annual report - southernmallee.sa.gov.au report... · 2014 2015 annual report ... environment and...

ANNUAL

REPORT

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Southern Mallee District Council 2014 2015 Annual Report

CONTENTS

Mayor’s Report Page 3 Acting Chief Executive Officer’s Report Page 4 Elected Members Page 8 Corporate Services Page 9 Works Department Page 15 Environment and Planning Page 21 Childcare on the Go Service [ COGS ] Page 28 Corporate Structure Page 39 Functional Structure Page 40 General Information Page 41 Rating Policy Framework Page 49 Financial Statements 2014 2015 Annual Financial Statements Appendix A Regional Subsidiary Reports Murray Mallee Local Government Association Annual Report 2014 2015 Appendix B Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme Annual Report 2014 2015 Appendix C


Mayors Report

This year has been an extremely busy and productive year which has seen democracy play its hand in developing the leadership team for the Council moving forward with the November Elections. It is appropriate at this time to pay Tribute to the outgoing Councillors that have voluntarily dedicated their efforts in ensuring that the region develops and grows.

Departing Councillors ; Gordon Hancock

Jeff Nickolls

Barry Lukins

Alf Walker Again on behalf of the community I thank you for your efforts.

With any changing of the guard whilst some people leave the organisation there is excitement and anticipation for those who now take up their roles and responsibilities as elected members. Incoming Councillors ; Andrew Grieger

Dennis Hyde

Stacey Milde

Mark White

This year has also seen the resignation of the Chief executive Officer Mr Tony Renshaw. Mr Renshaw joined the organisation in July 2012 and left the Council in March 2015. In April 2015 Mr Neville Gasmier took the role of the Councils Acting Chief Executive Officer and carried out the duties until the end of the year.

It is also appropriate at this time to pay tribute to the employees of the Southern Mallee District Council who work tirelessly to improve the services and the standard of living for the community. I look forward to working with you all in the future


Acting Chief Executive Officers

Report

Since the resignation of the Chief Executive Officer in March 2015 I have assumed the role of the Acting Chief Executive Officer in April 2015 so this report will outline the undertaking in the period after April 2015 until June 2015.

China Project

The Southern Mallee District Council commenced the project with an objective to facilitate collective activity to drive greater farm gate returns to growers by developing scale through clustering and exporting a differentiated product. While China emerged as a potential market for the product, the renewal in the State’s 29 year sister-state relationship with Shandong led to an opportunity for discussions with a high profile national Chinese brewery based in Shandong.

The Council and/or Council delegates has been involved in several delegations to China to build relations and possible trade opportunities. Following those Council Delegations, a bilingual Draft Memorandum Of Understanding between the Sothern Mallee District Council and the Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd, was developed to provide a framework for the parties to further investigate and potentially conclude arrangements around the opportunities for collaboration in respect of the research and development, production and supply of premium malting barley from a cluster (co-operative) of the Southern Mallee District Council barley growers to Tsingtao Brewery. The Memorandum of Understanding also contemplated a mutually beneficial broader partnership between Tsingtao Brewery and the Southern Mallee District Council Barley growers. After a period of investigation by the Council into the supply chain, the most recent visit was in March 2015 where the Council and its delegates accompanied the Hon. Leon Bignell - Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, to meet with representatives from the Tsingtao Brewery to revitalise negotiations and to keep the potential customer interested in the Southern Mallee District Council barley grower’s product.

Over the course of this cluster project the Council has maintained a clear objective to identify opportunities to enhance grain trade with china that gives higher returns to Southern Mallee Farmers and to promote the capabilities of the farmers in the district on an international stage. We are continuing to work with stakeholders in the district and the Tsingtao Brewery to finalise the Memorandum of Understanding and to commence a trading relationship.


Acting Chief Executive Officers Report

Section 41 Council Committees

Considerable effort has been applied to the restructure of the Section 41 Committees of the Council with the introduction of the Community Engagement and Progress and Development Committees for each community in the Southern Mallee District Council.

These committees have received an allocation of funds to prioritise in their community on projects that the community value as high need. The Council allocated $100,000 in the 2014 2015 budget for the committees to commit in funding projects.

Some examples of projects completed using community grant funding are pictured below ;

New signage at the Mallee Tourist and Heritage Centre

New Tee Markers for the Lameroo Golf Course

Vending Machine for the Pinnaroo Swimming Pool



Planning

The Council didn’t have an integrated structured planning framework so the following framework has been developed and implemented by the Council to shape and structure our efforts moving forward.

The Council has also completed the Business Continuity Plan and the Community Emergency Plan.



Childcare restructure

Due to the increasing costs associated with service delivery and the stagnated level of government funding for the provision of Childcare Services it has been necessary for the Council to restructure its management framework for the childcare service.

With the resignation of the Manager of the Childcare Service, that position was not recruited and the Team Leaders of the Childcare Service and the Administration positions have been restructured to absorb those responsibilities and the positions now report directly to the Council’s Chief Executive Officer. This has provided a significant saving to the service. 2014 2015 Community Grants The Council’s 2014 2015 Community Grants Program have supported the following projects in this year’s funding program

Applicant Amount Supported

Mallee Arts $4,900

Kyeema Hostel $1,035

Pinnaroo Swimming Pool Advisory Committee

$3,400

Pinnaroo School Community Library $1,000

Lameroo Netball Club $5,000

Lameroo Golf Club $3,000

Lameroo Sing Australia choir $2,184

Mallee Tourist & Heritage Centre $1,000

Total $21,519

Mandatory Training

This training has been provided for all Elected Members to meet Section 80A [ Training and Development ] of the Local Government Act 1999 and Section 8AA

[ Training and Development ] of the Local Government [ General ] Regulations 2013 and is a compulsory requirement under the Local Government Act 1999


Elected Members

Councillor Robert Sexton Mayor

Bews Ward

Councillor Brian Toogood Deputy Mayor

Bews Ward

Councillor Allan Dunsford Bews Ward

Councillor Andrew Grieger Bews Ward

Councillor Dennis Hyde Kelly Scales Ward

Councillor Stacey Milde

Kelly Scales Ward

Councillor Neville Pfeiffer

Bews Ward

Councillor Bruce Summerton Kelly Scales Ward

Councillor Mark White Kelly Scales Ward


Corporate Services

Work Health and Safety

The Council has made significant progress in its continued development of its WHS Framework and this is evidenced by its improvement in its KPI Audit. The Council has been applauded for its efforts and the results of the KPI Audit undertaken by Mr David Jaunay [ Regional Risk Coordinator, Riverland and Mallee LGA Mutual Liability & Workers Compensation Schemes ]. The Audit for this year was conducted in November 2014 and forms part of the Local Government Risk Services continual improvement program. It focused on the following standards ; Supporting policies and procedures are in place [ Standard 1.2.1 ] Legislative compliance is addressed as part of the system [ Standard 2.1.1 ]

Training systems are in places which include TNA, training plans and delivery

mechanisms [ Standard 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and 3.2.1 ] Hazard management systems including identification, evaluation and control are

in place [ Standard 3.8.1 ] Work related injury/illness and accidents/Incidents are investigated and action

taken where relevant [ Standard 3.8.7 ] Appropriate reporting, records and documentation to support system

programs and legislative compliance [ Standard 3.11.1 which includes notifiable incidents ]

Programs of documentation control for identification and/or currency are in

place and maintained [ Standard 3.12.1 ] The audit also included two nominated sub-elements which were 3.7.1 [ Implementing the Business Continuity Plan ] and 3.8.3 [ Hazard Management ].

