agenda centroc gmac meeting 28 july 2016 · minister for planning – the hon robert stokes...

Centroc PO Box 333

Forbes NSW 2871

Chair – Cr Bill West, Mayor, Cowra Council

Executive Officer – Jennifer Bennett

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0428 690 935

Agenda

Agenda Centroc GMAC meeting

28 July 2016

Members in Bold

It is advised that the next GMAC meeting will be held Thursday the 28th of July in the Councillors

Workroom at Orange City Council, 135-137 Corner of Byng and Lords Place, Orange for a 10.30am

start.

Tea and coffee on arrival and all refreshments will be provided. Please contact Jenny Bennett on

0428 690 935 with any queries.

Mr D Sherley Bathurst Regional Council Mr G Styles Orange City Council

Ms R Ryan Blayney Shire Council Mr K Boyd Parkes Shire Council

Mr A Hopkins Cabonne Council Mr J Bell Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Mr G Rhodes Central Tablelands Water Mr G Carroll Weddin Shire Council

Mr P Devery Cowra Council Ms A Morgan DPC

Mr D Green Forbes Shire Council Mr P McMillan RDACW

Mr A McMahon Hilltops Council Ms J Bennett Centroc

Mr R Hunt Lachlan Shire Council Ms M Macpherson Centroc

Mr R Bailey Lithgow City Council Ms L Chapman Centroc

Mr B Cam Mid-Western Regional Council Ms K Barker Centroc

Mr G Wallace (A) Oberon Council

mailto:[email protected]

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Centroc GMAC Meeting 28 July 2016

Agenda

Agenda

1 Welcome

2 Apologies

3 Speakers

Lalit K. Singh - Change Management & Stakeholder Engagement, NDEGR Implementation

Office of Emergency Management, NSW Department of Justice

Gavin Priestly, Regional Manager NSW Public Works

4 Minutes ........................................................................................................................................... 4

4a Confirmation of the Minutes of the GMAC meeting 28 April 2016 held in Orange............. 4

4b Noting of the Minutes of the Board Meeting 12 May 2016 held in Sydney ........................ 8

4c Noting of the Minutes of the Centroc Special meeting 27 June 2016 at Parkes Shire Council

and via Teleconference .................................................................................................................... 12

5 Business Arising from the Minutes WHITE ................................................................................... 14

6 Correspondence ............................................................................................................................ 29

6a Incoming Correspondence GREEN ...................................................................................... 29

6b Outgoing Correspondence BLUE ......................................................................................... 31

7 Reports .......................................................................................................................................... 34

7a Transport Infrastructure ...................................................................................................... 34

Report by Jennifer Bennett and Lee Chapman dated 13/7/16....................................................... 34

7b Water Infrastructure ............................................................................................................ 41

Report by Meredith Macpherson dated 19/07/16 ......................................................................... 41

7c Health ....................................................................................................................................... 55

Report by Jennifer Bennett dated 17/07/16 ................................................................................... 55

7d Regional Development ......................................................................................................... 60


7e Planning ................................................................................................................................ 85


7f General Purpose Standing Committee’s in NSW Parliament ................................................. 95

Report by Lee Chapman dated 13/07/2016 .................................................................................... 95

7g RDOCS ....................................................................................................................................... 98

Report by Lee Chapman dated 13/07/2016 .................................................................................... 98

7h WHS and Risk Management ............................................................................................... 104

Report by Carolyn Griffin and Kate Barker dated 12/07/2016 ..................................................... 104

7i Training and HR Managers Group .......................................................................................... 108

Report by Kate Barker and Carolyn Griffin dated 12/07/16 ......................................................... 108

7j Procurement and Contract Report ........................................................................................ 116

Report by Kate Barker and Lee Chapman dated 18/07/2016....................................................... 116

7k Energy Programming Report .................................................................................................. 126

Report by Kate Barker dated 19/07/16 ......................................................................................... 126

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Agenda

7l Regional IT Managers Group .................................................................................................. 139

Report by Kate Barker dated 19/07/16 ......................................................................................... 139

7m Financial Report .................................................................................................................. 141

8 The Centroc Acronyms and Glossary Guide PURPLE ................................................................. 146

9 Late reports

10 Matters raised by Members

11 Speakers to the next meeting

Board – Ian Scott NBN

12 Next Meetings

Board - 25 August - Cowra

GMAC - 27 October – Orange

Mr Paul Devery

Secretary

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Minutes and Matters in Progress

4 Minutes

4a Confirmation of the Minutes of the GMAC meeting 28 April 2016 held in Orange

Delegates in Bold

1 Welcome Meeting opened at 10.30 Chaired by Paul Devery

2 Apologies Mr R Hunt, Mr G Styles, Mr J Bell, Mr A McMahon, Mr A Hopkins, Ms R Ryan, Mr D Aber, Mr G Wallace, Mr B Cam, Mr P McMillan, Ms A Morgan, Ms K Barker.

Resolved Mr R Bailey/Mr K Boyd

That the apologies for the Centroc GMAC meeting 28 April 2016 listed above be accepted.

3 Speakers Adam Dansie – LGNSW Steve Robb – Electoral Commission

4 Minutes 4a Confirmation of the Minutes of the GMAC Meeting 7 February 2016

Resolved Mr D Sherley/Mr K Boyd

That the Minutes of the Centroc GMAC Meeting 7 February2016 held in Orange be confirmed.

4b Noting of the Minutes of the Board meeting 25 February 2016

Resolved Mr R Bailey/Mr D Sherley

That the Minutes of the Centroc Board Meeting 25 February 2016 held at Blayney be noted.

5 Business Arising from the Minutes – Matters in Progress Resolved Mr P Devery/Mr D Sherley

That the Matters in Progress be noted, deletions suggested be made and no further regional action be taken in regard to the Disability Inclusion Plan.

6 Correspondence

6a Correspondence In

Resolved Mr G Carroll/Mr K Boyd

That GMAC note the incoming correspondence

6b Correspondence Out

Resolved Mr K Boyd/Mr G Rhodes

That the GMAC note the outgoing correspondence.

Mr D Sherley Bathurst Regional Council Mr G Carroll Weddin Shire Council

Mr G Rhodes Central Tablelands Water Mr G Baker Blayney Shire Council

Mr P Devery Cowra Council Mr S Maunder Orange City Council

Mr M Kershaw Forbes Shire Council Ms J Bennett Centroc

Mr R Bailey Lithgow City Council Ms M Macpherson Centroc

Mr K Boyd Parkes Shire Council Ms L Chapman Centroc

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7 Reports 7a Transport Infrastructure including Bells Line of Road

Resolved Mr K Boyd/Mr R Bailey

That GMAC note the Transport Infrastructure report 1. including meetings with State representatives being co-ordinated to progress the Blayney Demondrille

Line and sequestration of the corridor for the Bells Line between the M7 and Kurrajong; and 2. the Board receive a report on the potential for funding to assist in having fibre to airports in the

region.

7b Water Infrastructure Resolved Mr R Bailey/Mr K Boyd

That GMAC commend to the Board that a submission be made through the Executive to the Legislative Council Inquiry into augmentation of water supply for rural and regional NSW and the Board have circulated the advice on remunicipalisation.

7c Health Report

Resolved Mr R Bailey Mr D Sherley

That GMAC note the Health report and 1. note that a strategic session to progress health priorities will be held in the latter part of the year; 2. in the interim, note that under the hand of the Chair, the Department of Premier and Cabinet is being

asked to coordinate a meeting with key stakeholders including Primary Health Networks, Centroc and Western Area Health with a view to scoping the collaborative opportunity of alignment between health precincts and integrated health care; and

3. advice be provided to the Board from Charles Sturt University on its Clinical Training Model including internship positions.

7d Regional Development


That GMAC note the Regional Development report and 1. commend to the Board it change the line item in the management plan from Progress the

development of a “food and fibre” plan for the region to Progress support for the agricultural industry;

2. the Economic Development Officers be approached with scoping advice to seek their engagement on the potential to progress options for improving the case for investment in the region in particularly with regard to - Lack of alignment in data analysis and models to make the case for investment in the region leads to Councils and other investing in business cases that are disregarded by funding entities;

3. commend to the Board any advocacy on regional development include advice from the workshop on making the case for investment in the region;

4. the Board receive a report on The Right To Farm; 5. note that the Mining Affectedness in Central NSW will be revised for adoption by the Centroc Board;

and 6. commend to the Board adoption of the MoU with TAFE.

7e Planning Report

Resolved Mr K Boyd/Mr M Kershaw

That GMAC 1. Lodge a submission under the hand of the Chair to IPART on the existing policy and regarding 7.3 on

regional priorities and IP and R, that provides support with caveat on resourcing and the need for change in the legislative framework that brings the State to the table; and

2. Commend to members they send staff to the next Enabling Regional Adaptation Workshop in Dubbo

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30 May/1 June

7f Regional Directors of Corporate Services

Resolved Mr G Rhodes/Mr D Sherley

That GMAC note the Regional Directors of Corporate Services Group report and 1. note that Councils may test the insurance market at an individual level at any time; 2. send a letter to StateWide enquiring about the suggested broad form policy changes listed in the PFS

Regional Opportunities report; 3. appoint Mr P Devery as sponsoring GM for the second phase of the regional insurance review; 4. approve the members of the Regional Code of Conduct Panel; and 5. note a Sponsoring GM for RDOCS will be determined in late 2016.

7g WHS and Risk Management

Resolved Mr D Sherley/Mr R Bailey

That GMAC note the WHS/Risk Management Report.

7h Training and HR Managers Group

Resolved Mr R Bailey/Mr G Rhodes

That GMAC 1. approve a 12 month extension of the Pre-Employment Screening Contract, 2. approve a 12 month extension of the online training contract for Bathurst, Boorowa, Cowra, Forbes,

Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Upper Lachlan and Young, noting that Cabonne will make a decision pending the outcome of amalgamations and Parkes will decide once a new LMS has been investigated, and

3. note the balance of the report.

7i Procurement and Contracts Report

Resolved

That GMAC note the Procurement and Contract report.

7j Energy Report

Resolved Mr G Carroll/Mr R Bailey

That GMAC note the Energy Programming report and nominate Mr K Boyd and Sponsoring General Manager.

7k Regional IT Managers Team Report

Resolved Mr R Bailey/Mr G Baker

That GMAC note the Regional IT Managers report.

7l Financial Report

Resolved

That GMAC note the Financial Report.

8 Late Reports - Nil 9 Matters Raised by Members - Nil

10 Next Speakers GMAC

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Board May Minister for Local Government – The Hon Paul Toole Minister for Health – The Hon Jillian Skinner Treasurer – The Hon Gladys Berejiklian Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight– The Hon Duncan Gay Minister for Transport and Infrastructure – The Hon Andrew Constance Minister for Lands and Water and Primary Industries – The Hon Niall Blair Minister for Regional Development – The Hon John Barilaro Minister for Planning – the Hon Robert Stokes August/November Ian Scott - Community Affairs Manager NBN-co

11 Next Meetings GMAC - 28 July 2016 – Orange Board - 12 May 2016 – Parliament House Sydney Macquarie Room Meeting closed 12:20 Page 4 is the last page of the Centroc GMAC meeting 28 April 2016

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4b Noting of the Minutes of the Board Meeting 12 May 2016 held in Sydney

Board Members in bold

1. Meeting opened at 9.00am by Chair Cr B West

2. Apologies

Cr W Tuckerman, Mr A McMahon, Cr D Kennedy, Mr B Cam, Cr K Rhoades and Ms D Rygate

Resolved Cr P Miller/Mr D Aber

That the apologies for the Centroc Board meeting 12 May 2016 listed above be accepted.

3. The Board was addressed by Mr Norm Mann and Ms Lucy White on Central NSW Tourism As a result of a meeting of cabinet on Local Government Amalgamations, advice was received from The Treasurer that she would arrive at 12:20, The Minister for Health advised she would arrive late, the Minister for Regional Development apologised and the Minister for Local Government apologised.

4. Minutes 4a Confirmation of the Minutes of the GMAC Meeting 28 April 2016

Resolved Mr K Boyd/Mr R Bailey

That the Minutes of the Centroc GMAC Meeting 28April 2016 held in Orange be confirmed.

4b Confirmation of the Minutes of the Board Meeting 25 February 2016

Resolved Cr P Miller/Cr K Keith

That the Minutes of the Centroc Board Meeting 25 February 2016 held at Blayney be confirmed

Cr G Rush Bathurst Regional Council Cr J Davis Orange City Council

Mr D Sherley Bathurst Regional Council Mr G Styles Orange City Council

Cr S Ferguson Blayney Shire Council Cr K Keith Parkes Shire Council

Ms R Ryan Blayney Shire Council Mr K Boyd Parkes Shire Council

Cr I Gosper Cabonne Council Cr J Shaw Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Mr A Hopkins Cabonne Council Mr J Bell Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Cr D Somervaille Central Tablelands Water Cr M Liebich Weddin Shire Council

Mr G Rhodes Central Tablelands Water Mr G Carroll Weddin Shire Council

Cr B West Cowra Council Cr B Ingram Young Shire Council

Mr P Devery Cowra Council Mr D Aber Young Shire Council

Cr P Miller Forbes Shire Council Mr A McCormack RDACW

Mr M Kershaw (Acting) Forbes Shire Council Mr P McMillan RDACW

Cr J Medcalf Lachlan Shire Council Ms A Morgan DPC

Mr R Hunt Lachlan Shire Council Mr N Mann CNSWT

Cr M Statham Lithgow City Council Ms L White CNSWT

Mr R Bailey Lithgow City Council Ms J Bennett Centroc

Cr R Thompson Lithgow City Council Ms M Macpherson Centroc

Cr K Sajowitz Oberon Council Ms L Chapman Centroc

Mr G Wallace (Acting) Oberon Council

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4c Noting of the Minutes of the Executive Meeting 28 April 2016

Resolved Mr R Bailey/ Cr G Rush

That the Minutes of the Centroc Executive meeting 28 April held at Orange be noted with a change made to the place from Blayney to Orange.

5. Business Arising from the Minutes – Matters in Progress

Resolved Cr K Keith/ Cr J Medcalf

That the Board note the Matters in Progress, making deletions as suggested.

6. Correspondence

6a Correspondence In

Resolved Mr K Boyd/Cr P Miller

That the Board note the incoming correspondence; and note with regret the resignation of Mid Western Regional Council and offer an associate membership subject to them both being a member of another ROC.

6b Correspondence Out

Resolved Cr P Miller/Mr J Bell

That the Board note the outgoing correspondence.

7. Reports

7a Transport Infrastructure including Bells Line of Road

Resolved Mr K Boyd/Cr P Miller

That the Board note the Transport Infrastructure report 1. including meetings with State representatives being co-ordinated to progress the Blayney Demondrille

Line and sequestration of the corridor for the Bells Line between the M7 and Kurrajong; and 2. the Board receive a report on the potential for funding to assist in having fibre to airports in the

region; 3. up to $50K be used to progress the activities identified in the Centroc Roads Transport Technical

Committee Business Plan; and 4. this to be administered through the Executive with a report to be provided to the Board.

7b Water Infrastructure Report

Resolved Mr K Boyd/Cr K Keith

That the Board note the Water Infrastructure Report and 1. make that a submission be made through the Executive to the Legislative Council Inquiry into

augmentation of water supply for rural and regional NSW within existing policy; and 2. send letter of congratulations to the award winning members of the Centroc Water Utilities Alliance.

7c Health Report

Resolved Cr P Miller/ Cr I Gosper

That the Board note the Health report and 1. note that a strategic session to progress health priorities will be held in the latter part of the year; 2. in the interim, note that under the hand of the Chair, the Department of Premier and Cabinet is being

asked to coordinate a meeting with key stakeholders including Primary Health Networks, Centroc and Western Area Health with a view to scoping the collaborative opportunity of alignment between health precincts and integrated health care;

3. advice be provided to the Board from Charles Sturt University on its Clinical Training Model including internship positions;

4. advice be provided to the Board on strategies to remove the barrier to rural health workforce;

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5. seek interest in external funding of the Quadruple Bottom Line costs to community of the withdrawal of medical services; and

6. receive an update on the status of the success of the Beyond the Range Program.

The meeting adjourned for morning tea at 10:00 The meeting resumed at 10:30 The meeting received advice from the Chair of Regional Development Australia Central West raising concerns particularly for education in the region. 7e Planning Report

Resolved Cr P Miller/ Cr J Medcalf

That the Board 1. Lodge a submission under the hand of the Chair to IPART on the Review of Local Government Rating

System under existing policy; 2. Commend to members they send staff to the next Enabling Regional Adaptation Workshop in Orange

30 May/1 June 3. Commend to members that ach council workshops draft Regional Plan initially and provide feedback

to the Centroc Executive to develop a response by mid June. 4. Request an extension of 2 moths on response to the Regional Plan.

7f Operation Report


That the Board note the Operational Report 1. approve the members of the Regional Code of Conduct Panel; 2. receive advice on the likely timing of JO to inform a report on the potential of incorporation including

the structures of Hunter and REROC; and 3. Contact the other ROCs for potential advocacy suport.

7g Financial report

Resolved Mr R Bailey/Mr J Bell

That the Board note the Financial report.

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 with a presentation by the Hon Andrew Constance Senior Advisor Andrew Huckel and presented at 11:30 The Minister for Health, the Hon Jillian Skinner presented at 11:45 The Minister for Lands Water and Primary Industry presented at 12:05

The Board will follow-up with a letter regarding an update of the Centroc Water Security Study

The meeting adjourned a 12:25 to receive advice from an announcement by the Premier on amalgamations. The Treasurer arrived at 12:35 during the adjournment and said she would like to visit the region and understood the challenges of this meeting given the announcements of the day. At 12:45 the Executive Director of Planning & Design, Mr Halvard Dalheim, provided advice on the Regional Plan.

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The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1:30, the Hon Troy Grant, the Hon Sarah Mitchell and the Hon Katrina Hodgkinson were in attendance. The meeting resumed at 2:00pm The meeting welcomed Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW the Hon Sarah Mitchell and for Southern NSW, the Hon Katrina Hodgkinson Ms Alison Morgan presented on the Making it Happen in the Regions Initiative 7d Regional Development

Resolved Cr K Keith/Cr G Rush

That the Board note the Regional Development report and 1. change the line item in the management plan from Progress the development of a “food and fibre”

plan for the region to Progress support for the agricultural industry; 2. the Economic Development Officer’s be approached with scoping advice to seek their engagement on

the potential to progress options for improving the case for investment in the region in particularly with regard to - Lack of alignment in data analysis and models to make the case for investment in the region leads to Councils and other investing in business cases that are disregarded by funding entities;

3. note that any advocacy on regional development include advice from the workshop on making the case for investment in the region;

4. receive a report on The Right To Farm; 5. endorse the Mining Affectedness in Central NSW report and note it will be revised for annually based

on feedback from members; 6. adopt the MoU with TAFE; 7. commend to members they engage in the Making it Happen in the Regions process; 8. commend to Mayors they provide support to encourage community engagement in the Census; and 9. receive a report on options for a workshop with RDACW ongoing Education service in the region.

8. Late Reports 9. Matters Raised by Members 10. Speakers to the next meeting

PHN- Andrew Harvey

11. Next Meetings Board -25 August - Cowra Board - 24 November – Canberra GMAC – 28 July 2016 – Orange GMAC 27 October 2016- Orange Executive – 28 July 2016 in Orange

Meeting closed at 3.00pm Page 4 is the last page of the Centroc Board Minutes 12 May 2016

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4c Noting of the Minutes of the Centroc Special meeting 27 June 2016 at Parkes Shire Council and via Teleconference

Delegates in Bold (*in attendance at Parkes )

1 Welcome Meeting opened at 2.00pm Chaired by Cr Bill West

2 Apologies Cr J Medcalf, Cr P Miller, Cr J Davis, Cr M Statham, Cr K Keith, Mr P Devery, Mr J Bell, Mr G Rhodes,

Resolved Mr K Boyd/Mr D Sherley

That the apologies for the Centroc Special meeting 27 June 2016 listed above be accepted.

3 Clarification regarding membership Resolved Cr J Shaw/Cr B Newton

That the Centroc Board 1. recognise the membership of Hilltops Council in lieu of the membership of the former Boorowa

Shire Council and Young Shire Council and amend clause 2.1 to replace ; Membership qualifications

Membership of the organisation shall be open to, but not restricted to, the following Councils:

Bathurst Regional Council

Blayney Shire Council

Boorowa Shire Council

Cabonne Council

Central Tablelands County Council

Cowra Shire Council

Forbes Shire Council

Lithgow City Council

Lachlan Shire Council

Mid Western Regional Council

Oberon Council

Orange City Council

Parkes Shire Council

Cr G Rush Bathurst Regional Council Mr R Hunt Lachlan Shire Council

Mr D Sherley * Bathurst Regional Council Mr R Bailey Lithgow City Council

Cr S Ferguson Blayney Shire Council Cr K Sajowitz Oberon Council

Ms R Ryan Blayney Shire Council Mr G Wallace (Acting) Oberon Council

Cr I Gosper Cabonne Council Mr G Styles Orange City Council

Mr A Hopkins Cabonne Council Cr B Newton * Parkes Shire Council

Cr D Somervaille Central Tablelands Water Mr K Boyd * Parkes Shire Council

Cr B West * Cowra Council Cr J Shaw Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Mr G Apthorpe Cowra Council Mr A Croke Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Ms W Tuckerman Hilltops Council Cr M Liebich Weddin Shire Council

Mr A McMahon Hilltops Council Mr G Carroll Weddin Shire Council

Cr G Miller * Forbes Shire Council Ms J Bennett * Centroc

Mr M Kershaw (Acting) * Forbes Shire Council

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Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Weddin Shire Council

Young Shire Council

To

Membership qualifications

Membership of the organisation shall be open to, but not restricted to, the following Councils:

Bathurst Regional Council

Blayney Shire Council

Cabonne Council

Central Tablelands County Council

Cowra Shire Council

Forbes Shire Council

Hilltops Council

Lithgow City Council

Lachlan Shire Council

Mid Western Regional Council

Oberon Council

Orange City Council

Parkes Shire Council

Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Weddin Shire Council

2. recognise that the Hilltops Council has appointed as Board members, the Administrator, Wendy Tuckerman and the interim General Manager, Anthony McMahon;

3. note that Centroc membership fees for Hilltops Council for the 2016 year shall be the fees paid by the former Boorowa Shire Council and Young Shire Council for the 2016 year.

4 Amendment to constitution

Resolved Mr R Bailey/Mr D Sherley

That the Centroc Board amend clause 4.4(1) of the Constitution of Centroc to replace 4.4 (1). A quorum at a general meeting of the Board shall consist of nine (9) member Councils. For sub-committee meetings a quorum will be half the number of members on the sub-committee plus one. with 4.4 (1) "A quorum at a General Meeting of the Board shall be the majority of member Councils. For Sub-Committee meetings a quorum will be half the number of members on the Sub-Committee plus 1 ".

Meeting closed 2:09 Page 2 is the last page of the Centroc Special meeting 27 June 2016

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5 Business Arising from the Minutes WHITE

Action By Update

281113 - 8b - Water Infrastructure Develop a MoU with NSW Health.

Ms M Macpherson

Subsequent to correspondence and follow-up, a meeting took place 19 September 2014 with the nominated NSW Health contact Mr Ingo Steppat Western/Far Western NSW LHD where it was agreed Centroc would develop a discussion draft MoU based on advice from Mr Steppat. Despite difficulties in obtaining appropriate advice, a working draft was provided to Mr Steppat. After numerous attempts Centroc was unable to secure a meeting to progress. Follow-up was undertaken by the Sponsoring General Manager and the Chair with appropriate personnel in Health given the delays and potential of this type of activity to enable future JOs. Advice was received from Mr McLachlan October 2015 nominating Dr Therese Jones as the contact person for MOU development. Centroc representatives met with Dr Jones on 30 November to progress with a revised discussion draft forwarded to Dr Jones with supporting documentation on 15 December. A follow-up meeting was held with Mr McLachlan, NSW Health 22 February 2016 and advice on progress sought numerous times over this period. On 14 June 2016 a draft of the MOU reviewed by NSW Health was returned to Centroc by Dr Jones. A meeting to review the draft is now scheduled 26 July. Verbal update can be provided.

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Action By Update

On advice from Dr Jones Centroc is working with the NSW Health Water Unit to plan a workshop to develop a Regional Annual Work plan in partnership with NSW Health. The intention is that the work plan will form an appendix to the MOU and guide regional collaboration to assist members to improve implementation of their Drinking Water Management Plans. Ongoing concerns regarding the timeframe for development of the MOU have been raised with DPC. Please see more advice in the Water Infrastructure Report.

281113 – 8f – Regional Development Direct a report be prepared for the Board that provides advice regarding opportunities from the Decentralisation Taskforce Report response from the NSW Government.

Ms J Bennett Underway. While there has been support in the political rhetoric in this space there does not seem to be much local evidence of outcomes from existing policy change to date. While accepting that change will be long term, anecdotal feedback shows a net reduction of state agency workforce in Central NSW. The Round Table co-ordinated through the Hon Sarah Mitchell, Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Office with Centroc has had to be rescheduled several times with the most recent advice being that after the budget is a better time from the State’s perspective. Ms J Bennett met with Mr G King of the Premier’s Implementation Unit seeking advice on how the Premier’s priority in NSW Making it Happen to grow jobs will be realised in this region. He is co-ordinating further meetings with Ms Karen Borg CEO Jobs NSW and Mr Garry Barnes the new Deputy Secretary, Economic, Skills and Regional Development Division of NSW Department of Industry. Ms Alison Morgan, DPC presented

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Action By Update

to the Board on the opportunity for Councils to engage in Making it Happen in the Regions and invited members to attend a workshop 24 May in Dubbo. Representatives from Bathurst, Parkes and Cowra and the Centroc Executive Officer were in attendance. Notes from the meeting have been circulated and further advice is provided in the Regional Development report with subsequent actions.

290514-7e-Regional Development Receive scoping advice regarding the development of a food and fibre plan for the region.

Ms J Bennett Where the Department of Planning, RDA and Centroc are all undertaking activity in this space, an update can be found as an attachment in the Regional Development Report.

260814 - Country ROCs getting together on a re calibration of the distribution of FAGs grants.

Ms J Bennett Centroc will invite other ROCs to its next Meeting of Joint Organisations, this issue will be raised. Given the recent budget announcement recommend deletion to the Board.

260814 - Find existing research on those communities in Central NSW experiencing economic shocks including Lithgow, Bathurst, Cowra and Orange then use this for advocacy purposes around Federal funding.

Ms J Bennett Advice has been provided by Orange, Lithgow, Bathurst and Cowra. This has formed the basis of advice to Federal politicians seeking feedback on potential support. Work has been completed on Mining Affected communities and is it iterative. Please see advice in the Regional Development Report. Commend deletion to the Board

260814 - Actions from the sessions with Federal representatives. Given Angus Taylor, Member for Hume’s depth of knowledge on freight rail, follow-up with him be undertaking seeking advice on pathways to improve the freight rail issues in Central NSW.

Ms J Bennett A meeting with Chair Cr West, Jenny Bennett and Angus Taylor was held in Cowra 16 December. Follow-up is being undertaken by the Chair where a further meeting with Mr Taylor was held Monday 4 May 15. Mr Taylor has agreed to co-ordinate the Federal meeting for Centroc in August and more work with him regarding rail is anticipated over this period. A meeting was held on 9 March including with Mr K Boyd and Cr K Keith. Further meetings are being

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Action By Update

progressed please see the Transport Infrastructure report.

050215 -7d – Telecommunications The Board receive advice regarding enabling public WIFI in urban centres in the region.

Ms J Bennett This advice has been provided to the strategic work being undertaken by RDACW on priority telecommunications infrastructure.

70515 - 7h - Community Strategic Plan and the JO Report Prepare a discussion paper including a draft Regional Strategic Plan based on the aggregation of community strategic plans.

Ms J Bennett Underway – please request the current draft.

280515 -5 – Regional Development Report Receive a report from the Department of Agriculture regarding the briefing notes provided to Mr Richard Hyett.

Ms J Bennett Follow-up has been provided. Mr Hyett provides advice that we have not been forgotten and that the current focus is on the White Paper. Further follow-up will be undertaken in the lead up to the meeting with Federal representatives.

280515 – 9a – Transport Infrastructure 1. in collaboration with RDA Central West, build on

the work on Freight, Logistics and Transport infrastructure priorities undertaken to date and developed by Lycopodium;

2. this work to take note of the advice of “bundling” projects along potential freight corridors;

3. Brief Federal Members with a view to leverage funding from the Building Stronger Regions program.

Ms J Bennett A draft is near completion please request the current iteration. Briefing advice provided to Federal Ministers.

280515 – 30 - Actions from session with Minister for Planning, The Hon Robert Stokes. 1. Regarding his warmth towards the idea of a

review of population projections; 2. his interest in investment in the region as being a

feature of Regional Growth Plans; 3. his interest in new regional classes of complying

development; and 4. his intentions regarding the reintroduction of the

planning reforms.

Ms J Bennett Follow up letter sent. Briefing advice has been provided to his office where Minister Stokes had agreed to attend the Board meeting. Follow up is being undertaken.

300715- 7b – Water Agrees that advice is provided to the Board under the auspices of the sponsoring GM regarding distribution of funding of $180,614 following acceptance of the audited Financial Report by the Department of Industry

Ms M Macpherson

Underway pending advice from the Department of Industry.

280515 – 22a - JO Pilot Progress Report Receive an options report on the legal framework to be provided on the basis of the advice in the

Ms J Bennett The OLG have advised this is imminent since December of last year. See advice in the Planning

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Action By Update

discussion paper for Board consideration. Report of this paper.

300715- 7h –RDOCS Receive advice regarding the management of monies from LGP in June 2016.

Ms L Chapman Advice will be provided subsequent to advice on actuals anticipated from LGP subsequent to the June quarter 2016.

300715-8 - Late Report - Policy re water county councils and water utilities alliances That the advice by Cr Somervaille is reviewed and advice regarding its fit with existing Centroc policy be circulated for members feedback.

Ms J Bennett Underway.

120815 – 7a - Transport 1. advocacy for the Bells Line give consideration to

including a second crossing over the Hawkesbury River this in its staged approach with further advice to be provided to the Board;

2. regular updates from TfNSW regarding the timing for securing the corridor for the Bells line between M7 to Kurrajong be provided to the Board;

3. reengage with appropriate stakeholders on funding options;

4. engage with Western Sydney councils in the above; and

5. ramp up advocacy support for Inland Rail.

Ms J Bennett 1. Met with WSROC and sent follow-up correspondence. Met with Dominic Perrottet and undertaking follow-up. Advocacy Plan updated.

2. Letter to TfNSW sent. The Hon Duncan Gay advised the corridor will be going into LEPs at the end of the 2016 calendar year. Advice received that a workshop will be held soon to discuss options though there has been a hold-up. Advice has been sought on timeframes and they suggest they are making every effort to stay within the September 2016 deadline.

5. Social media, Facebook and Twitter have been linked to recent articles. Other advocacy continued into the Federal election.

Commend deletion to the Board

120815 – 7c – Health 1. the Health Workforce Group be requested to

provide policy advice with regard optimising the role of Local Government’s with the new Public Health Network in Western NSW; and

2. this advice to recognise the limitations of the role that local government can play in the health sector.

Ms J Bennett 1. - 2. Underway Meeting of the HWFG held 15 March and have agreed to hold a strategic session later in the year. A meeting with PHN has been organised for 11 April and this matter will be raised at that time. DPC are being asked to coordinate. See more advice in the Health Report and please request any reports or minutes to and from this meeting. Commend deletion to the Board

P a g e | 19



Action By Update

120815 – 7e – Regional Development advice regarding a Regional Round Table be progressed through the Executive in collaboration with DPC and RDA Central West;

Ms J Bennett Underway, where the Hon Sarah Mitchell, Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW and Regional and Rural Health is co coordinating a date following the postponement of the November roundtable, due to Ministers needing to attend the Royal visit. The Chair met with Hon Sarah Mitchell 11 May where she advised she is both keen to progress this and to visit the region.

120815 – 7f- Planning That the Board note the Planning report and commend to the Department of Planning that there by 50% elected member representation in future Regional Growth Plan committees.

Ms J Bennett This advice was provided to the meeting on the Regional Plan in September. It will remain on the books until the evaluation of the Regional Planning process which will occur once the Plan has been approved by Cabinet.

