injuries and wages costs will significantly impact on future costs. Workers’ compensation claims, total work days lost and lost time injuries 2005 to 2015
Number of Claims, Days Lost and LTI per year - 2005-2015 700
635
600 479
465
500
386 400 312
299
300 214 200
126
100 100
21
14 25
16
28
13 15
10 26 13
218
20 12 21
16
14
9
16
8
17
11
0 20052006
20062007
20072008
20082009
No of W-C Claims
20092010
Policy Year
Net paid on Claims
No of Injuries
2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007
$225,064 $359,797 $199,417
25 21 25
20102011
Total Days Lost
20112012
Lost Time Injuries < 7 days (1 wk) 13 14 16
20122013
No of LTI
Lost Time Injuries > 7 days
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 42 of 101
20132014
Total
Open Claims 0 1 0
Lost days 927 635 465
Policy Year
Net paid on Claims
No of Injuries
2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015
$268,986 $127,552 $106,868 $ 57,574 $268,268 $58,552 $99,814 $120,574
28 15 26 20 21 14 16 17
Lost Time Injuries < 7 days (1 wk) 13 8 7 9 7 4 1 4
Lost Time Injuries > 7 days
Total
2 6 3 9 5 7 7
Open Claims
10 13 12 16 9 8 11
Lost days
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7
386 312 299 100 479 126 214 218
2014/2015 Inc GST $726,771 $418,181
Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; compensation premiums Financial Year Estimate Paid Adjust Premium Adjust
2007/2008 inc GST $803,635 $881,809 + 44,065 $925,874 - 29,949
2008/2009 inc GST $857,180 $836,713 - 70,130
2009/2010 inc GST $1,104,543 $ 890,260 - 187,559
2010/2011 inc GST $890,260 $436,329 - 43,888
Total
$895,924
$766,583
$702,701
$392,441
2011/2012 inc GST $436,329 $470,731 +123,109
2012/2013 inc GST $717,977 $748,177 - 172,576
2013/2014 inc GST $717,977 $726,771 - 145,895
$593,840
$575,601
$580,876
Workers Compensation Premium Costs 2007 to 2015 $900,000
$865,975 $845,511 $766,583
$800,000
$702,701
$700,000
$593,840 $575,601
$600,000
$580,876
$500,000 $418,181 $392,441
$400,000 $268,986 $300,000
$268,268
$228,448
$200,000
$129,169
$106,818 $57,574
$58,552
$100,000
$99,184
$120,574
$0 2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
Premium Cost
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2013-14
2014-15
Corporate Governance Framework Good governance comes from accountability, close and accurate monitoring of performance and a framework that facilitates the achievement of strategic goals. Moree Plains Shire Council is committed to ensuring that: • •
its policies and practices reflect good governance; and the manner in which the Council conducts its daily operations complies with the broad principles contained in the Local Government Act 1993.
Councillors and members of the Executive Team consider adherence to the framework to be fundamental in demonstrating that they are accountable to the community and are appropriately overseeing the management of risk and the future direction of the Shire. The framework provides valuable guidance on the roles and functions of Councillors and employees, corporate values, the Code of Conduct and meeting and reporting structures. It also provides an overview of all of our inter-related corporate documents.
Code of Conduct Council adopted a new Code of Conduct in March 2013. The Code of Conduct applies to Councillors, the General Manager, the Executive Team and all other employees of Moree Plains Shire Council. All are expected to act in accordance with the Code and to do everything possible to influence those with whom they are working to ensure that they also maintain similar standards of integrity and ethical behaviour.
Procurement Framework Each year Council spends millions of dollars on purchases. We have developed a series of policies, procedures, guidelines and templates (the Procurement Framework) for use when purchases are made. These ensure that our procurement activities are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and Regulation, and in accordance with the principles of good governance. This is a comprehensive framework for the commitment of public monies from petty cash through to complex tenders.
Risk Management Risk Management Activities undertaken during the 2014/2015 year have included: • • • • • •
Review and updating of various Risk Management documents in relation to accident and incident management, processes, policy and procedures. Reviewing and updating Council’s strategic risk register. Continuing to integrate Risk Management into staff reporting practices, including individual employee key performance indicators and at staff meeting. Updating the organisations Risk Assessment documents. Records Management Audit was conducted by Statewide utilising the ‘continuous improvement pathway’ documents. Contractors Insurance Management System continues to be implemented with contracts.
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•
Managing Council’s insurance claims of which there were 10 public liability claims, 19 property claims and 28 vehicle claims.
The following Internal Audit Reviews conducted by Forsyths have also occurred: • • •
Risk Management Development Application Process Contracts Management
Work continues on reviewing and updating the organisations Risk Management Plan and the development and implementation of a Business Continuity Plan
Audit Management The Council Committee The Council Committee is the ‘first check point’ of our financial position. The Committee reviews our financial reports on a monthly and quarterly basis. A key strategic objective of the Committee is the oversight and review of the Long-Term Financial Plan, ensuring the long-term goals of the Council and the community can be achieved. The Council Committee is made up of all elected members.
Internal Audit Committee There has been strong encouragement from the State Government for the establishment of Internal Audit functions within local Councils. The Audit, Review and Finance Committee received an options paper in December 2009. A draft Internal Audit Charter and Audit Committee Charter were presented to the Audit, Review and Finance Committee in January 2010 and subsequently adopted by resolution of the Council on 18 February 2010. The Internal Audit Committee’s objective is to provide independent assurance and assistance. Their Charter covers risk management, control, governance and external accountability responsibilities. The Committee will consist of: Members (voting) • • • •
Mayor Councillor Independent external member (not a member of the Council) Independent external member (an independent to be the Chairperson).
Attendee (non-voting) • •
General Manager Finance Manager
Invitees (non-voting) for specific Agenda items • • •
Representatives of the external auditor Head of Internal Audit Other officers may attend by invitation as requested by the Committee.
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Role of the External Auditors The external auditors primarily provide an assurance that our financial statements reflect the financial position of Council at the conclusion of the financial year. The work conducted by the external auditors to enable them to provide this assurance includes: • Testing a sample of Council’s internal controls • Observation of processes or procedures being performed • Enquiries of individuals within Council • Examining financial and accounting records, other documents and tangible assets • Obtaining written confirmations of certain items.
Best Value Best Value principles are designed to ensure local services are a reflection of local community needs and expectations, in terms of both quality and cost. That means providing local people with what they want, when they want it, at a price they are willing and able to pay. It’s also about being imaginative in relation to how local needs are met.
Conflicts of Interest and Pecuniary Interest Councillors and senior staff are required to declare any conflict of interest in any matter, and the nature of that interest, before a matter is discussed in a Council or Committee meeting. All Councillors and senior staff are required to complete a Form 26 Register of Interest Primary Return when elected or appointed, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. The Pecuniary Interest Register is available for inspection at the Executive Office of Moree Plains Shire Council on Level 2 of the Max Centre, 30 Heber Street, Moree.
Related Activities Tourism Moree Tourism Moree is an industry-based Incorporated Association. Its role is ‘the promotion of tourism across the Moree Plains Local Government Area’. The Association is directed by a Tourism Board made up of nine (9) members elected from the membership base, plus the Mayor and General Manager of Moree Plains Shire Council. Moree Plains Shire Council pays Tourism Moree a contract fee for the provision of its services to the Shire. This revenue is supplemented by membership fees and trading activities. Council’s contract with Moree Tourism was renewed in 2013 for a five (5) year period.
Moree Plains Gallery The Moree Plains Gallery is managed by the Moree Cultural Art Foundation, and is therefore one of the few regional galleries in New South Wales not owned and run by Local Government. Nevertheless, the Gallery receives invaluable support from Moree Plains Shire Council, which owns the magnificent 1911 Edwardian-style Gallery building and provides generous triennial funding.
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Moree Plains Shire Council also supports Moree Plains Gallery in promoting and enriching the cultural life of the community through the display of significant works of art. The Gallery has one of the most extensive Aboriginal art collections in regional New South Wales. This has been made possible through significant gifts. Dr Ann Lewis AM, generously endowed the Gallery with some 60 paintings and prints by leading Indigenous artists from across Australia. Mr Robert Bleakley, Mr Chris Hodges and Ms Helen Eager also made substantial contribution of works.
Big Sky Libraries Big Sky Libraries is the result of a cooperative library service arrangement between Moree Plains Shire Council, Walgett Shire Council and Brewarrina Shire Council. Big Sky Libraries has five (5) branches including Moree Community Library, Mungindi Library, Brewarrina Library, Walgett Library and Lightning Ridge Library. Big Sky Libraries serves a population of approximately of 28,729 people over 68,905km2. Big Sky Libraries endeavours to support the leisure and educational needs of its communities through its range of services. Not only are there more than 50,000 items in the Big Sky Libraries collection, the Library also provides access to online services through its public access computers, including internet access, research databases, e-books, e-magazines and e-audio. Its branch libraries are welcoming community spaces where members of the community come to meet, learn and be engaged. Activities such as children’s programs, book clubs, seniors’ computer classes, inter-library loans in languages other than English and home library deliveries are all examples of the way in which the Library caters to the various members of its communities.
Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre The Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre (“Centre”), established in 1995 as part of the North West Slopes and Plains Cooperative Library Service, was the first family history and photograph unit of its kind. The Centre aims to document, preserve and protect Aboriginal information and objects of significant importance to present and future generations of Aboriginal people. Its collection includes an enormous number of genealogies, photographs and resources to assist Aboriginal genealogy searches. Over the years the Centre has been actively involved in many Aboriginal community projects, including the Premiere of Rabbit Proof Fence and the identification and restoration of the Aboriginal Section of the Moree Cemetery. More recently, the Unit published three books in the Moree Mob Series: Volume I – Winanga-Li , Volume II – Burrul Wallaay and Go You Rangs Volume I. Recently, the Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre was successful in securing a $497,000 grant to refurbish the centre. Works planned include painting, new floor finishes, new offices and meeting rooms and a variety of display cabinets as well as a dedicated multi-media room. The Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre is a stand-alone unit of Moree Plains Shire Council. The Council along with numerous other partners is currently investigating funding and governance models that will ensure the success of the centre well into the future.
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Moree Plains Shire Youth Council The Moree Plains Shire Youth Council is a Section 355 Committee of the Moree Plains Shire Council. It currently has a membership of 13 young people from a range of cultural backgrounds aged between 13 to 18 years. Their objective is to create an active social interest amongst young people in Moree, particularly about issues which involve young people and ways to improve community life and amenities. The Moree Youth Council is very active in undertaking a number of projects and events such as the annual and regional Moree Superstar, annual Youth Week, pool parties, youth discos, masquerade ball, trivia night and the Stress Less Fest (Youth Forum). The annual Youth Week in April 2015 showcased a diverse range of youth activities, including Boggabilla/Toomelah, Mungindi and Moree Skateboarding workshops – “Red Frogs”, Run4Kids – Colour Run, Fluro Disco, Story Time (Five minutes more with Moree Youth Council), Trivia Night (fundraising for “Can Assist”) and the Grand Final – Harvey Norman Moree Superstar. The Colour Run was one of the highlights which attracted over 500 participants from regional areas. This Youth Week activity was organised in collaboration with the Moree PCYC. The members had an opportunity to see the positive outcome of their efforts over a period of time with planning and preparation leading up to this event. As a result of it being so successful and well supported, it has been decided that the “Colour Run” will become an annual Youth Week event. Moree Youth Council has an opportunity to continue to collaborate with the Moree PCYC on their monthly Blue Light Youth Discos and other youth activities including Laser Tag. In 2014, Moree Youth Council extended its membership to the wider community and the Mungindi Youth Council has been developed as a sub-committee with 15 young people mostly from the Indigenous community. They have been very active in organising youth activities and events and have been the voice of other young people in the Mungindi community.