Cemetery Changes

The Burial and Cremation Legislation and Regulations came into operation this year and required the Council to fully review its Cemetery Management practices. The Council conducted this comprehensive review and has now seen the new requirements of the legislation implemented.


Corporate Services

Evacuation Plans

The Council has reviewed its compliance requirements under Work Health and Safety around evacuation plans for its buildings. This was an exhaustive and resource draining process covering around fifty [ 50 ] evacuation plans. The Council has developed and installed the new evacuation plans for all of its buildings.

Business Continuity Plan Review

The Council engaged the services of Local Government Risk Services to review and conduct a desktop scenario for its Business Continuity Plan. The Plan has been modified to reflect the focus on the Councils key service delivery exposure points and the Plan has been adopted by the Council.

Permits

There were 159 permits approved to a range of organisations in the past 12 months. This is an increase over last year where the total permits approved was 139. Key events for the year included ; Country Arts – 60 circus acts in 60 mins – Lameroo Memorial Hall

Pinnaroo Spud Fest – Black Tie Dinner – Pinnaroo Institute

Mallee Mail Medal Count – Lameroo Memorial Hall

Parilla Seasonal Markets

Lameroo Hospital Auxiliary – Hospital Fete – Lameroo lawns

Pinnaroo Fun Run Walk & Roll event

Sandra Cook – Online Story Exchange – Lameroo Memorial Hall

Pinnaroo Show

Lameroo District Hospital – Black Tie Dinner Fundraiser

Annual Vacswim at both the Lameroo and Pinnaroo Swimming Pools

Pinnaroo and Lameroo Christmas Parades

Australia Day Celebrations

4WD Club weekend – Lameroo Sporting ground

Lameroo Country Music Festival – Lameroo Memorial Hall

ANZAC Day services in Pinnaroo and Lameroo

Pinnaroo footy club – The Winners Dinner fundraiser – Pinnaroo Institute


Corporate Services

Internal Controls

With the introduction of the Internal Controls forming a component of the Annual External Audit it is necessary for the Council to ensure to review its processes to ensure its governance. With this in mind the Council has conducted a major review of its processes with Deloittes using their Better Practice model. The report is a comprehensive statement of the internal controls of the Council and the risk assessment of the Councils exposure within those internal processes.

Risk Register

Local Government has risk exposures on both a corporate and operational level. This Council has the operational exposure documented under the One System offered to all South Australian Council’s. The area where the Council has focused is in its strategic or corporate risk. In 2015, the Council’s Strategic Plan is due for review and renewal. It will be opportune at that point to integrate the Councils corporate risk register into its strategic planning.


Corporate Services

Customer Service

The Council has strengthened its focus on customer service. Our objective is to achieve best practice in terms of our interactions with our customers. Following is the breakdown of our customer activities for the year

Customer Requests by Status

Completed 198

Pending Action 2

Actioning 3

Outstanding 2

Total 205

Customer Service Requests by Status

Completed Pending Action Actioning Outstanding


Corporate Services

Customer Service

Customer Requests by Function

Roads 69

Property 45

Fire 5

Community 16

Waste 9

Infrastructure 40

Environmental 3

Sport 6

Other 4

Total 205

Customer Requests by Function

Environmental Sport Other

1% 3% 2%

Infrastructure

20%

Roads 35%

Waste 5%

Community 8%

Fire 3%

Property

23%

Roads Property Fire Community Waste Infrastructure Environmental Sport Other


Corporate Services

Parilla Accommodation

The Council operated Parilla Accommodation Facility is established to assist the Farmers in the district by providing accommodation for seasonal workers. The Council has invested time and financial resources into the facility this year in both infrastructure upgrade and renewal.

Statement of Comprehensive Income as at 30 June 2015

Year to Date

Budget

Last Year Actual

INCOME

User Charges 153,243 145,000 151,624

Other Revenues 309 82

TOTAL INCOME 153,552 145,000 151,705

EXPENDITURE

Wages & Salaries 17,292 14,976 13,209

Contractual Services 47,983 58,763 50,036

Materials 46,445 43,644 35,782

Depreciation 10,031 12,000 12,358

Other Expenses 12,358 19,457 10,166

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 134,109 148,840 121,552

SURPLUS/[DEFICIT]

19,444

(3,840)

30,154

The facility has had an increase in sales this year compared with last year, however rising costs has consumed that slight increase and the surplus has reduced from $30,154 in 2013 – 2014 to the $22,674 in the 2014 – 2015 year.

The occupancy rate has been steady at around 63%.


Works Department

The Works Department had a very productive 2014/15. With the responsibility of managing a large portion of the Council’s annual budget, it was truly a team effort to complete all the works planned for the year. A number of significant capital and renewal projects were delivered in 2014/15 as well as maintaining current assets.

Staff Peter Best and Graham Wyatt after a great many years’ of service to the Council retired in December 2014, Council wish both Peter and Graham all the best in their well-deserved retirement.

The Council welcomed two [ 2 ] new employee’s Andrew Elliott and Dmitri Milde to its works department. The Council’s construction, maintenance and gardening staff continue to undertake training to improve their skills and to obtain certificates and qualifications as well as helping ensure that the Council meets its obligations under the Work Health & Safety Act 2012

Road Construction and Maintenance Works The Council is responsible for 1,342 km’s of roads across the district of which 118 km’s are sealed. The Council’s overall expenditure on roads and maintenance works was $1.58 million. This was funded by rates but also by specific Government Grants of $862,000.


Works Department

Road Construction and Maintenance Works

Works carried out included:

Resheeting of Rubble Roads

The Council has 1,224 km’s of rubble roads to maintain across the district. Depending on volume and type of traffic and quality of rubble, they need resheeting every 20 to 25 years. In 2014/15 the Council spent $892,734 on carrying out various resheets that included:

Road Name Amount [ $ ]

Pfeiffer Road 213,580

Mulpata Road 80,405

Young Road 15,799

Lameroo South Road 70,230

Claypan Bore Road 146,795

Barrett Road 13,469

RG Angel Road 68,132

Hawthorne Road 63,026

Chandos Road 59,158

Venning Road 90,507

Mosgiel Road 71,633

Total 892,734


Works Department

Road Construction and Maintenance Works

Works carried out included:

Maintenance Works

Maintenance works carried out across the district included:

Road Name Amount [ $ ]

Patrol Grading 311,353

Unsealed Road Repairs 163,863

Sealed Road Repairs 33,796

Footpath Maintenance 15,962

Kerb and Gutter 2,950

Traffic Control 11,287

Tree Maintenance [ Rural ] 42,875

Other Road Services 36,044

Total 618,130

[ includes, weed spraying, roadside mowing and inspections ]

Road Reseals

Council has 118 kms of sealed roads and streets which need to be resealed approximately every 20 years. In 2014/15 Council spent $0 on sealed roads.

