140218 agenda and business papers 18 february …...council depot for presentation of long service...

137-139 Oberon Street PO Box 84 Oberon NSW 2787 Telephone: (02) 6329 8100 Fax: (02) 6329 8142 Email: [email protected]

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AGENDA AND BUSINESS PAPERS Oberon Council Ordinary Meeting Tuesday 18 February 2014 Commencing at 5.30pm at the Oberon Council Chambers

Oberon Council - Agenda and Business Papers – Ordinary Meeting – 18 February 2014

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Agenda Items page 1. OPENING OF MEETING ....................................................................................... 5

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY ............................................................... 5

3. PRAYER ................................................................................................................ 5

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

5. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST .......................................................................... 6

6. GENERAL AND CIVIC PRESENTATIONS ........................................................... 7

7. COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS AND QUESTIONS .......................................... 7

8. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES............................................................................ 7

9. MAYORAL MINUTE AND REPORT ..................................................................... 7

09.01 MAYORAL MINUTE AND REPORT .............................................................................. 7

10. NOTICES OF MOTIONS ..................................................................................... 10

10.01 HUNTING IN STATE FORESTS .................................................................................. 10

11. COUNCILLOR AND DELEGATES REPORTS ................................................... 11

11.01 OPTA ........................................................................................................................... 11

11.02 UPPER MACQUARIE COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING ................................................ 12

11.03 BLUE MOUNTAINS LITHGOW OBERON TOURISM (BMLOT) ................................... 13

12. COMMITTEE REPORTS ..................................................................................... 14

12.01 OBERON SPORTS FACILITIES COMMITTEE ............................................................ 14

12.02 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE ..................................................................... 18

12.03 SENIOR WELFARE COMMITTEE .............................................................................. 22

12.04 HERITAGE COMMITTEE ........................................................................................... 25

13. REPORTS FOR INFORMATION ........................................................................ 29

13.01 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – GENERAL MANAGER ........................................... 29

13.02 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ......................... 33

13.03 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT - WORKS AND ENGINEERING ................................. 36

13.04 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – FINANCE & COMMUNITY SERVICES ................... 39

13.05 TENDER T2013/4 – PURCHASE OF DOZER .............................................................. 44

13.06 STATE WATER CORPORATION ................................................................................ 45

13.07 STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS ............................................................................... 46

13.08 COMPANION ANIMALS TASKFORCE ........................................................................ 48

13.09 AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS ............................................................................ 49

13.10 INWARDS CORRESPONDENCE ................................................................................ 50


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13.11 STATUS REPORT – ACTIONING COUNCIL DECISIONS ........................................... 51

13.12 MEDIA ......................................................................................................................... 53

13.13 UPCOMING MEETINGS .............................................................................................. 55

14. REPORTS FOR DECISION ................................................................................ 57

14.01 DROUGHT BRIEFING ................................................................................................. 57

14.02 QUARTERLY BUDGET REVIEW STATEMENT – OCT TO DEC 2013 ........................ 66

14.03 PROPERTY UPDATE .................................................................................................. 66

14.04 COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2014 ....................................................................... 68

14.05 REVITALISING LOCAL TOURISM & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ........................... 69

14.06 DIVISION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT – MINISTERIAL MEDIA RELEASES, INDEPENDENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW PANEL AND LOCAL GOVERTMENT

ACTS TASKFORCE ..................................................................................................... 73

15. URGENT BUSINESS .......................................................................................... 84

16. CLOSED SESSION / CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS ............................................. 84

17. CLOSURE OF MEETING .................................................................................... 85


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1. OPENING OF MEETING The Mayor welcomed members and declared the meeting open at ....

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Council acknowledges that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri and Gundungurra People, and respects the history and culture of the elders both past and present.

3. PRAYER The Meeting was opened in prayer by ....

4. RECORD OF ATTENDANCE Members Mayor John McMahon (in the Chair)

Deputy Mayor Kerry Gibbons Clr Ian Doney Clr Jill Evans Clr Neil Francis Clr Sam Lord Clr Clive McCarthy Clr John Morgan Clr Kathy Sajowitz

Staff Alan Cairney, General Manager

Gary Wallace, Planning and Development Director Aruna Wickramasinghe, Works and Engineering Director Lynette Safranek, Finance and Community Services Director

Sharon Swannell, Executive Coordinator Apologies Nil That apologies be received and accepted for the non-attendance of ....


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5. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST File No: Governance/Councillors/Declarations of Interest

A GUIDE TO ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING

(Provided by the Independent Commission Against Corruption) Is the decision or conduct legal? Is it consistent with Government policy, Council’s objectives and code of conduct? What will the outcome be for you, your colleagues, the Council, anyone else? Does it raise a conflict of interest? Do you stand to gain personally at public expense? Can the decision be justified in terms of public interest? Would it withstand public scrutiny? A conflict of interest is a clash between private interest and public duty. There are two types of conflict: Pecuniary – regulated by the Local Government Act and Department of Local

Government Non-pecuniary – regulated by codes of conduct and policy. ICAC, Ombudsman,

Department of Local Government (advice only) The test for conflict of interest: Is it likely I could be influenced by personal interest in carrying out my public duty? Would a fair and reasonable person believe I could be so influenced? Conflict of interest is closely tied to the layperson’s definition of “corruption” – using

public office for private gain Important to consider public perceptions of whether you have a conflict of interest Identifying problems 1st Do I have private interests affected by a matter I am officially involved in? 2nd Is my official role one of influence or perceived influence over the matter? 3rd Do my private interests conflict with my official role? Whilst seeking advice is generally useful, the ultimate decision rests with the person concerned. When making a Declaration of Interest the reason for making the declaration should be clearly stated. Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Significant Interests should be managed by leaving the room while the matter is considered. Pecuniary -

Non-Pecuniary Significant

-

Non-Pecuniary Less than Significant

-


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6. GENERAL AND CIVIC PRESENTATIONS Nil

7. COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS AND QUESTIONS A request has been received from two members of the public to present information regarding fluoridation of water. The General Manager has suggested that the better opportunity would be to present at the community forums on 20 or 26 March 2014.

8. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Ordinary Meeting 17 November 2013 ATTACHED is the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 17 December 2013. Recommendation: That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 17 December 2013 be confirmed. Matters Arising from the Minutes Nil

9. MAYORAL MINUTE AND REPORT 09.01 MAYORAL MINUTE AND REPORT

File No: Governance/Meetings/Ordinary Author: Clr John McMahon, Mayor Summary This report summaries the main activity for the Mayor since reported to the December Council Meeting. Recommendation: That Report Item 09.01 is received as information. A. Meetings 1. Ordinary Council Meeting – 17 December 2013

2. Upper Macquarie County Council Meeting – 20 December 2013

3. Meeting with Mayor’s and General Managers of Bathurst, Lithgow and Blayney Council’s regarding the final report from the Local Government Independent Review Panel – 17 January 2014

4. Councillor Informal Briefing Session – 28 January 2014

5. Meeting with Max Sward re Hunting in State Forests – 3 February 2014

6. Upper Macquarie County Council Meeting – 7 February 2014


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7. Councillor Informal Briefing Session – 11 February 2014

B. Representation 1. Council Depot for presentation of Long Service Awards to Staff – 19 December 2013

2. Volunteers Morning Tea – Robert Hooper Community Centre – 20 December 2013

3. Interview with Prime News – 14 January 2014

4. Dinner with Australia Day Ambassador – Oberon Golf Club – 25 January 2014

5. Australia Day Official Celebrations – Oberon Showground – 26 January 2014

6. Meet with Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss and Member for Calare John Cobb MP – 28 January 2014

7. Presentation of Summer Reading Club Awards – Oberon Library - 28 January 2014

8. Inspection of Dozer – 30 January 2014

9. Visit to Hunter Councils for a tour of facilities and briefing on the Hunter Councils model – 31 January 2014

10. LLS Meeting – Oberon RSL Club 6 February 2014

11. Highland Steam and Vintage Fair – 8 February 2014

C. Correspondence 1. The Hon Warren Truss MP, Deputy Prime Minister advising of the Coalition Government

decision to fund uncontracted projects from Rounds Two, Three and Four of the former Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF).

2. Australian Local Government Association providing a copy of the Bridges to a Stronger Future brochure launched by the ALGA at the 2013 National Local Roads and Transport Congress.

3. National Australia Day Council inviting Council’s to include the Affirmation in events held on Australia Day.

4. Local Government Managers Australia – invitation to attend the 2014 LGMA National Congress and Business Expo in Melbourne from 30 April to 2 May 2014.

5. The Hon Don Page MP, Minister for Local Government advising that the final reports of the Independent Local Government Review Panel and the Local Government Acts Taskforce have been released. Written submissions will be received until Friday 7 March 2014.

6. The Hon. Duncan Gay MLC, Minister for Roads and Ports advising that the submission for grant funding under the 2013-14 Better Boating Program has been successful. The funding is to be used towards improvements to the Lake Oberon Access.

7. Invitation to attend the Portland Art Purchase Society 38th Annual Art Exhibition being held on 28 February to 2 March 2014.

8. Oberon Health Council letter of support for fluoridation of the community water supply.

9. Invitation to attend the Roaring Twenties Glamour and Gowns Ball on Saturday 15 February 2014

10. Invitation to the Official Opening of the OTHR Rolling Stock Storage Shed being held on Saturday 1 March 2014 at 11.30am.

11. Keep Australia Beautiful NSW advising of their rebranding to Keep NSW Beautiful and their commitment to the environment and communities of NSW.


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12. Local Government Remuneration Tribunal advising that the tribunal has commenced its review for the 2014 annual determination.

13. Shape Up Australia – inviting communities to participate in a 12 week challenge designed to help Australians improve their health and wellbeing.

14. Essential Energy advising that it has submitted a transitional 12 month proposal for capital and operating plans for the 2014/14 financial year to the Australian Energy Regulator and it is available for review at www.essentialenergy.com.au/ourplans.

15. Australian Local Government Association – 2014 National General Assembly of Local Government call for motions. The General Assembly will be held in Canberra on 15 – 18 June 2014 and motions must be submitted by 17 April 2014.

16. Invitation to attend the Oberon Showgirl 2014 Buffet Dinner to meet the Showgirl entrants for 2014 to be held on 15 February 2014.

17. Ms Harriett Smith advising of concern regarding the proposal to fluoridate the Oberon Water Supply and providing a copy of a DVD and brochures regarding fluoridation.

18. T & L Clarke regarding the maintenance of Council land adjoining their property.

Notes:


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10. NOTICES OF MOTIONS

10.01 HUNTING IN STATE FORESTS

File No: Land Use and Planning/Land Management/Forestry Author: Mayor John McMahon Summary The Department of Primary Industries has announced that hunters are now allowed back into Oberon State Forests following a six month suspension in order for a risk assessment to be undertaken. Motion That a representative from the newly formed Game Licencing Unit be invited to address Council in relation to the new rules for Hunting in State Forests That Council express its disappointment in the lack of consultation with Council and affected landholders during the risk assessment process undertaken by the State Government. Comment In July 2013 a hunting ban was put in place in State Forests and responsibility for the program was transferred to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Game Licensing Unit. A review of the hunting risk assessment conducted by the Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) assessed the risks of hunting on public land. Outcomes from the review have been endorsed by the NSW Government. There has been no consultation undertaken with Oberon Council or affected landholders who either access their property via State Forests roads or their property joins State Forests as part of the risk assessment process. On 14 January 2014 the Minister formally declared that hunting would be allowed in 358 State Forests from 3 February 2014. This includes the following forests in the Oberon LGA:

Blenheim Dog Rocks Essington Gurnang Hampton Lowes Mount Mount David Vulcan

Changes have been made to the hunting program following the review. Before R-licensed hunters are eligible to apply for written permission to hunt on public land, they must meet additional training requirements.


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A person who hunts game animals on the declared land must:

1. Gain written permission from the Forestry Corporation of NSW or the Director-General of the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services on behalf of the Forestry Corporation of NSW prior to accessing the declared land,

2. Comply with all conditions in the written permission, and

3. Comply with any notice issued or sign erected on the declared land, by the Forestry Corporation of NSW and/or the Director-General of the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services.

Even though a forest is declared for hunting, it does not mean that the forest will be opened to hunting. All hunting on public land remains illegal and may incur fines and penalties. Under the new rules hunters are required to carry a GPS enabled device that contains hunting and exclusion map data provided by the Department of Primary Industries at all times when hunting. In addition hunters must complete two online education modules before applying for written permission to hunt. At this point it is unclear what exclusion zones have been in place to protect property owners and members of the public who also access forest areas for passive recreational activities. It is also unclear how many licences will be issued for each location per day. It is suggested that a member of the newly formed Game Licencing Unit be invited to address Council in relation to the new rules. Mayor John McMahon

11. COUNCILLOR AND DELEGATES REPORTS

11.01 OPTA

File No: Economic Development/Visitor Information Centre/OPTA Author: Clr Sam Lord Summary Oberon Plateau Tourism Association (OPTA) held their first meeting of the year on Monday 10 February 2014. The minutes of the meeting were not available at the time of preparing this report. Recommendation: That report item 11.01 is received as information. Comment The first OPTA meeting for the year was held at Sunset B&B. Council was represented by myself, Mayor John McMahon, General Manager, Alan Cairney, and Visitor Information Centre Officer, Lynne Causer.


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Chair Tim Charge opened the meeting and the following is a summary of the items discussed:

OPTA have an app available to members at a discount price of $15. Usually this would cost $59

LGA maps have been revised and updated

David McMurray has organized a roster of members to attend the OPTA stand at the Oberon show this Saturday and Sunday to get information out to visitors and the community.

Members commented that many businesses are closed on Mondays and public holidays. This information will be forward to OBA as visitors to the area mention that there are not many places to eat when they arrive.

OPTA have been placing ads in the Oberon Review to support the Highland Steam and Vintage Fair and the Oberon Show.

Mayors report - not much happening over the Christmas break. John talked about the visit to the hunter region and the advantages of the organization. Also gave dates for the community forums for water fluoridation.

Tim asked about a water rebate or subsidy from Council - report pending.

Lyn gave a report on the VIC including visitor numbers and the most requested activities for 2013 which included Mushrooming, Jenolan Caves, Fossicking, Tablelands Way and Camping.

Big thank you to Irene and Edmund for providing a wonderful evening. Copies of the minutes of the OPTA meeting held on 11 November 2013 and 9 December 2013 are ATTACHED along with the OPTA Committee Meetings held on 26 November and 29 January 2014. 11.02 UPPER MACQUARIE COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING

File No: Environmental Management/Meetings/Upper Macquarie County Council Author: Clr John McMahon, Mayor Summary Councillor Francis and I are delegates to the Upper Macquarie County Council. Recommendation: That delegate report item 11.02 is received as information.

Comment Councillor Francis and I attended the Upper Macquarie County Council Meeting held on 20 December 2013. There were 21 inspections carried out in the Oberon LGA. Two notices were issued to control Blackberry, Nodding Thistle and Serrated Tussock. In all 99 property reports were presented to the County Council for delegates to consider. The Aerial Spraying program for the period 20 November to 20 December totalled 2614ha of Serrated Tussock and 5ha of Blackberry. In the Oberon LGA 120ha of Serrated Tussock was aerial sprayed.


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Councillor Francis and I also attended the meeting held on 7 February 2014. There were 13 inspections carried out in the Oberon LGA and 7 notices issued to control Serrated Tussock and Blackberry. There were 76 property reports presented for delegates consideration. The aerial spraying program has been put on hold due to the dry conditions. The next aerial spraying program will be in September 2014, unless there is a change in the weather. 11.03 BLUE MOUNTAINS LITHGOW OBERON TOURISM (BMLOT)

File No: Economic Development/Regional Tourism/Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon Tourism Author: Alan Cairney, General Manager Summary The General Manager is a Board Member of BMLOT and attended Board Meetings held on 15 August, 21 November 2013 and 16 January 2014. Copies of the Minutes of these meetings were only recently received along with an Agenda for the next Board Meeting on 20 February 2014. Recommendation: That delegate’s report item 11.03 is received as information.

Comment ATTACHED are copies of the Minutes of the Board Meetings held in August and November 2013 and January 2014 and also an Agenda for the next meeting to be held in February. As a result of some recent changes to the staffing arrangements at BMLOT the Executive Chairman has taken a more active role in management of the Regional Tourism Organisation. The change to this role was formally passed at the meeting held on 16 January 2014 and the Minutes from the August and November 2013 Board Meetings were also formally accepted. A number of urgent motions were considered and the Board ratified actions made by the Executive Chairman. It was noted that the previous Executive Officer and some other key staff had recently left the organisation. The Regional Visitors Guide has now been printed and arrangements made to distribute these and to make the Guide available for downloading and viewing on-line. The next Board Meeting will be held at the Blue Mountains Botanic garden at Mt Tomah on 20 February and an Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 24 February at the Waldorf Leur Gardens Resort.