120815- Actions from session with Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries 1. Engage in the Federation White Paper; 2. ALGA – Follow up on Roads to recovery and the

fuel excise; 3. Follow-up on Infrastructure Australia and status of

projects for Central NSW; 4. Follow-up the “Implementation Unit” for the

Agriculture White Paper where there is funding to support co-operatives

5. Follow-up on the Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub

6. Follow-up with Minister Truss Office on offer to support navigating the funding framework bringing our priority projects;

7. Follow-up with John Cobb on the 2 day exports Road show with Minister Hunt - later this year or early next year

Ms J Bennett 1. On the 28th of April the Prime Minister announced there will be no Green or White papers.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-28/malcolm-turnbulls-$5-million-tax-white-paper-scrapped/7367204 http://www.coag.gov.au/node/537 Commend deletion to the Board 2. There is a little bit of advice on

the ALGA website in this regard although they advise they will be undertaking a review. ALGA’s pre Federal election pitch can be found here: http://alga.asn.au/site/misc/alga/downloads/publications/ALGA%20Election%20Document%202016.pdf

3. & 4.Correspondence has been sent with advice requested. See outgoing correspondence. 5. http://www.arc.gov.au/news-media/news/23-million-eight-new-projects-announced-under-first-round-itrp There have been four hubs announced to date, two in Victoria and two in Tasmania. Also of note is that there are two training Centre’s announced as part of a

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-28/malcolm-turnbulls-$5-million-tax-white-paper-scrapped/7367204




http://www.coag.gov.au/node/537

http://alga.asn.au/site/misc/alga/downloads/publications/ALGA%20Election%20Document%202016.pdf




http://www.arc.gov.au/news-media/news/23-million-eight-new-projects-announced-under-first-round-itrp




P a g e | 20



Action By Update

complementary package, one from Macquarie University and one from UNSW. 6. Given Minister Truss has stepped down, we are looking for new advocacy avenues. 7. Correspondence has been sent. See Outgoing Correspondence. Further advocacy on the agricultural priorities will be undertaken leading up to the meeting in Canberra.

291015- 7b - Water Infrastructure 1. Provide advice through the Executive to the Hon

Niall Blair at the Regional Roundtable on the ongoing issues Councils are experiencing with the Best Practice Framework.

Ms M Macpherson

Meetings held with DPI Water Executives and Minister Blair on 10-11 May confirmed an issues paper addressing the current Best Practice Framework is scheduled for release for stakeholder comment in coming weeks. Mr Frank Garafalow, Director Water Regulation advised that changes are not expected for the next 3-5 years and that in the interim the current Framework will need to be optimised. Further advocacy will be undertaken when the Round-table is held. Please see more advice in the Water Infrastructure Report.

291015 – 7e Regional Development advice be provided to the Board from a meeting between DPC, RDACW and Centroc on the strategic framework for regional development; and

Ms J Bennett Meeting held 21 January in Cowra, an agenda can be requested. DPC and RDACW to meet quarterly with the Centroc Executive. The strategic framework is a matter for discussion at the meeting with Sarah Mitchell 11 May. Further advocacy has been undertaken through a variety of channels including the draft MoU with DPC, correspondence and reports to Ministers, advice to the Regional Round Table, briefing advice to various Ministers and the Making it Happen in the Region’s process.

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Action By Update

291015 – 7f – Planning Progress the Advocacy Plan for Planning with the support of Mr Andrew Hopkins noting it needs to articulate the benefit of the region’s preferred approach.

Ms J Bennett Draft provided to GM’s responsible for planning and was provided to the Board with a view to being progressed through the Executive. A meeting request has been sent to relevant GMs after GMAC July 28 2016.

291015 – 7h - RDOCS 1. extend the Centroc Internal Audit contract with

Grant Thornton Australia for 12 months; 2. commend to the Board that TAFE NSW Western

be approached with an MOU based on

Maximising the use of TAFE’s in the Centroc region

have an understanding of Council’s training needs

utilising the established Business Capability Unit at TAFE NSW Western to achieve the above.

Ms L Chapman and Ms J Bennett

1. Complete 2. Approved in May and signed

on 15 July. See RROCS report for more information.


261115 - 7a -Transport Infrastructure including Bells Line of Road 1. establish a structure similar to that of the CWUA

and REROC’s Transport group which includes a Strategic Level, a Working Party and a Technical Committee;

2. receive advice to the next meeting on potential resource implications and

3. The two elected representatives to be a part of the Centroc Transport Working Party are Cr K Keith and Cr M Statham.

Ms J Bennett/Ms L Chapman

With the Board resolving to support this program with $50K please see advice in the Transport Infrastructure Report. Commend deletion to the Board

261115 – 7c – Health 1. undertake advocacy to;

d. receive advice regarding the effectiveness of Rural Clinical Schools in increasing regional health workforce over the past decade and that this advice be sought from Rural Clinical Schools, Federal Government and research institutions/organisations.

Ms J Bennett d. draft underway awaiting feedback from all Clinical Schools

261115-7g-JO Pilot Progress Report progress the MoU with the Department of Premier and Cabinet through the Executive; and

Ms J Bennett Please request the current iteration. This has been provided to DPC in January with follow up, awaiting a written response.

261115- Executive- 5 -Review of advice provided by DPC The Executive endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding in principle and 1. undertake further refinement for Board adoption;

and 2. write to Department of Premier and Cabinet and

Office of Local Government seeking advice on how representatives will manage conflict of interest.

Ms J Bennett 1. Further refinement has been undertaken. Draft provided to DPC.

2. Further direction as provided at the Executive meeting 28 April. The draft is to be circulated.

10216- GMAC-7a-Transport Infrastructure 1. approach RMS seeking an update on their

Ms J Bennett 1. A meeting with RMS held 26 February. Update is provided in

P a g e | 22



Action By Update

development of corridor strategies in the region and the role of Councils in that process and

2. have circulated the draft Business Plan for the Roads Technical Committee.

the Transport Report as part of notes from that meeting.

2. Draft Plan circulated and approved in principle by the Board. It is being provided to the Working Party inaugural meeting for comment with a view to being progressed as soon as possible. Please see more advice in the Transport Report.

Commend deletion to the Board.

10216-7h-RDOCS 1. report be developed with RDOCS on the next

steps for the insurance health-check and 2. members give consideration to engaging in

council fuel tax credits reviews.

Ms L Chapman 1. Completed, report went to April GMAC. Letter being drafted to be sent to Statewide. 2. members have provided advice of interest and are being followed up as AITS will be in the region in 3rd quarter of 2016. Commend deletion to the Board.

10216- Matters raised by members That the Board receive advice on the Government’s position on the recommendations by the State Standing Committee into Local Government Reform.

Ms J Bennett The report can be found at this link: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/DBAssets/InquiryReport/GovernmentResponse/5331/Government%20Response%20-%20Local%20Government%20in%20NSW%20-%20received%2029%20April%202016.pdf Commend deletion to the Board.

25216- Matters in Progress Write to Mr S McLachan briefing him on the potential of the “grow our own” workforce value of Murray Darling Medical School type models.

Ms J Bennett Correspondence has been received a further meeting with Dr Spencer is to be arranged.

250216-7a – Transport Infrastructure 1. approach RMS seeking an update on their

development of corridor strategies in the region and the role of Councils in that process;

2. approve in principle the Centroc Roads Technical Committee business plan with advice on resourcing to be provided to the Board in May; and

3. advocate to Infrastructure Australia and other key stakeholders have the corridor sequestered for a future upgrade to the Bells Line of Expressway as per the Management Plan

Ms J Bennett 1. Meeting held please see update in Transport Report.

2. Plan being presented to the Working Group.

3. Meeting arranged with Infrastructure Australia and Dominic Perrottet 19 April. A meeting is being arranged with Michael McCormack and the matter will be raised with other key stakeholders.

250216- 7b – Water Infrastructure Co-ordinate a meeting as soon as practicable between Minister Blair, Forbes, Parkes and CTW to progress the

Ms M Macpherson

Meeting held with Minister Blair on 10 May. See outgoing correspondence to Minister Blair

https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/DBAssets/InquiryReport/GovernmentResponse/5331/Government%20Response%20-%20Local%20Government%20in%20NSW%20-%20received%2029%20April%202016.pdf








P a g e | 23



Action By Update

priorities identified in the Centroc Water Infrastructure Matrix.

regarding review of the Centroc Water Security Study as an action arising from this meeting. Advocacy on priorities on-going. Please see more advice in the Water Infrastructure Report. Commend deletion to the Board.

250216-7c-Health Note that a Health Workforce Group Meeting in conjunction with Council Staff update on Beyond the Range is being scheduled.

Ms J Bennett This is being progressed as part of a strategic session later in the year.

250216-7e-Planning Progress the finalisation of the Advocacy Plan for Planning through the Executive.

Ms J Bennett Meeting with General Managers to be held on 28 July after GMAC.

250216-7f-Advocacy 1. Develop policy and procedure regarding advocacy

that includes: a. Seeking to reduce costs; b. As a general rule, elected officials should meet

with elected officials; c. Where senior bureaucrats, Ministers or

Ministerial advisors are in the region at Centroc’s request State and Federal representatives will be notified;

d. Political stakeholders including the opposition and the media should receive a “Chair’s report” modelled on the Mayor’s report subsequent to Board meetings.

e. A portfolio approach for the Centroc priorities to enable sharing of the workload and increasing our advocacy capacity.

2. Advice be received on changes to the Board to enable a portfolio approach for the Centroc priorities to enable sharing of the workload and increasing our advocacy capacity;

3. Advice on resourcing the costs of advocacy should be provided to the Board to inform transition to the JO;

4. Advice should be sought from LGNSW on their views on interacting with future Joint Organisations given that the Divisions are no longer part of the One Association structure.

Ms J Bennett See report in this paper for an update. Commend deletion to the Board.

250216-7h-Operation Report Write to LGNSW regarding paying for costs incurred by LGNSW attending quarterly meetings of HR Managers.

Ms J Bennett This advice being provided to the meeting with LGNSW 19 April. Commend deletion to the Board

250216-8 Late Reports That the Board receive a report on the implications of the Infrastructure Australia Report and undertake advocacy as required in the interim.

Ms J Bennett Advocacy has been undertaken in the interim.

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Action By Update

250216- Executive-5-Restart NSW Resources for Regions That Centroc provide support to members making application for funding for mining affected communities.

Ms J Bennett A report, as requested by P Devery, on the outcome is anticipated for the Board. For interim advice please see the Regional Development Report.

250216-Executive-6- Infrastructure Australia 15 Year Plan That advocacy be undertaken, in light of the advice in the Infrastructure Australia 15 Year Plan, that policy settings need to change to grow regional Australia rather than continuing to fund infrastructure to manage congestion in capital cities.

Ms J Bennett Underway. The Chair met with Infrastructure Australia, please request the briefing notes. Follow-up correspondence and media under development. Commend deletion to the Board

280416 –Executive-4 – Forward program with DPC and RDACW 1. write to the Premier expressing concerns that DPC

does not appear to have the resource, strategic framework and/or delegation for an effective collaborative relationship with Joint Organisations;

2. that this advice be circulated for feedback from attendees; and

3. write to the State and Federal Government supportive of consistent funding for RDA’s within reasonable time frames.

Ms J Bennett 1. Draft with JB and Chair 2. Underway 3. Complete Commend deletion to the Board for item 3.

280416- Executive -6 – Matters to raise in the business paper That the response to the Regional Plan for Central NSW include ensuring elected representatives are part of the ongoing governance arrangement.

Ms J Bennett The draft is attached to this Business Paper. Commend deletion to the Board.

280416- Executive-7- Discussion with Bells Line Mayors Centroc staff are to recirculate advice on our current delegates to the Bells Line of Expressway Group.

Ms J Bennett Advice circulated 3 June. Commend deletion to the Board

280416- Executive – 8 -Update on advocacy from Chair 1. advice be provided for Board approval on the

region’s priorities seeking support from Local Candidates going into the Federal election; and

2. a recommendation be developed for the ALGA conference in consultation with Local Government NSW that is supportive of Council managed water utilities and further media activity be undertaken in support of this policy position.

Ms J Bennett 1. underway 2. complete, commend deletion to the Board.

280416- Executive- 9 - Other Matters 1. That Sponsorship for 2016 Living well together

Health and Innovation awards not supported. 2. That the Executive note that the General Manager

of Mid Western Regional Council provided advice that correspondence will be sent to Centroc under the hand of the Chair regarding membership

Ms J Bennett 1. Advice provided 2. A response to General

Manager has been provided. See outgoing correspondence


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Action By Update

280416-GMAC-7f-Regional Directors of Corporate Services 1. note that Councils may test the insurance market

at an individual level at any time; 2. send a letter to StateWide enquiring about the

suggested broad form policy changes listed in the PFS Regional Opportunities report;

3. appoint Mr P Devery as sponsoring GM for the second phase of the regional insurance review;

4. approve the members of the Regional Code of Conduct Panel; and

5. note a Sponsoring GM for RDOCS will be determined in late 2016.

Ms L Chapman All are noted and completed. Correspondence was sent to StateWide and a response was received, see RDOCS report of this paper for more information. Commend deletion to the Board

280416-7h-Training and HR Managers Group 1. approve a 12 month extension of the Pre-Employment Screening Contract, 2. approve a 12 month extension of the online training contract for Bathurst, Boorowa, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Upper Lachlan and Young, noting that Cabonne will make a decision pending the outcome of amalgamations and Parkes will decide once a new LMS has been investigated.

Ms K Barker

1. Complete 2. Noted Commend deletion to the Board.

280416-7j-Energy Report Nominate Mr K Boyd and Sponsoring General Manager.

Ms K Barker Noted Commend deletion to the Board

120516-Incoming correspondence note with regret the resignation of Mid Western Regional Council and offer an associate membership subject to them being a member of another ROC.

Ms J Bennett Sent Commend deletion to the Board

120516- 7a-Transport Infrastructure Report 1. the Board receive a report on the potential for

funding to assist in having fibre to airports in the region;

2. up to $50K be used to progress the activities identified in the Centroc Roads Transport Technical Committee Business Plan; and

3. this to be administered through the Executive with a report to be provided to the Board.

Ms J Bennett 1. Mr Ian Scott is attending the August Board meeting to provide an update.

2. Noted 3. Noted Commend deletion to the Board

120516- 7b – Water Infrastructure 1. a submission be made through the Executive to

the Legislative Council Inquiry into augmentation of water supply for rural and regional NSW within existing policy; and

2. send letter of congratulations to the award winning members of the Centroc Water Utilities Alliance.

Ms M Macpherson

1. Chair of the Legislative Council General Purpose Standing Committee no. 5, the Hon Robert Brown has been invited to visit the region and the submission is underway

2. Completed, commend deletion to the Board.

120516-7c- Health Report 1. note that a strategic session to progress health

priorities will be held in the latter part of the year;

Ms J Bennett 1. Noted 2. Correspondence sent,

commend deletion to the

P a g e | 26



Action By Update

2. in the interim, note that under the hand of the Chair, the Department of Premier and Cabinet is being asked to coordinate a meeting with key stakeholders including Primary Health Networks, Centroc and Western Area Health with a view to scoping the collaborative opportunity of alignment between health precincts and integrated health care;

3. advice be provided to the Board from Charles Sturt University on its Clinical Training Model including internship positions;

4. advice be provided to the Board on strategies to remove the barrier to rural health workforce;

5. seek interest in external funding of the Quadruple Bottom Line costs to community of the withdrawal of medical services; and

6. receive an update on the status of the success of the Beyond the Range Program.

Board 3. awaiting advice from CSU 4. This will be included in the

workshop in the last quarter 5. Noted 6. Underway See Health Report in this Business Paper for an update.

120516-7d-Regional Development 1. change the line item in the management plan

from Progress the development of a “food and fibre” plan for the region to Progress support for the agricultural industry;

2. the Economic Development Officer’s be approached with scoping advice to seek their engagement on the potential to progress options for improving the case for investment in the region in particularly with regard to - Lack of alignment in data analysis and models to make the case for investment in the region leads to Councils and other investing in business cases that are disregarded by funding entities;

3. note that any advocacy on regional development include advice from the workshop on making the case for investment in the region;

4. receive a report on The Right To Farm; 5. endorse the Mining Affectedness in Central NSW

report and note it will be revised for annually based on feedback from members;

6. adopt the MoU with TAFE; 7. commend to members they engage in the Making

it Happen in the Regions process; 8. commend to Mayors they provide support to

encourage community engagement in the Census; and

9. receive a report on options from working with RDACW on supporting education in the region

Ms J Bennett 1. Complete 2. Complete 3. Underway though yet to be

included in an advocacy plan 4. DPI are being asked to provide

a report 5. Noted please request the

current version on an as needs basis

6. Complete 7. Workshop held in Dubbo see

more advice in the regional development report

8. Given the challenging timeframes, this has not progressed

9. Subject of meeting with RDA on 28 July

Commend deletion to the Board of 1,2, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

120516-7e – Planning Report 1. Lodge a submission under the hand of the Chair to

IPART on the Review of Local Government Rating

Ms J Bennett 1. Submission lodged please see Planning Report.

2. Complete

P a g e | 27



Action By Update

System under existing policy; 2. Commend to members they send staff to the next

Enabling Regional Adaptation Workshop in Orange 30 May/31 May

3. Commend to members that each council workshops draft Regional Plan then provide feedback to the Centroc Executive to develop a response by mid-June.

4. Request an extension of 2 months on response to the Regional Plan.

3. Follow up is being undertaken 4. Correspondence request has

been sent. Advice provided with approval for an extension

Commend deletion of 1 and 2 to the Board

120516-7f- Operational Report 1. approve the members of the Regional Code of

Conduct Panel; 2. receive advice on the likely timing of JO to inform

a report on the potential of incorporation including the structures of Hunter and REROC; and

3. Contact the other ROCs for potential advocacy support.

Ms K Barker/Ms L Chapman

1. Completed Commend deletion to the Board 2. Underway – please see advice in the Planning Report r for current State advice on timing. 3. Preliminary discussions are underway

120516-Actions with the Minister for Land and Water and Primary Industries The Hon Niall Blair. The Board will follow-up with a letter regarding an update of the Centroc Water Security Study

Ms M Macpherson

Complete please see the Water Infrastructure Report Commend deletion to the Board

270616 – Special General Meeting - 3 1. recognise the membership of Hilltops Council in

lieu of the membership of the former Boorowa Shire Council and Young Shire Council and amend clause 2.1 to replace ; Membership qualifications Membership of the organisation shall be open to, but not restricted to, the following Councils: Bathurst Regional Council Blayney Shire Council Boorowa Shire Council Cabonne Council Central Tablelands County Council Cowra Shire Council Forbes Shire Council Lithgow City Council Lachlan Shire Council Mid Western Regional Council Oberon Council Orange City Council Parkes Shire Council Upper Lachlan Shire Council Weddin Shire Council Young Shire Council To Membership qualifications Membership of the organisation shall be open to,

Ms J Bennett Completed


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Action By Update

but not restricted to, the following Councils: Bathurst Regional Council Blayney Shire Council Cabonne Council Central Tablelands County Council Cowra Shire Council Forbes Shire Council Hilltops Council Lithgow City Council Lachlan Shire Council Mid Western Regional Council Oberon Council Orange City Council Parkes Shire Council Upper Lachlan Shire Council Weddin Shire Council

2. recognise that the Hilltops Council has appointed as Board members, the Administrator, Wendy Tuckerman and the interim General Manager, Anthony McMahon;

3. note that Centroc membership fees for Hilltops Council for the 2016 year shall be the fees paid by the former Boorowa Shire Council and Young Shire Council for the 2016 year.

270616 – Special General Meeting - 4 Amend clause 4.4(1) of the Constitution of Centroc to replace 4.4 (1). A quorum at a general meeting of the Board shall consist of nine (9) member Councils. For sub-committee meetings a quorum will be half the number of members on the sub-committee plus one. with 4.4 (1) "A quorum at a General Meeting of the Board shall be the majority of member Councils. For Sub-Committee meetings a quorum will be half the number of members on the Sub-Committee plus 1 ".

Ms J Bennett Completed.


P a g e | 29


Incoming correspondence

6 Correspondence

6a Incoming Correspondence GREEN

No Date/Who Subject Comments

1 14 April 2016 Standing Committee

Inquiry into zonal taxation See incoming correspondence

2 6 May 2016 Gems Environmental Training See incoming correspondence

3 6 May 2016 MDBA Northern Basin Review See incoming correspondence

4 6 May 2016 Young Shire Council

A copy of EOI for Fixing Country Rail

See Transport Infrastructure Report

5 10 May 2016 Cr Keith Rhoades LGNSW

Delegated functions regarding tendering

See incoming correspondence

6 10 May 2016 Elton Consulting

Marketing See incoming correspondence

7 13 May 2016 Cowra Council 2016 National Volunteer Week Available on request

8 13 May 2016 BLEG Future of the Bells Line Expressway Group


9 18 May 2016 Minister for Roads Maritime and Freight the Hon. Duncan Gay

Freight Terminal at Lithgow See Transport Infrastructure Report

10 18 May 2016 Scott McLachlan Chief Executive WNSWLHD

Establishment of a Murray Darling Medical School

See Health Report

11 22 May 2016 CPE Associates The future of CPE associates See incoming correspondence

12 23 May 2016 Parkes Shire Council

Support for Regional Radio Cutbacks


13 27 May 2016 The Hon Catherine Cusack MLC

Acknowledgement of correspondence regarding response on State standing recommendations


14 27 May 2016 Crennan Legal Changes to Centroc Constitution See incoming correspondence

15 31 May 2016 Sydney UNI VC Rural health workforce development and service delivery

See Health Report

16 1 June 2016 Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian

Response regarding Emergency Services Property Levy


17 16 June 2016 StateCover Health Check assessment findings Available on request

P a g e | 30


Incoming correspondence

No Date/Who Subject Comments

18 16 June 2016 CSU Rural Clinical Schools See Health Report

19 16 June 2016, Griffith City Council, Build More Dams Action Group

Feasibility study for Clarence River region

See Water Infrastructure Report

20 20 June 2016, Mr Justin Holzman, Holzman and Associates

Administration of Hydroscience See Water Infrastructure Report

21 21 June 2016 Weddin Shire Council

Regional supply and delivery of bulk fuel.

Available on request

22 29 June 2016 LLS Naidoc week edition of local links Available on request

23 30 June 2016 Blayney Shire Council

Regional supply and delivery of bulk fuel.


24 12 July 2016 Department of Planning and Environment

Extension for the response to Regional Plan

See Planning Report

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Outgoing correspondence

6b Outgoing Correspondence BLUE

Date/Who Subject Comments

1 6 May 2016 Transport NSW EOI for fixing Country Rail - Network Upgrade for freight


2 6 May 2016 Transport NSW EOI for fixing Country Rail – Cowra Rail


3 6 May 2016 Minister for Maritime, Roads and Freight

A copy of EOI’s See Transport Infrastructure Report

4 6 May 2016 Alison Morgan Regional Coordinator DPC

Request to coordinate meeting with key stakeholders regarding alignment between health precincts and integrated health care.

See Health Report

5 6 May 2016 Australian Energy Regulator

Submission on Essential Energy’s Tariff Structure Statement

See Energy Report

6 17 May 2016 the Hon Michael McCormack Member for Riverina

Support letter for Weddin Shire Council Medical Centre

See outgoing correspondence

7 20 May 2016 The Hon. Robert Brown, MLC, Chair, Legislative Council General Purpose Standing Committee no. 5

Inquiry into the augmentation of water supply for rural and regional New South Wales


8 23 May 2016 Mark Gogola Congratulations on Operator of the year award


9 23 May 2016 Paul Gregg Congratulations on WIOA award winner


10 23 May 2016 IPART Submission Review of the Local Government Rating System

See Planning Report

11 26 May 2016 Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon Barnaby Joyce Deputy Prime Minister

Request to meet to discuss various topics

See Regional Development report

12 26 May 2016 Mid Western Regional Council, General Manager and all MWRC Councillors, The Hon Paul Toole, and The Hon Troy Grant

Response to Membership withdrawal


P a g e | 32




13 26 May 2016 Minister Stokes Extension of response to Regional Plan

See Planning Report

14 1 June 2016 Ms Wendy Ablott WHS Specialist, StateCover Mutual

Attendance at Centroc WHS/Risk Group meetings


15 1 June 2016 Mr Naamon Eurell Executive Officer, Statewide Mutual cc Bill Warne, Queanbeyan City Council

Feedback on the Contractor Insurance Management System (CIMS)

See WHS/Risk Group Management

16 3 June 2016 WNSWLHD 2016 Living Well Together Health and Innovation Awards


17 6 June 2016 The Hon. Melinda Pavey, Chair Legislative Assembly Committee on Investment Industry and Regional Development

Submission Inquiry into Zonal Taxation

See Planning Report

18 7 June 2016 State and Federal Ministers for Regional Development Barilaro and Senator Nash.

Funding for RDACW See Regional Development Report

19 10 June 2016 Minister for Lands and Water and Primary Industries

Funding for the review of the Centroc Water Security Study


20 16 June 2016 additional Code of Conduct Reviewer Panel members

Centroc Regional Code of Conduct Reviewer Panel


21 17 June 2016 Insituform Sewer Rectification (Pipe Relining) Contract information


22 16 June 2016 additional Code of Conduct Reviewer Panel members

Centroc Regional Code of Conduct Reviewer Panel


23 22 June 2016 Premier Mike Baird

DPC resources See outgoing correspondence

24 24 June 2016 Mr Naamon Eurell Executive Officer, Statewide

Suggested broadform Insurance policy changes


25 29 June 2016 the Hon. Sarah Mitchell, Parliamentary

Visit to the region, Roundtable and See outgoing correspondence

P a g e | 33




Secretary for Regional and Rural Health and Western NSW

Regional Plan.

26 4 July 2016 Centroc Members and Dubbo City Council

Membership for 2016/2017 invoices


27 15 July 2016 Department of Local Government

Submission Feedback to the Joint Organisation reform process

See Planning Report

P a g e | 34


Reports

7 Reports

7a Transport Infrastructure

Report by Jennifer Bennett and Lee Chapman dated 13/7/16

Section 1 Regional Sustainability

Objective 1A Upgrade and ensure sustainability of transport infrastructure.

Subject Update on Transport Infrastructure

Sponsoring General Managers Mr Roger Bailey and Mr Kent Boyd

Management Plan Actions 2016/2017

Actions Comments

1. Advocacy a. to have the corridor sequestered for a

future upgrade to the Bells Line of Expressway through:

I. Advocating to key stakeholders as identified in the Advocacy Plan (please find attached)

II. Supporting the Bells Line of Expressway Group and

III. Providing representation on State committees as required, currently the OSO and BLOR Steering Committee.

a.I. A Meeting was held with the Minister for Finance The Hon Don Perrottet to discuss the Bells Line of Expressway with the Chair on 19 April. Following discussion about mutual needs to reduce congestion in the Richmond area including support for a second crossing on the Hawkesbury, Minister Perrottet agreed to arrange further meetings. At the time of writing a joint media release is with the Minister’s office. A meeting was held with representatives of Infrastructure Australia and the Chair 19 April where they provided advice that the advice on securing the Corridor for the Outer Sydney Orbital with no reference to the Corridor M7-Kurrajong came from NSW Govt agencies. Follow up is being undertaken. Advice is sought from Mr Tim Raimont around timing and corridor sequestration. a.ll. Please find attached the BLEG meeting minutes from 16 March. Please find attached an article in the Western Advocate 17 March by the Chairman of BLEG the Hon Ian Armstrong titled –‘’It's

Précis

This report provides advice on Management Plan priorities. Recommendations from past meetings

form part of Matters in Progress.

The report also includes advice on:

Progression of the Centroc Transport Working Party and Technical Committee

Infrastructure Prioritisation Matrix

State Budget Announcements

Update from TfNSW on securing the corridor and road works between the M7 and

Kurrajong

Advice on recent incidents east of Lithgow

The report seeks commendation to the Board that the Chair send a letter of thanks to Mr J Zannes

and Forbes Shire Council for advice and effort on the freight driver web based mapping tool.

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Reports

Actions Comments

not the end of the line for hoped-for Bells expressway’’ a.III. The Bells Line of Road- Castlereagh Corridor Connection investigation area extends from the M7 to Kurrajong Heights. Community and stakeholder consultation occurred between June and August 2015 to identify constraints and opportunities. The results of the consultation, combined with technical investigations, were used to generate a long list of options and these were brought to a multi-criteria analysis workshop to develop short-listed options. These short-listed options are currently being refined prior to consultation with stakeholders. Following stakeholder and community feedback on the short-listed options, it is anticipated that a preferred corridor will be identified early 2016 for presentation to the Department of Planning and Environment for inclusion in relevant planning instruments. It was advised to the Board that a public announcement on the short-listed options is expected in the next month for public comment. Transport for NSW have offered to provide a workshop after this announcement. They are also willing to present prior to the announcement, but will be limited to what information can be provided. Given there has been no further progress, a meeting in the region has been requested and advocacy was undertaken to the Board meeting in May. Minister Gay advised that the Corridor would be preserved by the end of the year. Further follow-up is being undertaken.

1. Advocacy b. for the Transport Infrastructure

identified in the Priority Infrastructure Multi Criteria Analysis Matrix developed in collaboration with Central West RDA

b. Project complete with review and progress on the freight overlay is well underway. Please find more detail below on a meeting of the Transport Engineers to progress this and other initiatives. A revised list of projects is in progress and will be finalised for adoption by the Board at their meeting in August 2016.

1. Advocacy c. to Federal and State representatives and other key stakeholders as appropriate in the areas of road deficiencies, rail infrastructure and intermodal facilities. This is to include the Blayney/Demondrille Line and road upgrades as identified in the Centroc Priority Infrastructure Plan. See attached Advocacy Plan.

c. See above advice on the Centroc Priority Infrastructure Plan.

1. Advocacy d. maintaining the Centroc Policy for

responding to issues relating to regional services remaining at Kingsford Smith Airport (KSA).

No submissions required in the last quarter.

1. Advocacy e. supporting the current services to

Parkes, Orange and Bathurst and encourage any future expansion of the service.

No submissions required in the last quarter.

2 Intergovernmental relations a) Central NSW Transport Working Party and Technical Group

Updates on the progress of both groups can be found below.

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2. Intergovernmental relations a. Develop KPIs for collaboration with

key agencies

A MoU is under development with DPC which may include streamlining intergovernmental relations in the transport sector.

2. Intergovernmental relations b. Engage with a view to collaborating

where possible with Transport for NSW on supporting the securing of the Corridor for a future upgrade to the Bells Line of Road

TfNSW provide advice that as there was no interest from other ROCs in collaboration, as it would be inequitable.

3. Regional Strategic Planning a. Support planning in the region with

advice from the Centroc Priority Infrastructure Plan for Transport

Approved by the Board in May 2015 with freight overlay underway and a revised list of priorities to be finalised and approved by the Board at their August 2106 meeting. See more advice below.

3. Regional Strategic Planning b. Advocate for iterative improvement

to the Transport Plans for the region

Ms Alison Morgan of DPC provides the following advice in January 2016: There are 2 pieces of work underway internally within Government that relate to this.

1. As part of considering the final Joint Organisation model there is work underway, which Regional Coordination has been a part of, to identify an appropriate regional strategic planning model. This will need to be informed by the Government’s approach to implementing NSW Making it Happen (the 30 State priorities), the review of the State Infrastructure Strategy (due in 2017) and the implementation of the State Plans (formerly the Regional Growth Plans). The preliminary work we did in the Central West/Orana around what sort of planning was being done regionally has been fed into this – although we only did a very preliminary scan of agencies operating in the region. Local Government has been involved in this work through the 5 pilot Joint Organisations.

2. There is a second piece of work underway internally within DPC to review the State Government’s Regional Governance Framework to ensure that it is robust and can support the implementation of NSW Making it Happen (the 30 State priorities), the review of the State Infrastructure Strategy (due in 2017) and the implementation of the State Plans (formerly the Regional Growth Plans), along with the other government reform activity and ongoing regional and local work supported by DPC Regional Coordination. As part of this review a range of local government stakeholders, from across all regions, were interviewed by the consultants. Kent Boyd from Parkes Shire Council was one of those interviewed.

Centroc Transport Group

Transport Technical Committee

The Centroc Transport Technical Committee, made up of Directors of Infrastructure/Engineering as well as Council Roads Engineers, met on 22 June where they heard presentations from RMS and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) on the new Performance Based System (PBS) and how the

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new model of trucks improves freight movement with having little to no more impact on the regions roads.

Within days of the meeting, Councils who had previously not replied to the NHVR or had denied access to preliminarily allow new PBS trucks on their roads, had provided advice to the NHVR that the new vehicles would be allowed through their LGA with little to no conditions. This made Centroc the first region in Australia to have 100% positive response! A joint media release was put up which gained good coverage across local and national media, particularly in the trucking media. The media release is attached.

Regional Freight Movement Map

Forbes Shire Council staff worked with NHVR to secure a web map that identifies all Heavy Vehicle Routes as well as freight generators will be produced to assist in the identification of freight corridors and highlight areas of most need in relation to infrastructure improvements or Heavy Vehicle categorisation. This map can be viewed at http://arcg.is/28TQrhj All transport matrix projects will be uploaded to the map as well to assist in identifying where work is planned for, what work has been completed and to best identify where the next round of projects should come from.

