council contact information · 2015-06-27 · annual report 2012 – 2013 glen innes severn council...

ANNUAL REPORT 2012 – 2013

GLEN INNES SEVERN COUNCIL

Glen Innes Severn Council Annual Report 2012-13

COUNCIL CONTACT INFORMATION

Council Offices: Phone (02) 6730 2300

Grey Street Administration Office 265 Grey Street, Glen Innes Office Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Health, Building and Infrastructure Office 136 Church Street, Glen Innes Office Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Written Communication: The General Manager

Glen Innes Severn Council PO Box 61 GLEN INNES NSW 2370

Electronic Communication: [email protected] Facsimile: (02) 6732 3764 Website: www.gisc.nsw.gov.au

Picture above: King Edward Park

Front Cover photo by Paul Maughan

http://www.gisc.nsw.gov.au/


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Message from the Mayor ................................................................................ 7

2. General Manager’s Overview ......................................................................... 9

3. Elected Representatives .............................................................................. 11

3.1 Councillor Contact Information ................................................................. 11

3.2 Delegates to Committees and Other Bodies............................................. 13

4. Council Structure .......................................................................................... 17

4.1 Council ..................................................................................................... 17

4.2 Councillors ................................................................................................ 17

4.3 Mayor ....................................................................................................... 18

4.4 General Manager ...................................................................................... 18

4.5 Council Staff ............................................................................................. 19

4.6 Division of Staff Responsibility .................................................................. 19

4.7 Staff Positions Approved by Council ......................................................... 19

5. Council’s Organisational Structure ............................................................. 26

6. Strategic Direction and Objectives .............................................................. 27

7. Mission Statement ........................................................................................ 30

8. Glen Innes Severn Council Charter ............................................................. 30

9. Regional information .................................................................................... 31

9.1 Map (Local Government Area) ................................................................. 31

9.2 Profile ....................................................................................................... 32

9.3 Statistics at a Glance ................................................................................ 33

10. Highlights of the Year ................................................................................... 34

10.1 Capital Works Projects ....................................................................... 34

10.2 Events and Venues ............................................................................ 38

10.3 Australia Day 2013 ............................................................................. 41

10.4 Environment, Planning and Economic Development ......................... 41

10.5 Citizenship Ceremonies ..................................................................... 42

10.6 Financial and Performance Highlights ................................................ 42

10.7 Glen Innes Aggregates ....................................................................... 43

11. Audited Financial Statements - Section 428(2)(a) ...................................... 47

12. Performance of Principal Activities - Section 428(2)(b) ............................. 47

13. State of the Environment Report - Section 428(2)(c) ................................. 47

14. Condition of Public Works - Section 428(2)(d) ........................................... 48


15. Legal Proceedings Taken By or Against the Council - Section 428(2)(e) 51

16. Mayoral and Councillor Fees - Section 428(2)(f) ........................................ 52

17. Senior Staff Remuneration - Section 428(2)(g) ........................................... 52

18. Major Contracts Awarded - Section 428(2)(h)............................................. 53

19. Bush Fire Hazard Reduction Activities - Section 428(2)(i) ........................ 54

20. Multicultural Services - Section 428(2)(j) .................................................... 55

21. Work Carried Out On Private Land - Section 428(2)(k) .............................. 55

22. Contributions Granted Under Section 356 - Section 428(2)(l) ................... 56

23. Human Resource Activities - Section 428(2)(m) ......................................... 57

23.1 Staff Profile / Workforce Planning ...................................................... 57

23.2 Staff Consultative Committee ............................................................. 58

23.3 Recruitment and Selection ................................................................. 59

23.4 Position Descriptions .......................................................................... 59

23.5 Employee Remuneration and Job Evaluation .................................... 59

23.6 Enterprise Bargaining ......................................................................... 59

23.7 Equal Employment Opportunity .......................................................... 59

23.8 Staff Development and Training ......................................................... 60

23.9 Grievance Management ..................................................................... 61

23.10 Work Health and Safety (WHS) .......................................................... 61

23.11 Secondary Employment ..................................................................... 62

23.12 Exit of Staff ......................................................................................... 62

24. Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan - Section 428(2)(n) ... 63

25. External Bodies that Exercised Functions Delegated by Council - Section

428(2)(o) ......................................................................................................... 64

26. Companies in which Council held a Controlling Interest - Section

428(2)(p) ......................................................................................................... 64

27. Partnerships, Co-operatives and Joint Ventures - Section 428(2)(q) ....... 64

28. Other Information as the Regulations Require - Section 428(2)(r) ........... 65

28.1 Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 – Clause 217 ............. 65

28.2 Access and Equity Activities to Meet Residents’ Needs ..................... 65

28.3 Other .................................................................................................. 68

28.4 Rates and Charges Written Off – Clause 132 .................................... 71

28.5 Code of Conduct ................................................................................ 72

28.6 Carer’s (Recognition) Act 2010 .......................................................... 72


29. Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 ................................... 73

29.1 Background ........................................................................................ 73

29.2 Review of proactive release program ................................................. 73

29.3 Number of access applications received ............................................ 74

29.4 Number of refused applications for Schedule 1 information ............... 74

29.5 Statistical information about access applications ............................... 75

30. Section 33 (3) Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 .... 78

31. Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 ..................................... 79

31.1 Planning Agreements ......................................................................... 79

31.2 Programs Undertaken to Preserve, Protect, Restore and Enhance the Environment ....................................................................................... 79

32. Annexures ..................................................................................................... 80

A – Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2013; ............. 80

B – Report on the 4 Year Delivery Program and 2012/13 Operational Plan; .. 80

C – Glen Innes Severn Council – 2009-13 State of the Environment Comprehensive Report; ..................................................................... 80


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1. MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

The Annual Report summarises the key activities and financial statements of Council for the 2012-13 financial year. 2012-13 has again been a busy and significant year for Council and the community. Council is involved in many activities including engineering services, planning, economic development activities and community services, and continues to competently provide these services to our community. Council continues to follow and refine its Ten Year Community Strategic Plan. We have completed our first year

of the new four (4) year Delivery Plan (designed to mesh with the four (4) year election cycle).

Council continues to practice prudential financial management, in a very difficult operating environment. Council is expected to provide many and varied services to the community with insufficient funds to ensure that assets are fully maintained and services fully supplied. Council exercises discipline in the development and expenditure of budgets. After provision of restricted reserves, Council has tried to balance its cash accounts, but overall makes an operating loss. The net operating loss is a result of unfunded depreciation. This is demonstrated in the road and bridge network that is deteriorating over time. The unaudited financial statements reveal Council’s total income of $23.865 million, total expenses of $24.728 million (including depreciation and amortisation of $4.880 million), and total operating result of $863,000 (deficit).

Nett Assets of $242.155 million;

Total Cash and investments of $13.686 million;

Total loans of $12.979 million with a Debt Service Ratio of 7.80%;

The unrestricted Current Ratio is an improving 4.52: 1.00. Council continues to implement a tight debt recovery process to ensure that rates and other charges are paid within a reasonable time. Council’s outstanding unpaid rates and charges are now down to 3.82%, which is still a significant amount outstanding of $353,000. The Local Environmental Plan (LEP) was adopted during the year. This replaces the outdated Glen Innes Municipal and Severn Shire Council LEPs, leading to clarification and simplification for staff and the community.


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The development of off-stream water storage using the Glen Innes Aggregates Quarry has continued. The southern pit has been shaped and filled to 80% capacity. A Business Plan has been developed for the ongoing quarry business by Ecoroc Pty Ltd, a specialist mining and business consultancy. Our former Director of Corporate and Community Services, Ms Lotta Jackson, was appointed as General Manager of Tenterfield Shire Council; this recognises her skills and ability. Her position has been filled by Ms Anna Watt, a Chartered Accountant and Commerce graduate with a background in private enterprise. She brings new skills and a different perspective to the role. I also note particularly the dedication and knowledge of Council’s Manager of Finance, Mr Eric Brown, in producing the Financial Statements. I commend the commitment of my fellow Councillors and acknowledge the high quality of the work of General Manager, Hein Basson and the three Directors: Vanessa Menzie, Graham Price and Anna Watt. Cr Colin Price Mayor


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2. GENERAL MANAGER’S OVERVIEW

The Glen Innes Severn Council has experienced a period of stability over the previous two (2) election terms. Minimum changes in the elected representatives have occurred during this period of time. The September 2012 elections have resulted in three (3) new Councillors being elected – two (2) with experience as former Councillors of the former Glen Innes Municipal Council. A newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor, together with three (3) new Councillors, have resulted in changed dynamics. The Mayor, Cr Colin Price, has provided the Council with

strong leadership during a period where NSW Local Councils are experiencing a hectic and difficult time.

The implementation of the NSW Division of Local Government’s “Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework”, especially the development of Asset Management Plans, in conjunction with the NSW Treasury Corporation’s (TCorp) independent assessment of each individual Council’s financial sustainability, have driven the message home for the Local Government sector that drastic changes need to be made – in order for Local Councils to serve their communities well into the future. The Independent Local Government Review Panel’s “Futures Directions for NSW Local Government: Twenty Essential Steps Document (April 2013)” has further ruffled the feathers of Local Councils, as proposals for the future amalgamation of a significant number of Councils were made. In this regard, it was proposed for the Glen Innes Severn and Tenterfield Shire Councils to be merged in 2020, if they were unable to demonstrate their individual financial sustainability by that time. The above demonstrates that it is indeed a difficult time for elected representatives; they are confronted with difficult and complex financial scenarios to work through and must make tough decisions. It will be a testing time for Councillors to demonstrate their required due diligence; making hard decisions not only for the present but also in the best interest of our community’s future. This duty of care requirement is something that is not easily understood by community members, who just want their Councillors to do what they desire. However, it is pleasing to be able to confirm that Council has made some good progress in this regard. Council is busy developing an approach of focussing on its core functions, and questioning its involvement in all of its current 70-plus functions. Council has identified a number of buildings/properties that unnecessarily add to Council’s depreciation cost, and will divest itself of these.


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After consideration of the above-mentioned TCorp assessment report, Council adopted a resolution to aim to achieve an operating surplus within the next three (3) years. Council has implemented an additional drainage charge to supplement its existing revenue, and has further adopted a resolution to investigate increasing its current revenue through a Special Rates Variation. As highlighted in the Message from the Mayor, Council’s financial ratios are good, but Council will have to work hard to get its infrastructure ratios up to the benchmarks set by TCorp. Council’s re-affirmed (by the newly elected Councillors) set of RICH values are as pertinent as ever. The hard decisions necessary for this Local Council to demonstrate its long term financial sustainability need COURAGE; from both the management team to make courageous recommendations to Council – without fear or favour – as well as from the elected representatives to adopt resolutions that will probably not be popular in the short term, but will be in the best interest of the community’s longer term survival as an autonomous entity. In order to achieve this visionary objective, Council officials will need to be HONEST with themselves and ratepayers, whist maintaining the necessary RESPECT for each other. "If everyone were clothed with INTEGRITY, if every heart were just, frank, kindly, the other virtues would be well-nigh useless." Moliere [Jean Baptiste Poquelin] Tartuffe, V, i (1622-1673) (emphasis added). I express my thanks and appreciation to Manex members and all other staff for their continued commitment and loyalty to this community that we all serve. To the Mayor and his team of elected representatives, I pledge to you the continuing, unequivocal support of the management team.

Hein Basson General Manager


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3. ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES

3.1 Councillor Contact Information

Cr Colin Price (Mayor)

Cr Colin Price (Mayor) 311 Pitlochry Road GLEN INNES NSW 2370 Telephone: (02) 6733 6777 Mayor Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cr Graeme Quinn (Deputy Mayor)

Cr Graeme Quinn (Deputy Mayor) 3 O’Halloran Avenue GLEN INNES NSW 2370 Telephone: 0418 268 256 Email: [email protected]

Cr James Graham

Cr James Graham 135 Hunter Street GLEN INNES NSW 2370 Telephone: (02) 6732 3167 Mobile: 0427 323 167 Email: [email protected]

Cr Dianne Newman

Cr Dianne Newman 173 Whitmore Road GLEN INNES NSW 2370 Telephone: (02) 6732 1950 Mobile: 0427 721 950 Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]






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Cr Andrew Parsons

Cr Andrew Parsons PO Box 143 GLEN INNES NSW 2370 Telephone: (02) 6732 5504 Mobile: 0427 325 504 Email: [email protected]

Cr Michael Scherf

Cr Michael Scherf “Little Ben” 3273 Emmaville Road EMMAVILLE NSW 2371 Telephone: 0427 347 159 Email: [email protected]

Cr Malcolm Schumacher

Cr Malcolm Schumacher 32 O’Donnell Street EMMAVILLE NSW 2371 Phone: (02) 6734 7361 Mobile: 0427 657 797 Email: [email protected]





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3.2 Delegates to Committees and Other Bodies

Sect 355 () Role Name of Committee Council Representatives

Strategic Priority

Strategic Objective

a Council exercises its functions through all means

By the council by means of the councillors or employees, by its agents or contractors, by financial provision, by the provision of goods, equipment, services, amenities or facilities or by any other means

Councillor / Staff Committees of Council

b Governance Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework Committee

All Councillors, GM, all Directors. H 1-10

b Governance Significant Development Proposals Committee GM, Mayor, Dep Mayor, DDRSS, DIS. H 6,8

b Governance Code of Conduct Review Committee Gerry Holmes and/or David Clark and/or Garry Byrne. BBBBByrneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeBByrneByrne.