Notes:


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12. COMMITTEE REPORTS 12.01 OBERON SPORTS FACILITIES COMMITTEE

File: Governance/Meetings/Oberon Sports Facilities Committee Author: Matilda Dwyer, Engineering Administration Assistant Summary Minutes of the Oberon Sports Facilities Committee held on 29 January is submitted for Council’s information and consideration. Recommendation: That the Minutes of the Oberon Sports Facilities Committee held on 29 January be received as information, and That Council approach the Oberon Rugby League Club and request to have a Council representative appointed to the League’s Club Board. Comment FOLLOWING is the Minutes of the Oberon Sports Facilities Committee held on 29 January. The following is a summary of the Committee discussions and outcomes: Long Jump Pit at Recreation Ground – specifications have been reviewed and the

existing two pits comply with requirements for junior and senior competitions. Representatives of the Oberon Little Athletics Association were contacted with the results

of the measurements Running Track at the Recreation Ground. Gutters have been cleaned at the Tennis Complex Sporting Precinct Working Party – a meeting will be arranged during February. Remediation works on Senior Rugby Leagues grounds deferred until the end of the

football season. Upgrade of toilets at Netball Courts will commence in in late February or early March. The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday 30 April 2014.

OBERON COUNCIL – OBERON SPORTS FACILITIES COMMITTEE Page 1 of 3

Minutes of the Oberon Sports Facilities Committee Meeting held on 29 January 2014

The Meeting was held in the Council’s Committee Room, 137-139 Oberon Street, Oberon. The Meeting commenced at 4.34pm. ATTENDANCE

Clr Kathy Sajowitz - Chair Council Member Peter Varlas (Oberon Touch Football) Community Representative Ian Christie-Johnston (Oberon Rugby Leagues Club)

Community Representative

Harold Lyme (Oberon Tennis Association) Community Representative Clinton Corby from 4.38pm (Oberon United Football Club)

Community Representative

Alan Cairney General Manager, Oberon Council Aruna Wickramasinghe Works and Engineering Director Matilda Dwyer Works & Engineering Administration Assistant APOLOGIES

Kerry Gibbons Council Member Susan Webb (Oberon Pool) Community Representative 1. APOLOGIES – see Attendance and Apologies list above. The Chair, Councillor Kathy Sajowitz acknowledged that this meeting was held on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri and Gundungurra People. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – Nil 3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING – 30 October 2014 A Summary of ACTIONS from the last meeting was reviewed and the following comments noted:

Long Jump Pit at Recreation Ground – specifications have been reviewed and the existing two pits comply with requirements for junior and senior competitions.

Running Track at the Recreation Ground – it was noted that representatives of the Oberon

Little Athletics Association were contacted with the results of the measurements. Tennis Complex – Harold Lyme advised that the gutters had now been cleaned.

Sporting Precinct Working Party – a meeting will be arranged during February.

4. WORKS AND ENGINEERING DIRECTOR REPORT A. Investigation of coring and topsoiling Senior League playing field. Aruna advised that a consultant’s report has identified that the species of grass is not ideal for sporting fields as it grows in clumps and does not branch out - this results in the surface being covered in humps and hollows.



A number of other contributing factors have been identified such as no fertilising regime being implemented, the Oberon climate being cold and mainly dry (which hinders grass growth) and heavy use from events such as the Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair (7, 8 & 9 Feb). A number of recommendations from the consultant were reviewed and considered by the Committee, including aerating the field, followed by top dressing and seeding with a recommended seed type. The estimated cost for this work is around $25,000, with funds available from the sporting fields/grounds maintenance allocation. The effectiveness of the work outlined above would be enhanced if the use of the field was minimised with training moved to alternate venues, as well as a “recovery period” of around 2 months which would mean no use at all. The Committee considered that it would be more suitable to delay any treatment work until the end of the football season as the first game is booked in on the first March 2014. Aruna said that remediation works be deferred until the end of the football season, around October and November this year. 5. GENERAL BUSINESS Clinton said that when the Leagues Club is using the Recreation Ground for training, the surface is being damaged and he requested that they train on the outside of the main field. Clinton also said that lights were being left on and requested they be turned off when training is complete. It appeared that automatic setting on the lights was not working correctly. Matilda will check on this. Harold advised that the extension on the roller door will be completed shortly and he was waiting on a further quote for this work. Ian said that representatives of Group 10 Rugby League had assessed the Oberon Rugby League facilities at low standard in the region – the upgrade of the field will improve this, and improvements were also needed to the change rooms and toilet facilities for the public. This would be an item for the proposed Working Party/Group to also consider. The Leagues Club Annual General Meeting is to be held in March and it was suggested that Oberon Council may consider attending seek membership of the League’s Club Board. Recommendation That Council approach the Rugby League Club and request to have a Council representative appointed to the Board. Alan gave an update on Oberon Swimming Pool proposed roof enclosure. The formal approval process is nearing completion and Tenders for the construction will be sought with work to commence in the off season, likely to be late April/May and finished by mid October. The upgrade of toilets at Netball Courts will commence in in late February or early March, after the Highland Steam and Vintage Fair.



SUMMARY of ACTIONS Activity Responsibility

remedial work to playing field to be undertaken in Oct/Nov Aruna

Arrange a meeting of the Sporting Precinct Working Party in Feb Alan, Aruna

Check lights & automatic settings are working at Recreation Ground Matilda Committee Recommendation That Council approach the Oberon Rugby League Club and request to have a Council representative appointed to the League’s Club Board

Aruna / Alan

6. NEXT MEETING DATE AND MEETING CLOSE The next meeting will be held on 30 April 2014, commencing at 4.30pm. The Meeting closed at 5.11pm.


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12.02 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

File: Governance/Meetings/Community Services Committee Author: Hanna Bates, Administration Assistant Summary Minutes of the Community Services Committee held on 30 January 2014 is submitted for Council’s information and consideration. Recommendation: That the Minutes of the Community Services Committee held on 30 January 2014 be received as information.

Comment FOLLOWING is a copy of the Minutes of the Community Services Committee held on 30 January 2014. A Community Precinct Committee Meeting is being scheduled within the next fortnight. It was agreed that the Community Services Coordinator would start preparation for a

luncheon at the Oberon High School and a Seniors Expo on Saturday 15 March (combined with Evans Community Options) as events to celebrate Seniors Week. Other events for Seniors Week includes courses at the CTC, a Seniors Mystery Bus Tour and a morning tea at the Oberon Neighbourhood Centre

Angle parking out the front of the Community Centre and Library was discussed.

Engineering are in the process of installing concrete barriers and signposting.

The Senior Citizens Committee has recently disbanded. A monthly lunch will still continue to be held at the RSL.

It was suggested that Uniting Care be invited to the next meeting to make a

presentation on services they offer. The new Community Liaison Officer for Medicare Local will be invited to submit an

expression of interest to Council to sit on the CSC. Maree advised that the U3A 2014 schedule is offering over 30 courses, with a few

already full. U3A currently has 103 members, which is very encouraging for the group. Kathy asked the Committee to keep in mind that the Community Transport Service is

experiencing difficulty in securing volunteer drivers. In the mean time, it would be best to approach the Oberon Hire Car service to run free trips for seniors to get to events/classes.

Clr Morgan noted the need for the SWC Committee to separate itself from the CSC, to

ensure that there is no duplication of items. The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Thursday, 27 March at 2.00pm.

OBERON COUNCIL – OBERON COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE Page 1 of 3

Minutes of the Oberon Community Services Committee Meeting held on 30 January 2014

The Meeting was held at the Council’s Committee Room, 137-139 Oberon Street, Oberon. The Meeting commenced at 2.03pm ATTENDANCE

Clr Kathy Sajowitz - Chair Council Member Clr Jill Evans Council Member Clr John Morgan from 2.06pm Council Member Ray Mawhood Community Representative Maree Arrow Community Representative Elaine Boxer Community Representative Bev Evans Community Representative Maree Arrow Community Representative Norelle Hiam from 2.06pm Community Representative Kerryn Coulter Community Representative Christine Parker Community Representative Lynette Safranek, Director of Finance and Community Services, Oberon Council Kathy Beesley, Community Services Coordinator, Oberon Council Hanna Bates, Community Services Assistant, Oberon Council APOLOGIES

Mayor, John McMahon Council Member Clr Ian Doney Council Member Julie Stott Community Representative Keith Sullivan Community Representative 1. APOLOGIES – see Attendance and Apologies above 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - Nil Clr Sajowitz welcomed Amanda O’Brien, Manager Medicare Local to the meeting to make a presentation on behalf of Medicare Local. Norelle Hiam and Clr John Morgan entered the meeting at 2.06pm. Amanda advised the Committee that a new Community Liaison Officer has been appointed for the Oberon region, which is fantastic news for Oberon and surrounding areas. Amanda presented a statement on behalf of Medicare Local, for discussion at next meeting. The main objective of Medicare Local is to prevent admissions to hospital, by changing how people view their health and wellness. Medicare Local works closely with GP’s to encourage people to see the doctors when they are well, rather than waiting until they are unwell. It is a holistic approach to managing health and wellbeing. The high number of hospital admissions is putting a massive financial burden on the state budget, and it is not sustainable. The new E-Health system will help to manage health more effectively and allow easier access to patient information for GP’s, and patients with the comfort of knowing that their information will be available to whatever GP or Specialist they choose to see. Bev enquired what the reaction from GP’s has been in regards to the new E-Health system. The reaction has been mixed across a huge area. Medicare Local have made it clear that they will be there to support GP’s.



Kerry asked who coordinates the GP’s and Specialists. Amanda advised that for chronic disease patients, there is a Chronic Disease Care Team. All information is linked and accessible electronically. Patients will be flagged in the system if they are admitted to hospital to notify their GP, Specialist, and Pharmacist etc. The lack of technology within some smaller rural practices is a obstacle that ML hope to eventually overcome. It was noted that you must opt into E-Health, by advising your GP that you wish to gain access. Past history will not be transferred onto the system; information will start to be recorded from when you opt in. However, once you receive a log in, you can access your profile and make updates. Ray asked if referrals will be stopped. Referrals will continue, however they may possibly be discarded in the future. Amanda advised that the best way to raise these types of issues, will be to discuss them with the new Community Liaison Officer. 3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES Diversional Therapist Position – The position of DT at the hospital is currently being advertised, however it will only be a part time position. A report is going before Council for further financial assistance. Clr Sajowitz would like to see the sponsors of the Summer Reading Club acknowledged for their contribution. 4. REPORTS The Australia Day event was moved to the Showground Hall due to bad weather. The event was very successful with approx. 180 people attending. The carpet has been replaced and the wall fixed in the Library. Several walls within the Library will be painted at the end of February. A Community Precinct Committee Meeting will be scheduled within the next fortnight. A luncheon has been organised at the Oberon High School for the Seniors Week event. There will a light lunch, with tea and coffee, with entertainment provided by both high schools.] Grahame agreed that having the students involved with the catering is a fantastic idea. There will also be courses at the CTC and a Seniors Mystery Bus Tour. Eric Hiam has been invited to attend a Seniors Expo on the 15 March. This event will be in conjunction with Evans Community Options. There will be an array of local seniors services attending with displays, which will include the Community Transport, ONC, home care providers, Centrelink and plenty more. The Oberon Neighbourhood Centre will also be holding a morning tea for Seniors Week.



5. GENERAL BUSINESS Robin asked about angle parking out the front of the Community Centre. Lines have been marked, however people are still choosing to parallel park. Engineering will install concrete barriers and mark individual parking spaces. Kerryn spoke about a recent Uniting Care Meeting that was held regarding local services in the Bathurst and Lithgow area. She also praised the work of Neighbour Aid, that runs various types of trips for residents. The Senior Citizens Committee has recently disbanded. A monthly lunch will be still continue to be held at the RSL. It was suggested that Uniting Care be invited to the next meeting to make a presentation on what services they offer. The new Community Liaison Officer for Medicare Local will be invited to submit an expression of interest to Council to sit on the CSC. Maree advised that the U3A 2014 schedule is offering over 30 courses, with a few already full. U3A currently has 103 members, which is very encouraging for the group. It was also put forward that perhaps U3A may consider helping out at the Robey Centre, running a few one off classes. Currently there is an exercise physiologist coming to the Robey Centre running simple sitting exercise classes. Kathy asked the Committee to keep in mind that the Community Transport Service is experiencing difficulty in securing drivers. It would be best to approach the Oberon Hire Car service to run free trips for seniors to get to events/classes. Bev enquired where the Community Centre signage project is up to. It has been put to Alan Cairney, General Manager and is awaiting approval. All internal signage has been completed. Graham asked to reinforce to the Committee regarding Medicare Local, and keeping people out of hospital by encouraging healthy lifestyles. There were several concerns raised regarding the future of Medicare Local. Amanda assured that the Rural Medicare Local will be a positive reinforcement for the future. Clr Morgan noted the need for the SWC Committee to separate itself from the CSC, to ensure that there is no duplication of items. NEXT MEETING DATE AND MEETING CLOSE The next meeting will be held on Thursday 27 March, commencing at 2.00pm in the Committee Room. The Meeting closed at 3.05pm.


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12.03 SENIOR WELFARE COMMITTEE

File: Governance/Meetings/Senior Welfare Committee Author: Lynette Safranek, Finance & Community Services Director Summary Minutes of the Seniors Welfare Committee held on 3 February 2014 is submitted for Council’s information and consideration. Recommendation That the Minutes of the Seniors Welfare Committee held on 3 February 2014 be received as information.

Comment FOLLOWING is a copy of the Minutes of the Seniors Welfare Committee held on 3 February. Clr Morgan tabled a discussion paper and previous unratified Charter for consideration

with the aim of establishing a new Charter, with areas of proposed focus for the SWC. The members of this Committee would like to be proactive for the Community and will forward ideas to the Finance and Community Services Director for collation and presentation to enable further discussion at the next SWC meeting.

It was noted that some issues are being duplicated by both the Senior Welfare

Committee and the Community Services Committee. An example discussed was the Community Transport Program. It was agreed that transport items would be discussed at the CWC as it was a whole of community issue and the new Charter should provide clarification to avoid duplication.

Expressions of Interest have been sought by the MPS for a Diversional Therapist (DT).

Oberon Council has provided some short term funding for the employment of a part time Therapist Aide to work under the supervision of the DT to extend the service to community members, i.e. Robey Centre Day Care clients including residents of Hathaway Cottages. Until these positions have been filled the ONC has partly filled the void by facilitating a fortnightly morning tea for the Day Care clients. The Council Grants Coordinator is seeking to obtain grant monies to further fund the Therapist Aide position. It is estimated that approximately $10,000pa is required.

The Oberon Health Council has received literature to support the “no” case of the

proposal by Oberon Council to fluoridate the town water supply. Oberon Council is currently organising a series of forums to present information to the community.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Monday 17 March 2014.

OBERON COUNCIL – SENIORS WELFARE COMMITTEE Page 1 of 2

Minutes of the Seniors Welfare Committee Meeting held on 03 February 2014

The Meeting was held on 3 February 2014 in Council’s Committee Room. The Meeting commenced at 10.00am ATTENDANCE

Clr John Morgan, Chair Council Member Clr Jill Evans Council Member Clr Kathy Sajowitz Council Member Elaine Boxer Oberon Health Council Mark Boffa Community Representative Graham Parker Community Representative, and Western District Health Board Amanda O’Brien Integration & Health Promotion Manager, Western Medicare Local Lynette Safranek Finance and Community Services Director, Oberon Council Belinda Massey Community Representative Alan Cairney General Manager, Oberon Council APOLOGIES

Mayor John McMahon Council Member Kathy Beesley Community Services Coordinator, Oberon Council Hanna Bates Community Services Assistant, Oberon Council 1. APOLOGIES – see Attendance and Apologies above 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - Nil 3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES The Minutes of the meeting held on 1 July 2013 were noted as accurate. These Minutes were considered by Oberon Council at its Meeting held on 19 November 2013. Amanda asked who was Oberon Council’s representative to work in collaboration with other stakeholders on community health issues. Lynette has been designated to represent Council. Clr Morgan noted that a scheduled Special Meeting was not held in December and that a combined meeting was held with the Community Services Committee Meeting on 30 January 2014 to discuss Seniors Week activities. It was agreed that there will be a luncheon at Oberon High School served by hospitality students and entertainment to be provided by combined High Schools. A Seniors Expo, combined with Evans Community Options will be held Saturday 15 March 2014. Various service providers and senior information specialists in areas of health, wellbeing and finance will be invited to participate. The event will be well advertised within the community. Alan asked about the list of contacts for people in need, especially seniors. Amanda advised that producing a list such as this could be fraught with problems including privacy issues. Oberon Neighbourhood Centre should be the first point of contact with any concerns as the Coordinator has the resources to deal with the issues. Medicare Local could be contacted regarding primary care issues and will request the soon to be appointed ML Coordinator to summarise this information for presentation to the next Seniors Welfare Committee.

