annual report 2012 - 2013 best value section
DESCRIPTION
Annual Report 2012 - 2013 Best Value SectionTRANSCRIPT
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 52
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
INTRODUCTION
This part of our Annual Report provides a summary of performance against Banyule’s City Plan 2009-
2013 (Year 4). This section also constitutes Council’s Best Value Victoria Annual Report 2012-2013
to our community on the application of the Best Value Principles.
The summary outlines the significant achievements and progress made in relation to the objectives
and key directions in our City Plan. It highlights the range of services (activities), initiatives and
processes being implemented across Council to meet the needs of our community, meet the Best
Value Principles, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
The Best Value legislation, introduced by the State Government in 1999, is based on consideration of
the following six principles in providing services to the community:
1. All services provided by a council must meet quality and cost standards set by
Council (having regard to community expectations, affordability, accessibility, value for
money and best practice).
2. All services provided by a council must be responsive to the needs of its community.
3. All services provided by a council must be accessible to those members of the
community for whom they are intended.
4. A council must achieve continuous improvement in provision of services for its
community
5. A council must develop a program of regular consultation with its community in
relation to the services it provides.
6. A council must report regularly to its community on its achievements in relation to
the first five principles.
Further information on our Best Value response is available on our website in the Best Value section
(go to www.banyule.vic.gov.au and follow links to Council, Publications and Best Value Report). The
following information for each of Council’s services is also available:
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) results
Key Highlights for 2012-2013
Future Challenges for 2013-2014.
The diagram on the following page gives an overview of Council’s strategic framework, showing the
objectives, key directions and strategic indicators*:
(Note: * Progress against Banyule’s strategic indicators is then provided in the next section of our Annual
Report.)
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 53
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 54
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
OUR ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
The following lists the activities and services provided by Council during 2012-2013:
Activity Description
(This service area includes)
Health and Aged
Services
Aged and Disability Services: -Services for Older Persons & People with a
Disability: - Service Access and Assessment, Social Support, Assisted
Transport, Home Care, Delivered Meals, Respite Care, Personal Care,
Property Maintenance, Senior Citizens Centres
Environmental Health: - Food safety, Public Health (including: nuisance,
tobacco, infection control and prescribed accommodation),
Immunisation, Domestic Wastewater Management, Public Health
Emergency Management
Leisure, Recreation &
Cultural Services
Art collection management, Community buses for hire, Culture &
heritage development, The Centre Ivanhoe function centre, Festivals &
cultural events, Ivanhoe Golf Course, Library services, Leisure facilities,
Leisure programs for older adults, Leisure programs for people with
disabilities, Swimming pools, Sports ground allocations
Youth & Family
Services
Municipal Recovery Management, Child Care Centres, Early Childhood
facilities management, Early Childhood facilities Capital Works program,
Early Years Networks facilitation, Kindergartens and Universal Access,
Kindergarten Central Enrolment, Municipal Early Years Plan, Maternal &
Child Health Services, Inclusion Support Facilitators, Jets Studios,
Community Support & Resource, Youth Services, Banyule After Hours
Youth Outreach Service (Link-U), Community Safety (including Graffiti
Management), Community Liaison, Community Building (formerly Metro
Access), Community Development Grants, Employment Programs, Trust
Management, Volunteer Recognition Awards
Parks & Gardens
Horticulture: - Design, construct and maintain: - Playgrounds,
Sportsfields, Irrigation, Landscape, Park Assets, Weed Control, Nursery,
Garden bed design & maintenance, Walking/bike paths
Tree Care: - Street tree maintenance, Pest & disease control, Tree
replacement and planting, Community planting days, Tree removal, Tree
root control, Tree assessment for both private & council.
Bushland: - Environmental education, Environmental management, Flora
& fauna recording & restoration, Noxious weed control, Development of
wildlife corridors, Maintenance, construction, restoration and protection
of Bush Reserves and Rivers
Parks Maintenance: - Passive reserve maintenance, Active reserve
maintenance, Half cost fence replacement, Litter control in parks
Strategic: - Parks & Gardens strategic management, Strategy development
for public open space
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 55
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Activity Description
(This service area includes)
Major Projects and
Infrastructure
Infrastructure Maintenance: - Footpath maintenance, Kerb & channel
maintenance, Sign repair/replacement, Street furniture
repair/replacement, Guardrail maintenance, Road patching, Drainage
repair, Unsealed road maintenance, Traffic Counters, Line marking, Road
Management Plan implementation, Pedestrian bridge maintenance
Construction Management: Civil & building construction project
supervision, Road resurfacing, Pedestrian trail maintenance, Asset
inspection & protection, Memorandum of consents, Bike path
maintenance, Roads construction and reconstruction projects, Scheduled
building maintenance, Unscheduled building maintenance, Air conditioning
maintenance, Vandalism repairs, Graffiti removal from council buildings
Development Services
Statutory planning
Subdivisions
Planning enforcement
Building permits & inspections
Transport
Engineering design
Drainage & infrastructure approvals
Sustainable Transport
Strategic & Economic
Development
Infrastructure Assets: Programming for road & footpath maintenance,
New Works & Services program, Drainage system, Asset Management
Plans
Strategic Planning: Land use, Urban Design, Heritage, Planning Scheme
reform, Housing, Neighbourhood Character
Environmental Planning: Environmental strategies & policies,
Environmental education & publications, Wildlife Corridor Program,
Waterwatch Program, Cities for Climate Protection Program, State of
the Environment reporting, Environmental assessment.
Economic Planning: Shopping centre promotion and development,
Shopping centre business planning, Shopping centre enhancement
program, Business development, Business networking, Shopping centre
streetscape master planning, Business growth, attraction and
development
Property Services: Property portfolio management, Acquisition &
disposition, Commercial & residential leases, Discontinuance & sale of
unused roads
Valuations: - Council rating valuations
Land Information Systems: Geographical Information System, Corporate
property information maintenance
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 56
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Activity Description
(This service area includes)
Operations Waste Management: - Waste Management strategic management,
Metropolitan Waste Management Group member, Banyule-Visy Material
Recovery Facility, Rethink Centre, Outreach Program, Waste service
support, Waste Recovery Centre (Transfer station), Garbage collection,
Recycling collection, Green waste collection, Hard rubbish collection,
Commercial waste collection, Parks & reserves waste collection
Cleansing: - Mechanical footpath sweeping of shopping centres,
Mechanical sweeping of sealed roads, Cleaning of public toilets and
BBQ’s, Inspection & clearance of drainage pits Maintenance of litter trap
program, Litter clearance from shopping centres, Litter collection,
Removal of dumped rubbish, Removal of dead animals from roads,
Syringe removal
Commercial Drain Cleaning- High pressure drain cleaning (carried out
for Banyule), Litter basket sales & installation
Plant and Fleet Management: - Workshop repairs, services for all Council
vehicles, Contract & specification of fleet, Ordering of new &
replacement vehicles
Emergency Management: - Co-ordination of Municipal Emergency
Management
Governance,
Information and Laws
Municipal Laws:- Animal management, Parking control, Fire prevention,
School crossing supervision, Local Laws compliance
Governance and Information Management:- Corporate Governance and
compliance, Council Elections, Councillors support & training, Council
Office Management, Records management, Archives management,
Cemetery management, Council Meetings
Councillors and
Executive
This includes Councillors Administration and Executive services
Information
Technology
IT Operations: - Customer request management, Maintenance of voice &
data network, Availability of systems & applications
Application Services: - Secure, reliable & innovative services, Delivery of
appropriate solutions, Enterprise Data Centre management, Leading edge
business solutions utilising new & innovative technologies
IT Infrastructure: - Stable & innovative infrastructure, Efficient life cycle
management of data, hardware & voice, Web solutions, Accessibility &
mobility infrastructure solutions
Human Resources Recruitment & selection, Induction, Industrial relations, Organisational
culture, Occupational Health & Safety support and advice, Workcover
and Return to Work Program, Learning and development, Strategic risk
management, Risk assessments and hazard management, Claims
processing/management, Insurances and broker relations, Workforce
Strategy, Workforce Planning
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 57
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Activity Description
(This service area includes)
Financial Services Processing & collection of rates & maintenance of rating data, Accounts
receivable, Maintenance of ledgers, Annual & strategic budget
preparation, Procurement of goods and services, Accounts payable,
Investment management, Financial and management accounting, Payroll,
Financial reporting, and Debt servicing, Grants Commission, Investment,
Public Street Lighting, and Rate Revenue
Organisational
Performance
Customer Service to internal units & community, Cash collection &
processing, City Plan development, Best Value implementation,
Corporate policy development & management, Business plan
development, Corporate planning & reporting support, Organisational
development support, Continuous improvement, certification program
management and support, Public relations, Website, Media Liaison,
Corporate Communications Strategy, Corporate Identity, Advertising,
Publications, Community, Social and Health planning, Disability and
Inclusion planning, Indigenous community partnerships
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 58
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Objective:
1. PEOPLE COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING AND SUPPORT
Support and strengthen the health and wellbeing of the Banyule community
‘People’ is about our desire for optimal health, for better living conditions and improved quality of
life. Wellbeing is fundamental to quality of life, quality of human relationships and the capacity to
participate in education, work, recreation and the community.
Outcomes for our key directions:
1.1 Promote and support good health
The opening of WaterMarc, Banyule’s new premier aquatic facility tops the list of
highlights for the year. This state of the art aquatic and recreation centre has
welcomed thousands of visitors from day one. The facility commenced operation
in September 2012. Visitor levels have surpassed initial expectations, overall
visitor numbers have been high, and membership numbers are also meeting
anticipated targets. The attendance figure for 2012-13 was 553,600.
Belgravia Leisure has been appointed with a three year contract to operate and
manage Council's WaterMarc Facility. Monthly contract meeting are held with
Belgravia Leisure and monthly reports submitted including profit and loss
statements for the facility.
Community
Consultation
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Continuous
Improvement
Reporting
The Draft Recreation Plan 2013-2017 was developed after extensive consultation
with the community, key stakeholders and the internal organisation. The plan is
to be finalised in late 2013, following a further opportunity for the community to
comment on the draft. The Draft Recreation Plan sets the key directions and
priorities for sport, leisure and recreation facilities and services for the next four
years.
Community
Consultation
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Continuous
Improvement
Reporting
The Ivanhoe Aquatic and Fitness Centre and Olympic Leisure Centre each
achieved their highest ever enrolments in Learn to Swim programs. In addition,
the Ivanhoe facility hosted the highest number of participants in Victoria for
‘Summer KIDZ’, the learn to swim program subsidised/ supported by the State
Government.
Glenda Barnhard, swimming teacher at the Ivanhoe Aquatic and Fitness Centre,
was awarded the Teacher of the Year (for students with a disability) at the 2013
Aquatics & Recreation Victoria (ARV) Annual Awards. Glenda is now Victoria’s
nomination for her category in the AUSTSWIM National Awards in October.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Continuous
Improvement
Council continued to implement the service plan to meet the objectives of Sport
and Recreation Victoria’s (SRV) Access for All Abilities program. Service Plans
that were submitted to SRV for the period January-June 2013 were implemented,
and final reports were provided to show achievement of the service plan and
program targets. Council will continue to seek funding support.
Notification was received from SRV that funding will not continue after June 30
2013.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Continuous
Improvement
Reporting
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 59
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council’s leisure services continued the equity grants program to assist those with
financial difficulties to participate. Local service providers such as NEAMI (a non-
government mental health organisation), Banyule Community Health, Children’s
Protection Society and Austin Hospital nominate clients that they feel could
benefit from the use of the centres to assist with health and wellbeing outcomes.
The program enabled approximately 100 community members to participate in
learn to swim classes, exercise with friends in the gym, have a swim with
neighbours or enjoy a group exercise class with others. The aim of the program is
to foster equitable access to leisure services for all residents of Banyule, to build
social capital, community connectedness and wellbeing through the provision of
socially inclusive leisure services, to promote healthier lifestyle choices and
enhance individual quality of life.
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement
Responsiveness,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Council delivered works as set out in the capital works plan to provide
improvements to park activity centres, unstructured play spaces and playgrounds
in line with its Playground and Play space plan, including:
Completion of Stage 1 of of the Price Park Masterplan implementation,
including replacing and substantially upgrading the playground, tree
removal, pruning and general risk reduction, and steps towards addressing
soil erosion and excess water run-off from the site.
Completion of Stage 2 of the Binnak Park Regional Playground to provide
play activities for older children and outdoor gym equipment for the
general community
Provision of fencing to improve safety around the Malahang regional
playground
Further works to the Possum Hollow playground in Warringal Park.
Playgrounds at Streamline Reserve and Greensborough War Memorial
and Price Park have been renewed and expanded in accordance with
Council’s asset management plans.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Continuous
Improvement
1.2 Develop a connected and involved community
The Good Access Good Business project was piloted in two shopping centres,
East Ivanhoe and Rosanna, with 34% of businesses located in these areas
participating in the pilot. The goal of the project was to develop a business access
awards program that rewards businesses which are accessible for people with
disabilities, older people, and people who use prams in the municipality of Banyule.
The project was also designed to encourage businesses to see the benefits of being
accessible, and to help them become accessible by encouraging them to adopt
access principles.
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
MetroAccess has continued to strengthen a range of partnerships with local
community and disability services resulting in increased opportunities for people
with a disability, including:
Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service (YPRL) working to increase access
for the Deaf community through staff training, increased programming and
capacity building;
Banyule Community Health Service (BCHS) working in partnership with
local families to support an Auslan playgroup.
Mini grants were distributed to two community organisations to host inclusive
events that celebrated International Day of People with Disability 2012.
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 60
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
The ‘Our Mall Our Place’ project commenced in February 2013. This community
development project aims to strengthen the community’s engagement with the
Bell Street Mall through cultural activities and improved business approaches. The
project is funded by the State Government.
Council has continued to consult with and support residents and groups from
Banyule’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Council finalised the People: Health and Wellbeing Policy and Strategy 2013-2017
following an extensive community engagement program during 2012-2013. This is
the primary policy and strategy document that supports the ‘People – Community
Strengthening and Support’ objective of the Banyule City Plan 2013-2017. It
provides the broad ‘Health and Wellbeing’ policy context for all Council related
strategies, policies, plans and activities.
An application was submitted to the Victorian Department of Health to recognise
that the combination of the relevant sections of the Banyule City Plan and the
Banyule People Policy & Strategy satisfies the statutory requirements for a
Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, as required by the Victorian Health and
Wellbeing Act 2008. The Department of Health approved and commended
Banyule's approach.