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Our Performance We measure our success by how well we’re achieving the goals of the community as set out in the Community Strategic Plan Moree Plains 2035, which was developed in close consultation with the community in 2013. To make it easy to assess our progress, we have tracked progress against targets for the key priorities divided into four (4) key themes: • • • •
An Inclusive, Caring Community: a sense of place where people are proud of who they are and where they live A Vibrant Regional Economy: a vibrant economy built on a strong agricultural base An Environmental Role Model: an environmental role model for the region Coordinated, Committed Leadership: coordinated and committed leadership.
Under each of the four (4) themes you, the community, have indicated what strategies and activities could be undertaken by various organisations and groups in the community, including Moree Plains Shire Council, to achieve your long-term aims.
Symbols for achievements
Achieved Ongoing Not achieved
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An Inclusive Caring Community An Inclusive Caring Community is all about community wellbeing, community connectedness and belonging, and helping people to feel proud of who they are and where they live. Community Strategic Plan Outcomes: S1. S2. S3. S4.
Our community is a safe place Our community is inclusive, connected and collaborative Our local history, culture and diversity is valued and supported Our health and wellbeing provide for a satisfying and productive life
Achievements: Our community is a safe place (S1) Our efforts to make our community one in which all people feel that they are safe and secure have been manifold. We have: Implemented the Moree Street Lighting Project in ‘hotspot’ areas as identified by Barwon Police. Reviewed the location of Alcohol Free Zones in Moree, Boggabilla and Mungindi in conjunction with Police. Upgraded security cameras and automatic gates at Moree Regional Airport. Reviewed Council’s Shared Path and Cycleway Network. Participated in ‘Bike Day Out’ to encourage safe use of Moree Bike Paths. Prepare Pedestrian Access Mobility Plans. Participated in the North West Weight of Loads Group. Manage and maintain the Rural Addressing Program. Conduct load testing on bridges. Implemented the Moree Plains and Gwydir Shire Councils’ Road Safety Strategic Plan. Supported Road Safety Month Implemented the Frome Street Pedestrian Safety Campaign. Participated in the Free Cuppa for the Driver Scheme. Participated in the Heavy Vehicle Slow Down Campaign. Review street lighting infrastructure as part of the “Moree Street Lighting” project with a view to balancing safety, environmental and sustainability aspects. Conducted road safety audits. Continue to implement the Child Restraint Hiring Program.
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Our community is inclusive, connected and collaborative (S2) So that all sectors of our community are included, connected and collaborate with each other and the principles of natural justice are adhered to, we: Hosted, in collaboration with GP Synergy, a ‘Welcome to Moree’ to newly arrived professionals and other community members. Provided financial assistance to Moree Seniors’ Week Committee to host the annual Seniors’ Week activities. Investigate funding options to facilitate a review of the Moree central business district Disability Access Map. Provided financial support to NAIDOC Working Groups to put towards NAIDOC Week activities for Moree, Boggabilla and Mungindi. Maintained regular flight services between Moree and Sydney through QantasLink. Review and update MPSC Aboriginal Employment Strategy and include strategy as a key component of MPSC Reconciliation Action Plan.
Our local history, culture and diversity is valued and supported (S3) To show that we feel strongly about our history, culture and the diversity within, we: Conducted audits of all Shire cemeteries. Provided a landscaped garden, including rockery for the recording of details of persons whose graves are unidentifiable at Boggabilla. Have photographs of gravesite locations and markers available to the community via the Council’s website. Completed scheduled and special maintenance of grounds, landscaped areas and structures to ensure a high quality level of presentation throughout the lawn cemeteries, memorial gardens and maintenance in the general and village cemeteries. Work with the Dhiiyaan Indigenous Centre to develop an appropriate local Aboriginal Awareness and other programs to use for Council employees and to market to other businesses and community groups. Preserve and record local community and historical information.
Our health and wellbeing provide for a satisfying and productive life (S4) To ensure that we maintain a high level of health and wellbeing that contributes positively towards local lifestyles through access to recreational and cultural activities and provision of sustainable services, facilities and amenities, we: Introduced organic waste collection service to village areas of the Shire. Provided emergency operations centre facilities and resources for multi-agency responses. Built a preschool playroom and associated amenities at Gwydir Daycare and Preschool to cater for an additional 20 preschool aged children. Investigate opportunities to assist in establishing an externally operated and funded out of school hours facility. Upgraded the Gwydir Daycare and Preschool playground to continue to meet National Quality Standards. Introduced new life saving initiatives, in conjunction with the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre aimed at teaching children basic lifesaving skills, at all Shire facilities. Replaced shade sail at the Mungindi Pool.
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Delivered contract sewer maintenance services to Mehi Crescent, Stanley Village and Toomelah. Designed and constructed 2.5 metre wide concrete shared path adjacent to the Gwydir Highway from Morton Street to Anne Street. Resealed Taxiway B & C at Moree Regional Airport. Upgraded security cameras and automatic gates at Moree Regional Airport. Conducted heavy patching repairs to Runway 01/19 at Moree Regional Airport. Construct and manage CBD carpark upgrades in accordance with designs. Offered a scholarship to the Australian Academy of Country Music to Sarah Leete, a finalist of the Moree Superstar, as part of youth development initiatives. Provided financial assistance to Arts North West for the development of arts and culture regionally. Provided Australia Day and Anzac Day events to the community. Designed and upgraded existing ramps throughout the Shire to improve accessibility of the town centre for seniors, people with a disability and parents. Seek joint venture partner to undertake housing developments. Resealed Taxiways B and C and conducted heavy patching repairs to runway 01/19 at Moree Regional Airport.
Challenges: As identified in our Community Strategic Plan: Moree Plains 2030, our key community/social challenges are to: • • • •
Improve connectedness in our community. Grow our population, which is shrinking as many young people leave the Shire for educational and career opportunities and the family farm is replaced by larger agricultural concerns. Maintain community wellbeing. Create safe and inviting public spaces and a safe road network.
Future Plans: We plan to: • • • • • •
Continue to implement Crime Prevention Plans and facilitate meetings of the Crime Prevention Committees. Continue sportsfields upgrades and improvements to swimming pool facilities. Continue to provide access to diverse recreational and cultural activities and investigate new opportunities. Carry out park improvements. Construct additional cycleways along a number of streets in Moree. Continue to develop the Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre and library services offered within the Shire.
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A Vibrant Regional Economy When environmental conditions are advantageous and commodity prices are high, life is good. But the long years of drought have made it obvious that we can no longer rely on agriculture alone; we must diversify and build a more sustainable economy. Community Strategic Plan Outcomes: Ec1. Ec2. Ec3. Ec4.
Our Shire is a place that attracts and retains new businesses and residents Our Shire has the infrastructure we need to support our economy Our Shire supports existing businesses We have the skills and knowledge to undertake the work available
Achievements: Our Shire is a place that attracts and retains new businesses and residents (Ec1) To attract business investment and population growth within the Shire, as well as retaining existing services and population, we: Officially opened the Moree Gateway development. Launched the iPhone, iPad and Android apps at the Tourism Moree Annual General Meeting in March 2015. Prepare the “Old Met Station” site for future development and investigate development options. Developed design concepts for projects.
Our Shire has the infrastructure we need to support our economy (Ec2) To ensure our Shire has all infrastructure (in terms of local roads) required for our economic needs, we: Completed the Regional Road Repair Program. Completed the recurrent resealing program. Prepared a submission to Infrastructure Australia, in conjunction with the Australian Rural Roads Group for consideration in the 2015/2016 financial year. Provided designs for new and existing roads in accordance with current applicable standards and community expectations. Completed gravel re-sheeting of floodways and critical access on identified rural roads. Applied for funding from RMS for shared pathways. Prepare a Strategic Transport Plan.
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Our Shire supports existing businesses (Ec3) To support to local business houses this year and promote tourism in our area as well as ensuring that our Local Environment and Development Control Plans reflect best practice and community sentiments, we: Updated the Shire’s marketing material such as brochures, flyers, banners for exhibitions, tradeshow events and presentation folders. Completed the purchase of Taylor Oval. Develop an online and limited print business directory. Developed promotional web videos. Continue to support and grow the monthly Jellicoe markets. Participate in a joint marketing campaign with regional and state bodies and participate in the Regional Visitor Economy Fund. Promote Moree Plains Shire to metropolitan and regional cities as an attractive place to visit.
We have the skills and knowledge to undertake the work available (Ec4) To promote local employees having the skills and knowledge to undertake the work available in the Shire, we: Developed youth career pathways by promoting the use of school-based traineeships and apprenticeships across Council and encouraging student and work experience placements. Recruit suitable candidates into Council Scholarships in skill shortage areas and review and update scholarship arrangements with partnering universities. Develop a career pathway program for Aboriginal students from Year 8 to encourage retention at school.
Challenges: As identified in our Community Strategic Plan: Moree Plains 2030, our key challenges in this area are to: • • • • •
Support our existing businesses and provide a framework for business growth. Attract new businesses, tourists and residents. Leverage our advantages – such as resources and strategic location. Improve our key infrastructure – our local road network. Increase skills and knowledge in sectors of local skills shortage.
Future Plans: We plan to: • • • • •
Continue to promote the Moree Gateway. Promote the Moree Solar Farm. Support the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre and the tourism industry it brings to the Shire. Continue to advocate for additional roads funding. Continue to develop a business relationship with China.
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An Environmental Role Model The black soil plains are a beautiful environment in which to live. We wish to sustainably manage this environment into the future. Community Strategic Plan Outcomes: E1. The diversity of the natural environment is protected and supported E2. We live sustainably and use our resources responsibly E3. Our built environment – our town and villages – are desirable places to be
Achievements: The diversity of the natural environment is protected and supported (E1) In supporting and protecting our natural environment and the diversity within, we: Prepared a Roadside Vegetation Plan for the Moree Plains Shire. Incorporated environmental management systems into construction projects to meet current requirements and legislation as well as community expectations. Undertook inspection and chemical spraying of high risk infestation areas. Ensure compliant pre-treatment for all trade waste discharges. Managed complaints in relation to overgrown vegetation. Implement “Best Practice” waste water disposal systems.
We live sustainably and use our resources responsibly (E2) To ensure sustainability within the Shire, and of our resources, we: Support the development of the green industry sector with a focus on solar energy. Undertook quarterly monitoring and environmental reporting in relation to the Moree and Yarraman landfills. Conducted community education programs promoting the benefits of recycling and education on categorisation of items for landfill, organic collection and recycling.
Upgrade trade waste disposal system. Continued the provision of recycling, reuse, reprocessing and resource recovery programs to minimise waste to landfill. Participated in DrumMUSTER Operations. Promote use of sustainable water supplies.
Our built environment – our town and villages – are desirable places to be (E3) To enhance the desirability of the Shire’s built areas, we: Held a successful Main Street Christmas Carnival. Designed, constructed and installed entrance signs at Boomi and Terry Hie Hie. Completed tree planting on the Gwydir Highway. Review Draft Parks Master Plan 2011 for endorsement and adoption.
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Constructed footpaths and cycleways. Promoted heritage trails and trail booklet. Engage a consultant to undertake Review of Environmental Factors for Ron Harborne Oval extension.
Challenges: As identified in our Community Strategic Plan: Moree Plains 2030, our key challenges in this area are to: • • • •
Halt the degradation of the environment. Adapt to a changing global environment and the associated reduction in water security. Ensure that our outlying villages and town fringes aren’t left behind but undergo real improvement. Learn to manage our resources in a manner which promotes sustainability.
Future Plans: We plan to: • • • •
Continue to monitor and manage the Coal Seam Gas situation and keep abreast of changes in this legislative landscape. Develop a Shire-wide Waste Management Strategy. Continue to educate the Moree Plains community about recycling and organics disposal. Continue to explore opportunities for sustainable resource management.
