minutes ordinary council meeting · 2015-07-23 · ordinary council meeting minutes 29/06/2015 1...

ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 29/06/2015

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MINUTES

ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that an Ordinary Meeting of the Pilbara Regional Council was held at the Karratha City Council Chambers, Lot 1083 Welcome Road, Karratha at 1:12PM on 29 June 2015.

Anthony Friday Chief Executive Officer


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DISCLAIMER No responsibility whatsoever is implied or accepted by the Pilbara Regional Council for any act, omission or statement or intimation occurring during Council or Committee Meetings. The Pilbara Regional Council disclaims any liability for any loss whatsoever and howsoever caused arising out of reliance by any person or legal entity on any such act, omission or statement or intimation occurring during Council or Committee Meetings. Any person or legal entity that acts or fails to act in reliance upon any statement, act or omission made in a Council or Committee Meeting does so at that persons or legal entity’s own risk. In particular and without derogating in any way from the broad disclaimer above, in any discussion regarding any project or intended project, any statement or intimation of approval made by any member or Officer of the Pilbara Regional Council during the course of any meeting is not intended to be and is not taken as notice of approval from the Pilbara Regional Council.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DISCLAIMER

TABLE OF CONTENTS ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1. OFFICIAL OPENING ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3. DECLARATION(S) OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

4. OATH(S) OF OFFICE ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

5. RECORD OF ATTENDANCE ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

6. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

7. PETITIONS / DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS / SUBMISSIONS ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

8. STATE COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT (WALGA) .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

9. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

10. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 10.1 RESPONSE TO PREVIOUS QUESTIONS TAKEN ON NOTICE .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 10.2 BUSINESS AND ACTION ITEMS ARISING FROM MEETING(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

11. CHAIRPERSON REPORT ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

12. CEO REPORT ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

13. REPORTS OF OFFICERS .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 13.1 PROJECT REPORT .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 13.2 REGIONAL CCTV .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

14. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 14.1 USE OF COMMON SEAL .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 14.2 SIGNIFICANT CORRESPONDENCE ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 14.3 RESPONSE TO DRAFT PDC BLUEPRINT .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 14.4 WELCOME WI-FI REPORT .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

15. FINANCIALS .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 15.1 MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS AND WARRANTS OF PAYMENTS .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 15.2 IMPOSITION OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR 2015-2016 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 15.3 DRAFT BUDGET 2015-2016 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

16. LATE AGENDA ITEMS ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 16.1 RELEASE OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S DEVELOPING NORTHERN AUSTRALIA WHITE PAPER .. . . . . 46 16.2 RELEASE OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH STANDING COMMITTEE’S FINAL REPORT “THE IMPACT OF FIFO WORK" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

16.3 UPDATE ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ACBC PILBARA COMMITTEE .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

17. CONFIDENTIAL ITEM ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

18. MOTIONS OF WHICH PREVIOUS NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

19. QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS ON WHICH DUE NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

20. NEW BUSINESS OF AN URGENT NATURE APPROVED BY THE PERSON PREVISING ... . . . . . 62 20.1 AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP - VACANCY ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

21. CLOSURE ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64


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1. OFFICIAL OPENING The Ordinary Meeting of Council held in the Council Chambers, Welcome Road, Karratha on Monday, 29 June 2015 was declared open at 1:12 pm. 2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS The Chairperson acknowledged the traditions of the Ngarluma people, on whose land we gathered. 3. DECLARATION(S) OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST Local Government Act 1995 [No. 74] s. 5.66 Meeting to be informed of disclosures 5.66. If a member has disclosed an interest in a written notice given to the CEO before a meeting then before the meeting —

(a) the CEO is to cause the notice to be given to the person who is to preside at the meeting; and

(b) the person who is to preside at the meeting is to bring the notice to the attention of the persons who attend the meeting.

Nil received. 4. OATH(S) OF OFFICE Cr David William Hipworth undertook an Oath of Office before the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tony Friday prior to the commencement of the Council meeting.

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5. RECORD OF ATTENDANCE 5.1 Attendance

Councilors

Cr Kerry White Cr Lorraine Thomas Cr Lynne Craigie Cr Gerry Parsons Cr David William Hipworth Cr Fiona White-Hartig Cr Kelly Howlett Cr Gloria Jacob

President, Shire of Ashburton Councillor, Shire of Ashburton President, Shire of East Pilbara Councillor, Shire of East Pilbara (Deputy) Councillor, City of Karratha (Deputy) Councillor, City of Karratha Mayor, Town of Port Hedland Councillor, Town of Port Hedland

PRC Staff

Mr Tony Friday Ms Melody Pia

Chief Executive Officer Administrator

Member CEOs

Mr Neil Hartley Mr Allen Cooper Mr Mal Osborne Mr Chris Adams

CEO, Shire of Ashburton CEO, Shire of East Pilbara CEO, Town of Port Hedland CEO, City of Karratha

Guests:

Cr George Daccache Mr Chris Linnell Mr Sid Jain Cr Robin Vandenberg Mr Tim Lane Ms Amelia Waters

Councillor, Town of Port Hedland Director Community and Development Services, ToPH Director Corporate Services, Town of Port Hedland Councillor, City of Karratha Manager, Strategy and Reform, WALGA Project Officer, Pilbara Regional Council

Presenters/Speakers:

Ms Charmaine Gorman

Building Coordinator, City of Karratha

Apologies:

Cr Anita Grace Cr Peter Long Mr Tony Brown

Councillor, Shire of East Pilbara Mayor, City of Karratha Executive Manager Governance and Organisational Services, WALGA

5.2 Apologies

Approved leave of absence(s) Nil received. 5.3 Application for leave of absence

The following Councillors have applied for a Leave of Absence: Nil received. The Chairperson called for any Councillors wishing to apply for a leave of absence.

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6. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

The following questions were received from members of the public prior the meeting: Nil.

7. PETITIONS / DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS / SUBMISSIONS Ms Charmaine Gorman delivered a presentation regarding the implementation of Online Planning and Building Applications at the City of Karratha.

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8. STATE COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT (WALGA) Responsible Officer: Cr Lynne Craigie, Chairperson Action Officer: WALGA Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachment(s): Nil Mr Tony Brown, Executive Manager Governance and Organisational Services was not in attendance; Mr Tim Lane Manager, Strategy and Reform attended as proxy. Voting Requirement: Simple Majority Council Resolution FY15-091: That the State Council President’s report is received as presented. Moved: Cr Jacob Seconded: Cr Howlett Result: 8/0 Carried

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9. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachment(s): Nil Voting Requirement: Simple Majority Council Resolution FY15-092: The minutes of the Pilbara Regional Council Ordinary Meeting of Council held on the 11th and 12th of May 2015 be amended to reflect Cr White-Hartig period of absence from the meeting and then be confirmed as a true and correct record of proceedings. Moved: Cr White-Hartig Seconded: Cr Howlett Result: 8/0 Carried

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10. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 10.1 Response to Previous Questions Taken on Notice

The Chief Executive Officer will present Questions Taken on Notice from the previous Meeting:

Item Subject Actions Nil Nil Nil

10.2 Business and Action Items Arising from Meeting(s)

The Chief Executive will present a progress update on Business Arising and action items arising from previous meetings. Resolution Meeting Action Arising Completed / Carried Forward FY15-066

11 May 2015 14.5 Closure of Remote Aboriginal Communities closures position statement: That the position statement be referred to the CEO to add Cr Howlett’s text to the position statement and take back to the Councillors (via Cr Craigie) for approval via circular resolution.

In progress

FY15-068

11 May 2015 That the position statement be renamed as ‘Transient Workforces Position Statement’.

In progress

FY15-075

11 May 2015 That the item be deferred to the next meeting. CEO and Chair to recommend a set of protocols for communication with Council regarding key or contentious issues.

Will be tabled for consideration at the next meeting.

FY15-076

11 May 2015 That PRC scope a signage project in consultation with all members, seeking to understand how PRC could undertake a regional branding approach whilst maintaining individuality then go back to the Council with proposed locations, costs, potential design approaches, proposed timeline and program of work. Scope to go back to the next Council meeting for consideration as a PCD.

Will be tabled for consideration at the next meeting.

FY15-077

11 May 2015 14.14 WA State Government and Pilbara Local Governments Memorandum of Understanding

In progress.

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That the proposed MOU be developed as a position statement for the consideration of Council.

FY15-099

29 June 2015 Provide a copy of fees and charges for 2015-2016 to the Council next meeting.

Council Resolution FY15-093: The Council receive the progress update as presented. Moved: Cr White-Hartig Seconded: Cr Jacob Result: 8/0 Carried

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11. CHAIRPERSON REPORT Responsible Officer: Cr Lynne Craigie, Chairperson Action Officer: Cr Lynne Craigie, Chairperson Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil I would like to thank all Councilors that will have attended the financial governance training by the time this agenda item is read to the meeting. I note that the PRC team have recently applied to the Department of Local Government and Communities for a grant to extend the amount of training that is able to be offered to Councilors and executive staff – and this will place PRC Councilors well on the path to being the best trained Councilors in Western Australia. The training is timely given that we are today presented with the CEO’s draft FY16 budget for consideration. Setting the strategic direction of the organisation and adoption of a budget to achieve strategic outcomes are two of the most important functions for Council, and I look forward to interesting questions on notice and robust responses from our CEO to inform the meeting. During this meeting we will also consider adopting Standing Orders for Council meetings. Draft Standing Orders were presented to the last Ordinary Meeting of Council for consideration, with an action taken for all Councilors and CEOs to provide their feedback to the PRC executive team prior to this meeting. The CEO has recently returned from a Canberra advocacy trip, where he conducted a round of meetings to further the interests of our region. Sessions were held with:

- The The Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection - Mr Nigel Everingham, Senior Advisor for the Hon Ian Macfarlane MP - Senator Dean Smith, Senator for WA - Mr Adam Fitzgibbons, Senior Advisor for the Hon Warren Truss MP - The Hon Christian Porter, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister - Sue McCluskey from the Regional Australia Institute - The Hon Paul Fletcher, Parliamentary Secretary to The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP - Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann, Minister for Finance - A series of meetings with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection

Apart from the Canberra trip, I also attended a briefing session for Senator Ludlum (GreensWA) with the PRC team. It was interesting to observe the advocacy function in action, with the PRC covering a broad array of regional issues in a short period of time. Senator Ludlum was actively engaged in the conversation, both giving and receiving information in equal measure. With a busy schedule of briefings of this nature, it is little wonder that the PRC has achieved such a remarkable level of political access in a relatively short period of time. The Pilbara Regional Council was recently acknowledged in the Australian Outdoor Design website’s list of Exemplary Projects, observing on the site that “the shelter design plays an important role in placing the Pilbara at the forefront of community development in Western Australia, ensuring it becomes a recognized destination with strong local distinctiveness … The development and implementation of well considered, unified artworks across the different sites will provide positive social and cultural dividends.” This is a pleasing accolade, earned jointly by the PRC team and the wonderful Pilbara artists who contributed their time and skills towards the artwork panels. A great result. From my position as the Shire President in East Pilbara, I would also like to congratulate the PRC team on activating the Wi-Fi zone at the Newman Leisure Centre. The hot spot is even more effective that first anticipated and covers are much larger area than planned. This has extended the value of this project considerably, and the community will get benefit from this facility for at least the next three years. Other Wi-Fi zones have been coming

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online steadily over the past month, and I am informed that the Port Hedland Airport and Visitor Centre are now live, as is the Karratha LeisurePlex and the Tom Price Library. FY16 promises to be a busy year for the PRC, with an exciting portfolio of projects and real sense of passion and enthusiasm amongst the staff to deliver them for the region. Council Resolution FY15-094: That Council receive the Chairperson report as presented. Moved: Cr White Seconded: Cr Howlett Result: 8/0 Carried