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Quality and Cost
Standards
Reporting
The Community and Social Planning team co-ordinated and supported the
organisation’s approach to inclusion, access and equity, which included:
the development of an Inclusion Access and Equity framework to guide
Council's work,
provision of advice to Council and community stakeholders on strategies
to improve community and social wellbeing,
development and support of internal and external partnerships to improve
community and social wellbeing
implementation of the Age Friendly and Accessible Housing Guidelines
Project in conjunction with the Strategic and Economic Development
team
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Council successfully completed its contracted Place Manager role with the State
Government funded Heidelberg West Neighbourhood Renewal project. At its
completion in June 2013 the initiative has been transitioned to a new community
based governance group ‘3081Connect’ with many activities ongoing. The NR Hub
will continue to operate as a community hub for a further two years under the
auspice of E-Focus.
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Quality and Cost
Standards
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 61
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council continued to strengthen community partnerships in delivery of Youth and
Family Services. Initiatives included:
staff attended the November 2012 Greensborough Township Meeting
which was convened to provide a proactive and positive response to
emerging perceptions of youth issues. Members of the group include the
Banyule Youth Service, WaterMarc staff, Victoria Police and
Greensborough Plaza management and security managers.
a Family Support Worker was engaged to work with families across
Council-managed West Heidelberg Children's Services. This is a pilot
project in partnership with Child Protection Society.
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services continued to deliver successful
MCH programs working in partnership with Banyule Community Health
centre (BCHC), ensuring continuity of care with vulnerable clients. The
Continuity of Care model continues with great success between MCH and
BCHC, providing care to the most vulnerable families within the
municipality. MCH also strengthened its partnership with the junior
campus of Charles La Trobe Primary School.
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
The Banyule Heatwave Plan has been reviewed and revised in consultation with
key stakeholders. Heatwave alerts and outcomes have been monitored through
summer. Important information was made available on our website and through a
wide range of Council publications such as Banyule Business News, Banner,
Childrens Services newsletter, Food News and the Aged Services Newsletter.
Work has also being undertaken to address and support vulnerable people via a
register, and HACC funding has been received for Vulnerable people. This funding
will be used to support the HACC assessment process and will be linked with the
Emergency Management section.
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
1.3 Provide services and support to, and advocate for, people at important
life stages.
A major service review was conducted for Council’s Home and Community Care
Services (HACC) and the information will be used to inform future service
delivery models in line with the National reforms. A final report was submitted to
the Executive Management Team with key findings, outcomes and
recommendations for service development.
The review incorporated the delivered meals service, in response to changing
community needs, and the service has restructured to maximise efficiency. The
delivered meals service had a customer satisfaction rating of 95% for percentage of
delivered meals recipients satisfied with the service (rating the service as excellent,
very good or good).
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Quality and Cost
Standards
Community
Consultation,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 62
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Key activities undertaken by Council’s Aged and Disability Services (HACC) team
included:
continued to work with Banyule Community Health to improve service
coordination for client care.
Streamlined the provision of property maintenance services resulting in
reduced waiting times and greater clarity around service provision and
eligibility.
Introduced a community access program for disability respite to provide
opportunities for younger clients to participate in group activities (eg ten
pin bowling).
Successfully completed the ‘Aged & Community Care Common Standards
Audit’
Seniors Month was held in October with record attendance numbers and
fantastic community feedback.
Commenced the introduction of ‘Aged Friendly Cities’ across Council
projects (eg accessible housing)
Continued to implement Banyule's Active Service Model, including
working with the City Development department on age friendly housing,
addressing opportunities as they arise, and working with local senior
groups via seniors network to support the development of information
and opportunities for older adults (eg website).
The HACC Diversity Plan has been developed and submitted to the
Department of Health (DoH).
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Quality and Cost
Standards
Community
Consultation,
Reporting
The ‘Our Voice Our Community’ project, funded by the Federal Government for
18 months, was completed in January 2013. The project developed a number of
community engagement activities including: Summer in the Village; Makers Market;
pop up art installations at the Olympic Village shops; aesthetic improvements to
shopfronts at Olympic Village shops, children’s art activities at Tarakan Housing
Estate; Graffiti Expo and Safety Expo. The project was highly successful in turning
around negative perceptions of public space in key hot spot areas.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Quality and Cost
Standards
Community
Consultation,
In the Community Development Grants Program for 2012-2013, 52 applications
were received requesting a total of $172,242.00. Council distributed $140,000 in
grants to 36 approved applications (21 equipment based and 15 activity based)
totalling $107,000 the residual funds were distributed to community groups who
met the funding criteria, who applied for assistance throughout the financial year.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Community
Consultation,
Jets is a creative arts hub for young people. It has continued its significant growth
over the past 12 months and partnerships have been sustained and strengthened.
An average of 212 individuals accessed Jets each month: 63% were male and 37%
were female, with 30% of the total being people with a disability and 2% from
Indigenous or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. This is
an overall increase of 13% from 2011/12.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Jets implemented a significantly expanded respite program for both 13-17 and 18-
25 year old young people following Innovative Respite funding from the State
Government. Jets successfully obtained quality accreditation to the DHS
Standards, either meeting or exceeding recommended standards. The program
met an identified service need for after school programs for 13-17 year old young
people and after-hours activities for 18-25 year old young people.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Community
Consultation,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 63
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
The ‘Time Out’ action research project was funded by Council’s Capital Works
program and commenced in December 2012 for 12 months. The project aims to
proactively support young people at risk of homelessness by maintaining their local
support networks and education where possible. The Time Out service also
incorporates a research component with host families. This research project aims
at capturing data on the experiences of families who informally support young
people who are living away from home.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Community
Consultation,
The SHYNE Showcase initiative was successfully launched. Five young people
were trained for public presentations that are currently being delivered in a
number of schools across Banyule. These young people address issues including
resilience, commitment to the community (local and global) and preserving our
national history. The project is in its infancy, with presentations to 250 young
people to date.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
The ‘Banyule 100’ project has profiled 29 outstanding community members to
date, they are either young people who are outstanding in their endeavours or
adults who support young people. The website has experienced over 10,000 visits
and continues to gain momentum.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Link U secured funding from Youth Connections (a federally funded education re-
engagement program) after a successful trial model of local outreach targeting ‘at
risk’ young people who are disengaged from employment, education and
training. The aim of these Youth Connection outreach shifts is to increase
referrals into the Youth Connections service. As a result of our successful trial
this is being offered to other LGA’s as a ‘best practice’ model.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule L2P Learner Driver Program – successfully completed Year 3 of the Vic
Roads funded project delivered by the Banyule and Nillumbik Local Learning and
Employment Network , in partnership with Council and other key stakeholders.
The program aims to provide 120 hours supervised driving training to
disadvantaged young people. In Year 3, 25 young people obtained their
Probationary Drivers Licence. An average of 47 young people participated in the
program ranging from 16 – 21 years of age, logging a total of 2,404 hours of
driving. The program also supports approx 23 adult mentors. Funding for the
program by VicRoads/TAC has been extended for the next 2 years to June 2015.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
The Banyule Youth Service has continued to offer a variety of recreational and
engagement opportunities in the last 12 months. Some of these have included
open basketball sessions, youth fitness scholarships, bag making, journalism,
illustration and paste-up workshops. The service has also had the opportunity to
partner with Skateboarding Australia which provides free skateboarding
workshops for the next 12 months at Malahang Reserve every fortnight.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Community
Consultation,
Youth officers continued to successfully deliver short term individual support to
young people to enable successful referral into appropriate agencies. Anxiety,
school refusal, legal issues, drug and alcohol use and family conflict are the largest
presenting issues faced by young people.
A number of school based youth development programs were developed around
the issues of respectful relationships, safe partying and mindfulness and these were
delivered into 5 secondary colleges in Banyule.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Community
Consultation,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 64
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
The Heidelberg West youth community has been a priority with strong
partnerships across a number of services including the Somali Council of Victoria,
e-Focus, Exodus, Victoria Police, and Transition 3081.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Community
Consultation,
Implementation of the Universal Access of Early Childhood Education (15 hours
kindergarten per week) has been introduced across all kindergartens in the
municipality including three (3) Council managed Long Day Care Centres.
As part of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
(DEECD) Quality and Assessment rating system, Morobe Street Children Centre
was deemed to be meeting National Quality Standards. Assessment ratings are
available on the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority’s
(ACECQA) website.
Council also secured $1.1 million in DEECD Capital Grants for works at Audrey
Brooks Memorial Pre-school, Morobe Street Children’s Centre, Interlaken Pre-
school, and Winston Hills Pre-School. This builds on Council’s efforts to increase
capacity of all Preschools in Banyule to support the move to the federal
government objective of Kindergarten Universal Access.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Early Childhood Services (ECS) continued its partnership with CPS (Children’s
Protection Society) to support and engage vulnerable families, to increase staff
networks and to support and offer training to all ECS Educators.
Training for ‘Embedding Indigenous Practices’ has also been completed for early
childhood professionals across Banyule and other bordering municipalities.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Council’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service has continued to work in
partnership with Banyule Community Health Centre. A number of initiatives have
significantly improved participation rates for Key Ages and Stages visits,
particularly for 18 months and 3.5 year olds, providing opportunity for assessment
and referral (where necessary) to other professionals.
The program was highlighted at the MaCFHN’s Conference in Canberra where the
West Heidelberg Continuity of Care program was presented. Integration and
collaboration models continue to develop, ensuring better outcomes for the
children and families in disadvantaged areas.
A Sing and Grow program was introduced for vulnerable families with parenting
and attachment difficulties, helping them learn important parenting skills in a
supportive environment, with positive results. Facilitators for new parents have
provided programs for new mums and dads which have been well received.
Generous feedback has been received from participants.
The improvements in our MCH systems and processes, including the introduction
of SMS reminders of appointments, has also contributed greatly to the improved
take up rates for Key Ages and Stages appointments.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 65
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council’s MCH service:
attended to 15,055 KAS visits in 2012-2013
attended to 1,895 non-key ages and stages visits, provided to parents or
requested by parents
had 312 ‘new parent’ groups - various sessions held across the year with 2
key council facilitators
co-ordinated 914 referrals for child health and wellbeing , to other health
professionals
and 128 referrals for maternal health, referring the mother on to health
professionals for her needs
and breast feeding rates have been consistently high for the first 6 months
of the child’s life.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Quality and Cost
Standards
The vision for the Olympic Village Learning Hub (OVLH) revolves around life-long
learning and pathways to education and employment, with planning for integration
across the site ongoing for several years now. In May 2012, the project was
successful in securing $1.34m capital infrastructure funding from the Victorian
Government. This funding, together with Council contribution of $750,000, will
deliver stage one of the OVLH development - the Child and Family Centre. In
proceeding with the design phase of the Child and Family Centre, the opportunity
was taken to review all four elements of the Hub for size and siting based on new
demographic data, in particular the increasing population in the 3081 area. This
review has resulted in a redesigned OVLH siting plan to allow for a larger future
primary school building. The OVLH Strategic Partnership Group has continued to
work toward promoting and advocating to potential funding partners the benefits
of this project.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
The vision for the proposed Watsonia Community Hub is based on the concept of
co-located and integrated services providing benefits to the community through
better access and awareness of services, with a focus on creating healthy
communities, supporting social inclusion and enhancing the wellbeing of local
residents. With these benefits in mind, Banyule City Council has progressed the
planning of a community hub in the South of the municipality to service the
current and future needs of the community. Detailed design for the proposed
Watsonia Community Hub has commenced with the appointment of DesignInc
Melbourne as lead consultant. Discovery and design workshops facilitated by
DesinInc have been held with stakeholders. These workshops have informed a
preliminary preferred design solution which is now being explored further though
a detailed design phase.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Council has continued to implement the National Quality Framework for child
care centres across the municipality. Quality Improvement Plans have been
developed across 5 Council managed services to record achievements and
strength, highlight opportunities for improvement, and to document family and
staff input. Support for Quality Improvement Plans and the National Quality
framework has been offered to the broader early childhood services in Banyule
through email, Child care network meetings and Kindergarten Cluster meetings.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
The Municipal Early Years Plan (MEYP) has progressed with the development and
endorsement of a project management plan, the establishment of internal and
external MEYP Advisory Groups and the completion of a literature review,
including sector research of existing data and frameworks. In addition, it has
included the analysis of data and information collated from the 950 surveys
completed by parents and guardians.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 66
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
1.4 Promote community safety
Council implemented Year 1 of the Community Safety Plan. It provides Banyule
with clear direction and priorities for the next four years. Key goals focus on
coordination, advocacy, education and primary prevention.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Victoria Police and Council initiated a pilot partnership program of informal street
briefings in West Heidelberg. This followed a successful London model and aimed
to increase positive engagement between the police and the community, enable
information sharing and reduce levels of community concerns and perceptions
about crime. There has also been interest expressed by other Council
Departments and external agencies to join these briefings.
Council completed a State Government funded community safety project at
Watsonia Train station for improved lighting.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Council became a signatory to the Women’s Health in the North Regional Strategy
on the Prevention of Violence Against Women. This is an organisational commitment
to work in partnership on key initiatives. Activities were also facilitated by
Council's White Ribbon Action team for the White Ribbon Day.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Northern Melbourne Institute of Tafe (NMIT) students, together with Banyule’s
Youth Services, have undertaken two community safety audits in West Heidelberg.
This is to ascertain young people’s responses and perceptions of community safety
in their local environment, and the process of reporting concerns to Council or
other Authorities.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
A CCTV camera has been installed at Olympic Village Shopping Centre and three
mobile/covert cameras purchased for VicPol from funding under the ‘Our Voice,
Our Community’ program. Utilizing a CPTED approach (Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design - an approach to better design of public space to
reduce opportunity for crime) these are to be used in a crime prevention focus
and to increase the community’s perceptions of safety particularly around Olympic
Village. Discussions with the traders showed overwhelming positive responses to
this initiative. Signs have been erected to alert the community to the camera’s
presence.
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation,
The StreetArt program continued to attract approximately 25 young people
(predominantly male) per month as part of a graffiti diversion program. The
majority of these young people would be considered at risk and often presented
with multiple issues. Additional funding from Northern Melbourne Institute of
Tafe (NMIT) Youth Connections program resulted in an additional worker being
present at sessions to provide referral and pathway support around legal, housing
and drug and alcohol issues. The group completed 3 legal murals as well as an
exhibit “come and try” session at Splashdown Youth Festival in April 2013.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Council distributed 104 graffiti removal kits to residents, community groups and
traders through its “Adopt Your Space” program. Promotion of the kits has been
through a targeted media campaign, attendance at the Banyule Festival, networking
with the local branches of the Victoria Police, Neighbourhood Watch and
promotion of the program through Banyule Banner, ‘on hold’ messages and at a
number of local community events.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 67
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
The Memorandum of Understanding for the Graffiti Removal Program
(Department of Justice) was negotiated and signed to continue the very positive
partnership between Council and the Community Corrections Program for a
further two years expiring in June 2015.