Town Streets Upgrades

Footpath Works

Footpath construction works were carried out on: Chandos Terrace, Lameroo Symonds Street, Pinnaroo Total Footpath Expenditure $10,652


Works Department

Parks, Gardens and Recreational Reserves

The Council’s parks and gardens and reserves are maintained within and around the towns across the district. The Council has over the years embraced a system for all parks, reserves and roadsides so that the highly utilised parks receive more maintenance and attention compared to the less used parks and reserves. The Council has received a lot of positive comments about the appearance of our town entrances and our main parks and garden areas. The expenditure on all parks, gardens and recreational reserve maintenance in 2014/15 was $305,117.

Plant & Machinery

The Council has continued to upgrade and replace plant [ vehicles and machinery ] in accordance with their 10 year plant replacement program, this ensures the Council constantly turns over plant at the optimum time During 2014/15 the Council procured; 2 new industrial ride on mowers and a new Works Managers vehicle During the financial year the Council expends $249,529 on purchasing fuel and oil, $281,100 on maintaining its plant and machinery and $80,186.61 on registration and insurance.

Waste Management

The Southern Mallee District Council continues to operate three [ 3 ] transfer stations throughout the district located at Pinnaroo, Lameroo and Geranium. The landfill site is located at Lameroo. Waste Management expenditure in 2014/15 was $263,674

The main expenditure items were:

Transfer Stations $103,173

Landfill Maintenance $12,574

Collection of 240 litre waste bin from town properties weekly $73,673 Collection of 240 litre recycling bins from town properties monthly $21,079


Works Department

Community Wastewater Management Systems (CWMS)

The Council has Community Wastewater Management Services in Lameroo and Pinnaroo. The cost of running these two [ 2 ] schemes in 2014/15 was $222,500 [ including loan repayments ] which is totally funded by the service charges applied against users of the schemes. Airfields

The Council maintains a single authorised landing field at Pinnaroo. Pinnaroo has one strip which is rubbled. It is used by the Royal Flying Doctor Service and local pilots. Safety audits were undertaken during the year as well as regular inspections followed by any necessary maintenance to ensure that the Southern Mallee District Council airfields remained suitable for continuing use.

Other Works

The Works Department is also responsible for the following:

Street Lighting

The Council is responsible for the cost of street lighting in the towns. Cost in 2014/15 was $39,941. Street Cleaning

The Council undertakes regular cleaning of the kerbs and gutters in the towns. As well as keeping the appearance of the towns tidy it keeps rubbish and plastics out of important water courses. Expenditure in 14/15 was $29,295.


Works Department

Other Works

Cemeteries

The Council has three [ 3 ] cemeteries that it maintains. In 2014/15 there were: 4 Burials at Parrakie

4 Burials at Lameroo

9 Burials at Pinnaroo The cost of maintaining our cemeteries in 2014/15 was $26,435 offset slightly by the income of burials which was $16,282. With three [ 3 ] cemeteries and so few burials it is impossible to reach a user pays break-even point.

Asset Management Plans

The Council is continuing to develop Asset Management Plans for all areas of the Council’s operations which will lead to sustainable management of the Council’s infrastructure. Infrastructure asset management plans define the service levels to be provided by the assets, which combined with condition assessment information and the various hierarchies across the asset classes allow the most urgent works to be prioritised and completed. The plans also define maintenance funding requirements to ensure assets continue to meet the required level of service and prevent premature degradation. The funding requirements for all asset classes will be reflected in the Council’s Long Term Financial Plan to ensure the overall financial sustainability of the Council. When the plans are developed they together with the Council’s Strategic Management Plan and Long Term Financial Plan will form the framework for future budgets to follow.


Environment and Planning Services

The following portfolio of responsibilities are conducted by the Manager Environment & Planning. • SA Public Health Act • Immunisation Promotion • Development Control

• Assessment & Approval of Waste Control Systems • Property Management • Planning & Building Approvals • Food Safety

• Fire Prevention • Animal Management • Mosquito Control

Swimming Pools

General Environmental Health & Food Safety

Regional Public Health Planning

As required by the SA Public Health Act 2011 the Local Government Murray Mallee Public Health, consisting of the Murray Mallee Local Government Association formed to combine a joint plan for the region. This committee meet on a quarterly basis to plan and develop projects for each Local Government area. The resulting plan has become a living document and thus a guide to future Public Health initiatives, particularly in relation to “lifestyle diseases. The Murray Mallee Local Government Association Public Health Committee was the first regional group to have our plan developed and operating and provided a guide for the rest of the Local Government Association groups. The Murray Mallee Local Government Association consists of the following areas: • The Rural City of Murray Bridge • Mid Murray Council • Berri Barmera Council • District Council of Loxton Waikerie • Renmark Paringa District Council • District Council of Karoonda East Murray • Southern Mallee District Council



General Environmental Health & Food Safety

Auditing

Auditing of premises in conjunction with SA Health and subject to the provisions of the Food Act were as follows:- • Lameroo Hospital • Pinnaroo Hospital

Shared Services

The Southern Mallee District Council and the District Council of Karoonda East Murray have instigated a shared services arrangement around the following service provisions: • Public Health issues • Safe Food Handling • Animal Management • Abandoned Vehicles • Food Safety Audits • Vector Control • Waste Control Systems

Immunisation Promotion

School Immunisation Programs

The schools immunisation programs continued to be conducted, under contract to the Council, by the Mallee Health Service.

Food Recalls

There has been many national recalls of food products during the year. The reasons for the recalls ranged from foreign matter in the food and bacterial contamination to undeclared allergens, which made up the largest proportion of the recalls as is usually the case Most of the problems in this area relate to food allergens not being shown as ingredients of the food on packaging labels.



Animal Management

The provisions of the Dog & Cat Management Act 1995 were administered throughout the year. Following a reasonably low number last year the number of wandering dogs increased again significantly during the year. Over the past year a number of dog owners were issued with expiation notices for various breaches of the subject legislation.

Complaints regarding barking dogs were also followed up with correspondence reminding the owners of their obligations as responsible dog owners. Relevant statistics are as follows:

Dogs wandering at large 15

Attacks/Harassment 7

Barking dogs 4

Dogs impounded: 16

Expiations issued: 6

Euthanized 2

Re housed 2

Released 12

Development Application Fees

These fees, which are adjusted by the State Government each year, vary in accordance with the nature and type of project being undertaken. A list of types of applications and fees are provided to fully appreciate the cost of development as set by the State Government.