It is noteworthy that the work is a collaboration between the NHVR and the region, an idea of Mr J Zannes of Forbes.

An example of the map is shown below:

The Technical Committee will meet on 1 August to discuss Road Rail Interface Agreements and to

finalise the list of transport infrastructure priorities to be sent to the Board for adoption at their

meeting in August.

http://arcg.is/28TQrhj

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Transport Working Party

The Transport Working Party held their second meeting in Orange on Friday 15 July. 15 people were

in attendance from 10 organisations. Items discussed at this meeting included:

Terms of Reference of this group

Election of Cr Keith as the Chair with Secretariat support to be provided by Centroc

Stakeholder Update

Technical Committee Update

Transport Infrastructure Prioritisation Matrix

The Terms of Reference will be provided to the Board.

Infrastructure Prioritisation Matrix – Transport Tranche

The Technical Committee will meet on 1 August finalise the list of transport infrastructure priorities

to be sent to the Board for adoption at their meeting in August.

Advocacy Support

Of the original 75 projects in the transport tranche of the Matrix, 13 projects have been completed

with most having received funding from programs such as Fixing Country Roads. Four of the 14 short

listed projects for Resources for the Regions are in Central NSW. Three of those projects are road

projects which benefitted from support documentation provided by Centroc in the form of the

‘Mining Affected Communities in Central NSW’ document. A letter of support and an updated

‘Mining Affected Communities in Central NSW’ document will be provided to each of the projects

shortlisted for Resources for Regions funding.

State Budget Announcements

The NSW Budget was handed down on 21 June 2016 and included the following highlights for

transport infrastructure in Central NSW:

$20 million to continue the upgrade of the Great Western Highway at Kelso.

Continuing the Trewilga Realignment on the Newell Highway, with $14 million allocated in 2016-17.

$46 million for upgrades on the Newell Highway, including realignment works at Grong Grong and Trewilga, planning and building overtaking lanes, heavy duty pavement upgrades, planning for a bypass of Parkes and improvements at Coonabarabran and Dubbo

$8.4 million to support both stages of the Bells Line of Road Corridor Improvement Program, including enhanced overtaking opportunities, safety works and road realignments

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Update from Transport for NSW on Securing the Corridor and Road Works between the

M7 and Kurrajong

With the budget announcement of $8.4m to support both stages of the Bells Line of Road Corridor

Improvement Program, Transport for NSW intends to proceed with the next stage of community

engagement. Tim Raimont, Executive Director, Transport Networks at Transport for NSW has

advised he will be able to come meet with Centroc once community engagement begins with a view

to more detail on the proposed alignment.

Windsor Bridge Replacement

The Minister for Planning granted approval for Roads and Maritime to proceed with the project in

December 2013.

From April 2016 RMS will carry out work to inform the detailed design for the project and meet their

conditions of approval. This will include archaeological investigations, archival recording of historic

sites and environmental monitoring activities.

Construction work to replace Windsor Bridge is expected to start in mid-2017 and will take about

two years to complete, weather permitting.

Centroc is making enquiries about the location given it is material to the alignment of the Bells Line

Corridor.

Table of Recent incidents east of Lithgow

Advice has been provided by Lithgow regarding traffic incidents east of Lithgow on both the Great

Western Highway and the Bells Line of Road.

Location Date Time Conditions Injuries Vehicles Description

Riverlett Hill 11/7/14 11.45am dry nil double Travelling east, vehicle braked and another vehicle collided with rear of first vehicle. Failed to negotiate a right hand bend, lost control and left roadway. Riverlett Hill 21/8/14 6.35pm snow/ice nil single Travelling west, lost control whilst negotiating a left hand bend and rolled onto its roof.

Riverlett Hill 10/9/14 9.45am raining nil single Lost control, driven off road into a ditch.

Riverlett Hill 13/12/14 6.22am overcast minor single Failed to negotiate a left hand bend and lost control.

GWH Mount Victoria Pass

16/12/14 12.57pm daylight Leg, conveyed to Nepean Hospital for surgery

single Failed to negotiate a steep right hand bend, lost control and collided with cliff face.

Riverlett Hill 25/12/14 5.00pm wet nil single Lost concentration and veered to gravel, overcorrected and veered incorrect side of roadway before vehicle rolled.

Riverlett Hill 23/1/15 3.45pm raining nil single Travelling west on GWH, failed to negotiate a left hand bend and collided with gutter.

Riverlett Hill 16/6/15 3.50pm raining minor single Failed to negotiate a left hand bend, collided with an embankment.

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Note: Whilst there were several reported motor vehicle accidents in the Local Area Command during the month

this report only includes MVA’s where serious injury or fatals occurred as a result of the accident. Scenic Hill

and Riverlett Hill, information only contained where incident has been specifically reported at these locations

by investigating officers.

Recommendation/s to the Transport Infrastructure Report

That GMAC note the Transport Infrastructure report and commend to the Board that the Chair send a letter of thanks to Mr J Zannes and Forbes Shire Council for advice and effort on the freight driver web based mapping tool.

Attachment/s:

1. 6 May 2016 Transport NSW EOI for fixing Country Rail - Network Upgrade for freight

2. 6 May 2016 Transport NSW EOI for fixing Country Rail – Cowra Rail

3. 6 May 2016 Correspondence to Minister for Maritime, Roads and Freight re A copy of EOI’s

4. 13 May 2016 Correspondence from BLEG Future of the Bells Line Expressway Group

5. 18 May 2016 Correspondence from Minister for Roads Maritime and Freight the Hon. Duncan Gay Freight

Terminal at Lithgow

6. Media Release with NHVR

GWH Hartley east of Old Bathurst Road

29/8/15 2.50pm daylight Passenger vehicle airlifted to Nepean with suspected spinal injuries.

double Vehicle 1 collided with concrete barrier, careered to incorrect side of roadway and collided with vehicle 2.

Riverlett Hill 31/12/15 6.10pm dry Nil serious injury, cuts and abrasions only.

single Travelling east, tyre collided with object on roadway, bike slid from under rider.

Riverlett Hill 12/2/16 1.30am night

Minor. Single Lost control on bend, down embankment.

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7b Water Infrastructure

Report by Meredith Macpherson dated 19/07/16


Objective 1B Upgrade and ensure sustainability of water infrastructure

Subject Update on Water Infrastructure

Sponsoring General Manager Mr Kent Boyd

Précis

In the context of the Management Plan priorities for water infrastructure, this report includes advice

on:

The status of advocacy on regional priority water security infrastructure including the

potential dam on the Belubula;

Correspondence to Minister Niall Blair regarding review of the Centroc Water Security

Study;

The Central Tablelands Regional Water Security Advisory Committee meeting and

associated drought study;

The Motion by Cowra Shire Council to the Australian Local Government Association National

General Assembly confirming opposition to the Infrastructure Australia recommendations

regarding LG LWUs;

Request from Griffith City Council’s Build More Dams Action Group for support for a

feasibility study to re-visit a scheme to divert the Tributaries of the Clarence River to the

Murray Darling Basin;

Updates to Water Sharing Plans including the Lachlan Regulated River Water Source; and

The IPART review of Water NSW operating licenses.

Advice is also provided on progress by the CWUA on workforce mapping for Water Treatment

Operators with support sought from GMs to enable the process.

The report recommends that GMAC commend to the Board that:

A meeting be convened between Centroc representatives, the Belubula Landholders Association and

Lachlan Valley Water to re-affirm the joint communique issued in November 2014 and develop an

updated communique that can be used to support advocacy;

A letter of support is provided to Central Tablelands Water for their application to Infrastructure

NSW for the unfunded section of the Central Tablelands Regional Water Security project being the

pipeline connection from Blayney to Carcoar.

A letter is sent to DPI Water seeking a targeted stakeholder session with Centroc representatives on

the review of the Lachlan Water Sharing Plan.

A submission be made through the Executive to the Review of Water NSW operating licences.

The remainder of the report is for noting.

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Actions Comments 1. Advocacy a. Lobby for funding for water

supply security.

a. Refer to Advocacy Plan for Water endorsed at the February Board meeting. Centroc continues to lobby for alignment of the region’s water security infrastructure priorities with State and Federal Government priorities including the potential dam on the Belubula and various pipeline projects. Progress is slow.

Advocacy to ensure that Centroc is consulted on feasibility studies and decisions regarding a new storage for the region is on-going.

Progress on the Phase 2 investigation for a potential new dam at Cranky Rock has stalled. Verbal feedback from Water NSW is that delays are due to on-going structural changes at DPI Water.

On advice from Minister Niall Blair, 10 May updates have been sought from his Policy Advisor with no response to date.

Inquiries to Water NSW have confirmed that Expressions of Interest for a company to assist with the second stage of investigations were called in early 2016.

Successful respondents have now been shortlisted and tender documents will need to be prepared once consultants have been contracted. Advice from Mr Andrew Fraser, Water NSW is that water security modeling is currently being developed to be run in the Lachlan valley taking into account urban water requirements. It is recommended that GMAC commend to the Board that a meeting be convened between Centroc representatives, the Belubula Landholders Association and Lachlan Valley Water to re-affirm the joint communique issued in November 2014 and develop an updated communique to support further advocacy. The issue of improved alignment of regional water planning with Local Government in this region consulted and actively engaged at decision making level was raised at meetings with the Minister and senior DPI Water staff. A Memo was sent to the Department of Premier and Cabinet on this issue in December 2015. Ms Alison Morgan, DPC advised on 14 July that further follow up will be undertaken with Mr Gavin Hanlon, DPI Water and Mr David Harris, Water NSW when they meet in the next fortnight. See Matters in Progress where a submission to the Legislative Council’s Inquiry into the augmentation of water supply for rural and regional NSW is underway. Refer to outgoing correspondence to the Hon. Robert Brown, MLC, Chair, Legislative Council General Purpose Standing Committee no. 5 Inviting him to visit the Central NSW region to hear about the work this region is doing in strategic regional water planning.

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Actions Comments 1 Advocacy b. Seek funding and develop programming for the outcomes of the Centroc Water Security Study.

Refer to 1a and 1c. At the meeting with Minister Blair 10 May, the Minister requested that correspondence be sent from Centroc seeking funding for a review of the Centroc Water Security Study. See Outgoing Correspondence where Centroc has offered to work with the State Government jointly to deliver an updated water security study gifted to the State as a pilot for other regions. At the time of writing there has been no response with follow-up underway. Central Tablelands Regional Water Security Advisory Committee At the November meeting the Board endorsed the Chair to represent Centroc on the Central Tablelands Regional Water Security Advisory Committee, a consultative and advisory forum for the delivery of water security projects by Orange City Council, Central Tablelands Water and Cabonne Council with funding from Restart NSW. Meeting no. 5 of this committee was held on 1 July. A copy of minutes from this meeting is provided as an attachment. Of note is acknowledgment by this committee that the Lachlan-Macquarie Drought Study required by the funding entity to ensure that the pipe sizes and system is optimised is for the footprint of the three demand centres of Central Tablelands Water, Orange City Council and Cabonne Council only. Studies of other pipelines located outside the servicing footprint of the Orange, Blayney to Carcoar pipeline and the Orange to Molong pipeline are not included. Pipelines identified across the broader catchments as a result of investigations undertaken by DPI Water and others have been mapped and shown on the system map sheets included as an appendix to this study. A copy is available on request. At this meeting it was resolved to request that GMAC commend to the Board that it provide a letter of support to Central Tablelands Water for their application to Infrastructure NSW for the unfunded section of this project being the pipeline connection from Blayney to Carcoar. This represents $8.22M (25%) of the total project funding of $35.8M needed to realise the full benefit of the pipeline. This project is identified as a Priority Regional Water Infrastructure project in the Water Infrastructure Matrix.

1. Advocacy c. Proffer the Water Infrastructure identified in the Priority Infrastructure Multi Criteria Analysis matrix developed in collaboration with Central West RDA.

Refer to 1a. and 1b. Opportunities to promote water security Infrastructure priorities as identified in the infrastructure matrix are sought on an on-going basis. The CWUA is looking at opportunities to optimise work being

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Actions Comments done on Drinking Water Management Systems across the region

to identify regional priorities for the upgrade of Water Treatment Plants. Further advice will be provided as this work evolves. See 1d. for advice on promotion of the Infrastructure Prioritisation matrix.

1. Advocacy d. Promote Local Government as the agency of choice delivering water utilities management in regional NSW and further afield.

1d. On an as needed basis. LGNSW has accepted an abstract by the CWUA to present a paper to the LGNSW Water Management Conference in Broken Hill 28-30 August on Innovations in the context of Local Government Reform. The paper will focus on the strategic approach being taken to infrastructure funding by Centroc using the Infrastructure Prioritisation Matrix and skills development of LWU employees by the CWUA. An abstract on water planning and management prepared for the Australian Regional Development Conference to be held in Canberra in September was unsuccessful.

1. Advocacy e. Advocate to ensure water and sewer infrastructure management and ownership is retained by Local Government.

1e. On an as needed basis. ALGA Motion Cowra Shire Council raised a motion at the 2016 National General Assembly that the NGA: 1. Confirm its opposition to recommendation 4.7 in the Infrastructure Australia Plan- Priorities and reforms for our nation’s future released in February 2016 that recommends the transfer of council provided water and sewerage services to regional water corporation and their privatisation where commercially viable; and 2. Recognises international research on the municipalisation of water and sanitation services over the past 15 years in advocacy in this regard. The meeting resolved to support and a copy of the Motion is provided as an attachment.

1. Advocacy f. Promote Local Government as the agency of choice delivering quality water.

1f. On an as needed basis. See Advocacy Plan for Water. Refer 1d and 1e.

1. Advocacy g. Respond to Murray Darling Basin Authority Plan impacts and programs.

1g. On-going as needed. See report below on incoming correspondence from Councillor Dino Zappacosta, Chair, Build More Dams Action Group, Griffith City Council. The report seeks advice from General Managers on a request for support of the Centroc Board for Government funding for a feasibility Study to re-visit a scheme to divert the Tributaries of the Clarence River to the Murray Darling Basin. See also report below on updates to Water Sharing Plans where it is recommended that GMAC commend to the Board that it write to DPI Water seeking a targeted stakeholder session with Centroc on review of the Lachlan Water Sharing Plan.

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Actions Comments 1. Advocacy h. Provide advice on the options for the delivery of water utility services on a co-operative regional basis through a “Regional Water Alliance”.

1h. On-going.

2. Inter-governmental relations a.Develop a MoU with the NSW Office of Water to enable collaboration on agreed priorities including: I. Compliance with Best Practice framework and regulatory requirements; II. Reducing cost and compliance burden; III. Alignment with Council’s IP and R processes.

2a. Given the extensive change to the role of DPI Water subject to a functional review currently underway, at the February Board meeting it was resolved that the Management Plan be amended to remove item 1B 2a. and that a watching brief be maintained on the reform of DPI Water to determine an appropriate strategic approach. Advice from meetings with DPI Water Executive Team, 10 May

and Minister Blair, 11 May is that an issues paper on the DPI

Functional Review will be released shortly for stakeholder

consultation.

In the interim, advice from Mr Frank Garofalow Director Water

regulation is that the current framework needs to be “optimised”

Centroc’s two submissions to the IPART review clearly articulated its key messages regarding the compliance framework.

2 Inter-governmental relations b.Develop a MoU with the Department of Health to enable collaboration on agreed priorities including: I. Drinking water management systems;

2a. See update at Matters in Progress. Verbal update from meeting with Dr Therese Jones 26 July can be provided.

3.Regional Strategic Planning Engage with key agencies on the fit with Central NSW Council programming and priorities and varying agency plans. I. Are there plans for this region? II. The fit with Council programming III. Opportunities for the JO in this space IV. Scope programming in water management practices – long term – including irrigation. Environmental issues and government service provision issues to be assessed.

3a. Opportunities to collaborate on alignment of programming, priorities and plans with various state agencies is on-going and continues to be challenging.

4. Operational Support Deliver the CWUA Plan for 2014/2016 where its objectives are:

In line with the CWUA Business Plan 2014-2016 work is progressing on actions against each of the objectives listed. Highlights are as follows:

4. Operational Support 1. Deliver cost savings and other

efficiencies;

Cost savings and efficiencies achieved through regional procurement of the following contracts:

Asset Management

- Dam surveillance

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Actions Comments - Pipe relining

- CCTV Condition Assessment of Gravity Sewer Mains - Smoke Testing - Asset Valuation Services (currently being procured) Best Practice Compliance - Developer Servicing Plans - Auditing of Performance Reporting for Water Supply & Sewerage (currently being procured) See Agenda item- Procurement and Contract Report for analysis of cost savings from regional procurement by the CWUA.

4. Operational Support 2. Grow staff skills and ensure

workforce are adequately trained for compliance based service delivery;

With a strategic focus on ensuring Water Treatment Operators are trained in compliance based service delivery, the Centroc training team continues to deliver training at the request of members in an extremely challenging environment. See Agenda item- Training and HR Managers Group Report for a full report on training coordinated for the CWUA including for the Australian Water Association Pilot of the National Certification Framework for Water Treatment Plant Operators.

4. Operational Support a. Support members in assuring sustainable workforce;

As reported to GMAC in February and April, the Centroc training team is offering to assist Councils not involved in the initial pilot Workforce Development project to complete in-house mapping of Water Operators to understand the extent of training needed for them to be certified under the National Framework. Demonstrating a workforce trained in compliance based service delivery, particularly where the supply of quality drinking water is involved, is a key to any advocacy promoting Local Government as the agency of choice delivering water and sewer. To date this work is being hampered by what appears to be a lack of ownership for the process by either Human Resources or Water and Sewer Management in the majority of Councils. The opportunity exists for these two areas of Council to work together, facilitated by Centroc staff, in a mapping exercise that will be of benefit to Council in determining training needs and ensuring employee records are up-to-date with evidence of training attained. Additional units required by Operators under the National Water Package can be completed utilising an excellent trainer, Mr Murray Thompson, under the existing agreement between Centroc and North Coast TAFE. Assistance from GMs is sought to complete this important workforce mapping exercise. See Agenda item- Training and HR Managers Group Report for a full report.

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Actions Comments 4. Operational Support b. Promote Local Government as the agency of choice delivering water utilities management in regional NSW and further afield;

Currently being undertaken on an ad hoc basis. Refer to 1d. The CWUA’s Water Loss Management Toolkit was distributed to over 90 Councils across NSW by the NSW Water Directorate in June. A launch for the Toolkit is in planning.

4. Operational Support c. Advise the Centroc Board regarding Water Utilities Management;

Advice provided on an ad hoc basis.

4. Operational Support d. Achieve full compliance with Best Practice requirements;

All CWUA Member councils have completed Demand, Drought, IWCM Evaluation Studies (and in some cases full plans) and Strategic Business Plans with work currently underway on Developer Servicing Plans. Some members are now working on new and revised IWCMs in line with the revised DPI Water Guidelines to meet funding requirements. Refer to 2a. for advice regarding advocacy on streamlining the compliance burden. Developer Servicing Plans Hydroscience (Australia) have gone into administration and are in the process of terminating existing contracts. The opportunity to finalise work on the Centroc DSP contract under the same terms and conditions through a contract novated to Mr Gidi Azar as a sole contractor are in negotiation. Further advice is awaited from the administrators to determine options. See incoming correspondence from Mr Justin Holzman & Associates. Advice via the Water Directorate is that the Minister has approved the Draft Developer Servicing Guidelines, October 2012 for gazettal with an expected gazettal date of the end of June. Current status is as follows:

Council Status

Parkes exhibition draft issued

Boorowa exhibition draft issued

Cowra Exhibition draft issued

Lachlan awaiting finalisation of data by Council

Oberon exhibition draft issued.

Lithgow Subject to completion of a separate contract with Hydroscience and advice from DPI Water that Council not proceed until IWCM is finalised.

Forbes Subject to contract re-mobilisation at a later date.

Regional Response to Drinking Water Management Systems In line with the resolution from the January 2015 CWUA meeting, a Drinking Water Management System Status/Gap Analysis table is used as a communication tool for GMAC, the Board, regulators and stakeholders and is part of the CWUAs commitment to Drinking Water Quality Management. A copy is provided as an attachment.

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Actions Comments 4. Operational Support e. Implement Regional Best Practice strategies;

Regional Best Practice strategies are implemented as per direction from regional plans. Regional Plans were reviewed as part of the two yearly review of the CWUA Business Plan in October 2013 and priorities from these incorporated in the Business Plan. In consideration of the reform of LG, regional operational priorities together with the 5 Year Procurement Plan were reviewed at the November CWUA meeting and will guide strategies in 2016 pending review of the CWUA Business Plan in 2016.

4. Operational Support f. Support Councils as they manage their water utilities’ assets; and

Progress is underway on the following actions to meet this objective as identified in the CWUA Business Plan: Asset Valuation A meeting of the CWUA’s Asset Valuation Working Group comprising Engineers and Finance staff from 5 councils was held on 30 March. While the original aim was to develop a regional methodology and guidance for in-house asset valuation for water and sewer assets, at the April CWUA Meeting it was resolved that: 1. The CWUA undertake a regional procure of asset valuation services for water and sewer, specifically Sewerage Treatment Plants, Water Filtration Plants and Dams, and that this be undertaken in two stages as follows: a. Phase 1 Methodology to undertake Asset Valuation to include a milestone for the methodology to approved by the CWUA in consultation with the auditor; and b. Phase 2 Asset Valuation to include Site Inspections. 2. That a tender evaluation panel be formed consisting of: - Ben O’Regan – Bathurst Regional Council - Tim Long – Cowra Council - Wayne Beatty – Orange City Council - Andrew Francis – Parkes Shire Council Tenders were assessed on 13 July with clarifications currently being sought from shortlisted contractors. Working closely with Auditor Mr John O’Malley (Intentus), the Working Group will monitor the progress of members in meeting audit requirements providing mentoring and support where needed. The CWUA reviewed its Five Year Procurement Plan at its November meeting and agreed the following priorities for Asset Management for 2016-2017: 1. Asset valuation (underway) 2. Water main condition assessment

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Actions Comments 3. Trade Waste 4. Mains cleaning 5. Manhole rehabilitation Centroc Operators Group A meeting of the COG in Forbes on 19 July heard a presentation by Mr Mark Nave, NSW Western Area Local Health on Drinking Water Management on what to do when Critical Control Points are breached. A WIOA Interest Day is planned for November.

4. Operational Support g. Promote the CWUA as an example of Councils working collaboratively.

Currently being undertaken on an ad hoc basis. Refer to 1d.

Murray Darling Basin Plan Impacts

Griffith City Council Request

Correspondence has been received from Councillor Dino Zappacosta, Chair, Build More Dams Action Group, Griffith City Council seeking Centroc support for Government funding for a feasibility study to re-visit a scheme originally created by Engineer Mr David Coffey in 1984 to divert water from the Clarence River region to the west of the Divide. See incoming correspondence.

The scheme involves capturing one quarter of the water that currently flows into the Eastern Seaboard via the Clarence River and tunnelling it back through the Great Dividing Range and ultimately into the Darling River.

The ultimate aim is have more water made available to farmers and communities along the Murray/Darling Basin where currently Griffith and all surrounding areas in the Murrumbidgee Valley rely solely on the Murrumbidgee River water supply.

The East West Diversion would amount to an equivalent Burrinjuck Dam full of water per annum.

A copy of the Engineers original study Clarence River Regulation – A Scheme for Diversion of Clarence River Tributaries West to Dumaresq River has been provided and is available on request.

As far as can be determined there would be no impact on the Lachlan or Macquarie catchments. While there may be benefits to communities along the Darling and Murray River systems it is unclear how this would benefit the Central NSW region specifically.

Current Status of the Murray Darling Basin System & Basin Review

Latest advice from the MDBA provided on 13 July is that repeated rainfall events across south-east Australia throughout May and June have saturated soils and led to increasing volumes of runoff into the creeks and rivers of the River Murray system. As at 13 July the total MDBA storage had increased by 269 GL, with the active storage now 3,605 GL or 43% capacity.

http://www.mdba.gov.au/news/river-murray-operations-6-13-july

The Northern Basin Review is currently underway with the Authority visiting communities in

Queensland and North Western NSW.

http://www.mdba.gov.au/news/river-murray-operations-6-13-july

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Water Sharing Plans – Updates

On 1 Jul 2016, DPI Water announced the commencement of 28 new, replacement and amalgamated water sharing plans across NSW. Refer to the Media Release at the link below.

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/media-centre/releases/2016/water-sharing-plans-commence

NSW water sharing plans are valid for 10 years from their commencement date. At the end of the ten year term the plans must be extended or replaced. The first 31 plans developed for NSW commenced in 2004 and therefore were due to be replaced. A temporary extension of these plans was approved until July 2016.

The seven major regulated rivers system plans have been revised and replaced. However, as some of the initial 2014 plans only covered small catchments or groundwater systems, in replacing these plans the opportunity was taken to merge those smaller plans into larger regional plans, either into existing plans, or new plans that also commenced on 1 July 2016. This allows a single plan for a region covering common water sources.

Lachlan Regulated River Water Source

The following advice is informed from the DPI website:

The Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Regulated River Water Source commenced in 2004 and was replaced on 1 July 2016. It includes rules for protecting the environment, water extractions, managing licence holders' water accounts and water trading in the plan area. The plan was extended until the commencement of the respective replacement plan, or until 1 July 2016, whichever occurs first.

Implementation of the Basin Plan will occur during the life of this plan. It is anticipated that this will require some changes to the Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Regulated River Water Source.

Due to the minor changes proposed to the replacement plan and the expected associated minimal impact, there has been no formal public consultation process undertaken.

All affected water users received a letter and were given the opportunity to prepare a submission regarding replacement of the plan. DPI Water has also consulted with key stakeholder groups to seek feedback on changes required in the plan, and to provide updates on progress as the preparation of the replacement plan proceeded.

With Water Resource Plans proposed for completion in 2019 DPI water aims to provide continuity and certainty for water users through minimal changes in the replacement plan. Major changes requiring considerable resources (such as interstate negotiations or modelling) have been deferred until Water Resource Plans are prepared to allow time to consider those issues fully. Smaller changes have been incorporated into the replacement plans where appropriate.

The changes that have been adopted in the Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Regulated River Water Source 2016 are generally limited to:

ensuring consistency with the current legislative framework updating share components and Basic Landholder Rights estimates

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/media-centre/releases/2016/water-sharing-plans-commence

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correcting errors or omissions in the original plan improved alignment of vision, objectives and strategies refinement of environmental water advisory group references removing redundant amendment provisions and simplifying others minor amendments to reflect current legislative plan template provisions

For summary of key issues addressed in inland water sharing plans go to:

http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/660537/Summary-of-changes-to-inland-plans.pdf

Macquarie and Cudgegong Regulated Rivers Source

A similar process has been undertaken in relation to the Water Sharing Plan for the Macquarie and Cudgegong Regulated Rivers Water Source where changes required were limited to administrative changes only, allowing for the issue of a replacement of plan.

Any issues raised by stakeholders as part of the replacement process have been deferred until Water Resource Plans are prepared to allow time to consider those issues fully. Water Resource Plans are due for completion in 2019.

For more information about replacement, merged and new water sharing plans that commenced 1 July 2016, and details of the consultation undertaken for this plan, visit Replacement, merged and new water sharing plans.

Consultation for the Water Resource Plans The Commonwealth’s Water Act 2007 requires that all Basin water resources to be covered by water resource plans by July 2019. The water resource plans will ensure that the sustainable diversion limits are implemented. In the interim, any State plans (existing or replaced) must not reduce the existing volume of water made available for the environment. Water resource plans will comprise a number of elements, including the water sharing plans covering the area of the water resource plan. DPI Water will be undertaking extensive consultation with industry and key stakeholders in the development of water resource plans DPI Water is aware that there are a number of rule changes and issues that stakeholder groups are still wanting to be resolved for the inland water sharing plans, and they will be assessed as part of the development of the water resource plan. Stakeholder Advisory Panels have been already been established in the Lachlan, Gwydir and Macquarie surface water areas for water resource planning. Further panels are to follow. To date there has been no contact with Centroc on this matter. It is recommended that GMAC commend to the Board that it write to DPI Water seeking a targeted stakeholder session with Centroc on review of the Lachlan Water Sharing Plan.

The aim is to have the first of the water resource plans completed in 2017. Water resource plans will require accreditation by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment.



http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/water-management/water-sharing/replacement-merged-new

http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/water-management/water-sharing/replacement-merged-new

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For more details on the review of water sharing plans go to: http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/water-management/water-sharing/plans-review#meet

Water NSW Water NSW Amendment (Staff Transfers Bill) Following the passage of the Water NSW Amendment (Staff Transfers Bill), Stage 2 of the NSW

Government’s Bulk Water Review is near to completion.

Operational and customer facing functions currently undertaken by DPI Water will be transferred to

WaterNSW, along with the DPI Water staff that performs those functions from 1 July 2016.

Specific functions transferring are:

Customer Transactions (excluding corporate customers)

Compliance investigations for customers (excluding compliance activities such as compliance relating to: local water utilities, water corporations, major utilities, mining companies and state significant developments)

Licensing administration and billing (excluding licencing activities such as licensing of major utilities and mining projects)

Water Quality Monitoring

Hydrometric Assessment

Metering Operations Follow-up advice on the implications of the changes will be provided to the Board where General Managers may like to provide input. IPART Review of Water NSW On 23 June IPART released an Issues Paper relating to a review of Water NSW’s operating licences. This review aims to assist IPART to inform its recommendations to Government about the design of a new operating licence (or licences) for Water NSW. The review involves reviewing each of the listed functions and requirements of the Water NSW Act 2014. Issues identified for stakeholder consideration include those relating to:

configuration of the licence(s)

capture, store, release and supply of water

construction, operation and maintenance of water management works

catchment management

flood mitigation and management

education of the community

performance standards

conferral of functions from DPI Water

the area of operations

memoranda of understanding with other entities, and

ancillary functions.

http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/water-management/water-sharing/plans-review#meet

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Submissions are due on 16 August. Following the review process a report will be provided to the Minister for Lands and Water on the review, including a cost-benefit analysis, and IPARTs recommended operating licence(s). It is recommended that GMAC commend to the Board that a submission be made through the Executive to the Review of Water NSW operating licences.

Drinking Water Management

Analysis and Benchmarking of Regional Drinking Water Quality Data

On request from the sponsoring General Manager, Centroc has procured City Water Technology (Mr

Bruce Murray) to analyse and benchmark regional drinking water quality data.

City Water Technology will undertake the following:

i) Identification of appropriate and meaningful performance monitoring benchmarks at the regional, state and national level;

ii) Access the NSW Health Drinking Water Quality Database on behalf of member Councils of the Centroc Water Utilities Alliance to extract data for a five year period where permission has been granted by members of Centroc for access to the database;

iii) Consult with relevant state and national agencies to obtain relevant benchmarking data;

iv) Present data in both a written and graphed format providing analysis that can be used for advocacy by the Centroc Executive and to inform future regional programming in working towards best practice in the delivery of quality drinking water.

Findings will be presented in graphical and written format with commentary on results. The data will be presented to maintain confidentiality of the councils without detracting from the integrity of results.

This one-off project is scheduled for completion by the end of August.

Western NSW Local Health District Workshop

Western NSW Local Health District along with the Water Unit has proposed a water workshop for

the Centroc Water Utilities Alliance. Both management as well as operators are encouraged to

attend. The tentative date for this is 19 August in Orange.

The program will include discussion of barriers to contamination, incident response, the Drinking Water Database and annual review of critical control points.

For Determination

General Managers are asked to provide direction on the request from Griffith City Council’s Build More Dams Action Group for support for Government funding of a feasibility study to revisit a scheme to divert Clarence River tributaries west to the Dumaresq River.

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Recommendation/s to the Water Infrastructure Report

That GMAC note the Water Infrastructure report and commend to the Board that: 1. A meeting be convened between Centroc representatives, the Belubula Landholders

Association and Lachlan Valley Water to re-affirm the joint communique issued in November 2014 and develop an updated communique that can be used to support advocacy;

2. A letter of support is provided to Central Tablelands Water for their application to Infrastructure NSW for the unfunded section of the Central Tablelands Regional Water Security project being the pipeline connection from Blayney to Carcoar.

3. A letter is sent to DPI Water seeking a targeted stakeholder session with Centroc representatives on the review of the Lachlan Water Sharing Plan; and

4. A submission is made through the Executive to the IPART Review of Water NSW operating licences.

Attachment/s:

7. 20 May 2016, Correspondence to Hon Robert Brown, Chair Legislative Council Standing Committee No. 5

8. 10 June 2016, Correspondence to Minister Niall Blair, Review of the Centroc Water Security Study

9. Central Tablelands Regional Water Security Advisory Committee- Minutes Meeting No 5

10. ALGA Motion- 2016 National General Assembly

11. 16 June 2016, Correspondence from Griffith City Council, Build More Dams Action Group

12. Drinking Water Management System Status/Gap Analysis table

13. 20 June 2016, Correspondence from Mr Justin Holzman, Holzman and Associates on administration of

Hydroscience

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Précis

This report has moved to traffic light reporting against the 2015/2016 Management Plan.

