2015/16 - coorong.sa.gov.au · sport and recreation 21 animal management 21 food safety 22 ......

ANNUAL REPORT 2015/16

PO Box 399

TAILEM BEND SA 5260

Phone: 1300 785 277

[email protected]

2015/16 Annual Report adopted by Council on 15 November 2016

CONTENTS. Introduction Message from the Mayor 1 Council profile 2 Elected Members 3 Organisational structure 4 Corporate Governance Section 41 committees 5 Policies reviewed/endorsed 5 List of Registers and Codes 5 Freedom of Information requests 5 Ombudsman’s investigations 5 Elected Members – attendance at Council meetings 6 Confidential orders 6 Representation quota 6 Internal reviews of a Council decision 7 Community Land Management Plans 7 External auditor remuneration 7 Elected Members’ allowances 7 Senior staff salaries and benefits 7 Procurement 7 Risk management 7 Citizenship 7 Regional leadership 8 2015/16 Annual Business Plan report card 9 Audit Committee report card 12 Environmental Local Action Plan 13 Water security initiatives 13 Response to drought conditions 13 Tree death and decline 14 Coorong Green Army crew 14 Other Project Funds 14 Biodiversity Fund – Rounds 1 & 2 15 2015/16 on ground works summary 15 Asset management and planning 15 Civil road construction 15 Waste management 15 Major works projects 16 Key projects for 2015/16 16 Fire prevention 16 Development statistics 16

Economic District tourism initiatives 17 Community Development Community grants 18 Youth development 18 Volunteers 18 Murraylands Careers Expo 18 Community libraries 18 Arts and culture 19 Community transport 19 Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) 19 Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL) 20 Sport and recreation 21 Animal management 21 Food safety 22 Organisational Development Excellence, innovation and capacity 23 Elected Members’ training 23 Employee statistics 24 Learning and development 24 Employee recognition 24 Work Health and Safety 24 Information and communications 24 Appendices 25

The Coorong District Council wishes to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians – the people of the Ngarrindjeri nation whose ancestral lands on which we meet. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal people to country. We also pay respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal people from other areas of South Australia and Australia.

OUR YEAR

IN NUMBERS.

4,157

FACEBOOK

FOLLOWERS

170 DEVELOPMENT

APPLICATIONS LODGED

26k COMMUNITY

GRANTS

DISPERSED

KILOMETRES OF ROAD

RE-SHEETING WORKS

48.5

2,890

CUSTOMER

REQUESTS

PROCESSED

607

TONNES RECYCLABLE & ORGANIC

WASTE DIVERTED

FROM LANDFILL

DOGS REGISTERED

1,855

1

MESSAGE

FROM THE

MAYOR.

2015/16 has brought about many exciting challenges and

opportunities for Council to explore and undertake. As we look to

the new year, we reflect on the achievements of the past twelve

months, and present the 2015/16 Coorong District Council Annual

Report.

I have now had the pleasure of leading the current Council for two

years, in which time we as Elected Members have been working

together and making decisions to service the community into the

future. Our new Councillors have now settled seamlessly into their

roles and represent their wards with passion, which balances the

knowledge of my fellow experienced Councillors.

The past twelve months has seen The Bend (SA Motorsport Park)

continue to move forward in leaps and bounds with siteworks now

taking place. While it is far from completion, the momentum of the

project has buoyed the surrounding communities, with a number

of businesses finding tourism and economic development

opportunities as a direct result of The Bend.

A number of other Council projects have also taken shape over the

past year, including the new interactive nature playground at the

Meningie Lions Park, the installation of the Tintinara Disc Golf

Course, and the development of six ‘Creating Coonalpyn’ art

projects at Coonalpyn with help from the community.

Council also continues to carry out its core functions, including

road revaluations, sealing of unsealed roads (48.47kms), tourism

development and roll-out of our new four year Strategic

Management Plan. These are just some of the activities undertaken

to affirm our commitment to the communities we serve.

We are a Council that is open for business and always ready to hear

from and work with you. It is our continuing aim to make this

district be seen as the place with room to move, and room to play.

I commend the activities of 2015/16 to you and present this annual

report for your information.

Cr. Neville Jaensch

MAYOR

2

COUNCIL PROFILE.

VISION A progressive and proactive

Council recognised for its

diverse communities,

prosperous economy and

unique and highly valued

environment.

MISSION Council is committed to:

Providing leadership for

the community and

ensuring efficient and

effective management of

the community’s

resources.

Responsibly managing the

natural and built

environment to achieve

sustainability.

Facilitating economic

prosperity, growth and

employment throughout

the district.

Actively enhancing the

quality of life for the

community by

encouraging health,

wellbeing and safety.

Being an employer of

choice that attracts,

develops and inspires

highly talented employees

and elected members.

CORE VALUES Integrity

Proactive

Progressive

Collaborative

Service excellence

Enjoy work

THE KEY FACTS State electorates Hammond, MacKillop

Federal electorate Barker

District size 8,836m2 (primarily rural land)

Population 5,525 (2011 Census)

Rateable properties 3,761

Roads, sealed 321 kms

Roads, unsealed 1,563 kms

Principal office Tailem Bend

Branch offices Meningie, Tintinara

Arterial highways Dukes, Princes and Mallee (state controlled)

3

ELECTED MEMBERS. (sworn in 18 November 2014)

MAYOR

Cr. Neville Jaensch JP

LAKES WARD

Cr. Sharon Bland

Deputy Mayor

Cr. Vern Leng

Cr. Mick O’Hara

MALLEE WARD

Cr. Donna Middleton

Cr. Bob Simcock

Cr. Peter Wright

PARKS WARD

Cr. Julie Barrie

Cr. Jeff Arthur

Organisational Structure (as at 30 June 2016)

Chief Executive Officer

Vincent Cammell

Director Infrastructure &

Assets

David Mosel

Manager Technical Services

Geoff Hood

Works Co-ordinator Roads

Dean Mustart

Road Maintenance

Team

Road Construction - Team Peake

Road Construction - Team Tintinara

Team Leader -

Patrol Graders

Shaun Wilson

Patrol Graders

Works Coordinator Community Facilities

Craig Cockshell

Tailem Bend Community

Facilities Team

Meningie Community

Facilities Team

Coonalpyn/Tintinara Community

Facilities Team

Waste & Water Operations Officer

Martin Thomas

Executive Assistant to Director Infrastructure

& Assets

Kate Arbon

Manager Projects & Procurement

Michael Collins

Infrastructure & Assets Administration Support Officer

Wendy Bower

Director Community & Corporate

Nat Traeger

Senior Finance Officer

Katrina Fromm

Finance Officer

Sacha Holme

(0.8 FTE)