Development Application Fees

LODGEMENT

Code

Fee Rate

Base Fee

5.1

$60.00

Additional if Devt Cost > $5,000 & Requires Building Rules Assessment

5.1.1

$68.00

Staged Consent Fee

5.3.1

$60.00

DEVELOPMENT PLAN ASSESSMENT Devt Cost

Code

Fee Rate

Development Plan Exempt Assessment Fee

5.3.2

$50.00

up to $10,000 Devt Cost

5.2

$37.50

$10,001 up to $100,000 Devt Cost

5.2

$103.00

> $100,000 Devt Cost

5.2

0.125%

Referrals

Code

Fee Rate

River Murray/Devt Cost >$1m/Schedule 22

7.3

All Other Referrals (Cost per Agency)

Notifications

Code

Fee Rate

Category 2 & 3 Public Notification

5.7

$103.00

Advertisement for Category 3

5.8

$300.00

BUILDING RULES ASSESSMENT

Building/Structure Classification Fees Floor Area (m2)

Code

Fee Rate

Minimum Fee

5.3

$65.50

Class 1, 2 & 4 (Dwelling, incl Additions/Alterations)

5.3

$2.90

Class 3, 5 & 6 (incl Office, Shop)

5.3

$3.86

Class 7 & 8 (Commercial & Industrial, incl Dairy)

5.3

$2.56

Class 7 (Farm Shed, excl Dairy)

5.3

$2.56

Class 9a & 9c (Health or Aged Care)

5.3

$4.37

Class 9b (Public Assembly)

5.3

$3.84

Class 10 (Domestic Shed, Verandah, Garage)

5.3

$0.87

Demolition

Change of Classification (with no Building work)

Certificate of Occupancy

5.4

$43.00

Issue of Schedule of Essential Safety Provisions

5.5

$92.50

CITB Levy Fees (> $15,000 Devt Cost) Devt Cost

Code

Fee Rate

Fee

5.22

0.25%

SEPTIC SYSTEM ASSESSMENT

Code

Fee Rate

Existing Building

New Installation

4.4

$326.00

Alteration to Existing System

4.3

$214.00

New Building

New Installation

4.4

$326.00

Tank Capacity > 5000L (Additional fee per 1000L)

4.4.1

$22.30



Development Control

A number of development applications were processed under the provisions of the Development Act 1993 and the Council’s Development Plan during the year. The types of applications processed were as follows:

Sheds 8

Garages 4

Carports 5

New dwellings 1

Farm Sheds 9

Land Divisions 5

Swimming pools 2

Replacement of Classroom Block 1

Installation of Wood Heater 2

Verandah’s 4

Manager’s Residence 1

Office 2

Accommodation Units 1

Renovations/Extensions 5

Pergola/decking 2

Waste Water Systems 5

Total developments 64

Assessment and Approval of Waste Control Systems

Waste Control Systems

Applications for the installation of five [ 5 ] waste control systems were assessed and new installations inspected to ensure that the disease prevention requirements of SA Public Health Act (Waste Control) Regulations 1995 were satisfied.

Number of applications approved: 5



Mosquito Control

Baiting was conducted prior to the summer to ensure that all larvae is controlled to prevent the development into adult mosquitoes. The sites baited are as follows: • Storm water dams

• Effluent ponds • Ponding of water on Council properties

Bushfire Prevention

Bushfire prevention activities undertaken included:- • Public information and education • Township surveys, • Issuing of risk reduction notices where required, and • The carrying out of block clearance work in default when notices were not complied

with

Notices

Again it is good to note that the number of notices that it was necessary to serve has reduced considerably from previous years. Burning Permits

The issuing of burning permits during the Fire Danger Season was undertaken by the Council’s permit officers. Murray Mallee Bushfire Management Committee

The Southern Mallee District Council continues to be represented on the Murray Mallee Bushfire Management Committee which has the primary function of preparing and implementing new plans for bushfire prevention and management across the Murray Mallee region, Grain Harvesting Code of Practice

The Grain Harvesting Code of Practice, developed by the South Australian Farmers Federation, in consultation with the SA Country Fire Service, was again voluntarily implemented during the Fire Danger Season by the local farming community.



Development Plan Amendment

The Development Plan Amendment has been finalised and the committee look forward to the Ministers consent to commence the public consultation process for the Councils new Better Development Plan assisted by the States Planning Library. Swimming Pools The Southern Mallee District Council operate two [ 2 ] Community Swimming Pools:- One is located in Lameroo and the other in Pinnaroo. Lameroo Swimming Pool

The Lameroo main pool had Solar Heating installed in 2015 and the Toddler pool had a Solar Blanket installed.

3599 patrons were recorded as attending the Lameroo Swimming Pool during the 2014-2015 season. Pinnaroo Swimming Pool

Resurfacing, new line marking and a solar blanket are all approved for the Pinnaroo Swimming Pool in the .2015-2016 financial year 3986 patrons were recorded as attending the Pinnaroo Swimming Pool during the 2014-2015 season.


Childcare on the Go Service [ COGS ]

Overview

The Childcare on the Go Service office is located in the main street of Lameroo. The street frontage promotes awareness of the service and encourages foot traffic. The window displays draw the attention of travellers when they stop for a break. The Southern Mallee District Council retains the use of the back room and dental equipment for orthodontist consultations for one day every six [ 6 ] weeks. All service sites cater for a small mixed age group of children from three [ 3 ] months to five [ 5 ] years, with a capacity for After School Care. Lameroo

Operates Mondays and Wednesdays and is approved for twenty [ 20 ] children Geranium Operates every second Friday during the School Term and is approved for Fifteen [ 15 ] children Pinnaroo

Operates Thursdays and Fridays and is approved for twenty six [ 26 ] children Karoonda

Operates Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and is approved for fifteen [ 15 ] children The services operate from 8.30 am to 5.15pm at each site. The service receives an Operational Grant through the Department of Social Services (DSS), to provide quality low cost care to rural families. The service currently applies a three tier fee structure; e.g. for 1 child- Level 1: $28 per day (Health Care Card, Centrelink Low Income Card)

Level 2: $32 per day (Combined income of up to $92,000 per year) Level

3: $38 per day (Combined income more than $92,000)

Each site changes over toys approximately every four weeks, in line with the program cycle.



The service had a challenging year that included the following issues;

Operating childcare sites in Pinnaroo and Karoonda with the administration office

situated in Lameroo, and staff working at different sites (transferring documents and information, communication).

Staff operating in shared facilities

Staff developing working relationships with multiple communities and groups of children.

Staff adapting to working with groups of children of mixed ages from 0 to 12

Hazards encountered driving on country roads

Financial viability

Recruitment and retention of staff

Accessing staff training opportunities The Childcare Service boasts a dedicated and hardworking team of fifteen [ 15 ] employees. During the year the long serving Manager of the Childcare service retired. The employees consist of ; Seven Early Childhood Professionals, Six with Children’s Services Diploma

qualification, and One with an Early Childhood Degree (Ireland)

Two Early Childhood Assistants who upskilled to complete their Children’s Services Diploma

Three Early Childhood Assistants (Certificate lll in Children’s Services)

Two Student Based Apprentices studying their Certificate III in Children’s

Services

One Administration Officer.



Attendance Statistics 2014/2015

July 2014 – Dec 2014

Lameroo Pinnaroo Karoonda Geranium Total

Days Open 48 50 75 11 184

Days Closed 1 - - - 1

Public Holidays 1 - - - 1

Trainings Days - - - - -

No. Children [ Does not include ASC ]

624 878 781 84 2367

Cancellations 148 151 7 6 312

Fees $19,287.50 $25,664.25 $19,705.25 $2,003.00 $66,660.25

Jan 2015 – June 2015

Lameroo Pinnaroo Karoonda Geranium Total

Days Open 43 45 68 7 163

Days Closed 4 1 1 1 7

Public Holidays 4 1 1 1 7

Trainings Days - - - - -

No. Children [ Does not include ASC ]

685.5 676 614.5 44.5 2020.5

Cancellations 121 78 7 7 213

Fees $19,240.20 $17,471.00 $15,179.90 $865.50 $52,756.60

Summary

July 2014 – December 2014

Lameroo Average 15.9 children/Day

Pinnaroo Average 15 children/Day

Karoonda Average 9 children/Day

Geranium Average 6.4 children/Day

January 2015 – June 2015

Lameroo Average 15.9 children/Day

Pinnaroo Average 15 children/Day

Karoonda Average 9 children/Day

Geranium Average 6.4 children/Day



Recruitment of Staff

The service has supported locals through its recruitment by engaging students over a number of years to apply for the School Based Trainee positions offered by the service.