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12. CEO REPORT Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil Councilors will note a slightly revised projects reporting format in this Council agenda. Some forbearance is requested from Council during this time as the Council subcommittee of Cr Long, Cr White and the Deputy CEO work together to develop a projects reporting format that will meet the needs of Council. To extend the degree of Councils access to information between meetings, the PRC executive has provisioned a Councilor portal. Using this facility, Councilors will be able to access interim data between meetings to inform themselves more fully as to project status and other measures of the organisation’s performance. Over the coming few months, the PRC team will also populate this portal with links to relevant legislation, Councilor induction material in preparation for LG elections, and other materials that may assist Council in performing its functions more effectively. The PRC presented to the board of Regional Development Australia Pilbara, and it is quite apparent that the PRC and RDA-P continue to work well together in a spirit of collaboration and epistemic respect. Regular CEO goal alignment meetings are occurring between the two organisations; and there is an active sharing of information, political access, and resources. The value of the MOU is assessed elsewhere in this agenda in the form of a ‘partnership report’. The PRC’s participation in the Australia China Business Council has received a boost with the appointment of Adam Handley as Chairperson. As Managing Partner of Minter Ellison in Perth, Adam enjoys a broad network of contact in both the Australian and Chinese business communities. Since taking the Chair, he has conducted a strategic planning day for participants, established some clear and achievable goals for the committee, and already demonstrated a willingness to ‘get on the front foot’ and open doors for cultural exchange opportunities or Pilbara project proponents seeking foreign direct investment. I am excited about the year to come for this committee, recognizing its great potential for the region. In other partnering activity, the PRC is building good relationships within the Department of Sport and Recreation, the Department of Parks and Wildlife, and the National Trust with a view to considering joint regional activities over the coming year. The Board of Australia’s North West Tourism also met during this period, with Ian Gay as the recently-appointed Chairperson. Ian brings a lengthy and highly successful career in the aviation business into ANWT, and his depth of knowledge is immediately apparent. ANWT is currently planning its activities for FY16, and there is a renewed focus on the entire north west region rather than just nominated portions. In recent times, ANWT have offered support for the Karijini Experience, My Pilbara Adventure, and arranged for a very positive and prominent feature piece in the West Australian. I have written to all member CEOs urging them to consider rejoining ANWT during FY16, as the organisation is currently still underutilized by Pilbara operators and there is latent capacity there for the benefit of the region. This was illustrated most recently in a Pilbara Tourism Development Plan meeting where it was disclosed that the My Pilbara Adventure event markets from a database of 3,000; whereas the Kimberley Bucket List event markets from a database of 73,000. It makes little sense for Pilbara tourism operators not to be fully leveraging this reach and expertise. Several of the FY16 projects will be acquitted in the projects report for this Council meeting, and independent audits have been completed (or commissioned) where appropriate to acquit external funds. I am pleased with the performance of the staff during FY15 towards delivering many of these projects successfully. A range of factors delayed the commencement of many project activities, and it has been an extremely busy last quarter for staff as

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they have worked to meet their EOFY deadlines. Whilst it is still premature to project the FY15 closing position, I am comfortable that all members have received a solid return on their investment in the PRC for the FY15 period. Council Resolution FY15-095: That Council receive the CEO report as presented. Moved: Cr Howlett Seconded: Cr Jacob Result: 8/0 Carried

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CEO Activity Summary since last Council meeting: Details

Thursday, 14 May - Meeting with Ms Sue Budalich, KPMG regarding Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

Tuesday, 19 May - Meeting with Ms Dianne May and Mr John Devereux, regarding Department of Industry and Science's programs

Thursday, 28 May – Meeting with Dr Ruth Shean, Director General, DTWD and Mr Simon Walker, Executive Director of Policy, Planning and Innovation, DTWD regarding Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

Wednesday, 3 June – Meeting with Senator Michaelia Cash, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women regarding Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)!

Monday, 15 June – Meeting with The Hon Ian McFarlane MP, Minister for Industry and Science regarding PEZ and Ngara / CSIRO collaboration Monday, 15 June - Meeting with Senator Dean Smith, Senator for Western Australia regarding the progress meeting on PEZ and Remote Aboriginal communities regarding CSIRO Tuesday, 16 June –Mr Adam Fitzgibbons, Advisor to Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development *Proxy for The Hon Warren Truss MP, Deputy Prime Minister / Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development regarding PEZ and DAMA Tuesday, 16 June – The Hon Christian Porter MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister; Member for Pearce WA regarding PEZ and DAMA Wednesday, 17 June – Meeting with Ms Sue McCluskey, CEO Regional Australia Institute regarding the development of Northern Australia

Wednesday, 17 June – Meeting with Mr Peter Knoble, Resource Agreements Policy Section, Department of Immigration and Border Protection regarding DAMA Wednesday, 17 June – The Hon Paul Fletcher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications *Proxy for The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Minister for Communication, Member for Wentworth regarding CSIRO Thursday, 18 June – Meeting with Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann, Senator for WA regarding Pilbara Enterprise Zone (PEZ)

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13. REPORTS OF OFFICERS 13.1 Projects report

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Mr Alexis Guillot, Deputy CEO Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil

Key Focus Area: ECONOMIC VALUE

LAND DE-CONSTRAINT

Endorsed Budget

Scope Progress Duration Start date Forecast

completion Actual

completion

$3,695,000

20% 6 m 01 July 15 30 June 16 TBD

Current Status: SoA (South Road, Tom Price) Current Status & Key Achievements Issues / Risks Next Milestones / Steps

• Formal endorsement of site and acquisition process obtained from DoL (13 May 2015).

• Meeting held with DRD (Linda Leonard and Laura Brennan on 22 May 2015 to seek formal approval of variation regarding increased acquisition price and Leveraged Funding contribution from the Shire (agreed in principle).

• New draft Financial Assistance Agreement template obtained from DRD, completed and returned for approval (4 June 2015).

• DRD’s approval of new Financial Assistance Agreement.

• Obtain DRD’s approval of new Financial Assistance Agreement.

• Execute new Financial Assistance Agreement.

• Finalise land acquisition with DoL.

• Procure consultants.

SoEP (Moondoorow Street, Newman) Current Status & Key Achievements Issues / Risks Next Milestones / Steps

• Engineering design and specification revised per BHPB requests and to include 1000Kva substation and resubmitted to BHPB for approval (pending).

• Temporary power solution agreed with BHPB.

• Extended lead time to procure kiosk substation.

• Obtain BHPB’s final approval of power design and specification.

• Procure kiosk substation. • Procure contractor.

SoEP (Stojic Road, Newman) Current Status & Key Achievements Issues / Risks Next Milestones / Steps


• Meeting held with DRD (Linda Leonard and Laura Brennan on 22 May 2015 to seek formal approval of variation regarding alternate site (agreed in principle).



• Purchase price of site unknown.

• Extent of “de-constraining” works required yet to be quantified.



• Obtain independent valuation to expedite land acquisition with DoL and inform budget.

• Procure consultants. CoK (Pelusey Place, Mayo Court, Boyd Close) Current Status & Key Achievements Issues / Risks Next Milestones / Steps

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• Confirmation from the City obtained in relation to which sites it wishes to proceed with as part of the project.

• Meeting held with DRD (Linda Leonard and Laura Brennan on 22 May 2015 to seek formal approval of variation regarding allocation of funding (agreed in principle).





• Settle on site acquisitions. • Commence detailed design

and documentation.

ToPH (Butler Way) Current Status & Key Achievements Issues / Risks Next Milestones / Steps


• Meeting held with DRD (Linda Leonard and Laura Brennan on 22 May 2015 to seek formal approval of variation regarding alternate site (agreed in principle).



• Extent of “de-constraining” works required yet to be quantified.



• Commence land acquisition process with DoL (variation of Management Order).

• Procure consultants.

FEE SUSTAINABILITY (ACQUITTAL) Background: Local Governments create local fees and cost allocation structures for services offered and infrastructure hire based on the ability to cover to their individual costs. Despite the similarity in infrastructure and services offered, local fees and cost allocation structures have been determined independently from each other it is therefore probable that there is a differences in fees This difference could be causing inadvertent competition or loss of business between regions. Phase one of this project was to perform a review to identify the fees and cost allocation structures that have the potential to be aligned. This includes the analysing the feasibility, process mapping and compiling a report that identifies which fees and cost allocation structures have the possibility of regional alignment. If the feasibility study determines that it is possible and if the member LGAs accepts the recommendations Phase two of this project was to set up a working group to determine the regional fees identified in phase one, and to allocate these new fees and costing structures.

Endorsed

Budget Scope Progress Duration Start date

Forecast completion

Actual completion

$20,000

100% 1.7 m 01 July 15 30 June 15 March 15

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 List of fee and costs allocation structure suitable for alignment Complete April 2015 2 List of areas where fees are not charged consistently across the region Complete April 2015 3 Alignment strategy, framework and process Complete April 2015 4 Roundtable discussion to discuss and agree on the regional fee structure and

alignment strategy. Incomplete Not perused due to lack of interest from

members. 5 Allocation of implementation responsibilities for new fees and cost structures. Incomplete Not perused due to lack of interest from

members.

Benefits delivered:

• A high level strategy for alignment and framework for future fee allocation was constructed. • A comprehensive list of fee was compiled.

PERTH ACCOMODATION (ACQUITTAL)

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Background: The four local governments of the Pilbara regularly send elected officials, executive management and staff to Perth for a variety of business purposes. These trips often require overnight accommodation, which has been traditionally purchased in the market from individual suppliers or using third party websites. The overall demand for room nights in Perth has been estimated at 862 per year. Naturally, purchasing this level of room nights in Perth from the market can be very expensive.

Endorsed Budget


completion Actual

completion

$0

100% 1.7 m 01 July 15 30 June 15 March 15

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Agreed accommodation criteria (e.g.: CBD proximity, Wi-Fi, other facilities). Complete

All deliverables formed part of the business case presented to Council in February 15.

2 Market approach based on 20% of aggregated night stays for the region, with panel of respondents appointed.

Complete

3 Contractual commitment to offer rooms at agreed rates for PRC members. Complete 4 Summary of accommodation choices provided to steering committee. Complete 5 Investigation of PRC-managed booking facility to ease workload of member

travel arrangements. Complete

6 Recommendation to members regarding of PRC-managed booking facility for member travel arrangements (or otherwise).

Complete

Benefits delivered: • The project investigated options for reducing the cost of accommodation for the four member regions of

Pilbara's staff and elected officials when travelling to Perth for Council business. • Business case presented to Council in May 2015 demonstrated some tangible financial savings that could be

realized. • Decision was made to not pursue the project in FY16.

PAYROLL PROCESSING Background: Processing payroll has become a ‘commodity’ service, and can be readily and reliably conducted from a lower cost region; freeing up existing HR staff for higher value duties, reducing risk (and removing the need to train staff) associated with complexity in superannuation and other statutory requirements. The concept has become increasingly popular in recent years, as organizations have sought to extract greater value from their investment in employees and ensure more accurate payments.

Endorsed Budget


completion Actual

completion

$171,250

45% 4.3 m 01 July 15 30 June 18

(contract period) TBD

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes

1 Business case Complete 2 Detailed Service Design Complete 3 Procurement and Contract management Complete 4 Regional shared service In progress CofK live. SoA in final rolling-in stage. Benefits delivered:

• Reviewed existing staff agreements then subsequently reducing cost and complexity by processing payroll via a 3rd party provider

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• Increased levels of business continuity and process redundancies • Reduced cost and complexity by processing payroll via a 3rd party provider. • Quality assurance cycles on EBA. • Online timesheets entry system developed as a result of the engagement - • Project fully funded at no cost to members until June 2018. • Project received very positive comments from DLGC.