Recommendations from past meetings form part of Matters in Progress. The report also

includes advice on;

Progress on Beyond the Range;

Membership of local Health District Boards;

State Budget announcement; and

Rural Clinical Schools

The report is provided for noting.

7c Health

Report by Jennifer Bennett dated 17/07/16


Actions Comments

1. Advocacy a. Undertake advocacy for

members and the region on an ‘as needs’ basis in the context of the advocacy plan (see attached )

The Advocacy Plan is iterative and welcomes member feedback.

1. Advocacy b. Gain support and funding for Beyond

the Range

Beyond the Range received its final Cadia Valley Operations (CVO) Community Partnerships Program funding of $15,000 in April. A letter was received from Newcrest Cadia Valley Operations on 24 June advising that Centroc was not successful in its application for a further two years funding of Beyond the Range under its Community Partnerships Program. The 12 member Councils participating in Beyond the Range have paid their second instalment of $3,000. Promotion of the program is ongoing with a view to securing further financial support.

1. Advocacy c. Support for a regional medical school

to grow more generalist and post-graduate careers in regional areas

The region resolved to be a Friend of the Murray Darling Basin Medical School and continues to support all Medical School outreach currently being undertaken in the region. At the November 2015 meeting it was resolved to seek advice regarding


Objective 1C Support the retention and growth of health services across the region

Subject Activities in the Health Sector

Sponsoring

General Manager To be determined subsequent to the completion of the reform period

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Actions Comments

the efficacy of rural medical school outreach programs in this region and this advice is being sought.

1. Advocacy d. Advocate for support (grant eligibility)

from state and federal governments to enable Local Government to invest in health and training infrastructure

At Feb 2015 Meeting in Sydney, Minister Skinner indicated her interest in taking this issue up at Federal level. Follow up letter sent to Minister Skinner 24.2.15 – awaiting response. In Feb 2015 meeting Minister for Local Government Paul Toole indicated support. Follow up letter requesting support sent 27.4.15 Continued advocacy with Federal Minister Nash’s advisors 11 Aug 2015 in Canberra. The community infrastructure prioritisation project has identified the need for medical infrastructure in Boorowa and Grenfell. Support is provided on an as needs basis.

1. Advocacy e. Support growth of cancer care

services in the region

New profiles on oncology nurses are being prepared for inclusion in Beyond the Range web content.

1. Advocacy f. Consideration of the Federal

Government Reform processes eg levels of service and community based health planning and how this will impact on Local Government, funding changes that may impact on funding levels in community services (eg HACC)

There have been a number of changes to health and ageing services provision over the past twelve months, these include:

Changes to Federal Government’s Rural and Regional Teaching Infrastructure Grants (see 1c above)

District of Workforce Shortage and the Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Area (ASGC-RA) systems changes

Prevocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPPs changes - Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) have expressed concerns that the changes will make it harder to attract doctors to rural areas. PGPPPs is regarded as a successful program in regional areas. Centroc is currently awaiting further advice from the Minister on the subject of PGPPPs.

1. Advocacy g. Develop policy and actions

responding to the emergent needs of members in health (see Centroc Health Workforce Group)

Ongoing as a primary role of the Centroc Health Workforce Group Terms of Reference and in line with the Health Advocacy Plan. Of note is the current support for health infrastructure for Boorowa and Weddin. Follow up is being undertaken with the State and other agencies on the potential to codevelop modelling on the effects to a community, including its economy, of doctors leaving town.

1. Advocacy h. In advice on strategic work, ensure

the smaller community needs for health servicing are assessed

This is included in the Centroc Health Workforce Group Terms of Reference . Please see also the advice below seeking an update on LGA health priorities which needs review as the Federal election approaches.

2. Intergovernmental relations a. Centroc Health Workforce Group

(CHWG) to provide advice on; I. Key health workforce issues

specific to individual Centroc LGAs

II. Development and

2a. The Centroc Health Workforce Group met 15 March 2016 at the ELF in Orange, please find the Minutes attached. Only four member Councils attended and it was agreed that the Health Workforce Group be followed by a workshop inviting key stakeholders to make presentations based around informing strategy going forward. This meeting will occur in the latter part of the calendar year.

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Actions Comments

implementation of CHWG initiatives such as Beyond the Range

III. Emerging educational and workforce uses and trends for health professionals in the region

In the interim, under the hand of the Chair, the Department of Premier and Cabinet is being asked to coordinate a meeting with key stakeholders including Primary Health Networks, Centroc and Western Area Health with a view to scoping the collaborative opportunity of alignment between health precincts and integrated health care. A presentation to the Board meeting in May is anticipated. Attendees resolved to request advice from Charles Sturt University on it Clinical Training Model including internship supervision. This is being progressed with advice anticipated for the Board.

2. Intergovernmental relations b. Encourage more collaboration with

Local Health Districts (in Central NSW) and Centroc to assist with Integrated Planning and reporting (IP&R)

2b. Ongoing. CHWG meeting advancing communications and collaboration with local Health Councils. Some ability is being progressed here through the Fee Jennings contract.

3. Regional Strategic Planning a. Encourage more collaboration with

Local Health Districts (in Central NSW) and Centroc to assist with Integrated Planning and reporting (IPR)

3a. See above

3. Regional Strategic Planning b. Ensure strategic fit with industry

groups and stakeholders with mutual health priorities and strategies

The current opportunity seems to be around health precincts and integrated service delivery, please see advice above requesting DPC co-ordination support.

4. Operational Support a. Implement Beyond the Range Year 3.

Beyond the Range revised marketing plan, Council toolkit, social media and web site was officially launched in Forbes by Minister for Rural Health Fiona Nash on Wed 4 Nov. Please see report below.

Beyond the Range Update

Feedback from Universities corresponded with on rural training of health workforce is that they are promoting the Beyond the Range Website.

Social Media Report June 2016 by Fee Jennings

Facebook Results – Beyond the Range

Month Number of Likes (at end of month)

Number of People Engaged

Number of People

Reached

Impressions

August 2015 107 137 3,551 4,759

September 2015 108 (+1) 46 391 1,233

October 2015 110 (+2) 54 535 1,277

November 2015 139 (+29) 185 2,814 6,089

December 2015 252 (+113) 583 18,406 27,506

January 2016 349 (+97) 1,232 28,228 38,983

February 2016 422 (+73) 498 12,334 16,434

March 2016 491 (+69) 953 28,011 38,208

April 2016 545 (+54) 626 14,096 20,067

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May 2016 628 (+83) 520 13,255 25,560

June 2016 651 (+23) 503 9,602 13,043

Our page continues to show growth.

As mentioned in previous reports, the success of our posts relies on the engagement – posts that are related to a specific destination or Council have been “tagged” with that Council’s Facebook page. This is a reminder for that Council to engage with the post (with at least a “like”, commenting and sharing would further increase the reach of that post promoting your destination. Pop in a comment such as “We look forward to seeing you in Bathurst” and add the website link.) Take advantage of the post and use it for content on your own page (if applicable), it is one less post that you need to source information for.

Your support is much appreciated – it helps our page to reach a wider audience and promote our beautiful region.

Don’t forget to support our interest list called BTR Stakeholder Pages: https://www.facebook.com/lists/10153828890029314

If you are not sure how the interest list works I have created a “cheat sheet”. It has been forwarded to the contacts with each participating Council – if you would like to receive this again please contact me [email protected]

Communication

The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association has contacted us regarding advertising in their publication and online. I have also approached them about the possibility of including editorial content. I am waiting to hear back from them as the person who organises the content is away until Monday 11 July. Once they have been in contact I will also discuss the opportunity with Brooke who schedules the content for Western NSW Health Jobs.

I have continued to follow the pages of key health related & Central NSW organisations (such as NSW Health, various NSW LHD’s, health professional unions & media outlets etc.) and actively engaged with their posts in order to create awareness of our own page and hopefully encourage some reciprocated engagement/support.

Posts to page/messages/comments have all been moderated and an increase in likes/comments/shares/engagement has been noted. Anyone that has been kind enough to share one of our posts has been thanked via the comment “Thanks for sharing! #BeyondTheRange”.

Post Content

Currently our posts are a mixture of destination marketing and health care related stories/links.

Paid Promotion/Advertising

The advertising has changed this month to trial boosting posts for bigger amounts instead of the $5/per day to promote the page. We have also changed some of the demographics in the targeted audience.

Conclusion

Please feel free to contact me if you require assistance, I’m happy to help where I can. Remember we are all in this together with a common goal – so support each other’s Facebook pages and posts! It’s a great way to boost each other’s engagement and audience reach at the cost of only a few minutes each day.

https://www.facebook.com/lists/10153828890029314


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Membership – Local Health District Boards

Advice was circulated to members who may wish to be part

of Local Area Health Boards. Where this region had

requested advice be provided on the potential for Local

Government representation on these Boards it appears this

was not provided.

No further action in this regard is anticipated.

State Budget Announcements $6.1 million for continued cyclical maintenance at Orange Base Hospital.

Rural Clinical Schools Four responses from Universities on Rural Clinical Schools have been received to date regarding . Follow-up is being undertaken with the balance. An emerging theme in the responses is the need for more clinical training places. There is also interest in meeting with representatives of the region in this regard.

Recommendation/s to the Health Report

That GMAC note the health report

Attachment/s:

14. 6 May 2016 Correspondence to Ms Alison Morgan Regional Coordinator DPC Request to coordinate meeting

with key stakeholders regarding alignment between health precincts and integrated health care.

15. 18 May 2016 Correspondence from Scott McLachlan Chief Executive WNSWLHD Establishment of a Murray

Darling Medical School

16. 31 May 2016 Correspondence from Sydney UNI VC, Rural health workforce development & service delivery

17. 16 June 2016 Correspondence from CSU, Rural Clinical Schools

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7d Regional Development



Objective 1D Regional Development

Subject Regional Development Australia

Sponsoring General Manager Mr Garry Styles

Management Plan actions 2016/2017

Actions Comments

1.Advocacy a. Develop a community infrastructure

priority list for use in regional advocacy

Please see advice below on current status.

Précis

The report provides advice on line items in the Management Plan with more detail on:

progression of support for the agricultural industry;

progressing community infrastructure prioritisation;

support for Councils making applications under Resources for the Regions;

work with RDA and DPC including the progression of the Regional Round Table being hosted

by the Hon Sarah Mitchell;

progression of a project working with ABS and other key stakeholders on “data needs to

make the case for investment in the region”;

Western NSW Mining and Resource Development Taskforce;

Changes to the Regional framework for Regional Tourism Organisations;

Changes to the TAFE framework and the MOU with TAFE Western NSW;

Making it Happen in the Regions;

advice on the current status of NBN in the region; and

an update from RDACW.

For advice on the previous resolve of the Board and GMAC, please see the action list under “Matters

in Progress.”

The report recommends GMAC

note the advocacy being undertaken regarding tourism and support data requests of

member Councils;

Commend to the Board that Cr G Rush represent Centroc on the Western NSW Mining

Taskforce; and

Commend to the Board it develop policy regarding infrastructure that has a direct link to

supporting business.

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Actions Comments

1.Advocacy b. Scope a project using the Centroc

Multi Criteria Analysis on non- infrastructure priorities

Initial discussions suggest that this would be worth pursuing. Scoping advice has been provided to DPC in January 2016. Please request.

1.Advocacy c. Support CNSWT through advocacy on

an as needs basis

The review of Regional Tourism Organisations was published 6 July. Announcing a $46m spend for the four year program the changes include skills based boards. There are four “regional” tourism organisations.

Destination Riverina Murray;

Destination Southern NSW (including the Snowy Mountains and Far South Coast);

Destination North Coast (from Mid-Coast to Tweed Heads including Lord Howe Island); and

Destination Country and Outback NSW.

Other new initiatives include a regional conferencing unit within Destination NSW and an increase over the next four years to both the Contestable Pool of the Regional Visitor Economy Fund ($3.5 million) and to the Regional Flagship Event Funding ($4 million). For more information please go to: http://www.destinationnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Regional-Destination-Networks.pdf What was Central NSW Tourism is now part of a region that stretches from Lithgow to Broken Hill, Grenfell to the Queensland border. At the time if writing the RTO is meeting to consider options for the future and will provide advice in due course. The Chair and Deputy Chair have expressed concern regarding the size of the new region and that the momentum of the RTO in the existing region will be lost. Advice from members is being sought from CNSWT on their spend to support advocacy.

1.Advocacy d. Progress support for the agricultural

industry.

See more detailed advice in the body of the report below.

1.Advocacy e. Develop an advocacy plan subsequent

to undertaking strategic work in the region

Given the change period on regional governance and strategy, an advocacy plan will be progressed in due course.

1. Advocacy f. Conduct delegations, submissions and letter writing in support of ensuring long term broad band accessibility for the region.

This is being progressed within existing policy where RDA have the lead in supporting telecommunications.

http://www.destinationnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Regional-Destination-Networks.pdf

http://www.destinationnsw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Regional-Destination-Networks.pdf

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Actions Comments

1. Advocacy g. Provide feedback and support to the Federal Mobile Blackspot Program

RDACW have provided advice they are taking the lead in providing this support. Please see advice from them below.

2.Intergovernmental Relations a. Collaborate with RDACW and other

key stakeholders in the development of an “umbrella” regional development plan noting the theme of agriculture

While key stakeholders such as Centroc, RDACW, State Agencies and DPC each have their own strategic approach, there is no overarching framework that allows for an umbrella regional plan, similar to that in Victoria. The Background Paper to JOs makes suggestions on pages 7 and 8 for structural arrangements for a ‘regional table’ where Local and State government meet and undertake collaborative activity. The Regional Plan is on exhibition and interestingly has a place based “umbrella” regional development message from the Hon Sarah Mitchell in its forward. For more advice on the Regional Plan please to the Planning Report.

2. Intergovernmental Relations b. Provide advice and support to the

Dept of Planning Central West and Orana Agricultural Industries Plan.

The Central West and Orana Agricultural Industries Plan is now available at:

http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-Your-Area/Regional-Plans/Central-West-and-Orana/~/media/29D63C6B92D0422986DD58531F383722.ashx

A meeting of Planners to give consideration to this report will 5 May and will scope advice to the Board on the need to progress and Agricultural and Industrial Lands Strategy. The current focus of the Planners is the completion of the Regional Plan, for more advice please see the Planning Report.

2. Intergovernmental Relations a. Scope activities building on the Dept

of Planning Agriculture Plan

Anticipated subsequent to the above.

2. Intergovernmental Relations b. Review the MoU with RDA Central

West

The MoU was signed at the May 2015 Board meeting. A review is currently underway of the annual program of support activities and the Chair and Executive Officer made representation to the RDA Board in June.

2.Intergovernmental Relations c. Collaborate with RDACW and other


A meeting was held with RDACW and DPC which included progression of this item. Please see advice about progression of the agriculture component. Regarding the “umbrella” approach, there has been substantive uncertainty and churn in regional strategy over the past 18 months, as part of its advocacy as a Pilot JO Centroc is making the case that there needs to be a more “place based” approach to planning from all stakeholders based on a regional footprint. The intention is that this collaboration will be progressed through the Executive.

2. Intergovernmental Relations d. Collaborate with RDACW to provide

feedback and support to the Federal Mobile Blackspot Program

RDA have the lead in supporting telecommunications. Please see advice from them below.

3 Strategic Planning a. In collaboration with RDA Central

West, develop advice to inform parties interested in telecommunications infrastructure priorities for Central NSW through use of the Priority Infrastructure Multi Criteria Analysis Matrix

RDA have the lead in supporting telecommunications. Please see advice from them below.




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Actions Comments

3 Strategic Planning b. Scope a project working with Telstra

on an incubator program in the new economy with a farming focus

The SEGRA challenge may have some potential here.

A workshop is scheduled to be held on 3 May under the auspices of the MoU with RDA Central West and will include participants from Local, State and Federal government as well as business chambers, TAFE, and CSU – all of whom may have an interest in assisting with the increase and success of Start-Ups in Central NSW.

4 Operational Support a. Develop Regional ICT advice

The final version of the Regional Report is near completion. For more advice see the IT report.

4 Operational Support b. Develop advice to a regional ICT Plan

As above.

4 Operational Support c. Position, market and promote Central

NSW as a destination for screen including film and TV.

Screen Central NSW Facebook page to date has 175 likes with weekly updates from Facebook on new screen views and new screen likes. This rise in “likes” reflects the increase in engagement on this social media platform. Centroc staff have been promoting this page with regular updates regarding filming & photographic opportunities within the region and sharing relevant industry links. Filming that did take place in the Lachlan Shire back in March is in the final stages of production and should be completed in September 2016. The production company will be holding a closed screening for the cast & crew in Condobolin and will advise when the filmette is released and available for public viewing. This is an educational filmette depicting WWII and will be showcased Australia-wide and internationally.

4 Operational Support d. Maintain regional screen website

Each Centroc member Council (excluding Central Tablelands Water and including Dubbo) has a presence on the website, showcasing the filming locations that each LGA has to offer. Centroc staff promote one LGA from the region on a weekly basis on Facebook using the images from the Screen Central website. Each weekly post includes a link to the Screen Central website and a phone number to contact the Screen Central officer.

4 Operational Support e. Maintain and grow photographic

database to standard in film and TV industry.

See above. All images in the photographic database can be found on the Screen Central website. All Screen Central contacts at member councils have been sent an updated Screen Central toolkit. This toolkit includes Screen Central policy documents and information package which is useful as a reference if councils are contacted directly regarding any filming opportunities in the region.

Progression of support for the Agricultural Industry

Subsequent to the February Board resolve, Centroc is progressing the advice from the workshop held in November 2015. Meetings have been held with representatives from both State and Federal agencies with a view to finding potential attendees to a Government Stakeholder Session.

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In the meantime please note the following initiatives:

Post Farm Gate Value Add project near completion by RDA Central West (please see advice below);

A number of actions to support agriculture from a land use perspective identified in the Regional Plan for the Central West and Orana currently on exhibition, please see more detail in the Planning report;

The planners of the region who have been working on the Regional Plan for the Central West and Orana have identified the need to develop and Agricultural and Industrial Lands Strategy – scoping advice to the Board is anticipated in due course;

The Right to Farm initiative being progressed by the DPI, a more fulsome report is anticipated for the Board;

Publication of The Central West and Orana Agricultural Industries Plan available at:


The Visit my Farm project – The Department of Primary Industries conducted a survey, Visit My Farm. 400 non farmers responded to the survey. 88% stated there is a disconnect between people living on farms and those living in towns or cities. The project is looking to technological solutions to link farming communities with metropolitan consumers. Please find attached the full survey. An update will be provided in due course.

From an advocacy perspective, meetings are being sought at both the State and Federal level to seek support for the agricultural sector in this region.

NSW – Making it Happen in the Regions

Background

Members may be aware of the NSW Government recent change in strategic approach where it set aside the State Plan 2021 and is now progressing better outcomes for the State under the banner of NSW Making it Happen. The website is very easy to navigate and provide succinct advice on measurable improvement sought. https://www.nsw.gov.au/making-it-happen The State Priorities are

Strong budget and economy

Building Infrastructure

Protecting the vulnerable

Better Services and

Safer Communities



https://www.nsw.gov.au/making-it-happen

https://www.nsw.gov.au/making-it-happen

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The Premier’s Priorities

The Premier has a subset of 12 priorities of the overall program. These are supported by the Premier’s Implementation Unit, a function of Premier and Cabinet.

Mr Glenn King of the Premier’s Implementation Unit, provided a presentation in Dubbo 17 February on how these priorities will be achieved. Given the region’s interest in Decentralisation and the need for more jobs to help manage economic shocks, the Executive Officer held a follow-up meeting with Mr King particularly on Creating Jobs and further meetings are being co-ordinated with his assistance.

Members may be aware that there has been a review of regional governance undertaken by Premier and Cabinet over the past few years.

Advice has been received from the Department of Premier and Cabinet that as a result of this review, a new approach will include:

1. “Making it Happen in the Regions”– to set actions in the regions that align with the Premier and State priorities and deliver outcomes on matters of key regional significance.

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2. Strengthened and streamlined regional governance – a refreshed approach to drive accountability and develop solutions to issues at the regional scale.

DPC provided advice that Making it Happen in the Central West Orana will identify specific priority actions (approximately 12) that the NSW Government is or will be undertaking. Initiatives will be sourced from specific actions included in implementation plans for the Premier’s Priorities or project delivery plans for the State Priorities; or regional initiatives identified jointly by agencies and local government through the Regional Leadership Group.

Initiatives included in Making it Happen in the Central West Orana must be led or co-led by NSW Government agencies and funded within agency budgets. They can have varying delivery time horizons. It is envisaged that initiatives will be reviewed annually so that completed actions can be removed and new emerging actions included.

Regional Parliamentary Secretaries will report the progress of all initiatives in a region as part of their reporting program to Cabinet every six months.

“Making it Happen in the Regions” is due for Cabinet consideration in August 2016.

Subsequent to advice from Ms A Morgan to the Board 12 May, members were invited to a workshop in Dubbo 24 May to provide input into the region’s priorities.

Attendees from Centroc were Cr B West, Cr G Rush, Cr K Keith, Mr D Sherley, Mr K Boyd and Ms J Bennett. Attendees were provided with a table with some information on 18 priorities of State agency programming within existing funding. Centroc representatives expressed concern regarding the process to date and an interest in being engaged in future programming with better timeframes.

At the Chair’s request, DPC have agreed to provide notes from the meeting.

Community Infrastructure Prioritisation After consultation with all members, eight Councils have provided advice on their top two community infrastructure projects. The scores for these projects have been reviewed in line with the glossary terms defined at a workshop held with representatives from Oberon, Weddin, Parkes, Centroc and RDACW in April. These revised scores have all been approved by Council staff and have resulted in the following prioritisation:

Rank Community Infrastructure Project Council Score

1 Weddin Regional Health Hub Weddin 69.50

2 Mt Panorama Second Circuit Bathurst 68.91

3 Parkes CBD Vibrancy Program Parkes 58.50

4 Collections Facility, Bathurst Bathurst 57.00

5 Central West Livestock Exchange Forbes 56.51

6 Grenfell Pool Renewal Weddin 52.50

7 Cowra CBD Precinct Footpath Upgrade Cowra 50.75

8 Parkes Cultural Precinct Parkes 50.13

9 Bathurst Cultural Precinct Bathurst 50.00

10 Central West Equestrian Facility Blayney 49.75

11 Forbes Netball Court Upgrades Forbes 49.75

12 Rectangular Sporting Field, Orange Orange 47.50

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Rank Community Infrastructure Project Council Score

13 Mount Canobolas Mountain Bike Trail MTB Orange 44.25

14 Centrepoint Sport and Leisure Upgrade Blayney 43.75

15 Oberon Sports Fields Upgrades Oberon 43.25

16 Cowra Showground Grandstand Cowra 42.25

17 Oberon Pool Upgrade Oberon 35.75

If other Councils would like to provide advice as to the Community Infrastructure Projects in their LGA, please contact Jenny or Lee to provide assistance with the Input Form.

The need to develop policy on Council owned infrastructure that is directly involved in business

A challenge that has emerged during the prioritisation process is how to treat projects that are more about business and not so much about community development. The Sales Yards in Forbes is an example and arguably the second circuit at Mount Panorama.

These projects do not fit easily into the community or any other tranche. Where there is typically not a direct link between the economic and jobs drivers for community infrastructure like community halls, there is one for these two projects which deliberatively set out to support business and the economy.

This goes to the heart of questions of who does and should support economic development in a community and then, how. Where Councils across the region have different approaches to economic development it is recommended that policy be developed in this space.

Support for Councils making applications under Resources for the Regions

4 of the 14 short listed projects for Resources for the Regions funding are in Central NSW: #9 Orange City Council - Upgrade of Forrest Road from Southern Feeder Road, with parking space at Jack Brabham Oval and traffic lights installed at Orange Base Hospital and Forrest Road intersection. $2.1 million #10 Parkes Shire Council - Upgrading 9km of Bogan Way to provide road train access with links to new intermodal at Parkes and easier access to Forbes and the mine at Fifield. $900,000 #11 Blayney Shire Council - Construct Southern Cadia access road between Cadia and Carcoar to improve travel times to the mining area. Includes replacing Dirt Hole Creek Bridge and sealing and reconstructing Errowanbang Road. $5.42 million #12 Lithgow City Council - Gravity smart sewer collection system and a new waste water treatment plant in Cullen Bullen to replace on-site household wastewater systems, mostly septic systems. $4.48 million

An updated version of the Mining Affectedness document is being provided for these projects with cover letters of support.

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Work with RDA and DPC including the progression of the Regional Round Table being hosted by the Hon Sarah Mitchell

DPC have provided the following communique from the meeting 23 May:

COMMUNIQUE - 23 May 2016

Outcomes from the Central West Orana RLG‘s 9th meeting:

Making It Happen in the Orana Central West – provides information about key State Government led and funded initiatives that will be active in the CWO region through the 2016/17 Financial Year.

Local Decision Making Implementation Task Group - The Three Rivers Accord: Carmen Dwyer from the Environmental Protection Agency has

been nominated as the Lead Negotiator for the NSW Government. John Walkom has been identified as the Independent Facilitator for the Three Rivers Regional Assembly.

- Murdi Paaki Regional Accord: Work is continuing on the reporting arrangements (Effort to Outcome). Aboriginal Affairs are leading the development of an outcomes and results logic framework.

Safer Pathways: It Stops Here Task Group - NSW Police has introduced “Target Management Plans” which target offenders and breaches of DVOs in order to reduce the rates of recidivism. A proposal is being prepared for the resourcing of six additional police officers in each region to target recidivist offenders. Women for NSW is reviewing and evaluating the Safety Action Model (SAM) model and relevant alternatives.

Western NSW Mining and Development Task Group - As part of the NSW Gas Plan, the NSW Government asked IPART to develop a framework for setting benchmark compensation rates to support farmers negotiating land access and compensation agreements with gas companies. IPART has made significant recommendations. 2 sub-groups have been established under the Task Group; The Skills and Workforce Development project will explore the skills and workforce development issues associated with mining; and the Revenue Framework Sub-group will map revenue and funding streams currently available to meet infrastructure and service demands from growth in mining activity.

Central NSW Pilot Joint Organisation – Central NSW Councils is seeking input from State Agencies on a co-designed project on the data needs required in order to make a case for investment in the regions. Centroc has undertaken preliminary work with regional stakeholders around the types of projects that could benefit this region and would like state agencies to engage in discussion to identify and initiate a project in the Central West.

Far West Initiative Update - A Discussion Paper regarding proposed models for implementation in the Far West will be made available for review. It includes an indication of a preferred model for the Far West and flags a number of other alternative models. Consultants will undertake community consultation within the eight relevant Local Government Areas and with Government agencies.

Participating NSW Government cluster and Local Government representation 23 May 2016

Department of Premier and Cabinet

Family and Community Services Finance, Services and Innovation

Transport Justice Centroc

OROC Planning and Environment

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For more information contact your cluster or local government representative on the Central West

Orana Regional Leadership Group.

Regional Round Table

Members may recall the resolve of the Board to progress the offer by the Hon Sarah Mitchell to host a Regional Round Table. Centroc has pursued the Regional Round Table on the basis of the significant number of elected representatives at the State level with a regional component to their portfolio, changes to the role of Parliamentary Secretaries and the potential of any future JO to leverage relationships through its core functions in advocacy, intergovernmental relationships and regional strategic planning.

Please request all background advice where RDACW, DPC and Centroc were working together to optimise outcomes for the region for a meeting later in the year.

Working with ABS and other key stakeholders on a co-designed project on “data needs to make the case for investment in the region”

Members may recall the advice to the Centroc Board meeting in August 2015 that the ABS were receiving a $250m investment to improve their operations.

Centroc staff subsequently attended a workshop in Sydney on 28 August 2015 where these improvements are being contemplated. Please find an attachment to this report that outlines advice from this workshop.

Given the mooted JOs have core functions of regional strategic planning, intergovernmental relations and advocacy, an opportunity has emerged to codesign a project on “data needs to make the case for investment in the region.” There has been significant interest in this project and it includes support from Australian Centre of Excellence in Local Government and the ABS.

Scoping of this project has been undertaken through the Executive and members have received advice regarding this project including a Mail Chimp “Invitation to Co-design” please request any background documentation.

The Workshop was held 11 February at the Ex Services Club in Orange. Thirty four people attended from Local Government, industry, State and Federal agencies. An Options Paper and Key Messages from the meeting have been provided to attendees for review. Again, please request any background documentation.

The EDO forum in April have consideration to the Options Paper and identified the need for alignment between State and Local Government understanding of the funding framework.

On 29 June Ms J Bennett met with Mr Stewart Webster, Director – Policy and Program Industry

Policy, Economics and Regional Development. He is responsible, among other things, for providing

modelling advice in line with the NSW Treasury Guidelines to various agencies to support them in

prioritising State agency expenditure.

Following up on his presentation in February, Mr Webster was broadly positive about the potential for collaboration with a co-designed approach to provide advice to State stakeholders on optimising investment in NSW where the work being done in this region can be applied to other parts of NSW. This is a good fit with the aspirations of Joint Organisations and the potential for the development of standardised tools.

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Mr Webster also provided the following advice:

Regarding a potential 'plug in' CBA - each CBA needs to be customised to the fund criteria, it is not practical to make a 'one size fits all' module that could apply to all sources of funds. However, if INSW wants one for its upcoming tourism fund EoI, this could be circulated when completed an example. INSW is likely to circulate it as well. He is interested in ways to further assist Councils in this area.

The Treasury CBA Guidelines are available at http://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/7414/tpp07-5.pdf

Re the Department's "internal modelling", which references to the 'Enablers' project where a pilot is in Orange, Blayney and Cabonne. After a delay in the survey work, this now due on 15 July. He will provide further follow-up after this date.

There is also mention of ID Profile contacting him but that does not appear to have happened.

The EDO Forum 12 July resolved to assist in develop advice to the Board regarding the funding framework. More detail is expected once the Minutes from the meeting are available.

A meeting has been coordinated between Centroc and RDACentral West representatives and the new Deputy Secretary, Economic, Skills & Regional Development Division, Mr Gary Barnes for 17 July. The purpose of this meeting is to progress interest and opportunities in intergovernmental collaboration giving regard to data with a view to optimising investment in this region in the context of a broader concern around the policy settings. A verbal update can be provided to the meeting where a report will be provided to the Board.

Western NSW Mining and Resource Development Taskforce

The communique from the Western NSW Mining Taskforce Meeting in May follows:

COMMUNIQUE - 11 July 2016

Outcomes from the Western NSW Mining and Resource Development Taskforce meeting:

Joint Presentation - VPAs o Representatives from the Association of Mining Related Councils and NSW Minerals

Council provided an update to the Taskforce on a joint initiative to establish a framework for negotiation of Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) to improve consistency and timeliness.

o The scope of the project includes a process and timeframe for developing VPAs; two calculator tools to standardise the methodology to determine fair and appropriate costs and contributions, as well as a process for review and independent arbitration, if required.

o The Association will first seek feedback from member councils before expanding consultation to include non-member councils.

Skills and Workforce Development o Progress is continuing on the Sub-Group’s survey of employees and employers in mining

and non-mining industries. The survey is seeking to understand if skills challenges in Western NSW are best defined as a skills shortage (quantity), skills mismatch (choice), or skills gap (quality).

http://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/7414/tpp07-5.pdf

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o 20 non-mining industry employers have been surveyed in Gunnedah, Narrabri and Tamworth focusing on the role of heavy vehicle drivers. The sub-group reported difficulty in engaging employers to participate and the process is particularly labour intensive.

o The sub-group is now shifting focus to survey mining industry employers as well as employees. Mining representatives on the Taskforce will be approached to provide initial introductions.

o DPC will explore resourcing options to expand the survey to include different mining lifecycle stages and additional job types.

Revenue Framework Sub-Group o The sub-group continues to seek information on specific mining-related revenue (e.g. yield

from mining rates, s94 contributions for mining development and VPAs) directly from Councils. Joint Organisations are supporting the collection of this data.

o The Sub-Group will explore whether the quantum of funds, the timing of when they are calculated and when they are paid in the mining cycle best meet the needs of local communities.

o A small number of individual Case Studies will be used to illustrate the findings of the sub-group.

Relationship with Association of Mining Related Councils o The Taskforce will strengthen its connection with the Association of Mining Related

Councils by committing to attend each other’s meetings at least once a year.

Joint Organisations o The Office of Local Government is currently developing tools to support the future roll-out

of Joint Organisations. The Taskforce will offer to share the learnings from its investigation of scenario planning tools to inform development of tools to strengthen regional strategic planning.