H 2

b Governance General Manager Recruitment Committee All Councillors invited. H 1-10

b Governance General Manager’s Appraisal Committee Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor on 12-month rotation, currently Cr Schumacher.

H 1-10

b Governance Annual Donations Review Committee Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor on 12-month rotation, currently Cr Parsons, DCCS. Meets in August each year.

H 7,8

b Asset Mgt Glen Innes Saleyard Management Committee Crs Scherf, Schumacher, Price, Quinn, DDRSS, Saleyard Manager.

H 7,8

Community Committees of Council

c Advisory Open Spaces Committee Mayor, 3 Councillor nominees: Cr Schumacher, Cr Newman, Cr Graham (with Cr Parsons as alternate), DIS, ROSC.

M 6,8

c Advisory Rural and Urban Roads Committee Mayor, all Councillors GM, DIS, MTS, MID, Infrastructure Staff nominated by DIS.

H 3

c Advisory Australian Standing Stones Management Board Mayor, DDRSS. L 8

c Advisory Aboriginal Consultative Committee Mayor, Cr Parsons, DCCS, Case Manager(s). H 8

c Advisory Community Access Committee Cr Price, Cr Quinn, DIS or delegate, MCS. M 8

c Advisory Library Committee (Managed under Section 11 of the Libraries Act)

Cr Scherf (with Cr Price as alternate), MLLC. H 8

C Advisory Glen Innes/Severn Youth Group 2 Councillor nominees: Cr Schumacher, Cr Graham, MCS.

M 8


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Strategic Priority

Strategic Objective

c Asset Mgt Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre Management Committee

Mayor, DCCS, MLLC, GM. H 8

c Asset Mgt Emmaville Mining Museum Committee Cr Scherf, DCCS. M 9

c Asset Mgt Dundee Reserve Trust Committee (Looks after hall and sports grounds)

Cr Scherf. L 9

c Asset Mgt Emmaville War Memorial Hall Committee Cr Schumacher, MCS and/or MLLC. L 9

c Asset Mgt Glen Elgin Federation Sports Committee (Looks after halls and sports grounds)

Cr Newman (with Cr Price as alternate). L 9

c Asset Mgt Pinkett Recreation Reserve Management Committee (Looks after hall and sports grounds)

Cr Newman (with Cr Scherf as alternate). L 9

c Asset Mgt Stonehenge Recreation Reserve Trust Committee Cr Price. L 9

c Asset Mgt Glen Innes Severn Cemetery Committee (Incorporating the Glen Innes Cemetery Trust, Deepwater, Dundee, Emmaville and Glencoe Cemetery Committees)

Cr Price, ROSC. L 9

c Asset Mgmt Glencoe Hall Committee Cr Quinn, Administrative Services Coordinator (ASC). L 9

c Event Mgt Australian Celtic Festival Committee Cr Quinn, MTE. H 6,8,9

c Event Mgt Minerama Committee Cr Schumacher, MTE. M 8,9

c Event Mgt Australia Day Committee Cr Schumacher, Cr Graham, PA (GM). H 8,9

c Event Mgt Glen Innes & District Sports Council Cr Parsons, ROSC, GM, DIS. M 9

c Governance Glen Innes Regional Community Consultative Committee

DCCS and/or delegate. H 8

Groups of Councils

d Advisory Fossickers Way Promotion Committee MTE. L 9

d Advisory New England Local Government Group (NELG) Mayor, Dep Mayor, GM. M 10

d Advisory Northern Inland Regional Waste Group (NIRW) DIS. M 4

d Advisory Shires Association: B Division Mayor, Deputy Mayor, GM. M 10

Delegate of the Council

e Asset Mgt North West Weight of Loads Committee Cr Scherf, DIS. M 9

e Advisory Joint Regional Planning Panel Cr Price, Cr Scherf. 6


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Strategic Priority

Strategic Objective

Community Committees NOT Committees of Council

Not Community Services Interagency Committee Cr Newman, DCCS, MCS and/or delegate. H 8

Not Deepwater Progress Association Cr Price (with Cr Scherf as alternate). L 9

Not Glen Innes and District Community Centre Inc. Cr Parsons, DCCS, MCS. M 9

Not Glen Innes Severn Tourist Association Inc. Cr Scherf (with Cr Graham as alternate), MTE. M 9

Not Glen Innes Showground Trust Inc. Cr Price. M 9

Not Local Traffic Committee Mayor, Cr Scherf (observer from Weights and Loads Committee), Cr Schumacher (alternate to the Mayor), DIS, DDRSS, PO as required.

H 3

Not Community Safety Precinct Committee Mayor. M 9

Not

Tenterfield, Glen Innes Severn and Inverell Bush Fire Management Committee

Cr Scherf, DIS, PO and /or delegate. M 9

Not Tourism New England North West Inc. MTE. H 9

Not Local Emergency Management Committee DIS, MTS. M 9

Not Glen Innes Correctional Centre Community Committee

Cr Quinn (with Cr Scherf as alternate). L 9

Not Glen Innes Local Health Advisory Committee Cr Price. M 9

Not

Vegetable Creek (Emmaville) Local Health Advisory Committee

Cr Schumacher. M 9

Not GLENRAC Cr Price (with Cr Scherf as alternate), DDRSS and/or delegate.

M 4,9

Not Arts North-West Cr Quinn as observer, DCCS. L 9

Not

Granite Borders Landcare Committee Incorporated

Cr Scherf. L 9


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Section 355: A function of a council may be exercised:

355() Wording in the LG Act Interpretation

a S.355 (a) by the council by means of the councillors or employees, by its agents or contractors, by financial provision, by the provision of

goods, equipment, services, amenities or facilities or by any other means.

b S.355(b) by a committee of the council, or S.355(b) Council Committee, Councillors only, or Councillors and staff

Committee.

c S.355(c) partly or jointly by the council and another

person or persons, or S.355(c) Community Committees of Council includes other persons.

d S.355(d) jointly by the council and another council or

councils, or

S.355(d) Regional Group of Councils.

e S.355(e) by a delegate of the council S.355(e) Delegate of the council could be a Voluntary Regional Organisation of

Councils acting on Council’s behalf.

Not Not a Committee of Council, but does have Councillor representation

Strategic Objectives

GM General Manager Employer of Choice 1

DCCS Director Corporate and Community Services One Council Culture 2

DDRSS Director of Development, Regulatory and Sustainability Services

Road Management 3

DIS Director of Infrastructure Services Climate Change 4

MTS Manager of Technical Services

MID Manager of Infrastructure Delivery

PO Planning Officer Integrated Water Cycle Management 5

PA Personal Assistant Land Use and Economic Development 6

MLLC Manager of Library/Learning Centre Financial Management 7

MCS Manager of Community Services Quality of Life and Well-being 8

MTE Manager of Economic Development and Tourism Communication 9

ROSC Recreation and Open Spaces Coordinator Community Leadership 10

Strategic Priority Committee Categories

H High Advisory (delegates exempt from pecuniary interest provisions, but not non-

pecuniary).

M Medium Asset Management

L Low Governance

Event Management


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4. COUNCIL STRUCTURE

4.1 Council

Council comprises of community members who are elected for a four (4) year term. The Local Government Act 1993 states that a council has the following charter:

to provide directly or on behalf of other levels of government, after due consultation, adequate, equitable and appropriate services and facilities for the community and to ensure that those services and facilities are managed efficiently and effectively;

to exercise community leadership;

to exercise its functions in a manner that is consistent with and actively promotes the principles of multiculturalism;

to promote and to provide and plan for the needs of children;

to properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment of the area for which it is responsible, in a manner that is consistent with and promotes the principles of ecologically sustainable development;

to have regard to the long term and cumulative effects of its decisions;

to bear in mind that it is the custodian and trustee of public assets and to effectively account for and manage the assets for which it is responsible;

to facilitate the involvement of councillors, members of the public, users of facilities and services and council staff in the development, improvement and co-ordination of local government;

to raise funds for local purposes by the fair imposition of rates, charges and fees, by income earned from investments and, when appropriate, by borrowings and grants;

to keep the local community and the State Government (and through it, the wider community) informed about its activities;

to ensure that, in the exercise of its regulatory functions, it acts consistently and without bias, particularly where an activity of the council is affected; and

to be a responsible employer.

4.2 Councillors

The Local Government Act 1993 divides the role of the Councillors into two (2) broad categories: 1. As a Member of the Governing Body of the Council to:

direct and control the affairs of the Council in accordance with the Act;

allocate the Council’s resources in the optimum way to benefit the area;


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play a key role in the creation and review of the Council’s policies and objectives and criteria relating to the exercise of the Council’s regulatory functions;

review the performance of the Council and its delivery of services, and the management plans and revenue policies of the Council.

2. As an Elected person to:

represent the interests of residents and ratepayers;

provide leadership and guidance to the community;

facilitate communication between the community and the Council.

4.3 Mayor

The Councillors elect the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor annually. The Local Government Act 1993 states that the role of the Mayor is to:

exercise, in cases of necessity, the policy-making functions of the governing body of the council between meetings of the council;

exercise such other functions of the council as the council determines;

preside at meetings of the council;

carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the mayoral office.

4.4 General Manager

The General Manager is the most senior employee of a Council, and is the only member of staff selected and appointed by Councillors. The General Manager is appointed on a renewable, fixed term, performance-based contract for a maximum of five (5) years. Under the Act, the General Manager’s responsibilities include:

efficient and effective operation of the Council organisation and day-to-day management. This includes ensuring Council decisions and policies are implemented;

appointing, directing and dismissing staff in accordance with an organisation structure and resources approved by the Council;

implementing the Council’s equal employment opportunity Management Plan;

exercising other functions as delegated by the Council. The General Manager may, in turn, delegate functions to other staff.


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4.5 Council Staff

Council employs staff such as town planners, engineers, building surveyors, librarians, environmental officers, rangers, administration staff, community services program coordinators, case managers, direct service workers and child care workers. They carry out the day-to-day operations of the Council, and implement Council policies and other decisions, as directed by the General Manager.

4.6 Division of Staff Responsibility

The General Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Council’s organisation and for ensuring the implementation, without undue delay, of the decisions of Council.

The General Manager leads a Staff Management Executive Committee, called the Manex Committee, consisting of the Department Heads (Directors), each with the power to co-opt other staff as and when felt necessary. This corporate management structure aims to ensure policies and decisions formulated by Council are implemented in a co-ordinated, efficient and effective manner.

Council has delegated authority to the General Manager, and the General Manager to several other staff, to carry out certain functions as a means of facilitating administration and operations.