The Community Corrections Program has resulted in removal of approximately
6,000 m2 of graffiti across the municipality. Council now has 45 sites which are
visited by the work team on a regular basis. Over the past 12 months, the
program has increased its hours in Banyule by 24% from last year, providing a total
of 1,805 hours of work.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Council continued to ensure compliance with its obligations under the Electrical
Safety (Electrical Lines Clearance) Regulations.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards
1.5 Celebrate and promote Banyule’s cultural heritage
Banyule achieved above average results in the Victorian Local Government
Community Satisfaction Survey for 2013 across the selected performance
measures related to Leisure and Cultural Services. The results were amongst the
highest performance scores for Banyule and compare well with the average
Community Satisfaction Indicator (CSI) scores for the Inner Group. Of the
respondents that were able to provide a rating, over 90% of the total respondents
provided a rating of average or better in the three categories of ‘recreational
facilities’, ‘community and cultural activities’ and ‘arts centres and libraries’.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Reporting
Council worked in partnership with the Football Federation Victoria, Heidelberg
Stars Soccer Club, Heidelberg United Soccer Club and the local community to
host one of the days of the Australian Somali Football Association Tournament.
This is now an annual Melbourne-wide tournament and is represented by teams
from overseas and interstate along with our own local teams at Olympic Park in
West Heidelberg. Over 1000 people attended this day alone with over 4000
people attending the final as a part of the overall event.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
The former Banyule Art Space was relaunched as Hatch Contemporary Art Space
following a facelift and some interior works. The space is now a dedicated Arts
facility within the Banyule Community.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council developed the Draft Banyule Arts Plan 2013 – 2017, setting the direction
for the Arts in Banyule for the next four years. This included extensive
community consultation. The plan is to be finalised in 2013 following a further
opportunity for the community to comment on the draft
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
The 2012 Winter in Banyule Festival was themed as ‘Art Up Close’. Various
elements included ’24hr Emergency Art’, projections on Main Street in
Greensborough, Eid Celebrations, Antiques and Heirlooms and various
Workshops.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 68
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
The theme of this year’s Malahang festival was Sport and the Olympics celebrating
the 56th anniversary since the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Attendance at
the festival was successful with approximately 3000 people attending over the
course of the day.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule Festival continues to be very well attended and enjoyed by the Banyule
Community. Twilight Sounds attracted over 2,000 with a great line up of
Australian acts. The Kids Artyfarty Fest attracted well over 8,000 people
throughout the day with the annual Grand Street Parade having a near record
number of participants with over 800 people singing, dancing and marching down
Burgundy Street.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
‘Home - Reframing Craft & Domesticity’ was undoubtedly the most successful
Council art exhibition so far. As the first exhibition since the opening of Hatch
Contemporary Arts Space, ‘Home’ has set a solid grounding for the future
development of the Arts in Banyule and the potential for Hatch to connect with
diverse community members. ‘Home’ presented 83 works by 56 artists and
artisans who worked in a wide range of craft-based mediums. Artworks were
displayed in ‘rooms’ set up within the gallery, creating a narrative of a home and
providing an immersive experience. This exhibition received extremely positive
feedback from the local community and the art community more widely.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule gathered 13 leading inclusive arts agencies and peak bodies together with
70 members of the local community for its ‘Inclusive Arts Forum’ to discuss raising
the profile of artists who have a disability, pathways in the creative industries for
artists with a disability, and practical strategies for making creative environments
inclusive. This forum was in partnership with Metro Access.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Council continues to work in partnership with the Heidelberg School Art
Foundation and Parks Victoria on the development of Council’s first purpose built
art gallery - Impressionist Lab (Gallery) – to celebrate the Heidelberg School of
Artists and Impressionism. Consultation with the community will continue as
Council moves forward on the proposed development.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
1.6 Protect and improve public health and wellbeing
In the 2012 calendar year, seven new food businesses opened in the municipality
(resulting in a total of 700 food premises registered under the Food Act 1984 as at
end June 2013).
Statutory food sampling requirements were met with a total of 198 food samples
submitted for the purpose of analysis in the set period of 1 March 2012 to 28
February 2013. In addition, Council conducted 1,176 statutory inspections of food
premises in the year ending 31 December 2012.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 69
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
The detailed design for the redevelopment of Ivanhoe Aquatic & Fitness Centre
(Stage 1) was the completed in early 2013. This included several community,
member and staff consultation sessions, generating a good level of excitement and
expectation. Stage 1 includes: expansion of existing gym floor by 450sqm, new
entry and reception for the facility improving customer flow and accessibility,
improved staff administration hub, inclusion of a café facility with associated
seating, addition of lift and stairwell to help movement around the centre,
refurbishment of existing change areas and pool hall, with the addition of a change
village and additional car parking. This centre is a key recreation facility in Banyule,
attracting over 400,000 visits every year.
A full refurbishment of the Olympic Leisure Centre gymnasium was completed in
June 2013, including installation of new equipment. There has been a 25% increase
in memberships at the centre.
Community
Consultation
Responsiveness,
Accessibility
Continuous
Improvement
A total of 216 premises were registered under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act
as at end June 2013, and Council conducted a total of 213 statutory inspections of
Public Health and Wellbeing Act premises during the 2012 calendar year.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
During the 2012 calendar year, 10,589 vaccines were provided at public
immunisation sessions, 6,261 vaccines at school sessions and 864 via commercial
sessions.
Council has maintained an average of 93.06% immunisation coverage for the age
cohort of 12 months higher than the Victorian average of 92.35% and the
Australian average of 91.68%. It has also maintained an average of 94.06%
immunisation coverage for the cohort of 24 months higher than the Victorian
average of 93.38% and the Australian average of 92.59%.
The first years of the HPV vaccine for boys program at secondary schools has
been implemented.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Council continued to implement the Food Security Plan to ensure affordability,
safety and access to nutritious food, including:
Planning and discussions regarding increasing access to food relief
Food related partnerships across council (eg. food safety, sustainable food
growing and production)
A cross-council planning framework for food is being developed
A position has been advertised for a Food Security Project Officer. This
role will be responsible to the development of a strategy on food relief in
the municipality.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council adopted its Smoke free Outdoor Areas Policy in March 2013, designating
specific areas within the municipality as smoke free. Smoke free signage is being
installed in Regional and Neighbourhood playgrounds and being arranged for the
Greensborough walk.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 70
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
The Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2016 was adopted by Council in
June 2013 and contains actions which support and facilitate the benefits of animal
ownership and companionship and contribute to the health and wellbeing of
residents. It also aims to educate residents about the accepted standards of
animal welfare including the care, feeding and physical wellbeing of domestic pets.
The key issues for Council which are addressed in the Plan include continuing to
encourage responsible pet ownership; dealing with dangerous and restricted breed
dogs, and addressing the overpopulation of dogs and cats.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
The Municipal Public Health Emergency Management Sub Plan was adopted by the
Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC)
The Community Disaster Resilience Consultation was conducted with 2000 hard
copy surveys being distributed across the municipality. Results of the survey were
analysed, and Council commenced development of a new Strategic Plan for
Building Disaster Resilience, to be implemented in 2013-2014.
Banyule continued to develop and implement the emergency management
collaboration project with other municipalities. Council officers participated at the
working group levels and in regional forums. It is anticipated that this project will
continue until 2014-2015 at a minimum.
During 2012-2013 Banyule:
Conducted a ‘Community Emergency Preparedness Survey’ which
identifies shared issues and enables Council to plan for and develop
problem solving strategies that are consistent with the community’s needs.
Identified and mapped facilities likely to have vulnerable people residing in
them, vulnerable communities and individuals, as well as areas of higher
risk (e.g. flood prone areas, extreme fire danger areas).
Assisted with the Co-ordination of Council’s Vulnerable Person’s Register
and maintenance of the Vulnerable Person’s in Facilities List.
In conjunction with VicSES completed development of the Banyule Flood
Emergency Management Plan.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 71
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Objective:
2. PLANET ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Conduct Council activities in a sustainable manner, and practice sound
stewardship of the natural environment to ensure its diversity, protection and
enhancement.
‘Planet’ is about the natural and formed environment and the ecosystems that sustain the community.
Our community is an integral part of the environment and together we are the custodians of our
shared home.
Outcomes for our key directions:
2.1 Protect and enhance our natural environment
Council completed and adopted the Planet (Environmental Sustainability) Policy
and Strategy 2013-2017, following an extensive community engagement program
during 2012-2013. This is the primary policy and strategy document that supports
the ‘Planet - Environmental Sustainability’ objective of the Banyule City Plan 2013-
2017. It provides the broad ‘Environmental Sustainability’ policy context for all
Council related strategies, policies, plans and activities and sets the framework for
achieving environmental sustainability in Banyule.
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Quality and Cost
Standards
Reporting
Banyule’s bushland reserves have continued to receive carefully planned
management to ensure the survival of rare and threatened species such as the
Eltham Copper Butterfly. Night time surveys in key locations allow the caterpillar
populations to be monitored and the butterfly’s habitat enhanced.
Council’s Bushland Crew undertook weed control programs in 35 reserves,
covering approximately 280 hectares of bush and natural areas. This included St
Helena Bush Reserve, Dalvida Reserve and Darebin Creek Northern Grasslands.
The programs were aimed at reducing weed cover and to encourage regeneration
of indigenous plants species.
The Bushland Crew also undertook a successful ecological burn in St Helena Bush
Reserve in conjunction with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in December 2012,
resulting in a reduction of weed cover and the regeneration and an increased
population of rare orchid species. A carpet of wildflowers including orchids, peas,
daisies and lilies has been generated by cool burning of this bushland.
The team also continued the ongoing program of spot burning and hand weeding
to reduce weed cover and increase regeneration of native species throughout
most remnant bushland reserves, including Andrew Yandell Reserve, Simonelli
Reserve, Harry Pottage Reserve, Dalvida Reserve, Wooded Way Reserve,
Darebin Creek Grasslands, and Rosanna Parklands.
Council has continued to implement its works program that protects and
enhances our waterways, and wetlands. The Bushland Management team has
regular weed control, planting and maintenance program for various streamside
plantings, including:
Yallambie Park South, Plenty River,
Mandell Crt, Ivanhoe, Darebin Creek
Banyule Swamp South drainline habitat link, Viewbank
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 72
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Banyule continued to liaise with Melbourne Water on a number of projects
including the Woody weed control program along the Yarra frontage from Bonds
Road, Viewbank to Ivanhoe Boulevard Wilson Reserve and starting Woody weed
removal and revegetation to Salt Creek, Rosanna Parklands from Lwr Plenty Road
to Von Nida Crescent , Rosanna.
(Continued)
Council’s Parks and Gardens team planted a total of 1,250 trees in streets and
parks in 2012-2013. It has also co-ordinated the planting of a total 9,835 local
native (indigenous) plants in parks and bushland reserves for 2012-2013. These
plants were made up of tube-stock trees, shrubs and ground species, and were
planted throughout Banyule’s bushland reserves, creeks and river reserves. This
was part of the ongoing revegetation program for 2012-2013, including community
working bees (local volunteers and friends groups).
The tree care team continued to investigate a wide variety of species suitable for
use within its parkland and street environment. The tree care team has initiated
additional programs such as integrated pest management to provide greater
protection of its significant street scapes from further pest and disease outbreaks
Banyule inspected and pruned 35,000 trees throughout the municipality under
Council’s Routine Street Tree Maintenance Contract.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council has obtained State Government funding to assist with upgrading the
section of the Plenty River Trail west of Willinda Park, and to provide improved
linkages between the trail and the Greensborough Principal Activity Centre.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Community consultation regarding permanent planning controls for substantial
trees in residential neighbourhoods in Heidelberg West, Bundoora, Watsonia,
Viewbank and parts of Greensborough has been completed and the amendment
will now be considered by a State Planning Panel.
Banyule has continued its focus on increasing the number of trees and other
vegetation on private land through planning conditions.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Public exhibition has begun for C80, to achieve a permanent Substantial Tree
planning scheme control, known as Vegetation Protection Overlay, Schedule 5.
The temporary planning scheme policy for neighbourhood character has been
extended by the Minister until 30 June 2013. The Minister's response to C68, for a
permanent and new Local Policy for Neighbourhood Character, is being
progressed. Further progress on C80 and for Council's Neighbourhood
Character Strategy is expected in 2013-2014.
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Banyule’s public spaces were mowed on a regular basis, including parks and
reserves, sportsfields, traffic management areas and fire hazards. Council
maintained its garden beds and Banyule's 44 active sportsfields to agreed standards
which meet community expectations. Surfaces on sportsfields responded well
based on the maintenance works conducted over the summer period.
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Quality and Cost
Standards
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 73
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
2.2 Conserve water and improve stormwater quality
Significant works were conducted to establish one of the largest stormwater
harvesting networks in Melbourne at Kalparrin Gardens in Greensborough,
Chelsworth Park in Ivanhoe and DeWinton Park in Rosanna. The works are
nearing completion, and when complete, the $6 million project will capture, filter
and store stormwater underground and use it to irrigate sport fields and open
spaces in these parks keeping them green all year round. This will improve amenity
for all park users including residents, sports clubs and schools.
Tonnes of litter, sediment, nitrogen and phosphorous will also be filtered and
prevented from polluting waterways including Kalparrin Lake, Reedy Billabong and
the Plenty and Yarra Rivers while saving precious drinking water. This project will
provide water for about 40% of Council’s active open space.
The project is supported by funding from the Australian Government, Ivanhoe
Grammar School, the Victorian Government, Melbourne Water and Banyule City
Council.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Accessibility
A draft Water Plan has been developed as part of the Planet (Environmental
Sustainability) Policy and Strategy 2013-2017 framework. This will be presented to
Council for consideration, adoption and implementation in 2013-2014.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council continued to implement The Sustainable Homes Program, which
encourages water saving through community education workshops. Water issues
were also promoted through the Banyule Stormwater Harvesting Project.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
2.3 Deliver action on climate change
Council continued to support the installation of a cogeneration system in
Watermarc to generate electricity from waste heat and reduce energy
consumption and costs.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
The preparation work was completed for energy efficient street lighting to save up
to 67 per cent of Council’s streetlight energy on about 8000 lights. The first half of
the municipality’s lights will be installed in the 2013-2014 financial year.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Council has now established recycling stations for mobile phones, batteries, x-rays,
fluorescent globes, eyeglasses and other items at its three customer services
centres.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Accessibility
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 74
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Federal funding of $53,000 has been secured for a $90,000 solar hot water
program for key Council buildings.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council continued to provide a cost effective fleet while minimising the impact on
the environment, meeting operational requirements and minimising risk to staff
and community.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Council continued to implement the organisational volunteer Enviro Reps program
reinforces improved environmental practices. Enviro Reps are successfully running
the Worm Farm at Rosanna and the Recycling Stations have been expanded to
Greensborough and Ivanhoe offices.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
2.4 Avoid waste generation
Banyule achieved a result of 79 for ‘Waste Management (performance)’ in the
State Government’s Annual Community Satisfaction Survey 2013. The result of 79
was the highest for all the Inner Group whose average was 74. In addition,
Banyule achieved a result of 67 for Environmental sustainability (performance) –
this was significantly higher than the average for the Inner Group (65).