Participating representation 11 July 2016

Alkane Resources DPI Water Central West Regional Org of Councils

NSW Minerals Council Resources & Energy Namoi Joint Organisation

Regional Development DPC Orana Regional Organisation of Councils

TAFE New England Roads and Maritime Services

For more information contact your taskforce representative or Alison McGaffin, Regional Coordinator, Western NSW,

Department of Premier and Cabinet at [email protected] T 02 6760 2671 or M 0477 316 189.

Membership to the Mining Taskforce

Given that Cr West has to drive to either Dubbo or Bathurst to attend the phone conference meetings for the Western NSW Mining and Resource Development Taskforce, Cr Rush has agreed to become the delegate. The Taskforce is seeking resolve accordingly.

MoU with TAFE Western NSW

Centroc and TAFE Western signed a MOU on Friday 15 July. Media was present on the day, please find a media release. The signed MOU forms an attachment to this report.


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Project Name Description Commitments Timeframe

Develop a relationship improvement program

Co-design a survey to develop a benchmark for improved communications and consultation processes

TAFE Western will appoint a Centroc client manager Centroc will support and distribute the survey

July 1 2016 - June 30, 2017

Develop a funding ready training package to meet local council needs

Scope and identify potential projects

Co-design products with client manager (Jenny Bennett and Brad Polak)

July 1 2016 - June 30, 2017

Key findings and messages on TAFE Western training in Central NSW

Workshop to develop key messages for stakeholders

Parties will collaborate to run workshop

July 1 2016 - June 30, 2017

It is noteworthy that the day before the signing of the MoU Minister Barilaro announced sweeping changes to TAFE where it will be centralised as a registered training organisation. Please find attached the document A Vision for TAFE NSW.

In line with the resolve of the Board in May, discussions are being held with RDA Central West on potential support this region can provide to TAFE.

Multicultural NSW - West NSW Regional Advisory Council - Inaugural meeting

Regional Advisory Councils are established under sector 10 of the Multicultural NSW Act2000 (as

amended, November 2014). Section 10 states:

‘Multicultural NSW is to establish Regional Advisory Councils for regional areas of the state.’

A Regional Advisory Council has up to 15 appointed members comprising community members,

NSW State and Local government members. The group meets on a quarterly basis.

The formal membership of the West NSW Regional Advisory Council is as follows:

Name Organisation

David Knoll AM RAC Chairperson

Ass Prof Oliver Burmeister Community member

Monique van Toor Community member

Madhwan Keshwan Community member

David (Dave) Carter Community member

Yvette Quinn Community member

Joy Cyriac Community member

Anni Gallagher Community member

Ana Vastag Community member

Superintendent Chris Taylor Lachlan LAC, NSW Police Force

Spyros Kehris Department of Family and Community Services

Sandra Logan NSW Department of Education

Jennifer Bennett Central NSW Councils

Paul Gleeson NSW Department of education

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Richard Cheney Western NSW Local Health District

Alison Morgan Department of Premier and Cabinet

The inaugural RAC meeting for West NSW took place on the 17th May 2016 in Orange. The Chair,

David Knoll AM welcomed members to the first meeting. The roles and responsibilities of RAC

members were discussed and confirmed.

Members of the Cultural Diversity Team from NSW Police Force attended the meeting and

consulted members on policing issues affecting their communities for consideration in the

development of the new NSW Police Force Multicultural Plan. The following questions were put

to the RAC membership:

1. According to your communities, what have the NSW Police done well or differently in the

last 3 years?

2. If NSW Police had to choose two key issues relating to policing that are of concern to the

groups/communities that you represent, what would they be?

3. From your point of view, how might NSW Police best respond to these issues and how can

police best work with you around these?

NSW Police will provide an overview of RAC member comments once finalised.

To facilitate relationship building and communication amongst members between meetings,

Multicultural NSW has developed a secure online engagement platform which RAC members can

access to share information, initiatives and discussions about community issues and aspirations.

Joint Organisations have been given a seat on the RAC. Ms J Bennett is currently providing

representation while seeking the views of the Board on a delegate.

Update from Regional Development Australia Central West

Operational Funding for RDAs

The Australian Government has extended funding for RDA Committees until December 2017.

The NSW Government has provided a further 6 months’ funding to 31 December 2016 and has indicated that funding beyond that timeframe is not guaranteed.

NSW RDAs will undertake projects for the NSW Department of Industry for the second half of this year, to match with funding to 31 December.

Murray Darling Economic Diversification Fund

RDA Central West has successfully applied for a grant of $24,900 under the Energise Enterprise Fund stream. This fund provides grants for economic development projects to support small business initiatives, skills capability building projects and economic development studies.

The project will undertake a comprehensive skill needs analysis on innovation in agriculture (beef, sheep and horticulture) to assist with workforce development, better utilisation of skills, labour efficiency and workforce culture. This work will be undertaken with Agrifood Skills Solutions as our partner.

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Adding Value to Agriculture Project

The purpose of this project is to identify opportunities to increase the economic value and contribution of agriculture to the Central West, with a focus on niche opportunities, innovation and value-adding.

A draft report has recently been finalised. This was completed in-house by Julia Andrews and is the result of a significant amount of research and stakeholder engagement. The report examines the trends and opportunities, emerging markets and how value adding activities might be increased in the region.

The report includes a range of valuable case studies, economic assessments and forecast scenarios. Six “innovative value adding” categories with potential in the Central West have been covered in the report:

o Biotechnology o Processing and packaging o Collaboration and cooperatives o Digital technology o Idle capital o Branding and marketing

Some of the findings are as follows:

Central West NSW’s key agricultural strengths are its diversity and proximity to market.

China is a rapidly growing market for Australian horticultural products, with exports worth $111 million in 2014-15 – up from $14 million in 2009-10. Under ChAFTA, all tariffs on horticultural products will be progressively eliminated. This presents new opportunities for the Central West NSW region’s strong and diverse horticultural sector.

The ability to transport produce by air from Canberra to Singapore – and 11 Chinese cities connected through Singapore - is a potential new supply chain for agricultural exports from Central West NSW.

With two existing biotechnology ventures currently operating within the region, the region’s close ties with Charles Sturt University and NSW Department of Primary Industries, and the region’s diverse agricultural production, Central West NSW has an opportunity to become a hub for agricultural research and development, in particular in the application of biotechnology.

Traceability is an increasingly important value-adding capability within the supply chain facilitated by advances in digital technology. In order to remain competitive, Central West NSW agribusinesses need to be supported in developing capabilities in this area.

The “digital divide” continues to be a significant weakness in the region, impacting on the ability of agribusinesses to remain competitive in value-adding opportunities that require access to reliable telecommunications.

There is growing competition around the world to be “clean and green”. Central West NSW should consider developing a unified, collaborative approach to ensuring the region maintains, protects and improves it’s “clean and green” credentials. Considering clean energy (wind, solar and biofuel) as agricultural revenue could be incorporated into such an approach.

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Potential Economic Opportunities from Inland Rail

Inland Rail has been identified as a long term project in the Australian Infrastructure Australia Plan 2016. Central West NSW is highlighted in the plan as one of Australia’s “fast growing regional hubs” with a projected gross regional product of $15 - $20 Billion in 2031. The purpose of this project is to provide a realistic assessment of potential business opportunities around Parkes and surrounding communities, from the development of the Inland Rail. It covers, amongst other things;

o Growth opportunities o Implications for freight and logistics o Constraints to growth o Possible economic impacts and scenarios from investment, job creation, new

infrastructure, population growth and business relocation This project has been undertaken with the assistance of Lycopodium Rail, AP Sheere and Peter Morris. Some of the key business opportunities highlighted in this report include:

Rail maintenance and provisioning facilities for carriages, track, containers, etc could also be expanded and established.

Opportunity for both smaller regional hubs as well as larger intermodal hubs to be expanded and constructed.

Parkes National Logistics Hub growth creating more employment opportunities post construction

Grain handling terminal potentially located in Parkes

Distribution centre development

Business relocations, start-ups, and business clusters

Short-haul freight opportunities in the future

Inland container storage facility providing repair and cleaning services

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Substantial progress has been made. This work includes consideration of mobile blackspots as well as the broader topic of telecommunications connectivity and high speed broadband.

We have consulted widely over the past three months with over 20 stakeholders, including our 11 councils, three Telcos, NBN, NSW Public Works, local businesses and community groups, and technical experts. This has led us to the following conclusions which have been generally supported with stakeholders consulted to date:

o There is broad agreement of the merits of having a regional list of telecommunications priorities. Mobile Network Operators have advised that this would be of considerable interest. Additionally, it could encourage the preparation of suitable sites and business cases and, to some extent, create alignment to potential funding streams e.g. Mobile Black Spot Programme (although the MNOs have their own models for assessing commercial returns with undisclosed criteria). Finally, a regional list can underpin an advocacy strategy.

o Mobile black spots, in particular, are able to be ranked according to a range of economic, socio-economic and other criteria, although more consideration needs to be given to what we are trying to achieve and the most suitable approach

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o RDACW can promote awareness of processes and case studies for working with NBN and the Telcos to achieve improved telecommunications outcomes (e.g. considerations for FTTP versus FTTN and co-location options for potential tower locations).

A report on work undertaken to date, findings, and general advice is in the process of being prepared.

In addition, RDA staff met with Centroc and MWH on 7 July to discuss and test the application of the multi criteria assessment tool for mobile black spot priorities, identification of the appropriate drivers for mobile black spot prioritisation, and options for how to best progress from here. The next step is for consideration of changes to the glossary which might be necessary to ensure successful application in respect of telecommunications considerations.

Telecommunications

Update from RDACW on Mobile Black Spot Programme Round 2

Publicly-available information sources

1. Department of Communications and the Arts website on the Mobile Black Spot Program

(MBSP) - useful website collating all information regarding funded base stations under

Round 1 of the MBSP, MBSP Guidelines, Discussion Paper and publicly-available submissions

to the paper.

https://www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/mobile-services-and-

coverage/mobile-black-spot-programme

2. The National Map – this map is a great resource highlighting Mobile Black Spots, Mobile

Black Spot Program (MBSP) Round 1 funded basestations, LGA boundaries, Broadband

availability and quality, as well as overlays of other data.

https://nationalmap.gov.au/

3. NBN rollout map (already existing) – interactive map (through Telstra) pinpointing the

location of the NBN rollout to date, identifying whether it is fixed wireless or fibre rollout, and

the coverage areas for each.

https://www.telstra.com.au/broadband/nbn/nbn-rollout

4. The ACMA Register of Radiocommunications Licenses – another interactive map with the

location of all radiocommunications licenses, ownership of towers, radio spectrums, as well

as linked assignments to other licenses/towers. This includes both private sector and Public

Safety Agency towers useful for determining possible co-location possibilities.

http://web.acma.gov.au/pls/radcom/site_proximity.main_page

5. NBN 3 year construction plan (to 2018)- lists the expected locations of NBN rollout to 2018

(doesn’t include locations already commenced or under construction). Is a good complement

to the (above) Telstra NBN rollout map.

https://www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-programme

https://www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-programme

https://nationalmap.gov.au/

https://www.telstra.com.au/broadband/nbn/nbn-rollout

http://web.acma.gov.au/pls/radcom/site_proximity.main_page

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http://www.nbnco.com.au/learn-about-the-nbn/three-year-construction-plan.html

6. Telstra / Optus / Vodafone coverage maps – the below three websites outline the general

coverage areas (current and future) of mobile network services across Australia, for each

Mobile Network operator (MNO). These are however, somewhat rudimentary.

Telstra: https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage

Optus: http://www.optus.com.au/shop/mobile/network/coverage

Vodafone: http://maps.vodafone.com.au/VHAMap/apps/public-vf

7. Review of Regional Telecommunications 2015 – this website provides links to publicly-

available submissions to the review (some by regional stakeholders)

http://www.rtirc.gov.au/

Current status of the NBN roll-out The latest construction maps show the National Broadband Network (NBN) will be rolled out using fibre and fixed wireless technologies across parts of the following Central NSW communities follows. Following the announcement on 16 October, parts of the area have been included in a three year roll-out plan which means that all Centroc LGA’s will begin NBN construction by September 2018.

Mr Ian Scott has been notified with regard to the need to have fibre to airports in the region and has confirmed he will brief the Board in August.

http://www.nbnco.com.au/learn-about-the-nbn/three-year-construction-plan.html

https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage

http://www.optus.com.au/shop/mobile/network/coverage

http://maps.vodafone.com.au/VHAMap/apps/public-vf

http://www.rtirc.gov.au/

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Bathurst

Blayney

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Cowra

Forbes

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Hilltops

Lachlan

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Lithgow

Oberon

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Orange

Parkes

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Upper Lachlan

Weddin

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Recommendation/s to the Regional Development Report

That GMAC note the Regional Development report and 1. note the advocacy being undertaken regarding tourism and support data requests of

member Councils;

2. commend to the Board that Cr G Rush represent Centroc on the Western NSW Mining

Taskforce; and

3. commend to the Board it develop policy regarding priority infrastructure that has a direct

link to supporting business.

For Determination

Could General Managers please provide advice on a suitable JO delegate to attend the West NSW Multicultural NSW Regional Advisory Committee

Attachment/s:

18. 26 May 2016 Correspondence to the Deputy Prime Minister, The Hon Barnaby Joyce Deputy Prime Minister

Request to meet to discuss various topics

19. 7 June 2016 Correspondence to State and Federal Ministers for Regional Development Barilaro and Senator

Nash Funding for RDACW

20. Advice on the changes to TAFE; ‘Vision for TAFE NSW’

21. 18 July 2016 Joint TAFE Western Media release - Exciting partnership to deliver significant outcomes

22. Commuinque from Mining taskforce May

23. Commuinque from Western NSW Regional Advisory Committee for Multicultural NSW

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Précis

For progress on recent resolutions of the Board please go to Matters in Progress.

Advice of note in this report includes:

The approval of the Advocacy Policy;

Progress status of the Regional Plan;

Regional Adaptation in Central West Orana;

Changes to the Centroc constitution to manage a quorum during the reform period; and

the Centroc response to the Background Paper on Joint Organisations.

The report seeks feedback on the draft response to the Regional Plan and to have GMAC commend

to the Board

the Centroc response to the Background Paper on Joint Organisations;

approval of the Advocacy Policy; and

it continue to advocate to not be the manager of compliance for the Biodiversity Act 2015.

7e Planning


Section 1 Regional Co-operation and resource sharing

Objective 1E Deliver regional benefit from collaboration in planning

Subject Planning update

Sponsoring General Managers Mr Garry Styles, Mr Paul Devery and Mr David Sherley


Actions Comments

1. Advocacy a. local control over land use

Given the direction of the Board November 2015, the draft Advocacy Plan for Planning under review by sponsoring General Managers includes this policy position.

1 Advocacy b. To increase the influence of local communities over planning decisions in Central NSW

Given the direction of the Board November 2015, the draft Advocacy Plan for Planning under review by sponsoring General Managers includes this policy position.

Recent activities in the last quarter include:

Attending the DPE Legislative updates - stakeholder information session in Dubbo. The was a significant representation from planners in the region.

Centroc provided attendance at the Dubbo Roundtable briefing on Monday 16 May on the new Biodiversity Conservation Act and amendments. It was noteworthy that

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Actions Comments

the Minister Niall Blair and the Hon Rick Colless were in attendance though there was very little Local Government representation. Please find the Biosecurity Act 2015 – consultation paper feedback is available at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/599511/Biosecurity-Act-2015-initial-stakeholder-feedback.pdf While verbal feedback from the meeting was that Local Government would not be the delivery agent for compliance with the new Legislation, follow-up advocacy is recommended given that the delivery agency had not been identified.

Centroc provided attendance at the Regional Adaptation in Central West Orana workshop 30 May/1 June. Advice from the Workshop is anticipated in due course. Attendance from Councils was limited.

1 Advocacy c. To change the methodology of the Department of Planning and the Environment on population projections for Central NSW

Given the direction of the Board November 2015, the draft Advocacy Plan for Planning includes this policy position. This was raised in advice to the Minister for Planning the Hon Rob Stokes in May and follow-up is being undertaken.

Please see the Regional Development Report for the initiative progressing a different approach to the Department of Planning methodology under the section titled “Data needs to make the case for investment in Central NSW.”

1 Advocacy d. monitor the Fit for the Future and provide feedback as appropriate from the Board accordingly

Centroc response to the Background Paper to the Joint Organisation The Background Paper to the Joint Organisation model was released 8 June. The OLG Consolidating the Joint Organisation model held on 24 June, together with a collated list of questions and answers, are now available on the Fit for the Future website at http://www.fitforthefuture.nsw.gov.au/joint-organisations Briefing advice was provided to the Board 5 July for an OLG Workshop 7 July in Orange. Centroc representatives from across the region attended the Workshop. Notes taken at the Workshop and feedback from members and the Executive informed a response on the Background Paper. Please find a copy attached which was approved by the Chair. Please find the response attached. The materiality of the response is its concerns with the suggested structure which will have future JOs constituted by statute and as “sister” entities to Councils similar to County Councils. It is not clear how Councils will own JOs and therefore be able to manage risk. This is seen as very problematic and the Chair has requested a meeting with the Minister. To try and compensate, incorporation is being progressed. Constitutional amendment Members will be aware that a Special General Meeting was called to make changes to the constitution to manage quorum. Please request agendas and minutes where the constitution has been

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/599511/Biosecurity-Act-2015-initial-stakeholder-feedback.pdf

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/599511/Biosecurity-Act-2015-initial-stakeholder-feedback.pdf

http://www.fitforthefuture.nsw.gov.au/joint-organisations

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Actions Comments

updated and is on the website. Please see Matters in Progress.

1 Advocacy e. provide advice to the Board and then advocacy in line with their direction regarding sustaining Local Government including but not limited to:

i. Funding for infrastructure. ii. Governance. iii. Assets management.

As needs or on direction basis. There is significant activity being undertaken around the region on priority infrastructure planning. This is reported elsewhere in this business paper or please request advice.

Centroc representatives have been invited to a consultation being coordinated by DISRD on infrastructure prioritisation 29 July.

1 Advocacy

f. in line with Board direction based on policy advice from the Planners Group including but not limited to status with their LEPs, Native Vegetation, population projections, REPPS for example mining.

The current focus of the Planners Group is the collaboration in the development of the Regional (was Growth) Plan, now the Regional Plan. It is anticipated that advice on advocacy will be forthcoming as a result of this process where the Planners will meet quarterly and provide feedback to the Board on a strategic direction.

1 Intergovernmental Relations a. Form regional planners group of Land

Use Planners across the region that becomes the technical group for interaction with the State in Land Use Planning

Planners Group formed early December 2014. The current focus is on supporting the Regional Plan. Regular meetings were held fleshing out this advice and members can request notes from these meetings. The Regional Plan on exhibition has a potentially significant body of work for Planners in the area of Land Use and further advice will be provided. A meeting was co-ordinated in Blayney 5 May for Planners and other key stakeholders such as RDA and DPC as well as interested members of Centroc. Forward strategy for Planning was included as an agenda item. Please find attached the notes where the meeting indicated the priority is the development of an industrial and agricultural lands strategy. Scoping advice will be provided to the Board in due course.

2 Intergovernmental Relations b. Collaborate with the DPandE on the

Regional Growth Plan where the DPandE take the lead

Everything is being done to optimise the Central West Regional Plan (the Plan).

At a meeting of the Steering Committee for this activity on 5 February 2015, DoPe agreed to Key Performance Indicators for collaboration.

Changes in time frames, scope and outputs suggest further iterations of the Regional Plan will require a revised approach. A meeting 12 June provided advice to the attached draft. A meeting 27 July will focus on the mapping in the Plan. Invitations to Board Members and Councils have been sent.

Once the Plan has been approved by Cabinet the Board will need to give consideration to alignment with the advice therein.

2 Intergovernmental Relations c. Develop KPIs with State agencies to

optimize collaboration on key strategic plans

KPIs have been developed with the Department of Planning, as per the advice above. It is also a matter of discussion with the Office of Local Government given its pertinence to all Pilot JOs.

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Actions Comments

2 Intergovernmental Relations d. Develop instruments such as MoUs

with key agencies with a policy position of having Local Government influence outcomes as much as possible

MoUs are under development with Health, DPC and signed off with RDA Central West and TAFE Western.

2 Intergovernmental Relations e. Seek collaboration with DPC and other

agencies in scoping the synthesis of the Integrated Planning and Reporting work being undertaken by members both across Local Government in Centroc and with State and Federal agencies, the Plan for the Central West and the State Plan. In this synthesis include the development of processes with other levels of government that: I. improve communication;

II. reduce duplication; III. simplify reporting and access to

each other’s information and IV. maximize opportunity;

This is an iterative space and formed a significant tranche of work as part of the JO Pilot. Office of Local Government and DPC have been engaged as has Local Government Professionals Integrated Planning and Reporting Group. A report was provided to the Board in May 2015 seeking a further report which is under development. The work being undertaken on infrastructure prioritisation is showing the potential of the Community Strategic Planning process to inform regional priorities.

Please see advice below in the body of the report on Phase One Amendment to the Local Government Act regarding regional advice in the IPandR process.

3 Strategic Planning a. Collaborate with RDACW and other


RDACW are undertaking a greater role in the agriculture space subsequent to the Board meeting in May 2015.

Further discussions around the planning framework are being held through the Pilot period and the Planning Framework forms an action in the MoU under development with DPC. It should also be noted that regional governance structures are under review by the State.

It should be noted that under the auspices of the Executive Centroc is taking the lead on a collaborative project currently being codesigned with a theme “What are the data requirements for making the case for investment in our region.” For more detail please go to the Regional Development report.

3 Strategic Planning b. Provide advice and support to the

Dept of Planning Agricultural Lands Strategy

Centroc representatives attended a workshop in Cabonne in June to review the Central West Orana Agricultural Industries Draft Report to provide feedback. This document is basically around land capability in the context of broad agricultural production trends. Further advice will be provided when DoPE provide the finalised Plan.

3 Strategic Planning 1. Scope activities building on the Dept of

Planning Agriculture Plan

Anticipated subsequent to the completion of the Plan being led by DoPE. Feedback from the strategic session in Blayney 5 indicates the need for a Regional Agricultural and Industrial Lands Study with a focus on marketing the region for investment. Further scoping work is being undertaken where the focus of the planners of the region is optimising the Regional Plan.

3 Strategic Planning 2. Scope the synthesis of the Integrated

Planning and Reporting work being undertaken by members both across Local Government in Centroc and

See advice above at 2f

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Actions Comments

with State and Federal agencies, the Plan for the Central West and the State Plan. In this synthesis include the development of processes with other levels of government that:

I. improve communication; II. reduce duplication;

III. simplify reporting and access to each other’s information and

IV. maximize opportunity

3 Strategic Planning 3. Work with key agencies undertaking

planning in the region, for example Transport for NSW with a view to optimizing the engagement with Local Government and the region’s priorities

It is understood that DPC undertook a body of work that will inform the optimisation of this type of engagement as part of their commitments to the JO Pilot. This advice is part of an internal document. More detailed advice is provided in the Transport Infrastructure Report.

4 Operational Support Form regional planners group of Land Use Planners across the region that a. becomes the technical group for

interaction with the State in Land Use Planning

b. provides advocacy advice to the Board including but not limited to status with their LEPs, Native Vegetation, population projections, REPPS for example mining

c. develops a plan for operational support to members

The current focus of the Planners Group is the collaboration in the development of the Regional (was Growth) Plan, now the Regional Plan. It is anticipated that advice on advocacy will be forthcoming as a result of this process where the Planners will meet quarterly and provide feedback to the Board on a strategic direction.

A meeting for the Planners is being co-ordinated for July 26 where the focus is providing feedback on mapping in the Regional Plan.

Advocacy Policy Please find following the draft Advocacy Policy to be included into Centroc’s overall Policies and Procedures. This was developed based on feedback from a meeting 29 October 2015 in Orange. The policy has been approved by the Executive at its last meeting 28 April and is commended to the Board for adoption.

Objectives Advocacy for Centroc will

a. Be effective and efficient and share costs with other stakeholders where possible; b. As a general rule, have elected officials should meet with elected officials; c. Where senior bureaucrats, Ministers or Ministerial advisors are in the region at the

Board’s request State and Federal representatives will be notified; d. Political stakeholders including the opposition and the media should receive a

“Chair’s report” modelled on the Mayor’s report subsequent to Board meetings;

##. Advocacy Policy

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e. Include a portfolio approach for the Board’s priorities to enable sharing of the workload and increasing our advocacy capacity;

f. Be reflective of opportunities as offered by the electrical cycle; g. recognise the usefulness of intergovernmental collaboration but have primacy over

the other functions; and h. Sing from the same song sheet.

Background The Executive at its August meeting 2015 resolved to develop a report for the Board on advocacy. This Policy has been developed as a result of the Report to the Board February 2016. Please find this report and the resolution attached.

Responsibility - Staff and Board Members The following policy directs all Centroc employees and Board members when they are acting in their professional capacity advocating on behalf of Centroc:

1. Promotion of the Board approved advocacy agenda of Centroc at every opportunity is encouraged;

2. Board members with portfolios can expect a greater level of support in their specific area; 3. Promotion of Centroc member operational support is welcomed; 4. Emergent issues are managed through the Executive at the direction of the Chair; and 5. Care should be taken when referring to Centroc that commentary reflects well on the

organisation.

Responsibilities - Executive Officer The Centroc Executive Officer is responsible for the implementation of this policy, the provision of facilities and support outlined in the following procedures.

Applicability 1. Chair 2. Deputy Chair 3. Executive members 4. Board members 5. General Managers 6. Project Groups where applicable 7. Centroc Staff

Procedures Stakeholders will be aware of the Centroc Advocacy Plans and use them as a guide when advocating on behalf of the region The attached Advocacy Plans are frequently used by Central NSW Councils to advocate with its stakeholders, in accordance with the Centroc Management Plan. These Plans are reviewed and updated annually. The Plans are iterative responding to advocacy opportunities and changes are made to them by the Chair throughout the year.

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The Chair approves all advocacy commentary on behalf of Centroc The Advocacy Plans are the responsibility of the Executive Officer. All Centroc media and other statements are prepared in accordance with Centroc’s standard format and approved prior to release by the Chair. The Chair or nominee provides all media comment and is the voice of Centroc. The Chair may delegate these function to other Board members or Centroc representatives. Portfolios The Board at its AGM will receive a report on portfolios developed under the auspices of the Chair and Deputy Chair. The report will identify portfolios. Mayors who are elected to represent portfolios will:

Make themselves aware of the Advocacy Plan for their portfolio and provide feedback

Be invited to all meetings and be supported with briefing advice to these meetings

Be expected to represent the organisation from time to time at the request of the Chair

Use opportunities in other forums to proffer the advocacy agenda under their portfolio The Board to be informed

1. An advocacy update will be provided by the Chair to the Board at its quarterly meetings. 2. A Chair’s report from Board meetings will be provided to members and other interested

stakeholders. Advocacy cycles Recognising that Centroc works on behalf of its members, the Opposition should be briefed on policy and more strategically regarding priority appropriately in the electoral cycle. Advocacy Calendar An advocacy calendar is updated weekly and provided to the Chair. Included annually are meetings in Parliament House Canberra and Sydney. Where possible events such as the Centroc Summit that brings State and Federal members to the region should be included strategically in the electoral cycle. The advice on inclusions in an Annual Calendar will be reviewed annually on the basis of the progression of Joint Organisations. Funding of advocacy The investment in attending Board meetings in both Sydney and Canberra is worthwhile. State and Federal members should be approached to assist in defraying these costs. In general, members pay costs of travel and accommodation, including the Executive. From time to time when the schedule is particularly onerous no for example the Chair, the costs of advocacy will be remitted to the Council.

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When Senior bureaucrats, Ministers or Ministerial advisors are in the region at Centroc’s request State and Federal representatives will be notified. The region should continue to support bringing the Joint Organisations from the State together until some more permanent structure is confirmed or otherwise with a view to sharing the costs with other JOs. Collaborating with DPC and RDA Central West Recognising the strategic role of RDA Central West and DPC, quarterly meetings between the Executive of Centroc, RDACW and DPC will be coordinated. Resourcing of these meetings is to be shared between the entities. MoUs will frame activity between the entities. Advocacy and its fit with intergovernmental collaboration Centroc recognises the tension between intergovernmental collaboration and advocacy and reserves its right to advocate at any time on any matter. All MoUs and other arrangements with government partners will reflect this approach.

Related Policies/Documents Infrastructure Advocacy Plan Water Advocacy Plan Health Advocacy Plan Social Media Policy Statement of values intergovernmental collaboration Communication Implementation Procedure (see Procedures) Media Release Guide (see Procedure) Code of Conduct Delegations and Sub-Delegations Protected Disclosures Act Freedom of Information Act Local Government Act The Centroc Style Guide

Draft Regional Plan and next Planning meeting The draft Regional Plan (the Plan) for the Central West and Orana was released for viewing and comment on 4 April. On exhibition also is the Agricultural Industries Report. Both can be found on this site: http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-Your-Area/Regional-Plans/Central-West-and-Orana/Resources

Both these documents have significant advice in them regarding a strategic approach to Local Government’s involvement in agriculture.

Given the significance of these pieces of work it is proposed that the Local Government Planners of the region develop some prioritisation advice for the Board before working with other levels of government.

http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-Your-Area/Regional-Plans/Central-West-and-Orana/Resources

http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-Your-Area/Regional-Plans/Central-West-and-Orana/Resources

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The Regional Plan Advisory Committee met in June to discuss in detail more specific actions in the plan to address. The Plan has raised some concerns where mapping is the most concerning, members of the Technical Committee and any interested Councillors and staff are invited to attend a meeting with DoPE staff to try and address the mapping issues. This will be held in Orange 27 July.

A draft response to the Plan is almost complete, and will be commended to the Board. An extension past the 4 July deadline was requested to the Minister for Planning, official notification has been received and we have till the 2 of September to provide a response.

Feedback from General Managers on the draft attached is requested, particularly on the recommendations.

An excerpt follows and please find the current version attached.

Overall feedback regarding the process Overall, Centroc welcomes a Regional Plan (the Plan) for Central NSW and has invested significant resource informing it. This region would like to see as much of our priority as possible is reflected in the final Plan and that the implementation of the Plan is well resourced. To illustrate the region’s priorities and their disparity with the Plan, please find attached the Infrastructure Input Paper to the Plan.

Where the advice in the Case Study attached provides feedback on the challenges and opportunities for optimisation of the process in developing the Plan, we would like to be part of iterative improvement going forward. We therefore commend to the State that it resource and provide appropriate delegation to enable the governance arrangements suggested in the Plan. Most importantly, Centroc is keen to ensure that Local Government elected representatives are included as members of the committee structure. We also commend to the State that Parliamentary Secretaries Chair the Monitoring and Implementation Committee.

It is noteworthy that the Regional Plan shines a light on the particular challenge for NSW on “how we do regional development.” The Foreword by the Hon Sarah Mitchell sets the direction of the Regional Plan firmly on the path of regional development. The actions of the Plan describe effort primarily around land use and do not reflect the cross jurisdictional and intergovernmental collaborative effort required to meet the laudable aspirations in the Foreword.

As a Pilot JO given the remit of “intergovernmental collaboration” to deliver better outcomes on housing, education and jobs – sectors Local Government has limited control, we see in the current regional governance framework limited ability to influence or align effort. Our hope is that a genuine, well resourced and enabled effort in Delivering the Plan as described on pages 16 and 17 will provide a framework for better outcomes to be achieved for our communities.

As well as the above, there are overall concerns for the plan including:

the need for the Plan to do just that, ie address the future and not primarily “backfill” on existing State commitments. This should include appropriate use of the “current situation” and “future” mapping to provide spatial advice in relation to each goal;

in its efforts to provide a response to the region’s needs for integration of land use, growth and infrastructure needs, there is insufficient direction to inform land use planning. This is exacerbated by the absence of land use principles for each goal;

poor recognition of the settlement pattern in Central NSW most particularly the lack of recognition of the importance of towns;

given the significance and materiality of the settlement pattern in Central NSW as distinct from that in Orana, there is a need to treat both the Orana and Central NSW distinctly

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otherwise the Plan reads like it is all about Dubbo and ‘other’ communities in the planning region;

key principles underpinning the planning framework should include a reference to facilitating growth in cultural, recreational and social/community infrastructure that supports communities;

the need include more detailed advice on priority infrastructure in the region including more detailed case studies;

some unfortunate commentary that seems to suggest that the locus of the “problem” is with Local Government;

references to the fit with the Premier’s priorities and Making it Happen; and

an implementation checklist giving responsibility and time frames to appropriate agencies and entities.

Recommendations

Mechanisms be put in place for optimisation of future processes and these to include o the reintegration on growth and infrastructure o the resourcing and delegation required for committee members

The Parliamentary Secretary Chair and Elected representatives from Centroc Board on the Monitoring and Implementation Committee

Responsibility and time frames to appropriate agencies and entities.