In 2014 two [ 2 ] School Based Apprentices; commenced employment with the service, one at Certificate Level and one at Diploma Level

The service commenced 2015 with 3 School Based Apprentices, all studying Certificate Level

Retention of Staff

Of the sixteen [ 16 ] regular staff, many employees have had the opportunity to further their skills and qualifications whilst employed with Mallee Childcare On the Go Service.

School Based Apprentices

The service takes great pride in the achievements of the former school based trainees as they continue to develop their skills and qualifications with the service and of the eleven [ 11 ], three [ 3 ] are currently attending University.

Employee Training

Our Trainees and School Based Apprentices are enrolled in external studies through Renmark and Murray Bridge TAFE campus’ as well as other external training providers such as OTEN and KIRANA .Students and trainees are eligible to access lectures at Renmark and Murray Bridge -TAFE.

Staff are regularly informed of external training opportunities and encouraged to attend any that relate to their individual interest. Mandatory Training for all includes ; Mandatory Notification

Senior First Aid

Manual Handling

Fire Extinguisher Training

Food Information Sessions



Employee Training

During 2014/2015, additional training was provided for employees in ; First Aid Course and update in Lameroo September 20th 2014

Food Information Session in Lameroo June 16th 2015

Key Word Signing Training Day July 2017

Staff Meetings and Team Meetings are held on a regular basis. Team Leader meetings are scheduled as required. All these meetings include components of Professional Development to assist employees achieve continuous learning e.g. reviewing policies, exploring a National Quality Framework topic, program development, sharing information from external training sessions as well as assistance with progression of the Quality Improvement Plan. In 2014 a grant a $30,000 grant from the Department for Training and Development assisted us to further our skills for our Educators. This money was allocated amongst training days and the purchase of new equipment to assist our educators with Training and Development needs. That grant enabled the service to purchase new laptops and digital cameras for each site as the existing equipment was no longer able to meet the demands of changing technology. Without the Training and Development Grant, this would not have been possible. This will increase our Educators capacity to further their professional development. A ‘Key Word Signing’ Training Day was held in early July. The main objective of this training was to implement ‘Key Word Signing’ into day to day practice at each service. It will assist those children who have communication difficulties.

Special Achievements for 2014/2015:

The following students completed their Diploma in Children Studies Sophie Cattle - Diploma Children’s Services

Holly Modra - Diploma in Children’s Services



Advisory Team

Mallee Childcare on the Go Service is a community service sponsored by the Southern Mallee District Council and have continued to have an ‘Advisory Team’.

The Advisory Team includes parent representatives from each site, Childcare on the Go Service Administration Staff and a Staff representative.

The role of the Advisory Team members is to attend a meeting approximately every six weeks, contribute to discussions and decisions relating to the service, and to advocate for the service.

Using the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) curriculum methodology, the staff at each location provide a development-tally appropriate learning program for individual and groups of children in their care. Programmed and spontaneous experiences relate to the children’s interests and their family and com-munity.

The emphasis of the framework is less on ‘planned experiences’ and more on using ‘spontaneous’ child motivated experiences to extend their thinking and learning. It’s about staff seizing the moment to include ‘intentional teaching’.

Staff nurture the children’s wellbeing and engage with them in the day’s activities and routines, fostering a secure environment for socialization and learning. Connections between home and childcare are encouraged through staff and families sharing information, eg. children bring an item from home to share at “show and tell” time, and visits by new siblings are a favourite, as are new pets. Community awareness is fostered by: Inviting representatives from local services to visit the sites eg. Police, local

hospital, ambulance.

Local walks to visit library, shops, school

Encouraging parents to share their jobs or interests with children eg.

Language other than English, cooking, overseas trip, shearing, farm machinery.



Advisory Team

Each child’s journey is recorded in their portfolio, which is shared with the child and their family. Each site provides a regular newsletter for families, and contributes to the quarterly service newsletter, and provides site reports to the Management Committee. Through COGS, families may access information on relevant agencies and organisations, and support can be initiated when requested. Support Network: Mallee Health

Murray Mallee Community Health Children’s Team

Inclusive Directions

Federal Inclusion Service Support (ISS) funding

Mallee Children’s and Families Network

Department Early Childhood Development (DECD)—Riverland

Children & Families

The service is funded by the Commonwealth Government, Department Education Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) through the Children’s Services Budget Based Funding program.



Finances



Summary

The major expense is staff wages—the 2014/2015 wages and on-cost amount was $577,529.

The service is accountable to DSS for both financial and operational management.

Throughout the year Workplans and outcomes, budgets, financial statements,

Utilization reports and funding acquittals are submitted at designated intervals.

Funding renewal depends on satisfactory compliance with agreed standard performance indicators as in the Short Form Funding Agreement and Guidelines.

Southern Mallee District Council is the sponsor of the service and has administrative responsibilities – staff wages, accounting, insurance, monitoring financial and industrial matters.

During 2012 the Federal Government commissioned a national review of Budget Based Funded (BBF) services, which includes Mobile Children’s Services. The major issue is the funding model, which is a set amount per year, not allowing for the continuous rise in costs.


Corporate Structure


Functional Structure


General Information

Council Meeting Attendances by Members for period 2014 / 2015

Elected Member

Ordinary Meetings [ up to

November 2014 ]

Special Council Meetings [ up to November 2014 ]

Ordinary Meetings [ from

November 2014 ]

Special Council Meetings [ from November 2014 ]

Mayor Robert Sexton 4 1 7 2

Cr Brian Toogood 4 1 8 2

Cr Allan Dunsford 4 1 8 1

Cr Andrew Grieger 8 2

Cr Dennis Hyde 4 1

Cr Stacey Milde 4 1

Cr Neville Pfeiffer 4 1 8 2

Cr Bruce Summerton 3 1 6 1

Cr Mark White 4 1

Cr Gordon Hancock 4 1 Cr Jeff Nickolls 3 0 Cr Barry Lukins 3 0 Cr Alfred Walker 4 1

Members Allowances 2014 / 2015

Elected Member allowances are set by the Remuneration Tribunal and take effect from the first ordinary meeting of the Council held after the conclusion of the periodic elections. [ Section 76 and Regulation 4, LG [ Allowances and Benefits ] Regulations 2010 ] The following allowances are paid to Elected Members as at 30 June 2015

Mayor $22,522.50 Deputy Mayor $ 7,038.35 Councillors $ 5,630.85

Members receive approved travel allowances to attend Council Meetings and for conducting Council business Confidential Register The Council keeps a register of all Council decisions made in confidence and this is reviewed every January to decide which items must stay confidential and which can be released from confidence. At the 1 July 2014 there were forty two [ 42 ] confidential decisions in existence. During the 2014 2015 financial year twenty two [ 22 ] more items were added to the register and eleven [ 11 ] others were released from confidence. At the conclusion of 2014 2015 there were fifty three [ 53 ] Confidential items remaining on the register.