4.7 Staff Positions Approved by Council

Permanent Staff Positions Approved by Council at 30 June 2013

POSITION Full-time/ Part-time

Hours (pw) Total FTE Positions

General Manager FT 35.00 1.00

CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Director of Corporate and Community Services FT 35.00 1.00

Manager of Risk and Compliance FT 35.00 1.00

Executive Assistant FT 35.00 1.00

Communications / Media Officer PT 21.00 0.60

Administration and Human Resources

Manager Administration and Human Resources FT 35.00

5.66

Records Supervisor FT 35.00

Work Health and Safety Coordinator FT 35.00

Payroll Officer FT 35.00

Administration Officer PT 30.00

Human Resources Officer PT 28.00


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Finance

Manager of Finance FT 35.00

7.00

Financial Accountant FT 35.00

Rates Officer FT 35.00

Debtors Officer FT 35.00

Creditors Officer FT 35.00

Finance Officer FT 35.00

Customer Service Officer FT 35.00

Library and Learning Centre

Manager Library and Learning Centre FT 35.00 5.00

Library Technician FT 35.00

Library Assistant FT 35.00



Community Services

Manager of Community Services FT 35.00 1.00

Youth Services

Youth Worker PT 21.00 0.55

Children and Family Services

Team Leader Children and Family Services FT 35.00

2.90

Early Intervention Teacher PT 28.00

Educator Assistant (OOSHC) PT 21.00

Educator Assistant (Family Programs) PT 21.00

Brokered and Packaged Care

Team Leader FT 35.00

Administration Officer FT 35.00

Case Management Supervisor FT 35.00

Direct Support Services Supervisor FT 35.00

Case Manager FT 35.00



Aboriginal Case Manager FT 35.00

Aboriginal Case Manager FT 35.00

Case Manager (Yetman) FT 35.00

Intake Coordinator FT 35.00

Maintenance Worker (A and D Services) FT 38.00


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Direct Support Worker PT 20.00

16.83










Generalist Support Worker (Yetman) PT 3.50

Aged and Disability Direct Care

Team Leader FT 35.00

12.45


Respite Services Supervisor FT 35.00

Home and Community Care Coordinator FT 35.00

Carer Support Coordinator FT 35.00

Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator FT 35.00

Disability Services Coordinator FT 35.00

Aboriginal HACC Access Worker FT 35.00

Generalist Support Worker FT 38.00

Generalist Support Worker FT 38.00

Aboriginal HACC Access Worker PT 27.00

Generalist Support Worker PT 21.00

Generalist Support Worker Assistant PT 14.00

Day Care Assistant (Food Services) PT 31.00

DEVELOPMENT, REGULATORY AND SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES

Director of Development, Regulatory and Sustainability Services FT 35.00 1.00

Personal Assistant PT 28.00 0.80

Administration Officer (Job Share) FT 35.00 1.00

Tourism and Events

Manager of Tourism and Events FT 35.00 2.60

Tourist Assistant FT 35.00

Administration Assistant (Celtic Festival) PT 21.00


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Planning, Environment and Regulatory Services

Manager Regulatory and Planning Services FT 35.00

4.60

Building and Development Officer FT 35.00

Town Planner PT 21.00

Ranger FT 38.00

Ranger FT 38.00

Saleyards

Saleyards Manager FT 38.00

1.18 Saleyards Scale Room Operator PT 7.00

Integrated Water and Sustainability Services

Manager of Integrated Water and Sustainability Services FT 35.00

10.00

Coordinator of Integrated Water Services FT 38.00

Water and Wastewater Plant Operator FT 38.00



Integrated Water Services Field Operator FT 38.00



Trainee Environmental Officer FT 35.00

Noxious Weeds Officer FT 38.00

INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

Director of Infrastructure Services FT 35.00

2.00 Personal Assistant FT 35.00

Technical Services

Manager of Technical Services FT 35.00

3.84

Asset Coordinator FT 35.00

Asset Officer FT 35.00

Technical Officer PT 29.25

Design Services

Senior Design Officer FT 35.00 2.00 Design Officer FT 35.00

Aerodrome

Aerodrome Officer FT 38.00 1.00


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Purchasing and Stores

Storekeeper FT 38.00 2.00 Purchasing and Supply Officer FT 38.00

Plant and Fleet

Plant and Fleet Coordinator FT 38.00

6.00

Mechanic FT 38.00

Mechanic FT 38.00

Mechanic PT 19.00

Mechanic PT 19.00

Tradesperson / Welder FT 38.00

Tradesperson / Welder FT 38.00

Waste Management

Landfill Attendant (Glen Innes) PT 20.00 1.69

Landfill Attendant (Glen Innes) PT 20.00

Landfill Attendant (Emmaville) PT 8.00

Landfill Attendant (Deepwater) PT 8.00

Landfill Attendant (Red Range) PT 8.00

Glen Innes Aggregates

Quarry Manager FT 38.00

7.0

Quarry Production Coordinator FT 38.00


Quarry Crusher Operator FT 38.00

Dump Truck Driver FT 38.00

Delivery Truck Driver FT 38.00

Tipping Truck Driver FT 38.00

Recreation and Open Spaces

Recreation and Open Spaces Coordinator FT 38.00

Aquatics Centre Coordinator FT 38.00

Pool Superintendent (Emmaville) FT 38.00

Parks Team Leader FT 38.00

Parks Team Leader FT 38.00

Parks Assistant (Unqualified) FT 38.00



Cleaner (Community Services) FT 38.00

Cleaner (Town Hall and VIC) PT 29.00


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Cleaner (Public Amenities and Saleyards) PT 25.50 10.90

Cleaner (Church Street Administration) PT 8.75

Cleaners (Villages) (3) PT 9.00

Infrastructure Delivery

Manager of Infrastructure Delivery FT 38.00

32.00

Maintenance Coordinator FT 38.00

Roadwork Team Leader FT 38.00

Trucks Team Leader FT 38.00

Construction Coordinator FT 38.00

Bridges Team Leader FT 38.00

Routine Patrol Team Leader FT 38.00

Concrete Team Leader FT 38.00

Skilled Construction Worker (Bridges) FT 38.00

Skilled Construction Worker (Concrete) FT 38.00

Maintenance Operator (Grader) FT 38.00



Plant Operator (Backhoe/Loader) FT 38.00

Plant Operator (Backhoe/Loader) FT 38.00

Plant Operator (Front End Loader) FT 38.00

Plant Operator (Front End Loader) FT 38.00

Plant Operator (Skid Steer Loader) FT 38.00

Plant Operator (Excavator) FT 38.00

Plant Operator (Dozer) FT 38.00

Plant Operator (Roller) FT 38.00

Plant Operator (Tractor / Mower) FT 38.00

Plant Operator FT 38.00

Truck Driver FT 38.00

Truck Driver / Plant Operator (Jetpatcher) FT 38.00

Low Loader Driver FT 38.00

Water Truck Driver FT 38.00

Skilled Construction Worker (maintenance) FT 38.00

Skilled Construction Worker (Roads and Drainage) FT 38.00

Skilled Construction Worker (Roads and Drainage) FT 38.00

Skilled Construction Worker (maintenance) FT 38.00


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Total Positions Approved at 30 June 2013 (Excluding Casual Positions) 166.00

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) 145.60


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5. COUNCIL’S ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

.


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6. STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND OBJECTIVES

In February 2013, the newly elected Council, together with the Senior Management Team who in turn has liaised with their teams, participated in a strategic planning workshop facilitated by an independent consultant, in order to review and develop the strategic direction for Council over the next four (4) years. During the two (2) day workshop, modifications were made to Council’s Vision Statement, along with Council’s Ten Year Community Strategic Plan and associated Delivery Plan being updated. The Vision was revised as follows: “To lead a confident, welcoming and progressive community that values its health, heritage and environment” to reflect the community’s current focus. Council’s Slogan and Mission were unchanged, as they still strongly reflect the community’s current direction. Slogan “Embracing change, building on history”.

Mission To be a responsible, effective, and efficient Council that advocates, facilitates and provides for the wellbeing of our community and area.

Values:

Respect;

Integrity;

Courage;

Honesty.

In addition to serving the community through the delivery of its various operational activities, and fulfilling its compliance and statutory obligations, Glen Innes Severn Council has identified the following Strategic Outcomes and Priorities:

SSttrraatteeggiicc OOuuttccoommeess Prospering Community

We are a prospering community where jobs are created, industry and commercial ventures are encouraged.

We are a learning community of sustainable growth and accessible communication.


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Community Living

We are a caring, and inclusive community with excellent health services; sport and recreation facilities; cultural facilities and amenities.

Environmental Stewardship

The community of Glen Innes Severn cares for the environment so we have a green and sustainable environment with a reliable water supply that supports our growth aspirations.

Governance and Civic Leadership

There is trust between the Council and the community.

SSttrraatteeggiicc PPrriioorriittiieess 1. Employer of Choice

Become an employer of choice by growing Council’s capacity to deliver existing and future activities and functions.

2. One Council Culture Continue to build a “one-Council” culture across all worksite locations to improve organisational efficiency and service delivery to our community.

3. Road Management Continue the review of our existing road network, and plan for the future in order to maximise use of available funding for the maintenance of this infrastructure.

4. Climate Change Monitor emerging climate change trends that may shape our long term planning.

5. Integrated Water Cycle Management Engage our community in the development of an integrated water cycle management strategy.

6. Land use and Economic Development Engage our Community in integrated planning incorporating land use, economic development infrastructure and social policy that reflect and retain the character of our natural and built environment.

7. Financial Management Continue to improve financial management and accountability.

8. Quality of Life and Well-being Continue to build quality of life and well-being by: Attracting external funding to foster community services expansion; Fostering a healthy, vibrant and learning community; and Recognising and respecting our cultural heritage, including our Aboriginal community.

9. Communicate Continue to improve our open communication with the community.


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10. Community Leadership Glen Innes Severn Councillors provide community leadership by being aware of and appropriately responding to broader community issues of a more political nature.

The above key priorities (except Community Leadership) are driving the activities within each of Council’s three (3) departments, being Corporate and Community Services, Development, Regulatory and Sustainability Services and Infrastructure Services.

SSttrraatteeggiicc FFiinnaanncciiaall OObbjjeeccttiivveess

1. To achieve a realistic and achievable budgeted cash surplus each financial year

to maintain an unrestricted current ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00, thereby ensuring access to adequate working funds on a continual basis.

2. To ensure that a realistic and defendable percentage of Council’s rural rates revenue is expended on rural roads.

3. To maintain sufficient funds to meet known financial commitments beyond the current financial year, and to renew or acquire new capital infrastructure assets in line with Council's future Asset Management Plans for its various infrastructure assets.

4. To continually assess all expenditure to ensure consistency with Council's newly developed and adopted strategic objectives.

5. To continually review all operating expenditure and improve efficiency in service delivery where possible.

6. To concentrate expenditure upon capital renewal, rather than creating new assets; this will increase Council's maintenance budget into the future.

7. To reduce Council-owned assets which do not sit comfortably with Council's adopted strategic objectives, and place an unnecessary ongoing maintenance burden on Council.

8. To implement user-pay principles on service provision and assets, excluding known and Council-approved community service obligations.

9. To maximise returns on Council's investments, without increasing Council's investment risk above acceptable levels.

10. To attract and maximise government grants and subsidies as external funding sources for Council services.


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7. MISSION STATEMENT

To be a responsible, effective, and efficient Council that advocates, facilitates and provides for the wellbeing of our community and area.* *In accordance with Section 8 of the Local Government Act 1993, (The Council’s Charter).

8. GLEN INNES SEVERN COUNCIL CHARTER

To provide directly or on behalf of other levels of government, after due consultation, adequate, equitable and appropriate services and facilities for the community, and to ensure that those services and facilities are managed efficiently and effectively.

To exercise community leadership.

To exercise its functions with due regard to the cultural and linguistic diversity of its community.

To promote and to provide and plan for the needs of children.

To properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment of the area for which it is responsible.

To have regard to the long term and cumulative effects of its decisions.

To bear in mind that it is the custodian and trustee of public assets, and to effectively account for and manage the assets for which it is responsible.

To facilitate the involvement of Councillors, members of the public, users of facilities and services and Council staff in the development, improvement and coordination of Local Government.

To raise funds for local purposes by the fair imposition of rates, charges and fees, by income earned from investments and, when appropriate, by borrowings and grants.

To keep the local community and the State Government (and through it, the wider community) informed about its activities.

To ensure that, in the exercise of its regulatory functions, it acts consistently and without bias, particularly where an activity of the Council is affected.

To be a responsible employer.


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9. REGIONAL INFORMATION

9.1 Map (Local Government Area)


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9.2 Profile

Population: Glen Innes Severn 8,656.

Location: Approximately four (4) hours from Brisbane and seven (7) hours from Sydney, on the intersection of the New England and Gwydir Highways.

Altitude: 1,062 metres.

Rainfall average: 857 millimetres annually.

Temperatures: Summer - minimum 12.5 degrees Celsius, maximum 26 degrees Celsius.

Winter - minimum one (1) degrees Celsius, maximum 13.5 degrees Celsius.

Industries: Wool, sheep, cattle, agriculture, viticulture, sapphires, tourism.

The Glen Innes Severn Council’s brand “Celtic Country” is characterised by villages such as Emmaville, Deepwater and Glencoe, and the major town and residential centre Glen Innes.