Alignment of strategic effort, the fit with this Plan among the other plans for the region including Making it Happen

Review mapping to appropriately inform the current status and future for each goal

Inclusion of advice that is future orientated

Inclusion of land use principles under each goal

Greater distinction between Orana and Central NSW

Review of settlement pattern to include towns

Fix errata

Inclusion of case studies

Recommendation/s to the Planning Report

That GMAC note the Planning Report and commend to the Board 1. the Centroc response to the Background Paper on Joint Organisations; 2. the Advocacy Policy; and 3. it continue to advocate to not be the manager of compliance for the Biodiversity Act 2015.

For determination

Can General Managers please review the Draft Regional Plan response and provide feedback, particularly to the recommendations. Attachment/s:

24. 5 May notes from the multi agency strategic meeting on planning meeting in Blayney

25. 23 May 2016 IPART submission Review of the Local Government Rating System

26. 26 May 2016 Correspondence to Minister Stokes Extension of response to Regional Plan

27. 6 June 2016 Submission Inquiry into Zonal Taxation

28. 12 July 2016 Correspondence from DoPE regarding extension to response on Regional Plan

29. Draft Regional Plan

30. 15 July 2016 Response to the Dept. of Local Government on the JO reform process

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7f General Purpose Standing Committee’s in NSW Parliament

Report by Lee Chapman dated 13/07/2016

Section

Objective

Subject

Sponsoring General Manager

About NSW Parliamentary Committees Parliamentary committees are groups of members of Parliament appointed to assist the Parliament in the performance of its functions. Committees can be appointed by either or both Houses to examine issues in more detail than is possible if the matter were considered in the House. Committees increase public awareness and debate on issues under consideration by Parliament. They benefit the community by reviewing proposed laws, facilitating more informed policy-making and ensuring greater government accountability. Committees can call for written submissions, conduct hearings where witnesses give evidence and seek advice from experts. They provide a forum for the public to have their say on issues before the Parliament. Committees report their findings and recommendations for government action to the Parliament.1 General Purpose Standing Committee’s (GPSC’s) As at June 2016, there are 6 General Purpose Standing Committee’s working in the Legislative Council of NSW. The table below depicts the matters that each is responsible to inquire and report on as well the current Chair. More information on the members of each GPSC can be found at NSW Parliament’s website: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committees.aspx

General Purpose Standing Committee

Inquire and report on any matter regarding: Chair

No. 1

Premier, Western Sydney, Treasury, Industrial Relations, Finance, Services and Property,

Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile, Christian Democratic Party

1 https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/pages/about-committees.aspx

Précis

This report provides advice regarding the General Purpose Standing Committee’s in the NSW

Parliament including what each Committee looks after, how enquiries are determined and how to

optimise responses to a current enquiry.

https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committees.aspx

https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/pages/about-committees.aspx

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The Legislature

No. 2

Roads, Maritime and Freight, Transport and Infrastructure, Family and Community Services, Social Housing, Ageing, Disability Services, Multiculturalism

The Hon. Greg Donnelly, Labor Party

No. 3

Education, Health, Early Childhood Education, Aboriginal Affairs, Mental Health, Medical Research, Women, Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Ms Jan Barham, The Greens

No. 4

Justice and Police, Arts, Racing, Planning, Attorney General, Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Sport

The Hon. Robert Borsak, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party

No. 5

Industry, Resources and Energy, Primary Industries, Lands and Water, Environment, Heritage

The Hon. Robert Brown, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party

No. 6

Local Government, Regional Development, Skills, Small Business, Innovation and Better Regulation, Corrections, Emergency Services, Veterans Affairs

The Hon. Paul Green, Christian Democratic Party

Who Determines what Enquiries are held?

The Chair of the Committee can influence what enquiries are heard and are a good place to start when advocating about an issue. Other Committee members can also be lobbied to support the establishment of an enquiry. GPSC’s need a majority of seven members to pursue an enquiry or they can be sent things from the house to pursue. A report is then developed which is tabled to the house and then sent to the government.

Centroc or a Council can do a petition in our region that can be tabled by a member in the house. If there are over 500 signatures received the Minister has to respond in which they have six months to do so. The Chair of the relative GPSC keeps the pressure on the government as to what the response will be

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A Select Committee is set up to look at a particular issue brought forward by a member, put forward to the house and needs a majority of 1. The Select Committee ceases to exist once the paper is published.

Current Enquiries

If you would like to invite the Committee to your LGA/Centroc Region to hear submissions, it’s best to write a letter to the Chair early on in the process as often the request for a visit is buried in the submission (and therefore missed) or travel plans have already been determined prior to the close of submissions. The letter should mention that a submission is to follow.

Advocate with the Chair, as well as other members of the Committee, as to the position you will be taking in your submission for discussion prior to the close of submissions

Other Information:

The Chair of a Committee will call a meeting if they think it is necessary

Budget estimates occur with the Minister annually (next one is scheduled for 29 August 2016)

Useful Information for Centroc Members Members may invite the Committee to their LGA or to the Centroc region to hear submissions or have a tour of an area related to a submission or enquiry. Correspondence should be sent to the Chair of the respective Committee as soon as possible in order for travel arrangements to be made. The correspondence should indicate that a submission is to follow. Using the Committee structure is a good way to engage the minor parties as many of them hold Chairmanships or positions on the Committee’s. Making them aware of who, what and where Centroc members are and the issues that are faced in Central NSW can be of assistance on the House floor.

Recommendation/s

That GMAC note the General Purpose Standing Committee report and commend it to the Board. Attachment/s: Nil

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7g RDOCS

Report by Lee Chapman dated 13/07/2016

Section 2 Regional Cooperation & Resource Sharing

Objective 2A Deliver a regional benefit from collaboration across Directors of Corporate Services (or similar) roles

Subject Directors of Corporate Services

Sponsoring General Manager Vacant


Actions Comments Provide advice on the operational efficiencies and effectiveness of Centroc

RDOCS continue to be kept abreast of the activities of the Operational teams through reviewing key topics discussed at meetings as well as reviewing the operational reports put forward to GMAC.

Provide oversight of the operational impacts of Centroc projects on each member council

See above

Précis

This report provides advice regarding the Management Plan priorities and any emerging

opportunities. Recommendations from past meetings form part of Matters in Progress.

This report also includes advice on the Insurance Health Check Program.

This report recommends That GMAC note the RDOCS report and

1. establish a working party to manage the next steps including:

consider if there are advantages in any regional aggregation and benefits of group procurement in the market testing processes to determine if a regional procurement be undertaken or if a council by council based procurement using a common brief developed by the working party is more suitable to;

set a timeframe for the project to ensure that 12 months notice can be given to StateWide should individual councils determine that to be their action; and

report back to GMAC on prices and broadform issues identified in the process and recommendations on next steps regarding the procurement of insurance coverage be made

2. engage an independent Consultant experienced in insurance review to assist the region in

testing the market;

3. delay negotiations with StateWide until market testing has occurred; and

4. reply to StateCover with comments from the PFS report and include that a survey done with

Centroc members by February 2016 as to their Claims Management process under their new

arrangement.

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Provide oversight of the Regional Best Practice in Procurement Program

1. Make sustainable savings and create efficiencies o Regional tenders/quotes are being developed for CTP

Insurance, Banking Services, Printing of rate notices, and legal services. Regional interest is still being gathered in these areas.

o LGP has a new IT&C Panel which incorporates two of their old panels into one. This being the case, members need to sign a new Notice of Participation. Details on the regional rebate that Centroc receives based on expenditure by its members can be found in the July 2015 GMAC paper. $30,000 has been received for the first 6 months of participating, with another payment anticipated in October for the second half of the 2015/16 financial year.

Members are asked to sign the LGP IT&C NOP provided to them at the meeting

2. Improve probity and manage risk o The back end of the Centroc website has been made

available to Council staff (with a login) and provides them with information on template documents.

o The Best Practice in Stores Management Committee (BPSC) are developing best practice criteria for various areas including stocktake, security to stores and managing job returns in stores.

3. Build staff and organisational capability in procurement o The BPSC are interested in storeman training which is

being coordinated through the Centroc Training Service and a course is scheduled for 24 August 2016.

o The networking that occurs at the BPSC meetings allows members to build their capability in procurement.

4. Strengthen regional collaboration o The BPSC met on 24 May with 10 Councils represented.

The Committee are very interested in working together and learning from one another in order to present the best possible Store.

o The sharing of ideas and practices is an agenda item at each BPSC meeting.

5. Add value to the aggregated procurement framework o Advocacy for changes to legislation around procurement

for Councils and ROC’s/JO’s was done through the Pilot JO process. Potential for LGNSW to hold a workshop in November 2016 with JO Chairs and EO’s with BP Procurement an agenda item is being progressed.

o The Best Practice in Procurement Manager and LGP’s Business Manager for the Centroc region communicate regularly on the procurement opportunities for Centroc members.

o Procurement Australia contracts and processes are being reviewed for purchasing opportunities for Centroc members.

6. Stimulate local and regional economic and social development o Some Councils have held workshops with their local

contractors explaining to them how Councils’ procurement process works and how the contractors can better engage with Council.

o At least three members have entered into agreements

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with VendorPanel and others are looking into how it can assist better engagement with their local contractors and suppliers

Manage internal audit process and develop options for regional collaboration

Six councils have signed contracts with Grant Thornton Australia, expiring June 2017, with the others acknowledging that GTA’s services are there should they need them. RDOCS will maintain a watching brief on the pending amendments to the Local Government Act relating to the internal audit functions and report through the repercussions of any changes made.

Scope a region-wide contractor management system to tie in with the Best Practice in Procurement Program.

RDOCS resolved to include a Best Practice Contractor Management toolkit as part of the Best Practice in Procurement Steering Committee. A steering committee will be established to commence work on this project.

Identify possible funding opportunities through a collaborative approach to WHS compliance training.

An MoU between Centroc and TAFE Western was signed on 15 July and is attached as part of the Regional Development Report in this paper (along with the media release). Further information on WHS compliance training can be found in the WHS report of this paper.

Review opportunities from the Regional Insurance Health-Check program

See below for details on advice on the next steps for the Regional Insurance Health-Check Program.

Insurance Health-Check

The insurance Health-Check project did a review of 10 Council’s insurance portfolios compromising two players:

StateCover – Workers Compensation

StateWide – all other insurances including Public Liability

GMAC resolved as follows at the meeting of 28 April 2016 where the matter was last considered:

“That GMAC, inter alia, send a letter to StateWide enquiring about the suggested broad

form policy changes listed in the PFS Regional Opportunities Report.

Mr G Rhodes/Mr D Sherley

Based on this resolution, a letter was drafted with assistance from Cowra and Orange Councils and sent to StateWide Mutual under the hand of the Chair. The letter sought StateWide’s agreement to consider the prices councils are charged for insurance in addition to agreeing to review the overall insurance framework in the broadform policy. It was noted that in particular, there is a need to review exclusions which give rise to the need for additional insurance and in some cases over insurance issues at individual councils.

The letter was posted and emailed to the Executive Officer of StateWide and stated, inter alia:

“The health check identified that in some cases additional policies gave rise to overlapping with existing policies and thus over insurance. Some Council’s indicated they would like to consider options in respect of increased excesses on policies to reduce premiums.

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Centroc members are offering to work with StateWide on identifying the areas we have uncovered in our health check process, and in particular to discuss the feasibility of including policies currently purchased by Councils into a broad-form policy while still providing adequate coverage.

It is believed that these changes will benefit not just all members of Centroc, but the other NSW local government customers as well and that it has potential to:

eliminate the overlapping cover that currently exists between Broad Form Public Liability and separately purchased gap covers;

provide scale benefits through aggregation;

address potential gaps or overlaps created as cover provided by ancillary policies are unlikely to be a ‘perfect fit’ for the applicable broad-form Public Liability policy; and

ensure insurance consistency across councils.

Additionally, the Regional Opportunities Report recommended a need for market testing across all forms of insurance (with the exception of workers compensation). As a discretionary mutual, Councils have been advised there may be scope for StateWide to consider its premium assessment methodology.

The Councils seek StateWide’s position on the ability and means to review the costs to councils that recognise these two elements.”

In reply to this correspondence, the following email was received:

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 29 June, 2016 1:13 PM To: Lee Chapman Subject: RE: Correspondence from Central NSW Councils

Lee,

Thank you for your email.

It refers extensively to the PFS report but it is not attached. We would obviously require a copy if we were to undertake your exercise effectively.

Further, we were advised at the Statewide Board of Management by Roger Bailey that it had been resolved that a copy of the report was to be provided to us so that we could respond to some of its findings. We note that we have been provided a copy of some of our members’ reports which contained glaring inaccuracies. It would appear premature to address the issues now being sought without undertaking that exercise first.

Kind regards

Naamon

Naamon Eurell | Executive Officer | Statewide Mutual

Feedback is that while the report from PFS was provided as a confidential attachment, it has been provided by member/s to StateWide.

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Following the receipt of this email, a teleconference was held with staff from Cowra, Orange and Centroc to determine possible recommendations to GMAC.

The intention of the correspondence was to ascertain StateWide’s willingness to review the pricing structure and broadform via an in principle agreement to undertake such an investigation as both were recommended in the regional health check report. Arguably, the negotiation position of Centroc has been compromised.

The regional health check report recommended councils consider testing the pricing of all insurance except workers compensation by going to the market. This is due to the highly regulated nature of premiums in the workers compensation sector and the health check assessment that StateCover is charging in accordance with the pricing framework for workers compensation. StateCover’s future service delivery was identified as an element to consider as they identified new service delivery arrangements that commenced in July 2016.

StateWide would be invited to provide their response to the market testing process and requested to illustrate exclusions in a broadform policy. The current policies with StateWide require 12 months notice be given.

After the collation and assessment of quotations for the insurances has been completed, it is recommended that should savings and coverage improvements be identified, that further analysis of the risks associated with the various options available to councils regarding insurance is needed. It is anticipated that to complete the market testing, assess and determine options and the need to give StateWide 12 months notice (if this is the ultimate outcome) will take two years. Councils can continue to negotiate with StateWide during this time to improve on pricing and insurance packaging.

As the next steps in this process, the following is recommended:

1. A working party be formed under the direction of a General Manager to manage the next steps.

2. General Managers determine if they want to participate in seeking quotations for insurance to test the market on all insurance with the exception of workers compensation. Price and coverage will be assessed in this process.

3. At the conclusion of the market testing, price implications and options for how participating councils could manage their insurance issues be presented to GMAC using a risk based assessment.

4. The working party will consider if there are advantages in any regional aggregation and benefits of group procurement in the market testing processes to determine if a regional procurement be undertaken or if a council by council based procurement using a common brief developed by the working party is more suitable.

5. An independent advisor be sought to assist in the preparation of the brief for the market testing and in the assessment of the responses received. The advisor is to be independent of all insurers. The costs for this engagement to be shared on a pro rata basis based on the % each council pays of the total premiums paid (excluding workers compensation).

6. A report back to GMAC on prices and broadform issues identified in the process and recommendations on next steps regarding the procurement of insurance coverage be made

7. That the Working party set a timeframe for the project to ensure that 12 months notice can be given to StateWide should individual councils determine that to be their action.

In the meantime, given the substantial savings made by Orange, Cowra and other Councils from the advice provided by PFS, staff at Orange and Cowra have generously offered to provide support to Councils interested in taking a similar approach.

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Timeframe

Results of market testing to be provided to members by February 2017 (GMAC) in order for Councils to decide if they would like to give notice to StateWide for the 18/19 financial year.

When What

August 2016 – October 2016 Market Testing

October 2016 0 December 2016 Analysis and report on way forward re insurance options

February 2017 GMAC report and Council reports providing advice on market testing

30 June 2017 Deadline to provide notice to StateWide to not reinsure with them for the 2018/19 year

(assuming leaving StateWide) July 2017 – September 2017 (need to feed into budgets which begin preparation in Sept year before

Undertake procurement process to establish insurer for 2018/19

December 2017 Reports to GMAC and Councils on recommended insurer to commence 1 July 2018

Workers Compensation Insurance As mentioned in the April 2016 GMAC paper, RDOCS resolved to leave StateCover as is until their internal review process is finalised. StateCover has provided correspondence (attached) asking about the results of the Insurance Health-Check. Based on the Regional Opportunities Report and RDOCS resolution, it is recommended that a reply be drafted to StateCover informing them that Members are happy with their services during this time of internal review. It should be noted in the correspondence that an internal review through a survey of members will be undertaken at the end of 2016 to confirm that members are still happy with the service, particularly around Claims Management.

Recommendation/s to the Regional Directors of Corporate Services Report

That GMAC note the RDOCS report and 1. establish a working party to manage the next steps including:

consider if there are advantages in any regional aggregation and benefits of group procurement in the market testing processes to determine if a regional procurement be undertaken or if a council by council based procurement using a common brief developed by the working party is more suitable to;

set a timeframe for the project to ensure that 12 months notice can be given to StateWide should individual councils determine that to be their action; and

report back to GMAC on prices and broadform issues identified in the process and recommendations on next steps regarding the procurement of insurance coverage be made

2. engage an independent Consultant experienced in insurance review to assist the region in testing the market;

3. delay negotiations with StateWide until market testing has occurred; and 4. reply to StateCover with comments from the PFS report and include that a survey done with

Centroc members by February 2016 as to their Claims Management process under their new arrangement.

Attachment/s: Nil

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7h WHS and Risk Management

Report by Carolyn Griffin and Kate Barker dated 12/07/2016


Objective 2B Cooperate on Work Health and Safety matters on Risk Management to ensure Centroc compliance with relevant legislation

Subject WHS and Risk Management

Sponsoring General Manager Mr Paul Devery


Actions Comments

Facilitate strategic networking between WHS and risk management professionals of Centroc member Councils.

The attendance at the WHS/Risk Management Group meetings is consistently high, with the majority of councils represented at each meeting. WHS staff have reported at recent meetings that there are issues with the CIMS system that remain unresolved. As such, the group resolved to write the Statewide Mutual detailing the issues that members are currently experiencing with the system and some reasons as to why it is not being utilised by many councils within the group. In response to the letter sent from the group, Ellie Diaz from Echelon has requested a meeting to further discuss the issues. The meeting with Ms Diaz will occur with the Chair and Sponsoring General Manager of the WHS/Risk Group after the GMAC meeting on 28 July.

Share knowledge, expertise and resources relevant to WHS and risk management.

Speakers to the meeting on 21 June included StateCover & Safe Work NSW. The minutes from this meeting form an attachment to this report. SafeWork NSW presented to the Group on Naturally Occurring Asbestos, the Management Plans and requirements under the WHS Legislation. Oberon Council also made a presentation on their recent experience with naturally occurring asbestos, providing other

Précis This report provides advice regarding the activities of the WHS/Risk Management Group. This report recommends that GMAC approve an extension of the deadline for Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Lachlan and Oberon Councils to have all contractors inducted under the Centroc WHS Induction Program to 31 December 2016, noting that no further extensions will be requested by the Group.

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councils within some helpful insights to use if they ever encounter a similar issue. The Group resolved to write to the Chair of the Centroc Roads Group to suggest they receive a presentation from StateCover on the importance of involving WHS staff in the pre-planning phase of works and the positive outcomes this can have throughout the life of the works. Discussions have taken place within the Group about the RMS requirements in relation to Worker on Foot and a working party has been formed with representatives from Lithgow City Council, Cowra Council & Orange City Council. The working party met in Bathurst on 3 June to commence the development of a manual for member councils to use as a basis for a Worker on Foot guide. The manual includes examples of what needs to be included in council’s own WOF guide, definitions and sample templates. The working party is currently reviewing the draft manual with final version to be presented to the WHS/Risk Group for endorsement prior to the GMAC meeting in October. The RMS will be invited to present at the September meeting on Worker on Foot, including the training requirements which will be mandated from 1 January 2017. Work has commenced on the RFQ process for the restocking of first aid kits as previously resolved by GMAC and this is further reported in the Procurement and Contracts report.

Review changes in legislation to determine Council’s responsibilities and obligations.

Email correspondence regarding any changes in legislation is circulated by the Chair or Secretary of the Group when it is received. The Group now receives this correspondence as part of their meeting agenda. As mentioned above, training for staff who are ‘workers on foot’ on construction sites will be a mandatory requirement from 1 January 2017. RMS had previously advised the group that the training could be either conducted in-house, or by an external training provider, however this has now changed. The Group will receive a presentation from Janette O’Brien from the RMS.

Source cost effective training using Centroc training coordinator

See HR and Training Report for statistics. The Group receives an update from the Centroc Training and Program Support Officer at each quarterly meeting, and councils are asked to request any training courses that are required by their Council. The Group is currently working on a bespoke training course for rangers, focusing on coming into contact with aggressive people who may either be under the influence or have a mental illness.

Monitor the rollout of the Centroc WHS Induction Program to ensure all councils are participating

There have been a total of 2744 contractors inducted across the region under the WHS Induction Program, with 1,139 of those being conducted between 1 January 2015 – 30 June 2016. The following figures show the number of contractors inducted by

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each Council:

Bathurst - 976

Blayney - 20

Boorowa - 0

Cabonnne – 19

Cowra - 72

Forbes - 464

Lachlan – 114

Lithgow - 220

Mid-Western – 105

Oberon – 22

Orange - 480

Parkes – 246

Upper Lachlan - 0

Weddin – 0

Young - 6

CTW - 0 The program documentation and also details of all inducted contractors can be found on the website in the secure area. All councils have access to the site through a personalised login. Discussions took place at the Group’s most recent meeting in June regarding those councils who are yet to commence or complete the inductions for all contractors by 30 June. The 30 June 2016 deadline was discussed at the May 2015 GMAC meeting, with some councils now seeking approval from GMAC to extend the deadline to induct all contractors to 31 December 2016. The Group resolved the following: “That the Centroc WHS/ Risk Management Group seek GMAC approval to extend the deadline to induct all contractors working for Centroc member councils until 31 December 2016 for Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Lachlan and Oberon, and noting that no further extensions will be requested.” An additional issue was raised whereby it has been brought to the attention of the group that there may be an external contractor/consultant conducting the inductions on behalf of a Council, rather than it being conducted by a Council employee. The Group will discuss whether non-Council staff should be allowed to conduct the inductions on behalf of Council at the next review of the WHS Induction Program at the December meeting. The WHS Induction program continues to be a line item on each meeting agenda, seeking regular feedback from members, which then informs the annual review at the December meeting. This approach aims to continually improve and streamline the process wherever possible.

Regional contract for load shifting training The contract for Compliance Training commenced on 1 April 2016 and continues until 31 March 2019. There are 4 training providers on the panel including Allens Training, Australian Training and Consulting, Mines Rescue and

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TAFE Western. There are around 32 compliance training courses available through the contract. The contract has had some use in its first quarter with staff already reporting that the process has been streamlined to enable councils to engage a training provider directly off of the panel without having to seek quotes each time they wish to book training for these types of courses. Councils can either book the training directly through the training providers, or seek assistance in the booking and coordination through the Centroc Training Service. It is hoped that a streamlined approach to this training will free up time for both Councils staff and the Training Service to enable more time to be spent on less routine training that may be required. Statistics for the Compliance Training Contract are reported in the Training and HR report.

Regional contract for traffic control training

The contract with ATAC (Coates Hospitality Services) for traffic control training expired on 30 June 2015. The contract was not extended at request of the Group due to the changes to traffic control training commencing on 1 July 2015. Members will consider at future meetings whether to run another procurement process for traffic control training, or to continue engaging training providers on an as needs basis, off contract. Councils continue to predominantly use ATAC for traffic control training and report that the training is delivered to a consistently high standard. It has taken quite some time for staff at Councils and Centroc to get used to the different format of training as required by the RMS, and also the additional paperwork that is required to be submitted to the training provider prior to training commencing.

Recommendations to the WHS/Risk Management Group Report

That GMAC note the WHS/Risk Management Report and approve an extension of the deadline for Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Lachlan and Oberon Councils to have all contractors inducted under the Centroc WHS Induction Program to 31 December 2016, noting that no further extensions will be requested by the Group. Attachment/s:

31. Minutes from the WHS/Risk Management Group meeting 21 June 2016.

32. 1 June 2016 Correspondence to Mr Naamon Eurell Executive Officer, Statewide Mutual cc Bill Warne,

Queanbeyan City Council Feedback on the Contractor Insurance Management System (CIMS)

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7i Training and HR Managers Group

Report by Kate Barker and Carolyn Griffin dated 12/07/16


Objective 2C &D Develop a more sustainable and productive workforce by encouraging continual leaning and by sharing knowledge and experience across the region via the activities of the HR Mangers Group (HRMG)

Subject Training and HR Managers Group

Sponsoring General Manager Mr David Sherley


Actions Comments

Increase influence of HRMG by addressing issues common to the region, with a coordinated, regional approach.

Centroc staff attended the OROC HR Managers Group meeting in Dubbo in May to present on the structure and processes of the Centroc Training Service and the HR Managers Group. At the meeting there was some interest from OROC councils regarding the Centroc online training program and whether it would be something that they could piggy back onto. Since the presentation there have been a large number of staff from OROC councils attending courses coordinated by Centroc. As OROC does not have the resources of the Centroc Training Service, staff will continue to promote courses to the group to assist the group gain access to courses closer to them than Sydney. The Pre-Employment Screening contract is with Recovre and expires on 30 June 2017 after the optional 12 month extension was approved by GMAC at the April meeting. Proforma letters were sent to Councils to send on to Recovre to formalise the extension, as the contract is between each Council rather than Centroc. Statistics on the usage of the contract can be found later in this report. SCOUT e-recruitment is being used by Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lithgow and Parkes. Orange are also using SCOUT however are not currently under the Centroc contract. The contract with SCOUT is from 1 March 2015 until 28 February 2017. Lachlan Shire Council have also shown an interest in the program. The Employee Assistance Program contract is with Converge International and expires on 30 June 2018 with an option for a 12 month extension. Due to the sensitive nature of this contract,

Précis This report provides advice regarding the activities of the HR Managers Group and the Centroc Training Service. This report is provided for noting.

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statistics have not been provided in this report. Individual council statistics are provided to councils through the HR Managers. Converge International have delivered a mixture of EAP awareness sessions/seminars to interested councils over the past few months where feedback from participating councils has been positive. Converge International will be presenting at the next HR Managers Group meeting in August to provide details on HR staffing issues, navigating the Converge website and how to encourage managers/supervisors to use the tool. The Online Training contract with Cubic Consulting is due to expire on 31 August 2016 with an option for a 12 month extension. GMAC resolved at the April meeting to extend the contract for Bathurst, Boorowa, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange and Upper Lachlan, noting that Cabonne will decide once the pending amalgamation outcome is announced and Parkes will decide once the trial of the new LMS, Percepium, has been trialled by other councils. An update on the online training program is found later in this report.

Seek consistency and commonality in policies and procedures to assist employees in the region to develop a career path, while fostering improved organisational cultures to improve operational efficiencies.

As part of the ‘grow your own’ trainee program, a database has been developed, showing each Council’s trainee/cadet details with a view to utilising existing trained staff in member councils where the Council who had the trainee could not offer them a permanent job on completion of their traineeship. This database is a work in progress with information received from Bathurst, Cabonne, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western, Oberon, Orange and Upper Lachlan. The database is available on request by members of the HR Group.

Share support and advice to build positive, sustainable relationships with unions and associated employee organisations.

As resolved at the February GMAC meeting, Centroc has formally written to Local Government NSW requesting that the proposed fee be waived which was provided to LGNSW at a meeting in April 2016 in Sydney. No response has been received on this matter. The Group have requested in the past that LGNSW provide access to the Sydney meetings either by web/teleconference facilities or recordings of the meetings and to date these options have been declined.

Act as a central coordination point for joint training.

An update on the Training Service including statistics is found later in this report. An update on the Training Service including statistics is found later in this report. The Emerging Leaders Program has been finalized. There were 18 participants from Forbes Shire Council, Orange City Council and Lithgow City Council who participated in this 12 month program with Modules 1 and 2 delivered over 4 days in June/July 2015 and Module 3 delivered in July 2016. There is further interest from Lithgow City Council to have the program delivered again. Dangerous Dog Handling was delivered in Oberon in June 2016 with participants from 4 member councils and 5 non-member

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councils. From this training there is additional interest from the group to have “Assessing Temperament” training delivered in the future. Both of these courses were advertised towards council employees who may be required to interact directly or indirectly with dogs during the performance of their duties. At the request of a member Council, Procurement Australia will be in the region delivering a workshop on “Contract Law for Non-Lawyers” in Bathurst on 28 July. This is a subsidised workshop by Procurement Australia. The workshop will be facilitated by Scott Alden, Partner, Holding Redlich. There has been a significant interest in this workshop to date. At the request of the Best Practice in Stores Management Group, ArcBlue will also be in the region delivering a workshop on “Stores & Inventory Training”. There is no subsidy offered by ArcBlue to have this course delivered however it is being delivered upon request.

Be proactive in the identification of training needs to assist with the skill development of staff.

Four member councils have been working on a project for workforce development in the water space since 2012. The participating councils engaged Jenny James to assist in the project which led to 15 staff participating in the AWA Certification pilot program. In late 2015, Centroc and the participating councils secured around $30k worth of funding from State Training Services to deliver the 76 units identified through the pilot program. Murray Thompson was engaged as the trainer through TAFE North Coast to deliver the training and assessment after a procurement process was conducted through Centroc. The funding covered the training, however councils had to pay for the travel and accommodation for the trainer which was not included. Feedback provided to date by the pilot participants has been excellent, with many reports of Murray being an excellent trainer. All training and assessments have now been completed and councils are working with AWA to finalise the pilot program.

Identify and seek funding and income related to training initiatives.

Centroc staff are in regular contact with TAFE Western and other RTOs to keep up to date with any funding opportunities. TAFE Western have advised the Centroc Training Service of available funding that can be accessed in 2016 for certain skillsets and if the training needs meet specified criteria. To access this funding, councils must provide the completed Training Needs Identification document and a Letter of Support. To date, there has been $64,884 in savings achieved for Councils with training undertaken by or scheduled to be undertaken by TAFE Western. Forbes Shire Council, Boorowa Council & Weddin Shire Council were all successful in their applications for funding. Lachlan Shire Council is in the process of completing and submitting their Training Needs Identification (TNI) document and have been working with TAFE Western regarding this. A decision

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on this funding should be known within 3-4 weeks.

Identify and promote the engagement of local, regional training providers to develop and expand the regional training industry.

TAFE Western were one of four successful providers on the contract for compliance training and have 32 courses on offer under the contract. Centroc does liaise with TAFE Western direct with any training enquiries and Councils may also contact TAFE Western or any other training providers under the contract direct regarding training. Along with TAFE Western, there are an additional 3 regional training providers on the panel:

Allens Training – based in Goulburn

ATAC – based in Tamworth, and

Mines Rescue – based in Newcastle and has an office in Lithgow.

Training under the Compliance Training Contract has commenced and to date, all 4 providers have been utilised. The usage and savings statistics are found later in this report.

Increase educational opportunities related to local government by involvement with regional educational institutions.

See details above regarding the ‘grow your own’ project database. Centroc staff participate in the Water Training and Assessor Network (WTAN) which meets in Sydney on a quarterly basis. From 2016, Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst will now offer a Bachelor of Technology / Master of Engineering (Civil Systems). The structure of the degree is 18 months on campus learning, followed by 4 x 1 year paid work placements. Mr Josh Devitt from CSU has presented to both the HR Managers Group and the Centroc Water Utilities Alliance regarding the upcoming opportunities for councils to take work placement students. It is understood that members of the CWUA have shown a keen interest in the program and further information can be found in the Water Operations report.

Develop and maintain the Centroc online training program

The Online Training contract with Cubic Consulting is due to expire on 31 August 2016 with an option for a 12 month extension. At the April meeting, GMAC approved the extension of the online training contract for Bathurst, Boorowa, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange and Upper Lachlan, noting that Cabonne will decide once the pending amalgamation outcome is announced and Parkes will decide once the trial of the new LMS has been trialled by other councils. Access to the new LMS, Percepium, has now been provided to 4 councils (Bathurst, Oberon, Orange and Upper Lachlan) to trial on behalf of the group. Councils have provided advice over the last 6 or so months that the LMS that was being used was not meeting the needs of some councils. The intent of the trial was for some councils to use the new system and report back to the rest of the group at the August meeting on whether or not they thought the new LMS should be rolled out to the rest of the group. The new LMS, if taken up by councils after the trial concludes at the end of August, will cost an additional on-off fee of $750. Some councils have raised concerns that it may not be worthwhile to move to the new LMS when there is only 12 months left on the

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existing contract and the group may need to put resource into a new procurement process towards the end of 2016 to ensure a new contract is in place by the time the contract concludes. To date, there has been little engagement from the councils who are trialling Percepium, so the extent of the feedback and recommendation that they can offer to the group at the August meeting to make a decision on how to move forward is not as high as first expected. It is hoped that the trial councils utilise the next month to test out the system so that the group can make an informed decision at the next meeting. The new LMS that has greater reporting capabilities and access to a larger course library than the current LMS. Parkes have advised that they are investigating an online training solution offered by Pulse. Staff from Parkes will be asked to conduct a short presentation to the August HR meeting to discuss the differences between it and the existing system. Despite best efforts, it is envisaged that one solution may not be found to meet every Council’s needs, and the Group will need to decide what the future of online training looks like. Courses currently available to participating councils including the new Aboriginal Cultural Awareness (additional cost), Alcohol and Other Drugs, Bullying and Harassment, Code of Conduct, Equal Employment Opportunity, Privacy and Work Health and Safety, Introduction to Local Government (additional cost) and Contractor Management (additional cost).