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Coordinated, Committed Leadership Coordinated and committed leadership is required if we are to achieve our community’s goals. As well as taking the lead in some situations, Council has a role to play in fostering leadership within the community. Community Strategic Plan Outcomes: L1. L2. L3. L4. L5. L6.
Our leaders speak out for the good of our community We demonstrate accountability, transparency and ethical conduct We are engaged and well informed We collaborate to achieve outcomes We manage our finances, assets and services effectively We demonstrate leadership in the face of natural disaster
Achievements: Our leaders speak out for the good of our community (L1) In furtherance of advocating on behalf of the community (to ensure the long-term sustainability of our region), we: Pursued the sustainability of the region through the Australian Rural Road Group, continuing the Roads to Recovery Program and monitoring the impact of the Murray Darling Basin Plan. Actively monitor media and government releases on mining and coal seam gas.
We demonstrate accountability, transparency and ethical conduct (L2) To demonstrate these leadership traits and show commitment to due process as well as providing easy access to our information, we: Reviewed and updated Council’s Risk Management Plan. Reviewed risk management policies and plans, including identification of and documenting, risks and implementing steps to reduce these as far as practicable. Provide a high level of customer service and information on Council’s services. Develop and implement a Business Contingency Plan for Council operations. Implemented a full review of overtime management across Council to inform efficient work practices. Continue to improve access to and content on Council’s website.
We are engaged and well informed (L3) To keep up to date with the sentiments of the community and inform community members and other stakeholders of Council’s activities, we: Conducted ‘Reporting to the Community’ meetings at Mungindi, Gurley and Boggabilla reporting on progress made on the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 Operational Plans.
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Held one (1) Council and one (1) Committee meeting at Boggabilla and a Council meeting at Mungindi as part of the ‘Reporting to the Community’ meetings. Wrote and distributed media releases providing information on Moree Plains Shire Council’s decisions, activities and associated benefits to the community. Published and distributed three (3) issues of the ‘Council Focus’ newsletter. Worked with community, businesses and government agencies to identify alternative uses for spa water discharges. Facilitate the Moree Youth Council meetings and youth activities.
We collaborate to achieve outcomes (L4) To work effectively with others in order to provide best value to the community, we: Continued membership in the Australian Rural Roads Group. Complied with the State Government ‘Fit for the Future’ program by endorsing and moving forward with completing an ‘Improvement Proposal’ that is, not amalgamating with any of our neighbouring Councils. Provide bi-monthly information sessions in the community to assist a diverse range of job seekers. Participate in annual HR Benchmarking process for NSW Councils. Provided information sessions in the community to assist a diverse range of job seekers. In collaboration with Moree PCYC developed and implemented youth activities for Moree, Boggabilla, Toomelah and Mungindi.
We manage our finances, assets and services effectively (L5) For effective management of Council provisions, we: Improved and upgraded the drainage at Yarraman. Reviewed power supply options to reduce the cost of electricity. Investigated pump station safety improvements and upgrades as necessary. Manage Council’s light plant fleet to optimise financial, safety, environmental and workforce outcomes. Updated the Water Supply Asset Management Plan to ensure services are sustainable. Updated the Sewer Asset Management Plan to ensure services are sustainable.
Rezoning and reclassification of identified surplus open space lands. Reviewed the Airport Master Plan. Participated in a Customer Service Benchmarking Program to enable Council to measure its standard of customer service. Moree Plains Shire Council ranked 5th out of 43 Councils who participated.
Develop Plans of Management for all Community Land. Constructed a new machinery shed at the Moree Depot. Updated the Pollution Incident Response Management Plan in accordance with NSW EPA requirements.
Develop a Moree Plains Shire Council communications strategy, policies and procedures. Conduct a Community Satisfaction Survey every two (2) years to determine levels of satisfaction with Council’s services and facilities. Renewed sacrificial lining of selected sewer mains. Renewed electronic communications equipment at Moree Treatment Works.
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Manage and maintain airstrips at Boomi and Mungindi.
We demonstrate leadership in the face of natural disaster (L6) To demonstrate preparedness when faced with the adversities of nature, we: Upgraded flood gates, operational manual and flood study in relation to Mungindi. Developed a policy for overland flows for rural areas. Review and update all emergency plans, including the Moree Plains Disaster Plan and the Moree Plains Emergency Risk Management Plan in collaboration with emergency service agencies. Develop a policy for overland flows for rural areas. Facilitated appropriate emergency management training and exercises. Audit current levees and create operational management plans. Continue to work through the Pallamallawa Easement Acquisition for 1 in 20 year levee bank design. Undertake a levee stability study in relation to Mungindi.
Challenges: Our key challenges in this area are to: • • •
Sustain commitment to coordinated collaboration and action in our towns and villages. Foster a proactive community that effectively lobbies to obtain improvements it is seeking from governments. Manage and maintain our assets for their current purpose and for future generations.
Future Plans: We plan to: • • • •
Continue to advocate on issues of importance to our communities, such as coal seam gas and additional roads funding. Continue to communicate with and engage our communities. Revamp our Intranet to improve internal communications. Upgrade the computer system at the Moree Waste Management Facility to improve efficiency.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 59 of 101
Statutory Information The information in this section of our Annual Report is provided in response to statutory requirements. The Statutory Report addresses the elements of the Council’s Charter set out in Section 8 of the Local Government Act 1993 as follows: • to provide directly or on behalf of other levels of government, after due consultation, adequate, equitable and appropriate services and facilities for the community and to ensure that those services and facilities are managed efficiently and effectively • to exercise community leadership • to exercise its functions in a manner that is consistent with and actively promotes the principles of multiculturalism • to promote and to provide and plan for the needs of children • to properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment of the area for which it is responsible, in a manner that is consistent with and promotes the principles of ecologically sustainable development • to have regard to the long term and cumulative effects of its decisions • to bear in mind that it is the custodian and trustee of public assets and to effectively account for and manage the assets for which it is responsible • to facilitate the involvement of Councillors, members of the public, users of facilities and services and council staff in the development, improvement and coordination of local government • to raise funds for local purposes by the fair imposition of rates, charges and fees, by income earned from investments and, when appropriate, by borrowings and grants • to keep the local community and the State Government (and through it, the wider community) informed about its activities • to ensure that, in the exercise of its regulatory functions, it acts consistently and without bias, particularly where an activity of the council is affected • to be a responsible employer. Where appropriate, further details are provided in other sections of this Annual Report as indicated.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 60 of 101
Our Performance Audited Financial Reports The complete audited financial statements and auditor’s report can be found in Moree Plains Shire Council Financial Statements 2015, which can also be downloaded from www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au
Our Performance during the Year in Relation to our 2014/2015 Operational Plan Council undertook to deliver on a total of 536 services, activities and projects in the 2014/2015 financial year, as outlined in the 2014/2015 Operational Plan. Seventy-six projects, services or activities were not completed or did not meet the expected performance standard for the year. Information about why they were not completed to the required standard or in the required timeframe has been provided in the table below.
Key Services, activities and projects delivered on time and on budget Services, activities and projects being delivered/progressing as planned Services, activities and projects that have not been delivered on time or on budget S. AN INCLUSIVE, CARING COMMUNITY On time/on budget STATUS
Details of activities/ projects marked
58
Progressing as planned
69
Not on time/on budget
24
Total 151
S1.1
Prepare Pedestrian Access Mobility Plans (PAMP) – Funding has been approved to undertake this project in the 2015/2016 financial year.
S1.1
Implement the Caravan-Campervan Safety Campaign – External funding was not approved for this project.
S1.1
Conduct load testing on bridges – Currently waiting on a response from the New South Wales State Government regarding funding applications for “Fix the Country” before commencing this project.
S1.2
Review street lighting infrastructure as part of the “Moree Street Lighting” project with a view to balancing safety, environmental and sustainability aspects – More work is required before this review is presented.
S1.2
Provide CCTV and street lighting in Boggabilla – There has been no budget allocated for this project.
S2.1
Implement Brolga Project by supporting two (2) students annually within Council – The Brolga Project no longer operates but Moree Plains Shire Council still encourages placement of university students to gain work experience in Moree and rural environments.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 61 of 101
S. AN INCLUSIVE, CARING COMMUNITY On time/on budget STATUS
58
Progressing as planned
69
Not on time/on budget
24
Total 151
S2.1
Investigate methods of raising awareness within the community of the opportunities available through the Brolga Project – The Brolga Project is no longing operating.
S2.2
Promote non-traditional trades to women – Whilst this has not happened, females have however been engaged in the Operational Works area and as the Water Services Engineer in the fourth quarter of the 2014/2015 financial year.
S2.2
Investigate funding options to facilitate a review of the Moree central business district Disability Access Map – This activity has not been completed due to the Moree Disability Committee currently not functioning.
S2.2
Review and update MPSC Aboriginal Employment Strategy and include strategy as a key component of MPSC Reconciliation Action Plan - Work has commenced in relation to this project.
S3.1
Audit Moree Cemetery gravesite locations and markers and take photographs with the intention of making them available to the community via the Council’s website – The audit of gravesites has occurred however it is not financially feasible to make this information available via the MPSC website at this stage.
S3.1
Work with the Dhiiyaan Indigenous Centre to develop an appropriate local Aboriginal Awareness and other programs to use for Council employees and to market to other businesses and community groups – Work has commenced in relation to this project.
S4.1
Christmas Lights Competition - No budget was allocated for this project.
S4.2
Re-seal Gwydir Daycare and Preschool’s car park and install additional footpath to continue to meet National Quality Standard 2.3.2 – The carpark was assessed by Council staff and it does not require resealing at this time. As a result, this project has been deferred.
S4.2
Investigate opportunities to assist in establishing an externally operated and funded out of school hours facility – Whilst this has not been completed, ongoing investigation is being undertaken.
S4.2
Construct the second half of the waste cell at Moree Waste Management Facility – Based on current landfill cell forecasts it is likely that construction work won’t be required until the 2020/2021 financial year. This will be continually monitored.
S4.2
Design and construct a Transfer Station at Mungindi – A design was completed during the fourth quarter of the 2014/2015 financial year utilising surplus bridge piles to save on costs. Earthworks were
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 62 of 101
S. AN INCLUSIVE, CARING COMMUNITY On time/on budget STATUS
58
Progressing as planned
69
Not on time/on budget
24
Total 151
completed during the latter part of the 2014/2015 financial year however due to rain the project was not fully completed by 30 June. The balance of the work will be completed during the first quarter of the 2015/2016 financial year. S4.2
Construct and manage CBD car park upgrades in accordance with designs – Further funding will be received in the 2015/2016 financial year for completion of works.
S4.2
Design and construct a 2.5 metre wide concrete Shared Path linking Amaroo bus shelter for 200m west – Due to the bypass construction work this project was moved into the 2016/2017 financial year.
S4.2
Construct and manage ramp upgrades in accordance with designs and subject to grant funding – No grant funding opportunities have been available for this project in the 2014/2015 financial year.
S4.2
Reseal of the General Aviation Apron at Moree Regional Airport – Some minor works are still required to fully complete the project which is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of the 2015/2016 financial year.
S4.2
Construct and relocate new river intake pump station at Boggabilla – This project was held over to the 2015/2016 financial year pending announcement of the Water Security for Regions Funding.
S4.2
Undertake a comprehensive investigation on the current condition of Moree bores, and the capacity of these bores to supply reliable and good quality drinking water to meet future town water needs – This project, although not complete, is ongoing.
S4.3
Seek joint venture partner to undertake housing developments – Due to delays in removing the restrictions in Brigalow Drive, this particular project will continue in the 2015/2016 financial year. Promotion of new housing remains an ongoing initiative.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 63 of 101
Ec. VIBRANT REGIONAL ECONOMY On time/on budget STATUS
Details of activities/ projects marked
19
Progressing as planned
34
Not on time/on budget
8
Total 61
Ec1.3
Prepare the “old Met Station” site for future development and investigation development options - Council has resolved to conduct an Expression of Interest for the development of the Brigalow Drive Subdivision. This has taken priority over the Old Met Station Site. The site will be maintained and Council will continue to support the investigation of development options and be open to support opportunities. There is provision in the long term financial plan to conduct a formal site development plan during the 2016/17 financial year.