Finance Officer

Kimberley Jacobs

(0.4 FTE)

Manager OPAL

Tanja Morgan

OPAL Project Support Officer

Emily Arbon

Manager Development & Environmental

Services

Jim Quinn

General Inspector

Michael Vivian

Senior Planning Consultant

Kylie Schilling

(0.2 FTE)

Planning Assessment Officer

Rosie Browne

Development Administration

Officer

Vicki Mayfield

Manager Local Action Planning

Graham Gates

LAP Implementation Officer

Tracey Strugnell

LAP Implementation Officer

Samantha Blight

Community & Corporate Support

Officers

(Tintinara)

Jessica Medlen

(0.4 FTE)

Patsy Crabb

(0.6 FTE)

TBCC Coordinator

Tammy Shepherd

(0.8 FTE)

CHSP Officer

Eva Haydon

(0.6 FTE)

Information Services

Coordinator

Richard Boscence

Corporate Support Officers

(Civic Centre)

Michelle Dohnt

(1.0 FTE)

Vacant

(0.6 FTE)

Mitchell Stanbury

(casual)

Community & Tourism

Development Officer

Anna Del Rio

Community & Corporate

Project Officer

(Meningie)

Renee Marles

Senior Strategic & Corporate Planning

Officer

Belinda Croser

Governance & Organisational

Development Coord

Ben Jarvis

Executive Assistant

Ashlee Crossman

Organisational Development

Officer

Kate Nelson

5

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

SECTION 41

COMMITTEES The following committees,

formed under section 41 of the

Local Government Act 1999 exist

to streamline Council business

and management of community

assets:

Australia Day Awards

Committee

Coorong Bushfire Prevention

Committee

Coonalpyn Community Hall

Committee

Coorong Local Action Plan

Committee

Coonalpyn Soldiers

Memorial Swimming Pool

and Caravan Park Committee

Meningie Airfield

Management Committee

Meningie Cemetery

Committee

Moorlands Hall Committee

Pangarinda Botanic Garden

Committee

Tailem Bend Town Hall

Committee

Tintinara Aerodrome

Management Committee

Tintinara Community

Gymnasium Committee

Tintinara Community Men’s

Shed Committee

Tintinara Development

Group

Tintinara Homes and

Community Centre

Committee

Tintinara War Memorial

Committee

POLICIES

REVIEWED/ENDORSED 2016/17 Rating Policy

Building & Swimming Pool

Inspection Policy

Community Cemeteries &

Burial Policy

Community Engagement

Policy

Community Wastewater

Management Scheme

(CWMS) Hardship Policy

Complaints & Compliments

Policy

Council Hall & Facilities Hire

Policy

Council Participation in

Emergency Response Policy

Electronic Communications

Policy

Equal Employment

Opportunity, Discrimination,

Harassment & Bullying

Policy Review

Healthy Eating Policy

Individual Sport & Cultural

Grants Policy

Informal Gatherings Policy

Information Security Policy

Mobile & Street Trading

Policy

Privacy Policy

Roadside Signage Policy

Service Range Policy

Tree Management Policy

LIST OF REGISTERS AND

CODES Code of Conduct for Council

Employees

Code of Conduct for Council

Members

Code of Practice for Access

to Meetings of Council and

Committees and Council

Documents

Code of Practice for

Proceedings of Council and

Committee Meetings

2015/16 Fees & Charges

Schedule

Register of By-Laws

Register of Community

Land

Register of Delegations (25

instruments)

Register of Elected

Members Allowances and

Benefits

Register of Interest (Council

Employees and Elected

Members)

Register of Gifts (to Council

Employees and Elected

Members)

Register of Public Roads

Register of Salaries

FREEDOM OF

INFORMATION

REQUESTS Council did not receive any

Freedom of Information requests

during 2015/16.

OMBUDSMAN’S

INVESTIGATIONS The Ombudsman conducted five

investigations during 2015/16.

These were in relation to council

rates and tree management. In

all five cases, the Ombudsman

referred the matter back to the

agency (Council) to determine an

outcome.

6


ELECTED MEMBERS – ATTENDANCE AT

COUNCIL MEETINGS For the term of Council (July 2015 – June 2016)

Council held twelve ordinary meetings and six special

meetings.

Member Attendance

Mayor Cr. Neville Jaensch 18

Cr. Jeff Arthur 16

Cr. Julie Barrie 15

Cr. Sharon Bland 17

Cr. Vern Leng 17

Cr. Donna Middleton 16

Cr. Mick O’Hara 14

Cr. Bob Simcock 18

Cr. Peter Wright 15

CONFIDENTIAL ORDERS During 2015/16 Council made 23 confidential orders

representing the following subsections of the Local

Government Act 1999:

(a) information the disclosure of which would involve

the unreasonable disclosure of information

concerning the personal affairs of any person

(living or dead) (15 orders)

(b) information the disclosure of which –

(i) could reasonably be expected to confer a

commercial advantage on a person with

whom the council is conducting, or

proposing to conduct, business, or to

prejudice the commercial position of the

council; and

(ii) would, on balance, be contrary to the

public interest (6 orders)

(e) matters affecting the security of the council,

members or employees of the council, or council

property, or the safety of any person (1 order)

(k) tenders for the supply of goods, the provision of

services or the carrying out of works (1 order)

At the annual review of confidential orders, Council

released 4 items from the confidential minute

register.

REPRESENTATION QUOTA The following table displays a grouping of similar South Australian councils using the Australian Classification of

Local Governments. The councils below are classed as Rural Agricultural Large.