They are contained within the state geographical area known as

the Northern Tablelands and the Federal Seat of New England. The Glen Innes Severn Local Government Area has a harmonious and sustainable quality of life, based on a unique landscape, rural character, strong sense of community and diverse cultures.

The region’s rural attributes contribute to its identity. Ecological and culturally significant landscapes are valued, celebrated and protected; its urban and rural areas are efficient, liveable, mutually supportive and collaborative in creating wealth for the community. The area has distinctive seasons: high rainfall, naturally air-

conditioned summers, golden autumns, dazzling springs, and bracing winters with, at times, snow. It is also the home of the Australian Standing Stones, an international and nationally recognised monument to the Celtic people of Australia.


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9.3 Statistics at a Glance

Statistical Item Number Location/Comment

Population 8,656 Census 2011.

Local Government Area (square kilometres) 5,739.53 km2

Villages/Hamlets/Localities Four (4) Villages Four (4) Hamlets

Emmaville, Deepwater, Red Range and Glencoe. Glen Elgin, Wellingrove, Wytaliba and Dundee.

Council Airports/Landing Strips One (1) Glen Innes Aerodrome – Two (2) landing strips

Libraries One (1) Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre (with regional library services in Emmaville, Deepwater and Glencoe.)

Landfill Sites Four (4) Glen Innes, Emmaville, Deepwater and Red Range.

Sewerage Treatment Plants Two (2) Glen Innes and Deepwater.

Water Treatment Plants One (1) Glen Innes.

Village Water Treatment Plants One (1) Deepwater.

Length of Sealed Roads (kilometres) 389.4 km Includes 316.5km of Local Roads, 67.6km of Regional Roads, and 5.3km of parking lane adjacent to State Highways.

Length of Unsealed Roads (kilometres) 768.8 km

Timber Bridges 43

Concrete/Steel Bridges 78 Includes 66 bridges on Local Roads, and 12 bridges on Regional Roads.

Council Owned Buildings and Structures 365

Council Properties and Land Parcels 192 Includes 105 parcels of Community Land and 87 parcels of Operational Land.

Council Vehicle Fleet 472 Includes 147 major plant, 61 light fleet, and 264 minor plant.

Council s.355 Committees 34 Various.

Swimming Pools Two (2) Glen Innes and Emmaville.


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10. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

10.1 Capital Works Projects

10.1.1 Upgrade of Recreational and Open Spaces

Wilson Park Footbridge– The timber footbridge linking the two (2) areas of Wilson Park either side of Rocky Ponds Creek was replaced with a steel and concrete deck bridge, at a cost of $6,600;

Completion of landscaping within the roundabout at the Wentworth Street and Grey Street intersection;

Completion of the entrance gates at Lynch Oval;

Park improvements including replacement of the slide at King Edward Park, new benches in Glencoe Park, and replacement steps at the Standing Stones.

10.1.2 Major projects

Council undertook the following major road and bridge works during 2012/13:

Bitumen reseals – resealed 2,300 square metres on local sealed urban roads (value approximately $12,500), 43,700 square metres on local sealed rural roads (value approximately $140,800) and 14,900 square metres on regional roads (value approximately $50,000);

Pavement re-sheeting - 1,700 cubic metres of gravel used for re-sheeting local unsealed roads, value approximately $50,000;


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Rehabilitation of local sealed roads- projects included:

1. CBD revitalisation works in Grey Street, Glen Innes, from Lang Street to Wentworth Street: value $482,000;

2. Pavement widening in Oliver Street, Glen Innes: value $135,000;

3. Rehabilitation of Red Range Road, near Marlyndale Road: value $170,000;

4. Completion of Red Range Road works carried forward: value $45,000;

5. Replacement of the causeway on Rangers Valley Road, value $95,000;

6. Completed heavy patching on Mount Mitchell Road and Ten Mile Road: value $114,000;

7. Heavy patching to Pinkett Road: value $27,000;

8. Improvement works to Rangers Valley Road: value $92,000.


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Footpath rehabilitation and replacement works, including:

1. Grey Street within the CBD area: value $36,000;

2. Wentworth Street, Glen Innes: value $31,000.

Kerb and gutter replacement works, including:

1. Clarke Street, Glen Innes: value $19,000;

2. Hunter Street, Glen Innes; value $19,000;

3. Grey Street, Glen Innes: value $13,000;

4. Developer funded works in Bourke Street and Healeys Lane: value $41,000.

Regional road rehabilitation, including:

1. Rehabilitation of a 1.44 kilometre length of Wellington Vale Road: value $101,000;

2. Completion of works within Moore Street and Irby Street, Emmaville: value $210,000.

Bridge replacement on Pinkett Road at Sara River: value $257,000;

Commenced bridge replacement on Tent Hill Road at Beardy River: value $166,000;


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Reconstruction of a concrete causeway on Kubba Jimba Road at Hogues Creek: value $38,000;

Upgrade of the workshop at the Glen Innes Works Depot,:value $96,000;

Replacement of plant and vehicles, including:

1. Major plant: value $106,000;

2. Light vehicles: value $210,000;

3. Minor plant and equipment: value $10,000.

Council also completed the following improvements to the water and sewerage systems during 2012/2013:

Completion of Stage 1 of the Glen Innes Aggregates Off Stream Water Storage;

Approximately 798 metres of water main extensions and renewals: value approximately $105,000;

Approximately 1262 metres of sewer main extensions and renewals: value approximately $240,000;

Relining of 2.3Ml water reservoir: value $115,000.


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10.2 Events and Venues

10.2.1 Gourmet in the Glen Food Festival 2012

The 2012 Gourmet in the Glen was held on 21 October 2012 and was a great success. Special attractions were the Bruce Family Butchery sponsored Cook-off and Cooking Demonstration. The New England Club and Glen Innes Rotary support the event. Glen Innes Severn Council is a gold sponsor of this event.

10.2.2 New England Regional Wine Show 2012 The eighth (8th) New England Regional Wine Show was held in Glen Innes from 18 to 20 October 2012 at the Glen Innes Showgrounds. Glen Innes Severn Council is a major sponsor for a major award category and provided sponsorship to assist with transport costs for the judges.

10.2.3 Land of the Beardies Festival 2012 The Land of the Beardies Festival is a special time for families, when we

celebrate our rich, local history. It's a festival that has grown in stature and is featuring a mixture of Country and Western Music combined with Country Rock and Gospel, and features songs from yesteryear along with a vast array of programmed activities. In 2012, the Festival highlights included the street parade celebrating Youth, Ulysses Motor Cycle Club Events, Talent Shows, the inaugural Billy Cart Race, Drag Races and the “Talents of our Town Expo” in the Glen Innes Town Hall.

Glen Innes Severn Council is a major sponsor of the Land of the Beardies Festival.

10.2.4 International Women’s Day 2013 To commemorate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2013, Council collaborated with Art on the Corner in having a gala opening of an Art Exhibition focussing on the works of women.


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10.2.5 Minerama Fossicking and Gem Show 2013 Each March, Glen Innes hosts Minerama, which is the largest gem, mineral fossicking festival in NSW. Organised by a Community Committee of Council, Minerama is continually growing, and 2013 was the fourth (4th) year fossicking field trips could be pre-booked online. A variety of Field Trips cater for beginners and families all the way up to experienced Fossickers.

The Gem Show includes over 70 dealers trading in gemstones, fine jewellery, facet rough, lapidary tools and supplies, crystals, beads, fossils, mineral specimens, arts and crafts and much more.

Minerama also features gem cutting and beading displays, free advice

from gemmologists, dealers, lapidaries and jewellers, and plenty of entertainment throughout the weekend. Glen Innes Severn Council is a major sponsor of this event.

10.2.6 Seniors Week 2013 Seniors Week ran from Sunday, 17 March to Sunday, 24 March 2013. An Entertainment Day for seniors was held at the Services Club, and 200 people attended. Mayoral Awards at the event were presented to Judy Fraser, Leta Kempton, Nancy Wirth, Doug Lightfoot, Marjorie Matley, Ross Lawry, Barbara Pringle, Maryanne Brookfield, Shirley Donald, Anthony Coombs and Kenneth Brien.

10.2.7 Youth Week 2013 Youth Week 2013 was held from 8 April to 14 April 2013. Funding was received for Youth Week celebrations which assisted in the presentation of Youth Inspire, which included live music, information about careers and leisure opportunities, free giveaways, food and fun activities. The event was supported by Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations, Backtrack, and the Glen Innes High School.

10.2.9 The Australian Celtic Festival The Australian Celtic Festival (ACF) provides an opportunity for Australians of Celtic origin to come together annually and celebrate their heritage at the Australian Standing Stones, an array of granite monoliths like those around which the ancient Celts danced. It is the signature event for the Glen Innes Severn area, enhancing its Celtic Country branding, and providing important cultural opportunities to Celtic clans and locals alike.

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/minerama/Fossicking/photo


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The four (4) day festival provides nonstop entertainment including the street parade, Celtic Strongman events, kirking of the tartans, massed bands, school performances and community festival activities e.g. children’s entertainment, dancing, flag raising ceremonies, poets’ breakfast, yard dog trials, market stalls, fun run and Celtic foods. Attendance was significantly greater than in 2012, due to celebrating the Year of Scotland. Saturday saw a significant increase in one day ticket sales compared to previous years. Significant marketing was targeted to Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, Ipswich and the Gold Coast, with a large increase in website activity up 2400% from the previous year. Visitors participated in Celtic music and dance, and enjoyed entertainment at the Standing Stones or in one of the many concert venues in Glen Innes.

10.2.9 Mosman Friendship Mosman Council continue to fund the Mosman Aboriginal Women’s Art group. The funding in 2012-2013 was used for tutoring and equipment, for the women for a screen printing project.

10.2.10 Glen Innes Show 2013 2013 was the sixth year that Council manned a promotional stand at the Glen Innes Show. Infrastructure Services decided that this year’s theme would be“We’re going GREEN”.

Noxious Weeds information was available from the Council’s Weeds Officer.

Recreation and Open Spaces promoted parks.

There was a Kid’s Garden Quiz, which enable children to try and guess three (3) vegetables from the vast range on show, which enabled them to win a packet of seeds.


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There was a display showing the examples of the types of garbage that could be recycled and those that could not.

Council also conducted two (2) surveys –

The Customer Satisfaction Survey - by completing this survey people had a chance to win some of the lovely trees/shrubs that were on display.

The Waste Collection Survey - gave participants the opportunity to win a compost bin.

Brochures and information was also distributed on Council’s services.

10.3 Australia Day 2013

This year the Community Breakfast was held at Dundee. The main 2013 Australia Day Celebrations were once again held at the Glen Innes Showgrounds. Citizens of the Year were Jim Wilson and Beryl Clibborn, Young Citizen of the Year was Tahlia Forde, the Community Event of the Year was the Land of the Beardies Festival, the Emergency Service Volunteer of the Year was Ron Biddle, and the Voluntary Community Organisation of the Year Award was awarded to the Emmaville Mining Museum. The Australia Day Ambassador for the Glen Innes Local Government Area was renowned author and educator Mrs Jill B. Bruce.

10.4 Environment, Planning and Economic Development

This section continued to provide a range of services and functions to the community. The Planning section approved the following developments for the period:

Thirty two (32) new allotments were approved in the Local Government Area, a decrease of 33% on the previous year;

Three hundred and thirty (337) Planning Certificates pursuant to Section 149 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 were issued; and

Development applications were down on the previous year as was general building activity, reflecting the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on regional areas.

For the 2012/13 period the following approval data applied: DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION (DA) DATA

2012 – 2013

Total Number of D/As 105

Average Determination Time 21.48

Value of D/As $14,193,205

Number of Single Dwellings 20

5

5


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2012 – 2013

10

Number of Commercial Developments 13

Number of Industrial Developments 2

Withdrawn 3

Refused 1

COMPLYING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION (CDC) DATA

2012 – 2013

Total Number of CDCs 34

Value of CDCs $1,1862,793

Number of Single Dwellings 10

5

3

2

10.5 Citizenship Ceremonies

Council conducted two (2) Citizenship Ceremonies for three (3) new citizens throughout the 2012/13 reporting year. The ceremonies were held on 17 September 2012 for Miss Victoria Marshall and Mrs Meriam Williams; and on 26 January 2013 for Miss Donna-Maree Eltringham. The ceremonies were held in accordance with the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code, in line with the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, which was introduced on 1 July 2007.