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Work with 10 municipal Councils in the northern and western suburbs was
finalised to enter into a contract for the long-term processing of green organic
waste collected within Banyule.
Council has worked with the Metropolitan Waste Management Group to ensure
due diligence to the impact of the Carbon Price on landfill gate fees and negotiate
a good result.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
The Rethink Centre hosted over 4,400 visitors in the past twelve months, which
brings the total attendance to more than 55,000 since its opening in 2000.
The Districts, Lifestyles and Avoiding Waste Project will develop tools to
understand behaviours in the household with regard to food waste. The project
has engaged 28 households over three areas to assist with the research by
providing food use and purchasing behaviour information.
Council held a School Waste Conference involving 8 schools and 150 students to
assist schools in developing waste programs and activities.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Council continued to provide a responsive and effective cleansing service to
streets, drains, shopping centres and public toilets, and maintain these assets with
a high level of cleanliness.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
An early draft of the Waste Management Plan has been developed. Consultation
with the community has been undertaken with key outcomes to be included in the
plan.
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Quality and Cost
Standards
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 75
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
2.5 Encourage environmental stewardship
This was the final year of the three-year Sustainable Homes and Communities
Education Program for residents, households and community groups. The program
involved workshops and presentations to provide the community with practical
information for saving money by reducing energy, water and food bills, producing
less waste and creating a more sustainable home and community. This program
was a joint project with Darebin Council and with the support of the State
Government.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council continued to deliver its community and Council environmental
sustainability engagement programs and events including Sustainable Homes and
Communities, Home Harvest Festival, Kids Teaching Kids Conference, Wildlife
Corridor, Healthy Waterways Waterwatch, EnviroReps and Spring Outdoors.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Drafts of environmental stewardship, water, biodiversity and energy plans were
completed to sit under the Planet Policy and Strategy and to be considered by
Council consideration.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule continued to foster relationships with friends groups, school groups
through participation in local parks working bees, Clean Up Australia Day,
National Tree Day, Waterwatch activities, including:
Co-ordination of 90 volunteers who collected 144 bags of litter weighing in at
915 kgs of total rubbish across 6 sites as part of the Clean Up Australia Day
Program.
65 Working Bees were co-ordinated during the year with local Friends
groups, resulting in 9,835 local native (indigenous) plants in parks and bushland
reserves for 2012-2013.
During National Tree Day the Bushland crew oversaw 65 volunteers as they
planted approximately 1,900 indigenous trees.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
During 2012-2013 Council provided biodiversity education for 2,360 people at 30
events through the Wild Corridor Program. Council also provided water quality
and water conservation education about Banyule’s stormwater harvesting projects
at 15 events for 856 people .
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council continued to support and advocate on the implementation of new
industry based product stewardship programs (eg. electronic waste disposal). A
recycling process for televisions has been implemented at the Waste Recovery
Centre as a result of product stewardship.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 76
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Education programs that empower the Banyule community to avoid waste
continued to be provided in 2012-2013. These included:
Aussi Vic Resource Smart Schools Program - This program is funded by the
State Government through Sustainability Victoria. Schools work towards
accreditation by developing environmental policies and statements that include
environmental action plans. The process involves promotion of their activities
to their School community through newsletters and the school's website.
Support and facilitation were provided to two schools, Montmorency Primary
and Greensborough Primary, to obtain their accreditation. Promotion of this
program to other schools in Banyule has also been completed. The Waste
Wise Education Program and education van have supported this program by
providing teacher professional development workshops, leadership in assisting
School’s Environmental Teachers in completing of the school’s accreditation
requirements, and also providing education sessions.
Schools Waste Conference October 2012 – The Waste Wise Outreach
Education Program sponsored and supported this conference by assisting with
the development of a program to be conducted at Ivanhoe East Primary
School by providing speakers and activities that inspired and encouraged
students to think about avoiding waste in the home and at school. This
conference was attended by eight Banyule Schools, Mother of God Primary
School, Montmorency South Primary School, Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School,
Greensborough Primary School, Briar Hill Primary School; Glen Katherine
Primary School, Ivanhoe Buckley House Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary
School, with 150 students in attendance. The outcome was to assist schools to
develop waste programs and activities.
Districts, Lifestyles and Avoiding Waste Project (funded by Metropolitan
Waste Management Group) – This project has commenced and the
development of an Education Kit to assist with Food Waste Avoidance in the
home is almost complete. This kit is to be distributed to 28 households in
Banyule over three different suburbs. The outcomes of this research will assist
Council to develop tools to understand behaviour in the household with
regard to food waste.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 77
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Objective:
3. PLACE SUSTAINABLE AMENITY AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Enable Banyule’s buildings, places and spaces to be more sustainable and
encourage communities to live, work, shop, move and play locally.
‘Place’ is about ensuring that the buildings, infrastructure, places and spaces in which we live, shop,
work and play enhance our sense of wellbeing and belonging.
Outcomes for our key directions:
3.1 Support the character of neighbourhoods and guide growth to accessible places
Council completed and adopted the Place Policy and Strategy 2013-2017, following
an extensive community engagement program during 2012-2013. This is the
primary policy and strategy document that supports the ‘Place: Sustainable amenity
and built environment’ objective of the Banyule City Plan 2013-2017. It provides
the broad ‘Place’ policy context for all Council related strategies, policies, plans
and activities, and provides the framework for maintaining and improving Banyule
as a liveable and vibrant place
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule Building Permits and Inspections (Bpi) issued a total of 1,431 building
permits for the year with a value of $194,793,090. Of this total, 401 building
permits were issued for development within Banyule, with a value of $43,103,975.
The group conducted a total of 6207 building permit inspections throughout the
year.
BPi kept residents and clients informed about compliance with building regulation
changes including the Australian Standards: ‘AS 1926.1 2010 Swimming Pool Safety’
and ‘AS 1428.1 2009 Design for Access and Mobility’.
BPi was audited on four occasions this year and achieved great results. These
included audits conducted by the Building Commission, including a Building
Commission Levy Financial audit and Building Commission Site Specific Audits, in
addition to other internal and external audits.
The Municipal Building Surveyor and Deputy have developed systems to enable
consistent approach to the report and consents process. This enables any building
proposals to be assessed against the impact upon the streetscape.
The BPi service is continuing to develop its procedures and systems to ensure
best service delivery to its customers. A scope is being prepared to develop
delivery via electronic device for on-site inspection results.
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 78
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
In the 2012-2013 financial year, Council’s Development Planning team received a
total of 1,392 applications for development, subdivision, tree removal and formal
amendments to existing permits. Further to this, 107 requests for secondary
consent applications were received as well as 106 requests to extend permit
timeframes, 184 certification applications and 20 development plan approvals.
The team also completed the assessment of 1,439 applications for development,
subdivision, tree removal and formal amendments to existing permits. This is
again a productive financial year with 47 more applications being completed than
received. Further to this, 104 requests for secondary consent applications were
completed as well as 100 requests to extend permit timeframes, 116 certification
applications and 15 development plan approvals.
The Sustainable Housing and Liveable Housing Guidelines and assessment for
multi-dwelling developments (3 or more dwellings) were implemented.
343 complaints were received in relation to alleged breaches of planning permits
and the Banyule Planning Scheme with 221 complaints being closed.
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
The planning scheme amendment for a new Residential Neighbourhood Character
Policy (now in the Banyule Planning Scheme) has been completed. This aims to
improve local design outcomes for housing, landscaping, setbacks and the
protection of ridgelines and trees.
A heritage strategy and planning scheme amendments to guide local heritage
planning decisions and protect 65 additional heritage properties were completed,
with the inclusion of the Maroondah Aqueduct on the Victorian Heritage
Inventory and nominating Sparks Reserve for State heritage significance.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Community engagement for directing development to preferred places is
continuing. Public consultation for getting a framework into the planning scheme
has been completed and much consultation has been done to support Council's
adoption of an Ivanhoe Structure Plan in June 2013. There will be more
consultation in 2013-2014, when Council makes progress on public exhibition for
permanent planning scheme changes.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Work has continued to refine the 10-Year Capital Works Plan to help prioritise
the city’s capital works. Funding gaps in the management of the city’s assets
including roads, pathways, bridges, drainage, playgrounds, open space and buildings
are still being identified.
Responsiveness,
Banyule’s Engineering team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013, including:
Prepared 29 Council Reports, to inform Council and provide
recommendations on the appropriate course of action for key issues including:
major projects, transport and road safety issues, parking management,
drainage and road design.
Completed 1,270 Transport and Road Safety related customer requests, an
average of approximately 102 a month, with 93% completed on time
Completed 1,956 Drainage and Development related customer requests and
Referrals, an average of approximately 163 a month.
Delivered approximately $90,000 in Transport and Road Safety related Capital
Works.
Delivered approximately $90,000 in Drainage related Capital Works.
Commenced the Strategic Stormwater Network Catchment Analysis study for
the municipality delivering around $170,000 in modelling and investigations.
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 79
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council has continued to ensure improvements to Banyule’s infrastructure and
road network to meet community needs. Council has worked with key
stakeholders to get the best outcomes in the design and planning stages of civil
and construction projects.
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Council committed to the purchase of three former school sites in Bellfield and
Heidelberg Heights to ensure the retention of community facilities, including local
basketball courts.
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
3.2 Support strengthening of local centres of activity
Council has continued to support initiatives in The Mall including a new business
incubator, ‘Our Mall Our Place’ cultural diversity events, and a visual
merchandising program, in keeping with Council’s vision for The Mall.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Special Rates and Charges schemes for shopping centres in Greensborough,
Montmorency, Eaglemont, Watsonia, Macleod, East Ivanhoe and Lower Plenty
have been completed and work has commenced on Rosanna and Ivanhoe.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Key Property Projects were delivered in accordance with Budget priorities, Responsiveness,
An updated Ivanhoe Structure Plan was adopted by Council in June 2013, after
further public consultation was done. Civic Precinct master planning is continuing
into 2013-2014 including recommendations on improved community facilities and
public spaces and the future of the library, and is being coordinated through the
Economic Development Unit.
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
3.3 Protect and develop publicly used assets
Stage 1 of the Price Park Masterplan has been completed. This included replacing
and substantially upgrading the playground, tree removal, pruning and general risk
reduction, steps towards addressing soil erosion and excess water run-off from
the site.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Stage 2 of the Binnak Park Regional Playground was been completed.
Works were conducted to raise garden beds at the Buna Reserve Community
Garden to better cater for elderly and disabled residents.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Council undertook a feasibility study into the potential of creating fenced off-lead
dog parks in Banyule and into the upgrade of the pavilion facilities of the Kintala
Dog Club.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 80
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
The Darebin Trail link beneath Heidelberg Road to Sparks Reserve, Ivanhoe has
been completed, to connect the existing completed section of Darebin Creek
Shared Trail with The Boulevard.
Banyule together with other Northern Region councils have successfully lobbied
for State Government funding of $18million to complete the final stage of the
Darebin Creek Trail to link it to the Main Yarra Trail.
Council also secured State Government funding to assist with the upgrade of part
of the Plenty River Trail west of Willinda Park and to provide improved linkages
between the trail and the Greensborough Principal Activity Centre.
Community consultation into the feasibility of providing a safe improved bicycle
route between Banksia Street and Burke Road North was completed.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Condition inspections and associated repairs for our shared paths were completed
to the required standards of assets management. In terms of Linear metres of
shared paths/ trails renewed, upgraded and new, Council completed 2,908 metres,
including works for the Darebin Creek trail, Wilson Reserve trail, Donaldson
Creek trail, Plenty River trial, and Main Yarra trail.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Improvement works and facility upgrades that have been undertaken include:
park fencing at Elder Street Reserve
cricket net facilities at Chelsworth Park, Seddon Reserve, Olympic Park,
Shelley Reserve
path and steps on the Montmorency Park escarpment to improve safety.
heritage landscape installation at the Ivanhoe Town Hall
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule’s Major Projects and Infrastructure team completed a range of activities in
2012-2013, including:
construction and upgrade of footpaths and installation of pedestrian signal in
Main Street Greensborough
reconstruction of carpark at Flintoff Street, Greensborough
footbridge works at Banyule Rd/Graham Rd deck replaced, Binnak Park
repaired due to vandalism, Elder St drainage works to approach, Willinda Park
handrails replaced and 10 bridges repaired due to storm damage
Bike path construction and maintenance.
Drainage works – 5 projects completed.
38,422 m2 of local roads have been resheeted with 13 roads being completed.
35.1 km of road crack sealing completed with 54 local streets crack sealed
Oriel Road, Malahang to Tobruk section reconstruction has been completed.
4,950 sqm or 6,680 bays of footpath replaced
367 lineal metres of kerb & channel replaced
18 pram crossings replaced
street signs and other street furniture worth $116,190 repaired and replaced
65 streets line marked with long life paint
major road patching works were performed on 10 streets with 1,000 sqm of
patching completed.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 81
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Street Sweeping and Cleansing services have continued to be delivered to the
agreed standards. This included identified new requirements for Greensborough,
WaterMarc and Town Square. Data is currently being collated to determine the
frequency currently being acheived by each sweeper. The data is being analysed
and combined with GIS maps and driver reporting to modify sweeper rounds.
Adjustments were made to some rounds and have been monitored for
effectiveness.
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Drainage guidelines for developments were updated. Development guidelines are
monitored for improvements and frequently asked questions from developers,
ongoing improvements and amendments and are programmed for quarterly
updates.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
A Draft 10 Year Capital Works Plan and an assessment of the renewal gap across
key asset groups was completed in 2012. This is now being reviewed in keeping
with the revised Strategic Resource Budget to ensure that the renewal gap is
minimised.
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
The revised Road Management Plan was adopted by Council in June 2013.
Banyule completed the public exhibition of a local Environmentally Efficient Design
(ESD) amendment for the Banyule Planning Scheme to improve Council’s
assessment of development requiring a permit.
The ongoing Essential Service inspections and repairs were undertaken as per the
program for implementation of the Essential Safety Measures (Buildiing Code).
These reports were completed in June 2013. Exit lights, paths of travel and fire
extinguisher maintenance and servicing have been completed for the financial year.
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Reporting
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 82
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Banyule’s Functions team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013, including:
The Centre Ivanhoe celebrated 75 years since its official opening in 1937,
which was acknowledged by the hosting of its first ticketed event, “Back to the
Berg”. This gala event was a great success with over 330 guests attending for
a fabulous night of entertainment and dancing. Not surprisingly, the event
organisers received fantastic feedback from guests acknowledging the high
quality of the food, presentation of the venue & the Art Deco furnishings on
display.