OBERON COUNCIL – SENIORS WELFARE COMMITTEE Page 2 of 2

Minutes of the Seniors Welfare Committee Meeting held on 03 February 2014

4. REPORTS A. OUTCOMES FROM COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE – 30 JAN 2014 This was dealt with in Business Arising (see page 1). B. PURPOSE OF THE OBERON SENIORS WELFARE COMMITTEE Clr Morgan tabled a discussion paper and previous unratified Charter for consideration with the aim of establishing a new Charter, with areas of proposed focus for the SWC. After general discussion, it was agreed that SWC should establish a direction and Committee members would forward ideas to Lynette, Finance and Community Services Director, for collation and presentation to enable further discussion at the next SWC meeting. It was noted that Council had issued a “very broad” Charter and objectives for this Committee. Some suggested areas where the Committee could contribute were to consider the future of Hathaway Cottages when the new Aged Care Facility is fully functional, the possibility of ONC Coordinator taking a seat on the SWC and that healthy lifestyle/ageing well initiative should form part of the new Charter. It was endorsed by Committee members that a Charter be a priority of the Committee. It was noted that Community Transport issues were being duplicated by both SWC and CSC, and should be with the CSC. It was suggested that functions of both Committees be separated and it was agreed that Community Transport should remain with the CSC. C. COMMUNITY SERVICES COORDINATORS REPORT Details about Seniors Week were discussed during Business Arising (page 1). 5. GENERAL BUSINESS ROBEY CENTRE UPDATE - Expressions of Interest have been sought by the MPS for a Diversional Therapist (DT) for the facility, as this position will only be caring for the needs of MPS patients. Oberon Council has provided some short term funding for the employment of a part time Therapist Aide to work under the supervision of the DT to extend the service to community members, i.e. Robey Centre Day Care clients including residents of Hathaway Cottages. Until these positions have been filled the ONC has partly filled the void by facilitating a fortnightly morning tea for the Day Care clients. The Council Grants Coordinator is seeking to obtain grant monies to further fund the Therapist Aide position. It is estimated that approximately $10,000pa is required to fund the aide position. FLUORIDATION - The Oberon Health Council has received literature to support the “no” case of the proposal to fluoride the town water supply. Elaine provided copies of pamphlets. Alan said that Oberon Council has endorsed in principle the proposal to provide fluoridation of the town water supply and is currently organising a series of forums to present information to the community. Dates of the various forums and their format to be decided. UPDATE OF MEMBERS - Chair Clr Morgan sought details to update the members contact list. 6. NEXT MEETING DATE AND MEETING CLOSE The next meeting will be held on Monday 17 March 2014, commencing at 10.00am. The Meeting closed at 11.00am.


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12.04 HERITAGE COMMITTEE

File: Governance/Meetings/Heritage Committee Author: Gary Wallace, Planning & Development Director Summary Minutes of the Heritage Committee held on 3 February 2014 submitted for Council’s information and consideration. Recommendation: That the Minutes of the Heritage Committee held on 3 February 2014 received as information. Comment FOLLOWING is the Minutes of the Heritage Committee held on 3 February 2014 This is a summary of the Committee discussions and outcomes: The O’Connell Amateur Dramatic Society has donated funds to cover the cost of the

design for the Heritage Sign ay O’Connell, the artwork has been completed.

Burraga Heritage Sign is being prepared.

Contact is to be made with relatives of the authors of the Gingkin Papers in an attempt to have them archived. The owners of the papers have given their consent.

Anzac Memorial Avenue signage is expected to installed prior to Anzac Day. Funds have been sourced from Veterans Affairs and Roads and Maritime Service. This project is being undertaken independent of the Heritage Committee.

Council’s Heritage Advisor will gather together all information Council holds on ‘Lindlegreen’ house and barn for a possible future listing.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Monday 28 April 2014.

Notes:

OBERON COUNCIL – HERITAGE COMMITTEE Page 1 of 3

Minutes of the Heritage Committee Meeting held on the 3 February 2014

The Meeting was held in the Council’s Committee Room, 137-139 Oberon Street, Oberon. The Meeting commenced at 5.00pm. ATTENDANCE

Clr Clive McCarthy - Chair Council Member Iain McPherson National Trust Representative Ewen Stewart Community Representative Philippa-Gemmell-Smith from 5.24.pm Community Representative Ian Davis OTHR Representative Clr Ian Doney Council Member Christo Aitken Heritage Advisor Laurie McMahon Community Representative Alan Cairney General Manager Oberon Council Mark Dicker Acting Planning & Development Director Oberon Council Janet Bailey Planning and Development Assistant Oberon Council APOLOGIES

Sue Louden Community Representative Gary Wallace Planning & Development Director Oberon Council 1. APOLOGIES – see Attendance and Apologies list above. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - Nil 3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING Refer to Agenda Items in Planning & Development Directors Reports. 4. REPORTS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORS REPORTS

A. HERITAGE SIGNAGE – BLACK SPRINGS, O’CONNELL AND BURRAGA The proposed artwork for the O’Connell Heritage sign was presented. Brenda advised that the O’Connell Armature Dramatic Society had offered to pay for the art work design (around $930) Brenda will forward a final draft to staff shortly. Gary will obtain quotes for the construction of the sign once the design is finalised. If the construction is below the $4,000 agreed by the Committee the signage will be then constructed. Brenda requested a thank you letter to go to the O’Connell Amateur Dramatic Society thanking them for their donation. Ewen Stewart is in the process of putting together a concept design of the proposed Burraga Heritage sign. He will have more information available for the next meeting. Ewen asked if maps for the Village of Burraga were available and Janet will arrange this. Further Actions: Brenda to provide final art work for proof reading.



Gary to arrange construction (& installation) of sign. Ewen to provide an update at the next meeting on the Burraga Heritage sign. Janet to provide maps to Ewan (aerial view) for the Village of Burraga.

B. NAMING OF PARK AT FISH RIVER The previously unnamed park in O’Connell had been gazetted as Hassall Park. The opening of Hassall Park will include the unveiling of the Heritage Sign as a joint project. The design will be consistent with other signs within the LGA. Recommendation: That the information be noted. Philippa Gemmell-Smith joined the meeting at 5.24 pm

C. GINGKIN PAPERS Philippa advised that Brett and Karen Bailey as owners of the letters, from Mick Maxwell and John Hughes, have agreed to release copies of the letters. Philippa will now contact the relatives of the Maxwell and Hughes family to obtain their consent. Action:

Philippa to approach relatives of the Maxwell’s & Hughes seeking consent. GENERAL MANAGERS REPORT

A. POTENTIAL HERITAGE ISSUE – discussion on a Confidential issue about local heritage. 5. GENERAL BUSINESS GEORGE EVANS MEMORIAL – a sign was unveiled at a public ceremony 7 December. Iain gave a talk at the opening on the history of George Evan’s discovery of O’Connell and Alan has asked that a copy of his speech be made available for inclusion in the history section of our local Library. Action:

Iain to make a copy of his speech available to Alan. OBERON RAILWAY PRECINCT - Ian Davis from OTHR advised they are in the process of repainting the Railway Station and they have been liaising with Christo regarding heritage colours. St THOMAS CHURCH HALL - Brenda advised that volunteers are organising to repaint the inside of the Hall and was wondering if any one had any scaffolding. Alan will contact Tim Arnison from OTHR to see if they have any. Action:

Alan to contact Tim Arnison/OTHR about scaffolding for use by the O’Connell Church Group.



ANZAC MEMORIAL AVENUE - Brenda advised that they hope to have the signage completed for the Anzac Memorial Avenue by Anzac Day. Funds have been sourced from Veteran Affairs and the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) to assist with the cost of the project. This project is being undertaken independent of the Heritage Committee. There is 3 tons of granite to come from George’s Plains to O’Connell; Alan will liaise with Council’s Works & Engineering Department to see if they can assist with transport. Action:

Alan to advise Brenda if Council is able to provide assistance with transport. LINDLEGREEN – there was a discussion on the progress of getting the ‘Lindlegreen’ Pise Barn and house listed on the State Heritage Register. Christo will liaise with Gary and gather all information currently held on Lindlegreen. Action:

Christo to gather any information that Council currently holds on the history of Lindlegreen. SUMMARY OF ACTIONS

Activity Responsibility

HERITAGE SIGNS - final proof reading of the art work.

Thank you letter to the O’Connell Amateur Dramatic Society

Burraga signage concept to be investigated.

Map of the township of Burraga for Ewen.

Brenda and Gary

Gary

Ewan

Janet

GINGKIN PAPERS approach Maxwell and Hughes families Philippa

GEORGE EVANS MEMORIAL – Iain to provide copy of speech Iain

St THOMAS CHURCH HALL

contact OTHR to see if they can assist with Scaffolding

Alan

ANZAC MEMORIAL AVENUE SIGN

possible Council assistance with transport of granite

Alan

LINDLEGREEN

gather and collate all the information

Gary and Christo

6. NEXT MEETING DATE AND MEETING CLOSE The next meeting will be held on Monday 28 April 2014 commencing at 5.00pm. The Meeting closed at 6.10pm.


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13. REPORTS FOR INFORMATION 13.01 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – GENERAL MANAGER

File No: Governance/Meetings/Ordinary Author: Alan Cairney, General Manager Summary The Report Item summaries the main activity for the General Manager during October including Human Resources and Workplace Health & Safety, Executive Support matters, Community Activity, Regional issues, Grant Applications and details of planned activity for the coming months. Recommendation: That report item 13.01 is received as information. Comment 1. Human Resources and Workplace Health and Safety Includes information provided supplied by Human Resources Coordinator (HRC) and Work, Health and Safety Coordinator (WH&SC). HUMAN RESOURCES (ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT – OD) Recruitment Sarah-Jane Holland joins the Administration and Finance/Community Services area as Customer Services Trainee. Sarah-Jane has previously been employed with Council on a permanent part-time capacity in the Visitor Information Centre, and has also relieved permanent staff in the Library. The Selection Panel were impressed by the four applicants interviewed and provided one on one feedback on the applications and interview skills to assist the applicants in the future. Sharyn Gibbs is on Secondment from the Visitor Information Centre to the Organisational Development area of Council for the next three months. Sharyn will be assisting with projects including reviewing and updating position descriptions, assisting in the development of the intranet and online services, and Workplace Health & Safety administration tasks. Training Mark Dicker, Health & Building Manager, is continuing his professional development undertaking subjects in Graduate Diploma for Local Government Management. Mark received excellent results for subjects completed in 2013 including 1 x High Distinction, 2 x Distinctions & 1 x Credit. David Mead, Finance Coordinator, completed his first subject towards the CPA. David received a Credit for Ethics and Governance. Customer Services staff from Administration, Visitor Information Centre, Library and Swimming Pool undertook a Customer Services Workshop on the 2 December. Management staff participated in a Managing People Aspect of Change Workshop on 4 December. The Workshop was provided free of charge by StateCover as an initiative to assist in reducing the risk of Psychological Injury claims.


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Upcoming training includes Manual Handling – 18 February 2014 – In-house Blue Card renewals – 25 February 2014 – In-house Revenue Training – 13/14 February 2014 – Sydney AAPA – Bituminous and Pavement Surfacing – Sydney HSC Forum – State Library – Sydney Certificate IV Training and Assessment – Sydney Civica User Group Meetings – March – Sydney and Temora WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY Incidents/Injuries There was one incident during December and January when a worker was injured when a chain broke and hit his ankle. Two days was lost due to this injury. DAYS WITHOUT LOST TIME INJURY

Department / Work Area 30 November 31 January 2014

Administration 291 353

Works 153 44

Library 489 551

OVIC 481 543

Workshop 198 260

Meetings / Training Weekly meeting with GM, each Wednesday morning (now held at Administration Centre) 3 Dec – CENTROC WHS/RM meeting at Bathurst 4 Dec – Attended Managing Change Workshop at Community Centre (OC & StateWide) 10 Dec – Swimming Pool discussion about WHS requirements 12 Dec – Meeting with Oberon Employer Health Network 22 Dec – Swimming Pool WHS procedures 14 Jan – Meet with F&CS Director on procedures for Community Events, and WHS

topics for Finance team meeting/briefing. 15 Jan - Meet with Executive Coordinator and Community Services Coordinator to

finalise Risk Management Plan for Australia Day Celebrations at The Common 22 Jan - Meeting with Swimming Pool Coordinator to review SLSA Audit Report and set

up an Action Plan to address recommendations. 23 Jan – Meeting with CENTROC Training & Development and HR Coordinator to

discuss staff training requirements for 2014. 24 Jan – Meeting with Overseer and Ganger reviewing WHS documents for Oberon

West Rehabilitation Project. 28 Jan – Meeting with WTP Operator and HR Coordinator to discuss training

requirements for WTP staff. 29 Jan – Teleconference with CENTROC team to discuss requirements for proposed

Tender for provision of Health Surveillance Services


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30 Jan – Meeting with Lone Worker Safety Solutions and demonstration of an SOS device for staff working alone.

Upcoming activities / meetings 5 Feb – WHS session with Finance Team, and F&CS Director 11 & 12 Feb – Indoor Toolbox Talks 13 Feb – Employer Health Network meeting 19 Feb – WHS session with Library Team, and F&CS Director 4 Mar – Train the Trainer for WHS, at Blayney 11 Mar – GM Team meeting (GM’’s direct reports other than Directors) 4 Apr - Meeting with RM Statewide to review RMAP. 2. EXECUTIVE SUPPORT – MEETINGS & VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE Includes information provided by the Executive Coordinator: Weekly Mayoral Column for the Oberon Review drafted for Thursday’s edition Weekly “What’s On?” newsletter issued to Councillors each Friday during November Informal Briefing Session – 10 December Monthly Ordinary Council Meeting – 17 December Long Service Awards Presentation at Works Depot – 19 December Volunteers Morning Tea at Community Centre – 20 December Christmas / New Year Office Closure – Annual Leave during this period Australia Day – dinner with Ambassador and Australia Day activities Informal Briefing Session – 28 January Sports Facilities Committee – 29 January Community Services Committee – GM didn’t attend Visit to Mt White – 30 January to purchase a Dozer Visit to Hunter Council’s – 31 January Visitor numbers have been very good during the Christmas holiday period. There were 1249 Visitors at the Oberon Visitor Information Centre during December and 1738 during January. The main enquiries received during the month were for Roads/Directions/Maps, Jenolan Caves, Fossicking and Oberon Dam. There has been a change in the way the Visitor Information Centre collects statistics. Previously if a visitor enquired about a number of activities and attractions each enquiry was recorded. Commencing from 1 February staff are now recording the primary enquiry only. A Monthly “What’s On in Oberon” brochure has been developed and distributed by the Visitor Information Centre. The brochure has been circulated to all OPTA Members via the website newsletter as well as other Visitor Information Centre’s in the area. There is a new range of Oberon Merchandise on sale at the VIC and some of this merchandise was available for visitors to purchase at the Highland Steam and Vintage Fair. Council will also have a stand and will be selling merchandise at the Oberon Show. 3. COMMUNITY ACTIVITY, REGIONAL ISSUES and OTHER MEETINGS 2 Dec – Chifley Local Area Command, Community Consultative Committee – attended

meeting in Blayney with the Mayor 4 Dec – Local Emergency Management Committee – held at RFS Training Centre in

Oberon


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6 Dec – Christmas in the Common 9 Dec – met with Blayney Shire Council GM, Glenn Wilcox 9 Dec – attend OPTA Meeting 12 Dec – Meals on Wheels 13 Dec - combined staff social function 16 Dec – interview with Win TV, various Council issues 23 Dec – met with Mayor and Craig Gibbons, Oberon SES 14 Jan – interview with Prime TV on Council issues 14 Jan – met with staff from Oberon Review to discuss Advertising Rates & Proposals 16 Jan – BMLOT Board Meeting 17 Jan – Meeting of Mayors & GM’s including Bathurst, Blayney, Lithgow and Oberon 20 Jan – meeting with community members to discuss local “heritage” issues 22 Jan – Executive Coordinator and GM met with BMLOT Chair, Randall Walker to

review Tourism Awards for Visitor Information Centre and Local Government Awards. 22 Jan – attended Oberon Show Committee meeting 28 Jan – along with the Mayor, and Clr Sajowitz, presented Awards for the Summer

Reading Competition/Program 30 Jan – met with Deputy Chief Executive of the DLG, Steven Orr 4. GRANT APPLICATIONS These are now listed within the Monthly Activity Report for Finance and Community Services. 5. PLANNED ACTIVITY FOR FEBRUARY and MARCH Important community relations activities have been planned with staff scheduled to attend the Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair (7, 8 & 9 Feb) and the Oberon Show (on 15 & 16 Feb). Displays for these two events will be operated along with volunteers from the Oberon Plateau Tourism Association and staff from Jenolan Caves and the National Parks & Wildlife Service. Fact Sheets have been provided on Council Services and issues such as Fluoridation, Community Strategic Plan, Oberon LEP 2013, Oberon West Project (RMS rehabilitation roadwork’s), Community Transport and other community services. As a result of the Management Workshop in early December facilitated by StateCover and the feedback from management staff who participated, a proposal has been requested from the Workshop convenor to conduct a leadership development program. It has been noted that leading and managing change within the organisation has been challenging over the past few years especially when there has not been consistency amongst the more senior management staff. This is becoming increasingly important as we start to prepare the Oberon Community Strategic Plan 2104. Further work is required to revise our Asset Management Plan, to reconsider our Infrastructure Backlog, and to also undertake community consultation on topical issues. We have arranged a Public Information Session on 12 March on the proposal to fluoridate the town water supply, with separate Community Forums on Thursday 20 March and Wednesday 26 March. The Executive Management Team is coordinating work for further development of Residential and Industrial Land and implementing organisational change within the organisation.