10.6 Financial and Performance Highlights

Council is required under the Local Government Act 1993, to prepare financial reports that reflect its financial performance for the reporting period. The following is a summary of the key financial results for 2012/13. Council’s full Financial Report is included in this Report as Annexure A.

10.6.1 Key Financial Indicators

2013 2012 2011

Unrestricted Current Ratio To assess the adequacy of Working Capital, and the ability to satisfy obligations in the short-term, from Unrestricted Continuing Operations.

4.620 : 1 3.460 : 1 2.40 : 1

Debt Service Ratio To assess the degree to which revenues from Continuing Operations are committed, with regard to the repayment of external debt.

7.80 % 6.76 % 5.74 %

Rates and Annual Charges 32.85 % 28.62 % 31.26 %


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2013 2012 2011

Coverage To assess the degree of dependence upon revenues from Rates and Annual Charges, with regard to the financial security of Council.

Rates and Annual Charges Outstanding To assess the impact of uncollected Rates and Annual Charges upon liquidity and the adequacy of the recovery efforts by Council.

3.82 % 4.60 % 4.66 %

Building and Infrastructure Renewals Ratio To assess the rate at which assets are being renewed and replaced, against the rate at which they are depreciating.

89.24 % 55.09 % 56.67 %

10.7 Glen Innes Aggregates

Glen Innes Aggregates was purchased by Council in July 2011 to secure long-term water storage for the town of Glen Innes. This also has the side-benefit of gaining a source of quarry hard rock for Council operations.

10.7.1 The Site The site is nearly 73 hectares, with frontage to the Gwydir Highway and Shannon Vale Road. There are two (2) quarry pits, called the southern and northern pit.

10.7.2 Extraction Operations Basalt rock is drilled and blown by a licensed sub-contractor, before being loaded by a 30 ton excavator onto a dump truck for the short haul to the plant. The rock is hauled approximately 250 metres to be tipped directly into the feed bin. The crusher is completely controlled by one person from a central air-conditioned control room overlooking the entire plant. Dust suppression is managed by systematic water spay nozzles, which can be controlled individually; the water is supplied from site water stored in an existing quarry. Any over burden is sold as clean fill material or stockpiled for future clay lining operations.


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10.7.3 The Crushing Plant The crushing plant consists of:

• 900 x 600 dual jaw crusher;

• Secondary 900 cone crusher;

• Tertiary crusher 1013 hazemag impact crusher. The crusher is fed by a 30 ton feed-bin fitted with a vibrating feeder. The first stage of operation goes over a scalping screen to remove undersize material. The screening plant consists of a 4.1 metre by 1.8 metre deck screen, proceeding to a three (3) metre by 1.2 metre by four (4) metre deck secondary screen and tower. All associated conveyors feed into stockpile storage bins (over-head bulk bins). The over-head bulk bins are divided into four (4) separate compartments with direct unloading onto trucks through hydraulic trap doors. The plant is capable of crushing up to 100 tonnes per hour.

10.7.4 Products The plant is capable of producing:

Aggregate in 5 sizes: 20 millimetres, 14 millimetres, 10 millimetres, seven (7) millimetres, or five (5) millimetres depending upon screen configuration. Usually only four (4) sizes can be crushed at any one time;

Pre-coat aggregates for bitumen sealing;

Crusher dust;

Road base (20 millimetres and 40 millimetres).


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Road making materials can be blended to meet RMS specifications by combining road base with granite brought in from other quarries. This product is mainly sold to RMS and Council. However, private customers also purchase it for use under concrete slabs, roads through farm etc. This product is quality assured and complies with RMS specifications. Testing is conducted by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) approved laboratory.

10.7.5 Sales and Business Sales slightly exceeded the original projections for the 2012/13 financial year.

10.7.6 Management All major customers have been retained by the business. A report on sales and crusher production is published in the monthly Council Business Paper. The preparation of a long-term Business Plan for Glen Innes Aggregates has been commenced, and will be presented to Council in the first quarter of the 2013/14 financial year. Existing suppliers, mainly local, are contracted to supply materials and services to the business. The site is has been significantly remodelled to enhance operations and safety.

10.7.7 Off Stream Storage The quarry will be converted to off stream water storage in a staged fashion over the life of the quarry, expected to be at least 20 years, based on exploratory drilling.

0

500000

1000000

1500000

2000000

2500000

Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13

Sale

s

Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13

Budget 2012-13 75000 175000 325000 625000 975000 1125000 1220000 1360000 1630000 1745000 1840000 1920096

Actual 2012-13 84991 197677 395861 758415 1089023 1220000 1362412 1490948 1628459 1789360 1884753 2033004

Budget Vs Actuals 2012-13 Cumulative


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Stage 1 involves reshaping and some clay sealing of the southern quarry pit for conversion to water storage in the short term. The holding capacity of the completed stage 1 is 200 megalitres. Stage 2 operations will be conducted in the northern pit over a five (5) to 10 year period, with that pit being fully converted to a permanent off stream storage of approximately 500 megalitres. Stage 3 will involve quarry operations commencing in a new third pit located adjacent to and under the existing infrastructure. That pit will provide 700,000 tonnes of high grade hard rock, and result in additional water storage of 239 megalitres. The current storage of the Beardy Waters reservoir is 488 megalitres, so this project will ensure the security of water supply for the town, and allow for expansion of the network over the next 20 years and beyond.

10.7.8 Resource Security The quarry has a variety of material present including hard rock (basalt) suitable for aggregate production, decomposed basalt suitable for road base products, and orange clay that meets the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) standard for lack of water permeability. Drilling has now defined the final shape of the new Western Pit, with 700,000 tonnes of high grade hard basalt confirmed available in a continuous seam. Road base material remains available in the south western corner of the north pit. The basalt layer contained under the floor of the Northern pit has proved to be of low grade, and not suitable for aggregates. Markets for this resource are being investigated, including possible uses on Council roads. A new blend for manufacturing RMS specification products has created a demand for crusher dust; previously this was produced in excess of demand.


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11. AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - SECTION 428(2)(A)

Please refer to Annexure A for the Audited Financial Statements.

12. PERFORMANCE OF PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES - SECTION 428(2)(B)

Please refer to Annexure B for the Report on the 4 Year Delivery Program and 2012/13 Operational Plan.

13. STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT - SECTION 428(2)(C)

Please refer to Annexure C for the State of Environment Comprehensive Report 2009-13.


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14. CONDITION OF PUBLIC WORKS - SECTION 428(2)(D)

It is a statutory requirement of the Local Government Act 1993 that Council provides information on the Condition of Public Works, including public buildings, public roads, water, sewerage and drainage as at 30 June 2012. The information contained in this section comprises accounting estimates formulated in accordance with the NSW Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting. Nothing contained in this section may be taken to be an admission of any liability to any person under any circumstance.


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50


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15. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS TAKEN BY OR AGAINST THE COUNCIL - SECTION 428(2)(E)

A summary of the amounts incurred by Council during 2012/13 in relation to actual legal proceedings taken by or against Council including amounts, costs and expenses paid or received by way of out of court settlements, other than those the terms of which are not to be disclosed. A summary of the state of progress of legal proceedings is shown in the table below. During 2012/13 total legal fees amounting to $75,935.92 were incurred for advice on various matters.

Cases Resolved/Unresolved Amount Incurred

Rates, Water and Sundry Debtors Recovery - various

Resolved $36,970.10

Sale of Land for Overdue Rates Resolved $16,408.61

Rating categorisation issues Resolved $1,727.00

Lease and Licence Fees Resolved $6,207.31

Property Searches Resolved $388.34

Planning and Assessment Act – non-compliance

Resolved $14,234.56

TOTAL for 2012/2013

$75,935.92

The table below is a summary of the amounts incurred by Council during 2012/2013 in relation to public liability claims against Council. The total for 2012/2013 is $12,500.00.

Cases Resolved/Unresolved Amount Incurred

Case 1 Public Liability Settled $12,500.00

Case 2 Public Liability Claim denied Nil payment




TOTAL for 2012/2013

$12,500.00


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16. MAYORAL AND COUNCILLOR FEES - SECTION 428(2)(F)

Council annually reviews its Policy concerning the payment of expenses incurred by, and the provision of facilities to, the Mayor and Councillors in relation to discharging the functions of civic office. The Mayoral Fee for the year was $21,194.47. The Councillors’ fees for the year totalled $53,967.32. The total amount of money expended during the year, on the provision of Councillor facilities and the payment of Councillor expenses in relation to reportable requirements as per below, was $22,892.40 Of this amount:

Provision of an internet allowance to the Mayor and Councillors totalled $3,736.56 (Clause 217 (1)(a1)(ii));

Attendance at conferences and seminars amounted to $5,054.39 (Clause 217 (1)(a1)(iii));

Training of Councillors and provision of skills development amounted to $1,906.54 (Clause 217 (1)(a1)(iv));

Intrastate visits by Councillors, including transport, accommodation and out of pocket expenses amounted to $12,194.91 (Clause 217 (1)(a1)(vi));

There were no expenses for overseas visits (Clause 217 (1)(a1)(vi)); and no expenses for spouses or carers for children (Clause 217 (1)(a1)(vii, vii) i).

Office accommodation in a shared office space is provided to the Mayor in relation to discharging the functions of civic office. There were no costs associated with this provision, as no operational or capital expenditure was incurred (Clause 217 (1)(a1)(i)).

17. SENIOR STAFF REMUNERATION - SECTION 428(2)(G)

For the purposes of the Local Government Act 1993, as amended, the only employee designated as being “Senior Staff” is the General Manager.

As at 30 June 2013, the total remuneration paid to Council’s General Manager was $178,901.45 per annum.


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18. MAJOR CONTRACTS AWARDED - SECTION 428(2)(H)

Council awarded the following contracts during 2012/13:

Ozwide Bridge Rail & Civil Pty Ltd for the design and construction of a bridge on Tent Hill Road over Beardy River (Glen Creek), including the supply and installation of traffic barrier and approaches: $391,930.00 excluding GST;

A 60-month non-maintained operating lease agreement with Capital Finance Australia Limited to lease JCB 3CX-APC four wheel drive backhoe loader with fitted accessories from Capital Finance Australia Limited at a combined monthly lease fee of $2,584.65 per month exclusive of GST;

A 60-month non-maintained operating lease agreement with Capital Finance Australia Limited to lease two (2) Volvo FM11 6x4 tipper trucks with tri-axle McNamara dog trailers from Capital Finance Australia Limited at a combined monthly lease fee of up to $8,825.18 per month exclusive of GST;

The acquisition of one (1) Broons BH-1830 smooth drum combination drawn roller from Broons Hire (SA) Pty Ltd at a total price of $105,665.00 exclusive of GST.

Verso Consulting Pty Ltd for development of a Business Plan for Aged and Disability Services: $71,121 excluding GST. $40,000 for this contract was funded by Transition Funding received from the Department of Health and Ageing:

Shield Technology for relining of water reservoir at Martins Lookout:$104,682.00 exclusive of GST;

Interflow Pty Ltd for relining of sewer mains:$91,818.56 exclusive of GST;

Sharpe Bros Pty Ltd for the construction of road works on Grey Street: $323,865 exclusive of GST.

Panel Supply Contracts for various services with the following companies:

Tenderer (in alphabetical order) Service categories

Adam’s Electrical Electrical Services

Andersen’s Carpets Floor Coverings

Darby’s Cleaning Services Cleaning Services

David William Thomas Building and Maintenance Property Maintenance

DM Caldwell Contract Carpenter Building Maintenance and Construction

Property Maintenance

George Correy Plumbing Plumbing and Drainage Services


Jeff Smith Plumbing Plumbing and Drainage Services


Jenko’s Plumbing Plumbing and Drainage Services

Building Maintenance and Construction


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Tenderer (in alphabetical order) Service categories

JR & RJ Graham Constructions Concreting Services


Kut-Rite Timbers Building Maintenance and Construction


Mexwood Pty Ltd Electrical Services

Paradigm Homes and Building Concreting Services



Tony Stibbard Plumbing Plumbing and Drainage Services

Van Mal Group Construction Pty Ltd Building Maintenance and Construction

Wattersteel Pty Ltd Building Maintenance and Construction


Wayne Williams Electrical Electrical Services

Boral Asphalt Spray Sealing

Midcoast Road Services Spray Sealing and Heavy Patching

RPQ Spray Seal Pty Ltd Spray Sealing

Robert Symons Construction Pty Ltd Spray Sealing and Heavy Patching

19. BUSH FIRE HAZARD REDUCTION ACTIVITIES - SECTION 428(2)(I)

With the exception of roadside slashing and vegetation control, no specific bush fire hazard reduction activities were recorded by Council during the year.