General Information

Registers, Codes, Policies and Procedures

[ Required to be kept under the Local Government Act and / or Local Government Elections Act 1999 ] Registers ; Section 68 Members Register of Interests

Section 79 Members Register of Allowances and Benefits Section 105 Officers Register of Salaries Section 116 Officer Register of Interests Section 188 Fees and Charges Section 196 Community Management Plans Section 207 Community Land Section 231 Public Roads Part 14 Campaign Donation Returns prepared by candidates Codes ; Section 63 Members Code of Conduct Section 92 Code of Practice for Access to Meetings and Documents Section 110 Employees Code of Conduct Reg 7 Code of Practice Meeting Procedures Freedom of Information The Council maintains the principles of the Freedom of Information Act 1991 During the period ; Number of requests received under the Freedom of Information Act Nil Number of external reviews under the Freedom of Information Act Nil


General Information

Council’s Representation Quota The total representation quota is the number of electors for each Elected Member. As at 28 February 2015, the total representation quota was 155 and the total number of electors was 1,403 on the State Roll. The Southern Mallee District Council’s representation quota compares with other similar councils [ using the Australian Classification of Local Governments ] as set out below. The representative structure is as follows : Nine [ 9 ] Councillors elected as representative of two [ 2 ] wards and the area as a whole. Kelly Scales Ward is to be represented by four [ 4 ] Councillors and Bews Ward by five [ 5 ] Councillors

Council Number of Electors Representation Quota

Barunga West 2012 223

Ceduna 2178 242

Goyder 3085 440

Kangaroo Island 3418 341

Kingston 1928 241

Lower Eyre Peninsula 3694 527

Mount Remarkable 2235 319

Peterborough 1270 141

Southern Mallee 1403 155

Tumby Bay 2058 294

Yankalilla 3944 438

The Council next intends to conduct a Representation Review [ ‘the Review’ ] once the Minister publishes a notice in the South Australian Government Gazette [ ‘the Notice’]. The Minister will specify in the Notice the relevant period during which the Review must be completed. When this next occurs, the Council will inform the public of the preparation of a representation options paper and will invite interested persons to make written submissions to the Council on the subject of the review within a period specified by the Council.


General Information

Senior Executive Officers – Register of Salaries

Title of Position Classification Other Benefits/ Packages

Chief Executive Officer

Contract Agreement

Private use of vehicle, Concessional Housing Rent, Telephone – Council pay rental, business STD calls and half local calls

Manager Corporate Services

Contract Agreement


Manager Infrastructure and Engineering Services

Contract Agreement

Private use of vehicle

Manager Environment and Planning

Contract Agreement


Manager Mobile Childcare Service

Wage – MOA-SA

Manager Executive Services

Wage – MOA-SA


General Information

Competitive Tendering

The Council is committed to purchasing goods and services in an honest manner

that ensures a fair, transparent and accountable process is available to all parties

involved. The Council aims to ensure that its methods of purchasing foods and

services are cost effective and meet the needs of the community.

Use of local goods and services

The Council is committed to identifying opportunities for improved outcomes when

acquiring goods and services. The Council has developed policy, procedures and

practices directed towards obtaining value in the expenditure of public money, ethical

and fair treatment for all participants and ensuring probity, accountability and

transparency in all of its operations.

Copies of the Southern Mallee District Council Procurement Policy are available for

public inspection and/ or purchase. A copy is also available on the Council’s website at

www.southernmallee.sa.gov.au

Equal Employment

Environment Free from Discrimination

The Southern Mallee District Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment The Council accepts that it has a responsibility to create an environment free from discrimination, and to ensure that the principle of merit operates unhindered by regard to irrelevant criteria. To this end the Council will act to ensure that its structures are free from direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of sex, marital status or pregnancy, race, age, sexual orientation, gender history, religious or political beliefs, impairment, family responsibility or family status.

http://www.southernmallee.sa.gov.au/


General Information

Elected Member Training

2014

Nil

2015

Post Election 2014 mandatory training, Council Members induction & in house training Bushfire & I-Responda Training [ Cr Neville Pfeiffer and Cr Robert Sexton ]

Staff Training

2014

Due Diligence Training for identified staff First Aid Training & CPR Fire Extinguisher Training Manual Handling Vision Awareness Chainsaw Training Risk Assessment Awareness Training Hazard Management Awareness Training Accident/Investigation Awareness Training Emergency Warden Training 2015 CPR refresh Training Fire Extinguisher Training for those who missed previous year Hearing Checks Traffic Management Training (WZTM) Aerodrome Reporting Training Bushfire & I-Responda Training


General Information

Regional Map


General Information

Overview Principal Member Mayor Cr Robert Sexton Acting Chief Executive Officer Neville Gasmier Staff 62 Key Measurements Total area 6,000 square kilometers Rateable properties 1672 Road length 1,316 kilometres Sealed road length 118 kilometres Key Locations

Services Centres Pinnaroo and Lameroo Libraries Geranium, Lameroo and Pinnaroo

Community Centres Geranium, Lameroo, Parilla, Pinnaroo

Communication

Telephone [ 08 ] 8577 8002 WEB www.southernmallee.com.au

Email [email protected]

Facebook www.facebook.com\SouthernMalleeDC

http://www.southernmallee.com.au/

mailto:[email protected]


Rating Policy Framework

Valuer-General Valuations as at 30 June 2014

Category

2013 2014 Capital Value

CV Movement No Properties

2014 2015 Capital Values

Capital Value %

Change

Non Rateable 18,765,500 128,500 310 18,894,000 0.68% 4%

Lameroo Town 41,789,700 -2,170,500 333 39,619,200 -5.19% 9%

Geranium Town 2,280,900 38 2,280,900 0.00% 1%

Parrakie Town 333,000 13 333,000 0.00% 0%

Lameroo District Rural

201,524,200 -3,143,000 489 198,381,200 -1.56% 45%

Parilla Town 2,511,500 34 2,511,500 0.00% 1%

Pinnaroo Town 40,413,100 -3,125,000 395 37,288,100 -7.73% 9%

Pinnaroo District Rural

141,974,000 -4,583,300 370 137,390,700 -3.23% 31%

Totals 449,591,900 -12,893,300 1,982 436,698,600 -2.87% 100%

Rating Model

Total Rate Revenue by Region

Period 2013 2014 2014 2015 Increase

Region - Township $679,986 23% $696,031 23% 2.36%

Region - Rural $2,316,760 77% $2,382,994 77% 2.86%

Total $2,996,746 100% $3,079,025 100% 2.75%

Note: 1 The correlation between Total Rate Review and Property Values is that Rural Properties amount to 77% of the total value of properties in the region Note: 2 Historically the burden of Rate Increases has been weighted to Rural Properties. The continuous review of the Rating Policy has sought to balance Rate Increases between Rural and Township Properties



Rating Model

Total Rate Revenue by Community

Community 2013 2014 2014 2015 Variation

Lameroo Township $314,432 323,613 2.92%

Geranium Township $19,977 21,203 6.14%

Parrakie Township $6,526 6,695 2.59%

Parilla Township $20,869 22,306 6.88%

Pinnaroo Township $318,180 322,214 1.27%

Lameroo Rural $1,356,699 1,405,838 3.62%

Pinnaroo Rural $960,060 977,156 1.78%

Total Rate Revenue $2,996,745 $3,079,025 2.75%

Rate in the Dollar by Region

Region 2013 2014 2014 2015 Variation

Township 0.00713 0.007756 8.78%

Rural 0.00667 0.007019 5.23%



Rating Model Community Wastewater Management System Service Charges

Description Charge

2014 2015

Charge 2013 2014

Variation Connections Income

Full Charge $572 $557 $15 645 $368,940

Vacant Land $286 $278 $8 70 $20,020

Discretionary Rebates

2

Half Remission $286 $278 $8 4 $1,144

Forecast Income $390,104

Scheme balance as at 30 June 2014 $363,873

Method Used to Value Land The Council may adopt one of three valuation methodologies to value land and improvements in the community and include;

Capital Value being the value of the land and all the improvements on the land.