Ec2.1
Prepare a Strategic Transport Plan – This project was designed to coincide with the development of the Inland Rail and finalisation of various route options. Council continues dialogue with ARTC and is providing assistance with the formation of the Inland Rail project. As part of the Pilot Namoi Joint Organisation, Council has taken the lead on the development of a Regional Freight Study.
Ec2.2
Funding to support the implementation of the actions identified within the Economic Development Strategy – This project has been rolled over to the 2015/2016 financial year in order to account for the Pilot Namoi Joint Organisation Future Factors Project.
Ec3.1
In consultation with the local business community, develop, resource and implement the Moree Plains Economic Development Strategy with a focus on business retention, industry attraction and diversification – This project was rolled over to the 2015/2016 financial year in order to account for the Pilot Namoi Joint Organisation Future Factors Project.
Ec3.1
Develop an online and limited print business directory – This project is on hold pending input from the Moree Chamber of Commerce.
Ec3.3
Joint marketing campaign with regional and state bodies and participation in the Regional Visitor Economy Fund – One of the strategic projects being undertaken by the pilot Namoi Joint Organisation, is the development of a regional investment prospectus. This is being led by Tamworth Regional Council with assistance from Regional Development Australia – Northern Inland.
Ec4.2
Work with schools to develop alternative “employability skills” programs (required due to the removal of High School Certificate) which are relevant to the future work needs of Council and the community – This has not been required. The school has implemented changes such as inclusion of white card, first aid etc into the curriculum. MPSC continues to work with local schools regarding access to real work experiences and career planning.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 64 of 101
Ec4.3
Develop a career pathway program for Aboriginal students from Year 8 to encourage retention at school â&#x20AC;&#x201C; This program is no longer funded as success with intake was occurring through other means.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 65 of 101
E. ENVIRONMENTAL ROLE MODEL On time/on budget STATUS
Details of activities/projects marked
8
Progressing as planned
37
Not on time/on budget
7
Total 52
E1.3
Ensure compliant pre-treatment for all trade waste discharges – Trade waste inspections have been lagging due to resource constraints.
E2.1
Upgrade trade waste disposal system – Ongoing investigations have been carried out into design requirements. This project has been budgeted for the 2015/2016 financial year.
E3.1
Review Draft Parks Master Plan 2011 for endorsement and adoption – The Parks Master Plan was delayed due to the incorporation of the Asset Management Components. Work will continue in the 2015/2016 financial year.
E3.2
Review and update the Tree Policy – It has taken longer to finalise the policy due to resources being allocated to other priorities. This policy was reviewed by Council in August 2015.
E3.2
Develop and distribute Town Planting Brochure – Draft brochure has been completed and is currently being reviewed to ensure consistency with Council’s style guide.
E3.3
Engage a designer to work with the Boughton Oval User Group to create an amenities/grandstand that is practical and usable – Commencement was delayed, however, this project has now been completed.
E3.3
Engage a consultant to undertake Review of Environmental Factors for Ron Harborne Oval extension – Commencement was delayed, however, this project has now been completed.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 66 of 101
4L. COORDINATED AND COMMITTED LEADERSHIP STATUS
On time/on budget
Details of activities/ projects marked
72
Progressing as planned
161
Not on time/on budget
38
Total 271
L2.1
Develop and implement a Business Contingency Plan for Council operations – Finalisation of the Business Contingency Plan will occur in the first quarter of the 2015/2016 financial year. Testing will occur shortly thereafter. Four (4) of the seven (7) critical plans have been completed.
L3.2
Publishing and distributing three (3) issues of the ‘Council Focus’ newsletter every year - There have been issues with the delivery of ‘Council Focus’ when utilising unaddressed mail distribution. A halfyearly report has instead been included with rates notices as well as an edition of Council Focus.
L4.1
Participate in monthly interagency meetings to link Council with external agencies working within the community – Work has commenced in relation to this project.
L4.1
Continue to support the development of interagency services which utilise the skills of Council employees including Aboriginal mentoring, translation serviced by CALD employees and volunteering – Work has commenced in relation to this project.
L4.2
Provide for the development of the future strategic direction of the Moree Showground and related lands – This project was rolled over to the 2015/2016 financial year.
L4.2
Participate in regional skill shortage projects to develop cross industry and regional solutions – MPSC has been participating in the work required for workforce planning for the Pilot Namoi Joint Organisation to match with the requirements of the three (3) strategic projects which the GMAC meeting has agreed to pursue.
L5.1
Develop and implement an Operational/Risk Management Plan for the GIS – This project was not completed due to changes in staff and limited available resources.
L5.1
Develop Plans of Management for all Community Land – This project was due to commence after the land reclassification was complete, however, Council land identified as ‘community’ that will not be reclassified will now have plans of management developed.
L5.1
Investigate a mobile application that will enable customers to lodge customer requests directly into our electronic customer request system via their mobile telephones – Customers are able to report an issue via Council’s website which is linked to our records management system.
L5.1
By 2015, move annual training plan to holistic individual plans for employees – Changes have not been implemented but were
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 67 of 101
4L. COORDINATED AND COMMITTED LEADERSHIP STATUS
On time/on budget
72
Progressing as planned
161
Not on time/on budget
38
Total 271
discussed leading up to 2015 plans. A review of structure following changes in strategy to occur for 2016 plans. L5.1
Develop a Moree Plains Shire Council communications strategy, policies and procedures – With the Integrated Planning and Reporting team taking the lead on coordination of Council’s ‘Fit for the Future’ submission, only preliminary work on this task has commenced. It is hoped that this will be finalised during the 2015/2016 financial year.
L5.1
Review and update Council’s Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy – This project is now scheduled and budgeted for the 2015/2016 financial year.
L5.1
Issuing development consent for improvement of existing commercial/industrial buildings – Five (5) applications were received; 10 days turnaround is based on no notification of the development application. One (1) which was notified to adjoining owners for a period of 14 days with a 15 day determination.
L5.1
Review and update Council’s Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy – This project has been deferred to the 2015/2016 financial year to allow for guidelines to be finalised.
L5.1
Ensure that bridges are suitably named and gazetted in accordance with Australian Standards and Geographical Names Board Guidelines – There is one (1) request for a bridge name to be advertised and presented to Council for consideration. A draft policy has been prepared and this policy should be advertised and adopted prior to considering any further applications for asset names. Gazettals are not currently required for bridge names.
L5.2
Upgrade the data collection process to an electronic mobile system – This project was not completed due to limited resources, though the research into the most suitable system has commenced. This project will carry over to the 2015/2016 financial year.
L5.2
Upgrade water meter reading and data management system – This project has been delayed due to difficulties experienced with data transfer.
L5.2
Investigate implementation of an electronic contract management system – This project will be deferred to the next financial year pending a review of Council’s authority system.
L5.2
Work with Planning and Development to enable electronic lodgement of development applications subject to customer requirements – The Planning and Development Department have decided that there is no current need for this facility.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 68 of 101
4L. COORDINATED AND COMMITTED LEADERSHIP STATUS
On time/on budget
72
Progressing as planned
161
Not on time/on budget
38
Total 271
L5.2
CBD Beautification upgrades where identified in Operational Plan – There is currently no budget allocation for Stage 3.
L5.2
Implement Moree Town Centre Beautification Masterplan Stage 2, subject to funding – There is currently no budget allocation for Stage 2.
L5.2
Conduct a Community Satisfaction Survey every two (2) years to determine levels of satisfaction with Council’s services and facilities – A customer service satisfaction survey was not undertaken in the 2014/2015 financial year due to a lack of funding to cover the cost of undertaking this survey alone. It had been proposed that this be undertaken in conjunction with a number of other councils in our Border Region Organisation of Councils but no other Council agreed to participate. A large scale community consultation is proposed for the 2015/2016 financial year, as foreshadowed in our ‘Fit for the Future’ Improvement Proposal.
L5.3
Progress the rezoning and reclassification of identified surplus open space lands – There has been a further request for information from the Department of Planning and Environment in relation to the reclassification of Council’s surplus community land. This has delayed the reclassification process further, which in turn inhibits Council’s ability to offer this land for sale.
L5.3
Compile database of critical pits/lines for future maintenance plan – Work has commenced on investigation, asset assessment and cleaning. This will continue into the 2015/2016 financial year.
L5.4
Replacement of chain fence at Moree Depot with security fencing along James Street, Maude Street and Tycannah Street – Options are currently being reviewed for the replacement of the chain fence at the Moree Depot.
L5.4
Upgrade computer and electronic surveillance system at Moree Waste Management Facility – This equipment will be budgeted for in the 2016/2017 financial year.
L5.4
Investigate pump station safety improvements and upgrade as necessary – While this project is not complete, two (2) pump stations have had well washers installed which has improved WH&S at these sites, two (2) pump stations have had safety lids installed.
L5.4
Renew Telemetry Communication Network and sewer pump station electrical switchboards – While this project is not complete, new electrical switchboards and telemetry monitoring unit have been installed at Webb Avenue, Cooee Street, Tycannah Street, Kamilaroi Drive, Mehi Crescent and Stanley Village. The remainder of the work will be undertaken during the 2015/2016 financial year.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 69 of 101
4L. COORDINATED AND COMMITTED LEADERSHIP STATUS
On time/on budget
72
Progressing as planned
161
Not on time/on budget
38
Total 271
L5.4
Rehabilitate internal surfaces and roof renewal of Moree and village water reservoir towers – This project is behind schedule and has encountered many difficulties. Options forward are currently under consideration.
L5.4
Renew Telemetry Communication Network and water infrastructure electrical switchboards – The backbone communications infrastructure has been installed. Numerous switchboards have been manufactured awaiting installation. The remainder of this project will be rolled out during the 2015/2016 financial year.
L5.4
Maintain external surfaces of Boston and Broadwater water reservoir towers – This project has been deferred to the 2015/2016 financial year.
L5.4
Maintain external surfaces of Boggabilla water reservoir towers This project has been deferred to the 2015/2016 financial year.
L5.4
Maintain external surfaces of Jellicoe Park and Adelaide Street water reservoir tower - This project will be scheduled for future budget consideration.
L5.4
Maintain external surfaces of Brown Street, Boggabilla water reservoir tower - This project has been deferred to the 2015/2016 financial year.
L6.1
Develop a policy for overland flows for rural areas – Moree Plains Shire Council is currently working with the Office of Environment and Heritage on their development constraints.
L6.1
Audit current levees and create operational management plans Moree Plains Shire Council is currently working with the Office of Environment and Heritage to obtain suitable templates. This will be a project for the 2015/2016 financial year with increased staff resources.
L6.1
In relation to Mungindi undertake a levee stability study – This project is subject to funding application request to the Office of Environment and Heritage.
L6.1
Installation of additional flood gauges on key river systems – funding for this project was unsuccessful.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 70 of 101
Our Organisation Remuneration of Senior Staff Under the definitions of the Act only one staff member of Moree Plains Shire Council, the General Manager, is classed as a senior staff member. At 30 June 2015, the General Manager’s remuneration package (including salary, motor vehicle and superannuation) totalled $230,000.
Overseas Visits There have been no overseas visits in the 2014/2015 financial year.