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We were successful in securing a $70,504 Grant from Maritime Services under the Better Boating Program for improvements to access of Lake Oberon at the Reef Reserve. Works are planned during late February to the end of June. 13.02 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

File: Governance/Meetings/Ordinary Author: Gary Wallace, Planning and Development Director Summary Providing details of major work within the Planning & Development Department for December and January. Recommendation: That report item 13.02 is received as information. Comment 1. Determinations The following Applications and Certificates were determined during December.

Type of Application/Certificate Issued in December Issued in January

Development Applications 16 4

Construction Certificates 4 2

Complying Development Certificates 0 0

Section 68 Applications 3 1

Subdivision Certificates 0 3

Determinations December 2013 (S.101 E.P. & A. Act.)

Ref No Development Type Street Address Locality

10.2013.79.1 New Dwelling 7 Stevenson Close OBERON

10.2013.83.1 New Dwelling 36 Tasman Street OBERON







10.2013.76.1 New Dwelling 2 Close Stevenson OBERON


10.2013.43.1 New Dwelling 5 Links Close OBERON

10.2013.94.1 11.2013.94.1

Retaining Wall 475 Bloom Hill Road O’CONNELL


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19.2013.25.1 OSWW 32 Campbells River Road BLACK SPRINGS

10.2013.93.1 11.2013.93.1

Bathroom in a shed 47 Queen Street OBERON

10.2009.128.1 Care 4 - Modification 115 Albion Street OBERON

11.2009.128.1 Earthworks Care 4 115 Albion Street OBERON

10.2013.60.1 New Subdivision 2 lot subdivision for the purpose of Agricultural

2837 Arkstone Road JEREMY

19.2013.26.1 Ongoing existing system 143 O’Connell Road OBERON

10.2013.88.1 20.2013.30.1 19.2013.29.1

New Dwelling 349 The Meadows Road THE MEADOWS

Determinations January 2014 (S.101 E.P. & A. Act.)

Ref No Development Type Street Address Locality

10.2013.39.1 Transmitter Mast 15 Harris Road OBERON

10.2013.56.1 New Subdivision 1837 & 1845 Burraga Road JUDDS CREEK

10.2004.34.3 Modifications 54 Hazelgrove Road OBERON

10.2013.51.1 11.2013.51.1 19.2013.14.1

Dwelling and OSWW 161 O’Connell Road OBERON

11.2013.95.1 New Dwelling 99 Nunans Hill Road DUCKMALOI

15.2004.327.1 Subdivision Certificate – Stage 2 – Release 1 lot

3253 Beaconsfield Road WISEMANS CREEK

15.2005.16.1 Subdivision Certificate – 4 lot subdivision

519 Nunans Hill Road HAZELGROVE

15.2013.15.1 Subdivision Certificate – Boundary Adjustment

20-21 Blenheim Avenue OBERON

Copies of determinations are available from inspection at Council’s Administration Centre. Total fees for applications during December was $16,380.52 and in January was $1033.60. This represents 73% of income for the year as shown in the Operational Plan 2013/14. 2. Certificates Issued - December 2013 & January 2014 During the Conveyancing process, normally as part of the sale of a property, various Certificates are applied for by Solicitors, Real Estate Agents or by the public. Certificates Issued in Dec Issued in Jan SECTION 149(2) AND (5) PLANNING CERTIFICATES Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979

19 51

SECTION 735A CERTIFICATES AS TO NOTICES Local Government Act, 1993.

10 9

SECTION 121ZP CERTIFICATES AS TO ORDERS Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1797

3 6

SECTION 149A BUILDING CERTIFICATES Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979

0 0


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3. Oberon Animal Pound – December 2013 No Nuisance Dog or Nuisance Cat Orders were issued and no Dangerous Dog Declaration issued. Details of activity at the Animal Pound in December:

Details Cats Dogs

Animals carried over from previous month 1 5

Animals Seized - Roaming animals collected by Ranger 2 4

Animals Abandoned - Animals left in Council drop-off cages 11 1

Animals Surrendered - Animals given up by owner 0 0

Animals released to Owner 0 0

Animals Released to Charity Organisations 12 1

Animals Destroyed 2 5

Animals Sold 0 1

Animals died at Council’s facility 0 0

Animals Escaped/Stolen 0 0

Animals still in the Pound 0 3

4. Oberon Animal Pound – January 2014 No Nuisance Dog or Nuisance Cat Orders were issued. Two Menacing Dog Declarations were issued and no Dangerous Dog Declarations issued. Details of activity at the Animal Pound in January.

Details Cats Dogs

Animals carried over from previous month 0 3

Animals Seized - Roaming animals collected by Ranger 0 5

Animals Abandoned - Animals left in Council drop-off cages 0 3

Animals Surrendered - Animals given up by owner 0 0

Animals released to Owner 0 3

Animals Released to Charity Organisations 0 2

Animals Destroyed 0 2

Animals Sold 0 0

Animals died at Council’s facility 0 0

Animals Escaped/Stolen 0 0

Animals still in the Pound 0 4

In January the NSW Government put in place new legislative powers under the Companion Animals Act.1998. There are 38 recommendations from the Companion Animals Taskforce findings and most have been supported. A separate report item has been prepared with additional details.


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5. Miscellaneous Matters – December 2013 & January 2014 Various inspections, including building inspections, health inspections, environmental inspections and complaints

Type of Inspections December Inspections

January Inspection

Building Inspections 16 16

Food Inspections 0 0

Environmental Inspections

(Air Pollution/Noise Pollution/Water Pollution)

0 0

Subdivisions Certificate Inspections 3 4

Complaints (Including Animal Control) 7 5

Building Maintenance Inspections 1 0

6. Swimming Pool Over the past 6 months work has progressed on the development of a roof enclosure for the existing Oberon Swimming Pool Complex. All plans, specifications and engineering design have been completed and the Development Application lodged. Staff together with Local Government Procurement (LGP) is working to develop a tender document for the construction phase of the development. It is anticipated that the document will be finalised in March with a report being prepared for Council consideration in April. Construction of the roof structure is proposed after the closure of the current swim season and before the commencement to the next swim season. 7. Attendance at Seminars/Conference/Short Courses No seminars/conferences or short courses were attended by Planning & Development Department staff during December and January. 8. Upcoming Activity In December 2013 the Oberon Local Environmental Plan 2013 was made. Many enquiries are currently being actioned by staff mainly relating to changes to land zonings. As a result of the finalisation of both the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) together with the Land Use Strategy (LUS) we are now liaising with the NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure (DPI) to claim $66,660 for preparation of the LUS under the Planning Reform Fund. 13.03 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT - WORKS AND ENGINEERING

File: Governance/Meetings/Ordinary Author: Aruna Wickramasinghe, Works and Engineering Director; Clive Cawthorne, Relief Works Engineer Summary Providing a summary of the major work carried out in the Works and Engineering Department for December 2013/January 2014.


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Recommendation: That report item 13.03 is received as information. Comment 1. Local Roads/ Bridges/ Parks/Significant Private Works REHABILITATION WORKS - Abercrombie Road (Repair Program), the rehabilitation works on an 800m section, south of Sloggetts Road has been completed except for linemarking. GRAVEL RESHEETING - All scheduled gravel resheeting has been completed prior to commencing of major rehabilitation works at O’Connell Road ‘Oberon West” for RMS and Campbells River Road, south of Black Springs. HEAVY PATCHING – Heavy patching was carried out at various locations along Arkstone Road in the week commencing 27 January 2014. PARKS AND RESERVES –Spot seeding & watering undertaken at Leagues Club Grounds. Repairs and upgrade to sprinkler system at the Recreation Ground to increase efficiently. Long jump pits at the Recreation Ground were topped up for Little Athletics. Extensive mowing and gardening was undertaken at The Common in preparation for the Australia Day Celebrations. CSR CONTRACT FOR THE REMOVAL OF WOOD FIBRE– Lowes Mount Road, Oberon The CSR Contract works of cleaning the site of discarded wood fibre is continuing and is expected to be completed by mid February subject to site being validated by the Environmental Consultant to be contaminant free. Substantial amount of test holes will be bored for confirmation as directed. MISCELLANEOUS Assisted the Police and Rural Fire Service with road closures at Dog Rocks Road during the recent Bush Fires 2. Works for Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) RMS MAINTENANCE – Maintenance is continuing on O’Connell Rd and Duckmaloi Rd. OBERON WEST – RMS has committed $1.7M towards rehabilitating the first 2.3km of O’Connell Rd north of the Albion St roundabout and Oberon Council has been engaged as the Contractor to undertake these works. The scope of works consists of culvert extensions, shoulder reconstruction, pavement rehabilitation and surfacing. The early works which included tree removals, pruning, and compensatory tree planting and fencing has been completed. Several native trees are being planted to offset the removal of vegetation which posed roadside hazards especially around the curves. RMS has also been requested to obtain approval to remove the pine trees from the private property due to shadowing causing black ice.


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Works related to culvert extensions has now been completed. The work related to shoulder reconstruction which includes excavation and haulage of existing material, supply, place and compacting of suitable road base, commenced on 3 February. HEAVY PATCHING – Approximately 7000m2 of heavy patching works have been completed at various locations on O’Connell Rd. 3. Waste Water ( Sewerage) The manhole replacement program continues to be progressed by the plumbing crew between undertaking routine and emergency works on existing infrastructure as required. 4. Water Supply The water purifying membranes in the water treatment plant require replacement as part of the ongoing general maintenance of the plant. These membranes are so fragile that they have to be stored and installed under controlled conditions to maintain the integrity of the filters. It is proposed to install the membranes on Monday 10 February and whilst this should be completed within a day, a contingency plan has been prepared to allow for any delays during installation. The town has approximately 1.5 days of backup treated water storage, however, should the unforseen happen, it is proposed to switch to raw water for town use. It is proposed to advertise this work locally and request that residents be water wise during the installation process, which would also increase the time frame of the treated water reserves for town consumption. 5. External Meetings Centroc Water Utilities Alliance meeting in Cowra on 6 December RMCC Progress meeting with RMS on 22 January 2014 Pre contract meeting with water treatment membrane contractor on 29 January 2014 6. Waste Management Extensive shaping and filling around the perimeter of the Oberon Landfill has been undertaken over the past two months in conjunction with the CSR Contract of material removal from Lowes Mount Road. This has helped in achieving the shape required for drainage in accordance with the long term fill plan. These works have also assisted in retaining loose material within the confines of the Landfill Site, which has been a cause for concern in recent years. 7. Plant After an inspection by the Plant Foreman, General Manager, Mayor and the Deputy Mayor a used D7 Dozer was purchased. (see separate report).


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8. Staff Training The Overseer and Road Surveillance Officer attended a workshop “Fundamentals of Managing Change” which was conducted on 4 December 2014. 9. Upcoming Works REHABILITATION OF CAMPBELLS RIVER ROAD is scheduled to commence on Monday 10 February 2014, commencing from Black Springs and extending one kilometre south. This work includes shoulder rehabilitation, pavement rehabilitation, new sealing and associated roadside furniture such as guideposts and linemarking. WATTLEGROVE REHABILITATION - RMS has advised that funding has been allocated to continue rehabilitation works on O’Connell Rd. $900k each has been allocated for 2014/15 and 2015/16 financial years and there is an possibility of an additional sum of $600k being allocated from Road Safety funds subject to approval. The next section identified is called Wattlegrove which is a continuation from where the Oberon West Project finishes. The scope of works will be as same as Oberon West Project consisting of pavement rehabilitation, shoulder widening and seal. No alignment improvements are proposed. All the project development including the site investigations are to be conducted by the RMS and this work will commence shortly with construction being planned for January 2015. RESEAL WORKS – Reseal works on Duckmaloi Rd and O’Connell Rd are scheduled to commence on 10 February. GUARDRAIL – The installation of guardrail and replacement of existing guardrail on Duckmaloi Rd and O’Connell Rd is also scheduled to commence on 10 February. 13.04 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – FINANCE & COMMUNITY SERVICES

File No: Financial Management/Financial Reporting/Periodic Reports Author: Lynette Safranek, Finance and Community Services Director Summary Providing a summary of major work within the Finance and Community Services Department during December 2013 and January 2014. Recommendation: That report item 13.04 is received as information. Comment 1. FINANCE Following are the main activities conducted by the Finance team throughout December 2013 and January 2014.


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Debt Recovery Letters have been sent out to all ratepayers who currently have an ‘informal’ payment arrangement for outstanding debt with Oberon Council. The ratepayers have been asked to enter into a formal arrangement or make a payment in full by the end of February 2014. If this does not happen we will have no option but to commence legal action to recover the outstanding debt. Below are statistics on Debt Recovery actions during December and January:

Actions Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Jun 2013–Jan 2014

Payment Plan Agreements 93 93

Reminders 0 56

Letter’s of Demand 23 61

Statements of Claim 6 8

Judgements 2 2

Writs 2 2

Garnishee 1 1

Certificates Issued in December 2013 and January 2014

Section 603 (Rates & Charges) LG Act 1993 37

Consumers Water Meter Reading 8

Rates Collections Following are the rates and charges collected during December 2013 and January 2014:

Rate Category Farmland Residential Rural

Residential Non Urban

Centre Business Total

Brought forward 30/06/13

$142,485.34 $161,269.69 $18,832.24 $5,386.86 $18,149.78 $346,123.91

Current Levy $1,547,750.38 $1,743,029.68 $456,787.90 $132,079.04 $522,762.70 $4,402,409.70

Payments, Concessions and interest

-$996,285.22 -$1,098,196.06 -$303,739.94 -$89,525.67 -$362,298.83 -$2,850,045.72

Balance outstanding

$693,950.50 $806,103.31 $171,880.20 $47,940.23 $178,613.65 $1,898,487.89

Overpayments -$7,762.66

Legal Charges $1,652.30

Total rates outstanding

$1,892,377.53

Collected Jan 2014

52% 49% 55% 56% 61% 52%

Collected Jan 2013

52% 50% 57% 59% 62% 53%


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External Auditor Tender We have commenced the Tender process for a new External Auditor for the 6 year period commencing 1 April 2014 to 30 June 2020. The tender closes on Monday 24 February. Grants & Funding Submissions We have been successful in obtaining grants for NSW Senior Week 2014 ($500); Better Boating Program ($57,500); Waste2Art Heavy Metal Youth Art Workshop ($3,000); Waste to Art Women of the West who Weld Workshop ($1,500); and Extension to Oberon Preschool ($79,200). Following is a listing of all Grants applied for since July 2013, with successful in Bold

Submitted Details / Description of Project Amount Status

July 2013 Recreational Fishing (Oberon Acclimatisation Society)

$9,140 Successful

Aug 2013 Better Boating Program (NSW Maritime Services)

$57,500 Successful

Aug 2013 Regional Development Aust. Fund (Round 5) pool enclosure

$152,268 Submitted

CANCELLED

Sep 2013 Seniors Week 2014 (Lunch/concert CTC workshop)

$500 Successful

Sep 2013 Small Grants for Small Communities (Waste 2 Art Workshop/Fools)

$3,000 Successful

Sep 2013 Veolia Mulwaree Trust (Seeding funding for Youth Council)

$1,000 submitted

Sep 2013 Regional flagship Events Program (Highland Steam & Vintage Fair)

$10,000 Unsuccessful

Oct 2013 Sports & Recreation Office of Communities $15,000 submitted

Oct 2013 Country Arts Support Program Fools Waste to Art, Women’s Welding

$1,500 Successful

Oct 2013 Preschool Capital Works Grants Extension to Oberon Preschool

$79,200 Successful

Nov 2013 Veolia Mulwaree Trust (Community Precinct Upgrade)

$40,000 submitted

Nov 2013 Library Subsidy and Disability Geographic Project (Local Priority Project)

$16,796 Successful

Nov 2013 Library Subsidy and Disability Geographic Project (Subsidy)

$9,637 Successful

Nov 2013 Veolia Mulwaree Trust (Oberon CTC Community Newsletter)

$1,000 submitted

Nov 2013 Veolia Mulwaree Trust (Oberon Men’s Shed)

$2,697 Submitted

Dec 2013 ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program (Centenary Monument at Lawn Cemetery)

$10,000 Scoping

Jan 2014 CTC Newsletter (IT and printing equipment)

Tbc Scoping


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Background research is being carried out into the 5 year $465.7 million Waste Less, Recycle More initiative that is currently open for grant applications. This is considered to be a high priority funding initiative. 2. COMMUNITY SERVICES Sesquicentenary The final event for Oberon’s 150 year celebration for 2013 was “Christmas in the Common” which was well attended. The Oberon Youth Council (OYC) participated in a variety of activities. This event was a successful way to promote the OYC.