Successful achievement of all sales targets by the Functions Team, with an
increase of approximately 16% in income. This was due in part to The Centre
playing host to a record breaking 50 weddings in a single calendar year. This
was a fantastic result and reflects the significant promotion and marketing
efforts of The Centre Ivanhoe Functions Team.
Installation of several major Capital Improvements to the facility included:
New furniture for the Great Hall foyer
New furniture in the Streeton Bridal Suite
Wireless Internet Access - established throughout the venue
New roller door for the Streeton kitchen
New Rationale oven in the Great Hall kitchen
These improvements will continue to allow The Centre Ivanhoe to meet the
function and event requirements of both new and existing clients.
Adoption and commencement of a New Catering Contract Model in early
2013. This resulted in the redeployment or voluntary redundancy of all
members of The Centre’s Functions team. One staff member was redeployed
to the Function Contract Co-ordinator position.
Provision of sponsorship by way of Banyule City Council’s Facility Access
Grants was well used by many community groups, enabling them to hold
numerous fundraising events at several of Councils community venues and
halls.
Continuous improvement to our halls, particularly the provision of new tables,
chairs and blinds, has resulted in receipt of ongoing, positive feedback from
many clients. Cooperation with Council’s Building Maintenance team has
facilitated the successful upgrade of the Lower Plenty Senior Citizens
Community Hall.
Introduction of bookings of the revamped Lower Plenty Senior Citizens Hall
will now by administered by the Leisure & Cultural Bookings Officer at
Banyule.
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Reporting
Continuous
Improvement,
Council continued to deliver its Parks Maintenance services, including maintaining
our passive and active reserves to standard, managing our peak season which
includes Fire Hazards, Guard rails, right of ways, cuttings, and traffic management
areas.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 83
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
3.4 Enhance public spaces
Every year, thousands of Australians help clean up their environment on Clean Up
Australia Day in March. Council encourages volunteers to join together in a
clean-up around the municipality. This year Council coordinated 90 volunteers
who collected 144 bags of litter weighing in at 915kgs of total rubbish across 6
local sites.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Council commenced the process of preparing an Urban Tree Policy and Strategic
Plan for Banyule.
Public and open spaces are a key element of the Ivanhoe Structure Plan which
recommends the investigation of 7 key public places in the Ivanhoe Activity Area.
The Plan has been adopted by Council.
Routine maintenance work continues to occur on gateways. Council continues to
advocate for improved service outcomes for-non council assets.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule’s Municipal Laws team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013,
including:
Achieved a significant improvement in responding to customer requests - 90%
of customer requests were responded to within time compared with 77% last
year. Customer requests have increased by an average of 2% from the
previous year and this has been handled within existing resources.
Provided an increased focus on enforcement of traffic issues around schools in
the morning and afternoon for the protection of children.
In collaboration with the Salvation Army and Victoria Police, Council has
successfully implemented a project to tackle illegal dumping of rubbish at the
Watsonia Salvation Army Store. The project which involved Council installing
CCTV technology has resulted in a 98% reduction in rubbish dumping, the
prosecution of offenders and a huge cost saving to the Salvation Army in
having to get rid of the rubbish.
A new Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee has been established
as a Sub Committee of the Municipal Emergency Management Planning
Committee and the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee disbanded.
A new Fire Management Plan has been prepared and adopted by council in
May 2013 as per the recommendations of the Victorian Bushfire Royal
Commission.
Continued auditing of building sites with site inspections while providing
education to building contractors. This proactive approach helps to keep
building sites clean, tidy and safe for the surrounding community.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council continued to deliver its Horticultural Services to maintain and enhance
the quality of garden beds in open spaces, public spaces and reserves. This
included completion of a heritage landscape installation at the Ivanhoe Town Hall.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 84
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
3.5 Support sustainable transport
Council continues to work with and advocate to the Department of Transport
and the Minister for Transport to improve:
service frequencies and accessibility to our activity centres
access and facilities at railway stations
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation,
Banyule’s Engineering team:
Investigated and recommended the installation of bicycle lanes throughout the
municipality to improve links to the existing bicycle network in line with
Council Bicycle Strategy.
Implemented the WaterMarc Parking Management Plan.
Revised engineering information to be available on Banyule’s new web site.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council has continued to advocate to other levels of government to strengthen
accessible transport links to our activity centres to ensure increased opportunities
for employment growth. This included developing the Ivanhoe structure plan
transport priorities to improve access and parking to identified activity centres,
advocating for improved accessibility in connectivity. Investigations are underway
for parking control measures in Greensborough and Heidelberg, and Bus parking
options for Greensborough in relation to the new WaterMarc facility. This is an
ongoing advocacy role. As issues arise we bring these to the attention of the
relevant stakeholders for addressing.
Accessibility,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
The Ivanhoe Structure Plan (Transport Plan) was completed and adopted by
Council.
A localised ‘way finding’ proposal was completed and installed around the
Watermarc Facility
Council provided training and support to schools for the ‘Walking and Riding to
School’ program. The St Martins school has been assisted in this program.
Council has supported the annual ride to school day. Recent awards have been
passed onto the 3 top schools by the local Councillors and officers.
Concepts were prepared for 4 sites for Pedestrian Improvements.
A Parking Management study was completed and implemented in Greensborough.
Implementation of parking controls in Greensborough and Heidelberg is underway
in identified locations.
Flexicar locations are currently being negotiated for Heidelberg and Ivanhoe.
Paid parking locations have been installed in Heidelberg and Greensborough to
improve turn over and availability. Further locations are being assessed for paid
parking consideration around activity centres and major attractors.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 85
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
A presentation was made to a Councillor briefing regarding Alternate Truck
Routes. Ongoing advocacy to VicRoads is continuing regarding traffic and freight
volumes on Rosanna Road.
Council has continued advocacy in relation to the Greensborough Hwy/Rosanna
Rd corridor safety and amenity A North-east link report was presented to
Council in September 2012, and letters sent to VicRoads requesting development
of short term and medium term solutions for Rosanna Rd, and to organise a
meeting to plan implementation of these solutions.
A preferred alternate truck route report has been received from VicRoads and
meetings with senior VicRoads officers have continued to discuss and raise this
item. Ongoing discussions and advocacy to VicRoads is continuing, and included:
Letters to all local state and federal members of parliament seeking
support and meeting on this issue
Letters to the Minister for Transport seeking: meeting with Council to
discuss this issue; consideration for sound barriers on Greensborough
Hwy.
Letter to the Regional Director of VicRoads to request a meeting with
Council to discuss this issue
Raising of several issues regarding the safety and amenity on Rosanna Rd
and Greensborough Hwy as part of ongoing VicRoads Liaison meetings.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 86
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Objective:
4. PROSPERITY PROSPEROUS AND SUSTAINABLE LOCAL ECONOMY
Support economic and social development opportunities in a sustainable manner
for a thriving Banyule economy
‘Prosperity’ is about fostering economic conditions so that people in the community achieve financial
independence and a sustainable quality of life.
Outcomes of our key directions:
4.1 Support and encourage appropriate business development and local economic
growth
Council has continued to determine potential growth for retail, commercial and
residential development, and improve marketing and promotional material to
encourage investment in the city. Growth for Retail, Commercial and Residential
development is being accommodated through the development of structure plans
and the finalisation of Council’s Neighbourhood Character Strategy.
Greensborough, Heidelberg and Ivanhoe have adopted structure plans, a planning
scheme amendment is being developed for the Ivanhoe Structure Plan and a
proposed permanent Neighbourhood Character Strategy Amendment is being
considered by the Minister for Planning.
Banyule finalised the Prosperity Policy and Strategy 2012-2013 (Interim) in August
2012. During 2012-2013 the key policy and strategy documents informing the City
Plan were renewed as part of the major review of Council’s key strategic
direction, involving comprehensive community engagement during the
development of Banyule’s new City Plan for 2013-2017 and Budget for 2013-2014.
As part of this process, the ‘Prosperity’ Policy and Strategy has been integrated
within the strategic framework.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council continued to develop and deliver the business training and network
program to better address the needs of local businesses.
A total of 25 economic development events were delivered in partnership with
other organisations (eg. neighbouring Councils, State and Federal Government,
Regional Development organisations, traders associations, etc). This
demonstrates Council’s commitment and focus on supporting economic
development. The events included: 10 Banyule Business Events, 4 Northern
Business Achievement Awards Breakfasts, 9 Business Mentoring Days (Banyule
advisory service), and 2 Victorian Government Mentoring Bus Visits (mobile
business centre/ mini bus).
In addition, 486 people attended Council operated/ hosted economic development
events. The result for this indicates a high level of participation in Council
operated/hosted local economic development events. This represents 51
mentoring bookings (Banyule advisory service) and 435 event registrations
(Banyule Business events).
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 87
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council has continue to regularly update Banyule businesses through e-bulletins
and quarterly newsletters about new initiatives, opportunities and key changes to
legislation that may impact their business
Work with the Banyule Nillumbik Local Learning Employment Network included:
Referral of young achievers for Northern Business Achievement Awards.
Development of schools and industry breakfast project
Community
Consultation,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule achieved good results in the State Government’s Community Satisfaction
Survey 2013 for the following categories:
CSI - Business and community development and tourism (performance) -
Banyule’s score (61) in the CSS 2013 was equal to the Inner Group
average and lower than the State-wide average (62).
CSI - Planning and building permits (performance) - Banyule’s score (55) in
the CSS 2013 was higher than the Inner Group average (53) and equal to the State-wide average.
Community
Consultation,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Structure plans were completed for Greensborough, Heidelberg and Ivanhoe and
a planning scheme amendment is being developed to start the implementation of
the Ivanhoe Structure Plan.
Banyule has continued to encourage businesses to employ sustainable practices
and minimise environmental impacts. This included support to access energy
efficiency advice and resources.
Community
Consultation,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
4.2 Improve access to affordable housing, employment, health and community
services
A range of interventions has been completed, or significant progress made in
relation to Shopping Strips, including:
Implementation of the Street life project for The Mall around visual
merchandising and communications.
Support BSMTA and Council offices to deliver OMAC (office of multicultural
affairs and citizenship) “Unity through partnerships” project to develop a
series of new opportunities for communities to share their cultures with the
broader population utilising the public spaces at The Mall.
Rate renewal completed for East Ivanhoe and Lower Plenty, with renewals for
Rosanna and Ivanhoe progressing as planned.
Support provided for smaller shopping centres including Diamond Village,
Greville Road and Balaka Place.
Sessions held with Councillors and Centre Managers to discuss support for
shopping centres including City Plan, rates and charges, capital works and
cleaning and maintenance.
Capital works improvements completed in Macleod including upgrade of
lighting in Rotunda, new seating in parkland, new pathways in parkland,
installation of pedestrian safety barrier, installation of water refill station near
playground, repositioning and repainting of Rotunda (including garden beds)
and new commemorative plaque.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 88
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Ongoing support provided to 11 traders associations and committees
regarding governance, special rates expenditure, marketing and promotional
activities, cleansing and maintenance etc.
Eaglemont Village revitalisation fund enacted to see the appointment of a part
time marketing coordinator to deliver festivals and communications in the
centre.
Greensborough maintenance fund expanded to deliver amenity improvements
for the centre (e.g. mulching of garden beds, painting of street furniture,
removal of graffiti etc).
Delivery of Australian Retailers Association session in Greensborough focused
on customer service and experience, as part of Victorian Government Street
life Program
(Continued)
4.3 Encourage appropriate investment in our activity centres
The Ivanhoe Structure Plan has been finalised ready for Council adoption. The
planning scheme amendment for interim and potentially permanent controls in the
Banyule Planning Scheme has commenced.
This included extended public consultation taking place involving about 1,200
stakeholders, including expanded resident membership on the Ivanhoe Community
Consultative Committee
The draft Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Masterplan including recommendations on
improved community facilities and public spaces and the future of the library has
commenced.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule has continued to work with Trader Associations to maximise the
marketing of key activity centres
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Council has continued delivery of a range of support to traders to develop
sustainable economic development programs through the Special Rates and
Charges schemes, including; governance arrangements, best practice guidance,
rules of association, rate renewals, marketing and promotional activity, and annual
business planning.
Commercialisation opportunities for maximising return on Council’s landholdings
continue to be pursued.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 89
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
4.4 Build community capital
Council negotiated the purchase of three former school sites; Banksia Secondary
College, Bellfield Primary and Haigh Street Primary from the Department of
Education and Early Childhood Development in April 2013, with contracts
expected to be finalised in August 2013.
Council’s decision to purchase the school sites has provided a unique opportunity
to regain ownership of important community facilities including the
basketball/netball stadium located on the former Banksia Secondary College site in
Bellfield.
The purchase of the school sites has also provided Council with the opportunity
to lead local planning outcomes that will assist in offsetting some of the costs
associated with buying and refurbishing these community facilities.
The first step for Council will be to undertake preliminary design and master
planning for each of the school sites. Master planning for the Haig Street site will
commence in September 2013.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule continues to work closely with its community to deliver successful events
including Banyule Festival, Malahang Festival, Winter in Banyule, Carols by
Candlelight and the Boulevard Lights.
Informal leisure programs such as Exercise in the Parks in partnership with
Banyule Leisure Facility Management (BLFM), a Family Bike Ride in partnership
with Banyule Bug User Group, Games Night at the Watsonia library in partnership
with the YPR Library Service, Antiques and Heirlooms Workshops, and Street
parties have been very successful and also provide a tool for community
engagement.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Council continues work with agencies to support community activities such as
emergency management. Further information is provided in Objective 1 ‘People –
Community Strengthening and Support’ in the key direction: 1.6 Protect and
improve public health and wellbeing
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Council’s activity to build connection and resilience of our community has
continued. This is a part of how many of the Community Programs are
implemented, in particular, with the Arts and Recreation Plans, participation of
volunteers and youth programs (these include for example festivals, events, and
disability programs).
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 90
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council has conducted evidence based planning for community development,
including:
ID data training sessions were provided for staff in November 2012 and
February 2013
A 'data buddies' group has been established with a nominated person from
community programs service units
A mapping process has been completed identifying sources of data used across
Council and data gaps. This is guiding our future work
Population data intranet pages have been developed that link through to
internal and external demographic resources
Youth Profile and Early Years profiles are currently in development
HACC profile has been produced
short demographic profile of Banyule following the 2011 census has been
developed
Training for ID Data was introduced and subsequent use of the information for
development of various profiles and service unit plans. This work will continue
across the organisation to develop skills of staff to interpret and utilise data
sources to inform their business.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Reporting,
Continuous
Improvement
Partnership and Licence Agreements have been completed or reviewed, including:
Toy Library partnership agreement responsibilities have been transferred from
MCH to ECS.