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20. MULTICULTURAL SERVICES - SECTION 428(2)(J)

Council recognises that the Aboriginal community is the most significant culturally diverse group in our community. Some of the activities Council provided to the Aboriginal community and people from other ethnic backgrounds included:

A free Film Night held on Harmony Day, featuring a series of short films

showcasing the best of multicultural Australian stories;

Regular meetings of the Glen Innes Aboriginal Consultative Committee;

Continuation of Aboriginal Elders Group coordinated by Garden Court staff and

funded through Community Services programs;

Aboriginal Transport funding received at Northern Community Care and provided

by Aboriginal HACC staff;

Aboriginal Specific Community Aged Care Packages;

Continuation of the Aboriginal Playgroup funded by NSW Department of Family

and Community Services, which provides parenting information and support, and

an opportunity for Aboriginal families with young children to meet and share

experiences;

Planning of special activities at Gum Tree Glen Children’s Centre to promote an

understanding of cultural diversity among preschool children;

In addition, Council’s Community Cultural Relations Statement was reviewed, and the updated policy was adopted in May 2013.

21. WORK CARRIED OUT ON PRIVATE LAND - SECTION 428(2)(K)

Section 67(3) + Clause 217(1)(a4) Council undertook various private works on private land in 2012/13, but all costs were borne by the property owner. Council sets separate hire charges for private works that are outlined in Council’s Fees and Charges Schedule. These rates are generally similar to commercial contractor rates, as Council does not wish to unfairly compete with private enterprise.


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22. CONTRIBUTIONS GRANTED UNDER SECTION 356 - SECTION 428(2)(L)

Community Donations are provided annually through an application process that is open to all community groups in the Local Government Area. For the year 2012/13 the following groups were awarded donations:

Mayoral Donations, totalling $1,936.36, were made to the following organisations during the reporting period:

Beneficiary Amount

WFG Events Pty Ltd $250

Warrumbungle Shire Council $100

New England Institute of TAFE $200

Land of the Beardies Social Club $250

Hecs Small Motor Klinic $136.36

Glencoe Sports Committee $250

Glen Innes Art Gallery $250

Australian Plaiting Championships $250

Armidale and District Football Association $250

Total 1,936.36

Beneficiary Amount

Australian Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Sport Council $1,500

Glen Innes and District Historical Society Incorporation $1,100

Opportunity Shop Committee $1,380

Deepwater Progress Association $1,000

Deepwater and District Community Radio Incorporation $1,200

Land of the Beardies Social Club Incorporation $1,000

Glen Innes Showground Trust $2,000

Glen Severn Community Christmas Day Luncheon $500

Emmaville War Memorial Hall Committee $1,500

Glen Innes Arts Council Incorporation $1,500

Glen Innes Pottery Club $1,650

Wellingrove Progress Association Incorporation $500

Glen Innes Art Gallery $1,370

Glen Innes Sports Council $1,500

Emmaville Community Centre (Old Courthouse) $800

Glen Innes Masonic Lodge No 44 $1,500

The Glen Innes Toastmasters Club $500

Deepwater School of Arts Hall Trust $2,000

St. Joseph’s Parents and Friends Association $1,500

Glen Innes Men’s Shed $1,000

TOTAL $25,000


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23. HUMAN RESOURCE ACTIVITIES - SECTION 428(2)(M)

23.1 Staff Profile / Workforce Planning

Workforce Age Profile (Excluding Casual Staff): 30 June 2013

Under 20

20-24

25-34

35-44 45-54 *

55-64 65 and over

Total Staff

Administration and Finance

0 0 2 6 4 1 1 14

Aged and Disability Services

0 1 2 7 11 10 1 32

Youth and Children’s Services

0 0 3 0 1 0 0 4

Economic Development and Tourism

0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3

Infrastructure Services 1 0 6 18 22 17 3 67

Library Services 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 3

Development, Regulatory and Sustainability Services

0 1 4 4 5 2 1 17

Totals 1 2 17 36 46 32 6 140

% of Total Workforce 0.71 1.43 12.14 25.71 32.86 22.86 4.29 100

* Most populated age bracket


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Workforce Equal Employment Opportunity Statistics: 30 June 2013

Total Staff

Male Female Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders

Racial, Ethnic, Ethno-religious Minority Groups

Non-English Speaking Back-ground

Persons with a Disability

% of Total Staff

Permanent Full-time

108 45.36 13.66 1.64 0.00 0.55 0.00

Permanent Part-time

32 4.92 12.57 0.55 0.00 0.00 0.00

Temporary Full-time

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Temporary Part-time

0 0.00 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Casual 43 6.56 16.94 1.09 0.00 0.55 0.00

Total % 100.0 56.83 43.17 3.28 0.00 1.64 0.00

Total Staff 183 104 79 6 0 3 0

23.2 Staff Consultative Committee

The Constitution of the Glen Innes Severn Council Staff Consultative Committee provides for the following representatives:

Two (2) elected representatives from the Corporate and Community Services Directorate, one (1) or more of which shall be a member of the United Services Union (USU);

Two (2) elected representatives from the Infrastructure Services Directorate, one (1) of which shall be a member of the Local Government Engineer’s Association (LGEA) and the other a member of the USU;

Two (2) elected representatives from the Development, Regulatory and Sustainability Services Directorate, one (1) of which shall be a member of the Development and Environmental Professionals Association (DEPA) and the other a member of the USU;

Up to four (4) management representatives appointed by the General Manager;

Ex officio members comprising Council’s Manager of Administration and Human Resources, plus others as required.

The Staff Consultative Committee operated effectively during the year, meeting a total of 11 times. The Committee keeps minutes of all meetings, signed by the Chair.


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23.3 Recruitment and Selection

Council conducts all recruitment and selection activities in accordance with its Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Management Plan, EEO Policy, and recruitment and selection policies and procedures. All positions, including casual and short-term positions, are advertised to attract a pool of suitably qualified applicants.

Prior to advertising, each new or vacant position has a detailed position description developed, with selection criteria appropriate to the duties and responsibilities. Applicants are required to address each criterion. Independent selection panels, approved by the Manager of Administration and Human Resources, make all selection recommendations or decisions. Where practicable, each panel will include at least one member who is completely independent to Council. All panel members receive instruction in merit based recruitment principles/procedures and are required to declare conflicts of interest. Panel decisions/recommendations, and the reasons for such, are documented. Applicants who are dissatisfied with the recruitment/selection process may appeal the decision to the General Manager.

23.4 Position Descriptions

Position descriptions are reviewed prior to positions being advertised or otherwise when a job is redesigned or has altered responsibilities. Employees are provided with a copy of their position description when they are offered a position.

23.5 Employee Remuneration and Job Evaluation

Council has adopted a 24 Grade Salary System to complement the Bands and Levels in the Local Government (State) Award 2010. Positions are evaluated using the WyComp™ Job Evaluation and Salary Management System for NSW Local Government. The Salary System and Wycomp™ system comprise Council’s principal means of determining the salaries of staff other than Senior Staff.

23.6 Enterprise Bargaining

Council has no Registered Enterprise Agreements. Council Agreements have been signed with relevant union(s) to vary hours of work and meal breaks at a small number of work locations.

23.7 Equal Employment Opportunity

Refer to Section 24.


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23.8 Staff Development and Training

New employees are inducted to ensure that staff obligations, rights and conditions of employment are covered at commencement. In addition to work site inductions, group induction sessions are held for all new employees on a quarterly basis. Employees are required to participate in Council’s annual skills/performance appraisal process, with appraisals occurring in the first half of the year. Skills gaps and training requirements are identified through this process, and employees are provided with the training necessary to meet skill / competency requirements. Council also provides staff with the opportunity to participate in its Study Incentives Policy, which aims to encourage employees to further develop their knowledge and skills through the provision of incentives to undertake education and training in work-related approved study courses.

During the year, Council provided corporate training in the following areas:

Induction training for new staff, held each quarter;

Procurement training;

Evacuation / Emergency Procedures training;

Work Health and Safety (WHS);

Plant operation and maintenance;

Practical Plus Accounting System training (financial accounting, payroll and rates);

Enterprise Content Management (records system) implementation and usage;

Training in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office programs;

Public Interest Disclosures awareness training.

In addition to the above training, individual sections provided an extensive range of training for their staff.

Council supported the following government-funded traineeships:

Local Government (Operational Works) Certificate IV and Diploma;

Surface Extraction Operations Certificate III;

Frontline Management Certificate IV and Diploma;

Business Diploma;

Automotive Mechanical Technology Certificate III;

Diploma Children’s Services;

Staff accessed Council’s Study Incentives Policy to further their education, training and qualifications in the following areas:

Library and Information Services;


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Town Planning;

Human Resources;

Business and administration.

23.9 Grievance Management

Staff grievances are managed in accordance with Council’s Grievance Resolution Policy and Procedures.

23.10 Work Health and Safety (WHS)

To meet its WHS obligations and manage workplace injuries, Council has adopted a:

Safety Policy;

Safety Management Plan;

Workplace Injury Management and Return to Work Policy;

Risk Management Policy.

Council’s agreed methods of workplace consultation under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 include workplace committees, Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), team meetings and toolbox meetings. Safety issues or initiatives agreed on at a workplace level are relayed to the WHS Consultative Group, which includes all members of Council’s senior management team, HSRs, Council’s WHS Coordinator and managers from high risk work groups. These arrangements have been in place since April 2012. Council’s Safety Management Plan sets out requirements for regular workplace hazard inspections and WHS audits, to ensure that workplaces are free from hazards and other risks. Council maintains a Hazardous Substances Register, Confined Spaces Register, Asbestos Register and WHS training registers. The WHS Coordinator reports workplace injuries and time lost to Council on a monthly basis. In addition to the above, other WHS activities completed / undertaken included:

Successful completion of the WHS Self Evaluation and Public Liability Audit as required by Council’s insurer StateCover and StateWide Mutual respectively;

Testing of fire fighting equipment and emergency equipment at all worksites in accordance with legislative requirements;

Review of all accident reports and hazard/incident reports by the WHS Consultative Group, with recommended appropriate actions where necessary;

Attendance by Council representatives at meetings of the Northern Inland Risk and Safety Group and the annual StateWide Risk and Safety Conference;

Ergonomic assessments of office workstations and construction plant;


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Regular functional assessments for staff working in positions with high physical demands.

Employees received the following WHS training:

WHS inductions for all new employees;

Traffic Control;

Confined Spaces;

First Aid;

Health and Safety Representative training;

Due Diligence training;

Awareness training for the Work Health and Safety Act;

Training in the use and application of chemicals;

Asbestos training;

Manual Handling;

Emergency procedures and evacuation training;

Plant induction training, e.g. forklift, backhoe;

WHS Construction Induction.

23.11 Secondary Employment

Council has adopted a Secondary Employment and Conflict of Interest Policy, which prohibits employees from engaging in secondary employment that does or could cause a conflict of interest with the employee’s service with Council. Prior to engaging in employment that may constitute a conflict of interest, employees must apply to the General Manager for approval.

23.12 Exit of Staff

It is Council’s policy to conduct exit interviews with employees upon retirement, resignation or other exit.


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24. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT PLAN - SECTION 428(2)(N)

Council continued to implement its EEO Management Plan during the year, in consultation with its EEO Committee and workplace representatives. EEO targets are addressed by:

Complying with the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act and other relevant legislation;

Providing all employees with equal opportunity for employment, training and promotion;

Reviewing and updating selection criteria for all jobs prior to advertising to ensure that applicants are selected solely on the basis of their merit and abilities;

Incorporating EEO statements and information in job advertisements and information packs for all advertised positions;

Ensuring that gender based language is not included in job advertisements or related material, except in EEO statements;

Providing for gender balance and target group representation on selection panels;

Ensuring that all appointment decisions are justified and documented on merit based grounds;

Encouraging target groups to access training and promotion through incentives such as Council’s Study Incentives Policy;

Maintaining a Bullying / Harassment Policy and Grievance Resolution Policy and providing awareness training for all new employees;

Providing training to staff in Council’s Code of Conduct;

Ensuring that training, skills assessment and job evaluation programs are non-discriminatory in content;

Providing EEO awareness training for all new staff and ensuring that they are aware of conditions of employment through the provision of an induction manual;

Establishing and publicising a Corporate Training Plan for all employees;

Conducting regular meetings between management, staff and the EEO Committee regarding the implementation of Council’s EEO Management Plan;

Including knowledge of EEO as an essential requirement in all job specifications for supervisory positions;

Extending paid maternity leave to all female employees and providing flexible work arrangements for employees with child care responsibilities;

Including access for people with physical disabilities in all new design plans for staff accommodation;

Implementing the Aboriginal Employment Strategy and participating in local Aboriginal Consultative Meetings.