Council Electors Council members (inc. Mayor) Representation quota

Clare & Gilbert Valleys 6,575 10 657

Coorong 3,795 9 421

Grant 5,325 10 532

Mallala 5,692 10 569

Mid Murray 6,136 10 613

Naracoorte Lucindale 5,777 11 525

Northern Areas 3,417 9 379

Renmark Paringa 6,299 9 699

Tatiara 4,514 10 451

Wakefield Regional 4,693 10 469

7


INTERNAL REVIEWS OF A

COUNCIL DECISION One request was made by a

community member for an

internal review of a Council

decision in 2015/16. Council’s

Internal Review of Council

Decisions Policy and Procedure

underpinned this review, with

the Director Community &

Corporate assuming the internal

review contact officer position.

COMMUNITY LAND

MANAGEMENT PLANS Council owns and controls 130

pieces of land classified as

community land. During

2015/16, no pieces of

community land were disposed

of.

EXTERNAL AUDITOR

REMUNERATION Council’s external auditor for

2015/16 was Ian G McDonald.

The total remuneration paid for

undertaking the annual audit of

Council’s financial statements is

yet to be finalised (at time of

print).

Council resolved to remunerate

Rex Mooney, Chairperson of the

Audit Committee, $725 per

meeting.

ELECTED MEMBERS’

ALLOWANCES In 2015/16 the breakdown was

as follows:

Mayor $36,400

Deputy Mayor $11,365

Councillor $ 9,100

Council also reimburses Elected

Members for all prescribed travel

and administrative expenses.

SENIOR STAFF SALARIES

AND BENEFITS The Chief Executive Officer

receives a total employment

package of $179,406 and the

Directors (2) ranged from

$158,494 to $160,440.

The Chief Executive Officer and

Directors are not paid overtime

but receive, as part of their total

salary package, the benefit of the

private use of a fully maintained

motor vehicle (subject to fuel

costs being paid by the officer

when on leave) and provision of

an iPad, iPhone and laptop for

work purposes.

PROCUREMENT Council released various

invitations for tender or request

for quotations in 2015/16, which

primarily were for road

construction & maintenance and

plant & equipment. Other

tenders included Dickson Wharf

reconstruction, Community

Wastewater Management

Systems pump station upgrades

and Meningie stormwater works.

RISK MANAGEMENT Council participates in an annual

risk review conducted by the

Local Government Association

Mutual Liability Scheme. A

range of questions are posed to

Council to make an accurate

assessment on the effectiveness

of risk management systems

within the organisation.

The results of the review

provided an opportunity to

identify gaps and set a program

to address non conformances.

In 2015/16, the Scheme altered

the method by which they

calculated the risk score against

different categories. This

provided a more accurate

method of assessing Council’s

(and the local government sector

at large) maturing risk profile.

Volunteer management,

community lands and

road/footpath management

emerged as key areas that

require attention in order to

enhance Council’s risk culture

and awareness.

CITIZENSHIP Mayor Jaensch truly enjoys

conferring new Australian

citizens. In 2015/16, one citizen

was conferred at a ceremony

held in Tintinara. Mayor Jaensch

looks forward to welcoming

more new Australian citizens in

the near future.

8


REGIONAL LEADERSHIP Council is in a unique geographical location – the gateway to neighbouring tourism regions, situated on major

transport corridors and the largest rural Council area in the state. The area comprises land within regions generally

known as the Murraylands and Upper South East. To keep abreast of regional trends and statewide impacts,

Council is a member of:

- Regional Development Australia Murraylands & Riverland – (funding partner) membership allows

Council to collaborate with Murraylands and Riverland councils regarding regional programs, initiatives

and informed economic development.

- Murraylands & Riverland Local Government Association – (funding partner) membership provides

Council the ability to achieve improvements for the benefit of Council and constituent councils at

regional level, advocate for regional representation and undertake region wide beneficial projects.

- Limestone Coast Local Government Association – (observer) formerly the South East Local Government

Association, Council’s observing seat gives us an insight into similar regional issues in the south east

tourism district.

- Murray River, Lakes & Coorong Tourism Alliance – (funding partner) formerly the Murraylands Tourism

Partnership, this alliance is seen as a focal contact point for the tourism industry. Council’s membership

affords the opportunity to receive direct tourism advice, leverage partnership opportunities and

achieve sustainable strategic outcomes for the region.

9

2014/15 ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN

REPORT CARD.

LEADERSHIP To provide leadership for the community and ensure efficient and effective management of the community’s

resources.

Objective 2015/16 key outcome(s)

Maintenance of the Meningie Chambers building Maintenance deferred pending audit in 2016/17.

Partial replacement of Tailem Bend Town Hall

kitchen roof

Achieved. Roof replaced in 2016.

Undertake cemetery survey review Review completed.

Development of concept plan for Tailem Bend

toilets and information centre

Tailem Bend toilets and information centre

concept plan has been developed, to be adopted

in 2016/17.

Install street lighting on Narrung Road (from

Fiebig Road to West Terrace), Meningie

Solar street lighting purchased, for erection in

2016/17.

Replacement of footpaths as required in Council’s

Roads Asset Management Plan

Works completed as per Council’s Roads Asset

Management Plan.

Replacement of kerb and gutter as required in

Council’s Roads Asset Management Plan

Works completed as per Council’s Roads Asset

Management Plan.

Minor plant replacement Various items of minor plant purchased as

required.

Plant and machinery replacements as per

schedule

Various plant and machinery replaced as deemed

necessary.

Sealed roads replacement (rural) Rural resealing occurred on Tauragat Well Road,

Coonalpyn

Sealed roads replacement (urban) Urban resealing occurred on Murray Street and

Granites Road, Tailem Bend

Seal Tauragat Well Road, Coonalpyn, as part of

Special Local Roads Priorities

Road sealed as per agreement, ongoing project.

Unsealed roads replacement as required in Road

Asset Management Plan

48.47 kilometres of unsealed road resurfacing was

carried out across the district.

Various parks and gardens irrigation upgrades Upgrades undertaken as required.

Upgrade Community Wastewater Management

Systems (CWMS) as per renewal schedule in

CWMS Business Plan

Work commenced on upgrade, & carried over

into 2016/17.

Continuation of stormwater works (Meningie) as

per concept plan

Detail design completed, works to be carried over

into 2016/17. Ongoing project.

Changeover of 17 vehicles (utilities) as per fleet

agreement

Changed over 17 utilities vehicles in accordance

with agreement.

Upgrade Microsoft Office software to Office 2010 Software upgrade to Microsoft Office 2010 is

complete.