Library There were a lot of activities for young people held in the Library over the December and January period. These activities included the Summer Reading Club, Craft for Little Hands Travelbugs bookings; Rite for Fun, Baby Read & Rhyme Time’ and Storytime. This year’s Summer Reading Club Program was coordinated by Queensland State Library with resources made available to public libraries through Dropbox Cloud Storage. Sponsorship was sought from Rotary Inner Wheel, Oberon Arts Council, Rotary Club of Oberon and Friends of Oberon Library (FOOLs). A short presentation was made by the Library Officer to a meeting of the Rotary Club of Oberon. The Library promoted the Program at assemblies at Oberon High School, St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Black Springs Public School. In order to qualify for the free prize draw participants were required to answer literary trivia questions, borrow items from the library and create a reading log. The program had 47 participants earning a total of 135 tickets in the prize draw. The prize draw took place at the Library on 28 January, including an afternoon tea supplied by FOOLs. The impact of the program can be measured by issues for the month of January of 1718, compared to the next highest total since July 2013 of 1424, an increase of 294 or 20.6%. The Rotary Club of Oberon and Friends of Oberon Library each donated an amount of $200 to the Program. Prizes were allotted in three categories with first prize valued at $50, second at $30 and third at $20. Encyclopaedia Britannica is now in operation at the Library and available to all Library users. Promotion of this service will commence shortly in the Oberon Review, through school newsletters and in the Oberon and Surrounding Villages newsletter. Statistics for the December and January period include 35 new members, 141 items issued, and 583 computer users (30 over 65 years) The Robert Hooper Community Centre The Robert Hooper Community Centre was used a total of 121 sessions throughout December/January with a total income of approximately $886. Community Technology Centre (CTC) The third edition of the Oberon and surrounding Villages Newsletter has been distributed. There are two secure monthly advertising bookings for 12 months and two casual bookings, bringing in a total of $1,416 income. We will endeavour to retain further advertising in the following months. The community have embraced this newsletter with great enthusiasm and provide interesting articles about community activities.


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CTC is busy with courses and a trouble shooting service provided by Shane Evans and Julie Stott. This provides community members with assistance with minor issues with their PC’s, tablets or iPhones. An external provider has secured the Conference Room at the CTC for 22 sessions of training, generating an income $849.20. CTC Coordinator is available at the CTC on Thursdays to assist the community, while continuing to investigate future courses. U3A University of the Third Age U3A is again offering around 33 short courses for Term 1, some of which are held in conjunction with the CTC. Courses topics range from computers to cooking, using the Oberon High School facilities, and garden and plant related courses held at private homes, to name a few. There are now 104 financial members. HACC The Taxi Voucher Scheme is very well utilised by the Community Transport Clients. The Community Transport vehicle is in great demand. Council has offered the use of it vehicles, when both vehicles and drivers are available, to assist with the demand of this service. Two new drivers have volunteered their services for the program. Buses that were offered as part of the Community Transport Program (CTP) Funding for Disadvantaged Communities, on the last Saturday of the month during 2013 to Bathurst, were not utilised by the Oberon community and consequently were cancelled. There have been 18 bus trips that members of the community or community groups have successfully arranged through the Community Transport Program. Self Care Units The vacant unit in Curtis Street is about to be refurbished and should be ready to rent by the end of February 2014. Oberon Youth Council The OYC were very active at the “Christmas in the Common” event. We are seeking more participation from Oberon youth, outside of the Oberon Schools. To help with this search we have developed a new flyer which will be delivered to every household in the LGA, as well as extensive advertising in Oberon and Bathurst media, schools, pools and CSU. The inaugural meeting of the OYC has been set down for 5.30pm on Tuesday 4 March 2014 in the Council Chambers. Future Events for 2014 International Women’s Day - Saturday 8 March 2014 A media release asking for expressions of interest to hold this year’s event has been placed in the Oberon Review. Seniors Week: Saturday 15 – 23 March 2014 We have been successful in obtaining a grant for $500 from NSW Government Family & Community Services (Aged & Disabilities Home Care). Oberon Council is providing $500 toward this event. I t was decided at the Community Services Committee meeting in January to hold a Seniors Expo, in conjunction with Evans Community Options, on 15 March at the Showground; as well as a lunch at the Oberon High School which both schools could participate in.


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Youth Week 2014: Friday 8 – 13 Sunday April 2014 Oberon Youth Council will discuss the 2014 event at their inaugural meeting. We are still waiting on confirmation from NSW Government Office of Communities – Youth if we have been successful in our grant application. Council will also contribute funding to this event. 3. PLANNED ACTIVITY LIBRARY - The Finance & Community Services Director has been reviewing how the Oberon Library is currently functioning. We will be implementing a three (3) month trial of changed operating hours commencing on Monday 3 March 2014. The Library will open from 10.00am to 6.00pm on Monday to Friday and from 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday. The Library staff is all in favour on this trial and possible permanent change in opening hours. We will also facilitate community input through the community engagement process for the Oberon Community Strategic Plan 2014. CIVICA/AUTHORITY HEALTH CHECK - the Finance & Community Services Director, Human Resources Coordinator and Finance Coordinator have been working through the recommendations from the Civica/Authority Health Check. We have formed an internal BIS Working Group that is due to meet shortly. This group will discuss how best to provide staff with refresher training to close off some of the recommendations. All the recommendations should be implemented by the end of March 2014. STOCKTAKE - the Finance & Community Services Director took part in the stocktake last week to review our procurement processes and reconciliation of stock numbers. As a result of some minor concerns in this area, the Director will visit Lithgow and Bathurst Council’s in the next few weeks to discuss their processes for the Store and reconciliation. Then, the Finance Team and Storeman will conduct another stocktake in March, in an effort to improve on current processes, to ensure that the end of year count is correct. 13.05 TENDER T2013/4 – PURCHASE OF DOZER

File No: Plant Equipment and Stores/Acquisition/Purchase Author: Clive Cawthorne, Acting Works Engineer

Summary Advising of the decision to purchase a D7R Caterpillar Dozer at a cost of $294,500 + GST. Recommendation: That report item 13.05 is received as information. Comment Tenders were called for the purchase of a second hand Dozer, and this was reported to the Council Meeting on 19 November 2013. The prices tendered ranged from $368,500 to $423,500, for Dozers with 5524 hrs to 5852 hrs of use. Only one of the Dozers was available in Australia. Council did not accept any Tender and delegated authority to the General Manager to purchase a suitable Dozer at a public auction.


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It is noted that the requirements for tendering as listed in the Local Government Act 1993, Sec 55 (1) (a) to (i) do not apply – as the purchase was publicly available (Sec 55 (3) (f)) and due to our remoteness and the unavailability of competitive/reliable tenders (Sec 55 (3) (i)). Councillors were advised at the Informal Briefing Session, and also through the weekly “What’s On” Councillor Newsletter, of an opportunity to purchase a Caterpillar Dozer which was publicly available following an inspection by the Plant Foreman. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, General Manager and Plant Foreman inspected the Dozer on Thursday 30 January along with a local representative of Westrac. The price for this Dozer was $294,500 + GST (within the amount allocated in the Operational Plan 2013/14, and on inspection was considered to be superior to the Dozers offered by Tender. This Dozer had around 4300 hrs of use, and a decision was made to purchase the Dozer at the price of $294,500 + GST ($323,950). This is considerably cheaper than the lowest Tender ($44,500 inclusive of GST). The Dozer was floated to the Oberon Council Works Depot, arriving on Sunday 9 February and will soon be in operation at the Oberon Waste Facility. The Dozer will also be utilised at our gravel quarries. 13.06 STATE WATER CORPORATION

File No: Water Supply/Service Providers/Fish River Water Supply Author: Aruna Wickramasinghe, Works and Engineering Director Summary The report is a summary of the State Water Corporation, Fish River Water Supply Customer Council (FRWSCC) Meeting held on 10 December 2013. Recommendation: That report item 13.06 is received as information. Comment ATTACHED is a copy of the Minutes of the meeting held on 10 December 2013. The meeting was attended by the General Manager as the Works & Engineering Director was away on Annual Leave. The following topics discussed. Operations Report – from the Adrian Langdon, Manager Water Operations at State

Water noting that water from the Duckmaloi Weir is not being used due to the water quality not meeting requirements.

Drought Planning – both Energy Australia and Sydney Catchment Authority supported the need to sort out the issues with water quality from Duckmaloi Weir to protect the Oberon Dam levels.

Asset Report – an upgrade to Duckmaloi (system) is to be finished by May 2014. Customer Reports – the General Manager reported the concern with the dropping of the

Oberon Dam level, and advised about a proposal to fluoridate the Oberon Water Supply.


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Further to the above issues a Final DRAFT Report on the Fish River Water Supply Security Project has been received from State Water. The Draft Report prepared by Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) will be discussed at the next Customer Council Meeting and in the meantime the Works & Engineering Director will prepare a response on the Draft Report to the Manager Water Operations. The next meeting of the FRWS Customer Council is scheduled for Tuesday 11 March 2014 and will be attended by both the General Manager and the Works & Engineering Director. 13.07 STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

File No: Financial Management/Investments/Register Author: Lynette Safranek, Finance & Community Services Director; Tim Booth, Management Accountant Summary Reporting the Statement of Investments as at 31 January 2014. Recommendation That Report Item 13.07 is received as information. Comment Interest earned for the month of January 2014 for Term Deposits came to $17,170 with an average interest rate of 3.77% performing above the 90 day BBSW of 2.61%.

Market value is estimated by ANZ Custodians for the Lehman Brothers CDO Aphex/Glenelg to be $413,885.59 as at 31 December 2013. This is an increase since 31 July 2013 with an anticipation the investments market value will continue increasing as it draws near to maturity.

0.00%

1.00%

2.00%

3.00%

4.00%

5.00%

6.00%

Oberon Council Annualised Monthly Return vs 90 Day BBSW

13/14 90 Day BBSW

13/14 TD % MonthlyReturn

12/13 90 Day BBSW

12/13 TD % MonthlyReturn


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Statement of Investments as at 31 January 2014

Capital Value

Date of Legal Interest Term Invested

Institution, Type Maturity Rate (Days) Frequency 31/01/2014

Bank

Commonwealth Call A/c 2.70% At Call Monthly -

CBA Business Online Saver 2.40% Savings Monthly 595,000.00

595,000.00

Term Deposits

Rural Bank 28/01/2014 3.80% 124 Maturity -

Arab Bank Australia Limited 22/01/2014 3.80% 117 Maturity -

Bank of Sydney 20/02/2014 3.95% 120 Maturity

250,000.00

Rural Bank 4/03/2014 3.75% 126 Maturity

500,000.00

ME Bank 6/03/2014 3.60% 120 Maturity

500,000.00

ME Bank 11/02/2014 3.55% 91 Maturity

500,000.00

BOQ 2/04/2014 3.70% 119 Maturity

500,000.00

BOQ 3/06/2014 3.85% 181 Maturity

500,000.00

Beyond Bank 14/01/2014 3.95% 35 Maturity -

AMP 19/03/2014 3.75% 99 Maturity

500,000.00

AMP 8/04/2014 3.75% 91 Maturity

500,000.00

Investec 7/05/2014 3.78% 120 Maturity

500,000.00

AMP 22/04/2014 3.75% 98 Maturity

500,000.00

4,750,000.00

Collaterlised Debt Obligations (CDO's)

Lehman Brothers - Aphex/Glenelg 22/12/2014 4.76% Quarterly 450,000.00

FIIG Securities - Octagon 30/10/2015 0.00% 10 yrs. Quarterly 700,000.00

1,150,000.00

Total Investments $6,495,000.00

Investment movements during JANUARY

Rural Bank 28/01/2014 3.80% 124 Matured ($506,454.79)

Arab Bank Australia Limited 22/01/2014 3.80% 117 Matured ($506,090.41)

Beyond Bank 14/01/2014 3.95% 35 Matured ($501,893.84)

AMP 7/01/2014 3.75% 91 Invested $500,000.00

Investec 7/01/2014 3.78% 120 Invested $500,000.00

AMP 14/01/2014 3.75% 98 Invested $500,000.00

I certify that the investments have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2005, and Council's Investments Policy. Lynette Safranek Responsible Accounting Officer


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13.08 COMPANION ANIMALS TASKFORCE

File No: Laws and Enforcement\19.01 Companion Animals & Stock Control Procedures\Dog Control Author: Gary Wallace, Planning & Development Director Summary The NSW Government has released a response to the Companion Animals Taskforce. The Government recognises that owning a cat or dog comes with important responsibilities and attempts to deliver sensible initiatives to benefit the NSW Community as a whole. Recommendation: That report item 13.08 is received as information. Comment Previously the NSW Government indicated that it was looking into recommendations made by the Companion Animals Taskforce in relation to a spate of attacks that occurred throughout NSW. The NSW Government have now released its full response to the Taskforce supporting most of the 38 recommendations made either in full or in part. Key measures include: • Newly enacted laws which are helping councils to control aggressive dogs and which

have significantly increased penalties for owners with dogs involved in serious attacks.

• A new $900,000 local council grant program over three years to target microchipping, registration and desexing to reduce pet overpopulation, to be introduced from mid-2014, to address community concern about animal welfare and high euthanasia rates.

• Expanding the Responsible Pet Ownership education program to pre-schools and families expecting new children, from mid-2014 at a cost of $750,000 over three years, to make sure young children are safe around dogs.

• Increased registration fees in-line with the CPI index, from 1 January 2014, to better reflect the current cost of managing cats and dogs and provide additional funding for education and grant programs.

• A fundamental redesign of the system under which cats and dogs in NSW are managed to ensure that more owners take responsibility for their pets. This will also consider a streamlined and easier on-line registration process for owners.”

• A Responsible Pet Ownership Reference Group to provide advice to the Government on strategic cat and dog management issues and to assist further implement Taskforce recommendations.

It is considered that the response will better ensure responsible cat and dog ownership, help keep the community safe and further protect animal welfare, while still enabling families and individuals to enjoy the companionship of their pet cats and dogs. Councils as a result will have increased funding opportunities and other mechanisms to promote responsible pet ownership. A full copy of the response can is available at The Department of Local Government website at www.dlg.nsw.gov.au.


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13.09 AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

File No: Community Relations/Awards Author: Sharon Swannell, Executive Coordinator Summary Australia Day celebrations were held on 26 January 2014 at the Oberon Showground. Recommendation: That report item 13.09 is received as information. Comment This year’s Australia Day celebrations were planned to be held at the Oberon Common, however due to cold weather the decision was taken to move the celebrations to the Oberon Showground. The celebrations were opened by the Mayor, the flag raised by Young Citizen of the Year James Adams and the National Anthem was led by Chloe Swannell. A Citizenship Ceremony was then performed by the Mayor for the Agmata family and this was followed by a Citizenship Affirmation. A very entertaining and inspiring address was provided by Australia Day Ambassador, Mr Andy Paschalidis. Andy has extensive experience working within the area of Sports Media and currently works with Special Olympics NSW as Fundraising and Partnerships Manager, along with being a presenter; commentator and producer with the media company Off The Cuff Media. Awards were presented as follows:

1. Citizen of the Year – Janifer Torner 2. Young Citizen of the Year – James Adams and Sophie Robinson 3. Sportsperson of the Year – Wade Judd 4. Young Sportsperson of the Year – Bryce Hotham 5. Sports Team of the Year – Oberon Tigers Rugby League Women’s Tag Team 6. Community Event of the Year – Oberon Sesquicentenary Celebrations 7. Local Legend of the Year – Brian Dellow

Morning tea and a sausage sizzle lunch was prepared and served by members of the Oberon Rotary Club. A dinner was held with Councillors, Management Staff and their partners to meet the Australia Day Ambassador on the evening of 25 January at the newly renovated Oberon Golf Club. This year’s celebrations were planned by a working party comprising the Mayor, General Manager, Executive Coordinator and Community Liaison Coordinator. It is proposed to expand this working party to a larger committee including any interested Councillors and members of the community to plan for next year’s celebrations.


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13.10 INWARDS CORRESPONDENCE

File No: Governance/Meetings/Ordinary Author: Sharon Swannell, Executive Assistant Summary The Report Item provides a summary of incoming correspondence for the period 1 December to 31 January 2014. A copy of correspondence received will be available to be viewed at the Ordinary Council Meeting. Copies of correspondence are available upon request. Recommendation: That Report Item 13.10 is received as information. Comment A summary of incoming correspondence received by Council is as follows: 1. Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole MP providing a response from the Minister for Primary

Industries, the Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP regarding water security and water sourced from Duckmaloi Weir.

2. Local Government NSW expressing their concern regarding the LLS Board of Chairs submission to IPART Draft Report on its Review of Funding Framework for LLS NSW.

3. Bathurst Harness Racing – invitation to attend the Oberon Community Race night being held on Friday 17 January 2014.

4. Local Government NSW advising of the Local Land Services Board of Chairs response to IPART Draft Report Review of Funding. LGNSW has made its submission to IPART and provided a copy for Council’s information and guidance.

5. Division of Local Government Circular to Councils regarding the Swimming Pools Amendment Act 2012.

6. Local Land Services Central West and Central Tablelands regarding the future of Local Government Engagement in the regions.

7. NSW Government Department of Planning and Infrastructure advising it has conducted a comprehensive review of the water, energy and thermal comfort targets for the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) for new houses and residential apartments.

8. Local Government NSW providing information regarding a new publication “All Culture is Local, Good Practice in Regional Cultural Mapping and Planning”. The publication provides case studies using a range of methods for cultural mapping and planning.