Mayoral and Councillor Fees, Expenses and Facilities The total amount of fees paid to the Mayor and Councillors for the year was $120,099.96. Councillors each received a fee of $10,740, with the Mayor receiving an additional fee of $23,439.96. The total amount spent on Councillors’ fees, the provision of Councillor facilities and payment of Councillor expenses for the year was $167,573.60 increasing from $161,290 in the 2013/2014 financial year. Details of Mayor and Councillors’ fees, expenses and facilities
Mayor fees ($)
Elected member fees ($)
Conferenc es and seminars ($)
Specific training ($)
Provision of office equipment and telephone s ($)
Cr R Brazel
–
10,740
–
_
3,166.03
–
7,513.55
21,419.58
Cr M Cikota
–
10,740
–
_
485.79
–
–
11,225.79
Cr J von Drehnen
–
10,740
_
–
1,052.23
_
–
11,792.23
Cr C Gall
–
10,740
–
_
799.40
_
–
11,539.40
23,439.96
10,740
1,133.64
–
1,566.13
1,235.25
4,678.90
42,793.88
Cr B Munn
–
10,740
_
_
865.59
_
_
11,605.59
Cr S Price
–
10,740
4,251.26
_
453.55
4,042.59
15,273.75
34,761.15
Cr J Tramby
–
10,740
–
–
-
–
–
10,740.00
Cr T Tzannes
–
10,740
_
–
955.98
_
-
11,695.98
23,439.96
96,660
5,384.90
_
9,344.70
5,277.84
27,466.20
167,573.60
Cr K Humphries
Totals
Accommodation ($)
Travel ($)
Totals ($)
A copy of Council’s policy on the payment of expenses and provision of facilities for Mayor and Councillors is available on Council’s website: www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au or can be obtained from any Council office.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 71 of 101
Legal Proceedings Moree Plains Shire Council paid $337,700 in the 2014/15 financial year. This compared with $467,000 in legal expenses 2013/14, $317,000 in 2012/13, $416,000 in 2011/12; $249,000 in 2010/11; $144,000 and 2009/10. Council incurs legal expenses for such things as the purchase and sale of land and assets, debt collection, Weight of Loads prosecutions, and preparation of leases and subdivisions. Costs are also incurred for legal advice on planning and environmental matters, employment issues, liability issues and corporate governance. Much of the expenditure in relation to both debt recovery and Weight of Loads prosecutions is recovered from those persons against whom action has been taken. In 2014/15, Council was involved in the legal proceedings listed in the table below. Proceedings continue to be ongoing in relation to the action being taken against various financial institutions with costs to be deducted upon the receipt of any favourable judgements.
2014/2015 legal proceedings Other party
Dispute
Status
Costs incurred in 2014/15 ($)
Various Financial Institutions
Investments recovery
Ongoing
$0.00
Various
Planning and Development
Complete
$39,959
Various
Debt Recovery
Ongoing
$191,459
Various
Other (Governance, HR Weight of Loads, Leases)
Complete
$109,652
Partnerships, Co-operatives and Joint Ventures Involving Council Moree Shire Council is involved in the following partnerships and cooperatives: • North West Weight of Loads Group This group enforces the Roads Act 1993 and Limits (weights) on vehicles using public roads. The objective of this group is to reduce road maintenance costs. • Border Regional Organisation of Councils (BROC) This organisation consists of Councils that are demographically and geographically similar to Moree Plains Shire Council. Members of BROC seek to gain economies of scale through joint tendering procedures and resource sharing. • Big Sky Libraries (formerly known as the North West Slopes and Plains Cooperative Library Service) The Big Sky Libraries offers free membership, an interlibrary loan service, public Internet access, children’s programs and other events throughout the year. Member shires include Brewarrina, Moree Plains and Walgett, with libraries in Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge, Moree, Mungindi and Walgett. • Moree Plains and Gwydir Shires Road Safety Program The Moree Plains and Gwydir Shires Road Safety Program aims to contribute to a better, safer and healthier community by decreasing road trauma and the risk of accidents through targeted road safety educational and behavioural change campaigns.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 72 of 101
• Australian Rural Roads Group The Australian Rural Roads Group is a group of more than 100 councils formed to lobby other levels of government and industry for a sustainable source of funding to improve the condition of the rural road network. • Pilot Namoi Joint Organisation Moree Plains Shire Council, together with the Shires of Gwydir, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains and Narrabri, Walcha and Tamworth Regional Councils form the pilot Namoi Joint Organisation; an initiative of the NSW State Government’ Fit for the Future reform.
External Bodies Exercising Council Functions During the 2014/2015 financial year, no external bodies exercised functions delegated by Council. The Moree Plains Gallery, Tourism Moree and the Rural Fire Service do not exercise functions delegated by Council. Instead, they operate under a Service Agreement between Council and the relevant incorporated bodies. The Agreements provide for a fixed level of funding over the four years of the agreement in return for services to the community.
Section 355 Committees Details of Moree Plains Shire Council’s Section 355 Committees have been provided on page 27 of this report.
Companies in Which Council Held a Controlling Interest In the 2014/2015 financial year, Moree Plains Shire Council held a controlling interest in the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre Limited, a public company limited by guarantee, with the Council being the sole member of that company. Other than as specified above, the Council held no controlling interests any company, whether alone or in conjunction with other Councils.
Rates and Charges Written Off As the Sale of Land for unpaid rates was not completed until September 2015, no rates and charges were written off in the 2014/2015 financial year.
Competitive Neutrality In April 1995, representatives of the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments met and ratified the National Competition Policy. The policy is aimed at increasing consumer and business choice, reducing cost, improving competitiveness and lowering prices. A major reform required by the policy is the separation of non-contestable regulatory and other functions from those commercial activities that can be subject to competition. Major activities that can be subjected to competition are classified as category one. Reporting on these activities, including all support costs assigned, is required in order to determine what their total cost would be if they operated as a private business. This includes estimating the total taxes that would be paid if the operations were not a Council activity.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 73 of 101
Moree Plains Shire Council has identified the following businesses for the purposes of competitive neutrality. Category 1 Business Activities • Water • Sewerage Category 2 Business Activities • Waste Management • Gwydir Day Care and Preschool • Moree Aerodrome • The Max Centre. Competitive Neutrality Pricing Requirements The pricing and costing guidelines outline the process for identifying and allocating costs to activities and provide a standard of disclosure requirements. These disclosures are reflected in Council’s pricing and/or financial reporting systems and include tax equivalents, council subsidies, return on investment (rate of return) and dividends paid. These competitive neutrality requirements have been applied to the special purpose reports for Category 1 and 2 activities. Complaints Handling Council has a process in place for the handling of competitive neutrality complaints. All written complaints are registered and assigned to designated staff to respond. Council’s Records Section monitors the progress of responses to ensure that they are finalised. In addition, complaints are reviewed quarterly as to whether they fall into the category of a competitive neutrality complaint. A unitary customer request system has been installed in all areas of Council. This has greatly improved the efficiency of the process and provided enhanced information for better monitoring. Competitive Neutrality Complaints Council received no new competitive neutrality complaints during 2014/15.
Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) replaced the Freedom of Information Act 1989 on 1 July 2010. The GIPA Act provides four (4) ways for government information to be released: 1. Open access information We publish certain categories of information on our website as a matter of course; this is known as Open Access Information. If not published, the information is still accessible either for free or for the lowest cost possible. Open Access Information includes details of contracts, policies and development applications, as well as many other categories of information. 2. Proactive release We release as much other information as possible to the public free of charge and publish as much as possible on our website. 3. Informal release of information Members of the public may contact us and ask for information. This is known as an informal request.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 74 of 101
4. Formal access application for release of information If information cannot be accessed through any of the above ways, members of the public may submit an access application. This report provides an account of our work for the period 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015. During this time the focus of our activities was to meet the requirements of the GIPA Act and to establish simple processes for dealing with the informal release of information and with access applications. Five staff were trained and appointed GIPA Officers. The following documents relevant to the GIPA Act have been published on our website: â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘
Formal Access to Information Application form Disclosure Log.
Our focus for the 2015/16 financial year is to continue to strengthen our compliance with the GIPA Act and to ensure that we work with key stakeholders to develop and maintain a suitable framework for the provision of information to interested members of the public. Statistical Information about access applications The Council received a total number of four (4) access applications during the reporting year. Number of applications by type of applicant and outcome* Access granted in full
Access granted in part
Access refused in full
Information not held
Outcome Information already available
Refuse to deal with application
0
0
0
0
0
Members of Parliament
0
0
0
0
0
Private sector business
1
0
0
0
Not for profit organisations or community groups
0
0
0
Members of the public (application by legal representative)
1
0
Members of the public (other)
1
0
Applicant Media
Application withdrawn
0
Refuse to confirm/ deny whether information is held 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1*
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
* More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. This also applies to the following table. ** The Council refused to deal with one such application as it was invalid due to non-payment of the deposit.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 75 of 101
Number of applications by type of application and outcome
Type of Application Media Personal information applications* Access applications (other than personal information applications) Access applications that are partly personal information applications and partly other
Access granted in full
Access granted in part
Access refused in full
Information not held
Outcome Information already available
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
3
0
0
0
0
1**
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Refuse to deal with application
Refuse to confirm/ deny whether information is held
Application withdrawn
* A personal information application is an access application for personal information (as defined in clause 4 of Schedule 4 to the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual). ** The Council refused to deal with one such application as it was invalid due to non-payment of the deposit.
Invalid applications Reason for invalidity
No of applications
Application does not comply with formal requirements (section 41 of the Act)
0
Application contravenes restraint order (section 110 of the Act)
0
Application is for excluded information of the agency (section 43 of the Act)
0
Total number of invalid applications received
0
Invalid applications that subsequently became valid applications
0
Government Conclusive presumption of overriding public interest against disclosure: matters listed in Schedule 1 of the GIPA Act Number of times consideration used* Overriding secrecy laws
0
Cabinet information
0
Executive Council information
0
Contempt
0
Legal professional privilege
0
Excluded information
0
Documents affecting law enforcement and public safety
0
Transport safety
0
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 76 of 101
Number of times consideration used* Adoption
0
Care and protection of children
0
Ministerial code of conduct
0
Aboriginal and environmental heritage
0
*More than one public interest consideration may apply in relation to a particular access application and, if so, each such consideration is to be recorded (but only once per application). This also applies in relation to Table E.
Other public interest considerations against disclosure: matters listed in table to section 14 of the GIPA Act
Responsible and effective government
Number of occasions when application not successful 0
Law enforcement and security
0
Individual rights, judicial processes and natural justice
1*
Business interests of agencies and other persons
0
Environment, culture, economy and general matters
0
Secrecy provisions
0
Exempt documents under interstate Freedom of Information legislation
0
* In one such application, some information was withheld due to this reason only.
Timeliness Number of applications Decided within the statutory timeframe (20 days plus any extensions)
2
Decided within 20â&#x20AC;&#x201C;35 days (by agreement with applicant)
0
Decided after 35 days (by agreement with applicant)
1
Not decided within time but access ultimately provided
0
Not decided within time (deemed refusal)
0
Total
4*
*The Council refused to deal with one such application as it was invalid due to non-payment of the deposit.
Number of applications reviewed under Part 5 of the GIPA Act (by type of review and outcome) Decision varied 1
Internal review
Decision upheld 0
Total 1
Review by Information Commissioner*
0
0
0
Internal review following recommendation under section 93 of Act
0
0
0
Review by ADT
0
0
0
Total
0
0
0
*The Information Commissioner does not have the authority to vary decisions, but can make recommendations to the original decision-maker. The data in this case indicates that a recommendation to vary or uphold the original decision has been made by the Information Commissioner.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 77 of 101
Applications for review under Part 5 of the GIPA Act (by type of applicant) Number of applications for review Applications by access applicants
1
Applications by persons to whom information the subject of access application relates (see section 54 of the Act)
0
Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 Our Privacy Management Plan was adopted in 2009. The staff have been informed of the legislation and staff in key areas have undertaken training in Privacy Management. The release of information has been in accordance with the legislation and the plan. The Council collects and holds personal information for the purpose of carrying out its functions under the Local Government Act 1993 and facilitating the operation of other Acts of Parliament. We take all reasonable steps to protect all personal information from misuse, loss or from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. This information may be disclosed to Government, Regulatory Authorities and Council contractors or where there is a legislated requirement. Otherwise, information held will only be disclosed or amended upon receipt of written instructions from the client or from parties authorised to act on their behalf. Please note that everyone has the right to access their own personal information subject to some exceptions permitted by law.
Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 The Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 No 92 (PID Act), formerly the Protected Disclosures Act 1994, sets in place a system to encourage public officials to report serious wrongdoing without fear of being sued for defamation or breach of confidence. The public interest disclosures system relates to the disclosure of: • Corrupt conduct, serious maladministration, and serious and substantial waste • Failure to comply with the system through which people can access government information • A breach of the local government pecuniary interest requirements. For more information on the Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 No 92, visit the NSW Ombudsman’s website: http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-work/public-interest-disclosures. Council is required to report Public Interest Disclosures (PIDs) in accordance with the Act on a sixmonthly basis to the NSW Ombudsman and to ensure that a policy and system of reporting is developed with employees, Councillors and stakeholders educated in relation to the PID Act. Moree Plains Shire Council has fully complied with these requirements and has fully reviewed and updated the relevant policies, procedures and information systems and completed training of relevant officers with ICAC over the past 2 years. The Human Resources Manager reports to ICAC each six months about our compliance with the PID Act and PID reports. There has been zero reports this year.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 78 of 101
The HR Officers, EA to the General Manager and Client Services Manager are all trained PID Officers whilst the Human Resources Manager is responsible for co-ordination and management of PID on behalf of the General Manager.
Carers Recognition Act 2010 Council is required to comply with the Carers Recognition Act 2010 and to recognise, through its human resource management policies and procedures, the significant role carers play within our society. Moree Plains Shire Council is compliant with this Act and takes into account the significant role carers make when making decisions regarding human resource practices. We acknowledge that many of carers’ roles extend beyond those of being parents and include care of elder people within families, disabled family members, and those experiencing such issues as family violence; and we recognise carers’ responsibilities through our carers leave provisions, flexible work practises and family-friendly work environment. We also promote the services of community organisations that support carers. Moree Plains Shire Council’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Management Plan was updated during the 2009/2010 financial year and remains a living document capturing our genuine commitment to the principles of inclusivity in the workplace. Our 2014/2015 financial year EEO initiatives are detailed in the table below. Equal Employment Opportunity initiatives Program/Activity
Description
Indigenous School-Based Trainees and Full Time Trainees (SBATS)
We were successful in achieving funding for two indigenous traineeships at Customer Service and GDC. We completed the traineeship at Mungindi.
EEO Contact Officer training
EEO Contact Officers undertook an update of EEO Contact Officer training in August 2014. We currently have five (5) active contact officers.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Council completed its reconciliation action plan (RAP) which was launched in May 2014.
Establishment of Internal Aboriginal Consultative Committee
We are currently seeking new expressions of interest to refresh the membership of this group. The RAP committee also reviews all matters related to Aboriginal Employment.
EEO training for all new staff and supervisors
Anti-Discrimination Board EEO training was provided to all new employees and to supervisors in August 2014, ensuring all officers of Council are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
EEO refresher training
Training for general employees is updated once in each five-year cycle. The training covers a range of topics including EEO rights and responsibilities, ‘respectful’ workplaces, intense training with teams who are having issues with teamwork and correct methods of performance management. This year we conducted, for third year running, ‘Everyday Performance Management’ and followed this up with ‘Coaching’ The results have been excellent; people are being managed to perform, but the methods used are not discriminatory or oppressive.
Council also has an open SBAT successfully operating in Records with Community Development, Library and Workshop traineeships being ended prior to completion.
In addition MPSC added on line training modules in ethical behaviours
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 79 of 101
Program/Activity
Description Composing of Code of Conduct, Bullying and Harassment Prevention, Equal Employment Opportunity and Privacy.
Access to employment with Council
Access to employment with Council has been promoted via the bi-monthly ‘Applying for jobs at Council’ information sessions, reviews with job networks, advertising regionally and locally, and utilisation of university and tourism web pages and brochures. MPSC worked with the local job network in Jan 2015 and with the schools in June 2015 to ensure awareness. Meetings have also occurred in relation to Work for the Dole Scheme. Currently there is a higher than sustainable demand for work placements across the community including those with disabilities.
On-line recruitment
Council moved to 100% on line applications in December 2013. Training for staff in the Community Library, Mungindi and Boggabilla offices has been supplied to support applicants. Training with the Aboriginal community members to establish gmail accounts and education on how to lodge applications on line ensured not only continued high level of applications for work and skills development to support on-line applications external to Council. Council implemented a web based tutorial to its website and is receiving an outstanding number and quality of applicants through on line recruitment.
Basic literacy
We continue to provide support to all employees in basic literacy, numeracy and computer skills.
Increased Aboriginal Employment
The percentage of our workers who identify as being Aboriginal has remain constant throughout the year ranging between 16-19% with changes due to completion of traineeships/ intake and exits. MPSC continues to report the highest level of Aboriginal Employment in LG NSW.
Participated in HR Benchmarking for LG
We reviewed our Workforce data through the Local Government Shires Association (LGSA) HR Benchmarking Program for the third year, monitoring issues such as investment in training and development, demographics and remuneration surveying.
Remuneration Survey for LGNSW
We complete the remuneration survey and the General Managers Remuneration Survey annually. We participated in many research projects including Workforce Planning with the UTS Centre of Local Government. A full internal review of Aboriginal employment participation numbers was completed by our Aboriginal Employment and Careers Pathway Coordinator. An initial review of our Aboriginal Employment Strategy was also completed.
Continue to utilise job share and part-time work arrangements
These arrangements include the ability to return to work part-time after having a baby up until the child is of school age, staggered retirements, and job shares required by people for a variety of reasons.
Green Army Project
Recruitment commenced for the program in January 2015 with the assistance of MPSC’s AEO. The program did not fully commence due to the delivery agency suspending commencement. MPSC continues to work with all stakeholders to ensure the program does commence in 2015.
Updated Policies
Policies were reviewed in line with 2014 Award changes. MPSC has successfully implemented Health and Well Being leave which allows sick leave to be utilised for preventative health measures. This has been tightly
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 80 of 101
Program/Activity
Description controlled to ensure it is being used for genuine health reasons.
Extended the use of funded training
Council continues to review access to funding for all training. The Smart and Skilled regime has limited some access however funding for groups such as the Diploma of Project Management and funding for areas such as Gwydir Day Care has been achieved.
Implemented the Way Ahead Mentoring Program
We are utilising the Way Ahead Mentoring Program, which is a funded by State Training, to support Aboriginal Trainees.
Workforce Plan
Our updated Workforce Plan for 2013â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2017 identifies target areas for future EEO development over the next three (3) years. Activities will include monitoring of gender equality in salaries, targeting women in nontraditional trades (recruitment), improved understanding of mental health, psychological claims in Work Cover and disabilities, further use of trainees and retention and delay of retirement for older workers and retaining knowledge. A knowledge management tool kit and a retirement planning tool kit have been developed in draft format for roll out in 2015/2016 in line with the workforce plan. MPSC was successful in gaining help via government funding to diversity Australia to assist in the development of these.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 81 of 101
Our Community Services and Access for People with Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Backgrounds Program/Activity
Description
Multicultural Advisory Committee
We are continuing to facilitate the Multicultural Advisory Committee that was established in 2010.
Harmony Day
We organised a number of cultural activities to celebrate Harmony Day in collaboration with the Moree TAFE. We launched the Moree Multicultural Booklet; the Indian Community showcased their traditional sand painting “Rangoli”.
NAIDOC Week
Council annually sponsors and supports NAIDOC Week activities in the communities of Moree, Mungindi and Boggabilla/Toomelah.
Attendance at Aboriginal Interagency Meetings
We attend all local Aboriginal Interagency Meetings and assist with their initiatives.
Reconciliation
We attend local Reconciliation Group meetings and support the initiatives of the group including by sponsoring Awards that recognise the achievements of locals. In May 2014, Council launched the ‘Reconciliation Action Plan’ in collaboration with the Moree Reconciliation Group and won the Council of the Year from the LG Aboriginal Networking Conference. In 2015 MPSC facilitated the Freedom Rides Celebration and also won the Business of the Year Award at the Moree Reconciliation Awards.
Support for the Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW
We support the Multicultural NSW in its endeavours to develop greater understanding of and respect for other cultures. A Council officer has been a member of the New England/North West Advisory Committee for a number of years.
Voluntary translators
We update our voluntary interpreters register annually. A number of these volunteers are members of our staff.
Supports employees working with Hunter New England Health as Translators
Our employees who are bilingual are made available to Hunter NE Health to assist patients who do not speak English with translation support.
Services availability to diverse cultural groups
We are continuing to welcome a greater number of cultural groups into our community and are taking steps to expand service availability to these people. We have implemented a number of initiatives including making different language books and newspapers available at the Moree Community Library, and translating service information about Moree Plains Shire into five (5) languages.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 82 of 101
Services and Programs that Provide for the Needs of Children We provide affordable and appropriate socialisation and recreational outlets for the children (0–11 years old) of Moree Plains Shire. Program/Activity
Description
Gwydir Day Care and Preschool
We own and manage the fully accredited Gwydir Day Care and Preschool. We are currently licensed for 72 children per day: • 16 x 0–2 year olds • 16 x 2–3 year olds • 40 x 3–6 year olds. The Centre is open from 7.45am to 5.45pm, Monday to Friday, 50 weeks per year. The Centre closes for two weeks during the Christmas/New Year break and for Public Holidays.
Moree Main Street Christmas Carnival
Each year we host a Main Street Christmas Party and cater for the younger children with games, music and amusements.
Story Time
The Moree Community Library conducts a weekly ‘Story Time’ for the very young.
Library resources/Reading material
The Moree Community Library continues to expand its collection with new materials and resources for children.
Movies in the Park and PCYC partnership
We have developed close working partnerships with Miyay Birray & NSW Police Force to further enhance the quality of services provided for children and other age groups in Moree, Boggabilla/Toomelah and Mungindi
Shared footpaths
We are continuing to install footpaths which are suitable for sharing with tri/bicycles, skateboards, perambulators, wheelchairs and other mobile devices. These shared footpaths facilitate better access and safety for children and their families.
Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) partnership
We have developed a close working partnership with the local PCYC to further enhance the quality of services provided for children and other age groups.
Community Directory/Information for new residents
We are in close communication with new residents, particularly people from other nations, in an endeavour to provide information about the services and facilities available for children.
Pool programs
Learn to swim, swimming club and swimming squad programs are held at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 83 of 101
Services and Programs that Provide for the Needs of our Youth Program/Activity
Description
Moree Plains Shire Youth Council
We are very proud of our Youth Council, which is one of the most successful and active Youth Councils in the State. These young people are continually serving the community in a variety of ways. While doing so, they are learning important lessons about leadership, self-respect, confidence, chairing meetings and respect for others.
Youth Week
We actively support Youth Week and every year we coordinate a range of youth activities.
Moree Superstar
Each year, the Youth Council organises a music competition for the youth of Moree Plains Shire and surrounding regional areas. The event is called the Moree Superstar. This year the event was sponsored by Harvey Norman, Southern Cross Ten and local media, and was attended by special guest judge Taylor Henderson – an ‘X Factor’ participant.
‘Youth friendly’ library program
Moree Community Library, in conjunction with Community Development, is implementing a ‘youth-friendly’ program which involves such activities as providing increased access to technology.
Career Expo
We conduct annual career expos in an endeavor to provide employment opportunities and promote the positive attributes of the Shire.