Replacement of photocopier at Tailem Bend Civic

Centre

Achieved. New photocopier purchased in 2015..

10

LEADERSHIP (continued)


Building maintenance work at Tintinara Health &

Recreation Centre

Achieved. Maintenance work is an ongoing

project.

Install display notice board and 3 flagpoles at

Tailem Bend Hall

Notice board and 3 flagpoles have been

purchased and installed.

Upgrade Narrung jetty Project complete.

Development of concept plan for Meningie North

Sailing Club jetty

Meningie North Sailing Club jetty concept plan

was developed in 2016.

Construct new columbarium at Meningie

Cemetery

Not achieved. Project has been carried over to

2016/17.

SUSTAINABILITY

Responsibly manage the natural and built environment to achieve sustainability.


Installation of automatic irrigation watering

system at Peake Oval

Project complete.

Implement staged tree removal at Tintinara Oval Project complete.

Remediate West Terrace Reserve area, Meningie Programmed works complete. Ongoing project.

Improve safety of area at Dickson Reserve, Tailem

Bend

Detail design & engineering complete. Project

carried over to 2016/17.

Replacement of bin stands throughout district Bin stands replaced as deemed necessary.

Replacement of various park furniture Various park furniture replaced as required.

PROSPERITY

Facilitate economic prosperity, growth and employment throughout the district.


Installation of new Coonalpyn information bay Installation complete.

Develop Tailem Bend highway streetscape master

plan

Ongoing. Works currently in progress. Subject to

Department of Planning, Transport &

Infrastructure approval process.

Ongoing delivery of Council-wide tourism

signage project

Boundary & town entrance signs provided

throughout Council area. Focus placed on tourism

signage in 2016/17.

Prepare and lodge Statement of Intent for

required Development Plan Amendment

Development Plan Amendment process is

progressing. Ongoing works required.

Provision of underground water supply,

Coonalpyn

Not achieved. Project deleted due to not being

viable.

Complete Murray Coorong Trail Ongoing. Project subject to external funding.

11

WELLBEING Actively enhance the quality of life for the community by encouraging health, well being and safety.


Undertake stage 2 of Tintinara Community Men’s

Shed upgrade, Tintinara

Stage 2 of shed upgrade is complete.

Take a proactive financial and logistics role in

Meningie 150 years celebrations

Work in progress. To be completed in 2016/17.

Complete River Rail Road Trail project, Tailem

Bend

Project carried over to 2016/17 for completion in

early August.

Undertake Lake Indawarra precinct feasibility

study, Tintinara

One community forum held in 2015/16,

development of study carried over to 2016/17.

Replacement of Meningie North entrance

flagpoles

Banner poles have been purchased for erection.

To be completed in 2016/17.

EMPLOYER OF CHOICE Be an employer of choice that attracts, develops and inspires highly talented employees and elected members.


Employ a 1FTE Arts/Cultural & Grants officer

(funded 50% by external and 50% Council)

Completed in line with requirements of external

funding partners (Country Arts SA & Raukkan

Community Council).

12

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT CARD.

The Audit Committee is formed under section 41 of

the Local Government Act 1999 as a committee of

Council for the purpose of providing independent

advice and making recommendations to full Council

on matters relating to the corporate and financial

governance of Council.

The Audit Committee is responsible for assisting

Council in fulfilling its corporate governance

responsibilities in regard to:

Business risk management

Compliance with legal and regulatory obligations

The establishment and maintenance of the

internal control framework

The reliability and integrity of financial

information for inclusion in financial statements

and other financial reports

Monitoring the financial performance of Council

Development and review of a long term financial

plan and associated policies

Safeguarding the independence of the internal

and external auditors

Audit, accounting and financial reporting

obligations

The Audit Committee met on three occasions in

2015/16 – 20 October 2015, 17 December 2015 and

10 May 2016.

Meeting attendance for the current term of Council

(July 2015 – June 2016):

Member Attendance

Rex Mooney (Independent Chairperson) 3

Mayor Cr. Neville Jaensch 3

Cr. Vern Leng (proxy) 1

Cr. Mick O’Hara 2

Cr. Bob Simcock 3

Cr. Peter Wright 3

The Chief Executive Officer, Director Community &

Corporate and Senior Finance Officer are generally in

attendance at each meeting and the committee may

co-opt expertise when required.

The Audit Committee works program largely dictates

the agenda content of each meeting, resulting in a

more target driven document for the committee to

work with. Significant achievements throughout

2015/16 include:

Review and implementation of internal financial

controls

Review of the sustainability of Council’s Long

Term Financial Plan

Review of the 2016/17 Annual Business Plan prior

to its cyclical period of community engagement

and subsequent adoption by Council

Review of several policies related to Council’s

financial management practices

Ratified a review of Council’s rating and service

charges system to determine whether the current

rating methodology was best suited for the

community (or alternatively, whether another

method should be considered).

The Audit Committee has also co-opted further

expertise throughout 2015/16 from an external

finance consultant (representing UHY Haines Norton

Adelaide). The consultant remains in working contact

with Council’s finance team to ensure a strategic view

to fiscal financial management is maintained.

13

ENVIRONMENTAL. Responsibly managing the natural and built environment to achieve sustainability.

LOCAL ACTION PLAN The Coorong Local Action Plan

(LAP) Committee has continued

it’s on ground works program

and LAP Officers have

maintained their proactive role in

the delivery of innovative

projects. The Local Action Plan

Officers assist landowners with a

variety of initiatives and funding,

including fencing remnant

vegetation and wetlands,

revegetation, water security, and

weed and feral animal control.

The LAP actively collaborate with

Natural Resources SA Murray

Darling Basin & South East, State

Government Departments,

Department of Human Services,

Rural Solutions, and local

agribusiness, to deliver high

quality and timely information

and events.

WATER SECURITY

INITIATIVES Coorong Tatiara LAP continues

to take an interest in the impact

of increased mains water costs

on our local farm businesses. The

rising cost of mains water has

placed cost pressure on grazing

enterprises dependent on this

water. Annual water bills of over

$100,000 and water leaks costing

more than $10,000 are now

common place.

In response to the ongoing

success of Water Security events

LAP has continued with a

number of water savings

initiatives including:

water testing services

extensive and growing

technical information on our

web pages which experience

high levels of traffic

production of water security

fact sheets and a salinity

ready reckoner

displays at local shows and

events

negotiations and funding

applications to continue to

raise awareness and

capability in the area of on

farm water security.