Site Value being the value of the land and any improvements which permanently affect the amenity of use of the land, such as drainage works, but excluding the value of buildings and other improvements.

Annual Value being a valuation of the rental potential of the property.



Method Used to Value Land

The Council has determined to continue to use Capital Values as the basis for valuing land within the Council area as the Council believes this method provides the fairest method of distributing the rate burden across all ratepayers on the following basis;

The equity principle of taxation requires that ratepayers of similar wealth pay similar taxes and ratepayers of greater wealth pay more tax than ratepayers of lesser wealth.

Property value is a relatively good indicator of wealth and capital value, which closely approximates the market value of a property and provides the best indicator of overall property value.

The distribution of property values throughout the Council area is such that few residential ratepayers will pay significantly more than the average level of rates payable per property.

Adoption of Valuations A Council may employ or engage a valuer to value the land in the area or it may use

the valuations provided by the Valuer‐General, or it may use a combination of both subject to certain restrictions.

The Valuer‐General is a statutory officer appointed by the Governor.

The Council has adopted the most recent valuations made by the Valuer‐General.

If a ratepayer is dissatisfied with the valuation made by the Valuer‐General then the

ratepayer may object to the Valuer‐General in writing, within 60 days of receiving the notice of the valuation, explaining the basis for the objection, provided they have not:

Previously received a notice of this valuation under the Local Government Act, in which case the objection period is 60 days from the receipt of the first notice; or

Previously had an objection to the valuation considered by the Valuer‐General.



Adoption of Valuations It is to be noted, however that regardless of the 60 day limitation period before lodging

an objection to the valuation the Valuer‐General may, for good reason, determine to accept an objection lodged outside this time period. Objection To Valuation

A person may object to a valuation of the Valuer‐General by notice in writing, setting out

the reasons for the objections, and the Valuer‐General must consider the objection. If the person then remains dissatisfied with the valuation the person has a right to a review. Applications must be made within 21 days of receipt of the notice of the decision

[ in relation to the objection ] from the Valuer‐General. A payment of the prescribed fee for the review to be undertaken together with the review application must be lodged in the State Valuation Office, who will then refer the matter to an independent Valuer. If the person remains dissatisfied with the valuation then they have a right of appeal to the Land and Valuation Court [Section 24, 25A, 25B & 25C of the Valuation of Land Act 1971]. The address of the State Valuation Office is 101 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000 [GPO Box 1354, Adelaide SA 5001] and the telephone number is 1300 653 346 [ General Enquiries ] 1300 653 345 [ Objections enquiries ]. Special Note The Council has no role in the process of considering an objection to a valuation. Also, it is important to note the lodgement of an objection does not change the due date for the payment of rates.



Notional Values Certain properties may be eligible for a notional value, where the property is the principal place of residence of a ratepayer, under the Valuation of Land Act 1971. This relates to some primary production land or where there is State heritage recognition. Any owner that believes that they are entitled to a ‘notional value’ must apply in writing to the State Valuation Office. Business Impact Statement

The Council has considered the impact of rates on businesses in the Council area, including primary production.

In considering the impact, Council assessed the following matters: Those elements of the Council’s strategic plans relating to business development.

Local, Regional, State, National and as appropriate International Economic Influencers.

Specific issues faced by the Southern Mallee community.

Immediate, short and medium term projects and initiatives that will principally benefit industry and business development.

Movement in the Consumer Price Index [ CPI ] and other relevant indices.

Valuation changes in commercial and industrial properties compared with valuation changes in residential properties in the region.

Council through elected member’s consultation with ratepayers.

The equitable distribution of the rate burden between classes of ratepayers who receive broadly comparable services and are generally similarly impacted upon by prevailing economic conditions.



Business Impact Statement

Council’s policy on facilitating local economic development preference for local suppliers where price, quality and service provision are comparable to suppliers outside the Council area. Council has considered incentives for attracting new business and has adopted the following policy; ‘ That Council provide a full rebate on rates on increased capital improvements for five years on new business premises if the business employs 3 or more persons and that Council is receptive to additional incentives on an individual application basis ’

Council’s Revenue Raising Powers

All land within a Council area, except for land specifically exempt, that is Crown land, Council occupied land and other land prescribed in the Local Government Act – refer Section 147 of the Act, is rateable. The Local Government Act provides for a Council to raise revenue for the broad purposes of the Council through a general rate, which applies to all rateable properties, or through differential general rates, which apply to classes of properties. In addition, Council can raise separate rates, for specific areas of the Council or service rates or charges for specific services. The Council also raises revenue through fees and charges, which are set giving consideration to the cost of the service provided and any equity issues.

The list of applicable fees and charges is available at the Southern Mallee District Council Day Street Pinnaroo or on our website: www.southernmallee.sa.gov.au. A Goods and Services Tax at a rate determined under the Goods and Services Tax Act 1999 will be charged on those fees not given exemption under the Act.

http://www.southernmallee.sa.gov.au/



Differential General Rates The 2014 2015 Annual Business Plan proposes to raise rate revenue of $3.5m in a total operating revenue budget of $6.4m. The Council has determined to impose a differential general rates on the following classes of properties: A general rate in the dollar of $.007756 for all properties located in the townships of Lameroo, Geranium, Parrakie, Parilla and Pinnaroo. A general rate in the dollar of $.007019 for all other rateable land in the district. By applying these differential rates to the valuations provided by the Valuer General as at 30 June 2014, the Council intends to raise $696,031 from the township rate as well as $2,382,994 from the rural rate This represents a 2.75% increase on the amounts raised last year. The Council has assessed the need for a differential rate based on the varying levels of service delivery and degrees of access to town services, such as waste management, footpaths, street lighting, recreation facilities and playgrounds

Land Use Land use is a factor to levy differential rates. If a ratepayer believes that a particular property has been wrongly classified by the Council as to its land use, then the ratepayer may object to that land use [ to the Council ] within 60 days of being notified. The objection must set out the basis for the objection and details of the land use that, in the opinion of the ratepayer, should be attributed to that property. The Council may then decide the objection as it sees fit and notify the ratepayer. A ratepayer also has the right to appeal against the Council’s decision to the Land and Valuation Court. Special Note It is important to note the lodgement of an objection does not change the due date for the payment of rates.