Young Endeavour Scheme
We facilitate the annual Young Endeavour Scheme, which is designed to develop youth leadership skills
Driver education programs
Driver education programs, particularly for youth, are regularly presented.
Traineeships/Apprenticeships
We currently provide eight (8) school-based traineeships or apprenticeships annually. We also have a variety of full-time trainees in areas such as the Boggabilla Works Section, Engineering, Gwydir Day Care and Preschool, and the Water and Sewer Section.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)
We support two (2) young (18–26) Council staff members annually to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, a five day program which provides a unique opportunity for young people to develop leadership skills and self-confidence under the guidance of business professionals, Rotarians and Rylarians.
Working with local high schools
We work with local high schools to promote career opportunities through various forums and visits as required annually.
Scholarships
We support three (3) scholarships (one each to the University of New England, Charles Sturt University and the University of Southern Queensland) with priority given to Moree Plains Shire school leavers. We also offer a bursary for Engineering with University of New England.
The Way Ahead Mentoring Program
We utilise this program provided by State Training with new Aboriginal Trainees and Apprentices. We also allow our employees to become mentors for other organisations through this program. In partnership with the Department of Family and Community Services, St Pius Aboriginal Corporation, Anglicare, Moree Aboriginal Legal Service and lead agency Miyay Birray Youth Service, we developed a structured four week young offenders diversionary program to engage with young people. The Program is based on flexible opportunities to meet the participants’ personal goals and explores leadership, identity, anger management and personal development.
Youth Get Wise
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 84 of 101
Services and Programs that Provide for the Needs of Older People and People with Disabilities All our projects take into consideration, as a matter of course, the special needs of people with disabilities. Program/Activity
Description
Capital Works
We continually recognise and address access issues for people with disabilities. These initiatives are carried out as part of our works program.
Moree Aboriginal Elders Group Meeting Place
We provide a meeting and office space at the Dhiiyaan Indigenous Centre to enable a Moree Aboriginal Elders Group to conduct the cultural business of Aboriginal Elders in Moree.
Support for volunteers
We acknowledge and facilitate the work of local volunteers every year through our strong participation in Volunteer’s Week and Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Home delivery of library materials
Library staff visit retirement homes and make home deliveries to housebound residents.
Seniors’ Week
We recognise, support and promote Senior’s Week activities each year.
Road Safety Action Plan
Recognising the special needs of older road users, we incorporate these needs and considerations into our annual Road Safety Action Plan.
University of the Third Age
We assisted a local group set up a University of the Third Age (U3A) to facilitate lifetime learning opportunities.
Broadband for Seniors
‘Broadband for Seniors’ kiosks are set up at Mungindi, Boggabilla and Moree.
International Day of People with Disability
We recognise and celebrate the achievements made by people with a disability through the provision of financial support to a local disability group.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 85 of 101
Services and Programs that Provide for the Needs of Families Program/Activity
Description
Partnerships with local agencies
Council staff are involved with local agencies including those who deliver family services such as Moree Family Support, the Moree Place Team and the Miyay Birray Youth Service.
Family-friendly events
Initiatives such as the Harmony Day, Moree Superstar, pool parties and discos are designed to not only engage the various groups but to develop a closer sense of community and increase social capital.
Annual fireworks display
Each year we facilitate an annual Fireworks Display on New Year’s Eve which is specifically designed to encourage family gatherings and interaction.
Moree Domestic Violence Action Team
Council has an active role on the Moree Domestic Violence Action Team by attending and participating its monthly meetings
Programs to reduce abuse of alcohol and other drugs/Anti-social behaviour
Many of the events with which we are associated – including Moree Superstar, the theme parties, fireworks displays, pool parties – are alcohol and drug-free events. We also maintain Alcohol Free Zones at selected locations within the Shire.
Crime Prevention Committees and Crime Prevention Plan Implementation
We have developed Crime Prevention Plans for Moree, Mungindi and Boggabilla as part of Council’s commitment to improving safety and reducing crime within the Shire. This year, we facilitated the monthly meetings of Crime Prevention Committees in Boggabilla, Moree and Mungindi to administer the implementation of the Crime Prevention Plans. A number of initiatives have been implemented under the Crime Prevention Plans, including: upgrading the car park signs “Lock it or Lose it” in various locations; reviewing the Alcohol Free Zones in Moree, Boggabilla and Mungindi; providing funding to transport youth from Toomelah and Boggabilla to attend ‘Friday Fun Night’ at the Goondiwindi PCYC; and providing a Skate Park for Boggabilla.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 86 of 101
Financial Assistance During the 2014/2015 financial year, Council allocated $25,000 through sponsorship and made donations of $118,073 assisting a total number of 45 projects, individuals or organisations across the Shire. Sponsorship Moree Town Band Mungindi Matters Moree Relay for Life Committee NSW Rural Doctors Network – Bush Bursary Moree Show Society Mungindi Show Society
$
Donations
$
25,000 5,000 1,800 3,000
Pallamallawa School of Arts and War Memorial Hall Educational Facilities – Awards Night Berrygill Creek Sporting Club Arts North West
$2,700 $2,000 $850 $7,800
2,450 2,000
Indigenous Ball Royal Far West Mungindi Border Rifle Club (Rates) Moree Caledonian Society (Pipe Band) Westpac Rescue Helicopter Stewart House Barwon Division of General Practice Pallamallawa Polocrosse Club Daniel & Swayne Smith – PSSA Boys Touch Anglicare Northern Inland Miyay Birray Youth Service Moree Arts Council Thespians Gwydir Mobile Children Services - Pallamallawa Moree Secondary College – Eco Indigenous Garden Moree PCYC – Outdoor Multi-purpose area Moree Filipino Community – Philippine Independence Day Moree Motor Enthusiasts Club Mungindi Progress Association Moree Christian School Parents and Friends Association Moree Returned Services League of Australia Pallamallawa Sports and Recreation Trust Mitchell Bartram Memorial Trust Incorporated Jayda Craigie – PSSA Championships Moree BMX Club Incorporated Moree Pony Club Incorporated Mungindi Central School P&C Moree Boomerangs Rugby League Football Club Pally Campdraft Yards and Arena Committee Fairview Retirement Village Moree Suns AFL Club Moree Reconciliation Group Shared Table Community Kitchen Inc. Moree on a Plate Inc. Pallamallawa War Memorial Committee Alison Quirk – Youth Parliament in Sydney
$2,000 $2,500 $142.75 5,000 $5,000 $2,500 $3,000 $2,000 $500 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000 $2,500 $833.35
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 87 of 101
$2,000 $833.35 $1,000 $2,000 $833.30 $2,500 $1,500 $1,000 $1,000 $2,450 $2,450 $1,000 $2,450 $2,450 $920 $3,000 $2,000 $2,500 $2,000 $3,000 $950
Moree Boars Football Club Moree Junior Rugby League Football Club Gwydir Family History Society Inc. Mungindi Campdraft Association 39,250
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 88 of 101
$2,000 $1,328 $2,629 $2,450 93,069.75
Our Environment State of the Environment – Report Summary The development of the Moree Plains Shire Community Strategic Plan has resulted in a number of goals involving the implementation of strategic principles embodied by the State of the Environment (SoE) Report. The main aims and objectives of the SoE principles can be summarised in the following broad categories: • • • • • •
Waste minimisation strategies – continual implementation of community education programs on waste reduction strategies and the management of community awareness through these initiatives. Heritage – the protection and preservation of significant heritage items and sites within the Shire. Tourism – continual promotion and development of the Shire as a tourist destination. Environmental Protection – the continual forming of policy based on protection and enhancement of the natural environment of the Shire. Recreation – to ensure that recreational assets be consistent with the expectations of the community and the current health and safety standards that Council adheres to. Total Catchment Management – goals to continue positive contribution to the Total Catchment Management of the Shire’s waterways and tributaries.
Moree Plains Shire As one of 152 Local Government Areas, the Moree Plains Shire lies in the western plains region of New South Wales. The major town in the Local Government Area is Moree (29.48°S, 149.84°E) approximately 650km North–North West of Sydney, on the Gwydir and Mehi Rivers. The Kamilaroi people occupied the lands before European settlement of the district, which began in the 1830s. The township of Moree was established in 1862 and it has grown to service one of the largest Local Government Areas of New South Wales. The Shire has its northern boundary on the New South Wales–Queensland border and has a total area of 17,930km2. According to the most recent census figures, the Moree Plains population decreased by 4.7% from 13,976 (ABS Census 2006) to 13,429 (ABS Census data 2011). On the night of the 2011 census, 2,791 people (20.8% of the total population) claimed Aboriginal heritage. Moree has a population of 9,346. Other towns and villages in the Shire include Boggabilla (population of 1,141), Mungindi (population of 738), Biniguy, Gurley and Terry Hie Hie (collective population of 625), Garah and Boomi (population of 551), Pallamallawa (population of 253), Ashley (population of 339), Mallawa and Bullarah (population of 284) and Toomelah and Weemelah (population of 231). Despite the recent decrease, the population of the Shire had remained relatively stable over the past thirty years; however, there were peaks in the 10 year period from 1981 to 1991 and there has been a decline in the last decade.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 89 of 101
During periods of peak agricultural activity, the population of the Shire increases by more than 2,000 due to the influx of itinerant workers. There has been a slight increase in project work for local contractors who have been engaged to carry out works on some of the larger projects that have commenced during the past financial year including the Gateway Subdivision, the Solar Farm and the Ski Lakes projects. The primary resource of the region is still agricultural production. Cotton, wheat and other grains, sheep, cattle, oil seeds, olive produce and pecan nuts contribute significantly to the local and Australian economy. The primary transport route is the Newell Highway that connects Victoria with Queensland and the Gwydir Highway connecting the East Coast with western NSW. Rail services provide seasonal services for the transport of bulk agricultural produce. Countrylink rail, Qantaslink and the major coach lines service tourism. An extensive road network is necessary to service such a large region. Within the Shire boundaries are 272km of State roads, 236km of regional roads and 2,560km of urban and rural roads. The landscape of the region is that of a vast flat plain that grades from the western side of the Great Dividing Range. The analogy of a river delta is often used to describe the geological surface development of the area. Under the influence of large numbers of small creeks and streams, the surface water flow links into the major waterways of the Gwydir, Macintyre, Mehi, Boomi and Barwon Rivers. The drainage basin forms a significant Catchment for the Darling River system. Moree has an elevation of 212m above sea level. The Moree area overlies a portion of the Great Artesian Basin and has extensive artesian and sub-artesian underground water resources available. These resources supply industry with a valuable supply of water that requires monitoring to ensure its sustainability for future use. Much of the landscape is devoted to agriculture. Intensive cropping, vast irrigation dams and channels, large grazing properties and an extensive network of travelling stock routes (TSR) dominate the landscape. The climate of the area is characterised by warm to hot summers with an average maximum temperature of 33째C. Winters are cool to mild with an average maximum temperature of 18.4째C. The annual average rainfall is 585mm with the highest monthly averages occurring during the summer season. Note: The advent of Integrated Planning and Reporting has meant that councils may now produce a summary State of the Environment (SoE) report every year with a comprehensive report still required every four years. The next comprehensive report will be published during the 2015/2016 financial year.
Bushfire Hazard Reduction There are 21 Rural Fire Brigades situated throughout the Moree Plains Shire, with 415 active volunteer members.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 90 of 101
Moree Rural Fire Brigades attended 251 incidents for the period 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015. These included bush and grass fires, motor vehicle accidents, structure fires, and other emergency situations. More than 50ha of hazard reduction was carried out by the Rural Fire Service (RFS), and in conjunction with Moree Plains Shire Council and Crown Lands. The NSW RFS was able to obtain funding to support Council’s roadside slashing and village slashing programs. Two new vehicles were received, Category 6 vehicle which will be allocated to district support All fire-fighting vehicles and fire-fighting equipment are in the process of being inspected and serviced. Five training courses were conducted throughout the Moree Plains Shire area.