SULLAGE POINTS (ACQUITTAL) Background: The Pilbara has some of the finest natural attractions in Western Australia. Our member LGAs are committed to providing the local inhabitants of the Pilbara the social capital needed to attract and retain workers and their families. This includes the ability to explore and enjoy the wonders of the Pilbara non- urban attractions, by providing the infrastructure that is needed to facilitate the exploration of their own amazing backyard. Currently there are only 11 sullage points throughout the Pilbara region listed on the Campervan Motor Home Club of Australia (CMCA) list. Over the past decade the campervan tourism market continued to expand and has now emerged as one of the most important and sustainable sectors of the tourism industry. The growth of the RV industry will increase rapidly over the next few years as the “Baby Boomer generation” commences retirement travel, with this segment identified as a major growth market with a preference for drive holidays. It is estimated that there will soon be in excess of 100,000 campervans on the road at any given time in Australia, and campervan tourists are set to dominate tourism activity in regional Australia. It is important to understand and meet the needs of this tourism sector. The provision of additional sullage points is therefore considered a key element in attracting and servicing this tourist market in the Region.

Endorsed Budget


completion Actual

completion

$45,000

100% 3.6 m 01 July 15 30 June 15 10 June 15

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Feasibility study / Cost-benefit analysis / Agreed locations Complete May 2015 2 Successful funding applications from Tourism WA and procurement. Complete May 2015 3 Maintenance management plan selected sullage points. Complete June 2015 4 Provision of the sullage points and associated infrastructure at the selected

locations. Complete June 2015

Benefits delivered:

• Successfully delivered two sullage points and associated infrastructure for CofK and ToPH. • Leveraged funds application ($20,000 worth). • ~$4000 Inc. GST of which is a direct contribution towards the maintenance of all sullage points. • Support the implantation of the WA Caravan and Camping Action Plan 2013-2018 (TWA) which aimed at improving the

supply, delivery and promotion of caravan and camping experiences.

Key Focus Area: EFFICIENCY & EFFECTIVNESS

COASTAL ACCESS MANAGEMENT (ACQUITTAL) Background: Most of the Western Australian coast is in public ownership. The majority is vested for management in local government authorities, the Department of Conservation and Land Management, Landgate, or pastoral lessees. Smaller sections are vested for specific purposes in organisations such as Port Authorities, Inlet Management Authorities, or the Commonwealth. These bodies, which have legal responsibility for management of particular areas, are known as land managers. Other agencies such as the Department of Fisheries, Water and Rivers Commission, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure or the

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Department of Environment also have a role in management of particular aspects of the coast according to their governing legislation. They, together with interest groups, including Native Title claimants and the broader community, may wish to be involved in development of a Pilbara coastal access management strategy.

Endorsed


Forecast completion

Actual completion

$50,000 (PRC) $138,000 (RBFS)

75% 3.6 m 01 July 15 October 15 TBD

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Business Operations and Management Plan (BOMP) Complete 2 Predictive cost model Complete

3 Recommended regulatory changes Complete 4 Prioritisation matrix for PARs management Complete 5 Applied BOMP + cost model to Ashburton River Mouth and Cape

Keraudren Complete

6 Pre-approval surveys for facilities at Ashburton River Mouth (RBFS grant) Complete 7 Interpretative sign designs Complete 8 PRC delivered training to LGAs on how to use BOMP + cost model Complete DIY Training guide provided. 9 Agreed list of prioritised PARs ran through the Toolkit + BOMP + cost

model Complete Ashburton River Mouth and Cape

Keraudren modelled for SoA and SoEP. 10 Moving towards opening high priority PAR sites Incomplete Pending deliverables from RBFS Grant. 11 Stage 2 of DOT grant application (subject to Stage 1 approvals) Incomplete Pending deliverables from RBFS Grant. Benefits delivered:

• A sets of tools that allow members to make informed decisions on the most efficient and effective means of operating and managing existing and proposed facilities.

• Leveraged funds application ($138,000 worth). TRAINING FOR STAFF AND COUNCILLORS (ACQUITTAL) Background: The Pilbara Local Government Authorities have identified a need to provide clear and consistent training to their staff and elected members. Professional development training improves staff retention and helps maintain capacity in the Pilbara. Proper training and induction also allow the elected members to perform their sworn duties easily and without risk of accidental breach. Ongoing training is important to be up to date with an increase in understanding of the ever-changing face of the government and technology. On going training allows a more efficient and skilled LGA that will be able provide the best possible customer service to the public.

Endorsed


Forecast completion

Actual completion

$35,000

100% 3 m 01 July 14 30 June 15 TBA

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Agreed list of training needs Complete 2 Alignment document between selected courses and LGA needs

‘Catalogue’ of course offerings Complete

3 Training course calendar Complete 4 Centralised PRC procurement and booking Complete 5 Focus on providing regional opportunities for training Complete 6 Agreed list of training needs Complete

Benefits delivered:

• Determined and collated what training was needed and desired by the members. • Negotiate advantageous terms for training requirements. • Delivered regional training to ~232 staff members based on desired member training requirements.

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• Saved $36,000 in aggregate on all training courses (through economies of scale). • Manage a practical and effective means of providing training. • Centralised training coordination for a number of training requirements. • Managed all logistics and bulk pay the training provider, which was then invoiced back to the involved LGAs on a cost

recovery basis. LOCAL LAWS ALIGNMENT (ACQUITTAL) Background: The Local Laws Alignment Project follow directly from recommendations detailed in the FY14 Regional FIFO Policy - Major Development Town Planning Policy Project to create a framework strategy for the alignment of selected overlapping Local Laws and Planning Policies across the member LGAs.

Endorsed


Forecast completion

Actual completion

$70,000

100% 4 m 01 Sept 15 30 June 15 December 14

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Successful alignment of selected overlapping local laws across the member

local government authorities. Incomplete

2 Successful alignment of selected overlapping planning policies across the member local government authorities.

Incomplete

3 Creation of a strategy for the alignment and use of consistence language in the creation of future laws and policies.

Incomplete

Notes: Project closure was endorsed by Council in February 2015. Budget re-allocation formed part of the mid-year budget review.

ONLINE PLANNING APPLICATION SYSTEM (ACQUITTAL) Background: The Online Planning Application System Project follows on directly from the recommendations specified in the FY14 ‘Building Approvals and Certification’ Project and sets out to identify and implement an online application system for the member LGA’s.

Endorsed


Forecast completion

Actual completion

$90,000

100% 2 m 01 March 15 30 June 15 TBD

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Recommendations, implementation, and training strategies for an online

system. Complete

2 Managed procurement process. Complete

3 Staff training component delivered. Complete Benefits delivered:

• $95,250 savings realized through economies of scale (on total contract value). • A three year install, operate and maintenance contract. • An Online Payment Portal, providing the ability for the public to lodge and pay for their applications online. • A public portal that is consistent with individual member LGAs ‘brand’.

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• Allow for electronic assessment of building and planning applications. • A more efficient administrative processes for receiving and filing the application with reduction of manual copying

and filing of documentation. • Efficiency savings resulting from the reduction of time required to manage the documentation and communication

associated with an application. • Improved customer satisfaction resulting from the ability of the applicant to lodge, pay and track the status of the

application online.

Key Focus Area: REGIONAL SERVICE DELIVERY

ROADSIDE REST STOPS (ACQUITTAL) Background: The Pilbara environment is undeniably harsh, and this, of course, must be dealt with by the chosen design. However, this environment is also remarkably beautiful and surprisingly fragile, and these aspects must also figure in the design thinking. The PRC aspires to create a series of rest stops that are visually distinctive while also demonstrating sensitivity and empathy for the Pilbara landscape. The Aboriginal heritage of the region will be a central theme for the network of stops, forming a significant part of the interpretive signage at these sites. The physical design of the structures could also acknowledge local Indigenous culture.

Endorsed


Forecast completion

Actual completion

$1,734,496 (FY15)

100% 4 m November 2014 30 June 15 April 15

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Network of visually appealing rest stops installed Complete 2 Network of solar powered, free Wi-Fi access points, under a service and

maintenance agreement Complete

3 Marketing and communication campaigns Complete Benefits delivered: Acquittal lodged with DRD in April 2015, pending formal confirmation of project acquittal being accepted.

• Installed a series of functional and visually appealing roadside rest stops across the Pilbara. • Enhance the amenity for tourists and residents, offering shelter, ablution facilities, and information on the surrounding

region. • Engaged with wonderful Pilbara artists who contributed their time and skills towards the artwork panels. • Delivered a network of Free Wi-Fi access points that saw over 25,000 sessions over the past 12 months.

GIS SYSTEM & DATA (ACQUITTAL)

Background: In FY14 the Pilbara Regional Council (PRC) was engaged to align the GIS data sets between the regions. During this project it was determined that there was a need for an upgrading of the current GIS software platform and an investigation into enterprise integration software to move towards a location- enterprise integrated business model as suggested in the WA State Governments Location Information Strategy (2010). This can also allow the creation of a publicly accessible web-portal, which will have the benefit of improving community service while increasing council efficiency.

Endorsed Budget


completion Actual

completion

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$100,000

100% 2 m 01 March 15 30 June 15 TBC

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Recommendations, implementation and training strategies for a GIS. Complete 2 Manage procurement process. Complete

3 Staff training component delivered. In progress Benefits delivered:

• Identified a comprehensive list of GIS/Enterprise Integration software vendors along with their specific offerings and capacity for integration.

• Procured and rolled out a GIS integrated ecosystem to the committed member LGAs (SoA, ToPH, SoEP). • Contractual arrangements (operating, support, maintenance and training) covered for the next 12 months.

SHARED EQUIPMENT POOL Background: The concept of bureau service provision and asset sharing has always existed in business, where leveraging every available mechanism to enhance efficiency and efficacy is the key to organisational performance and shareholder value. Local Government adoption of bureau service provision and asset sharing has been slow in Western Australia, partly due to scepticism driven by large and recent State Government failures in the centralisation of various services, and also because cost reduction is not always the primary driver in Local Government. In particular, Pilbara Local Governments have struggled to implement even elementary economies through aggregation, driven by distance and by a range of demands on capacity/capability associated with national economic conditions.

Endorsed


Forecast completion

Actual completion

$15,000

100% 2 m 01 July 14 30 June 15 TBC

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Identification existing and desired assets with the potential for rotation or

regionalisation Complete

2 Development of an asset rotation and management strategy (e.g.: asset sweating, scheduled rotation, etc.).

Incomplete

3 Consider tangible (e.g.: tyre shredder) and intangible assets (e.g.: regionalisation of contracts)

Complete

4 Leverage funding for asset purchase (where applicable) Incomplete

Benefits delivered: Early in Q2, deliverable 3 identified a comprehensive list of tangible assets and intangible assets, which were considered, prioritised and included by in a regional asset pool. An EOI for a Regional Green Waste Processing Contract has been issued by the PRC via Tenderlink. The closing date for submissions is the 22 June 2015. Kimberley and Mid West LGAs have been initially contacted to investigate the potential for inclusion in any subsequent tender process. This will be advanced further, once the EOI process has been completed and the submissions have been reviewed. Development of a report on the potential for a regional green waste processing contract for consideration by the member’s CEOs and Councils. Subject to Council approval undertake the procurement and management of the regional green waste-processing contract early in July 2015.