RESPONSE TO DROUGHT

CONDITIONS Coorong Tatiara LAP responded

in mid-2015 to primary

producers concerns at seasonal

conditions being very dry, which

then moved into declared

drought conditions across our

region. In response to this

several activities were

undertaken;

'Adapting your farm

business to dry and variable

seasons' forum, featuring

sessions on loocal weather

trends with the Bureau of

Meteorology, ‘What makes a

farm business resilient?’,

feed budgeting for livestock,

& turning poor crops into

high quality fodder.

'Drought Management

Opportunities' workshops

were held at Peake and

Keith. Topics covered were

weather and climate

information for adapting to

dry seasons, utilising failed

crops for feeding livestock,

feed budgeting in a drought,

livestock feed requirements,

health and welfare, drought

assistance programs & rural

financial counselling.

Drought Support and

responding to Climate Variability

was our theme at the Keith and

Coonalpyn Shows in October

2015. Funding was attracted

from the following organisations

to support these initiatives;

Department of Human Services,

Sheep Connect, Meat and

Livestock Australia, Centacare,

AC Care, and Mind Australia.

14

TREE DEATH AND

DECLINE Federation University, Ballarat

have been engaged by LAP to

carry out a 3 year study into tree

decline and death in this area.

The project looks at all factors

that can kill or weaken trees.

Project end products will include:

Guidelines for tree

maintenance and best

management practices for

tree establishment.

A diagnostic chart, matrix or

decision support tool that

includes treatments and

actions.

Guidelines for species

selection in areas at high risk

of disease and death.

Identify areas at risk which

provide ‘connectivity’ or

‘stepping stones’ in the

landscape.

Products to be available on-

line.

A citizen science style

interactive web site will be

launched in 2016/2017.

COORONG GREEN ARMY

CREW In April 2016 the LAP welcomed

its second Coorong Green Army

Team. Based in Meningie, the

Green Army is a hands on,

practical environmental action

program that supports local

environment and heritage

conservation projects.

Participants also receive formal

entry level qualifications for a

career in environment and

conservation.

Completed projects included

weed control, native garden

planting, wetland monitoring,

revegetation works, paving and

landscaping, slashing and feral

cat trapping.

OTHER PROJECT FUNDS The LAP leverages the funding it receives from Council to actively seek funding from outside bodies to achieve

more of the aims outlined in the Coorong District Local Action Plan. As well as the Commonwealth Biodiversity

Fund projects currently being implemented, the LAP has attracted the project funding below over the 2015/2016

period.

OUTSIDE FUNDING OBTAINED IN 2015/16 Project Funding ($)

Natural Resources SA Murray Darling Basin Connecting Communities Projects 80,000

Natural Resources SA Murray Darling Basin Compilation of the Coomandook Compendium 15,000

DEWNR – Coorong Lower Lakes & Murray

Mouth Recovery Project

Strategic control of Spiny Rush in Lake Albert 10,000

Natural Resources SA Murray Darling Basin Annual reed clearance of growth from the

Waltowa Wetland inlet channel

5,000

Natural Resources SA Murray Darling Basin Coomandook Piezometer Monitoring 1,200

TOTAL $111,200


15

BIODIVERSITY FUND – ROUNDS 1 & 2 Funding from rounds 1 and 2 of the Biodiversity Fund (Commonwealth) will inject up to $3.6 million of environment

protection and biodiversity initiatives to June 2017. Since funding was awarded in 2012/13 there has been an

emphasis on protecting endangered flora and fauna species and increasing carbon storage in the Coorong and

Tatiara districts.

Project emphasis is placed on protecting Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) listed plant

communities and will cover an area of some 1,531,100 hectares. On-ground actions completed as part of the

Biodiversity Fund are summarised below:

2015/16 ON GROUND WORKS SUMMARY Hectares KMs of fence

Pest animal control 18,350 0

Pest plant Control 348 0

Endangered species protection 1,315 20

Protecting remnant native vegetation 2,240 16

Protection wetlands 80 8

Revegetation 188 34

TOTAL (Coorong and Tatiara areas) 22,521 hectares 78 kms

ASSET MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING Council developed a Community Wastewater

Management Systems (CWMS) customer charter to

provide our water and sewage customers with a clear

understanding of the standards of service they can

expect from Council and their rights and

responsibilities.

CIVIL ROAD CONSTRUCTION In consideration to councils Road Asset Management

Plan, Council continued to re-sheet a further 48.47

kilometres of unsealed roads.

The construction of Tauragat Well Road continued

being part funded through the Special Local Roads

program.

Granites Road Tailem Bend was upgraded from Webb

Street to the entrance of Viterra ensuring it meets the

demands of the increasing heavy vehicles.

WASTE MANAGEMENT Council provides a weekly kerbside collection in all

township areas. For residents outside these areas,

properties located on the existing route have the

option of an en-route collection, and for those not

located en-route the option of a bin bank collection

or waste depot dump vouchers are available.

Residents are also able to dispose of waste at

Council’s waste transfer stations located at Tailem

Bend, Meningie, Tintinara, Coonalpyn, Jabuk and

Yumali.

The kerbside (domestic) waste disposed to landfill in

2015/16 was 897 tonne, compared to 849 tonne in

2104/15.

Surprisingly, Council collected the same amount

recyclable waste in 2015/16 (293 tonne) as in

2014/15.

Again, total green organics decreased by 18 tonne,

with 313.5 tonne in 2015/16 compared to 332 tonne

in 2014/15.


16


MAJOR WORKS PROJECTS Several major (capital) works projects were

undertaken in 2015/16 including:

Development of Meningie North Jetty concept

plans

Cemetery Survey Plans

Implementation of staged tree removal at

Tintinara Oval

Construction of new Meningie Playground at the

Meningie Lions Park

Construction of new Hunter Park Fishing Deck,

Meningie

Purchase of Solar Street Lights for Meningie for

installation on Narrung Road

Construction of new shelter at Dickson Reserve,

Tailem Bend

Installation of new Coorong flagpoles at Civic

Centre, Tailem Bend

KEY PROJECTS FOR 2016/17 Council has listed the following key projects to be

carried over into 2016/17 (in addition to scheduled

works):

Tailem Bend

Wharf upgrades at Dickson Reserve

Meningie

Minor completion works to Meningie Playground at

Meningie Lions Park

Upgrades to Meningie stormwater system

Community Wastewater Management Systems

(CWMS) upgrade

Wellington East

Upgrade to Community Wastewater Management

Systems (CWMS)

FIRE PREVENTION Council’s Bushfire Prevention Committee exists to

advise the appropriate authorities of the existence of

fire hazards within the council area and to make

recommendations on their removal.