Regional Contracts Pre-Employment Screening

The following table shows Council’s use of the Pre-Employment Screening contract with Recovre from 1 July 2013 – 30 June 2016.

Council Spend Savings

Bathurst $47,805 $6,930

Blayney $11,580 $1,470

Boorowa $1,880 $210

Cabonne $5,560 $805

Cowra $12,100 $2,065

Forbes $14,555 $2,030

Lachlan $13,670 $2,065

Lithgow $12,540 $1,785

Oberon $6,655 $875

Orange $79,260 $10,115

Parkes $21,150 $2,660

ULSC $0 $0

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Council Spend Savings

Weddin $0 $0

Young $725 $105

Total $227,480 $31,115

Compliance Training Contract Savings

The following table shows the estimated savings achieved by members through the use of the compliance training contract with Allens Training, ATAC, Mines Rescue and TAFE Western. Savings are calculated based on information provided by the providers.

Council Allens Training ATAC Mines Rescue TAFE Western

Bathurst $0 $0 $0 $0

Blayney $0 $0 $0 $0

Cabonne $0 $0 $0 $14,301

Cowra $0 $1,580 $0 $0

CTW $0 $0 $0 $0

Forbes $0 $0 $0 $0

Hilltops $0 $0 $0 $0

Lachlan $0 $3,450 $0 $0

Lithgow $0 $0 $0 $7,479

Oberon $0 $0 $0 $0

Orange $0 $9,510 $0 $0

Parkes $0 $0 $0 $0

Upper Lachlan $1,300 $0 $0 $0

Weddin $0 $0 $0 $0

Total $1,300 $14,540 $0 $21,780

Online Training The online training system is being used by 12 member councils including Bathurst, Boorowa, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Upper Lachlan and Young. The following table shows the number of courses that have been undertaken in the online training system (1 October 2012 to 31 March 2016):

Council Aboriginal

Cultural Awareness

Alcohol & Other Drugs

Bullying and Harassment

Code of Conduct

Equal Employment Opportunity

(EEO)

Privacy Work Health

& Safety Total

Bathurst 234 390 317 398 290 307 367 2,303

Boorowa 0 37 6 19 6 6 6 80

Cabonne 0 60 55 63 62 62 69 371

Cowra 0 3 66 65 70 2 4 210

Forbes 0 69 74 76 71 75 58 423

Lachlan 0 5 3 4 2 17 0 31

Lithgow 0 32 35 35 24 26 28 180

Oberon 0 89 114 108 101 105 108 625

Orange 0 48 165 200 118 108 57 696

Parkes 0 38 46 57 102 53 30 326

ULSC 0 104 150 1 1 2 112 370

Young 0 22 23 24 23 26 27 145

Total 234 897 1,054 1,050 870 789 866 5,760

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Training Statistics The following table shows the training statistics for 1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016:

Council No. Of

Courses

No. Of staff

trained

Training Service Spend

Online Training spend

Total spend Total Savings

Bathurst 13 59 $15,997 $27,800 $43,797 $13,531

Blayney 9 37 $9,407 $0 $9,407 $7,885

Boorowa 9 88 $29,991 $3,676 $33,667 $5,455

Cabonne 22 215 $55,881 $12,900 $68,781 $17,829

CTW 2 2 $1,320 $0 $1,320 $1,932

Cowra 25 121 $47,880 $10,964 $58,844 $16,894

Lachlan 11 136 $24,726 $8,384 $33,110 $12,394

Lithgow 19 271 $52,886 $12,900 $65,786 $18,905

Mid-Western 11 33 $14,135 $0 $14,135 $8,799

Oberon 19 82 $25,647 $6,256 $31,903 $15,103

Orange 25 176 $53,479 $6,451 $59,930 $19,516

Parkes 14 95 $29,518 $9,675 $39,193 $10,864

Upper Lachlan 5 67 $13,626 $9,352 $22,978 $5,377

Weddin 1 2 $960 $0 $960 $90

Young 4 8 $3,470 $3,420 $6,890 $6,634

Other LGAs 13 56 $21,200 $0 $21,200 $2,462

Non-LGA 4 8 $2,030 $0 $2,030 $4,698

Total 222 1,573 $439,772 $119,518 $559,288 $186,232

Please note: 1. these statistics reflect all training including training undertaken under the compliance

training contract, and 2. savings and calculations for Hilltops Council will be reported on from 1 July 2016.

The following table shows the trend for each member Council over the past 5 years. Note that the contract for load shifting training was in use between July 2012 – June 2015, online training commenced in October 2012 and is ongoing, traffic control training was in use between July 2014 – June 2015 and compliance training commenced in April 2016 and is ongoing. The spend under these contracts are included in the table.

Council 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 Total

Bathurst $24,503 $27,642 $33,467 $38,778 $48,810 $43,797 $216,997

Blayney $10,203 $2,672 $2,750 $2,615 $8,909 $9,407 $36,556

Boorowa $7,610 $6,715 $19,130 $5,700 $13,124 $33,667 $85,946

Cabonne $12,590 $6,776 $25,972 $28,744 $28,687 $68,781 $171,550

Cowra $52,755 $34,522 $25,008 $70,480 $54,833 $58,844 $296,442

CTW $2,926 $4,111 $1,850 $420 $3,250 $1,320 $13,877

Forbes $23,816 $34,710 $22,240 $51,400 $28,458 $45,360 $205,984

Lachlan $26,348 $27,435 $28,539 $33,390 $27,251 $33,110 $176,073

Lithgow $48,587 $49,402 $59,503 $34,799 $50,118 $65,786 $308,195

Oberon $6,022 $7,585 $2,275 $19,306 $18,357 $31,903 $85,448

Orange $20,798 $31,807 $68,309 $22,719 $50,642 $59,930 $254,205

Parkes $52,370 $32,770 $17,027 $10,870 $37,024 $39,193 $189,254

Upper Lachlan $6,306 $37,780 $33,125 $6,570 $35,294 $22,978 $142,053

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Council 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 Total

Weddin $16,503 $8,335 $4,510 $13,650 $667 $960 $44,625

Young $10,583 $13,367 $12,930 $10,440 $12,569 $6,890 $66,779

Other $89,269 $47,313 $48,521 $12,355 $4,725 $23,230 $225,413

Total $411,189 $373,242 $405,156 $362,476 $422,993 $559,291 $2,534,347

Recommendation to the HR and Training Report

That GMAC note the HR and Training report. Attachment/s:

33. 24 May 2016 Minutes from HR Managers Group meeting

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7j Procurement and Contract Report

Report by Kate Barker and Lee Chapman dated 18/07/2016 Section 2 Regional Cooperation & Resource Sharing

Objective 2E Achieve cost savings and improve supply arrangements

Subject Supply report

Sponsoring General Manager vacant


Actions Comments

Achieve savings through joint procurement of goods and services

Existing Contracts: Fuel (Lowes Petroleum, Oilsplus, Park Fuels and United Petroleum) – expires on 30 June 2018 with the option for a 12 month extension. The new contract commenced on 1 July 2016, with many Councils yet to either sign the contracts or resolve to sign the contracts. Councils will be chased up in the coming week to determine the status and ensure contracts are signed in a timely manner so that councils are all procuring fuel under contract. A Request for Quotation/Tender (RFX) included both the supply and delivery of bulk fuel and fuel cards. As the bulk fuel was a time sensitive contract due to the previous contract expiring on 30 June 2016, the contract for fuel cards is still underway. During the evaluation the panel sought a number of clarifications which would have held the bulk fuel contract up if they were to remain being run concurrently. Further investigation of fuel cards indicates that there may be alternate options available through LGP and Procurement Australia. Analysis is currently underway to determine which is the best contract for councils to utilise. Road Signs (ArtCraft, Barrier Signs and DeNeefe) – expires 30

Précis This report provides advice on procurement and current contracts, specifically:

regional contracts;

5 year procurement plan; and

cost savings. The report recommends that GMAC:

approve the 12 month extension of the road signs contracts with Artcraft, Barrier Signs and DeNeefe;

approve a regional EOI process for a panel of asbestos consultants;

approve a regional process for a legal services panel;

approve a regional process for a banking services panel; and

approve a regional process for a printing of rates notices panel.

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Actions Comments

September 2016, with an option for a 12 month extension. Details on councils’ utilisation of the contract can be found later in this report. Members have been surveyed with everyone who responded stating that they would like for the contract to be extended for a period of 12 months. During recent discussions with Artcraft, they have advised that there are a number of signs that are missing from the price schedule that they would like to have included in the contract. The missing signs are mainly for Class 1X, where only Class 1 has been included in the pricing. Class 1X missing has caused some confusion with councils who have queried pricing. For any signs that are not included in the pricing schedule in the contract, Artcraft gives a 10% discount off list price. By incorporating these additional signs into the price schedule, hopefully confusion in the future will be minimised. Bitumen Emulsion (Boral Asphalt) expires on 28 February 2017, with an option for a 12 month extension. Details on councils’ utilisation of the contract can be found later in this report. Councils will be surveyed in the coming months to determine whether they wish to extend the contract for 12 months, or conduct a new procurement process. Linemarking Services (Avante Linemarking, Central West Linemarking, Complete Linemarking Services, Workforce Road Services) - expires on 30 September 2017, with an option for a 12 month extension. To date no contracts have been returned from Workforce Road Services, who have reported that they were having their legal team look over the terms and conditions prior to signing. CCTV of Sewer and Stormwater Mains (Sewer Services) – expires on 30 June 2018, with no options for extension. During the tender process for this contract, the participating councils advised that their estimated annual expenditure on CCTV was around $700k, however statistics detailed later in this report show that less than $200k was spent with Sewer Services in the first year of the contract. Smoke Testing of Sewer Service Lines (All About Pipes and ADS Environmental) - expires on 30 June 2018, with no options for extension. During the tender process for this contract, the participating councils advised that their estimated annual expenditure on Smoke Testing was around $350k, however statistics detailed later in this report show that no councils have engaged wither All About Pipes of ADS Environmental in the first year of the contract. Proposed Contracts: Asset Valuation Services for Water and Sewer – the RFX process was conducted during June with the evaluation taking place in

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Actions Comments

Orange on 13 July. The Panel has shortlisted the respondents and work is now underway to progress the next steps towards a contract with the preferred respondent. The contract is due to commence on 1 October 2016 for a period of 9 months. The contractor will be required to complete all valuations and have the final reports to Councils by the end of February. Forbes Shire Council has already agreed to sign this contract on behalf of Centroc as a regional contract. Auditing of Performance Reporting for Water and Sewer – this auditing process is a requirement for both Bathurst and Orange, with other councils also participating as they see value from a best practice perspective. The RFX process was conducted during June with the evaluation taking place in Orange on 13 July. Work is now underway with contract negotiations with the preferred respondent. The contract is due to commence on 1 September 2016 for a period of 10 months. The contractor will conduct the process for Bathurst and Orange first as they have a requirement set by DPI Water to have the audit completed by mid-October, whereas the other councils do not have this time sensitivity. Forbes Shire Council has already agreed to sign this contract on behalf of Centroc as a regional contract. Pest Services - Councils will be contacted in the coming months regarding the proposed contract for pest services and seeking advice on participation. Panel of Asbestos Consultants – a number of councils have expressed interest in conducting an EOI process to identify a panel of asbestos consultants. This would not be a Centroc contract, instead each Council would engage with a provider on the panel on an as-needs basis. Centroc would purely run the process on behalf of member councils. Staff from Cabonne, Cowra, Oberon and Orange councils have agreed to be on the evaluation panel. Ms Karen Simpson from SafeWork NSW in Orange has agreed to offer assistance throughout the process. GMAC is asked to formally resolve to approve the EOI process for a regional panel of asbestos consultants. Legal Services Panel – through the RDOCS Group, interest has been expressed in running a procurement process to identify a legal services panel. More information can be found in the RDOCS report. GMAC is asked to formally resolve to approve the procurement process for a regional legal services panel. Banking Services Panel – through the RDOCS Group, interest has been expressed in running a procurement process to provide banking services to interested members. While banking services have been granted an exception to the tendering process under the Local Government Act, a formal process will still occur to

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Actions Comments

ensure proper governance and transparency of the process while achieving a value for money outcome for Councils. More information can be found in the RDOCS report. GMAC is asked to formally resolve to approve the procurement process for a regional banking services panel. CTP Insurance – Quotations for CTP Insurance were sought on a regional level for 4 Councils, two for this year and two for next year. The quotes are currently being reviewed by Councils and the savings achieved will be reported in the next report. Printing of Rate Notices Panel – through the RDOCS Group, interest has been expressed in running a procurement process to identify a suitable provider for the printing of rate notices, regional interest is still being sought for this tender process. GMAC is asked to formally resolve to approve the procurement process for a printing of rates notices panel. The Centroc Procurement Plan can be found later in this report.

Generate income through rebates Quarterly reports are requested from all contractors with whom there is a Centroc contract. Management fees are invoiced on applicable contracts either quarterly of six-monthly, depending on the details in the contract. The income from rebates can be found in the Finance Report.

Encourage use of the latest technology for communication and purchasing functions

The BP Stores Management Committee are looking at the implementation of barcoding systems into their Stores, where Forbes has had great success in its low cost implementation. Some members have signed up to use VendorPanel for their own panels and contracts, while others are waiting to establish panels before embarking down this path. A regional VendorPanel site is an option that will be discussed when the final makeup of the ROC/JO is determined.

Provide a forum for facilitating inter-regional cooperation and sharing of knowledge, expertise and resources

The BP Stores Management Committee met on 24 May with 10 Councils represented. Key outcomes of the meeting were:

Review options to assist members in selling overstocked/unused items;

Deeper review into how to handle items returned to store from a job;

Established 8 items for regional benchmarking with regards to best practice measures;

Pursue a regional training course on Stores and Inventory Management with ArcBlue.

A tour of the Blayney and CTW stores and depots were held after the meeting which provided some good discussion points at the networking lunch. Minutes of the meeting are available on request.

Provide a central support program for all regional contract management

A Feedback on regional contracts has typically been done in a face-to-face manner at each of the team meetings; however this can be

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Actions Comments

a tedious process and is often rushed at the end of the meeting. An alternative approach to collecting contract feedback will be trialed over the coming months whereby councils will be asked to complete a quick online survey, rating the providers on aspects of the contracts and making any relevant comments on the quality of the goods/services provided during the quarterly period. The back end of the Centroc website has been set up to allow Council staff to request access to an area that has templates for contracts and tender documentation as well as information regarding all of Centroc’s regional contracts, including contact details and contract dates and specifications.

Regional Contracts Supply Contracts Bitumen Emulsion The following table shows the utilisation rates of each council for the bitumen emulsion contract with Boral Asphalt. The spend shown is for the period 1 March 2015 – 30 June 2016:

Council Total

Bathurst $93,604

Blayney $106,039

Boorowa $99,148

Cabonne $187,826

Cowra $124,116

Forbes $350,225

Harden $22,357

Lachlan $126,910

Lithgow $49,379

Oberon $105,595

Orange $109,814

Parkes $153,404

Upper Lachlan $0

Weddin $199,588

Wellington $72,437

Young $0

Total $1,800,442

Fuel The following table shows the utilisation rates of each council for the fuel contract. The spend shown is for the period 1 July 2014 – 30 June 2016.

Council Dib Group Oilsplus Park Fuels Reliance/ Lowes Total

Bathurst $0 $1,163,310 $0 $305,132 $1,468,443

Bland $0 $233,305 $0 $54,235 $287,540

Blayney $0 $686,076 $0 $0 $686,076

Boorowa $553,623 $0 $0 $0 $553,623

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Council Dib Group Oilsplus Park Fuels Reliance/ Lowes Total

Cabonne $0 $401,988 $0 $1,172,830 $1,574,818

Cowra $0 $0 $0 $1,024,795 $1,024,795

Forbes $0 $0 $0 $637,316 $637,316

Lachlan $0 $0 $0 $855,791 $855,791

Lithgow $0 $0 $920,567 $0 $920,567

Oberon $0 $0 $0 $847,823 $847,823

Orange $0 $603,262 $0 $17,694 $620,956

Parkes $0 $0 $0 $798,031 $798,031

Upper Lachlan $760,808 $0 $0 $0 $760,808

Weddin $399,892 $0 $0 $0 $399,892

Wellington $0 $0 $0 $839,877 $839,877

Young $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Total $1,714,323 $3,087,941 $920,567 $6,553,525 $12,276,357

Road Signs The following table shows the utilisation rates of each council for the road signs contract. The spend shown is for the period 1 October 2014 – 30 June 2016:

Council Artcraft Barrier Signs DeNeefe Total

Bathurst $43,427 $0 $9,028 $52,455

Blayney $118,516 $0 $0 $118,516

Boorowa $0 $0 $39,655 $39,655

Cabonne $112,561 $0 $0 $112,561

Cowra $22,482 $8,833 $15,429 $46,744

Forbes $32,958 $10,576 $0 $43,534

Lachlan $102,263 $0 $1,388 $103,651

Lithgow $47,872 $0 $0 $47,872

Oberon $44,874 $0 $0 $44,874

Orange $79,043 $6,403 $4,250 $89,697

Parkes $44,085 $38,137 $0 $82,221

Upper Lachlan $31,503 $13,280 $57,059 $101,841

Weddin $48,324 $1,999 $0 $50,323

Wellington $9,427 $8,954 $0 $18,381

Young $20,437 $0 $0 $20,437

Total $757,771 $88,183 $126,810 $972,763

Linemarking Services The following table shows the utilisation rates of each council for the linemarking services contract. The spend shown is for the period 1 October 2015 – 30 June 2016:

Council Avante Central West Complete Workforce Total

Bathurst $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Blayney $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Boorowa $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Cabonne $103,931 $29,366 $0 $0 $133,297

Cowra $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

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Council Avante Central West Complete Workforce Total

Forbes $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Lachlan $0 $58,932 $0 $0 $58,932

Lithgow $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Mid-Western $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Oberon $41,257 $0 $0 $0 $41,257

Orange $52,822 $18,537 $63,707 $0 $135,066

Parkes $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Upper Lachlan $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Weddin $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

Young $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

TOTAL $198,010 $106,836 $63,707 $0 $368,552

Centroc Water Utilities Alliance Contracts CCTV of Sewer and Stormwater Mains The following table shows the utilisation rates of each council for the CCTV contract. The spend shown is for the period 1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016:

Council Sewer Services

Bathurst $0

Blayney $0

Boorowa $0

Cabonne $0

Cowra $0

Forbes $0

Lachlan $0

Lithgow $28,335

Mid-Western $41,939

Oberon N/A

Orange $0

Parkes $45,852

Upper Lachlan N/A

Weddin $28,085

Young $47,514

Total $191,726

Smoke Testing of Sewer Service Lines The following table shows the utilisation rates of each council for the Smoke Testing contract. The spend shown is for the period 1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016:

Council ADS Environmental All About Pipes*

Bathurst $0 $0

Blayney $0 $0

Boorowa $0 $0

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Council ADS Environmental All About Pipes*

Cabonne $0 $0

Cowra $0 $0

Forbes $0 $0

Lachlan $0 $0

Lithgow $0 $0

Mid-Western $0 $0

Oberon N/A

Orange $0 $0

Parkes $0 $0

Upper Lachlan N/A

Weddin $0 $0

Young $0 $0

Total $0 $0*

*note that as at 20/7, All About Pipes had not yet provided the figures for the April to June 2016 quarter.

Regional Procurement Plan The following table shows the 5 Year Procurement Plan for regional contracts.

Team

/ G

rou

p

Contract Current contract

expiry 1 July 2014-30

June 2015 1 July 2015-30

June 2016 1 July 2016-30

June 2017 1 July 2017-30 June

2018 1 July 2018-30

June 2019

Sup

ply

Bitumen 28-Feb-17 contract commenced on 1 March 2015

option for 12 month extension of contract

new contract to commence on 1 March 2018

Road Signs 30-Sep-16 contract commenced on 1 October 2014


new contract to commence 1 October 2017

Fuel 30-Jun-18 new contract commenced 1 July 2016


Line Marking Services

30-Sep-17 contract commenced on 1 October 2015


Pest Services

scoping to take place through the Best Practice in Procurement Program

Clothing


Road Aggregate


HR

/WH

S

Employee Assistance Program

30-Jun-18 contract commenced on 1 July 2015


WHS Compliance Training

31-Mar-19 contract commenced on 1 April 2016


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Team

/ G

rou

p

Contract Current contract

expiry 1 July 2014-30

June 2015 1 July 2015-30

June 2016 1 July 2016-30

June 2017 1 July 2017-30 June

2018 1 July 2018-30

June 2019

Online Training

31-Aug-16

option for 12 month extension of contract Scoping for new contract to commence in early 2017.

New contact to commence on 1 September 2017.

SCOUT e-recruitment

28-Feb-17 contract commenced 1 March 2015

new contract to commence 1 March 2017

Pre-employment Screening

30-Jun-17 option for 12 month extension of contract used

new contract to commence 1 July 2017

CW

UA

Developer Servicing Plans

31-Dec-16 contract commenced on 1 May 2015

CCTV 30-Jun-18 new contract to commence 1 July 2019

Smoke Testing

30-Jun-18 new contract to commence 1 July 2019

Manhole Rehabilitation

Proposed new contract

scoping to commence in late-2016

Asset Revaluation (WTP, STP and dams)

new contract

RFX process run in June/July 2016. Contract to commence on 1 October 2016.

Pipe Relining current

Auditing of Performance Reporting

new contract

RFX process run in June/July 2016. Contract to commence on 1 September 2016.

RD

OC

S

Internal Audit

30-Jun-16 option for extension of contract

new contract to commence 1 July 2017

Banking Services

Scoping underway with RDOCS

CTP Brokerage

Scoping to be undertaken with RDOCS

Rate Notices Printing


Legal Services Panel


Participation Status to Current Programming The table below shows the savings achieved by Councils for each operational project run through Centroc. The billable savings, shaded in blue below, refer to actual dollars saved by members. The unbillable savings, shaded in white, are a theoretical savings figure based on calculations of staff time (i.e. travel to Sydney for training or time it takes to prepare, monitor and assess a tender in house).

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Savings on Regional Procurement Local Government Procurement estimates savings on regional procurement to be between $15,000-20,000 per council where Centroc staff have taken a more conservative approach and believe it is in the order of $8,500 - $10,000. This amount has been halved for reporting purposes, showing a savings of $5,000 per regional tender each Council participates in. The tenders referred to below include:

2 x Fuel, 2 x Road Signs, 2 x Bitumen, Water & Sewer SBP, 2 x CCTV of Sewer Pipes, 2 x Smoke testing, online training, 2 x internal audit, pre-employment, load shifting, dam surveillance, pipe relining, traffic control training, Employee Assistance Program, Developer Servicing Plans, linemarking services and health-check of insurance portfolio contracts.

Savings from 14 December 2009 – 30 June 2016:

Recommendation/s to the Procurement and Contract Report

That GMAC note the Procurement and Contract report and 1. approve the 12 month extension of the road signs contracts with Artcraft, Barrier Signs and

DeNeefe; 2. approve a regional EOI process for a panel of asbestos consultants; 3. approve a regional process for a legal services panel; 4. approve a regional process for a banking services panel; and 5. approve a regional process for a printing of rates notices panel. Attachment/s: Nil.

Completed

Programs (Telephony Audit,

Diesel Tax Rebate

and Corporate

Express)

Training Service

WHS Contract (Load shifting,

traffic control

training,

compliance

training)

HR Contracts (Pre-Employment

and EAP)

CWUA *does not

yet include savings

for current CCTV

and Smoke Testing

contract

Participation in

Regional

Tenders (billable)

Participation in

Regional

Tenders (unbillable)

Total Savings

Bathurst $110,054 $82,652 $13,422 $6,930 $18,969 $21,000 $84,000 $337,027

Blayney $12,755 $43,927 $4,394 $1,490 $5,860 $21,000 $84,000 $173,425

Boorowa $15,186 $36,185 $5,992 $210 $18,755 $17,000 $68,000 $161,328

Cabonne $168,945 $76,233 $20,316 $805 $23,500 $21,000 $84,000 $394,798

Cowra $12,045 $147,670 $4,539 $2,285 $27,074 $23,000 $92,000 $308,613

CTW $9,638 $12,974 $2,244 $50 $12,644 $6,000 $24,000 $67,550

Forbes $31,936 $126,321 $11,397 $2,120 $14,748 $25,000 $100,000 $311,522

Hilltops $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $2,000 $8,000 $10,000

Lachlan $22,962 $79,932 $13,230 $2,195 $29,347 $24,000 $96,000 $267,665

Lithgow $39,603 $89,656 $16,695 $2,595 $15,499 $24,000 $96,000 $284,048

Mid-Western $0 $11,480 $761 $0 $0 $2,000 $8,000 $22,241

Oberon $89,665 $40,573 $1,760 $975 $14,412 $21,000 $84,000 $252,385

Orange $92,294 $95,106 $42,570 $11,855 $34,685 $21,000 $84,000 $381,510

Parkes $90,488 $99,528 $15,816 $2,660 $37,553 $22,000 $88,000 $356,045

Upper Lachlan $31,375 $59,161 $10,080 $0 $25,033 $16,000 $64,000 $205,649

Weddin $38,742 $42,149 $0 $0 $14,447 $18,000 $72,000 $185,338

Young $14,605 $60,429 $850 $255 $19,410 $12,000 $48,000 $155,549

Total $780,293 $1,103,976 $164,066 $34,425 $311,934 $296,000 $1,184,000

$732,382

Net Savings $3,142,312

Net Cost to Members

Total Savings for Centroc Members$3,874,694

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7k Energy Programming Report

Report by Kate Barker dated 19/07/16


Objective 2F Improve Council and community sustainability through a regional approach to distributed energy planning and implementation.

Subject Grant funded programs, street lighting E21, electricity program and regional solar panel program

Sponsoring General Manager Mr Kent Boyd

Management Plan actions 2016/2017 Actions Comments Support regional energy management services

Status of licences for energy monitoring software:

E21 Centroc Review of e21 reports

Planet Footprint

Boorowa - expired Bathurst

Cabonne* Blayney

Précis

In the context of the Management Plan objectives, this report provides advice regarding

regional electricity procurement;

the collaborative Renewable Energy Innovation Project with the Office of Environment and

Heritage;

an EOI to OEH seeking $120K progress a collaborative regional project in streetlighting

Essential Energy SLUOS pricing negotiation; and

NSW Energy Savings Scheme for Streetlighting Upgrades

This report recommends that GMAC 1. note the advice provided regarding the procurement of electricity for small sites, 2. encourage councils who have not yet responded to the data request for the solar and

battery storage project to provide the information on which sites they would put forward for a potential grant funded project,

3. seek advice from RMS and Transport for NSW on what if any plans they have for an electric vehicle charging network across the state and particularly in Central NSW;

4. commend the Renewable Energy Innovation Project final report to the Board for ratification, 5. endorse the Centroc response to OEH’s Thriving Regional Networks Central West NSW RFQ

and commend it to the Board, 6. approve the procurement process to identify an Accredited Certificate Provider to create

the ESCs for streetlighting upgrades, and 7. recommend that all member councils participate in the proposed ESS for streetlighting

upgrades where ESCs are created for councils.

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Actions Comments CTW* Cowra

Forbes*

Lithgow*

Oberon* None

Orange* Lachlan

Parkes* Young

Upper Lachlan*

Weddin*

*indicates premium account. For those councils on a premium e21 licence, quarterly reports are provided which highlight areas that may warrant action and possibly lead to savings. The reports show the following areas:

Missing accounts

Gaps in accounts

Variances

Sites with poor power factor

Low use tariff sites

Tariff sites with potential to change to TOU/flat rate/contract

Contract sites with potential to change to tariff

It is unknown whether council staff are following through with the suggested alterations, so these will now be reported through GMAC. Centroc staff will aim to conduct an analysis of 3 councils per quarter and liaise with e21 and council staff to determine estimated costs savings and assist with making any relevant changes.

Monitor electricity procurement and provide advice accordingly

Current contracts: Small sites – PowerDirect 1/7/2014- 31/12/2016 Buildings and facilities –ERM 1/7/2015-31/12/2017 Street lighting –ERM 1/7/2015-31/12/2017 Members would be aware that Energy and Management Services (EMS) were engaged in early 2016 to conduct the next rounds of procurement for small sites, large sites and street lighting. The process for small sites was conducted in May 2016 with a recommendation being made to councils in mid-June. All participating councils responded within the requested timeframe and secured the preferred offer as recommended by EMS. Correspondence was sent to councils on 15 July containing the agreement which must be signed by Friday 22 July. Contracts for small sites will commence on 1 January 2017 for a period of 3 years. EMS are currently working on the estimated savings for the first year of the contract now that the 2016/2017 rates have been released for some retailers. To complete this calculation, EMS are waiting on rates to be released by the current retailer, PowerDirect.

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Actions Comments A verbal update will be provided at the meeting should the analysis be completed between writing this report and the GMAC meeting. The status of councils is as follows for the procurement of electricity:

Council Process

Bathurst Own process

Blayney EMS

Boorowa LGP

Cabonne EMS

Cowra EMS

CTW EMS

Forbes EMS

Lachlan EMS

Lithgow EMS

Oberon EMS

Orange EMS

Parkes EMS

Upper Lachlan EMS

Weddin EMS

Young LGP

Councils are aware that there is a cost to participate in the EMS process, unlike the previous process. On this occasion the participation fee of $6K for the 12 participating councils will be funded out of existing Centroc funds.

Review regional distributed energy plan

In 2012, Bathurst, Cowra, Forbes, Orange and Young engaged Arup to develop distributed energy plans in addition to a distributed energy toolkit. Copies have been provided to Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) as part of the Regional Renewable Energy Innovation Project.

Monitor opportunities for grant funded programming

Round 1 of an EOI process was undertaken in late 2015, and Round 2 in March 2016, to identify a panel of suitably qualified and experienced experts from within the energy industry to provide advice and products/services when required. The objectives of the EOI are to:

minimise the procurement process for Centroc, councils and industry,

gain a better understanding of the energy industry, and

identify potential partners for a collaborative project. Centroc is working with Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) on a proposed collaborative project looking at innovative renewable energy projects. This project has the aim to apply to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for funding, with a workshop in the process of being scheduled with a select group of General Managers and energy staff within councils to progress the ARENA EOI. More detail can be found in the body of the report. OEH released an RFQ for “Thriving Regional Networks Central West NSW - regional partnerships for energy outcomes”. The RFQ is for up to $120,000 into the Central West community to ramp up

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Actions Comments energy efficiency and other sustainability outcomes. OEH are looking to partner with local, well networked organisations or individuals to identify and bring together change makers from across multiple sectors. Centroc responded to the RFQ with an application entitled “In the Right Light”. Further information can be found in the body of the report. Applications closed on Friday 15 July.

Monitor activity in street lighting and provide support on an as needs basis

Centroc staff participate in the Essential Energy (EE) Streetlighting Consultative Committee (SCC) which meets on a quarterly basis. At the last meeting of the SCC, participants requested that an update continue to be made available for distribution to member councils. The most recent communique to councils is attached to this report, with the highlights being:

2016/2017 pricing – SLUOS pricing increases will apply from 1 July 2016. The pricing is available on the EE website.

Transition to LED lighting - The Networks NSW tender process is complete with contract execution underway. Essential Energy will transition to LED lighting as standard for Category P lights, with trials to be completed for Category V prior to updating standards. A letter will be provided to councils with details of new LED lights for use with new developments, once contracts are executed. Essential Energy will work with councils on LED upgrade strategies over the coming months.

SLUOS LED pricing - The AER cannot provide Essential Energy with an approved SLUOS price for LED lights in the current regulatory period. LED pricing for this period will need to be agreed through a negotiated pricing framework. Pricing will apply for each manufacturer and light type, be cost reflective and will be consistently applied across the distribution area. Essential Energy will document a negotiation process in line with the approved negotiation framework for endorsement by councils.