PUBLIC CENTRES WI-FI ACCESS (ACQUITTAL)

Background:

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The State Government is committed to creating the quality of life needed to attract and retain families. This vision includes the creating modern communities with services that are expected to be found in any metropolitan city or town. Wireless Internet access is now commonplace in the home and workplace. However leave your home or office and you enter a patchwork area of pay-to-use Wi-Fi hotspots, cafes that grant access in exchange for buying a drink or meal, and a smattering of public buildings with free access online. Free public Wi-Fi is a key economic driver that will further enhance and encourage business and enable visitors to enjoy their public space experience. It can provide Internet access for people that could not otherwise afford it, help tourists avoid crippling data roaming charges and navigate around a city, and drive shoppers into particular city centre areas. Free Wi-Fi service will provide much to local businesses and tourists – allowing local and visitors to access their emails, social media accounts, maps and websites wherever they are in the CBD - and allow visitors to post pictures of the Pilbara to the world will be a great asset to tourism promotion efforts as a picture paints a thousand words. In December 2013 the PRC completed the installation of 6 public access Wi-Fi hotspots, as part of the roadside rest stops upgrade project, resulting in almost immediate uptake of the service.

Endorsed Budget


completion Actual

completion

$160,000

100% 6 m 01 December 14 30 June 15 TBC

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Procurement and provision of Wi-Fi hotspots (install maintenance and

internet services) for all LGA members. Complete

2 Maintenance and Internet services agreements for a minimum of 3 years. Complete

Benefits delivered:

! Procured and provisioned 15+ indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi access points across 6 sites: o Newman Aquatic Centres o Tom Price Library and Visitor Centre o Karratha Leisureplex o Port Hedland Visitor Centre o Port Hedland International Airport o Paraburdoo Men’s Shed (funded separately, installed as part of the project)

! 36 months maintenance and repairs contract. ! Unified all of the existing Rest stops and Public centres Wi-Fi access point into a single network: Welcome Wi-Fi.

Key Focus Area: A VOICE FOR THE PILBARA

DESIGNATED AREA MIGRATION AGREEMENT

Endorsed Budget


completion Actual

completion

$75,000

90% (FY15 activities)

6 m 01 July 14 NA NA

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Signed agreement, endorsed by State and Federal Governments In progress 2 Systems and processes defined to enable Pilbara employers to access

DAMA labour Complete

3 Systems and processes defined to enable DAMA migrants to access support services

Complete

Benefits delivered:

• Entered into an agreement that will assist Australian businesses operating in the designated area to access workers from overseas to supplement the local labour force where acute skills and labour shortages exist.

• Operationalization guide that outlines the mechanics as to how the PRC will operate and govern the DAMA. • Negotiated and signed MOU with RDA Pilbara for the provision of resettlement services.

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• Negotiated and signed MOU with the Pilbara Institute for the provision of training to meet employer sponsor obligations under the DAMA.

• Negotiated and signed MOU with AUF Foundation as the labour market source provider under the DAMA. • Successfully advocated for the creation of new immigration instrument from concept to near-completion. • Complemented the existing strategies, plans and developments being implemented across the region to ensure its

economic and social development. • Supporting project to the ‘Skilled Migration’ transformational opportunity and enabler to reach the region’s

economic, social and environmental potential in 2050 and beyond. • Successful implementation of the DAMA is a PRC obligation under the Pilbara Workforce Development Plan

PILBARA ENTERPRISE ZONE

Endorsed Budget


completion Actual

completion

$90,000

90% (FY15 activities)

6 m 01 July 14 30 June 15 TBC

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Report covering the mechanics of an SEZ proposal, regulatory changes and

encourages complementary industries. Complete Activities continuing in FY16

2 Regional workshops and consultation Complete Activities continuing in FY16

3 Marketing and lobbying Complete Activities continuing in FY16

Benefits delivered:

• Defined the operational and economic modelling fit for purpose for the region. • Defined an implementation plan that identified responsible parties for progressing the concept. • Formalised marketing and communication materials to support promotional and lobbying activities. • Conducted a number of lobbying activities. • The PRC also notes the close alignment between the PEZ and the public draft of the Pilbara Investment Blueprint

which sees ‘the use of Special Economic Zones’ as a value adding transformational opportunity in order to reach the region’s economic, social and environmental potential in 2050 and beyond.

• The Investment blue print references not less than six areas of overlaps with the PEZ and the desired outcomes in the document.

REGIONAL EVENT ATTRACTION (ACQUITTAL)

Background: The Western Australian Government is committed to increasing the Pilbara population, it is the intention to create liveable communities with modern services, which will provide the social capital needed to attract and retain workers and their families. Our member LGAs would like to see that this includes the attraction of large-scale and international entertainment events to the region. Holding such events will raise the international profile of the Pilbara, increase the tourism appeal and spending as well as provide cultural enrichment to the local community. In FY14 the PRC instigated the “See Nothing In The Pilbara” campaign, which highlighted the Pilbara’s wide-open spaces. The Pilbara is already known for its rugged beauty and stunning gorges and as an adventure holiday destination.

Endorsed Budget


completion Actual

completion

$30,000

100% 4 m 01 July 14 30 June 15 30 May 15

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Identify and prioritise a list of possible events to bring to the region. Complete 2 Work towards the delivery of those events into the region. Complete

Benefits delivered:

• Fostered a relationship for an annual adventure-themed event in the Pilbara (Adventure Film Festival).

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• Actively participated in the marketing and promotion of the Karijini Experience (reached ~3000 people via Social media to promote the event).

• Worked with the members Events and Community Managers to promote the beyondblue Pilbara Roadshow. • Assembled a list of all known regional events for this financial year and provided it to ANWT for publication on their

website to ensure a robust promotion of LGA events on their website. • Made an active and measurable contribution to the success of the Pilbara Tourism Development Plan. • Leveraged $17,818 of grant money.

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OLD ONSLOW CONSERVATION AND TOURISM

Background: The original Onslow was proclaimed a town in 1883 and named after Sir Alexander Onslow, the acting Governor and Chief Magistrate of Western Australia at the time. It supported the nearby pastoral stations that had been established along the Ashburton River and the goldmines that had developed in the hinterland. One of the first recorded stations was Minderoo, established in 1882. Since this time, the Old Onslow Townsite has suffered the effects of erosion and unmanaged tourism, leading to a significant deterioration in the site and its remaining structures. This project builds upon the Old Onslow Townsite Conservation Plan, prepared by Gaye Nayton and funded by Chevron Australia Pty Ltd (Chevron) as part of a development approval process associated with the Wheatstone project and development of a use area for the Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area (Ashburton North). The project acknowledges a maximum of $1M in funding generously made available by Chevron as part of the development approval process, and seeks to maximize the body of conservation works that may be undertaken within this budget in accordance with the recommendations of the Old Onslow Townsite Conservation Plan.

Endorsed Budget


completion Actual

completion

$1,000,000

30.13% 1.09 years October 14 30 June 15 30 June 16

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 Structural engineering survey / assessment Complete Completed in May and June 2015. 2 Safety and stabilisation works Scheduled Starting in the first two weeks of July.

3 Conservation Management Strategy and works In progress Scheduled to start in July/August.

4 Interpretation works Scheduled Scheduled to start of 2015.

Activity notes: As part of this project, the team delivered the following tangible deliverables:

• A structural and engineering survey / assessment of the site. • A safety and stabilisation works plan that is informed by the engineering’s work and currently under review and final

approval by the Steering Committee (DSD, Chevron, SoA). • Commissioned an interpretation strategy for the site, building on the existing Conservation Plan and • Working in close collaboration with BTAC to ensure that the project team exhibits cultural sensitivity and that project

outcomes reflect both post-settlement built form and the traditional owners of these lands.

TOURISM TRAILS (ACQUITTAL)

Background: Travellers often cite the Pilbara as simply a landmass to be traversed in order to reach the Kimberley from Perth (or vice versa). Whilst there are actually a significant number of ‘visit-worthy’ attractions in the Pilbara it is fair to say that they are far apart and are not bonded together in any thematic fashion. This means that travellers with specific interests are not targeted, and the presentation of information for these travellers is adhoc at best. Whereas the southwest of WA promotes the wine and cheese trails, and the great southern promotes farm stays and aquatic attractions; the Pilbara does little to offer a thematic experience for travellers. The intent of this project is to identify and develop up to three distinct thematic travel experiences for the Pilbara, culminating in commissionable product, hard infrastructure and industry capability building to support travellers visiting the region for these pursuits.

Endorsed Budget


completion Actual

completion

$50,000

100% 6 m 1 Sept 14 30 April 15 TBC

# Deliverable / Milestone Status Notes 1 VC iPad device and Website with activities listed (income source to VC) Complete

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2 Catalogue of all experiences Complete

3 Digital map leveraging the Warlu Way underpinned with three trails and connecting Pilbara experiences and detailing areas.

Complete

4 Paper map distributed across WA (funding dependent) Scheduled Catalogue prints ordered and will be offered to neighbour regions via Visitor Centres throughout July.

5 Provide content to ANTW for promotion and marketing of Pilbara tourism trails

Complete

Benefits delivered: As part of this project, the team delivered the following tangible deliverables:

! Three thematic tourist trails defined by both geography and interest. ! Produced a research report that identifies tourism linkages across LGAs strategic goals/objectives. ! A marketable version catalogue of Pilbara wide activities and attractions. ! Directly engaged with the Visitor Centres and ANWT to ensure that the catalogue is leveraged as a fresh new

addition to their marketing tools. ! iPad site (with catalogue of attractions) and iPad infrastructure rolled out to Visitor Centres in Karratha, Roebourne,

Newman, Tom Price, and Hedland. ! The PRC managed VC websites are also being updated to provide access through their homepage to the Warlu Way

catalogue of experiences. ! Promotion of catalogue trails and attraction with ANWT ! Active participation in the Pilbara Tourism Group (PDC, RDAP, DPWA, TWA, ANWT).

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Steering Committee Membership

Project Steering Committee / Contact Person

Old Onslow Conservation Plan Anika Serer (SoA) Chevron

Department of State Development Alexis Guillot (PRC)

Pilbara Enterprise Zone Terry Hill (PDC) / A/CEO Diane Pentz (DDAP) / CEO

AECgroup Tony Friday (PRC)

Designated Area Migration Agreement Diane Pentz (DDAP) / CEO KPMG

Tony Friday (PRC)

Payroll Processing Phillip Trestrail (CofK) Frank Ludovico (SoA) Peter Kocian (ToPH)

TBA in FY16 (SoEP) Alexis Guillot (PRC)

Land De-constraint (CLGF 2012-13)

Simon Kot (Cofk) Janelle Fell (SoA) Adam Majid (SoEP)

David Westbury (ToPH) Carroll Melia (PRC)

Fees Sustainability Review Member CEOs Director of Corporate Services

Finance Directors Alexis Guillot (PRC)

Local Laws Alignment Henry Eaton (CofK) Lee Reddell (SoA) Leanne Lind (SoA)

Paul Dickson (SoEP) Jo Bianchi (ToPH) Carroll Melia (PRC)

Perth Accommodation Julie Rouse (ToPH) Tishka Hanlon (CoK) Janyce Smith (SoA)

Sheryl Pobrica (SoEP) Brenda Lai (PRC)

Training for Staff & Councillors Kristen Potter (ToPH) & Nerine Williams (ToPH) Helen Melville (SoA) & Kim Parks (SoA)

Alana Dow (SoEP) & David Kular (SoEP) Kayla Sevelj (CofK) & Phil Trestrail (CofK) Brenda Lai (PRC)

GIS System & Data Al Lind (SoA) Rick Miller (SoEP)

Sebestian Maciuba (ToPH) Carroll Melia (PRC)