9. Division of Local Government Circular to Councils regarding responsible pet ownership funding arrangements.

10. Local Government NSW advising that the final reports from the Independent Local Government Review Panel and the Local Government Acts Taskforce will be released at 10.30am on 7 January 2014.

11. Media Release – Local Government NSW demands the NSW Government extend time for Councils to respond to the Review Panel Report – 8 January 2014.

12. Media Release – Independent Local Government Review Panel regarding the release of its final report for further discussion with the sector and key stakeholders.


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13. NSW Rural Doctors Network inviting Council to consider participating in the 2014 Bush Bursary/Country Women’s Association Scholarship Scheme.

14. Blue Mountains City Council advising they have prepared a draft LEP and has received a Gateway Determination. The document is in public exhibition from 4 December to 5 March 2014.

15. Gabrielle and Stephen Whitehead regarding concerns over reinstatement of Hunting in State Forests in the Jenolan area.

13.11 STATUS REPORT – ACTIONING COUNCIL DECISIONS

File No: Governance/Meetings/Ordinary Author: Sharon Swannell, Executive Assistant Summary Providing details of the status in actioning Council decisions, with reference to the actual Resolution Number as shown in the Minutes for each Council Meeting. Recommendation: That report item 13.11 is received as information. Comment The FOLLOWING document contains 18 separate Council “decisions”, which includes some requests by Councillors for information or actions not made by Resolution. There are 8 decisions from the 17 December 2013 Council Meeting and of these most have been completed, or are subject to a further report item. The remaining incomplete items will be given priority. It should be noted that due to the preparation of the Business Paper and finalising Report Items that some of the “outstanding items” may have been completed before the commencement of the Council Meeting.

Progress on Actions – updated 10 February 2014

Resolution No – Subject

Resolution - Summary Assigned To:

Action Taken

17171213 – Robey Centre

1. an amount of $2,000 be allocated to enable the appointment of a Therapy Aide at the Robey Centre

2. seek grant funding for the engagement of a facilitator to coordinate Activities Program at the Robey Centre

GM/

FCSD

Health Council advised, no funding expended at this time

Grant application submitted – decision not due until May/June

17171213 – Centroc Health Workforce Grp

That Councillor Morgan be nominated to the Centroc Health Workforce

GM Centroc advised

Matter closed

17171213 – Dental Clinic

That Council enter into a Licence Agreement with the Bathurst Dental Clinic

GM Pending commencement of Clinic

17171213 – NSW Population Projections

Department of Planning & Infrastructure be advised of the understated population projections for the Oberon LGA

PDD Letter forwarded to Director General outlining Councils position.


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17171213 – Code of Meeting Practice

adopt the principles as set out in the report and that a revised Code of Meeting Practice be prepared

GM revised Code is being prepared

08171213 – Public Library Funding

write to State Member Paul Toole requesting he support the motion tabled by Jan Barham MP on Library Funding.

GM letter sent

04171213 – Annual Financial Statements

Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2013 and the Auditors Reports be noted

FCSD Was presented to December meeting and made available to public during December with no comments received.

02171213 – DA Transmitter Mast

approve Development Application 10.2013.39.1 for a transmitter mast at Lot 27 DP: 785503 - 15 Harris Road, Oberon

PDD Development approved 17 December 2013

Matter Closed

25191113 – Traffic Advisory Committee

arrange a meeting with Peter Dearden, Regional Manager RMS to discuss the MR 253 Oberon West Project.

WED Meeting arranged for 29 November

Meeting scheduled for 17 February.

23191113 – Oberon Sports Facilities

form the Sporting Precinct Working Party: WED Noted, awaiting action.

Planned to form Working Party in Feb.

22191113 – Works Committee

trial of new gravel over pipes/culverts on unsealed roads - workshop involving Councillors, Management and Works Staff.

WED Workshop sought suggestions for suitable locations yet to be determined.

14191113 – Fluoridation of Water Supply

endorse commencing community consultation to fluoridate the water supply

WED Made contact with the NSW Ministry of Health for the supply of pamphlets and literature for community consultation

05191113 – Fluoridation of Water Supply

matter be reported during consideration of the Oberon Community Strategic Plan 2014 and the Operational Plan 2014/15.

WED noted

26200813 – Edith Road Bridge

provide funding in the current 2013/14 budget allocation to allow investigation to take place for design work to widen the Edith Road Bridge and that the Member for Bathurst be contacted for Grant Funding

WED Funding identified at the Quarterly Budget Review Statement with investigations to be planned as soon as can be arranged

30160413

Waste Less Recycle More

That Council staff be requested to investigate the cost and logistics of implementing a recycling program.

PDD Matter in progress in consultation with

Works & Engineering Director

22190319 – Privacy Management Plan

Council adopt the Model Privacy Management Plan for Local Government.

GM report to Council on the appointment of “Privacy Contact Officers”

GM noted, further report to be completed

30190213 – Finance Committee Meeting

7. GM be requested to investigate options for purchase of land for Recreation Ground in the O’Connell district.

8. GM consult with Brigade Captain of the O’Connell RFS re possible expansion of the existing RFS land in O’Connell.

FCSD

GM

Noted and actioned or in the process of being actioned.

Initial meeting with RFS Captain and GM

34201112 – TALC Meeting

1. That the proposal to remove the no stopping zone on the north side of Albion Street, be supported.

2. That Council construct a section of path on the north side of Albion Street.

WED 1. Pending RMS feedback/agreement.

2. Pending above.


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13.12 MEDIA

File No: Information Management/Information and Communications/Media Releases Author: Carolyn Hendry, Information and Communications Officer Summary The Report Item provides a list of Media Releases issued during December 2013 and January 2014, a list of the dates where the Mayor’s column (Council News) has been published and a sample of Media Articles where Council is mentioned. Recommendation: That report item 13.12 is received as information. Comment The following is a list of Media Releases which have been issued since the previous Council Meeting. 5 December 2013

“Join Festive Fun at The Common” – Christmas in the Common event “Plaque at Fish River to mark Evans’ arrival” – 200th Anniversary of George Evans’

arrival to the Oberon area “Holiday happenings, new titles and renovations” - Oberon Council Library News “Help kids get into the swim of this summer” - Oberon Swimming Pool Complex News

12 December 2013

“Join the Summer Reading Club” - Oberon Council Library News “Council Closures over Christmas”

19 December 2013

“Keeping the kids busy” - Oberon Council Library News 9 January 2014

“Take a trip with the Travelbugs” - Oberon Council Library News “Escape the heat at the pool” - Oberon Swimming Pool Complex News “Celebrate Australia Day at the Common” – Australia Day Ambassador for 2014

16 January 2014

“Chance to development creative writing skills” - Oberon Council Library News “Come celebrate at The Common” - Australia Day Event in Oberon

23 January 2014

“Celebrate Australia Day in Oberon” - Sunday 26 January 2014 Oberon Council Library News “Swimming Pool Price Drops” - Oberon Pool Complex News

30 January 2014

Oberon Council Library News “Take action to clean up environment” - Clean Up Australia Day 2014


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The following is a list of the dates where the Mayor’s Column “Council News” has been published in the Oberon Review. 5 December 2013, 12 December 2013, 19 December 2013, 9 January 2014, 16 January 2014, 23 January 2014, and 30 January 2014. The following is a list of Media Articles where Council has been mentioned during the last month: 5 December 2013

“Boost to Council Coffers” – One step closer to reclaiming investments (Lehman Brothers Australia)

“Work Underway at Aged Care Facility” “New Officer to Control Animals” – Stewart Harradence appointed as Animal Control

Officer “Statistics tell the full Council story” – Division of Local Government Comparative

Information “Time to start planning a new Waste to Art project” “Kids have a top adventure” – Opening of new adventure area at Oberon Children’s

Centre 12 December 2013

“Plenty of festive cheer at Common” – Christmas in the Common “Christmas in The Common” – Photos from the event “U3A Cook up a festive storm” – Oberon High School

19 December 2013 “NBN Mast approved” – Vocal opponents in gallery at Council meeting “Funds for new facilities at Lake Oberon” – NSW Government funding “Great support for Can Assist” – community helps Can Assist with fundraising and

donations “Bells Line improvements set to begin” – RMS work will start February 2014

9 January 2014 “Public invited to view Council’s finances” “Full Steam ahead for fair” – 2014 Highland Steam & Vintage Fair “Grants to run welding workshops” – FOOLs Grant through Country Arts Support

Programme, CASP 16 January 2014

“When the heat is on, it’s time to dive in” – Oberon Swimming Pool Complex “More merger talk” – Independent Local Government Review Panel final report “Recognising Service” – Oberon Council staff long service awards “Dental agreement” – Dental clinic at 72 Dart Street Oberon “Winning artwork on postcard” – Oberon My Home competition winner

23 January 2014 “Oberon considers alliance” – Meeting of neighbouring Councils at Bathurst Council

Chambers, Friday 17 January 2014 “Grab a good read at the fair or show” – Friends of the Oberon Library, celebration of

Library Lovers Day at Oberon Council Library 30 January 2014

“Truss has no short-term solutions” – Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss acknowledges impact of job losses in the Central West

“Honour and praise for top citizens” – Australia Day Awards 2014 “Australia Day in Oberon” – pictures from the ceremony and celebrations


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13.13 UPCOMING MEETINGS

File No: Governance/Meetings/Ordinary Author: Sharon Swannell, Executive Assistant Summary A calendar of upcoming meetings is provided for information. Recommendation: That report item 13.13 is received as information. Comment A schedule of upcoming Council and Community Meetings being held during February and March 2014 FOLLOWS for Councils information.

February 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Tablelands Way Farmers Markets

2

3 10am – Seniors Welfare Committee 5pm – Heritage Committee

4

5

6 GMAC Meeting - Orange

7 Highland Steam and Vintage Fair



10

11 5.30pm Councillor Informal Briefing Session

12

13

14 Library Lover’s Day

15 Oberon Show

16 Oberon Show

17

18 5.30pm Ordinary Council Meeting

19

20 BMLOT Board Meeting

21

22

23

24 BMLOT AGM

25 5.00pm Oberon Arts Council Meeting

26

27 Centroc Board Meeting – Bathurst

28


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March 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

30

31

1 Tablelands Way Farmers Markets 11.30am OTHR

2 Clean Up Australia Day Free Tip Day

3 4pm - Chifley LAC CSPC - Bathurst

4 5.30pm Oberon Youth Council Meeting

5 7.00am – Oberon Business Assn. Meeting

6

7 International Women’s Day Breakfast

8

9 Oberon Swap Meet at Oberon Showground

10 6.30pm – OPTA Meeting

11 5.30pm – Councillor Informal Briefing Session

12 6.00pm – Fluoridation Information Session – Oberon RSL Club

13

14

15 Seniors Week 9.30am - Seniors Expo

16 Seniors Week

17 Seniors Week Seniors Week Mystery Bus Tour

18 Seniors Week 5.30pm -Ordinary Council Meeting

19 Seniors Week

20 Seniors Week Seniors Week Lunch 6.00pm – Fluoridation Public Meeting – Oberon Showground Hall

21 Seniors Week Seniors Week Mystery Bus Tour 2.30pm – Upper Macquarie County Council

22 Seniors Week

23 Seniors Week

24

25

26 6.00pm – Fluoridation Public Meeting – Oberon RSL Club

27

28

29


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14. REPORTS FOR DECISION 14.01 DROUGHT BRIEFING

File No: Financial Management/Financial Reporting/ Author: Lynette Safranek, Finance and Community Services Director Summary Providing a summary of current conditions in the Oberon LGA. Recommendation: That: (a) Oberon Council writes to the member for Bathurst, Mr Paul Toole, and Primary

Industries Minister, Katrina Hodgkinson, requesting that the Regional Assistance Advisory Committee visit Oberon to assess the deteriorating situation at hand;

(b) Approve the distribution of Council’s raw water to farmers for stock only, within the

Oberon Local Government area, at a reduced rate of $0.40 cents per kilolitre for a period of 6 months; and

(c) Approve the distribution of Council’s drinking water to Oberon Council residents who

do not have reticulated water, at a reduced rate of $2.50 per kilolitre for a period of 6 months.

Comment Average monthly rainfall in t the Oberon LGA has been well below average for eight of the last nine months (Attachment 1). Critically, below average spring rainfall followed by an exceptionally hot dry summer with unusually long periods of above average summer temperatures has significantly depleted feed reserves and water supplies for most graziers in the Oberon LGA. The extremely dry conditions over the last nine months have been consistent across the entire Oberon LGA. The graphs in Attachment 1a show that rainfall was below average in 2013 not only in the township of Oberon, but at all weather stations to the north, south, east and west of the Oberon LGA. Under normal seasonal conditions August to December have the highest estimated daily pasture growth rates on the Central Tablelands (Attachment 1b). In 2013, below average spring rainfall led to a failed spring for the second year in succession. Some farmers suggest that the current conditions are “the worst they have seen in the district”. The current seasonal conditions in the district are summarised in the NSW Seasonal Conditions Summary 2014 (Attachment 2) and include extremely low summer rainfall relative to historic figures; low topsoil moisture; low pasture growth; and low levels of biomass. Dams and water courses are drying up and many graziers are buying in supplementary feed such as hay and grain at premium prices. Significant numbers of livestock are also being sold or sent away on agistment due to the dry conditions. Higher than normal rainfall is needed now to replenish subsoil moisture profiles to support autumn pasture growth and create a feed wedge going into winter. Unfortunately, the forecast for the next three (3) months is for below average rainfall in southern NSW.


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Drought Assistance Measures Much as changed in recent years in the way state and federal governments support farmers in drought. In previous droughts, local farm businesses were assisted financially by a raft of Exceptional Circumstances measures administered by the rural Assistance Authority (RAA). Since 2008, the state and federal government have been developing a new National Drought Policy that focuses on helping farmers to prepare for and manage the impact of drought. The new national package of drought programs will be implemented from 1 July 2014 replacing the Exceptional Circumstances arrangements that were the mainstay of the last drought. Unfortunately, the dire dry conditions come at a time when thee is considerable uncertainty about both the implementation and the effectiveness of the new national drought policy measures. The situation is further complicated by the recent restructure of the NSW Primary Industries department to form the new Local land Service (LLS) districts. General inquiries have been received by the Grants Coordinator about what assistance measures, including grants and subsidies, are now available to primary producers in this area. Currently, primary producers in Oberon LGA cannot access the Drought Support Package from the Department of Primary industries as a natural disaster (drought) declaration has not been made for the Oberon LGA. What does this all mean for farmers in Oberon LGA? The two most significant differences in current “in drought” assistance packages that will impact on local farmers’ ability to manage the current dry conditions are: 1. The mechanisms by which drought conditions (natural disasters) are declared; 2. The removal of interest rate subsidies as a means of financial support to farmers. Under the new approach from the federal and state governments to drought management, the RAA Committee visits an area, reports to the Minister and makes recommendations on a regions seasonal conditions, programs for farm business, farm family and community support. What would a natural disaster declaration mean to Oberon LGA? The recommendation of the RAA Committee to declare a natural disaster in this area would give local primary producers access to a number of emergency in-drought support measures, including: Transport Assistance Reimbursement – up to $15,000 per producer of transport

subsidies for transport of stock for sale, slaughter or to agistment, fodder for stock and water for stock or drinking water (up to 50% of total freight)

Emergency Water Infrastructure Grants – up to $30,000 per producer for installation of water infrastructure for livestock (up to 50% rebate for cost of purchase delivery and labour to install water infrastructure)

Waiver of Local Land Services rates These measures already form part of the drought support package for farmers in Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett Local Government Areas. In previous droughts the Interest Rate subsidy component of the Exceptional Circumstances package was critical to the success of many Oberon farmers capacity to manage the drought. A subsidy of up to $100,000 allowed farm businesses to carry on through the


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drought and meet their financial commitment, including paying Council rates. Arguably this was the most important factor in helping farm businesses to survive the 2002-2006 drought period. Since then, there has been insufficient time for many farm businesses to reduce their debt levels and recover from the financial impact of the worst drought of the last century. Removal of the interest rate subsidy may mean that farm businesses will not be able to meet current financial commitments, including Council rates. What Oberon Council is doing? RAW WATER Raw water is normally sold at $0.81 cents per kilolitre but in an effort to assist farmers within the Oberon LGA Oberon Council we will make the raw water available for stock use only at a rate of $0.40, being 50% of the normal cost. Council’s Engineering Department are aiming to have the raw water available to the Oberon Community within the next 10 days. We will advertise its availability in the Oberon Review and Community Newsletter. CLEAN WATER Clean water is normally sold at $5.25 cents per kilolitre but in an effort to assist Oberon Council Residents who do not have reticulated water, we will make the clean water available at a rate of $2.50 per kilolitre. We will advertise its availability in the Oberon Review and Community Newsletter.

Notes:


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14.02 QUARTERLY BUDGET REVIEW STATEMENT – OCT TO DEC 2013

File No: Financial Management/Financial Reporting/Quarterly Budget Review Author: Lynette Safranek, Finance & Community Services Director; David Mead, Finance Coordinator Summary The Quarterly Budget Review Statement (QBRS) for the second quarter to 31 December 2013 has been distributed as a separate document. Recommendation: That the Quarterly Budget Review Statements for the period ending 31 December 2013 be received and noted, and the revised budgeted income and expenditure items be amended.