Specific EEO actions completed in 2012 / 2013 included:


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Reviewing and updating Council’s EEO Management Plan;

Reviewing and updating Council’s Workplace Discrimination and Bullying / Harassment Policy, in line with recommendations from the Anti-Discrimination Board;

Preparing and publicising the EEO Annual Report.

25. EXTERNAL BODIES THAT EXERCISED FUNCTIONS DELEGATED BY COUNCIL - SECTION 428(2)(O)

Activities under the control of Council with participation from external bodies are:

Glen Innes Garbage Depot and Recycling Centre, which is jointly operated by Council and the Glen Innes Sheltered Workshop pursuant to a contractual arrangement;

Cool Climate Garden Centre maintains the Church Street gardens and roundabouts through a service level agreement.

26. COMPANIES IN WHICH COUNCIL HELD A CONTROLLING INTEREST - SECTION 428(2)(P)

Council has no controlling interests in any companies for the 12 month period ending 30 June 2013.

27. PARTNERSHIPS, CO-OPERATIVES AND JOINT VENTURES - SECTION 428(2)(Q)

Council participates in:

The Northern Inland Regional Waste Group (NIRW), which is a voluntary association of Councils that participate in the joint calling of tenders for various waste management activities;

The Northern Regional Food Surveillance Group which is supported through the NSW Food Authority;

The North West Weight of Loads Group, which enforces the Roads Act 1993 limits on the weight of vehicles using public roads, with a view to reducing road maintenance costs.


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28. OTHER INFORMATION AS THE REGULATIONS REQUIRE - SECTION 428(2)(R)

28.1 Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 – Clause 217

28.1.1 Overseas Visits There were no overseas visits undertaken by Councillors or Council staff during 2012/2013.

28.1.2 Remuneration Package of Senior Staff The total numeration of each senior staff member employed during the year is listed below. The remuneration packages include the following:

The total value of the salary component of the package;

The total amount of any bonus payments, performance payments or other payments made to the member that do not form part of the salary component;

The total amount payable by the Council by way of the employer’s contribution or salary sacrifice to any superannuation scheme to which the member may be a contributor;

The total value of any non-cash benefits for which the member may elect under the package; and

The total amount payable by the Council by way of fringe benefits tax for any such non-cash benefits.

For the purpose of the Local Government Act 1993, as amended, the only employee designated as being “Senior Staff” is the General Manager:

28.2 Access and Equity Activities to Meet Residents’ Needs

28.2.1 Children Services Access to services has been promoted through the Family Fun Day. The Youth and Children’s Services Directory has been updated and distributed.

Salary Package Component Value ($)

Salary 153,894.84

Bonus/Performance Payments 0.00

Superannuation (Salary Sacrifice) 10,234.93

Superannuation (Employer’s Contribution) 14,771.68

Fringe Benefits Tax 0.00

Total Package $178,901.45


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The Family Fun Day was held in November 2012 by Council, with free activities organised by Children’s Services and the Early Intervention Service. A free barbeque was provided and information distributed. Each child under six (6) received a free book, as a way of promoting literacy. Children’s Services at the Glen Innes Severn Public Library delivers children’s programs, which includes onsite and offsite storytelling, school holiday activities, Summer Reading Program and special celebrations, such as the Children’s Book Week and the National Simultaneous Storytelling activities. Electronic services are becoming a high priority for children’s services in public libraries, with programs such as Literacy Planet, Yourtutor, thecomputer school.net and free databases for academic and reference centre topics being offered to the Glen Innes Severn community.

28.2.2 Ageing Population Services A Healthy Ageing Program continues, and includes a range of exercise and information activities. Access to services, particularly special needs groups, has been promoted through updated Aged and Disability Service Booklets, and visits to outreach areas and villages. The position of Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator has been confirmed, which will facilitate a broad range of strategies for the ageing population.

28.2.3 Aged and Disability Services Considerable progress has been made in implementing the Living Longer Living Better Aged Care Reforms, and preparing for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme under DisCare. Changes to the NSW Government’s disability program under Living Life My Way are also being implemented. Equitable access to respite services has been promoted through participation in the Regional Coordination Group. The Intake Coordinator at Northern Community Care continues to ensure equitable access to services, and access to Garden Court Respite Services is facilitated through a Regional Coordination Group. The Day Options program at The Gunyah continues to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in the community and learn new skills. The Community Safety and Access Committee has raised awareness of mobility needs through a Disability Awareness Day. Access within the community has been improved through initiatives under Council’s Pedestrian Access Mobility Plan.

The Home Library Service at the Glen Innes Severn Public Library coordinates and delivers a personalised library service to frail aged people, people with a disability and their carers, at their home, a hostel, a nursing home or hospital across the communities of Glen Innes, Emmaville and Deepwater.


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28.2.4 Aboriginal Community Services Aboriginal Home and Community Care (HACC) services in Glen Innes and Tenterfield continue to provide direct services to an increasing number of clients. Aboriginal specific services are provided by Aboriginal staff. Aboriginal transport is provided through fuel vouchers and direct service by Aboriginal staff. The Aboriginal Services Directory has been updated and distributed. An Aboriginal Service Directory for Tenterfield has been developed for clients in that Local Government Area. The Mosman Women’s Art Group continues to enhance the visibility of the Aboriginal community, through the incorporation of Aboriginal design in artworks and crafted pieces, which are used and displayed by/in the wider community. NAIDOC week was celebrated with the involvement of all Community Services programs, including Children and Family Services. Participation in the NAIDOC Week parade and the special events at The Willows, by Council staff and clients, was an important part of the activities. NAIDOC week is celebrated at the Glen Innes Severn Library with a display of the library’s Indigenous Collection. A unique Aboriginal artwork representing peace and harmony within the Glen Innes Severn community, which was presented to the library by the local Aboriginal Women’s Art Group, is a welcoming gathering point for locals. The Glen Innes Aboriginal Consultative Committee continues to meet regularly.

28.2.5 Women’s Services Support has been provided for the Domestic Violence Committee, which is now held as part of the Interagency Meeting. Council participated in the ‘Dunny Door Campaign’, to promote the reporting of Domestic Violence through stickers placed in public facilities. Support for women’s services has been provided through attendance at Place Team meetings and Interagency Meetings. On International Women’s Day, Council collaborated with Art on the Corner, in an art exhibition focussing on the works of women.

28.2.6 Young People’s Services A Youth Support Fund, administered by the Glen Innes and District Community Centre with support from the Youth Worker, has provided assistance to disadvantaged young people wishing to be involved in local sport and cultural activities.


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Council’s Youth Worker organised and coordinated the activities of ‘Youth Inspire’ during Youth Week 2013. This provided information on opportunities for leisure and career paths. Holiday Activities are provided during each school holidays, and transport provided to outlying villages for some of these activities. The Interagency meetings promote collaboration and coordination between youth organizations. Council collaborated with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations in the Tenterfield Glen Innes Youth Project through the Local Employment Coordinator Flexible Funding Pool, to promote opportunities for employment for young people through training and mentoring. Young people were provided with work placement within Council in various areas, including Community Services. Youth Services at the Glen Innes Severn Public Library delivers youth programs, including school holiday activities. This service actively sponsors, promotes and works with the Glen Innes Severn Youth Council. A dedicated and safe Youth Room is provided for local youth to study and hang out at the Library.

28.2.7 Services for People with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Background

A Harmony Day Colourfest Multicultural Film night was presented at the Glen Innes Severn Library Learning on 21 March, which showcased the best of multicultural Australian stories through a selection of short films collected over three (3) years. Multicultural food was provided for the audience.

28.3 Other

28.3.1 List of Category 1 Business Activities Council has no Category 1 Business Activities.

28.3.2 List of Category 2 Business Activities Council has two (2) Category 2 Business Activities, namely Water and Sewerage. These business activities have been accounted for in accordance with the NSW Government’s Policy Statement “Application of National Competition Policy to Local Government” and the Department of Local Government guidelines “Pricing & Costing for Council Businesses: A Guide to Competitive Neutrality”.

28.3.3 Category 1 Business Activities Statement of Expenses Revenue and Assets

Council has no Category 1 Business Activities.


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28.3.4 Competitive Neutrality Implementation Progress The competitive neutrality pricing requirements have been applied to all of Council’s businesses. The charge is based upon the cost of supply of the service, and in the case of the water business a consumption charge has also been applied. The operating result of the water business activity before capital amounts was a deficit of ($39,000), while the sewerage activities’ operating result before capital amounts was a surplus of $196,000. Full financial details of both business activities are included in the “Audited Reports” section of this annual report.

28.3.5 Category 1 Business Activities Competitive Neutrality Statement Council has no Category 1 Business Activities.

28.3.6 Competitive Neutrality Complaints Handling Mechanism Council has an established complaints handling mechanism, which is known to all Councillors and staff. Information concerning the complaints handling mechanism is made known to the public by both of these sources and through information contained in Council’s Annual Report. During the 2012/13 financial year there were no Competitive Neutrality Complaints made against the Council.

28.3.7 Category 1 Business Activities Performance Council has no Category 1 Business Activities.

28.3.8 Summary of Competitive Neutrality Complaints Glen Innes Severn Council received no Competitive Neutrality Complaints during the reporting period.

28.3.9 Storm Water Management The Storm Water Management Plan is no longer required, having been replaced by the introduction of a drainage charge in Glen Innes, Emmaville and Deepwater.

28.3.10 Companion Animals Management Activities Council has resolved to adopt a Strategic Companion Animals Management Policy. This policy is used to guide Council and its officers in fulfilling their responsibilities and duties under the Companion Animals Act 1998. The policy aims to:

Ensure companion animals remain a valued part of the Glen Innes Severn community;

Create harmony between the needs of companion animals, their owners and other residents;

Facilitate responsible companion animal ownership through a balance of education and enforcement;


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Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Companion Animals Act 1998 and Companion Animals Regulation 1999, through the proper exercise of the functions of Council under the Companion Animals Act 1998.

For the 2012/2013 financial year, the following animal activities relating to the pound were lodged with Division of Local Government:

Impounded Dogs - 180 (57.8% decrease over 2011-12);

Impounded Cats - 24 (35% decrease over 2011-12);

Released Dogs - 123 (68% increase over 2011 -12);

Released Cats - 6 (85% decrease over 2011-12;

Euthanised Dogs - 67 (79% decrease over 2011-12);

Euthanised Cats - 9 (28% decrease over 2011-12);

Dogs Rehoused through RSPCA - 29 (64% increase over 2011-12);

Cats Rehoused through RSPCA– 26 (96% increase over 2011-12);

Restricted Dogs – zero (0) Active;

Dangerous Dogs – seven (7) Active;

Still in the Pound at the end of 2012/2013 – Zero (0) Cats, and Six (6) Dogs.

Dog Attacks Council Rangers have investigated 20 dog attacks in the 2012/2013 year. Two (2) dogs were destroyed. Six (6) dogs had Dangerous Dog Orders issued, though compliance was not forthcoming and they were surrendered to Council and destroyed. Five (5) nuisance dog orders were issued (dog endangers health and safety). Of the remaining seven (7) attacks where no action was taken, the dogs attacked livestock unobserved. All dog attack incidents and details were provided to the Division of Local Government (DLG) in accordance with the requirements of the Companion Animals Management Plan and Department Guidelines. Regular inspections are also carried out to ensure compliance with Dangerous Dog Orders. Funding ANIMAL CONTROL INCOME

Livestock Fines $0.00 Impounding Fees $1,642.00 Sale of Dogs $100.00 Regulatory Fines $6,168.46 Commission $20,344.00 Sundry Income $1,650.00 Collar Hire Fees $286.36 Certificate of Compliance $100.00 Microchipping Fees $1,693.00 Trainee Sub Nil TOTAL ANIMAL CONTROL INCOME $31,983.82


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ANIMAL CONTROL EXPENSES

Light, Power and Heat $156.00 Advertising $0.00 Maintenance Pound $4,449.94 Livestock Impounding $304.65 Stationery $331.45 Sundry Expenses $5,400.97 TOTAL ANIMAL CONTROL EXPENSE $13,745.50

Strategies in place to comply with Section 64 (5) (Companion Animal Act) –seeking alternatives to euthanasia for unclaimed animals. Council rangers have been working closely with the local RSPCA branch where re-homing cats and dogs is concerned. Due to cost inefficiencies, Council no longer sells animals directly from the pound. Once animals have been held for the statutory time in the pound without being claimed, they are handed over to the RSPCA for re-homing. This has resulted in a marked decrease in euthanising, while also resulting in a significant increase in the re-homing rate. Council is also utilising another RSPCA service, where a delivery vehicle from the Sydney area transports animals to shelters in greater demand for cats and dogs. By re-homing animals through the RSPCA, Council is also ensuring that desexing rates increase. RSPCA policy dictates that an animal must be desexed before being re-homed. In this way, all animals that are re-homed through the RSPCA are also desexed. Off-Leash Areas Council currently provides three (3) off-leash areas in Glen Innes and one (1) each in Deepwater, Emmaville and Glencoe.