Online Planning Application System

Charmaine Gorman (CofK) Lee Reddell (SoA) David Evrett (SoEP) Adam Majid (SoEP)

Sebestian Maciuba (ToPH) Melissa Guy (ToPH) Carroll Melia (PRC)

Shared Equipment Pool

Martin Waddington Mike Sully Rick Miller (SoEP)

Anthony Rintala Alexis Guillot (PRC)

Sullage Points John Verbeek (CofK) Mike Sully (SoA) Warren Barker (SoEP)

Brie Holland (ToPH) Carroll Melia (PRC)

Coastal Access Management Lee Reddel (SoA) Jerom Hurley (CoK) Troy Davis (SoA)

Glenn Britton (SoEP) Eber Butron (ToPH) Alexis Guillot (PRC)

Regional Event Attraction

Leigh Cover (CoK) Melissa May (SoA) Pip Parsonsons (SoEP)

Brie Holland (ToPH) Sue Campbell (Tourism WA) Simmone Van Buerle (SoA) Alexis Guillot (PRC)

Public Centres Wi-Fi Access Brad Pezzali (CofK) Pip Parsonsons (SoEP)

Kylie Hartley (SoA) Sebastian Maciuba (ToPH) Alexis Guillot (PRC)

Tourism Trails

Kate Bach (CoK) Melissa May (SoA) Pip Parsonsons (SoEP) Brie Holland (ToPH)

Sue Campbell (Tourism WA) Simmone Van Buerle (SoA) Kylie Hartley (SoA) Alexis Guillot (PRC)

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Glossary

ANWT Australia’s North West Tourism BOMP Business Operations and Management Plan CBD Central Business District CCIWA Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia CLGF Country Local Government Funding CMCA Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia CofK City of Karratha CUA Common Use Arrangement DAMA Designated Area Migration Agreement DIBP Department of Immigration and Border Protection DoL Department of Lands DOT Department of Transport EIA Events Industry Association FAA Financial Acquittal Agreement FOI Freedom of Information GIS Government Information System GST Goods and Services Tax LGA Local Government Authority OAS Online Application System PAR Public Access Road PDC Pilbara Development Commission PRC Pilbara Regional Council RBFS Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme RDA-P Regional Development Assistance Program RFQ Request for Quotation RFT Request for Tender SEZ Special Economic Zone SoA Shire of Ashburton SoEP Shire of East Pilbara ToPH Town of Port Hedland TWA Tourism Western Australia VIC Visitors Information Centre WAITOC Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council WALGA Western Australian Local Government Association

Legend

On target

At risk

Critical

Voting Requirement: Simple Majority Council Resolution FY15-096: That Council receive the project report as presented. Moved: Cr Jacob Seconded: Cr White Result: 8/0

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13.2 Regional CCTV

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil Purpose: To present a proposal for the FY16 Regional CCTV project. Background: The Pilbara Regional Council presented a project concept for the consideration of Council at the April 2015 meeting, where Council deferred a decision on this project pending more information about the scope for the project and anticipated outcomes. Comments/Options/Discussions: Since the last meeting, the PRC executive team have: Held a number of exploratory meetings with potential funding and delivery partners Refined the project scope and deliverables Secured tacit financial support for a feasibility study (subject to grant approval) Secured endorsement from Newman Police Station to use Newman as a pilot Financial Implications Feasibility: $35,000 consisting $10,000 from PRC budget and $25,000 leveraged funding Pilot: cost informed by Feasibility, will come back to Council for endorsement Implementation: cost informed by the Pilot, will come back to Council for endorsement Policy Implications Project must consider alignment with the draft State CCTV Strategy Scope will offer policy guidance to members to assist member policy framework alignment with draft State CCTV Strategy Voting Requirement: Simple Majority Council Resolution FY15-097: That Council endorse the FY16 Regional CCTV project as presented to proceed to Feasibility stage, and that Newman be the site endorsed for feasibility analysis. Feasibility to include detailed technical design, cost modelling and other considerations as may arise. All activities to be consistent with the PRC endorsed budget for this project. Moved: Cr Howlett Seconded: Cr Jacob Result: 8/0

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14. Items for information only Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Ms Melody Pia, Administrator Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachment: Nil Purpose: To advise Council of the information items since the last Ordinary Council meeting. Officer’s recommendation: That Council receive and note the following information items:

• 14.1 Use of common seal ! 14.2 Significant Correspondence • 14.3 Response to draft PDC Blueprint • 14.4 Welcome Wi-Fi Report

Voting Requirement: For noting only. !

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14.1 Use of common seal

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Ms Melody Pia, Administrator Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Purpose: To advice Council of documents, as listed below that have been stamped with the Common Seal of the Pilbara Regional Council since the last Council meeting.

Date Document 29/05/2015 Employment Contract - Ms Amelia Waters 02/06/2015 Designated Area Migration Agreement Contract 12/06/2015 Employment Contract – Mr Scott Stirling

Policy Implications The Affixation of the Common Seal policy is applicable. Section 2 of this policy requires that the use of the common seal be recorded in the common seal register and must:

• Be presented to Council at the next available meeting, • Have the Council resolution number included and • The date that the seal was applied.

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14.2 Significant Correspondence

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Purpose: To inform Council regarding the letters received from the following:

1. Letter from The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development advising that Pilbara Regional Council’s project (Planning and Refurbishment of the Old Onslow Townsite) has not been selected for funding.

2. Letter from the Department of Training and Workforce Development regarding Pilbara Regional Council’s preliminary submission for a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for the Pilbara.

3. Letter from Pilbara Development Commission advising that Pilbara Regional Council’s application for financial assistance through the Royalties for Regions Pilbara Regional Grants Scheme (Pilbara Rest Stops project) has not been successful.

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14.3 Response to draft Pilbara Development Commission Blueprint

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Purpose: To table the PRC response to the draft PDC Blueprint. Background: At the April 2015 Council meeting, Councillors requested that the PRC draft a response to the PDC’s draft Blueprint as part of their public consultation process. The response needed to be lodged prior to this Council meeting, and Council requested that the PRC executive liaise with member CEOs to collect their responses, circulating the PRC response in draft form prior to lodgement. Comments/Options/Discussions: A response to the draft Blueprint was prepared after collection of member responses from Karratha and Port Hedland. Ashburton and East Pilbara advised that they were comfortable with the PRC representing the regional view, and were not likely to prepare an individual response to the Blueprint. A PRC response was drafted and circulated to member CEOs for input and endorsement. The final response was lodged with the PDC prior to closing of the public comment period on 8 June 2015. Financial Implications Nil Policy Implications Nil Officer’s recommendation: Ni Voting Requirement: For Noting Only

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14.4 Welcome Wi-Fi

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Author Name: Mr Alexis Guillot, Deputy CEO Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Background The State Government is committed to creating the quality of life in the Pilbara needed to attract and retain families. This includes creating modern communities with the services expected in any metropolitan city or town. Wireless Internet access is now common in the home and workplace. However, beyond these areas travellers encounter a patchwork of inconsistent or non-existent w-fi services. Free public Wi-Fi is a key economic driver that further encourages business and enable visitors to enjoy public spaces for longer. It helps tourists to avoid crippling data roaming charges and navigate around a location, and it can drive shoppers into particular city centre areas. Importantly, it will allow visitors to post pictures of the Pilbara to the world a great asset to tourism promotion. In December 2013 the PRC completed the installation of 6 Welcome Wi-Fi spots, as part of the Welcome Roadside Rest Stops upgrade project. There was immediate uptake of the service. By 2015, additional 28 more Welcome Wi-Fi spots have been installed across 8 public centres across the Pilbara. Welcome Wi-Fi Stats Public Centre Reporting period June 2015 Total Users 1,083 Total Sessions 1,768 Average Session Time 25m Average Download 39.01 MB Average Upload 11.01 MB

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There are a total of 13 access points installed as part of the Welcome Rest Stops project. As part of the Public Centres Wi-Fi project, there are a total of 28 access points allocated to 8 sites in the population centres in the Pilbara. The 8 sites are:

1. Newman Aquatic Centre 2. Karratha Leisureplex 3. Tom Price Library 4. Port Hedland Visitor Centre 5. Port Hedland International Airport 6. Town of Port Hedland Civic Centre (pending install) 7. South Hedland Library (pending installation ) 8. Paraburdoo Men’s Shed (funded separately; installed as part of this project)

Wi-Fi sample Signal Coverage

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NEWMAN AQUATIC CENTRE

Once the installations of all access points are completed, a Wi-Fi signal coverage map will be provided by TSG. The above is the coverage map for Newman Aquatic Centre, paired with Google map to show the users the exact location of the site. Each site / location will be mapped for actual coverage and will be forwarded to the project steering committee.

KARRATHA LEISUREPLEX

Proposed coverage as part of the contract

Actual coverage delivered

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Welcome Wi-Fi Portal The screenshot below depicts the user portal, which represent the first ‘point of contact’ with users that connect to any of the Welcome Wi-Fi access points (Rest Stops and Public centers). Individual Welcome Wi-Fi access points are tailored to the individual locations. Project Steering Committee members have been engaged to provide tailored text and images for the specific access points.

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Policy position: Nil Comment: Nil Policy Implications Nil Legislative Implications Financial Implications Nil Voting Requirement: For Noting Only

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15. Financials 15.1 Monthly Financial Reports and Warrants of Payments

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil Purpose: The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s consideration and adoption of the Statements of Financial Activity. Background: The PRC Council is required to review and approve the PRC expenditure and financial position on a regular basis. The PRC’s financial system is Xero, which generates Monthly Financial Reconciliations that show the PRC’s expenditure and financial position on a monthly basis. Excel spreadsheets are used to provide statutory compliant reporting based on the Xero output. To enable the reporting of material variances to be consistent and compliant with the Local Government Financial Management Regulations (FMR 34) the Council adopted the material variance threshold of plus/minus 10% at sub-program and /or individual project level as per FM 34(1)(d), for the financial year in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (AAS 5). The Local Government Act Financial Regulations require that a statement of financial activity, including reporting on revenue and expenditure, an explanation of the composition of net current assets and an explanation of any material variances between actual and (now) revised budget allocations be presented to Council to consider for inclusion in the minutes of the meeting. The following financial statements for the periods ending 31 January and 28 February 2015 are attached:

1. Comprehensive Income Statement by Program; 2. Comprehensive Income Statement by Nature/Type; 3. Statement of Financial Position; 4. Statement of Changes in Equity; 5. Statement of Cash Flows; 6. Statement of Financial Activity; 7. Statement of Current Assets and Current Liabilities; 8. Supporting Schedules detailing income and expenditure.

Comments/Options/Discussions: Cr White requested clarification regarding several items within the warrant of payments. CEO accepted these questions on notice, with detailed information to be provided to Cr White subsequent to the meeting. Policy Implications: Nil Legislative Implications: Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 1996, reg. 13 & 34

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Financial Implications: Nil Strategic Implications: Nil Conclusion: Nil Voting Requirement: Simple Majority Council Resolution FY15-098: That Council, pursuant to Section 6.4 of the Local Government Act 1995 and Regulation 34 of the Local Government (Financial Administration) Regulations 1996 resolve to RECEIVE the Financial Reports for the financial periods ending 31 March and 30 April 2015 and Warrants of Payments from 20 April to 22 May 2015. Moved: Cr White-Hartig Seconded: Cr White Result: 8/0 Carried

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15.2 Imposition of fees and charges for 2015-2016

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil Purpose: The purpose of this report is for Council to give consideration to the adoption and imposition of Fees and Charges for the 2015-2016 financial year. Comments/Options/Discussions:

The Pilbara Regional Council provides secretarial services to the WA Regional Capital Alliance (WARCA), based on a fee for service arrangement. The fee charged is an annual fee.