Youth services - current partnering agreements such as Banyule Support and
Information Centre (BANSIC), Volunteers of Banyule (VOB), Diamond Valley
Community Support (DVCS), Banyule Housing;
Council meeting in April approved 1 year extension to current lease at 101
Burgundy Street, Heidelberg for BANSIC to August 2014;
A service review of BANSIC, VOB AND DVCS will be undertaken over
coming months to inform Council’s future direction and
Council officers have taken a different approach this year in an effort to negotiate
and complete partnering agreements in a timely manner.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Reporting,
Continuous
Improvement
Council has continued to partner with agencies to support community activities
such as emergency management recovery and coordination. Relationship building
has been initiated with Banyule Community Health Service. The Community
Development (Emergency Management) Project Officer is currently scoping other
opportunities.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 91
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Objective:
5. PARTICIPATION COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY LIFE
Govern effectively by appropriately engaging the community in issues that affect
them, and advocate for the broader interest of the community.
‘Participation’ is central to good governance.
Outcome of our key directions:
5.1 Plan and engage with our community
Council finalised the Participation Policy and Strategy 2013-2017, following an
extensive community engagement program during 2012-2013. This is the primary
policy and strategy document that supports the ‘Participation: Community
involvement in community life’ objective of the Banyule City Plan 2013-2017. It
provides the broad ‘Participation’ policy context for all Council related strategies,
policies, plans and activities, and provides the framework for Council to support
community involvement, by appropriately engaging with our community on issues
that affect them, encouraging participation and advocating on behalf of our
community.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Reporting
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Council conducted a major review and developed a new four year Banyule City
Plan for 2013 – 2017 (Council Plan). The process included Councillor planning
days in Nov-Dec 12, sessions with the Senior Management Team and Banyule
Leadership Network, an extensive community engagement program (November
2012-May 2013), and public exhibition in May 2013-June 2013. City Plan 2013-
2017 key directions have specific 'focus areas' to ensure strong alignment with key
corporate plans, and the plan includes key initiatives (in response to VAGO’s
guidelines and requirements). These give the community more of a practical sense
of what we are aiming to achieve. The new City Plan was sent to the Minister,
Councillors and staff, and is available on the website, intranet, at Council Service
Centres, local libraries and neighbourhood houses.
Council’s City Plan and Community Plan consultation process involved extensive
partnership and collaboration across Council. Numerous service units have been
involved and engaged with their respective customer groups in the consultation. In
addition to the City Plan and Community Plan, the consultation gathered
information for the Arts, Recreation, Open Space, and Early Years Plans.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Reporting
Quality and Cost
Standards,
The initial 2010-2012 Action Plan for the Community Plan has been completed.
We are now developing an implementation process for the next Action Plan. The
2013-2017 Community Plan Action Plan will have the same timeframe as the City
Plan (2013-2017).
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 92
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council used a variety of methods for involving our community in the decisions
we made. These include public forums such as workshops, advisory committees,
online and paper surveys, use of giant blackboards at community events,
attendance of community group meetings, and short surveys at community and
sports activities.
We delivered an improved community engagement program
Consultation was undertaken in partnership with service units across Council so
that they engage with their various target groups, eg. Youth team engage young
people, Early Years with children, etc., to enable a more co-ordinated and shared
approach to consultation across Council. This approach was used to engage the
community for the purpose of developing the City Plan 2013-2017 and
Community Plan together with other support plans across Council.
We have asked the local community about how to make Banyule an even better
place to live, work and play. More than 1,200 people have told us their ideas
through surveys, forums, face to face meetings, and at various festivals and events.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
The Statement of Indigenous Commitment (first year of the action plan), which
was adopted last year by Council, has been implemented. This included the
development of a calendar of events and activities to commemorate significant
dates:
An Indigenous flag raising ceremony and morning tea to celebrate 2013
National Reconciliation Week, May 2013. Austin and Mercy Hospitals
Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Reconciliation Victoria activities and LG Pro
Special Indigenous Australians Group.
Council funds National NAIDOC Week activities for children and young
people attending local schools to celebrate Aboriginal culture.
Council and Banyule Community Health Centre (Aboriginal Health Service)
have set up a "yarning circle" to engage regularly with Indigenous residents.
Council's Human Rights Charter responsibilities to include the needs of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Reporting
The Youth and Family Services (YFS) Citizenship Framework was officially
launched to all staff in August 2012. It has been embedded in everyday YFS
business and engagement activities across the broader organisation. Planning
commenced to incorporate this framework into the Municipal Early Years Plan.
Our childcare and kinder services actively invited children to contribute and plan
for their day and environments.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Council continued integrated planning to ensure streamlined targeted and
appropriate outcomes for the community that adhere to the directions of the City
Plan. As a part of designing the community consultation process and in preparing
the new City Plan, there has been ongoing communication between service units
across the organisation.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 93
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Banyule has continued to support a high quality locally delivered Valuations service
that underpins the effective funding of Council services through valuations and
rates.
Banyule’s Governance team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013, including:
Recorded 79 Assemblies of Councillors, indicating Councillors are being
provided with a greater understanding of issues to assist them to make
informed decisions.
Preparation and Planning for the General Election in October 2012. The
media was utilised to advertise the Stand for Council Campaign and a General
Advertising Plan was utilised for the elections. Regular updates on Council’s
website information on the elections included how to enrol to vote, where to
vote and becoming a Councillor. An information session for Prospective
Candidates was held with the Municipal Association of Victoria and attracted a
good number of people.
Reviewed The Election Caretaker Guidelines to ensure best practice after
review undertaken by the Local Government Inspectorate of the entire
sector. Inclusions included making the guidelines applicable to social media.
Conducted and supervised the election contract. The Victorian Electoral
Commission conducted the Election, information sessions for candidates were
held for candidates, organised the count of ballots and votes and undertook
the non-voting process.
Developed an Induction Program for Councillors to ensure they are kept
abreast of the key requirements of office and the key challenges facing the
organisation.
Expanded Governance Practice notes were developed to assist staff with key
legislative requirements including Election Caretaker Guidelines
Rollout of hand-held technology for Councillors has reduced the requirement
for hardcopies of Agendas, Minutes and briefing notes and ensure Councillors
have the most up to date information. On Ordinary Agendas and Minutes
alone we have saved 29,886 pages of paper.
Development of new ward fund applications forms, information for applicants
and guidelines for staff after Council adopted a new Ward Fund Policy
Development and presentation of a new Report to Council on the status of
Councillors Motions presented to Council, this helps track progress on items
that often relate to advocacy and are referred to Members of Parliament or
Government departments.
Reported Councillor expenses to Council for the first time continuing
providing open and honest communication with our community. The report
included Councillor expenses on Broadband/Computer, Conferences/Training
Telephone/Mobiles and Stationery for the previous four years. This will be
reported to Council annually.
Held four Cemetery Trust meetings to discuss operating matters, future use
of the cemetery and adopt the budget for the Cemeteries.
Successful Grant Applications submitted to the Department of Health. Full
grants received to allow for maintenance works at the Warringal Cemetery
and Greensborough Cemetery.
Successful completion an audit of the Banyule Cemeteries Trust Abstract of
Accounts.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 94
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Introduced a Code Red Policy (emergency management) for the Warringal
Cemetery and Greensborough Cemetery.
Participation by Banyule Cemeteries Trust in the development of the CCAV
Metropolitan Planning Strategy submission, and consequently contributing to
the submission from Banyule City Council.
Continued Advocacy to both Levels of Government on the future of
cemeteries and grave tenure issues.
(continued)
Banyule’s Leisure and Cultural services team delivered a range of activities in
2012-2013, including:
E-Newsletters and Social Media - introduced two new monthly e-newsletters
to keep the community informed and engaged with what is happening in
sports and leisure and arts and culture across Banyule. An Arts & Culture and
Sports & Leisure E-Newsletter is distributed to approximately 600 individual
and groups each month.
Arts and Cultural Committees - continued to consult and engage with the
community through four Arts Committees Arts & Cultural Advisory
Committee, Public Art Advisory Committee, Cultural Vault Reference Group
and the Art Collection Advisory Committee. Over 40 committee members
meet with Council Officers on a regular basis to provide advice on projects
and contribute to the development of Council’s strategic direction for arts and
cultural development across Banyule.
Internship and Volunteer Opportunities - Leisure and Culture continued to
provide opportunities for the community to assist in the development and
delivery of some of Council’s programs and services such as the Older Adults
Program, the Free Leisure Programs, the Festivals and Events and the Arts
Exhibitions.
Sports Forums - A range of sports forums for all sporting clubs, including
liquor licence education on recent law changes and first aid training. Strategic
planning workshops were conducted for soccer, cricket, baseball and football
clubs specifically looking to improve club direction and understanding of
Council processes.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
5.2 Encourage participation in community life
Over 340 Banyule residents became Australia residents over the last 12 months.
Council held four ceremonies including an Australia Day citizenship ceremony. A
survey of citizenship attendees achieved a satisfaction rating of 98%.
Accessibility,
The Banyule Community Volunteers Awards and Celebration Dinner held on 16th
May 2013 during National Volunteers Week with over 500 guests in attendance.
A total of 45 nominations were received of which 9 were recognised including
two Lifetime Achievements, three individuals, one young person, two groups and
one Good Neighbour.
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 95
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council conducted the 2013 Sports Achievement Awards and Club Recognition
Night, with 43 nominations received. Over 200 people attended the night held at
The Centre Ivanhoe, hosted by Cameron Ling.
Through its Sports Development Grants, Council once again provided valuable
funding to the sporting community for sports people and teams to cover travel
costs, equipment costs and uniform costs.
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Council led the development and implementation of an North East Primary Care
Partnership (NEPCP) elder abuse awareness toolkit for use within the Banyule
service system. The Toolkit was launched and in use by Aged & Disability Services,
and the broader community.
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Banyule’s Health and Aged services worked with the Community and Social
Planning team to develop an overall plan for consultation. HACC clients are
regularly encouraged to provide feedback about our service and their needs.
Further work will be conducted in 2013-2014 for a consultation and participation
plan and implementing regular avenues for engagement of Health and Aged
community stakeholders.
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council’s Youth and Community Partnerships team has continued to implement
the Banyule Youth Charter through delivery of the actions in the Youth strategic
plan.
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Accessibility,
Banyule’s Governance team co-ordinated the following:
Held 21 Ordinary Meetings and 2 Special Meeting of Council.
Held 4 Citizenship Ceremonies this year, with over 340 Banyule residents
becoming Australian Citizens from a variety of nationalities/countries. This
included an Australia Day citizenship ceremony with, a local Banyule resident,
as Banyule’s Australia Day guest Speaker.
Surveyed Citizenship Ceremony attendees to measure satisfaction with the
ceremony, achieving a 98% satisfaction rating.
Processed 15 Freedom of Information requests. All requests have been
processed within the statutory timeframe of 45 days.
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
5.3 Advocate on behalf of the community
Banyule worked in partnership with the community to advocate on key issues by
encouraging active citizenship and leveraging community power.
Council appointed an Inclusion Access and Equity social planner in October 2012.
This resource assisted in developing the community consultation to try to capture
under represented voices by targeting local activities, events and community
facilities such as schools, libraries, shopping centres. Work has been in progress
for the development of an Inclusion Access and Equity framework to guide
Council's work.
Being more pro-active in Council's approach to advocacy is a key element of the
Participation Policy and Strategy adopted on 17 June 2013. Whilst Council has
been active in advocating for community needs, we recognise that engaging
community partnerships will be an essential part of measuring success. A strong
implementation process is also being developed for the Community Plan which
will also focus on encouraging participation and advocacy by the Banyule
community.
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 96
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council participated in user group meetings and contributed to industry forums
to improve Banyule’s efficiency and effectiveness (eg. software vendors, industry
representative groups such as FinPro, VECCI, Civica, MAV). During October
2012, we requested information regarding new fire services levy from
parliamentarians. Staff also attended Finpro meetings as well as Civica and RMA
meetings. We provided a representative to an industry working party on changes
to the Long Service Leave regs. The December Finpro AGM/discussion group and
Civica finance group were also attended. Regional procurement meetings
attended. Staff are continually working towards addressing changes in industry
standard requirements.
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council continued to work with other levels of Government and Local
Government Industry to positively and proactively influence changes to legislation
that will impact on Banyule.
Due to changes in legislation, funding shortfalls and changes in community demand,
Council services continue to face financial pressures. Areas affected include home
and community care, health service, maternal and child health and library services.
Council continued to advocate to both State and Federal Governments in the
areas of cost shifting and failures of grants to keep up with increasing operating
costs to reduce the burden on ratepayers. Council continues to lobby both
Governments for specific grants relating to sporting facilities, new infrastructure
and service initiatives.
Issues that fall outside Council’s direct area of responsibility will be fed into the
development of the next stage of our Community Plan. For example, transport
and traffic congestion is an issue where Council will continue to work in
partnership with local community groups, agencies and residents.
Responsiveness,
Community
Consultation
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 97
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Objective:
6. STRATEGIC RESOURCE PLAN: USE OUR RESOURCES WISELY
Manage the non-financial and financial resources required for the next four years
to achieve Council’ strategic objectives.
Outcome of our key directions:
6.1 Provide excellence in customer service and communications
Council has implemented year two of its corporate communications plan, focusing
on branding and promotion, digital media and community engagement. A major
element of the plan has been the redevelopment of Banyule’s website and the
introduction of social media.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
A number of event marketing campaigns have been undertaken across Council,
including events marketing for Banyule Festival, Malahang Festival, Carols by
Candlelight, The Boulevard Lights, Children’s Week, Senior’s Festival and
Volunteer Awards.
Marketing and branding campaigns have been implemented for:
Storm Water Harvesting project
community consultation for the City Plan and Community Plan
Positive Charge
Grand Opening Celebration of WaterMarc
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule’s Communications team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013,
including:
Redevelopment of Council’s website and launch including re-write of over 500
content pages, implementation of electronic newsletter and development of
Council’s social media policy and introduction of Facebook.