The committee did not meet in 2015/16.

Number of Section 105F notices issued: 80

Number of Schedule 9 permits issued: 46

DEVELOPMENT STATISTICS Council’s development services team experienced a decrease in the number of development applications processed

in 2015/16, however this number is likely to increase in 2016/17 due to vested interested in the SA Motorsport Park

project, and the development of Wellington East as a residential area.

Applications processed

in 2015/16

New dwellings 30

Dwelling additions and alterations over $2,000 16

Domestic outbuildings and minor additions/alterations 74

Commercial development – including farm implement sheds, olive orchards and piggeries 2

Commercial additions/alternations – including community facilities 30

Land division 12

Tourist facilities (additions/alterations/signage) 5

Swimming pools 1

Dredging/emergency dredging 0 Total Development Applications 170

17

ECONOMIC. Facilitating economic prosperity, growth and employment throughout the district.

DISTRICT TOURISM INITIATIVES

Tailem Bend Historic Rail Trail

Council has worked alongside Tailem Bend

community members to deliver the ‘Historic Rail

Trail’. The project consists of a fully mapped and

marked trail around Tailem Bend, and notes the

historic significance of landmarks and buildings with

beautifully produced interpretive signage. This

project represents an added attraction for visitors to

experience whilst visiting.

RV Friendly

In recognition of the importance of those travelling in

recreational vehicles, Council has been working on

developing our towns and places as RV friendly:

Tailem Bend is now an RV friendly town, and the

Coonalpyn Caravan Park has achieved RV Friendly

Destination status.

Tintinara Disc Golf Course

Tintinara has a new tourism draw card, with the

development of the Tintinara Disc Golf Course at

Lake Indawarra. It is the first free to play, public disc

golf course in South Australia. Disc Golf is similar to

traditional golf, but instead of striking a ball with a

club, players throw flying discs from the designated

tee to a chained basket with trees and terrain around

fairways to provide challenging obstacles. Tintinara

offers a nine-hole course with 18 tee off points

catering for both beginners and more advanced

players and is suitable for all ages and levels of

fitness. The course is popular amongst the local

community and visitors travelling through town.

Coonalpyn Info Bay

Coonalpyn now has a brand new look, with 3 new

panels installed at the local information bay, located

next to the toilets. It includes information about the

town (history and attractions), as well as points of

interest along the Princes and Dukes Highways.

Coorong Road Map

Council has re-vamped the popular Coorong District

Council Tourist & Business Map, now called the

‘Coorong Road Map’. It features an updated map of

our area, scenic images from all over the district,

information about our tourism outlets and with

adverts from 38 businesses that participated in the

project.

Welcome to Town signs

The replacement of all ‘Welcome to Coorong District

Council’ signs in 2014/15 has been continued in the

roll out of the second stage of this project – the

‘Welcome to Town’ signs. Community engagement

was carried out to identify each town’s tagline, which

is now evident in the signs. 17 towns across the

district have new, re-vamped signs that welcome

locals and visitors into their towns.

Online Tourism Development

Council has made its parks, reserves and other natural

and historic attractions available online, on platforms

such as Google and the Australian Tourism Data

Warehouse which are vital for people on the move

and wanting to find local attractions. Council has also

assisted approximately 20 tourism operators with

establishing and/or enhancing their online presence

and promotion, making their businesses become

more accessible via the web, which translates into a

higher online profile for our region as a whole.

Tailem info Station

A railway museum and visitor information outlet

located at Tailem Bend, Tailem info Station continues

to service travellers visiting our area with an average

of 19 visitors per day.

18

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. Actively enhancing the quality of life for the community by encouraging health,


COMMUNITY GRANTS Council’s Community Events,

Grants & Donations program

allowed for some great

community projects become

reality during 2015/16. A total of

$26,385 was allocated towards

several sporting and community

club facilities upgrades and

events.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT The Tailem Bend Community

Centre received a $5,000 grant

from the Department for

Communities and Social

Inclusion to establish a Coorong

Connections Network (CCN) for

young people aged 12-25 years.

A total of 38 young people

registered for the network (26

male and 12 female) in the

Coorong region. The group had

regular meetings to discuss their

ideas for things they would like

to see in their community, plan

for events, and take part in

activities and training.

Governance training was

provided to assist with decision

making and budget planning for

events and activities. Excursions

included paintballing, Latitude

and Go Karting. Items most

requested for their community

were a skate park, rage cage,

and opening sporting facilities

for after school and weekend

use.

VOLUNTEEERS Council has 150 active volunteers

who contribute countless hours

to town beautification,

environmental initiatives and

library assistance across the

district. Several new volunteers

came on board during 2015/16

to support the Creating

Coonalpyn suite of projects.

This year’s volunteer recognition

event was held at the Meningie

Bowling Club. Approximately

140 people made up a vibrant

and loud atmosphere. A large

number of community groups

were represented from across

the district.

Council highly values each of its

volunteers and the work they

undertake to make our district a

better place.

MURRAYLANDS

CAREERS EXPO Council continues to support the

Murraylands Careers Expo as a

bronze sponsor of the event and

also created a display

highlighting Council as a local

employer of choice.

Interactive exhibits highlighting

the new Disc Golf Course in

Tintinara, The Bend Motorsport

Park and the OPAL smoothie

bike were staged, while

delivering an underpinning

message that prospective

students can “begin their career

with us.” Active visual and

physical engagement with expo

participants continues to make

Council’s site a success.

COMMUNITY LIBRARIES

- STRATEGIC DIRECTION

Following from the successful

pilot program to look at options

for future models of service

delivery in school community

libraries in 2014/15, the Coorong

Libraries group were afforded a

funding opportunity through

Public Library Services to

implement some of the findings

of the pilot project in 2015/16.