Section 6.16(3) of the Local Government Act 1995 (The Act) requires local governments to impose fees and charges when adopting the annual budget; however nothing prevents the Pilbara Regional Council from imposing fees and charges throughout the year, as long as it complies with the requirements of section 6.19 of the Act.

Policy Implications Nil Legislative Implications

6.16. Imposition of fees and charges

(1) A local government may impose* and recover a fee or charge for any goods or service it provides or proposes to provide, other than a service for which a service charge is imposed.

* Absolute majority required.

(2) A fee or charge may be imposed for the following —

(a) providing the use of, or allowing admission to, any property or facility wholly or partly owned, controlled, managed or maintained by the local government;

(b) supplying a service or carrying out work at the request of a person;

(c) subject to section 5.94, providing information from local government records;

(d) receiving an application for approval, granting an approval, making an inspection and issuing a licence, permit, authorisation or certificate;

(e) supplying goods;

(f) such other service as may be prescribed.

(3) Fees and charges are to be imposed when adopting the annual budget but may be —

(a) imposed* during a financial year; and

(b) amended* from time to time during a financial year.

* Absolute majority required.

6.17. Setting level of fees and charges

(1) In determining the amount of a fee or charge for a service or for goods a local government is required to take into consideration the following factors —

(a) the cost to the local government of providing the service or goods; and

(b) the importance of the service or goods to the community; and

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(c) the price at which the service or goods could be provided by an alternative provider.

(2) A higher fee or charge or additional fee or charge may be imposed for an expedited service or supply of goods if it is requested that the service or goods be provided urgently.

(3) The basis for determining a fee or charge is not to be limited to the cost of providing the service or goods other than a service —

(a) under section 5.96; or

(b) under section 6.16(2)(d); or

(c) prescribed under section 6.16(2)(f), where the regulation prescribing the service also specifies that such a limit is to apply to the fee or charge for the service.

(4) Regulations may —

(a) prohibit the imposition of a fee or charge in prescribed circumstances; or

(b) limit the amount of a fee or charge in prescribed circumstances.

6.18. Effect of other written laws

(1) If the amount of a fee or charge for a service or for goods is determined under another written law a local government may not —

(a) determine an amount that is inconsistent with the amount determined under the other written law; or

(b) charge a fee or charge in addition to the amount determined by or under the other written law.

(2) A local government is not to impose a fee or charge for a service or goods under this Act if the imposition of a fee or charge for the service or goods is prohibited under another written law.

6.19. Local government to give notice of fees and charges

If a local government wishes to impose any fees or charges under this Subdivision after the annual budget has been adopted it must, before introducing the fees or charges, give local public notice of —

(a) its intention to do so; and

(b) the date from which it is proposed the fees or charges will be imposed.

Financial Implications The imposition of fees and charges in 2015-2016 budget will yield approximately $33,000 in revenue.

Conclusion

The adoption and imposition of fees and charges as part of the budget process will allow the fees to be effective from 1 July 2015. Voting Requirement: Absolute Majority Council Resolution FY15-99: That – 1. Council, pursuant to Section 6.16(3) of the Local Government Act 1995, adopt and impose the fees and charges, and incorporate it into the 2015-2016 Annual Budget. 2. The Fees and Charges for 2015-2016 become effective from 1 July 2015. 3. That the CEO provide to the next Ordinary Meeting of Council a detailed schedule of WARCA fees and charges. Moved: Cr White-Hartig Seconded: Cr Parsons Result: 8/0 Carried

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15.3 Draft Budget 2015-2016

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil Purpose:

The purpose of this report is for the Council to adopt the 2014/2015 Draft Budget.

Comment:

Nil

Policy Implications

Nil

Legislative Implications

Section 6.2 of the Local Government Act 1995 requires that not later than 31 August in each financial year, or such extended time as the Minister allows, each local government is to prepare and adopt, (Absolute Majority required) in the form and manner prescribed, a budget for its municipal fund for the financial year ending on the next following 30 June.

Divisions 5 and 6 of the Local Government Act 1995 refer to the setting of budgets and raising of rates and charges. The Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 1996 detials the form and content of the budget.

Section 6.2 (1) of the Local Government Act states:

6.2 Local Government to prepare annual budget (1) During the period from 1 June in a financial year to 31 August in the next financial year, or such extended time as the Minister allows, each local government t is to prepare and adopt*, in the form and manner prescribed, a budget for its municipal fund for the financial year ending on the 30 June next following that 31 August. *Absolute majority required.

Financial Implications:

Nil

Conclusion:

Nil

Voting Requirement: Absolute Majority Council Resolution FY15-100: That –

1) Council endorse the Draft Budget 2015-2016 as presented. 2) Council impose the fees and charges as set out on item 15.1, and incorporate it into the 2015-2016

Annual Budget.

Moved: Cr White-Hartig Seconded: Cr Parsons Result: 8/0 Carried

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16. Late agenda items 16.1 Release of Federal Government’s Developing Northern Australia White Paper

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil Purpose: To table the recently released Developing Northern Australia White Paper. Background: On Thursday 18 June, the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Trade and Investment jointly released the Federal Government’s Developing Northern Australia White Paper. The document provides detailed policy direction for the development of Northern Australia, and is underpinned by budget provisions to enable the implementation of many plans contained within the White Paper. The report specifically speaks to the challenges of: • making it easier to use natural assets, in close consultation with, and the support of, • Indigenous communities • providing a more welcoming investment environment • investing in infrastructure to lower business and household costs • reducing barriers to employing people • improving governance.

Actions identified in the report are summarised as: Land

• $10.6 million to support pilot reforms that broaden economic activity on land and demonstrate the benefits of reform to investors, Indigenous Australians and other stakeholders.

o Relevance to diversification of pastoral leases for tourism purposes, mega-fauna project proposed elsewhere in this agenda.

• Supporting the native title system (around $110 million a year over the next four years) with the aspiration of finalising all existing native title claims within a decade.

• More efficient native title processes that create more certainty for investors and opportunities for native title claimants and holders (through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Indigenous land review).

• $20.4 million to better support native title holders engage with potential investors. o PRC/ACBC/RDAP work on supporting title holders to attract FDI

• Consult on options to use exclusive native title rights for commercial purposes (through the COAG Indigenous land review).

o PRC support of Thalangyi mud crabs opportunity to Austrade, et al • $17 million to support freehold/99 year leases for willing Indigenous communities, including rolling out

more township leases in the Northern Territory and finalizing cadastral surveys and area mapping across the north.

• Consult on new models to manage native title funds for development. o PRC advocacy to release funds from trustees for more local management and involvement in

development opportunities. Proposed shift away from FUM model of remuneration for trustees.

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• More business friendly information on the different land tenure arrangements to increase the appeal of investing in the north.

• Pursue a set of principles and actions to improve the security, bankability and efficiency of pastoral land.

Water • $200 million to build water infrastructure in the north and tied to developing secure and tradeable water

rights as part of a new National Water Infrastructure Development Fund, starting with up to $5 million each for detailed examinations of the economic feasibility of Nullinga Dam (Queensland) and Ord Stage 3 development (Western Australia/ Northern Territory).

Business, trade and investment

• A major investment forum in Darwin in late 2015 to attract investors and expose them to opportunities in the north; supported by a publication of investor ready projects in the north.

o PRC initially pitched for this to be held in Karratha, will now look to attend as represent the Pilbara local governments. Linkage to ACBC investment portal.

• A Northern Australia Insurance Premiums Taskforce to investigate actions that lower the cost of insurance in the north.

• Stronger economic connections with the booming Asia-Pacific region by linking the north with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) connectivity agendas.

• $2.5 million to foster business to business links with Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste. • $13.6 million to extend management advice and other business support services to businesses in the

northern tourism industry (under the Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme). o Linkage to PRC seat at the ANWT board an attracting some of these funds for Pilbara tourism

operators to support their businesses and developing ‘wholesaler-ready’ product. • Extending similar services to around 500 small businesses in the north by lowering the minimum turnover or

operating expenditure threshold to $750,000. • $75 million for a new Cooperative Research Centre on Developing Northern Australia, located in the north,

with an initial focus on agriculture, food and tropical health. • $15.3 million for a Tropical Health Strategy aimed at protecting our people and economy from the

increased risks of disease, while commercialising Australian tropical disease R&D. • $2 million to build links between world class institutions researching tropical health. • $12.4 million to boost Indigenous Ranger groups in northern Australia, with further announcements on

biosecurity in the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. • $2 million to set up a ‘single point of entry’ office in Darwin with the Northern Territory

o Linkages to the National’s proposed Office of Inbound Investment, and PRC public support for this. Linkages to the PEZ.

• Government to cut red tape and facilitate major project approvals. • Reforms to visitor visas from China and India — including further roll out of e-lodgement for China and

India; trial a fast track service and a 10-year longer validity visa for Chinese visitors; and a trial of Chinese language lodgement of visitor visa applications.

o PRC has been holding a number of conversations with DIBP, RAI, et al over past two years re supporting escalated population growth in the Pilbara, including proposing the formation of a new geographically-tethered immigration instrument, and a regional extension to the Premium Investor Visa program.

• Consult key Indigenous groups on options to improve protections and cut red tape around Indigenous cultural heritage through amendments to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwlth).

• Cut red tape around fisheries by shifting to single jurisdiction fisheries management; devolve aquaculture management to the states and territories; share licensing and compliance services; and extend export approvals to 10 years for low risk fisheries.

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• Cut red tape on tourist souvenirs and exports of low risk species, and look at options to streamline and expedite processing and extend the length of CITES permits for commercial trade in low risk industries (such as the northern Australia crocodile industry).

• A Productivity Commission Inquiry to identify duplicative or poorly implemented regulations that are harming investment in Australia’s fisheries and aquaculture industries.

Infrastructure

• $5 billion in concessional loans for projects through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility. • $600 million for priority road projects in northern Australia including consideration of the Great Northern

Highway, Arnhem Highway, Flinders Highway, Barkly Highway, Hann Highway, the Outback Way and the Tanami Road.

• $100 million to improve cattle supply chains through a northern Australia beef roads fund; using CSIRO modelling and livestock transport and beef industry experts to identify investment and deregulation priorities.

• $5 million for analyses of freight rail projects in northern Australia, with an initial focus on a pre-feasibility study, including a high level cost benefit analysis, of the proposed Mount Isa to Tennant Creek railway.

• $3.7 million to develop an infrastructure pipeline with the jurisdictions to provide investors information on potential infrastructure needs so more can be built sooner and cheaper.

o Linkages to the ACBC investment portal. • Infrastructure Australia’s northern Australia infrastructure audit. • $39.6 million to upgrade airstrips and subsidise air services in remote Australia. • Establish a business stakeholder group to develop a plan for improving aviation and surface transport

connections in northern Australia. Workforce

• Making it easier for businesses seeking to expand into northern Australia to receive advice and grants that upgrade their skills under the Industry Skills Fund.

• Employment targets for Indigenous Australians, reflecting local Indigenous working age population, for road projects (and other relevant expenditure) funded through this White Paper.

• Support the Northern Territory Government to allow workers licensed from other Australian jurisdictions to have their licences more easily recognised in the Northern Territory.

• Reforms to the Remote Jobs and Communities Programme to allow participants to work in local businesses. • Pursue more flexible foreign worker arrangements in high demand areas by finalizing the Northern Territory

DAMA; continue to work with Western Australia on a DAMA for the Pilbara; and invite Queensland to propose a DAMA.

o Finalisation and implementation of the Pilbara DAMA • Expand and streamline the Seasonal Worker Programme by reducing costs to business, increasing worker

numbers and allowing more countries and industries to participate. • Expand the Working Holiday Maker Visa Programme to allow participants to work for longer in high

demand areas in northern Australia, with a small number allowed a second year on their visa if they work in northern tourism and agriculture.