Regarding the approach to EE’s proposed SLUOS price negotiation, a number of ROCs across the state within EE’s footprint have banded together to engage an external streetlighting consultant to undertake the negotiation on behalf of all member councils of the participating ROCs. The Centroc Executive has approved funds of $2k from the existing budget to participate in this approach. EE has indicated that the consultation process will commence in July/August 2016. EE has provided the following proposed Lamp Replacement Schedule:

Hilltops – Aug to Dec 16

Upper Lachlan – Aug to Dec 16

Blayney – Jan 17

Oberon – Oct 17

Weddin – Nov 17

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Actions Comments Forbes – Jan 18

Cowra – Jan 18

Lachlan – Jan 18

Parkes – May 18

Orange – Aug 19

Bathurst – Sept 19

Cabonne – Jun 20 This replacement schedule and the transition to LEDs has a fit with the OEH grant application that was submitted on 15 July. Further detail of the application can be found in the body of the report. EE has advised that they are happy to provide support to the proposed OEH grant project, however this is yet to be approved by the Acting CEO. Centroc has been contacted by a consultancy who has advised there are Energy Savings Certificates (ESC) available for councils who change from traditional lighting to LEDs. More information can be found in the body of this report.

Deliver regional community solar panel procurement project

There is currently no MoU in place, however under the last MoU with Green 4 Life Oz, a total of 318.5KW of solar systems were installed to 68 properties between January 2014 and June 2015.

Regional Renewable Energy Innovation Project Centroc and Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) have contributed funds to the scoping of regional renewable energy projects. The Renewable Energy Innovation Project consists of the following stages:

Workshop 1 – held in Orange on 13 November 2015

Workshop 2 – held in Orange on 4 March 2016

EOI application to ARENA (or other funding body)

ARENA application Workshops 1 and 2 have now been run, with the final report on the findings from these workshops forming an attachment to this report. The report includes the suggested regional projects as identified through the workshops with Council staff. An excerpt from the final report is as follows: “Recognising the likelihood of energy disruption in the next decade, Centroc members proposed a range of sustainable energy project opportunities that were either under active consideration in their municipalities, or that were considered as opportunities for development locally or across the region. This program would inform a region wide conversation around opportunities optimisation for outcomes for communities during a period of energy disruption. Under the broad ranging “banner” of optimising community outcomes through a period of energy disruption, themes were developed to provide a focus for potential sustainable energy deployment activity within the Centroc region.

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The themes include: 1. Water pumping (solar and storage); 2. Distributed solar and battery storage on public and private facilities including micro

grids; 3. Biomass based energy generation; 4. Hydro power generation; 5. A regional electric vehicle charging network; 6. Public lighting replacement program; and 7. Wind power with storage capacity.

Proposed next steps for making progress with implementation with each of the themes were identified. In summary, the recommended next steps included:

• Stakeholder engagement to progress, strengthen and prioritise projects related to each theme,

• Building Centroc stakeholders’ knowledge, networks and capacity to deliver projects in each theme area,

• Resource mapping and energy use profiling to allow for closer consideration of opportunities (particularly in relation to cost-benefit considerations and financing options), and

• Considerations for undertaking a regional approach and for clarifying the benefits of collaborative action.

Work has commenced on themes 1, 5 and 6 which appeared to be the most desirable projects to councils who participated in the workshops. Theme 1 - Water pumping (solar and storage) Regarding theme 1, Water pumping (solar and storage), members of the CWUA have received a request for information on which sites councils have that may be relevant to such a project. To date, information has been received from:

Bathurst – 1 site (WTP)

Blayney – 12 sites (STP, pump stations, admin buildings, showground and pool)

Cabonne – 49 sites (STP, pump stations, pool and community buildings)

Oberon – 7 sites (STP, WTP, pool, depot, admin building and community facilities)

Central NSW

Optimising Transition through Disruption

EV

Opportunities assessment

Streetlighting

Report on structural options

ESCs

LED Program

Transmission Transition

Storage

Microgrids and distributed

energy

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Orange – 6 sites (WTP, STP and pump stations)

Parkes – 9 sites (pump stations, bores and water recycling facility)

Weddin – 1 site (depot)

Dubbo – 2 sites (WTP and pump station) GMAC is asked to encourage councils who have not yet responded to the data request for the solar and battery storage project to provide the information on which sites they would put forward for a potential grant funded project. If councils do not provide the data, they cannot be considered during the ARENA EOI process and may potentially miss out on future funding for this project. Although the project is aimed at water pumping, councils have in some cases provided additional sites which will also be included in a grant application if possible. The sites provided have not yet undergone any analysis to determine whether they would be suitable for solar and storage, however this step will be undertaken prior to an ARENA application. A consultancy on the Centroc Energy Panel has been in contact with Centroc regarding the potential for funding for a prefeasibility study for solar and storage on Council sites. Councils will be kept updated with this as the project progresses. It is currently only in initial discussions. Theme 5 - A regional electric vehicle charging network A steering committee to develop scoping advice has already been formed for the proposed EV Charging Network project, and includes:

Lucy White – Bathurst Regional Council

Joel Little – Bathurst Regional Council

Grant Christopherson – OEH

Chris Dalitz – Essential Energy

Jenny Bennett – Centroc

Kate Barker – Centroc The Steering Committee had an initial meeting on 22 March with a scoping document for the proposed project as follows:

EV in Central NSW – Scoping Document April 2016

Who are the Partners?

DPC, OEH, Centroc, Bx Council, Essential Energy, EV folk, CSU Engineering, BCCAN, CENREC, Local/federal member, AEVA NSW Chapter, Dubbo City Council, Solar Installers SEIA – NSW Branch

What are the objectives of the project?

To be EV ready in Central NSW – the immediate objective is to inform stakeholders of potential buy in to the overall project. Promoting a culture of innovation To harness opportunities for building investment and driving tourism in the region.

Trialling EVs in Council fleet

Installing charge stations

Hosting EV event at Mt Panorama

What are the project deliverables including products, services and other agreed outcomes?

Project Scoping report to Partners to inform potential buy in to the project

EV Charge Stations and charge points, supplied by renewable energy where practicable.

Advice on EV to stakeholders

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Marketing the region as EV friendly

(From Bx) Promotional Material for Mount Pan as a location for the EV industry

Training of Centroc member fleet management staff in EV

Business Case

Development timeframe

Encourage Centroc members to incorporate EV’s into their fleet including ‘special registration’ vehicles eg forklifts, street sweepers, garbage trucks etc.

Dedicated parking spaces for EV’s.

What assumptions does the Partners have?

From Jenny’s perspective: That Centroc is only sufficiently resourced to undertake scoping at this point. We do have resources to coordinate training. If the event was concurrent with a Centroc Summit we could provide some resource. That partners will engage. From Lucy’s perspective That BRC has another opportunity to trial / test the usability of and functionality of an EV in council’s fleet From Joel’s perspective That there will be sufficient take up by Centroc Councils to make it work. That funding is available through CEFC or similar From Kate’s perspective Centroc report progress of project to GMAC/Board on a quarterly basis. From Chris’ perspective we can expect minimal support from Essential Energy in the short term, other than the personal contributions of EV owners (four staff have EV’s at present). From Grant’s perspective Could apply for OEH funding, assuming suitable project positioning and previous to end of FY. Personal resourcing longer term questionable with funding for RCEP under review now. Could utilise networks re training options Highly politically favourable space, with minimal downside risk & many ribbon cutting opportunities.

What constraints is the project operating under?

No money

Not much understanding or buy in in the region

Centroc members are very disengaged during local govt reform

Councillors unconvinced of the potential of such a project. Language and pitch could change to be more convincing.

Committed champions with resource capacity

Vague business case for private support

Unknown territory with many assumptions

What are the risks of the project?

There is the overall risk that if we don’t get ready we will miss the boat on EV

Bathurst will miss opportunities for its Velocity development

Member buy in

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The project is not resourced

We don’t know that we don’t know

Lack of funding

Fast Moving technology change

Current vested interests in the status quo

The opportunity to leverage Mt Panorama is unique so use it!

What will the collaboration be doing to deliver agreed products and services?

1. Establish Steering Committee (Suggest existing members until the scoping advice is provided to stakeholders)

2. Develop report to respective stakeholder. 3. The world is run by those that turn up! 4. Desk top review of current market place 5. Feasibility study OEH funded?

What are the timelines for these activities?

By mid April – advice back on this doc and a second meeting (Kate can you sort the meeting time) This meeting to agree on scoping and identify any “show stoppers” and divide the workload for any actions By mid May – Scoping advice drafted for potential partners agreed by steering committee End May – report to Centroc Boar, Bathurst Council, other potential partners (EE? OEH?)

Are the Partners and Centroc in agreement regarding the project activities and timelines?

Can folk please give some thought to this - for discussion at next teleconference. Many of the smaller Councils may not be interested without fund being presented up front – need to discuss funding options.

Once the Renewable Energy Innovation Project final report has been ratified by GMAC and the Board, work will continue on this and other projects. Further background advice on EV’s: CimateWorks Australia has recently released a submission to the Federal Government vehicle emissions discussion paper on The Path Forward for Electric Vehicles in Australia. The document can be found at http://climateworks.com.au/sites/default/files/documents/publications/the_path_forward_for_electric_vehicles_in_australia_-_submission_to_the_federal_government_vehicle_emissions_discussion_paper_0.pdf The discussion paper aims to explore the role of EVs in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and achieving improvements in energy productivity. It goes on to state that the lack of a national policy framework in Australia has led to limited overall support and incentives in comparison to our global peers, which has contributed to our poor ranking among major OECD countries for the energy efficiency of our transport sector. While there is recognition of the short term nature of some recommendations, they are derived from global ‘best practice’ vehicle electrification strategies aimed at near term uptake and support, to ensure Australia is ready for enhanced uptake of EVs in order to meet our climate, energy productivity and air quality goals. The paper details that the number of electric vehicles sold each year is growing rapidly, increasing from 45,000 electric vehicles sold in 2011 to more than 300,000 in 2014. The following table shows the Current electric vehicle policy support measures in Australian states and local governments:

http://climateworks.com.au/sites/default/files/documents/publications/the_path_forward_for_electric_vehicles_in_australia_-_submission_to_the_federal_government_vehicle_emissions_discussion_paper_0.pdf



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Source: Energeia (2016) GMAC is asked to provide direction on how to progress this project, including whether there is strong interest from any members to participate in the steering committee and drive the project. In the meantime the project will be referred to the roads group and transport working party for discussion. Theme 6 - Public lighting replacement program There has been significant interest from members in recent years in a streetlighting replacement program. There are now numerous case studies of successful replacement programs, specifically the recently completed project in the WSROC area where they received $5.3m of funding under CEEP Round 2. More information can be found at www.lightyearsahead.com.au If Centroc’s application to OEH’s ‘Thriving Regional Networks Central West NSW - regional partnerships for energy outcomes’ RFQ is successful, the funds will be used to commence a piece of work with the community regarding the transition to LED streetlighting. Centroc staff are always looking for other funding opportunities available to financially assist members with a bulk replacement program to move over to LEDs.

Streetlighting in New Subdivisions Orange City Council has recently successfully specified LED lighting in the DCP for the Shiralee subdivision. Essential Energy are yet to formally specify LED lighting in all new subdivisions at a state level, however staff from Orange have reported that by working closely with Essential Energy on this project this has resulted in an approved specification so that Council can now include LED streetlighting across Shiralee and also new subdivisions in Orange. This and other advice will be included in the ‘In the Right Light Project’, more advice on this project is below. OEH Grant - Thriving Regional Networks Central West NSW OEH released an RFQ for “Thriving Regional Networks Central West NSW - regional partnerships for energy outcomes”. The RFQ is for up to $120,000 into the Central West community to ramp up

http://www.lightyearsahead.com.au/

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energy efficiency and other sustainability outcomes. OEH are looking to partner with local, well networked organisations or individuals to identify and bring together change makers from across multiple sectors. Centroc responded to the RFQ with an application entitled “In the Right Light”. Applications closed on Friday 15 July. An excerpt from the application is as follows: “In the Right Light” recognises the need for decision makers and community to align their efforts and uses LED streetlighting and a regional energy efficiency project to be codesigned and implemented as the catalyst. As identified in the draft Centroc Energy Innovation Program, the region is hungry for LED streetlighting and Councils are keen to implement innovation in LED in CBDs. LED lighting will reduce energy consumption across the Central NSW footprint. At the same time it provides an opportunity to both share advice with the community and consult with them on levels of service as technologies change. Essential Energy (EE) advises that the bulk replacement roll out of LED will occur from January 2017 – June 2020. The Councils in this region must negotiate with EE regarding the rollout, including the pricing structure for maintenance. Advice to the EE streetlighting roll out, and for LED lighting including streetlighting more widely, will both optimise existing activites and plan for other projects while assuring currency of existing strategic work. Importantly, key decision making stakeholders such as Councils, the Centroc Board and EE will be better informed from a growing community network. At the completion of this program all Centroc Councils, their communities and key stakeholders will have a better understanding and capability to optimise energy efficiency outcomes particularly with regard to streetlighting. The objectives of the program are to:

1. Develop levels of service advice to inform Councils and other stakeholders on the use of sensor and other technology in streetlighting;

2. Inform decision makers to optimise the rollout out LED streetlighting in the region including Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs);

3. Increased awareness in the Central NSW Councils and communities of opportunities and challenges as the energy market experiences change;

4. Increased awareness and capability to adopt energy efficiency practices particularly with regard to streetlighting throughout our member organisations and their communities;

5. Delivery of a collaboratively developed energy efficiency project with key stakeholders with associated learnings;

6. Build on existing networks across 13 LGAs in central NSW to further promote expenditure on future energy efficiency programming; and

7. Promote energy efficiency to our members, communities and through the regional Joint Organisation (JO)/ROC network through communication of project activities and outcomes through traditional and online vectors.

Where more detail on specific outcomes for each key reporting area are provided under the methodology, the overall project outcomes are:

• Improved decision making and optimisation of implementation with regard to the roll out of energy efficiency in lighting, particularly streetlighting;

• Increased awareness in Councils and their communities of opportunities and challenges for streetlighting as the energy market changes; and

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• Energy reduction through the collaborative development and implementation of an energy efficiency project.”

The timeframe for the delivery of this project is from August 2016 to May 2017.

NSW Energy Savings Scheme for Streetlighting Upgrades The NSW Government recently announced changes to the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) that came into effect on Friday 15 April 2016. These changes remove a number of previous impediments to creating ESS certificates from upgrades to public lighting owned by the utilities. The changes announced to the ESS Rule recognise the special roles of councils, RMS and the utilities in managing public lighting in NSW. The new Rule includes a separate section, called 9.4A, specifically for public lighting projects owned or paid for by these parties. Securing funding from the ESS can make an important contribution to the business case for such lighting upgrades, including helping to pay off any residual values of the old lights that Essential Energy might claim from councils. Advice received suggested that Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) are worth around $90 each, and are no longer retrospective, meaning that for every light installed from 15 April onwards which is not claimed is lost money for councils. The creation of ESCs must be undertaken by an Accredited Certificate Provider (ACP). Centroc has been approached by Graham Mawer from Next Energy who has been working with the National Carbon Bank of Australia. Since the proposal was submitted to Centroc from Next Energy and NCBA, it has been brought to the attention of staff that there are other consultants who are also on the ACP list and as such it is recommended that a procurement process be undertaken to identify the best consultant to work with on this project. The Next Energy/NCBA proposal is attached to this report as a confidential attachment. It is recommended that all member councils participate in a group approach in this process to seek

best value and to ensure ESCs are received for any streetlighting upgrades completed in the future.

REROC Local Government Energy and Innovation Forum

REROC and OEH will be hosting an energy and innovation forum in Wagga Wagga on 4 August to offer local government the opportunity to participate in a Forum to discuss opportunities for innovative responses in energy. A wide variety of topics will be covered during the Forum, providing participants the opportunity to develop an understanding of how the energy market works, the schemes that are currently on offer and the innovative responses that can, and have been implemented by local government. The agenda includes topics such as:

Understanding the Grid and Regional Opportunities

Innovation in the Room – Local Government Case Studies

http://www.ess.nsw.gov.au/How_the_scheme_works/Scheme_changes

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Making it Happen – New Business Models Presenters include:

Clean Energy Regulator

Transgrid

Essential Energy

Institute of Sustainable Futures, and

Next Energy Centroc staff will be attending the forum and will report back to GMAC at the October meeting.

For Determination

That GMAC provide feedback and direction on the proposed regional electric vehicle charging network, and provide advice to go to the August Board meeting.

Recommendations to the Energy Programming Report

That GMAC note the Energy Programming report and 1. note the advice provided regarding the procurement of electricity for small sites, 2. encourage councils who have not yet responded to the data request for the solar and battery

storage project to provide the information on which sites they would put forward for a potential grant funded project,

3. seek advice from RMS and Transport for NSW on what if any plans they have for an electric vehicle charging network across the state and particularly in Central NSW;

4. commend the Renewable Energy Innovation Project final report to the Board for ratification, 5. endorse the Centroc response to OEH’s Thriving Regional Networks Central West NSW RFQ

and commend it to the Board, 6. approve the procurement process to identify an Accredited Certificate Provider to create the

ESCs for streetlighting upgrades, and 7. recommend that all member councils participate in the proposed ESS for streetlighting

upgrades where ESCs are created for councils. Attachment/s:

34. Electric Vehicle Charging Network scoping document

35. EE Streetlight Consultative Committee Update – June 2016

36. EOI - OEH’s Thriving Regional Networks Central West NSW application

37. Renewable Energy Innovation Project – final report

38. The Next Energy/NCBA proposal - CONFIDENTIAL

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7l Regional IT Managers Group

Report by Kate Barker dated 19/07/16


Objective 2H Scope potential benefits from collaboration in IT

Subject Update on Regional IT Group

Sponsoring General Manager Mr Roger Bailey


Actions Comments

Develop Regional IT Plan and implement

Bathurst, Forbes, Lithgow and Oberon Councils have completed the IT Strategic Plans project with EUIT. A meeting will be scheduled with members of the Regional IT Managers Group to identify any regional opportunities that may have arisen from the work undertaken by EUIT in developing the individual IT Strategic Plans.

Provide advice to GMAC See below.

Regional Contracts Unified Communications Solution Five Councils are currently participating in the regional Contract for a Unified Communications Solution – Cowra, Forbes, Lithgow, Oberon and Upper Lachlan. Blayney Shire Council commenced the process but withdrew in late 2015. The Contract with Essential Utilities Information Technology (EUIT) commenced on 1 February 2015 and expired on 31 January 2016. An extension was entered into until 30 April 2016 to ensure that the project was completed, however that has now lapsed and there is still outstanding work. Centroc staff have been working with the consultant to attempt to finalise the project however there are discrepancies between the deliverables under the contract and the actual work. The Sponsoring General Manager may need to be called upon to provide support with finalising the contract.

Précis This report provides advice regarding the regional IT Managers Group, specifically the Unified Communications Solution contract The report is provided for noting.

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Roll-out of Phone System Subsequent to a procurement process, Uplinx Group was deemed to be the successful consultant to deliver the rollout of the new Cisco phone solution. Work has commenced and in some cases has now completed. The five participating councils continue to meet on a fortnightly basis, with consistent attendance from Cowra, Forbes and Lithgow, and ad hoc attendance from the remaining councils. The phone system has now been installed in Forbes with training for staff occurring on 18-19 July. Staff from Forbes have reported their high level of satisfaction with the system, handsets and service provided by Uplinx Group.

Recommendation to the Regional IT Managers Group Report

That GMAC note the IT Managers Group report. Attachment/s: Nil.

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7m Financial Report

Report by Ann Thomas dated 20/07/16


Objective 2I Maintain an Effective Board

Subject Financial Report

This report presents the financial accounts at 28 June 2016. The report does not include the Bells Line Expressway Group which is reported separately.

It must be clearly noted that as these accounts were prepared on 20 July 2016 the anticipated result for 30 June 2016 still includes many estimates. Final figures will not be confirmed for several weeks until all invoices have been received and year end journals have been processed. The final unaudited result for 30 June 2016 will be reported to the Board meeting to be held on 25 August 2016. The auditors, Crowe Horwath, will conduct the Centroc audit in conjunction with the Forbes Shire Council audit commencing on 20 September 2016.

This report anticipates a full year loss of $2,224 once the 2015/2016 reserves are taken into account. This is against a budgeted profit of $5,470.

Recommendation/s to the Financial Report

That GMAC note the Financial Report Attachment/s: Nil.

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CENTROC FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 28 JUNE 2016

Budget Actual Anticipated

2015/2016 28-06-16 30-06-16

Income

CENTROC Membership Fees 226,652 226,652.00 226,652

Regional Training Service Fees - Training 24,875 24,875.00 24,875

Regional Training Service Fees - OH&S & HR 41,011 41,011.00 41,011

Screen NSW Service Fees 15,000 15,000.00 15,000

Screen NSW Other ROC 1,000 1,000.00 1,000

CWUA Best Practice Program 163,579 163,579.00 163,579

$472,117 $472,117 $472,117

Beyond the Range - Member Contributions 36,000 36,000 36,000

$36,000 $36,000 $36,000

Joint Organisation Pilot 89,000 150,000 150,000

Office of Env & Energy - Energy Workshops 6000 6000

89,000 156,000 156,000

CWUA - Best Practice - CCTV 75,000 0

CWUA - Best Practice - Smoke Testing 55,000 0

CWUA - Manhole Rectification 250,000 0

CWUA - Pipe Relining 1,500,000 460,653 460,653

CWUA - Developer Servicing Plans 125,000 0

CWUA - Dam Surveilance 105,000 57,700 80,250

CWUA - Savewater 30,000 0

CWUA - Water Directorate 32,346 32,346

$2,140,000 $550,699 $573,249

HR - Regional Training Service Income 200,000 400,150 413,763

HR - Online Training 135,000 89,139 120,000

HR - E-Recruitment 19,000 24,800 24,800

WHS - Traffic Control Training 50,000 0

WHS - Loadshifting Training 30,000 0

$434,000 $514,089 $558,563

IT Strategic Plans 74,000 0

Unified Communications Solution 90,400 7,600 7,600

$164,400 $7,600 $7,600

Supply Rebates - Bitumen, Fuel, Roadsigns, Line Marking, Diesel 67,000 35,872 49,840

HR Rebates - Online Training, Pre-Employment, Employee Assist Program 12,000 8,107 10,700

WHS Rebates - Traffic Control Training, Compliance Training 10,000 1,874

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CWUA Rebates - CCTV, Pipe Relining, Dam Surveillance, DSP, Smoke Testing 24,500 70,148 72,250

Energy Rebates - Electricity, Solar Panels 3,000 2,325 2,325

IT Rebates - Strategic Plans and Unified Communications Solution 4,932 751 751

CCS - Internal Audit 3,094 3,094

LGP Rebate 1,000 31,397 31,397

Sundry Rebates (Health Check) 3,000 2,871 2,871

$125,432 $154,565 $175,102

Vehicle Lease Back EO 4,000 4,960 5,280

Vehicle Lease Back BPP 4,000 4,960 5,280

Vehicle Lease Back CWUA 4,000 6,200 6,600

Vehicle Lease Back Energy & Training Program 4,000 2,925 3,860

Interest 20,000 11,511 12,177

Member Council/Consultant Expenses Reimbursed 9,525 9,525

$36,000 $40,082 $42,722

Total Income $3,496,949 $1,931,151 $2,021,353

Expenditure

Executive Officer Costs 80,000 62,778 116,800

Executive Officer Vehicle Costs & Depn 8,000 1,016 8,000

Best Practice in Procurement Program Manager 110,000 94,556 105,700

Best Practice in Procurement Program Manager - Vehicle Costs & Depn 12,000 1,138 9,600

Energy & Training Program Manager 90,000 68,490 92,700

Energy & Training Program Manager - Vehicle costs 12,000 10,183 13,200

Training & Program Support Officer 60,000 39,915 54,500

Finance Officer 45,000 28,309 43,100

Executive assistant 2,111 2,111

Procurement Program 4,205 4,205

Beyond The Range Project 36,000 36,000

Joint Organisation Pilot 89,000 155,332 155,332

Energy Workshops - Office of Env & Energy Grant 6,000

Energy Workshops - Centroc contribution 6,068 12,000

Roads Transport Technical Committee Business Plan 50,000

CWUA Best Practice Program Manager & Program costs 163,579 38,324 163,579

CWUA - Best Practice - CCTV 75,000 0

CWUA - Best Practice - Smoke Testing 55,000 0

CWUA - Manhole Rectification 250,000 0

CWUA - Pipe Relining 1,500,000 460,653 460,653

CWUA - Developer Servicing Plans 125,000 0

CWUA - Dam Surveilance 105,000 57,700 80,250

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CWUA - Savewater 30,000 0

CWUA - Water Directorate 9,252 32,346

HR - Training Service Costs 180,000 363,176 379,000

HR - Online Training 110,000 72,741 95,000

HR - E-Recruitment 19,000 24,800 24,800

WHS - Traffic Control Training 50,000 0

WHS - Loadshifting Training 30,000 0

IT - Strategy Plans 74,000 0

IT - Unified Communications Solution 90,400 7,600

Advocacy 20,000 9,040 9,100

Audit Fees 6,500 6,770 6,770

Bank Fees and Sundry costs 2,500 1,728 1,740

Computer Software 2,000 526 526

Depreciation (excl. vehicles) 1,500 360

Internet Cloud 11,000 2,548 4,500

Legal 1,500 1,500

Member Council/Consultant Expenses Reimbursed 9,525 9,525

Printing and Stationery 2,500 196 230

Secretariat Council Support 27,500 12,500 27,500

Supply Management Administration 10,000 4,939 5,000

Webex Conferences 4,000 1,168 1,350

Website Hosting and costs 5,000 2,106 3,000

Total Expenditure $3,491,479 $1,553,293 $2,023,577

Net Profit/Loss $5,470 $377,858 -$2,224

Non-Budgeted Items (carried over and funded from surplus)

Reserves from 2014/15

Community Energy Efficiency Program - CEEP 2 Milestone 9 180,613 180,613

CWUA Best Practice Program Manager & Program costs 84,179 84,179 84,179

CWUA - Developer Service Plans 138,459 74,859 138,459

IT - Strategic Plans 1,900 1,900 1,900

IT - Unified Communications 30,620 17,640 30,620

OLG - Joint Organisation Pilot 2,580 2,580 2,580

Office of Env & Energy - Workshops 12,000 12,000 12,000

$450,351 $193,158 $450,351

Reserves from Previous Years Beyond the Range - Council Contributions 45,770 45,295 45,770

Health Study 6,434 6,434

Revolving Cost Savings Fund 50,000 50,000

Screen Central NSW (incl website) 11,824 55 11,824

$114,028 $45,350 $114,028

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Total Non-Budgeted Expenditure $564,379 $238,509 $564,379

Net Profit/Loss after Non-Budgeted Expenditure -$558,909 $139,349 -$566,603

Accumulated Surplus at 30 June 2015

$690,843

Anticipated Surplus at 30 June 2016

$124,240

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Acronyms and Glossary

8 The Centroc Acronyms and Glossary Guide PURPLE

ACELG Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government AEC Australian Electoral Commission AECOM Today, listed on the Fortune 500 as one of America’s largest companies, AECOM's

talented employees – including architects, engineers, designers, planners, scientists and management professionals – now serve clients in approximately 125 countries around the world – the company which undertook the water security and quality report for Infrastructure Australia

AER Australian Energy Regulator ANCOLD Australian National Committee on Large Dams AWA Australian Water Association BCP Business Continuity Plan BLOR Bells Line of Road BLEG Bells Line Expressway Group – Chaired by Ian Armstrong OAM with funding primarily

from Centroc Councils - go to bleg.com.au for more advice BOD Bathurst/Orange/Dubbo Alliance CANFA Conservation Agricultural & No-till Farming Association Carbon+ Funded by a Strengthening Basin Communities Grant this plan will provide advice on

ways to reduce the carbon impact of the water security study CCT Capital Country Tourism CEEP Community Energy Efficiency Program Centroc Central NSW Regional Organisation of Councils CMA Catchment Management Authority CNSWT Central NSW Tourism CPI Consumer Price index CRC Co-operative Research Centre CRRSMTP Centroc Regional Resource Sharing, Mentoring and Training Plan – funded under SBCP

and being delivered by the CWUA CRSWP Centroc Regional Water Security Project – Lake Rowlands, associated pipework and

other smaller infrastructure projects also known as Option F2A of the Centroc Water Security Study

CSP Community Strategic Plan CTW Central Tablelands Water CWCMA Central West Catchment Management Authority CWDGP Central West Division of General Practitioners CWFS Central Western Farming Systems – operating out of Condo Ag station and with a

membership of 400 this organisation is partnering with Centroc to deliver the communication strategy for the Carbon+ Plan

CWRWP Centroc Water Resources Working Party CWSS Centroc Water Security Study – Funded 100% by the State Government at $500K this

project identifies action that needs to be taken to secure water for Central NSW to 2059.

CWUA Centroc Water Utilities Alliance – formed late 2009 and formally named in 2010, the CWUA is a regional project that has attracted around $100K of grant funding to deliver practice compliance, efficiencies and cost savings across the region

DCCEE Department of Climate and Energy Efficiency DECCW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water DEEWR Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations DMP Destination Management Plan DNSW Destination New South Wales

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=aec&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aec.gov.au%2F&ei=s5bATqegKqWriAe-tsn0BA&usg=AFQjCNGOSuuwJpTZMcuo7ObUBmXqMrPC7A

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DOHA Federal Department of Health and Ageing DPC Department of Premier and Cabinet DTIRIS Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services E21 A web based software enabling councils to analyse their consumption and expenditure

on electricity EDO Economic Development Officer EMS Energy & Management Service, owners of e21 EOI Expression of interest ERM Enterprise Risk Management EV Electric Vehicle FASS Forensic and Analytical Science Service FCO Film contact officer FTE Full time Equivalent GM General Manager GMAC General Managers Advisory Committee GML General Mass limits GSA Government Skills Australia GWAHS Greater Western Area Health Service HCCREMS Hunter & Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy HEMS Helicopter Emergency and Medical Retrieval Services HNCMA Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority HRMG Human Resources Managers Group I & I Industry and Investment NSW IA Infrastructure Australia INSW infrastructure NSW IPandR Integrated Planning and Reporting IPART Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal IWCM(P) Integrated Water Cycle Management (Plan) – a statutory requirement under best

practice in NSW – Centroc is procuring these and other best practice plans collectively to save members money and provide some regional shared understandings and their efficiencies of both the plans and their implementation

JO Joint Organisation KSA Kingsford Smith Airport LASEEP Learning and Sharing Energy Efficiency Program LCMA Lachlan Catchment Management Authority LEP Local Environment Plan LGA Local Government Area LGMA Local Government Managers Australia LGP Local Government Procurement LGSA Local Government and Shires Association LMWUA Lower Macquarie Water Utilities Alliance – Centroc used the LMWUA model for the

CWUA LOS Levels of Service LTO Local Tourism Organisation LWU Local Water Utility MDB Murray Darling Basin MLA Mid Lachlan Alliance of Councils – Parkes, Forbes, Weddin and Lachlan MOJO Meeting of Joint Organisation MoU Memorandum of Understanding – Centroc has signed these with Lachlan CMA, Central

West CMA, Central West Division of GPs and RDACW.

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MWH The company which undertook the Water Security Study and is undertaking the Carbon+ work for the region

NAB National Australia Bank NDRA Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program

NHVAS National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme

NOW NSW Office of Water

NRM Natural Resource Management OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage OLG Office of Local Government OoLR Operators of Last Report OROC Orana Regional Organisation of Councils PGPPP Prevocational General Practice Placements Program PHU Public Health Unit PRIP Priority Region Infrastructure Plan – the engineers of the Centroc Region with $10K of

consultancy support are near completion of a plan that identifies that priorities of the region for infrastructure improvements

PSC Project Steering Committee PTC Project Technical Committee QBL Quadruple bottom line – environmental, social, economic and governance. RAMROC Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils RDACW Regional Development Australia Central West RDAF Regional Development Australia Fund – Federal funding for shovel ready project with

demonstrable regional benefit REP Regional Economic Profile REROC Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils RESAP Regional Environmental Sustainability Action Plan RFS Rural Fire Service RFT Request for Tender RMS Road Management Solutions ROI Return on Investment RPL Recognition of Prior Learning RTO Regional Tourism Organisation – examples include Capital Country, Blue Mountains and

Central NSW RTO Regional Training Organisation – requires accreditation – the Centroc Training Service is

not at RTO as it concentrates on brokering training rather than providing it SBCP The Strengthening the Basin Communities Program – Centroc has received $790K to

deliver the Carbon+ Plan Screen NSW Screen NSW is a partner agency of Trade and Investment NSW, with a key role in the

creative and economic development of the state SEROC South Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils SEWPAC Federal Department of Sustainability, the Environment, Water Population and Climate SIAP Strategic Internal Audit Plans SLA Service Level Agreement SSROC Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils TAFE Tertiary And Further Education TAGI That’s a Good Idea! TNSW Tourism NSW TOR Terms of Reference WBC Wellington/Blayney/Cabonne Alliance WHS Work Health and Safety WML Western Medicare Local

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WIOA Water Industry Operators Association WOLG Weight of Loads Group WSAA Water Services Association of Australia WSROC Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Council WSUD Water Sensitive Urban Design WTAN Water Trainer and Assessment Network