Cohesion with the Coorong

Libraries Strategy Group,

consisting of school community

library staff, public libraries

representatives, elected

members and Director

Community & Corporate

continued during the year, with

the group meeting on several

occasions to continue to develop

the forward plan and action

priorities.

With Council matching the

Public Library Service grant

dollar for dollar, $15,600 was

carried forward to the 2016/17

financial year for project

implementation.

19



ARTS AND CULTURE In 2015/16 an arts and culture audit was undertaken

across the council region to assess the arts and

cultural assets, resources, needs, interests and

facilities across the council region. Following on from

the report, a number of recommendations were

enacted:

A joint Creative Communities Partnership

application with Raukkan Community Council was

submitted to Country Arts SA to jointly fund an

arts officer position. The application was

successful and upgraded to a regional Manager’s

position. Council has subsequently resourced a

0.5FTE arts position.

A Coonalpyn Arts group was formed to develop a

series of six artist led community arts projects

along the Duke’s Highway which both activate

and beautify spaces. This was seed funded from

the Coonalpyn Downs special reserved fund

which was supplemented with grant funding and

sponsorship.

Other arts and Culture outcomes include:

Mentoring and skills development for 5 local

artists

Integrating art into cross divisional and

infrastructure projects

Youth engagement in Community arts projects

which is accredited as SACE Community Studies

Artist involvement in Nature Play Space design to

embed arts

The Coorong Art Gallery program has been a great

success, hosting 4 community art exhibitions, 1 local

photography exhibition and a Country Arts SA

touring exhibition. The exhibitions give local artists an

opportunity to showcase their work.

COMMUNITY TRANSPORT The Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme

(MMCTS) plays an important key role as a central

point of contact to assist with the transport needs of

the transport disadvantaged within the communities

of Coorong, Southern Mallee and Karoonda East

Murray Councils. Funding is provided through

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP),

constituent Councils and client fees.

MMCTS role is to :

Provide information on transport services

available in the region

Broker and coordinate transport services

Provide transport where no other transport is

available in the region and where resources are

available

Coordinate bookings from residents for the

Murray Mallee Medical bus

MMCTS currently have a small team of 21 dedicated

volunteers who assist with driving, vehicle movement,

vehicle washing and event support. MMCTS

volunteers are located at Pinnaroo, Lameroo,

Geranium, Tailem Bend, Jervois and Karoonda.

Collectively they travelled 42,083km and clocked up

931.75 hours of volunteer time.

In 2015/16 the Murray Mallee Medical bus transported 921 clients (an increase of 162 from 2014/15). The following number of vehicle trips were undertaken by MMCTS: Coorong 314 Southern Mallee 104 Karoonda East Murray 52

COMMONWEALTH HOME SUPPORT

PROGRAMME (CHSP) The Commonwealth Home Support Programme

(CHSP) supports people 65 years and over, people

with a disability or their carers. It is designed to

encourage people to live independently and prevent

premature admission to residential care. Council

auspices the CHSP funding for Social Support, Home

Maintenance and Modifications Program to the

Tailem Bend Community Centre.

CHSP staff and dedicated volunteers provide

numerous social support services to the general

public including the aged, disabled and the

disadvantaged in Tailem Bend, Coonalpyn,

Coomandook, Meningie and Tintinara.

Some of the CHSP social support funded programs

provided include:

20



Luncheons for the Golden Oldies groups once a

month.

Weekly classes for Tai Chi, Yoga, Exercise,

Computing, Sewing and Folk Art, Social Craft

Circle, iPad and Information Support Groups and

Counselling

Social outings and regular lunches

In 2015/16 the program provided the following

assistance:

Number of clients: 326

Hours of service: 6,028

Number of services provided: 168

Volunteer hours: 3,639

As shown by historic data the CHSP services are

valued in the Coorong area and requests for service

demands have exceeded budget allowance for the

past two financial years. As identified in the 2011 ABS

census data, 18.96%) of the population remain living

independently in the Coorong District Council region.

The census data combined with statistics collected by

Council clearly demonstrates that the CHSP program

in the district is surpassing its objectives.

OBESITY PREVENTION AND LIFESTYLE The Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL) program

had a successful and productive 2015/2016 financial

year focusing largely on infrastructure projects and

several new initiatives.

The theme for this financial year has been ‘Water -

The Original Cool Drink’.

Key achievements for this theme have been:

The purchase of water fountains in the main

street of Meningie and Tailem Bend.

Year 3 school program. Working with year 3

classes in the Council region to deliver a tailored

program aimed at inspiring children to drink

more water.

One Graeme Docking show with secondary

students. Graeme is paraplegic who participates

in extreme sports selling the message of water

consumption over sugary drinks.

Purchase and distribution of Drink Water not

Sugar magnet to highlight the amount of sugar

in fizzy and sports drinks.

OPAL has been involved in other community projects

aimed at improving the eating and activity patterns

of children and families. Key OPAL projects that have

contributed to this include:

Continued support of the Meningie playground

upgrade.

Purchase of the Mobile Skate Ramp and ongoing

coordination of moving the skate ramp through

all major towns.

The installation of a DiscGolf course at Tintinara

and community launch of the project in May. A

portable basket was purchased to add to the

giant games library and help promote the sport

of disc golf.

The development of Coorong Healthy Highways,

a new initiative building on the Good Food on

the Road campaign that was originally launched

in the early 2000’s.

Ongoing support to local clubs through delivery

of physical activity and healthy eating sessions.

The provision of fruit at school activities and

supporting local community shows and events.

The start of a new initiative working with rural

communities to develop nature plays spaces for

children in small towns.

The successful funding submission for the Murray

Coorong Trail which will be a major focus for

OPAL in its final year.

21

SPORT AND RECREATION

Murraylands River Trail

The Murray Coorong Trail was recently awarded $280,000, part of a State Budget allocation of more than $40

million to sport and recreation facilities across South Australia. Coorong District Council joins Mid Murray Council

and the Rural City of Murray Bridge in completing stage 1 in the first two years of the project which will construct at

least 25km of the trail across the three council areas.

Coorong District Council has also committed to completing stage 4 of the trail in the first year by rebranding the

River Bend Heritage Trail, a loop that runs from Tailem Bend to Wellington East.