• Pilot a two-year visa for up to 250 citizens of the Pacific microstates (Nauru, Tuvalu and Kiribati) for work in the north.

Governance

• Regular meetings between the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the First Ministers of the northern jurisdictions through the Northern Australia Strategic Partnership.

• Shift the Office of Northern Australia to northern Australia. • Recommend to the Parliament that the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia be made an enduring

feature of future Parliaments. • An annual statement to Parliament from the Deputy Prime Minister on progress of White Paper initiatives,

as well as new Commonwealth Government initiatives affecting the north.

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• A public sector secondment programme to improve links between different levels of government and support implementation of the White Paper.

• A northern Australia themed regulation repeal day in March 2016. • Strengthen the Defence presence in northern Australia, with details to be announced in the 2015 Defence

White Paper. Comments/Options/Discussions: Financial Implications There will be significant financial implications for the region, however it is too early to quantify these. More information will be brought back to Council once the implementation planning has been completed. The White Paper provides for two, five, ten and twenty year plans; so there should be some immediate traction within the current budget period towards the first horizon. Policy Implications There will be significant financial implications for the region, however it is too early to quantify these. The White Paper notes that “successful development of the north will be enhanced by significant joint effort from the Commonwealth, Queensland, Western Australia and Northern Territory Governments. The Northern Australia Strategic Partnership will provide coordinated national leadership and work collaboratively to inform the best implementation of the White Paper.” It will be important for the PRC to have an active voice in these implementation discussions. Officer’s recommendation: Nil Voting Requirement: For Noting Only

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16.2 Release of Education and Health Standing Committee’s final report “The impact of FIFO work practices on mental health”

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil Purpose: To table the recently released Education and Health Standing Committee’s final report “The impact of FIFO work practices on mental health” Background: On Thursday 18 June, Dr Jacobs MLA released the State Education and Health Standing Committee’s final report “The impact of FIFO work practices on mental health”. The report provides a number of Finding s and Recommendation s regarding the impact of FIFO work practices on the health of workforces. The report specifically speaks to: • public concern regarding FIFO work arrangements • the quality and quantity of research and statistics in this area • demographic factors pertaining to FIFO workforces • the legislative framework for FIFO • challenges and opportunities within the FIFO system of work practices • the future of FIFO as a work practice in Western Australia.

Findings and recommendations from the report are summarised as: Finding 1 Page 6 FIFO work practices are part of the Western Australian work system and touch many families in Western Australia. There is a concern amongst the general community that changes are needed to make FIFO work practices more amenable to family life and the mental health needs of workers. Recommendation 1 Page 8 That the Department of Mines and Petroleum should establish and keep an annual count of the number of FIFO and DIDO (non-resident) workers within the resources industry in Western Australia. Recommendation 2 Page 9 The Department of Mines and Petroleum should establish and keep an annual count of the number of resource workers employed on construction versus production in the resources industry, and the proportion working on FIFO work arrangements. Finding 2 Page 11

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That the WA Coroner should develop and implement a searchable database for use in monitoring trends in reportable deaths in the state. This would provide useful information for both suicide trends and prevention efforts, including by occupations, and for accidental death trends. Recommendation 3 Page 11

That the Attorney General provide funding to the Coroner’s Court of Western Australia to develop and implement a searchable database for recording and monitoring trends in reportable deaths in Western Australia.

Finding 3 Page 16 Given the difficulties of determining a reliable figure for FIFO suicide rates, and of determining a suitable state-wide rate, the Committee maintains it is not helpful to draw conclusions that the FIFO suicide rate is no higher than the general community. Finding 4 Page 19 Research suggests that the prevalence rate of mental health problems amongst the FIFO workforce could be approximately 30 per cent, significantly higher than the national average of 20 per cent. Finding 5 Page 21 The Committee finds that there would be benefit in further independent research into the health and mental health impacts of FIFO (and DIDO) work and lifestyle factors, as well as the prevalence of mental health difficulties amongst FIFO (and DIDO) workers, and resource workers more broadly. Recommendation 4 Page 21

The Committee recommends that the Minister for Mental Health funds the Mental Health Commission to commission independent research into the mental health impacts of fly-in, fly-out work arrangements on workers and their families. Such research should involve: • a range of different sites across the state, with different mining systems (i.e. underground, open cut etc.); • both construction and production workers; • a representative sample of workers in terms of occupational role (i.e. not biased towards professionals); • workers on a range of roster compressions; • a large (over 1,000) sample size; • many different companies, including contractors; • data gathering to include the impact on families; and • a longitudinal focus.

Finding 6 Page 22 The Committee finds that while further research would be welcome into the mental health of FIFO workers and the safety of FIFO work arrangements, current research demonstrating the problem must not be ignored, and work must be undertaken now to mitigate risk, rather than waiting for the outcomes of further research. Finding 7 Page 31 The Committee finds that the demographic features of the resource sector FIFO workforce mirror the groups within general society with an increased risk of mental illness. To ignore this demographic profile is to ignore a clear indicator that members of the FIFO workforce may be vulnerable in terms of mental illness. Finding 8 Page 33 The Committee finds that the demographic profile of the resource sector FIFO workforce reflects an increased risk of suicide compared to the general population as a whole.

Recommendation 5 Page 33 The Committee calls on resource companies, and the industry’s peak bodies, to acknowledge and respond to the demographic information available about the resources FIFO workforce, mental illness, and suicide risk. Ignoring the confluence of these factors places the lives of workers and their wellbeing at risk.

Finding 9 Page 37

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The Committee finds that a person does not need to have a diagnosable mental illness in order to consider suicide. People suffering from the stressful events of ordinary life may be vulnerable to suicide.

Recommendation 6 Page 37 Companies and industry peak bodies must acknowledge that, regardless of contested demographic risk factors for heightened rates of mental illness and suicide, their workforce is vulnerable to suicide. Suicide is therefore a workplace hazard.

Finding 10 Page 41 The current legislative framework for the oversight of worker safety at mine sites is confusing and complicated, and has the potential for duplication of effort and/or for a lack of clarity regarding which organisation has jurisdiction. Finding 11 Page 47 The Committee found that the occupational safety and health provisions of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 do not, generally, apply to the workers who are off-shift and using the on-tenement accommodation for residential purposes. Finding 12 Page 47 The Committee finds that FIFO accommodation is qualitatively different to private accommodation, and is similar to a workplace. It should therefore be subject to the same occupational safety and health regulations as a workplace. Finding 13 Page 48 The Committee finds that the current legislative change process should bring the residential use of the accommodation facilities under the purview of the mines safety and health provisions. Finding 14 Page 49 The difference in protection provided by the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 to mine workers residing in on-tenement versus off-tenement accommodation is inequitable. The Committee considers that both sites are inadequately protected.

Recommendation 7 Page 50 The Committee recommends that the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensure that clause 19(4) of the national WHS Model Act, dealing with duty of care at accommodation facilities, be included in the Western Australia Work Health and Safety (Resources) Bill, to ensure that a FIFO worker occupying or residing in FIFO accommodation is not exposed to risks to health and safety, including mental health and wellbeing.

Finding 15 Page 51 Emerging evidence that shows that mental health problems may be a concern for 30 per cent of the FIFO workforce will increase the state of knowledge cited in section 3 of the OSH Act, and therefore create duty of care responsibilities. Finding 16 Page 54 The Committee finds that all suicides and attempted suicides should be reported by the mine manager to the Department of Mines and Petroleum, regardless of the location in which the suicide takes place or the imputed motivation for such an attempt or actual suicide.

Recommendation 8 Page 54 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensure that a clause be included in the new Work Health and Safety (Resources) Bill that requires the mine manager to report to the Department of Mines and Petroleum

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all attempted suicides and suicides at any location at a mine, including within the accommodation facilities whether on- or off- tenement, regardless of the imputed motivation. Recommendation 9 Page 54 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensure that the Department of Mines and Petroleum policy requires that every death notification received by the department is fully investigated, regardless of initial indications suggesting a suicide may not be related to work. Recommendation 10 Page 55 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensure that a clause be included in the new Work Health and Safety (Resources) Bill that requires the mine manager to report to the Department of Mines and Petroleum any death, by any cause, which happens in xiii any part of the mine site (including the accommodation camp), whether the worker is on- or off-shift.

Finding 17 Page 57 The Committee finds that FIFO work arrangements are, in many instances, intrinsic to employment at a resources site. As such, FIFO work arrangements should be subject to a Code of Practice to limit the negative impact of such work arrangements on employees’ mental health.

Recommendation 11 Page 57 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum and the Department of Mines and Petroleum, in partnership with the Mental Health Commission, negotiate a Code of Practice with industry and other stakeholders that addresses FIFO work arrangements and their impact on employees’ mental health.

Finding 18 Page 60 The Committee finds that there are significant questions about the safety of particular FIFO work practices in terms of mental health and wellbeing. Finding 19 Page 62 The Committee found that there is a view amongst some in the industry that workers can be chosen on the basis of being ‘suitable’ for FIFO employment. The Committee finds that rather than trying to screen for and recruit workers able to withstand the challenges of a FIFO role, industry’s emphasis should be on better managing mental health and wellbeing within the workplace. Finding 20 Page 64 An argument is frequently made that FIFO construction workers tolerate working a higher compression roster (i.e. four weeks on, one week off) because of the short time periods of construction projects. It is important to note that construction workers often move from one construction project to another, and thus are continually exposed to high compression rosters. Finding 21 Page 69 The roster compression that best supports mental wellbeing appears to be an even- time, or a two weeks on, one week off roster. The eight days on, six days off roster pioneered by FMG also has considerable advantages, including allowing workers to have every second weekend at home. Rosters that support mental wellbeing and family friendly rosters such as these should be encouraged.

Recommendation 12 Page 69 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensure the Code of Practice on FIFO work arrangements addresses the issue of rosters, with the aim of encouraging even-time rosters, and rosters that support mental health and wellbeing such as two weeks on, one week off, or the 8 days on, 6 days off roster. Rosters of greater compression than this can result in fatigue and pose significant risks to workers’ mental health and wellbeing, and should be reduced.

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Finding 22 Page 70 There is some recognition by some resource companies that roster compression is critical in fatigue management. This recognition should extend to the impact of fatigue on mental health and wellbeing.

Recommendation 13 Page 71 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensures the Code of Practice on FIFO work arrangements includes an explicit acknowledgement of the impact of fatigue on mental health, and controls for managing its consequences and impact. Recommendation 14 Page 74 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensures the Code of Practice on FIFO work arrangements includes a provision for the development of workplace cultures that are supportive of good mental health and wellbeing.

Finding 23 Page 77 That a continued proactive approach by regulators is required with regard to assessing companies’ complaints processes for bullying and harassment.

Recommendation 15 Page 77 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensures improved anti-bullying procedures be included in the Code of Practice on FIFO work arrangements, and that greater capacity be given to DMP to pursue and prosecute bullying claims.

Finding 24 Page 78 That working a FIFO roster can increase strain in personal relationships, particularly within families.

Recommendation 16 Page 80 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensures the Code of Practice on FIFO work arrangements emphasises the importance of providing high quality, reliable and accessible communications technology in FIFO accommodation villages.

Finding 25 Page 82 The Committee acknowledges the importance of sound financial education for FIFO workers, particularly in the current volatile employment environment. Financial education should be included by companies in their onboarding/induction programs for all staff.