Provision of marketing services (inc. advertising/marketing plan
development/brochures etc) for projects including:
Twilight Sounds and kids ArtyFarty fest
Volunteer awards (including sponsorship development)
Water Harvesting Project
I love 3081 Report to Government
Community Emergency Management Preparedness Survey
Early Years Promotion
Smoke Free Playgrounds
Seniors Festival
Liveable Housing Guidelines assessment
Ivanhoe Aquatic centre redevelopment
Malahang Festival
Carols by Candlelight and Boulevard Lights (including sponsorship
development)
Production of Community Engagement Communication strategy focused
around the City Plan, Community Plan, Recreation Plan and Arts Plan.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 98
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Development of a Media and Communication strategy around Salvos theft and
dumping reduction, with an estimated reach of 5 million people
Developed a media strategy to promote the Sustainable Community Awards
in partnership with Darebin and Moreland City Councils
Production of Bus Shelter campaigns for Twilight Sounds, Kids ArtyFarty fest
(10 sites) and the opening of the Artspace exhibition (10 sites)
Provision of a signage audit: replacement/refurb of 25 signs
Provision of media coverage for WaterMarc including:
2 cover stories and 7 articles in Government sector publications
3 stories in leisure and aquatic industry publications
Broadcast coverage on Coxy’s Big Break and 3AW/PVFM
Media release published in Local Today
Ongoing interest with Diamond Valley Leader
Execution of Grand Opening Celebration event for Watermarc, attended by
5000 people
Developed award submissions for the LGpro awards:
Watermarc: Greensborough Walk and Main Street
Young Achievers
Salvation Army/CCT Initiative
Developed submissions for Banksia Awards:
Built in Environments Award- Harmonious Manmade Landscapes
Banyule Flats Reserve Sports Field Lighting Project
Developed award submissions for WaterMarc for: National Local
Government Awards, Planning Institute of Australia, 2013 Australian Property
Institute - Excellence in Property Awards, 2013 Australia Award for Urban
Design and the Australian Institute of Project Management.
Developed 2 submissions for SACS Leadership Awards
Production of new profiles written for all councillors for use on website/
Banner and Leader Newspaper ads
Achievement of 10,000 ‘views’ on YouTube channel from 1 January 2013 to
end of financial year
Development and launch of Banyule’s Facebook page
Provision of consistent media coverage and promotion of Water Harvesting
project including published articles and groundwork for management of official
opening
Production of digital signage on TV’s in 3 service centres, Olympic leisure
Centre and Nets stadium
Production of Banyule City Council’s Budget Report 2012-2013
Provided marketing and communication support for Volunteer awards and
Banyule Sport Awards
(Continued)
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 99
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
In the State Government’s Annual Community Satisfaction Survey 2013, Banyule’s
result of 78 for ‘Customer service (performance)’ was significantly higher than the
Inner Group average (73) and significantly higher than the State-wide average (71).
The results included 91% of respondents providing a rating of average or better
for Customer Service.
Survey respondents were also asked: ‘How has Council performed on ‘Informing the Community’ over the last 12 months?’ In addition to the strong results for the core measures, the result for ‘Informing the community (performance)’ was 84% for percentage of respondents providing a rating of average or better. Banyule’s CSI score for this category was 62, equal to the average for the Inner Group and higher than the State-wide average rating (61).
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule’s Customer Service team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013,
including:
Dealt with challenges associated with the introduction of the VoIP phone
system and Geomant call centre system.
Built on our Customer Request Management (CRM) system with a further
work undertaken in the area of Parks and Gardens.
Conducted four training sessions for Development Services staff reinforcing
customer service standards.
Continued to make Customer Service staff available to work in a variety of
different business units including Planning, Strategic and Economic
Development, Construction and City Services Executive.
Continued to participate in industry forums including LGPro Customer
Service Special Interest Group.
Visited East Gippsland Shire Council and made several changes to
workstations and practices based on observations made on the day.
Participated in Banyule’s Municipal Emergency Management Plan exercises and
events.
Conducted Best Value Plus audits as part of councils BV+ internal audit
program.
Conducted 12 Out and About sessions with the community.
Building up our knowledge base through the Customer Service intranet page
and CRM help notes.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 100
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
6.2 Develop our staff and organisational culture
A cross-organisational learning and development advisory group has been formed
to provide advice and assistance to HR, with the aim of providing a more
centralised approach to learning and development across the organisation and to
simplify and facilitate training processes.
The leadership development program has been implemented for the executive
management team and the senior management team, with flow on effects to other
parts of the organisation.
The Banyule Learning Network (BLN) program continued to evolve and included a
number of topics which were followed up in separate programs, including the
Voice of Banyule, Fraud Awareness and Control, the Human Rights Charter, and
Leading Teams.
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Council has expanded the Consultative Committee model to include quarterly
local area committees in Parks & Gardens, Operations, HACC, and BLFM to
discuss and address area specific employee relation matters.
Council also introduced a Recruitment Panel register of trained staff able to assist
with recruitment in order to meet the principles of merit and equity.
Council has moved from utilising a recruitment agency to undertake senior officer
recruitment to conducting the recruitment and selection process internally.
Preliminary discussions with Managers from Community Programs and City
Services commenced on relevant Enterprise Agreement (EA) Schedules as part of
preparation for negotiating EA No. 6 in 2013/2014.
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
6.3 Manage our valuable corporate information and knowledge
The Information Management Working Group consisting of Business Services,
Information Technology and Records Management key staff have undertaken the
following tasks in readiness for the implementation of Stage One of the new
Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS):
Tender evaluation and selection of vendor to implement TRIM as Banyule’s
new Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS).
Managing communication and staff engagement, with a focus on timely and
consistent information.
Co-ordinating key business improvement activities, including the Business
Classification Scheme, ‘AS IS’ process mapping, business requirements for
EDRMS integrations, clean-up and classification of network drives in
preparation of data migration and workflow development.
Consultation with staff across the organisation to develop ‘as is’ process maps
of how records are currently managed across the organisation to identify
process improvements with the implementation of the EDRMS.
Various change management activities undertaken with staff to assist with
cultural change pre and post implementation.
Trial data migration of InfoVision data into the EDRMS to enable staff have
access to legacy data at go-live, supporting the ‘one-stop-shop’ philosophy.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 101
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Banyule’s Records Management team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013,
including:
Registered over 65,510 records in Council’s Records Management System
(InfoVision). The types of documents registered included inwards and
outwards correspondence, internal files, notes, memos and emails.
Assessed, sentenced and transferred 142.8 shelf metres of files to the
secondary storage facility.
Successfully retrieved 90% of files requested by staff from the secondary
storage area, demonstrating the effectiveness of the management of our paper
records.
Registered, bar-coded and sent 3,320 building files to offsite storage provider.
Registered, bar-coded and sent 160 shelf meters of inactive property files to
the offsite storage provider to make space for active files.
Sentenced and destroyed 48.7 gigabytes of images.
Conducted cleansing of InfoVision data (Council’s outdated records
management system), in readiness for the migration of data to a new
Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDMRS).
Reviewed and introduced an improved ‘Mail Protocol’ for Councillors to
increase record capture and to align the management of Councillor
correspondence with Council’s records management policy.
Completed a range of activities as recommended by the Municipal Association
of Victoria, to inform staff about the Royal Commission’s enquiry into
institutional child abuse and Council’s “disposal freeze” on all documents or
data relating to children/adults aged 0-25yrs.
Formation of an Information Management Working Group consisting of
Business Improvement, Information Technology and Records Management key
staff to undertake the following tasks in readiness for the implementation of a
new Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS):
Tender evaluation and selection of vendor to implement TRIM as Banyule’s
new Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS).
Project Management to ensure the project is implement in-time and on
budget.
Facilitation of Information Management (IM) Steering Committee to capture
IM decisions.
Consultation with staff across the organisation to develop ‘as is’ process maps
of how records are currently managed across the organisation to identify
process improvements with the implementation of the EDRMS.
Various change management activities undertaken with staff to assist with
cultural change pre and post implementation.
In consultation with every area of the business, developed Business
Classification Scheme to provide a better structure for the capture and
management of Records.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 102
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
6.4 Deliver innovative information technology solutions
Over the last financial year IT Team has delivered a range of foundation
technologies as identified in the ‘Technology Vision 2020 and Delivery Plan’ with
the aim to best position Council meeting the future technological challenges. Some
of the key achievements in this area are as follows:
Worked with Human Resources Team to deliver HR Module and working
with several other Service Units to utilise additional functionalities to improve
operational efficiency to maximize the utilization of Corporate Applications i.e.
Authority Systems and others
Resolved all critical and challenging operational issues related to the
VoIP/Unified Communication Solution - Microsoft Lync and Geomant Contact
Expert System which has replaced the unsupported and out-dated
PABX/Telephony systems.
Presented a business case regarding IT Disaster Recovery Solution options
meeting Banyule’s Business Continuity Plan to Executive Management Team
highlighting respective option’s benefits and shortcomings. The decisionwas
made to establish a dedicated connectivity between Ivanhoe and WaterMarc
to establish secondary Datacentre.
Decommissioned several legacy servers, upgraded ESX Environments and
Firewall and others to improve operational reliability and efficiency in line with
the ‘Technology Vision 2020 and Delivery Plan’.
Completed Phase 1 of Windows 7 rollout and PC replacement for more than
200 staff members and provided relevant trainings. In order to commence the
Phase 2 of Windows 7 rollout for next of the Council staff we have
undertaken in excess of 50 business applications testing and modifications to
be complaint with Windows 7 operating environments.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
The introduction of iPad and a Cloud services application (The Hub) to manage
Council Meetings and relevant activities has proved effective and efficient. This
process allows storing and distributing meeting minutes and agendas securely in
the Cloud Services. iPads have been rolled out to all the councillors, senior
management team and relevant officers.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
IT also provided a responsive and quality service to Council, with more than 6,000
IT requests logged and resolved. In addition:
in excess of 3 million emails were received and distributed – an increase of
approx 500,000+ from last year.
in excess of 1.8M spam email was quarantined – an increase of 1.4M from last
year which demonstrates that active blocking is occurring at the gateway
(firewall) rather than in the internal network
in excess of 31,000 viruses were prevented from accessing our network – an
increase of 11,500 from last year.
more than 2,500 system patches were applied for Microsoft Applications,
systems and servers to make the IT Network Infrastructure stable and
reliable, and the IT Infrastructure uptime was more than 99%.
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 103
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
6.5 Conduct effective and integrated forward planning
During 2012-2013 we have continued with our significant work to strengthen the
corporate planning process. The planning process commenced early (in October
2012) to enable timely and better integration with the budget process. In the
development of Banyule’s new City Plan 2013-2017 there was a particular focus
on further clarifying the intent of the City Plan key directions, identifying clear
focus areas, and incorporating key initiatives. The set of strategic indicators used
to monitor progress against our City Plan objectives has also been strengthened.
These aspects of corporate planning contribute greatly to Council delivering
services in a more strategic, coordinated and responsive way to meet the needs of
the community.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Our strategic indicators were reviewed to ensure best representation of our
performance, to provide good quality information, and to respond to Community
engagement work conducted in 2012-2013, data review, and relevant industry
developments.
The indicators chosen represent measures of success in areas that are within our
control or are of significant interest to Council. These indicators help us to assess
our efficiency, indicate effectiveness and assess the quality of the services we
provide. They aim to monitor progress against Council’s priority areas within each
objective.
In addition, Banyule has participated in the Department of Planning and
Community Development initiative to establish a Performance Reporting
Framework across the local government sector. Banyule has been involved in
working group has provided significant sector advice and input. With
representation on the technical working group
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Reporting
Service units conducted an annual review process to report on their performance
in the previous year and plan their service for the following year. This process
aligns with the Corporate Planning Program (City Plan and Organisational Annual
Business Plan). The service unit annual review process includes:
reviewing Service Objectives and Quality & Cost Standards
completing an end of year report (action plan, summary of performance/ key
highlights and KPIs)
conducting service unit/directorate planning for the next year
reviewing performance against last year’s action plan and relevant KPis, and
taking into account community feedback from ongoing consultation
determining priorities and key challenges
developing an updated action plan.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Reporting
Council prepared its Annual Report for 2011-2012 in line with relevant legislation
and responding to new guidelines and recommendations. This included the
Performance Statement, Financial Statements, Standard Statements, and Banyule’s
Best Value Victoria Report on the ongoing implementation and achievement of
Banyule’s Best Value Program, reporting progress to the community and Minister
for Local Government. Council also commenced work for the Annual Report
2012-13.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Reporting
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 104
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council continued to ensure alignment of all strategic planning to the City Plan
objectives and the organisation’s values. Significant progress was made in setting
our strategic direction and priorities over the next four years. The City Plan
2013-2017 framework is based on the ‘5P’ objectives of People, Planet, Place,
Participation and Performance. The plan includes a clear set of key directions and
focus areas, supported with key initiatives. With the adoption of the People, Planet
and Participation policies and strategies in June we now have all of the ‘P’
frameworks adopted and in place. The Place policies and strategy was adopted in
April 2013 and our Performance objective is underpinned by policy context and
strategic intent that is informed by a strong legislative framework, industry best
practice guides and our Banyule Management System. Together, these give us a
strong framework for decisions moving forward. Ongoing internal support is also
provided for key plans as they are reviewed (linkages of these with City Plan,
Annual Business Plan, policy and strategy documents and other plans. Recent
examples include the Recreation Plan and Arts Plan. This support is also provided
for reporting on key corporate plans.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Reporting
6.6 Deliver quality and value for money services
Council continued its commitment to the Best Value process in its service delivery
and service support.
The annual planning process for each service unit incorporated the development
of a comprehensive action plan for continuous improvement and ongoing service
provision. The Best Value action plans developed through the service review
process address the key issues and opportunities for improvement resulting from
community consultation and benchmarking programs, and the review of the
Quality and Cost Standards and current work practices. These have been
integrated with the organisational Annual Business Plan and key supporting plans.
Quality and Cost Standards are reviewed and updated annually. The documents
also incorporate links to the City Plan and other key Council plans, and a brief
service profile.
Council continued its service review program to review, measure and benchmark
our services to ensure we are effectively meeting the quality and cost standards
set. An in-depth service development review program has been further developed and implemented to strengthen continuous improvement activity across Council service provision and address service challenges. Reviews were undertaken for the Municipal Laws Service and Home and Community Care Services during 2012-2013 and final reports were submitted to the Executive Management Team with key findings, outcomes and recommendations for service development. Banyule has continued to support the planning, development and continuous improvement of Council’s systems. We have undertaken key activities as part of service reviews, including GIS mapping, consultation mapping, staff consultation design, benchmarking design, project mapping, and development of reporting structures.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Reporting,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 105
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council holds externally audited certification in the areas of quality, the environment and safety. This certification program and associated integrated business management system form the foundation of our continuous improvement and best value system. Council successfully maintained certification following an annual surveillance audit held in July-August 2012 with Council’s current certification body, Global-Mark Pty Ltd.