28.4 Rates and Charges Written Off – Clause 132

Rate or Charge Amount Written Off

General Rates $10,103.97

Water Service Availability Charge $348.22

Water Consumption Charges $145.56

Sewerage Service Charges $633.27

Other Charges $1,718.48

Total $12,949.50


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28.5 Code of Conduct

Under the provisions of Section 440 of the Local Government Act 1993, every Council must adopt a Code of Conduct that incorporates the provisions of the Model Code. Council adopted the Model Code of Conduct on 28 February 2013, as prescribed by the Division of Local Government (Department of Premier and Cabinet). Under Part 12, Section 12.1 of the Procedures for the Administration of Council’s Code of Conduct, the General Manager must report annually to Council on the Code of Conduct complaints. This report is as follows:

28.5.1 Number of Complaints Received:

There were no code of conduct complaints made about Councillors and the General Manager under the Code Of Conduct. No Code of Conduct complaints were referred to a conduct reviewer. There were no matters reviewed by the Division.

Under Part 12, Section 12.2 of the Procedures for the Administration of Council’s Code of Conduct, Council is to provide the Division of Local Government with a report containing the statistics referred to in 28.5.1 above, within three (3) months of the end of September of each year.

28.6 Carer’s (Recognition) Act 2010

Council staff/Manager Community Services attended a briefing regarding the implementation of this Act in public sector agencies on 15 May 2013. In response to this briefing, information was provided at the Managers’ Meeting on 7 June 2013 and kits distributed. Managers were reminded of their obligations under this Act, and to include appropriate reference to Carers when reviewing policies. The Working from Home Policy was reviewed in August 2013, and reference to “Carers’ responsibilities” included. Rights of Carers are incorporated in Council’s Disability Action Plan.


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29. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION (PUBLIC ACCESS) ACT 2009

29.1 Background

The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) commenced on 1 July 2010, and introduced a new “Right to Information” regime to NSW. The GIPA Act replaced the Freedom of Information Act and the other main legislative provision for access to Council information, which was section 12 of the Local Government Act. The GIPA Act is supported by the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2009 (GIPA Regulation). This regime is designed to maintain and advance a system of responsible and representative democratic government, which is open, accountable, fair and effective, requiring information disclosure through the following processes: 1. Mandatory proactive release of “open access information” free of charge on

Council’s website, (unless to do so would impose unreasonable additional costs on Council);

2. Authorised proactive release of information (unless there is an overriding public

interest against disclosure of the information); 3. Informal release of information (unless there is an overriding public interest

against disclosure of the information), 4. Formal access applications (unless there is an overriding public interest against

disclosure of the information).

Note: Section 18 of the GIPA Act and Schedule 1 of the GIPA Regulation defines what constitutes “open access information”.

Council is required to prepare an annual report in accordance with the requirements of section 125 of the GIPA Act and clause 7 of the GIPA Regulation. The annual report is also required to include statistical information on formal access applications in the form required by Schedule 2 of the GIPA Regulation.

This report is Council’s GIPA Act Annual Report for the period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013.

29.2 Review of proactive release program

Under Section 7 of the GIPA Act, agencies must review their programs for the release of government information to identify the kinds of information that can be made publicly available. This review must be undertaken at least once every 12 months. This year’s review resulted in the following key findings:

Although all of the “open access information” was freely available from Council, due to insufficient technological / staffing capability it was not possible to provide all of that information on Council’s website;


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Access to Council’s web based documents was, in most cases, limited to the current version of those records, whereas the GIPA Act and GIPA Regulation required Council to provide access for some categories of “open access information” to the current version and the most recent previous version of the record, and for other categories of “open access information” access to the record whenever created;

Access to the “open access information” that was not on Council’s website, whether it be for the current version, previous version or all versions of the record whenever created, was facilitated through written application to Council.

As a result of the review of Council’s practices, the following actions were undertaken to ensure that Council fulfils its obligations to the community under the “Right to Information” regime, the GIPA Act and GIPA Regulation:

Council identified a number of corporate records that could be proactively made available to the public, and these corporate records were added to the Public Documents and Policies page on Council’s website;

Newly adopted policies and plans are uploaded to Council’s website following each Council Meeting;

Where required, previous versions of open access information records are added to Council’s website.

29.3 Number of access applications received

During the reporting period, Council received a total of two (2) formal access applications (including withdrawn applications but not invalid applications).

29.4 Number of refused applications for Schedule 1 information

During the reporting period, Council did not refuse any formal access applications.


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29.5 Statistical information about access applications

This information is shown in the following Tables A – H. Table A: Number of applications by type of applicant and outcome*

Access granted in full

Access granted in part

Access refused in full

Information not held

Information already

available

Refuse to deal with

application

Refuse to confirm/deny

whether information

is held

Application withdrawn

Media 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Members of Parliament

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Private sector business

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not for profit organisations or community groups

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Members of the public (application by legal representative)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Members of the public (other)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

*More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision. This also applies to Table B.

Table B: Number of applications by type of application and outcome

Access granted in full

Access granted in part

Access refused in full

Information not held

Information already

available

Refuse to deal with

application

Refuse to confirm/deny

whether information

is held

Application withdrawn

Personal information applications*

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Access applications (other than personal information applications)

2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Access applications that are partly personal information applications and partly other

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

*A personal information application is an access application for personal information (as defined in

clause 4 of Schedule 4 to the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual).

The total number of decisions in Table B should be the same as Table A.


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Table C: Invalid applications

Reason for invalidity Number of applications

Application does not comply with formal requirements (section 41 of the Act) 0

Application is for excluded information of the agency (section 43 of the Act) 0

Application contravenes restraint order (section 110 of the Act) 0

Total number of invalid applications received 0

Invalid applications that subsequently became valid applications 0

Table D: Conclusive presumption of overriding public interest against disclosure:

matters listed in Schedule 1 of the Act

Number of times consideration used*

Overriding secrecy laws 0

Cabinet information 0

Executive Council information 0

Contempt 0

Legal professional privilege 0

Excluded information 0

Documents affecting law enforcement and public safety 0

Transport safety 0

Adoption 0

Care and protection of children 0

Ministerial code of conduct 0

Aboriginal and environmental heritage 0

*More than one public interest consideration may apply in relation to a particular access application and, if so, each

such consideration is to be recorded (but only once per application). This also applies in relation to Table E.

Table E: Other public interest considerations against disclosure:

matters listed in table to section 14 of the Act

Number of occasions when application not successful

Responsible and effective government 0

Law enforcement and security 0

Individual rights, judicial processes and natural justice 0

Business interests of agencies and other persons 0

Environment, culture, economy and general matters 0

Secrecy provisions 0

Exempt documents under interstate Freedom of Information legislation 0


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Table F: Timeliness

Number of applications

Decided within the statutory timeframe (20 days plus any extensions) 2

Decided after 35 days (by agreement with applicant) 0

Not decided within time (deemed refusal) 0

Total 2

Table G: Number of applications reviewed under Part 5 of the Act (by type of review and outcome)

Decision varied

Decision upheld

Total

Internal review 0 0 0

Review by Information Commissioner* 0 0 0

Internal review following recommendation under section 93 of Act 0 0 0

Review by ADT 0 0 0

Total 0 0 0

Table H: Applications for review under Part 5 of the Act (by type of applicant)

Number of applications for review

Applications by access applicants 0

Applications by persons to whom information the subject of access application relates (see section 54 of the Act)

0


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30. SECTION 33 (3) PRIVACY AND PERSONAL INFORMATION PROTECTION ACT 1998

The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998, commenced on 1 July, 2000. Basically the legislation provides for the protection of personal information and for the protection of the privacy of individuals generally. Briefly stated under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection (PPIP) Act 1998, the legal obligations for Local Government Councils are:

To comply with, adopt and implement the information protection principles as modified by relevant exemptions or privacy codes of practice;

To prepare, adopt, review and report on privacy management plans;

To comply with public register provisions;

When necessary to conduct internal reviews of conduct;

Council employees are not to disclose personal information to which they have access otherwise than in accordance with their official duties and in accordance with the law.

Council has a current Privacy Management Policy in place. Glen Innes Severn Council respects the privacy of an individual’s information when provided to Council in its various forms. Further information can be obtained through Council’s Public Officer, Mrs Anna Watt, on (02) 6730 2300 during office hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays. There were no complaints during the year in respect to matters relating to this Act.


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31. ENVIRONMENT PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT ACT 1979

31.1 Planning Agreements

Council has not entered into any Planning Agreements under the provisions of Section 93G (5) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

31.2 Programs Undertaken to Preserve, Protect, Restore and Enhance the Environment

31.2.1 Waste Management Strategies Council has continued to implement those waste management strategies contained within the Glen Innes Landfill Management Plan.

Resource Recovery Recycling and resource recovery programs have continued. In 2012/13, an estimated total of 1,255 tonnes of garden organics was processed to create mulch; 13,600 litres of oil was recovered for re-use; 890 tonnes of commingled recyclables recovered; and 1,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste collected for reprocessing.

Pollution Incident Response Management Plan A new Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) was developed to document procedures in the event of a pollution incident within the Glen Innes landfill.

Continued Membership of Northern Inland Regional Waste Northern Inland Regional Waste (NIRW) is a local government networking group, which specifically addresses waste management issues on a regional level. The group's membership consists of 13 Local Government Councils in the North West and New England regions of New South Wales. NIRW meets quarterly to discuss waste management issues and to organise regional initiatives. Membership of NIRW allows Council to achieve competitive prices for the sale of scrap metal, lead-acid batteries, and processing of green waste.

Participation and promotion of Chemical Collection In August 2012, Council participated in the NIRW Chemical Collection Campaign, collecting 1.2 tonnes of household chemical waste. This program encourages residents to leave unwanted farm and household chemicals at Council’s works depot, for safe disposal at a later date. The program is aimed at reducing the risk of accidental poisoning and the inappropriate disposal of chemicals within the environment.


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31.2.2 Weeds Management

a) Noxious Weed Reduction

The noxious weeds Blackberry, Chilean Needle Grass, St John’s Wort and Privet on Council owned land and roadsides were successfully controlled in the 2012/13 season.

b) Roadside Vegetation Improvement Program.

Council has received $50,000 of grant funding in 2012/2013 continuing into 2013/2014, to be used for environmental weed control and vegetation linkage works on rural road corridors. The project will include the linkage of two high value conservation areas at Wellingrove.

31.2.3 Onsite Sewage Management Council adopted an Onsite Sewage Management (OSSM) Strategy in 2010, to ensure that there is a system in place to provide oversight and control of onsite sewage management systems within the Local Government Area. Council’s goal is to work together with the community, developers and service agents to ensure that onsite sewage systems are well managed and efficiently performing. Council issued 1,347 Approvals to operate on-site sewage systems and carried out 957 inspections.

31.2.4 Partnerships with other organisations: Membership of GLENRAC

The Glen Innes Natural Resources Advisory Committee (GLENRAC) consists of representatives from stakeholder groups interested in land management and land conservation issues in the local area, including Council. Other members represent landholders, the Glen Innes Aboriginal Land Council, State Government agencies, and the Livestock Pest and Health Authority.

32. ANNEXURES

A – Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2013;

B – Report on the 4 Year Delivery Program and 2012/13 Operational Plan;

C – Glen Innes Severn Council – 2009-13 State of the Environment Comprehensive Report;