Recommendation 17 Page 84 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensures the Code of Practice on FIFO work arrangements includes a provision requiring that Active Lifestyle Coordinators (or their equivalents) at FIFO sites receive training in mental health. Recommendation 18 Page 89 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensure the Code of Practice on FIFO work arrangements requires the minimisation of motelling accommodation practices, and where possible, its abolition. The Code of Practice should also include measures to reduce the negative impacts of the practice of motelling. Recommendation 19 Page 92 That the Drug and Alcohol Office initiates an inquiry into possible harmful drinking habits and alcohol consumption of FIFO workers, and the impact on their mental health.

Finding 26 Page 94

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The inquiry found that accommodation facilities for FIFO workers are often self- contained, highly regulated and subject to considerable control measures. It is not clear that all control measures are required for worker health and safety. The Committee questions whether such high levels of control when workers are off-shift and in the accommodation facilities are necessary.

Recommendation 20 Page 94 Industry should assess whether all of the controls applied to workers in the FIFO accommodation facilities are necessary in terms of health and safety. The level of appropriate control in the accommodation facilities should be addressed in the Code of Practice on FIFO work arrangements.

Finding 27 Page 98 The Committee does not accept that principal companies are unable to influence work conditions such as roster compressions or motelling procedures within their agreements with contractor companies. Finding 28 Page 98 Many smaller contracting companies told the Committee that they would prefer to offer their staff lower compression rosters (such as 2 weeks on, one week off, or even- time rosters), but that they are unable to do so due to the terms stipulated by the company that let the contract. Finding 29 Page 104 The Committee would like to see industry peak bodies actively engaging with the WA suicide prevention plan: Suicide Prevention 2020. Finding 30 Page 107 The Committee finds that training for leaders, middle management and supervisors in mental health issues, prevention and management is crucial to improving the state of mental health awareness and response in the industry. Many managers are currently ill-equipped to manage mental health issues within their teams and organisations.

Recommendation 21 Page 108 That the Mental Health Commission, in conjunction with industry and non-government organisations, develop a training program for managers and supervisors in the resources industry to address mental health issues, including suicide prevention and managing mental health problems amongst colleagues and workers.

Finding 31 Page 110 The Committee considers that programs that provide greater understanding of mental health for FIFO workers and their families, would be a very useful initiative. The Committee would like to see the Mental Health Commission engage with beyondblue to develop dedicated mental health literacy and mental illness prevention programs for FIFO workers, their families and other resource workers. Such a program could be funded by suicide prevention funding.

Recommendation 22 Page 110 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensure that the Code of Practice on FIFO work arrangements include a requirement for training in mental health literacy for FIFO workers, their families and other resource workers.

Finding 32 Page 112 The Committee finds that FIFO workers and their families should have access to an induction or on-boarding program to better prepare them for the realities of the FIFO lifestyle. Such programs should ensure that families are made aware of the support services available to them, including EAPs, parenting and family support programs, and contacts. xvii

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Finding 33 Page 113 Due to the culture and male-dominated nature of the resources industry, many workers are hesitant to seek help for mental health issues, and may only contact a telephone employee assistance program when at crisis point. It is therefore important that a mosaic of services with multiple entry points is available to assist workers. Finding 34 Page 115 The Committee finds that peer based support programs such as Mates in Construction provide a useful support mechanism on sites, as well as assisting to break down stigma related to mental health issues.

Recommendation 23 Page 115 A peer-based support program such as Mates in Construction should be implemented at all FIFO sites, for both construction and production workers.

Finding 35 Page 118 The Committee considers that all staff with a role in providing mental health support to FIFO workers on site, including chaplaincy staff, should have mental health training. Finding 36 Page 120 There is a need for a clear minimum standard for the conduct of mental health evacuations from FIFO accommodation sites and mine sites.

Recommendation 24 Page 120 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensures that the Code of Practice on FIFO work arrangements include a requirement for consistent procedures for mental health evacuations across industry, to be developed in partnership with the Mental Health Commission and the Mental Health Law Centre.

Finding 37 Page 121 It is important for companies to provide information to workers that demonstrates that a mental health evacuation from site does not necessarily mean the end of a person’s employment. Finding 38 Page 123 Industry must develop clear and uniform procedures and policies for managing suicides and attempted suicides that occur on site, either in the workplace or in the accommodation facilities. Finding 39 Page 123 Managers and supervisors must be well trained in procedures to follow in the event of a suicide or attempted suicide. Such training should be practised as it is for other critical work incidents.

Recommendation 25 Page 123 That the Minister for Mines and Petroleum ensure that the Code of Practice on FIFO work arrangements includes a provision requiring companies to have well developed policies in place to manage a suicide or suicide attempt within their workforce. The Mental Health Commission should be consulted in the development of such policies. Recommendation 26 Page 124 That the Mental Health Commission (Drug and Alcohol Office) conduct further research into the use of illicit drugs by FIFO workers, particularly the use of short-acting illicit and new synthetic substances, and the impact on mental health.

Finding 40 Page 135

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Some mining accommodation facilities are isolated from the local community which may be in close proximity, and interaction between the two may be highly regulated and controlled. Finding 41 Page 135 Where possible, FIFO workers should be encouraged and enabled to engage with the local host community. This has benefits for the mental health of workers, and for the local community.

Recommendation 27 Page 135 Where possible, FIFO workers should be encouraged and enabled to engage with the local host community. Recommendation 28 Page 135 Mining companies should engage with local host communities to ensure that the placement of accommodation facilities brings benefits to local communities, as well as benefits to the mental health of workers. Recommendation 29 Page 136 That the Department of State Development investigate mechanisms to encourage resource companies to invest in providing workers the opportunity to reside in local communities in order to improve mental health.

Finding 42 Page 137 Evidence to the Committee showed that living in a local community significantly benefits mental health and wellbeing. The Committee feels that these benefits of living in a community far outweigh considerations such as the possible impact of a 30 minute bus ride to the worksite.

Recommendation 30 Page 138 The Department of State Development should develop a strategic plan for the decision- making process for the placement of FIFO accommodation camps, which must include consideration of workers’ mental health and access to local communities. Such a plan should include a community impact assessment.

Comments/Options/Discussions: For discussion by Council. Financial Implications There will be significant financial implications for the region should a State policy on FIFO be introduced or should there be a substantial change in FIFO work practices, however it is too early to quantify these. Policy Implications To be discussed. Officer’s Recommendation Nil Voting Requirement: For Noting Only

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16.3 Update on the activities of the ACBC Pilbara Committee

Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Action Officer: Ms Brenda Lai, Project Manager Officer Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil Purpose: To update Council regarding activities of the Australia China Business Council Pilbara Committee. Background: In 2014, the Pilbara Regional Council joined with other regional partners in a membership for the Australia China Business Council, and formed a committee to leverage advantage from the same. Initially led by the PDC, several meetings were held and functions attended, but a lack of tangible outcomes led many of the initial partners and attendees to rescind their committee attendance and commitment to the ACBC Pilbara branch. Comments/Options/Discussions: In the past three months, Adam Handley (Partner at Minter Ellison) has offered to chair the committee for a period whilst the activities of the committee are refocused and restructured. The committee currently consists of members from ACBC, PDC, RDA-P, PRC and Thalangyi; with other potential committee members expressing an active interest in becoming involved. Since restructure, the committee has: • Held a strategic planning day and prepared an early draft strategic plan for the committee • Represented the Pilbara at the ‘Launch of the China Australia Free Trade Agreement’ in Perth • Represented the Pilbara at a ‘Chinese investment in Agribusiness’ event in Perth • Agreed on a co-sponsorship model for the EASTxWEST Forum, pending PRC Council endorsement of the

activity • Tentatively arranged a visit for the Chinese Consul General and delegation to Karratha • Discussed involvement of the ACBC in the Pilbara Investment Prospectus (consultation only) • Developed a draft and working model of an investment matching portal for Pilbara project proponents to

attract Chinese FDI Financial Implications The PDC has committed to fund the FY16 membership fees (circa $30k), but the PRC will need to budget circa $10k for FY17 if it wishes to maintain an active membership on behalf of its members. Policy Implications Nil Officer’s Recommendation Voting Requirement: For Noting Only

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17. CONFIDENTIAL ITEM Responsible Officer: Mr Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Author Name: Ms Brenda Lai, Project Manager Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nil Council Resolution FY15-0101: That in accordance with Section 5.23 (2) of the Local Government Act 1995 the meeting is closed to the members of the public at 2:57pm with the following aspect(s) of the Act being applicable to this matter:

(a) a matter affecting an employee or employees; and (b) the personal affairs of any person; and (c) a contract entered into, or which may be entered into, by the local government and which relates to a

matter to be discussed at the meeting; Moved: Cr Parsons Seconded: Cr Howlett Result: 8/0 Carried Council Resolution FY15-0102: That in accordance with Section 5.23 (1) of the Local Government Act 1995 the meeting is open to members of the public at 3:39pm. Moved: Cr Jacob Seconded: Cr Parsons Result: 7/0 Cr White left the meeting room at 3:31pm consequently she was not present when the Council resolved to open the meeting to the members of the public.

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18. MOTIONS OF WHICH PREVIOUS NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN

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19. QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS ON WHICH DUE NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN

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20. NEW BUSINESS OF AN URGENT NATURE APPROVED BY THE PERSON PREVISING

20.1 Audit and Risk Committee membership - Vacancy

Responsible Officer: Tony Friday, Chief Executive Officer Author Name: Alexis Guillot, Deputy CEO Disclosure of Interest: Nil Attachments: Nl Purpose: This item seeks to amend the Audit and Risk Committee membership requirements and call for the nomination of a new Audit and Risk Committee member. Background: Cr Craigie resigned from the committee on 23/06/2015 by giving the PRC’s CEO and the committee’s presiding

member written notice of her resignation. The Audit and Risk Committee Terms of References (ToR) committee membership require Council to appoint a replacement in accordance with the same arrangements as the original appointment set out below:

1. The membership of the committee shall comprise the Chairperson and two other Councilors drawn from the four member Councils who the Council deems to be the most appropriately qualified. The Councilors being determined by nomination and if necessary a ballot conducted at a Council Meeting.

The PRC consulted with WALGA on this matter and recommends that Council consider an additional clause to the ToR that permits the Chairperson to ‘opt out’ from either the initial appointment or ongoing commitment to the Audit and Risk Committee. This will ensure appropriate alignment with s 5.10(4) of the Local Government Act, which entitles a Mayor/President to be appointed to a committee of Council. Comments/Options/Discussions: This item was raised as a late item due to an agenda distribution issue. Policy Implications: The Audit and Risk Committee should elect a new presiding member by electing amongst the members of the committee at the next committee meeting. Legislative Implications: The decision of appointing members to a committee of the Council requires an absolute majority in accordance with section 5.10(1)(a) of the Local Government Act 1995. The entitlement of a Mayor/President to be appointed members to be appointed to a committee of Council is covered within section 5.10(4) of the Local Government Act 1995. Financial Implications: Nil.

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Conclusion: Nil Voting Requirement: Absolute Majority Council Resolution FY15-0103: That the Audit and Risk Committee should accept Cr Craigie’s resignation at their next meeting before calling for nominations. Moved: Cr Howlett Seconded: Cr White-Hartig Result: 8/0 Carried This item was discussed at 2:51pm (prior to the confidential item) and that all member Councils are present when it was resolved.

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21. CLOSURE 21.1 Date of the next meeting The Chairperson confirmed the change of date, time and location of the next ordinary meeting of the Pilbara Regional Council. 11:30AM, 27 AUGUST 2015 in Perth WA. 21.2 Closure

The Chairperson declared the meeting closed at 3:45PM.

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