The organisational systems related to Best Value Plus (Banyule Management
System) were reviewed and maintained to ensure ongoing certification. This
included providing support to the Steering Committee and Working Group,
facilitating the Internal Audit Program, maintaining system documentation and
communication, facilitating training to relevant staff members, liaising with external
auditors and assisting with the close-out of audit findings. The BMS was reviewed
and actions loaded into Council’s Interplan system (planning and reporting system)
to track progress.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Reporting,
Council participated in the Victorian Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey for 2013 (CSS 2013), co-ordinated by the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD). This was the second year of the re-vamped survey, which builds further on the 14 previous years in which Banyule City Council has participated in the all-Council State-wide survey. Banyule City Council continued to deliver strong results, with relatively high performance in most of the measured service areas, against a background of generally stable (and some decreased) result levels across the sector. Banyule’s 2012-2013 targets for the CSI measures were based on: Of the respondents that were able to provide a rating, 60% provided a rating of average or better (ie. average, good or very good), in accordance with the scale provided by the DPCD. The results for the core measures were as follows:
Overall performance of Council (performance): 93%
Customer service (performance): 91%
Community consultation and engagement (performance): 81%
Advocacy /Lobbying on behalf of the community (performance): 78%
Overall Council Direction: 91% The targets and actual results for CSI measures are also provided in terms of the CSI scores and are shown in ( ) brackets. These are listed for comparison with the average results for the Inner Group, and with the State-wide average. Banyule’s CSI score for ‘Overall performance’ (68) in the CSS 2013 was higher than the Inner Group average (66) and significantly higher than the State-wide average (60). Banyule also scored strongly in the following core performance measures:
‘Customer service’ (78) – this was significantly higher than the Inner Group average (73) and significantly higher than the State-wide average (71)
‘Overall Council direction’ (57) – this is significantly higher than the State-wide average (53) and higher than the average for the Inner Group (55).
In comparison to the Inner Group average, Council scored higher for three of the five core performance measures: significantly higher for ‘Customer service’ and higher for ‘Overall performance’ and ‘Overall Council direction’. Banyule has scored significantly higher than the State-wide average for the same three core measures, and scored equal to the State-wide average for ‘Community consultation and engagement.’
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Reporting,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 106
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Residents were asked to rate a range of Council services for importance (as a responsibility for Council) and also Council’s performance on those same services over the last 12 months. Residents rated ‘Waste management’ (82), ‘Elderly support services’ (78) and ‘The condition of local streets and footpaths’ (78), as the highest in importance. Council’s performance was rated highest on ‘Waste management’ (79) and ‘Recreational facilities’ (75). The results showed that ‘Waste management’ is considered the most important service area and is also Council’s highest performing area. Importance ratings often exceed perceived performance ratings in most areas. Banyule’s results across the selected range of service performance measures (18 service categories) were solid. When compared with the target of 60% of respondents providing a rating of average or better (ie. average, good or very good), Banyule’s results included:
for 11 out of the 18 categories measured, the percentage of respondents providing a rating of average or better was between 90% and 96%
for 5 of the 18 categories the percentage of respondents providing a rating of average or better was between 80% and 89%
for 2 of the 18 categories the percentage was 78% and 79%. Council’s results also compared favourably with the Inner Group and State-wide results for the selected range of service performance measures. A summary of the results is as follows:
Banyule’s results were higher than or equal to the Inner Group average in 14 of the 18 service categories measured, and only one point lower than the average in a further three categories.
In comparison with the State-wide average, Banyule’s results were higher than or equal in 15 of the 18 categories measured, and only one point lower than the average in a further two categories.
Banyule’s results were significantly higher than the Inner Group average for: ‘Waste Management’, ‘General Town Planning Policy’ and ‘Traffic Management’. Strong comparative results were also obtained for: ‘Recreational Facilities’, ‘Environmental Sustainability’, ‘Planning and Building Permits’, and ‘Enforcement of local laws.’
In comparison with the State-wide average, Banyule’s results were significantly higher for: ‘Environmental sustainability’, ‘Waste management’, ‘Recreational Facilities’, and ‘Local Streets and Footpaths.’ Strong comparative results were also obtained for: ‘General Town Planning Policy’, ‘Enforcement of Local Laws’, and ‘Disadvantaged Support Services’.
Banyule’s service performance scores were highest for: ‘Waste management,’ ‘Recreational facilities,’ ‘The appearance of public areas,’ and ‘Art centres and libraries.’
Banyule incorporated two further questions in the survey (CSS 2013). This enables Banyule to continue to monitor Council’s performance and to gain additional information about the important measures of: how safe people feel in Banyule, and how connected to the community they feel. These tailored questions were based on a rating scale. For ‘Percentage of people who feel safe in Banyule’ there was strong satisfaction with local safety, with a result of 97%. For ‘Percentage of people who feel they ‘belong’ in Banyule’, a strong result of 83% was maintained in 2012-2013.
(Continued)
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Reporting,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 107
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Council partially Implemented MAV Step Program for Planning process
improvement The planning department continues to participate in this program.
The principles and process approach to workflows of the program are taken into
consideration when exploring and developing individual business planning actions.
Banyule developed a system to allow on-line applications for building permits and
an interactive website. This system is 95% complete with implementation likely by
the end of June 2013
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Reporting,
Council has focussed on organisational performance with the maintenance and
development of appropriate reporting systems. The new City Plan 2013-17 and
Budget 2013-14 are based on the extensive community engagement program
undertaken in 2012-2013 and Councillor and staff input. These documents include
a KPI set based on a continuation of the new and reviewed set developed last
year. This offers improved alignment between planning and reporting, and
responds to changes in the DPCD Community Satisfaction Survey for 2012 and
2013, and findings in the VAGO report. The documentation for the Budget
2013-2014 has been further progressed and presented in the new model format in
line with industry best practice.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Reporting,
Council co-ordinated the transition to ‘Interplan’ and further developed the
system to improve action planning and reporting processes (with a focus on risk
management, project management and prioritisation). The Interplan Core module
has been implemented and is now self-hosted which has improved the speed and
login requirements.
Work commenced during 2012-2013 to develop an Integrated Project
Management module (IPM) as part of the system. When finalised, IPM will be used
in future to assist the organisation to prioritise and manage Capital Works
projects (and replace the new works and services reporting system). A Risk
Management module has also been further developed as part of the Interplan
system during 2012-2013, to assist in managing organisational risks (corporate and
service unit level).
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Reporting,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 108
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
6.7 Apply sound risk management principles and practices
A collaborative work plan has been established to improve safety and promote
safety culture within Banyule Leisure Facility Management (BLFM). This included
assisting with training, participating in weekly OHS meetings, and implementing an
OHS Bulletin.
The Risk Management Team has worked with the Leisure and Culture team to
deliver effective management and public, contractor, volunteer and staff safety for
successful festivals and events.
In addition the Risk team has worked with Early Years Services to look into the
design and development of nappy change benches in order to minimise ergonomic
and manual handling hazards to staff, and reduce the risk of children suffering an
injury from a fall.
Council has continued to work with its injury management consultant to assist
with workplace injuries, training and education, and hazard minimisation for
ergonomic/task-related activities resulting in consistent processes and reduced
injuries.
Council in partnership with Deakin University has undertaken to a study into
identifying and measuring musculoskeletal stresses placed on the body resulting
from the tasks performed by HACC (Home and Community Care) workers. This
information will be used to inform reviews and changes of procedures, task
scheduling, and assist with recruitment, retaining current employees, and returning
injured staff to work. The study promises to lead change across the HACC
sector, and has possible applications for all manual tasks across Council.
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Banyule successfully applied for a grant for a WorkSafe health grant to supplement
and enhance proposed health and wellbeing activities in 2013/14 as well as forming
an effective partnership with Corporate Bodies International to develop and
deliver a staff health and wellbeing program.
Proactive health initiatives continue to be delivered to staff, including workplace
health checks, mental health awareness sessions, drug and alcohol awareness
sessions, expanding fruit box deliveries across more staff sites, to encourage
healthy eating, and continuing to provide an Employee Assistance Program in
collaboration with D’Accord.
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Council developed and implemented a Corporate Risk Register on ‘Interplan’ to
capture, monitor and address our key strategic risks. Further work will be
undertaken in 2013-2014 to refine the system, register and reporting.
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Reporting
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 109
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
6.8 Provide effective support to enable good governance and accountable leadership
Council continued to prepare monthly reports for Senior Management providing
information on the status of a Council resolution and the actions undertaken in
relation to the resolution. This helps Senior Management monitor the actions
undertaken and the actions that still require follow-up.
A new report was developed and is reported to Council quarterly on Councillor
motions. The report includes the status of the Council resolution and the
progress of the actions undertaken in relation to the resolution. This keeps
Councillors and members of the public informed on progress of key items.
A new process has been introduced at Council meetings to capture questions
arising from the Council Meeting Public forum (the informal question time before
the meeting). This enables questions and queries that cannot be answered at the
meeting to be documented. Once a month Councillors are updated on the
progress of such questions that were taken on notice from the Council meeting.
Rollout of hand-held technology for Councillors has reduced the requirement for
hardcopies of Agendas, Minutes and briefing notes. This ensures Councillors have
access to the most up to date information. On Ordinary Agendas and Minutes
alone we have saved 29,886 pages of paper.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Reporting,
Council successfully managed the 2012 Council Election to ensure open and
transparent processes and encourage a broad range of candidates and increased
level of community participation in the deciding of the elected Council.
Further information related to the Council Election and governance aspects
related to the Council is outlined in the highlights listed for Objective 5
Participation, in key direction 5.1 - Plan and engage with our community. This
includes details related to the following highlights:
Implementation of post-election activities, including statutory
requirements and induction of Councillors.
Reviewed and improved governance systems, processes, training and
education
Reviewed The Election Caretaker Guidelines
Preparation and Planning for the General Election in October 2012
Conducted and supervised the election contract.
Developed an Induction Program for Councillors
Developed Expanded Governance Practice notes
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Reporting,
Council commenced the review of the General Local Law to improve the amenity
and liveability at Banyule. Initial planning was conducted, and Internal Steering
Committee is being established and internal consultation has commenced. The
project will continue in 2013-2014.
Community
Consultation,
Responsiveness,
Accessibility,
Continuous
Improvement,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 110
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
6.9 Plan and manage Banyule’s physical assets
Asset management plans for the city’s roads, pathways, bridges, drainage,
playgrounds, open space and buildings have been updated or completed.
Council’s commitments to direct development towards appropriate locations,
encourage good design, and maximise the value of Council’s existing assets,
continue to be implemented.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Fleet Management Services continued to provide a cost effective fleet through the
purchase of suitable vehicles and plant, and by ensuring appropriate maintenance
and programmed replacement. The timely and responsive maintenance service
ensures maximum utilisation and minimal downtime, for Council’s fleet, small
equipment, and the Waste Recovery Centre.
Council continued to review its Fleet Policy and the organisation vehicle list,
expanding the availability of smaller, more environmentally efficient vehicles. It
continued to evaluate new vehicle technologies and fuel options to help improve
Council’s transport carbon footprint and operating cost.
In addition, Banyule’s Fleet Management team:
Undertook workshop environment assessment (air quality, lighting) and
implemented improvement measures to increase safety of staff.
Continued to transition trucks to Euro 5 diesel technology.
Purchased a filter crusher to improve workshop waste recycling.
The team also reviewed light fleet management actions and recommend options
for improving financial sustainability. Currently fleet is being retained longer to
reduce depreciation losses. Smaller cars have replaced large cars in many instances
thus reducing capital investment. As fleet is replaced, more fuel efficient vehicles
are introduced into the fleet, reducing running costs. LPGas is considered (in
consultation with customers) with each purchase, instead of petrol or diesel .
Better utilisation is investigated with every replacement vehicle and plant item.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Council commenced work on developing a strategic stormwater network capacity
assessment for one catchment. A tender was awarded and the contract
progressing well. Contract extended to include stormwater modelling of the
entire municipality with priority areas included. The project is to be completed
2013-2014
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 111
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Banyule’s Street Sweeping and Cleansing Services team delivered a range of
activities in 2012-2013, including:
Undertook clean-up of dumped rubbish and implemented preventative
measures for further dumping where possible.
Implemented technology to improve investigation of drainage assets.
Continued to deliver a quality service to Banyule residents, with a focus on:
Maintaining roads, drains and other installations to a standard which
ensures public safety and protects the natural environment.
Providing a responsive and effective street sweeping and cleansing service
to the streets, drains, shopping areas and public conveniences, and
maintaining these assets with the required high level of cleanliness.
Provided a comprehensive service, including the following:
Twice-weekly mechanical sweeping of roads and gutters, car parks and
laneways associated with major shopping centres. Other shopping centres
and residential streets were swept on a five-weekly cycle, and sweeping in
industrial areas was conducted on a three-weekly cycle.
Additional resources to assist the mechanical street sweeper for the 8-12
week autumn program, for leaf collection in designated streets.
Inspection and maintenance of stormwater pits and drains - with trouble
spots serviced four times a year, and pits and drains (including those
located in easements) cleaned in response to customer requests.
Conducted clearance of litter from shopping centres, Council litter bins
and specified main roads.
Conducted cleaning of Council’s public toilet blocks and barbeques
Undertook cleaning and waste collection at Festivals (eg. Banyule Festival
events, Boulevard Christmas Lights).
Responded to emergency callouts – continued to respond to out of hours
requests requiring urgent attention.
Banyule achieved a result of 71 for ‘The Appearance of Public Areas
(performance)’ in the State Government’s Annual Community Satisfaction Survey
2013. The result of 71 was similar to the Inner Group (72) and equal to the State-
wide average.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Accessibility,
Community
Consultation,
Quality and Cost
Standards,
6.10 Manage our financial resources in a sustainable manner
The Financial Services team has prepared relevant financial information for the
new City Plan 2013-2017 and for Banyule’s Annual Report for year ended
30/06/2013.
The team worked with Councillors and management to review and prepare
Council’s 2013-2014 Budget. They also worked closely with Communications and
Business Services business units, to enhance and improve the new format of
Council’s Budget for 2013-2014 using the model budget guidelines.
The Financial Services team continued to support service units with a focus on
increasing specific expert advice on budget information that may be utilised for
whole of life asset costing and service specific planning. It also provided
organisational advice on rating strategies and financial implications around
infrastructure funding.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Accessibility,
Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 112
A Summary of Our Best Value Performance
Long term budget modelling was undertaken through the year and included
options on superannuation debt funding, an updated rating strategy and strategic
advice on closing the renewal gap.
Finance in partnership with other areas of Council, has established finance for the
purchase of the school sites in Heidelberg West.
Responsiveness,
Continuous
Improvement,
Community
Consultation,
Accessibility,
The Procurement team has continued to provide education and support for
procurement activities and contract management for service units. Monitoring of
adherence to the Procurement Policy and the Procurement and Contract
Guidelines (based on legislative requirements under S186 of the Local Government
Act 1989) has continued and been reported to management as required.
The Procurement team has continued to provide management reporting on
services and contracts on a regular basis and as required.
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,
Reporting,
A draft leasing policy was presented to Council and further consultation will occur
with stakeholders in 2013-2014 to finalise the policy framework.
Community
Consultation,
Continuous
Improvement,
Responsiveness,