Companion Animals Act and Regulation – Enforcement and Compliance This statement is prepared in accordance with section 428 of the Local Government Act 1993 which requires Council to report their activities during the year relating to enforcement and ensuring compliance with the Companion Animals Act 1998 and Regulations. The following actions are currently in place; (a) Lodgement of pound data collection returns is conducted annually in accordance with section 13 and 13.11 of the Guidelines on the Exercise of Functions under the Companion Animal Act 1998 and is provided to the Division of Local Government by 30 September each year. (b) All dog attack data is submitted to the Division of Local Government by entries into the Companion Animal Register when sufficient evidence has been collected to substantiate the dog attack. (c) Companion Animal community education programs and strategies include: •
Developing information brochures on Responsible Dog and Cat Ownership and Barking Dogs for distribution to the community,
•
Ongoing provision of information about cheaper registration fees for de-sexed animals making Companion Animal information available at Council offices and mailing it out to residents,
•
Providing Companion Animal education to the public through face-to-face and telephone contact on a daily basis, as well as through advertisements and editorials in the local media
•
Ongoing monitoring of companion animal compliance within Council’s parks and reserves and conducting micro-chipping days at various locations across the Shire.
•
De-sexing program in partnership with the RSPCA and other identified organisations.
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 91 of 101
•
Continuing to apply for grants when available to carry out de-sexing, micro-chipping and animal education throughout the various towns and villages within the Shire. A grant application has been lodged to carry out this activity in the township of Mungindi during the 2015/2016 financial year.
Council Companion Animal staff are also planning to continue the Companion Animal Education days throughout various schools within the Shire and to the broader community during the next financial year. (d) In order to comply with the requirements under section 64 of the Act to seek alternatives to euthanasia for unclaimed animals, the Council has the following strategies in place: • • •
Animals are returned home to the owner when identified, rather than being impounded at Council’s animal shelter All identified owners are telephoned within 24 hours and advised that their animal has been impounded Impounded unidentified animals suitable for re-homing are advertised on Council’s Facebook page, with great success. Any animals not re-homed in this way are passed on to the Animal Welfare League animal rescue organisation, which advertises the animals for sale in the local media and cares for the animals until new homes are found
(e) Council currently has no ‘dog off leash’ exercise areas. There has been 8 suggested locations identified for this purpose and has been advertised for public comment through various media avenues as well as the new ‘Bang The Table’ survey. Council are yet to make a recommendation on this as this is a legislative requirement. A review of operational procedures and policies is currently being undertaken to improve efficiencies and provide consistency with the delivery of our Ranger services. Enforcement processes are being streamlined to ensure compliance with the Regulations.
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Our Economy and Infrastructure Condition of Public Assets
Public Buildings Council owns and operates a large number of buildings for its own operations and associated uses, including five dwellings, offices and depots, a day care centre, amenities buildings at swimming pools and ovals, a Tourist Information Centre, an art gallery and a library. The buildings are of various ages and conditions and a number are showing distress due to age and foundation movements. Buildings are maintained to an acceptable level commensurate with their use. Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public buildings include the Moree Memorial Hall, banquet hall, seven village halls, and 17 toilet blocks. Many of the public halls are old timber buildings and maintenance is often limited to essential repairs with the local committee encouraged to carry out additional maintenance. The financial responsibility for maintaining these structures is spread between Council (directly); care, control and management groups to Council (355 Committees) and direct leases to selected groups. Roads, Bridges, Footpaths (paved), and Kerb and Guttering We have responsibility for the maintenance of 2,796km of public roads. Of this length of roadway 781km is sealed and 2,015km is unsealed. We are also responsible for 37km of footpath, 124km of kerb and gutter and 74km of grassed roadside drainage system in urban areas. In addition, we are responsible for all local and regional road bridges. There are 54 vehicular bridges and one pedestrian bridge in the Shire. Of these, 47 are concrete bridges, six are timber bridges and one is a steel truss bridge. Stormwater Drainage We are responsible for more than 52km of underground stormwater drains, more than 6km of open channel, more than 9km of levee bank, six penstocks and four gross pollutant traps. Water Supply Assets Moree Plains Shire Council is responsible for the maintenance and operation of 144km of water mains, 13 sub-artesian drinking water quality bores, two non-potable water bores (at Mungindi and Garah), two off-river dam storages for non-potable (not suitable for drinking) water (at Weemelah and Garah), 12 reservoirs, four water towers, and six water treatment plants. Council is not responsible for the maintenance of the on-river weirs on the Barwon and Macintyre Rivers. Nor is it responsible for the two non-potable artesian bores serving the villages of Gurley and Boomi.
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Sewerage Assets Moree Plains Shire Council is responsible for the maintenance of 112km of sewerage mains, 30 sewerage pump stations with 61 pumps and four treatment works. Set out below is a graphical representation of the value of our Assets by class, as well as a condition assessment of each class of Asset. For further information on the condition of public assets, please refer to Special Schedule No. 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Condition of Public Works, in the Special Schedules section of the Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Financial Report 2013.
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Very Poor, 11.40%
Good, 30.70%
Excellent, 7.40%
Condition of our Water Infrastructure
Poor, 17.20%
Average, 33.30%
Roads; $259,668,000 ; 51%
Very Poor, 0.10%
Good, 98.90%
Excellent, 0.70%
Excellent, 7.00%
Condition of our Drainage
Good, 78.00%
Poor, Very Poor, Average, 4.00% 3.00% 8.00%
Poor, 12.90%
Average, 46.60%
Excellent, 26.10%
Good, 7.00%
Condition of our Sewer Infrastructure
Very Poor, 7.40%
Drainage; $13,812,000 ; 3%
Average, 0.30%
Condition of our Buildings
Excellent, 13.40%
Sewer Service; $27,461,000 ; 5%
Land, Buildings & Other Structures; $89,243,000 ; 18%
Other; $4,438,000 ; 1%
Value of our Assets
Water Supply; $47,922,000 ; 10% Plant, Equipment & Furniture; $11,488,000 ; 2% Bridges & Footpaths; 52,075,000 ; 10%
Condition of our Bridges & Footpaths Very Poor, 0.10% Poor, 0.30% Excellent, 14.80% Average, 22.30%
Good, 62.50%
Very Poor, 0.10%
Condition of our Roads Poor, 11.60%
Average, 27.40% Good, 48.50%
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Special Rate Levies Industrial Drive Improvement Levy A special rate called the Industrial Drive Improvement Levy was commenced in the 2007 financial year and will cease in the 2016 financial year. The levy applies to 42 assessments and totals $37,000 per year, yielding $370,000 in total. The special rate is used to fund new road and drainage infrastructure in the industrial area of Moree.
Special Rate Variation Initiatives The Council is required to report to the community on the special initiative programs that are funded from Special Rate Variations approved by the Minister for Local Government. Special Rate Variation 2005/06 In 2004/05 the Minister for Local Government granted Moree Plains Shire Council a permanent increase in general income of 5.78% above that of 2004/05 commencing in the 2005/06 financial year. The increase generated an additional income of $270,000 for the first year. Each consecutive year increases by the rate peg. This increase was permanent and was to be used to fund the following initiatives: • construction of a major industrial road - $117,000 per year o Used to fund repayments of a loan for $1.3 million that was taken out in 2006 to complete reconstruction of Industrial Drive, Ironbark Street and Kurrajong Street in the Industrial precinct. • costs associated with tourism and economic development – balance (first year $153,000) o Used to supplement current tourism and economic development funding. Any unspent funds are placed into an internal reserve to fund future major tourism and economic development projects and annual events. The following is the amount resolved to be expended out of this reserve by year since its commencement. 2008 ($)
2009 ($)
2010 ($)
2011 ($)
2012 ($)
2013 ($)
2014($)
2015($)
Total ($)
458,500
161,674
107,130
246,492
184,145
167,209
205,743
314,579
1,845,472
A detailed list of projects expended from the Special Rate Levy is included in the monthly Finance Report presented to Committee on the third Thursday of each month. Special Rate Variation 2009/10 (SRV 508(2)) The Minister for Local Government granted Moree Plains Shire Council a one year increase in general income of 9.73% above that of 2008/09 commencing in the 2009/10 rating year. The approval under S508(2) was for a permanent increase to Council’s income, therefore, subsequent to the increase of 9.73% for the first year increases will be in line with rate pegging. The increase was approved on the proviso that the income generated as result of the Special Rate Variation, called SRV 508(2), will be used to fund costs associated with road infrastructure maintenance and renewal as defined by Council in its Special Rate Variation application five year works program. The initial five-year works program and the 2009/10 Special Rate Variation application can be found on Council’s website: www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au.
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Information regarding the income generated by the SRV 598(2) for the last four years is included in the table below. Special Rate Variation 2011/12 (SRV 508A) In 2009/10 Moree Plains Shire Council applied for a Special Rate Variation of 9.25% per year for three years to commence in the 2010/11 rating year. The approval under S508A was for a permanent increase to Council’s income, therefore, subsequent to the three increases of 9.25% per year increases will be in line with rate pegging. This Special Rate Variation, called SRV 508A, was granted by the Minister for Local Government on the proviso that the income generated as a result of the Special Rate Variation will be used to fund road infrastructure maintenance and renewal as detailed by Moree Plains Shire Council in its Special Rate Variation application, further details of which can be found on Council’s website: www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au. The table below shows the additional rate revenue Moree Plains Shire Council received for the last five years as a result of the Special Rate Variations. Special Rate Variations 508(2) and 508A – Income Revenue
2010/11
Special Rate Variation 508(2) Special Rate Variation 508A
2011/2012
2012/2013
2013/2014
2014/2015
$902,880
$928,161
$957,955
$990,525
1,013,307
$1,013,000
$2,036,000
$3,185,000
$3,293,290
3,369,036
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 97 of 101
Contracts Awarded to Organisations for Amounts Greater than $150,000 Contracts awarded and payments in excess of $150,000 including GST made subsequent to the calling of formal tenders are outlined in the following table. Contractor
Tender
Goods/Services supplied
Value of contracts awarded, including GST
Wilde Civil Construction
2014/6
Construction of the Moree Evergreen Precinct Water Ski Lakes
WRM Water + Environmental
2014/7
2D modelling of Moree and Surrounds and Update of Floodplain
$197,290.00
Ongoing
McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ready Mixed Concrete
2015/6
Supply and delivery of pre-mixed concrete
$203,500.00
Ongoing
Brownrite Building Group Pty Ltd
2013/07
Extensions to Gwydir Daycare and Preschool
$507,111.00
Complete
$1,825,735.01
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Status of Project at 30 June 2015/Comments
Complete
Work Carried Out on Private Land No work was carried out on private land in the 2015/2016 financial year.
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Feedback on our Annual Report Moree Plains Shire Council welcomes your feedback on the 2014/2015 Annual Report. Feedback helps us to ensure that our annual reports provide information relevant to our audience. Please complete the annual report feedback form, which can be downloaded from our website at www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au, and return it to: Lester Rodgers General Manager Moree Plains Shire Council PO Box 420 Moree NSW 2400
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 100 of 101
Moree Plains Shire Council Moree office: Level 2, The Max Centre 30 Heber Street Moree NSW 2400 Telephone: (02) 6757 3222 Fax: (02) 6752 3934 Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm Northern Area office 134 Merriwa Street Boggabilla NSW 2409 Telephone: (07) 4676 2915 Fax: (07) 4676 2916 Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10am–3pm (Queensland time) Mungindi office 153 St George Street Mungindi NSW 2406 Telephone: (02) 6753 2389 Fax: (02) 6753 2703 Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am–4.30pm Postal address PO Box 420 Moree NSW 2400 Email: council@mpsc.nsw.gov.au Web: www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/MoreePlainsShireCouncil
Moree Plains Shire Council Annual Report - Page 101 of 101