Comment The purpose of the QBRS is to inform the Councillors of progress against the Operational Plan and the management of Councils annual budget as well as to ensure Council is on track to meet its targets and objectives set out in the Operational Plan. Budget variations for the Quarter are:

Roads to Recovery grant funding increase $568,000 Broadband for Seniors $2,000 RTA Routine Maintenance allocation adjustment ($156,000)

ATTACHED as s separate document is the Quarterly Budget Review Statements with variations shown for income and expenditure for the period from 1 October to 31 December 2013. 14.03 PROPERTY UPDATE

File No: Council Properties/Land Development and Sales Author: Alan Cairney, General Manager Summary The Executive Management Team (EMT) comprising the General Manager and the three Departmental Directors held a Project Meeting to review the status of Council’s residential land and industrial land developments and also car parking arrangements adjacent to the Community Precinct area, which includes the Oberon Library and Robert (Bob) Hooper Community Centre. Recommendation: That Council note the report item and the proposal to create additional Residential and Industrial land available for sale; A further report be submitted recommending price ranges for the sale of Residential and Industrial Land.


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Comment It has been decided that the EMT will conduct Project Meetings during 2014 at least every two months to provide more effective management of projects. In January the main focus of the Project Meeting was the future requirements for residential and industrial land development. SUMMARY OF RESIDENTIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT There are 18 lots in the Tasman Estate. At 1 July 2013 there were 14 lots unsold, with only 2 residential dwellings constructed. An “option” was entered into with a private developer on the basis of 10 lots being available for house & land packages and at the time of preparing this report 9 lots have been settled (or scheduled for settlement), and the “option” with the private developer has now expired. The option involved a discounted sale price and the land was marketed by the developers for investors. The option document included a requirement for building approvals to be obtained, and for residential dwellings to be constructed. Of the 4 remaining lots, 2 were sold directly to purchasers intending to build their own residences. The other 2 lots and the unsold “option” lot is now available for sale. Income from the sale of these 11 lots is approximately $700,000 with an anticipated income of $50,000 shown in the Operational Plan 2013/14. The distribution of these surplus funds will be determined during consideration of the Quarterly Budget Review Statement for the third quarter (Jan 1 to 31 March 2014). In the meantime EMT will develop ideas for future land developments. FUTURE RESIDENTIAL LAND POTENTIAL The only other available residential land is on the corner of Dudley St and Edith Rd, opposite the car park entrance to the Common. There are 4 lots in this area which require works associated with drainage and fill prior to being ready for sale. No funding is available for this work although fill material has been placed on-site from other works. Based on the recent sales experience of lots within the Tasman Estate, it is suggested that surplus funds be available to develop these 4 lots for sale. There are other opportunities to purchase land which is currently for sale and to add to a “land bank” for future redevelopment. These opportunities will be further discussed with Council once further investigation has been carried out. SUMMARY OF INDUSTRIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT There are lots in the Industrial Estate off Albion St available for immediate sale. Recent sales have been slow, with only one recent sale and also a minor boundary adjustment. A further sale was withdrawn, most likely due to delays in registering the final plan of Subdivision. To date 12 lots have been sold. There are now 4 lots available for sale, 3 are fenced with accesses installed. There have been limited enquiries from local Real Estate Agents. It is proposed to construct roadwork’s to enable at least another 10 lots (14 in total) and then release the remaining 9 lots in a final stage. An amount of $300,000 has been provided in the Operational Plan 2013/14 for works in the Industrial Estate.


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A further report will be submitted to Council to determine sale prices and other arrangements and also options for further development. In the meantime the General Manager has delegated authority to sell land within parameters set by Council. COMMUNITY PRECINCT The current arrangement is for parallel parking in the Community Precinct along Fleming Street and Dart Street. There is room for 6 or 7 vehicles to park adjacent to the Community Centre and Library in Fleming St, and 6 or 7 vehicles adjacent to the Library and Dental Surgery premises in Dart St. There is a driveway on both streets, which seem to operate as a “de facto” disabled parking area. A plan has been prepared with a proposal to change the parallel parking to angle parking, which will increase the maximum available parking from 14 to 31. When an evening function was held at the Community Centre an unofficial trail of angle parking was carried out and it was noted that at least 12 vehicles were parked along Fleming St. This compares with the current parallel parking arrangement were 5 or 6 vehicles are parked with the “de facto” disabled parking area remaining vacant. Whilst angled parking is the current standard in the main street within the Commercial Precinct, Oberon Street, generally parallel parking is the standard for all other streets. An exception however is the northern side of Ross St off Oberon Street and adjacent to the Mitre 10 Hardware premises in Dart Street, all have angle parking. It is therefore logical to expect that the community would adapt to angle parking around the Community Precinct as this exists in areas other than Oberon Street. There is very little cost in implementing angle parking, as this will require minimal concrete mediums, signage, line marking and also the designation of disabled parking areas. This will be reported to the Traffic Local Advisory Committee (TALC) and in the meantime arrangements have been made to make the change from parallel to angle parking by installing the concrete mediums (more cost effective than installing temporary mediums/bollards). Separately there is a proposal to undertake car parking improvements to Tally’s Lane, at the rear of the Community Centre and Library. This will also involve an additional funding allocation, which might be available from Town Improvement funding allocations. 14.04 COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2014

File No: Governance/Integrated Planning and Reporting/Community Strategic Plan Author: Alan Cairney, General Manager Summary A series of Workshops with Councillors and key staff is planned to prepare the Oberon Community Strategic Plan 2014 (CSP), and the Delivery Program and Operational Plans. During the Community Consultation/Engagement process Community Information Sessions will be held at Black Springs, Burraga, Oberon, and O’Connell and will include specific details of the proposed Delivery Program and Operational Plans, including the Resourcing Strategy, Long Term Financial Plan LTFP), Workforce Management Plan (WMP) and Asset Management Plan (AMP).


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Recommendation: That Councillors note the requirement to participate in the Workshops to prepare the Oberon Community Strategic Plan 2014 with the Mayor and General Manager to make arrangements to hold Community Information Sessions. Comment The current Oberon CSP 2013, Delivery Program and Operational Plans are required to be reviewed and placed on public exhibition to facilitate community input. It is intended that key staff will be involved in preparing initial draft documents to submit to a Finance Committee during April and to then conduct further Workshops with Councillors. Feedback from previous Council and Committee meetings, as well as information gathered from community groups and from Councillors through Informal Briefing Sessions and Councillor Request Forms, will be incorporated in the draft documents along with changes recommended by Directors. In order to comply with the public exhibition requirements it is proposed to submit the final documents to the Council meeting on Tuesday 20 May with a Public Exhibition period proposed from Mon 26 May to Mon 23 June 2014. As submissions will close on Monday 23 June a Special (or extraordinary) Council Meeting will be held Tuesday 24 June to finalise the Oberon Community Strategic Plan 2014. It is planned to hold Community Information Sessions for Councillors and Management Staff to outline the major components of the Operational Plan 2014/15. In addition there are planned Pubic Information Sessions and Community Forums on the proposal to fluoridate the town Water Supply. Whilst this will most likely have a minor impact in terms of the Council’s overall financial budget this is a significant opportunity to involve (engage) the community in the decision making process. A separate report item has been prepared on Tourism and Economic Development services/initiatives with an expectation that through a series of Stakeholder Workshops there will be recommendations to Council on the delivery of these services.

14.05 REVITALISING LOCAL TOURISM & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

File No: Governance/Meetings/Ordinary Author: Alan Cairney, General Manager Summary It is proposed to hold a series of workshops with local businesses and tourism operators to coordinate changes to the delivery of tourism services and economic development activities.


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Recommendation: In conjunction with the development of the Community Strategic Plan 2014 a Section 355 (Advisory) Committee be established to progress tourism opportunities and economic development initiatives; A series of workshops (TEAM OBERON) be held with relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the Oberon Plateau Tourism Association (OPTA) and Oberon Business Association (OBA) with a purpose of reviewing Oberon Council’s Strategic Outcomes and Actions within the Oberon Community Strategic Plan 2013; That Oberon Council continues to maintain effective relationships with the Oberon Timber Complex and other relevant stakeholders to further progress economic development initiatives. Comment There is a recognised need for Oberon Council to facilitate tourism opportunities and to initiate economic development. The Oberon Community Strategic Plan 2013, Future Direction 3 - Economic Prosperity deals specifically with the following Strategic Outcomes and Actions:

Strategic Outcome / Actions

Actions

3.1 A diverse economic base

3.1.1 Prepare an economic development strategy for Oberon LGA

3.1.2 Support operations of the Economic Development Sec 355 Committee

3.1.3 Maintain regular communication with local business and industry to understand local issues

3.1.4 Prepare a register of land with development potential

3.2 A diverse and viable agricultural industry with a strong brand

3.2.1 Encourage the development of an Oberon brand for local produce

3.3 Customer responsive businesses and services

3.3.1 Customer service initiatives

3.3.2 Review customer service policies and systems to ensure a consistent , acceptable level of service is provided


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3.4 A value adding Timber Industry

3.4.1 Support and help facilitate development and value adding in the timber industry

3.5 A thriving tourism sector

3.5.1 Provide visitor information

3.5.2 Assist with the organisation and promotion of community events

3.5.3 Contribute to the Blue Mountains / Lithgow / Oberon Tourism Association

3.5.4 Assist with the development of local tourism product

3.5.5 Liaise with local tourism operators to understand current issues

3.5.6 Lease the caravan park and assist with maintenance

An Extract for Oberon CSP 2013 Background and Issues Agriculture and forestry are integral to the prosperity of our community. International influences, external costs, generational and community expectations affect the viability of both farming and forestry. Strategies need to be developed to innovate and value add to these economic pillars. We also need to ensure that our agricultural land is maintained. The produce and products of the area should be easily recognized as coming from Oberon. In this way, the reputation of our Shire will grow. There is a potential for mining activity in the area and this needs to be managed to ensure harmony between community aspirations and mining endeavours. Tourism is also an important and continually emerging economic activity. Oberon is home to the Jenolan Caves, an iconic Australian attraction. This attracts visitors from around the world. The physical attributes of the area – rolling hills, rivers, forests, mountains and caves facilitate activities for the visitor to experience. The town, villages and rural communities of the Shire also offer the visitor the opportunity to experience authentic rural life. Showcasing local produce, products, arts and culture is integral to this experience. Customer Service levels need to be continually improved. An active program to ‘buy local and locally’ can be a way of supporting existing businesses. Encouraging new businesses, particularly in areas where there are gaps will also help ensure business is vibrant and prosperous. A number of Performance Indicators (PI’s) were developed to determine if the Strategic Outcomes and Actions were effective. These PI’s are:

Visitor numbers and yield, Employment statistics, and new businesses Business failures local production and output data Customer service satisfaction Brand recognition No of New Development Applications – new businesses


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For most of the Strategic Outcomes and Actions, Oberon Council is a “Facilitator” or “Advocate” however for the following Actions Council has a role of “Provider”: 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.3.2, and 3.5.1, these are shown in bold The effectiveness in achieving these objectives will be reviewed during the community consultation process for preparing the Oberon Community Strategic Plan 2014. Oberon Council has delegates appointed (or representatives) to OPTA and OBA ,and the Oberon Timber Complex (OTC) and staff and Councillors attempt to have effective working relationships with other stakeholders such as the Forestry Corporation and other industry representatives. For both TOURISM and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Oberon Council is seen as a community leader and this is reflected in the Future Direction of Community Leadership / Governance roles. SECTION 355 (ADVISORY) COMMITTEES Previously Oberon Council had established TWO Section 355 (Advisory) Committees for EVENTS and PROMOTIONS. This was considered to be a duplication of effort with Oberon Council managing the Oberon Visitor Information Centre (and also in delivering Tourism and Economic Development Services), with OPTA as the recognised Local Tourism Organisation (LTO) and the Oberon Business Association (OBA) representing the business community. An ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Committee had previously been proposed however due to a perceived lack of interest, with very few expressions of interest received, this did not proceed. It is recommended that a new Committee be formed to review our Strategic Outcomes and Actions shown in the Oberon Community Strategic Plan. A series of Workshops is proposed to facilitate a new direction for Tourism and Economic Development. CURRENT RELATIONSHIPS & FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS Oberon Council in 2012 entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with OPTA to define the working relationship between Council and OPTA and to provide guidelines for interactions between both parties. Whilst OBA was not included in the MOU they were recognised as a key player in tourism activities. The MOU has not been effective during its initial operation of 12 months, which has now expired. Oberon Council allocates around $280k for Tourism Services and Visitor Information Centre expenditure with an income of less than $40k (net $240K). We contribute around $7k toward Regional Tourism, with the General Manager appointed to the Board of Blue Mountains Lithgow Oberon Tourism (BMLOT). The Chair of OPTA is also a Board Member. OPTA operate with an estimated budget of less than $20k (excluding any grants), and OBA a similar amount. Council has appointed Delegates to OPTA and OBA and the Mayor and General Manager attend most meetings of these associations. Last year consideration was given to a merger between OPTA and OBA, however a decision has not been reached by either organisation.


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With Economic Development activity Oberon Council has an Industrial Subdivision and participates with staff and Councillors attending Community Consultative Committee meetings with representatives of the Oberon Timber Complex. TABLELANDS WAY (TW) TW is a tourist route through five LGA’s (Goulburn, Upper Lachlan, Oberon, Lithgow and Mid-Western). Oberon Council is the owner of the Tablelands Way brand, although this is mainly used for the Oberon Farmers Markets. This brand has not been well managed or promoted by either by OPTA or Oberon Council. TEAM OBERON A Working Title of TEAM OBERON is proposed to promote a series of workshops which will involve representatives of the following groups:

Oberon Plateau Tourism Association (OPTA) Oberon Business Associations Oberon Timber Complex (OTC) other business and tourism operators?

o Jenolan Caves o Mayfield Gardens o other tourism operators, including representatives of the TW Farmers

Markets, Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Oberon Museum Oberon Golf Club Oberon RSL Organisers of Major Festivals and Events

o Daffodil Festival – no longer in operation o Highlands Steam and Vintage Fair – Oberon Collectors Club o Oberon Rodeo o Oberon Show

Local Services Clubs o Rotary o Apex o Inner Wheel

Real Estate Agents It is suggested that this proposal will provide better integration of events and festivals as flagship attractions for the Oberon LGA. It will also provide an opportunity for improved cooperation between stakeholders and event managers. 14.06 DIVISION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT – MINISTERIAL MEDIA

RELEASES, INDEPENDENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW PANEL and LOCAL GOVERTMENT ACTS TASKFORCE

File No: Government Relations/State Liaison/Division of Local Government Author: Alan Cairney, General Manager Summary On 8 January 2014 the Minister for Local Government, Don Page MP issued a Media Release advising that the Final Reports from the Independent Local Government review Panel and the Local Government Acts Taskforce had been released.


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The Chief Executive of the Division of Local Government issued a Circular to Councils advising of the opportunity for Councils to comment on the Final Reports by Friday 4 April 2014. Recommendation: 1. That Oberon Council confirm its previous position to reaffirm our opposition to forced

amalgamations and to suggest boundary adjustments to include in the Oberon Local Government Area (LGA) those parts of Bathurst Regional Council and Lithgow City Council, which can be better serviced by Oberon Council and therefore provide further economies of scale to improve the sustainability of all three LGA’s;

2. That Oberon Council’s preference is to remain as a standalone Council in its own right,

and does not consider the option of a merger with Bathurst Regional Council to be in the best interests of the local community within the existing Oberon LGA and that the proposed two additional types of local government bodies of a “Community Board” and “Rural Council” do not appear appropriate for the existing Oberon LGA;

3. That discussions continue with Bathurst and Lithgow Council’s regarding boundary

changes and those Council’s be requested to facilitate effective consultation with the communities of Rockley, Tarana and Hampton with the purpose of determining if those communities are receptive of receiving local government services through Oberon Council;

4. That the Mayor and General Manager arrange a formal submission on the Final Reports

released by the Minister for Local Government, subject to arranging opportunities for input from other Elected Councillors of Oberon Council through Informal Briefing Sessions and Workshops;

5. The Oberon Council delegates to the Upper Macquarie County Council (UMCC), which is

responsible for weeds management for the LGA’s of Bathurst, Blayney, Lithgow and Oberon, communicate to the Informal Briefing Sessions and Workshops their views on the options for the future management of weeds including the proposal that UMCC becomes a subsidiary of a proposed Joint Organisation.

Comment FOLLOWING is a copy of the Minister’s Media Release, Circular 14-01 and 14-04 issued by the Division of Local Government plus a 5 page document with a Table of Recommendations from the Final Report from the Review Panel. Since the reports were released the Mayor and General Manager have met with the Mayors and General Manager of Bathurst, Blayney and Lithgow Council’s. A further Informal Briefing Session and Workshop is proposed to be held with Councillors to finalise a submission to these Final Reports.