When complete the entire trail will span 450km from Cadell to Salt Creek with 145km of trail in the Coorong

Council area. The Murray Coorong Trail is expected to bring significant tourism and recreation benefits to the

region and will look to cater for walking cycling and horse riding where possible.

STARCLUB

A strong recreational culture and the development of sport and active recreational opportunities continues to be

delivered across the Council district and wider Murraylands through the Murraylands STARCLUB field officer. The

STARCLUB program aligns with Council’s philosophy of healthy activities for our community. A primary objective of

the STARCLUB field officer in 2015/16 was working with community sporting groups to assist them in gaining

‘Recognised STARCLUB’ status.

ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

2015/16 animal management statistics

Total dog income: $30,457

Total dogs registered: 1,855

Wandering dogs: 24

Dogs returned*: 58

Impounded: 27

Dogs re-homed: 10

Wandering stock: 12

Barking complaints: 13

Transfers: 24

RSPCA cases: 5

Dog attacks: 6

Euthanased: 6

Claimed: 11

* without expiation

Dog walking group

The Tailem Bend dog walking group has continued to

operate successfully throughout 2015/16. It has taken

on a life of its own, with members providing training

and tips for participants. The Tailem Bend Dog Park

has benefitted from the increased use, with new dog

statues, a dog watering bowl and park furniture now

installed in the park.



22

FOOD SAFETY As a requirement of the Food Act 2001, Council undertakes routine inspections of food business premises in the

district to ensure that the community expectations of food safety and hygiene standards are met. Council takes a

proactive approach to food handler training and community education. The promotion of good food hygiene

principles to food handlers is an ongoing service as many food businesses and community organisations have a

turnover of staff and volunteers.

Registered businesses: 113

Permits approved: 42

Food handling courses: 6

Food Handling and Safety Training courses were hosted by Council and presented by TAFE SA and divided into two

seminars on the 3 days they were held. The morning seminars were tailored specifically for Aged care and Hospital

staff with the afternoon courses for the general community and businesses. The participants of the courses are

presented with a TAFE SA certificate upon successful completion of a written exam.

The ongoing support of the training courses endorses the Coorong District Council’s objective of promoting Food

Safety and Hygiene, highlighting the need for the continuing education of food handlers within our community.

Council takes every opportunity available to promote its food hygiene and food safety programs attending Special

Event Days such as the Meningie Family Fun Fair, the Tintinara Wool Show and Auction and the Coonalpyn Show.



23

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Being an employer of choice that attracts, develops and inspires highly talented

employees and elected members.

EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION AND

CAPACITY Council adopted a straight forward and easy-to-

understand Strategic Management Plan on 16

February 2016. The plan outlines Council’s strategic

goals for 2016 to 2020 and was developed after a

two-month period of community engagement. The

new plan reflects input from 86 detailed survey

responses and five community forums (held in

Coonalpyn, Meningie, Peake, Tailem Bend and

Tintinara) where more than 150 people attended.

Council has worked consistently to remove

superfluous terminology from the plan while ensuring

the following themed areas are adequately

represented:

Community wellbeing

Infrastructure and townships

Prosperity and sustainability

Leadership and collaboration

The adoption of a new Council slogan “Room to

Move, Room to Play” also became effective upon

adoption of the 2016 – 2020 Strategic Management

Plan.

ELECTED MEMBERS’ TRAINING Elected Members were afforded local, state and

national (where applicable) training and network

opportunities. A copy of Council’s Elected Members

Training Register details such opportunities, and is

available on request.

24

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Being an employer of choice that attracts, develops and inspires highly talented

employees and elected members.

EMPLOYEE STATISTICS

Number of employees: 70

FTE equivalent: 59

Absenteeism hours:* 33

* (average, per employee)

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT A snapshot of some employee training programs

delivered/undertaken in 2015/16 include:

Australian Regional Tourism Convention

Bushfire management

Forklift operation (revision)

Load Restraining training

PowerBudget refresher training

Records Management Fundamentals

Social Media for Business

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION As part of Council’s Employee Reward and

Recognition Program, Employee of the Year Awards

were distributed in 2015/16. Tracey Strugnell (inside)

and Alan Bland (outside) were the recipients in their

respective fields of work.

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (WHS) Council has a total of 38 WHS policies and

procedures and five of these were reviewed in

2015/16.

Also throughout this period, 38 injury/incident

reports were lodged by staff/volunteers and

investigated.

INFORMATION AND

COMMUNICATIONS

Records management

20,033 electronic records created

14 linear metres of hard copy records destructed

Use of the TRIM software allows Council to

adequately manage electronic and physical records in

one system, regardless of their type, format or source.

This ensures legislative compliance obligations.

Information technology

There were no significant or major IT projects

undertaken during the 2015/16 year.

Councils Information Services Coordinator worked on

a number of small projects supporting improved

process and functionality along with some changes to

processes to meet legislative requirements. These

included

Improvements in development application

processes, document handling, tracking and

reporting (ongoing)

Review and development of a legislative

conforming cemetery management process and

new database

Review and development of an improved facility

hire (halls and meeting rooms) process

Planning and testing of Electronic Purchase

Order system that is due to be rolled out in late

2016

Planning, development and testing of processes

and functionality of tablet devices to be rolled

out to field staff due to be rolled out to staff in

late 2016.

Communications

53 media releases generated and disseminated

4,157 Facebook followers

Council now has an Instagram page which assists in

promoting many of the projects and events going on

in the Coorong district.

Customer service

2,890 customer service requests processed

4 complaints received

4 compliments received

2,013 incoming mail items

6,475 incoming calls

167 hours spent on phone calls

25

APPENDICES.

2015/16 Audited Financial Statements*^

2015/16 Murraylands & Riverland Local Government

Association Annual Report*

2015/16 Murray Mallee Community Transport

Scheme Annual Report*^

^ At the time of printing these documents were not yet available for circulation. Once available, they will placed on

Council’s website for viewing.

WE’RE REDUCING

OUR CARBON

FOOTPRINT......

* Subsidiary annual

reports will no longer

be appended to

Council’s annual report

in hard copy format.

Respective documents

can be accessed at

Council’s website by

clicking here.

While hard copies are

available on request,

we want to be seen to

be doing our bit for

the environment - one

page at a time.

http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=249