Minimum Rate A Council may impose a minimum rate, if it has not imposed a fixed charge, to ensure all Ratepayers contribute equitably towards the provision of basic services at a reasonable level. Where two or more adjoining properties have the same owner and are occupied by the same occupier, only one minimum rate is payable by the ratepayer. Where a Council imposes a minimum rate it must not apply to more than 35% of properties in the Council area. The Council has decided to impose a minimum rate of $515. Natural Resources Management [ NRM ] Levy The Southern Mallee District Council is within the area covered by the South Australian Murray Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board and is required under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 to fund the operations of the Board. The Council satisfies this obligation by imposing a separate rate against rateable properties within its area based on the Capital Value of rateable land. Within this Annual Business Plan, the revenue to be collected is $45,489, which is equivalent to a Rate in the Dollar of 0.000109 The Southern Mallee District Council is operating as a revenue collector for the South Australian Murray Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board in this regard. Revenue from this levy is not retained by the Council, nor does the Council determine how the revenue is to be invested and acquitted.



Service Charge As set out in Section 155 [2] of the Local Government Act 1999, the Council imposes an annual service charge on properties in Lameroo and Pinnaroo for the Community Wastewater Management Schemes to meet the operational and capital costs of the schemes. The cost of operating and maintaining the service for this financial year is forecast to be $266,066. The Council will recover this cost through an annual service charge of $572 per unit occupied land and $286 per unit vacant land per rateable assessment. Where the service is provided to non-rateable land, a service charge is levied against the land. State Seniors Card Ratepayer [Self Funded Retiree] This concession, introduced on 1st July 2001, is administered by Revenue SA. If you are a self-funded retiree and currently hold a State Seniors Card you may be eligible for a concession toward Council Rates. In the case of couples, if only one person holds a State Seniors Card, the other must be in less than 20 hours of paid employment per week. If you have not received a concession on your rates notice or would like further information please contact the Revenue SA Call Centre on 1300 366 150.



Pensioner Concessions If you are an eligible pensioner you may be entitled to a rebate on your rates. An eligible pensioner must hold a Pensioner Concession Card or State Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold Card (TPI, EDA, WW) or receive a Centrelink Allowance. You must also be responsible for the payment of rates on the property for which you are claiming a concession. Applications are administered by the State Government. Apply through the Department for Families and Communities (DFC) Concessions Hotline 1800 307 758 or at www.sa.gov.au/concessions and use the online forms. Payment of rates must not be withheld pending assessment of an application by the State Government as penalties apply to unpaid rates. A refund will be paid if Council is advised that a concession applies and the rates have already been paid. Postponement of Rates – Seniors Ratepayers who hold a State seniors card or who are eligible to hold a State Seniors card and have applied for one are able to apply to Council to postpone payment of rates on their principal place of residence. Postponed rates remain as a charge on the land and are not required to be repaid until the property is sold or disposed of. Interest, at the rate prescribed in the Local Government Act 1999, will be charged and compounded monthly on the total amount postponed, until the debt is paid.

http://www.sa.gov.au/concessions



Other Concessions Department for Families and Communities administers Council Rate concessions available to a range of eligible ratepayers receiving State and Commonwealth allowances. If you are a low income earner who meets the Departments threshold apply through the DFC Hotline 1800 307 758. For more information visit www.sa.gov.au/concessions Rebate of Rates The Local Government Act requires Councils to rebate the rates payable on some land. Specific provisions are made for land used for health services, community services, religious purposes, public cemeteries and educational institutions. Discretionary rebates may be applied by the Council under Section 166 of the Act. The Council has adopted the following policy in relation to the rebate of rates: ‘that during each financial year, Council waives rates levied on the Geranium Bowling Club, Pinnaroo Golf Club, the Parilla Bowling Club and the Lameroo St John Ambulance Centre’. The Council also provides a Rate Rebate for the 2014 2015 year pursuant to Division 5 of the Local Government Act 1999 to achieve the following; A maximum residential rate payable in townships of $1,617 [ 2013 2014 $1,574 ]. A maximum vacant unused land rate payable for the Parilla and Geranium townships of $233 [ 2013 2014 $227 ]. A maximum vacant unused land rate for the Lameroo and Pinnaroo townships of $334 [ 2013 2014 $325 ]. For all and any other vacant unused land the maximum rate payable is $117 [ 2013 2014 $114 ].

http://www.sa.gov.au/concessions



Sale of Land for Non-payment of Rates The Local Government Act 1999 [Section 184] provides that Council may sell any property where the rates have been in arrears for three years or more. The Council is required to provide the principal ratepayer and the owner [if not the same person] with details of the outstanding amounts and advise the owner of its intention to sell the land if payment of the outstanding amount is not received within one month. Subject to the Valuer Generals Valuations at 30 June 2014 and the adoption of the Annual Business Plan the Council proposes ; Payment of Rates Council rates are billed quarterly in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999. The instalment due dates are proposed to be Monday 8 September 2014, Monday 8 December 2014, Tuesday 10 March 2015 and Tuesday 9 June 2015. Council Rates may be paid by telephone, internet using the Bpay through participating banks, by mail to PO Box 49, Pinnaroo SA 5304 and or in person or by EFTPOS using a savings or cheque account and or a credit card. The due dates for payments are shown on the front of the rate notice. Ratepayers unable to pay their rates by the quarterly billing due dates may apply to the Council to arrange an alternative payment option in accordance with Chapter 10 of the Local Government Act 1999. Discount for Early Payment of Rates The Council will provide a discount of 5% only on their general rate to any ratepayer who pays their rates in full by Monday 8 September 2014.



Late Payment of Rates The Local Government Act provides that Councils impose a penalty of 2% on any payment for rates, whether instalment or otherwise, that is received late. A payment that continues to be late is then charged an interest rate, set each year according to a formula in the Act, for each month it continues to be late. The purpose of this penalty is to act as a genuine deterrent to ratepayers who might otherwise fail to pay their rates on time, to allow Councils to recover the administrative cost of following up unpaid rates and to cover any interest cost the Council may meet because it has not received the rates on time. The Council imposes late payment penalties strictly in accordance with the Local Government Act. The Council has adopted the following policies in respect of due dates and unpaid rates: Payments received in the mail on the day after the last day nominated by the Council to pay any debt to the Council will be treated as being received on the last day nominated to pay any debt provided that the requirements of the requirements of the Interpretation Act are also considered where the last day to pay falls on a Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday or Grace Day granted to employees by the Council, resulting from the Council’s offices being closed.

The Council imposes late payment penalties strictly in accordance with the Local Government Act. The Council has adopted the following policies in respect of due dates and unpaid rates:

That Council do not remit fines raised on outstanding rates, unless for exceptional circumstances that may include circumstances as death, medical and health conditions.

When the Council receives a payment in respect of overdue rates the Council applies the money received as follows:

Firstly, to satisfy any costs awarded in connection with court proceedings, and Secondly, to satisfy any interest costs, and Thirdly, in payment of any fines imposed, and Fourthly, in payment of rates, in date order of their imposition, starting with the oldest account first.


Financial Statements

2014 2015 Annual Financial Statements

Appendix A


Regional Subsidiary Reports

Murray Mallee Local Government Association Annual Report 2014 / 2015

Appendix B


Regional Subsidiary Reports

Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme Annual Report 2014 / 2015

Appendix C