Division of Local Government 5 O’Keefe Avenue NOWRA NSW 2541 Locked Bag 3015 NOWRA NSW 2541 T 02 4428 4100 F 02 4428 4199 TTY 02 4428 4209 E [email protected] W www.dlg.nsw.gov.au ABN 99 567 863 195

Circular Details 14-01 / 8 January 2014 / A360988 Previous Circular N/A Who should read this Councillors / General Managers / All council staff Contact Innovation Team - 02 4428 4100 Action required Response to DLG

Release of final reports: Independent Local Government Review Panel and Local Government Acts Taskforce What’s new or changing The final reports of the Independent Local Government Review Panel and the Local Government Acts Taskforce have been released. What this will mean for your council Councils have an opportunity to comment on the final reports of the Panel and the Taskforce. Councils have until Friday, 7 March 2014 to make a written submission.

Key points

• The final reports are a significant milestone in the journey towards stronger, more sustainable local government and contain a series of recommendations for reform.

• The NSW Government will consider the final reports over the coming months and prepare its response. Feedback provided by councils and community members in the current round of consultation will help to inform the response.

Where to go for further information Councils are encouraged to take this opportunity to access and review the reports by visiting the Division’s website at www.dlg.nsw.gov.au.

Ross Woodward Chief Executive, Local Government A Division of the Department of Premier and Cabinet

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

Division of Local Government 5 O’Keefe Avenue NOWRA NSW 2541 Locked Bag 3015 NOWRA NSW 2541 T 02 4428 4100 F 02 4428 4199 TTY 02 4428 4209 E [email protected] W www.dlg.nsw.gov.au ABN 99 567 863 195

Circular Details Circular No 14-04 / 12 February 2014 / Doc ID: A366342 Previous Circular 14-01 Who should read this Councillors / General Managers / All council staff Contact Innovation Team 02 4428 4100 Action required Response to DLG

Extension of time – Submissions on Panel and Taskforce final reports

What’s new or changing The Minister for Local Government has extended the deadline for receipt of public submissions on the Independent Local Government Review Panel and Local Government Acts Taskforce final reports. The new closing date for submissions is Friday 4 April 2014.

What this will mean for your council This will allow councils additional time to consider the reports in detail and prepare their submissions.

Key points • The extension of time from the Government is in response to feedback from

the sector and requests from councils to the Minister. It also recognises the significance and importance of the Government Response to local government.

• Councils are strongly encouraged to discuss the issues raised in the reports with their communities and provide feedback by the due date.

• The feedback received will help to inform the NSW Government’s response to the Panel and Taskforce recommendations.

• The new deadline is final and no further extensions of time will be granted.

Where to go for further information Copies of the reports and details of how to make a submission are available on the Division’s website: www.dlg.nsw.gov.au

Ross Woodward Chief Executive, Local Government A Division of the Department of Premier and Cabinet

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Don Page MP

Minister for the North Coast Minister for Local Government

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday 8 January 2014

LOCAL GOVERNMENT PANEL, TASKFORCE FINAL REPORTS RELEASED

Minister for Local Government Don Page today said the final reports of the Independent Local Government Review Panel and the Local Government Acts Taskforce had been released. Mr Page thanked both the Panel and the Taskforce for their thorough consideration of the issues facing local councils and their communities. “We made an election commitment of no forced amalgamations of councils and that commitment continues as we discuss the options proposed by the Panel,” Mr Page said. “Some ideas in the reports will require careful consideration and development. We need to take the time to get this right. “The reports show quite clearly that local government is facing many challenges and that “no change” is simply not an option if we want NSW to become No 1 again. “However, this change needs to be developed in partnership with councils and their communities.’’ Mr Page said releasing both final reports for a period of comment until 7 March 2014 would help the NSW Government develop its response and give a final opportunity for councils and their communities to provide input on the way forward. “We need to work together to identify what is really important and what needs to be done to strengthen and support the system of local government,’’ Mr Page said. “The NSW Government is committed to helping councils and their communities have a strong local government sector and to find solutions that work.’’ Mr Page said there had been a great deal of discussion, research and reviews to lead to the point of releasing the reports. “The Local Government and Shires Associations (now Local Government NSW), recognised the need for change and requested this review by the Independent Local Government Review Panel.’’

Both the Panel and the Taskforce had spent the past year considering the issues in detail and consulting with councils and their communities. “The Government wants to get on with reform and prepare a response to these two important reports. In preparing this response there will now be an opportunity for communities and their councils to comment.’’ The reports are available on the Division of Local Government’s website at www.dlg.nsw.gov.au

Media: Jonathan Porter 0418 945538


Revitalising Local Government - Recommendations

Recommendations for fiscal responsibility

1 Establish an integrated Fiscal Responsibility Program, coordinated by DLG and also involving TCorp, IPART and LGNSW to address the key findings and recommendations of TCorp’s financial sustainability review and DLG’s infrastructure audit (5.1 and 5.3)

2

As part of the program:

• Adopt an agreed set of sustainability benchmarks (5.1) • Introduce more rigorous guidelines for Delivery Programs as proposed in

Box 9 (5.2) • Commission TCorp to undertake regular follow-up sustainability

assessments (5.3) • Provide additional training programs for councillors and staff (5.3) • Require all councils to employ an appropriately qualified Chief Financial

Officer (5.3)

3 Place local government audits under the aegis of the Auditor General (5.4)

4 Ensure that the provisions of the State-Local Government Agreement are used effectively to address cost-shifting (5.5)

Recommendations for Strengthening Revenues

5 Require councils to prepare and publish more rigorous Revenue Policies (6.1)

6

Commission IPART to undertake a further review of the rating system focused on:

• Options to reduce or remove excessive exemptions and concessions that are contrary to sound fiscal policy and jeopardise councils’ long term sustainability (6.2)

• More equitable rating of apartments and other multi-unit dwellings, including giving councils the option of rating residential properties on Capital Improved Values, with a view to raising additional revenues where affordable (6.3)

7 Either replace rate-pegging with a new system of ‘rate benchmarking’ or streamline current arrangements to remove unwarranted complexity, costs, and constraints to sound financial management (6.5)

8 Subject to any legal constraints, seek to redistribute federal Financial Assistance Grants and some State grants in order to channel additional support to councils and communities with the greatest needs (6.6)

9

Establish a State- borrowing facility to encourage local government to make increased use of debt where appropriate by:

• Reducing the level of interest rates paid by councils • Providing low-cost financial and treasury management advisory services

(6.7)

10 Encourage councils to make increased use of fees and charges and remove restrictions on fees for statutory approvals and inspections, subject to monitoring and benchmarking by IPART (6.8)

Recommendations for Meeting Infrastructure Needs

11 Factor the need to address infrastructure backlogs into any future rate-pegging or local government cost index (7.1)

12 Maintain the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS) for at least 5 years, with a focus on councils facing the most severe infrastructure problems (7.2)


13

Pool a proportion of funds from the roads component of federal Financial Assistance Grants and, if possible, the Roads to Recovery program in order to establish a Strategic Projects Fund for roads and bridges that would:

• Provide supplementary support for councils facing severe infrastructure backlogs that cannot reasonably be funded from other available sources

• Fund regional projects of particular economic, social or environmental value (7.2)

14 Require councils applying for supplementary support from the Strategic Projects Fund to undergo independent assessments of their asset and financial management performance (7.2)

15 Carefully examine any changes to development (infrastructure) contributions to ensure there are no unwarranted impacts on council finances and ratepayers (7.3)

16 Adopt a similar model to Queensland’s Regional Roads and Transport Groups in order to improve strategic network planning and foster ongoing improvement of asset management expertise in councils (7.4)

17 Establish Regional Water Alliances as part of new regional Joint Organisations proposed in section 11 (7.5).

Recommendations for Improvement, Productivity and Accountability

18 Adopt a uniform core set of performance indicators for councils, linked to IPR requirements, and ensure ongoing performance monitoring is adequately resourced (8.1)

19 Commission IPART to undertake a whole-of-government review of the regulatory, compliance and reporting burden on councils (8.2)

20 Establish a new sector-wide program to promote, capture and disseminate innovation and best practice (8.3)

21 Amend IPR Guidelines to require councils to incorporate regular service reviews in their Delivery Programs (8.4)

22 Strengthen requirements for internal and performance auditing as proposed in Box 17 (8.5)

23 Introduce legislative provisions for councils to hold Annual General Meetings (8.6)

24 Develop a NSW Local Government Workforce Strategy (8.7)

25 Explore opportunities for the Local Government Award to continue to evolve to address future challenges facing the sector and changing operational needs.

Recommendations for Political Leadership and Good Governance

26

Amend the Local Government Act to strengthen political leadership: • Require councils to undertake regular ‘representation reviews’ covering

matters such as the number of councillors, method of election and use of wards (9.1)

• Before their nomination is accepted, require all potential candidates for election to local government to attend an information session covering the roles and responsibilities of councillors and mayors (9.1)

• Amend the legislated role of councillors and mayors as proposed in Boxes 19 and 21, and introduce mandatory professional development programs (9.2 and 9.3)

• Provide for full-time mayors, and in some cases deputy mayors, in larger councils and major regional centres (9.3)

• Amend the provisions for election of mayors as proposed in Box 22 (9.3)

27 Increase remuneration for councillors and mayors who successfully complete recognised professional development programs (9.2-9.4)


28 Amend the legislated role and standard contract provisions of General Managers as proposed in Boxes 23 and 24 (9.5)

29 Amend the provisions for organisation reviews as proposed in section 9.6

30 Develop a Good Governance Guide as a basis for ‘performance improvement orders’ and to provide additional guidance on building effective working relationships between the governing body, councillors, mayors and General Managers (9.7)

Recommendations to Advance Structural Reform

31

Introduce additional options for local government structures, including regional Joint Organisations, ‘Rural Councils’ and Community Boards, to facilitate a better response to the needs and circumstances of different regions (10.1)

32 Legislate a revised process for considering potential amalgamations and boundary changes through a re-constituted and more independent Boundaries Commission (10.3)

33 Encourage voluntary mergers of councils through measures to lower barriers and provide professional and financial support (10.4)

34 Provide and promote a range of options to maintain local identity and representation in local government areas with large populations and/or diverse localities (10.5)

Recommendations for Regional Joint Organisations

35

Establish new Joint Organisations for each of the regions shown on Maps 2 by means of individual proclamations negotiated under new provisions of the Local Government Act that replace those for County Councils(11.5)

• Defer establishment of JOs in the Sydney metropolitan region, except for sub-regional strategic planning, pending further consideration of options for council mergers (11.5)

• Enter into discussions with 2-3 regions to establish ‘pilot’ JOs (11.5) • Re-constitute existing County Councils as subsidiaries of new regional

Joint Organisations, as indicated in Table 5 (11.2) • Establish Regional Water Alliances in each JO along the lines proposed

in the 2009 Armstrong-Gellatly report (11.3) • Set the core functions of Joint Organisations by means of Ministerial

Guidelines (11.6) • Seek federal government agreement to make JOs eligible for general-

purpose FAGs (11.6)

36

Identify one or more regional centres within each Joint Organisation and:

• Create a network of those centres to drive development across regional NSW (11.7)

• Consider potential mergers of councils to consolidate regional centres, as indicated in Table 6 (11.7)

37

Develop close working partnerships between Joint Organisations and State agencies for strategic planning, infrastructure development and regional service delivery (11.8), and

• Add representatives of Joint Organisations to State agency Regional Leadership Groups (11.8)

• Give particular attention to cross-border issues and relationships in the operations of Joint Organisations and in future regional strategies (11.9)


Recommendations for ‘Rural Councils’ and Community Boards

38 Establish a working party as part of the Ministerial Advisory Group proposed in section 18 to further develop the concept of ‘Rural Councils’ for inclusion in the re-written Local Government Act (12.1)

39 Include provisions for optional Community Boards in the re-written Act, based on the New Zealand model, but also enabling the setting of a supplementary ‘community rate’ with the approval of the ‘parent’ council (12.2)

Recommendations for Metropolitan Sydney

40 Strengthen arrangements within State government for coordinated metropolitan planning and governance, and to ensure more effective collaboration with local government (13.1)

41

Seek evidence-based responses from metropolitan councils to the Panel’s proposals for mergers and major boundary changes, and refer both the proposals and responses to the proposed Ministerial Advisory Group (section 18.1) for review, with the possibility of subsequent referrals to the Boundaries Commission (13.3)

42

Prioritise assessments of potential changes to the boundaries of the Cities of Sydney and Parramatta, and

• Retain a separate City of Sydney Act to recognise its Capital City role • Establish State-local City Partnership Committees for Sydney and

Parramatta along the lines of Adelaide’s Capital City Committee (13.4)

43 Pending any future action on mergers, establish Joint organisations of councils for the purposes of strategic sub-regional planning (13.5)

44 Maximise utilisation of the available local government revenue base in order to free-up State resources for support to councils in less advantaged areas (13.6)

45 Continue to monitor the sustainability and appropriateness in their current form of the Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains and Wollondilly local government areas (13.7)

46 Promote the establishment of a Metropolitan Council of Mayors (13.8)

Recommendations for Hunter, Central Coast and Illawarra

47

Seek evidence-based responses from Hunter and Central Coast councils to the Panel’s proposals for mergers and boundary changes, and refer both the proposals and responses to the proposed Ministerial Advisory Group (section 18.1) for review, with the possibility of subsequent referrals to the Boundaries Commission (14.1 and 14.2)

48 Defer negotiations for the establishment of a Central Coast Joint Organisation pending investigation of a possible merger of Gosford and Wyong councils (14.2)

49 Pursue the establishment of Joint Organisations for the Hunter and Illawarra in accordance with Recommendation 35 (14.1 and 14.3)

Recommendations for Non-Metropolitan Regions

50 Explore options for non-metropolitan councils in Group A as part of establishing the Western Region Authority proposed in section 16 (15.1)

51 Refer councils in Groups B-F to the Boundaries Commission in accordance with Table 11 and the proposed timeline (15.1)

52 Complete updated sustainability assessments and revised long term asset and financial plans for the 38 councils identified in Table 11 by no later than mid-2015 (15.2)

Recommendations for the Far West

53 Agree in principle to the establishment of a Far West Regional Authority with the functions proposed in Box 39 and membership as proposed in Figure 9 (16.3)


54 Adopt the preferred new arrangements for local government set out in Box 40 as a basis for further consultation (16.4)

55 Establish a project team and reference group of key stakeholders within the DPC Regional Coordination Program to finalise proposals (16.5)

Recommendations for State-Local Government Relations

56 Use the State-Local Agreement as the basis and framework for a range of actions to build a lasting partnership, and negotiate supplementary agreements as appropriate (17.2)

57 Introduce new arrangements for collaborative, whole-of-government strategic planning at a regional level (17.3)

58 Amend the State Constitution to strengthen recognition of elected local government (17.4)

59 Seek advice from LGNSW on the measures it proposes to take to meet its obligations under the State-Local Agreement (17.5)

60 Strengthen the focus of DLG on sector development and seek to reduce its workload in regulation and compliance (17.6)

Recommendations for Driving and Monitoring Reform

61 Establish a Ministerial Advisory Group and Project Management Office (18.1 and 18.2)

62 Refer outstanding elements of the Destination 2036 Action Plan to the Ministerial Advisory Group (18.1)

63 Adopt in principle the proposed priority initial implementation package set out in Box 42, as a basis for discussions with LGNSW under the State-Local Government Agreement (18.3)

64 Further develop the proposals for legislative changes detailed in Boxes 43 and 44, and seek to introduce the amendments listed in Box 43 in early 2014 (18.5)

65 Adopt in principle the proposed implementation timeline (18.6)


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15. URGENT BUSINESS Summary In accordance with Clause 241 of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2005 business may be transacted at a meeting of Council even though due notice of the business has not been given to the Councillors. However, this can happen only if:

a) A motion is passed to have the business transacted at the meeting: and b) The business proposed to be brought forward is ruled by the Chairperson to be of

great urgency. Recommendation: That Council consider the following matters as they are considered to be of an urgent nature requiring immediate consideration by Council

16. CLOSED SESSION / CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS Summary In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, in the opinion of the General Manager, the following business is of a kind as referred to in Section 10A(2) of the Act, and should be dealt with in a part of the meeting closed to the media and public. Set out below is Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 in relation to matters which can be dealt with in the closed part of a meeting. The matters and information are the following:

(a) Personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than Councillors) (b) The personal hardship of any resident or ratepayer (c) Information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business (d) Commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed:

(i) Prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it, or (ii) Confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council, or (iii) Reveal a trade secret

(e) Information that would, if disclosed, prejudice the maintenance of law (f) Matters affecting the security of the Council, Councillors, Council staff or Council property (g) Advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the grounds of legal professional privilege (h) Information concerning the nature and location of a place or an item of Aboriginal significance on community land. There are no Closed Session Reports listed for Council’s consideration.


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17. CLOSURE OF MEETING The Meeting closed at … The next Ordinary Meeting of Oberon Council will be held on: Tuesday 18 March 2014 commencing at 5.30pm in the Oberon Council Chambers 137 – 139 Oberon Street, Oberon.

140218 agenda and business papers 18 february …...council depot for presentation of long service...

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