Members are advised that a meeting of the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC) will be held on Wednesday 2 nd March 2016 in the Ian Gilbert Room at Jerilderie Shire Council’s Administrative Centre at 10.00 am

Mayors and DelegatesCouncillors Terry Hogan AM (Chairman), Kevin Mack, Paul Miegel, Leigh Byron, Norm Brennan, Ashley Hall, Peter Laird, Heather Wilton, Bill Sheaffe, Neil Gorey, Bernard Curtin, Peter Nunan, John Dal Broi, Austin Evans, Paul Maytom, Jenny Clarke, Patrick Bourke and Mr David Shaw (Administrator Murray Shire Council)

General ManagersRowan Perkins, Aaron Drenovski, Frank Zaknich, Chris Gillard, Barry Barlow, Des Bilske, Steven Pinnuck, Allen Dwyer, Craig Moffitt, Margot Stork, Lea Rosser, Peter Kozlowski, Jackie Kruger, Brett Stonestreet, Phil Pinyon, Judy Charlton, Adrian Butler and Phil Marshall

MEETING AGENDA ITEMS

MRRR 1 WELCOME

MRRR 2 APOLOGIES

MRRR 3 MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2015 (pages 2 to 6)

MRRR 4 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 13TH NOVEMBER 2015 MEETING (page 6)

MRRR 5 PRESENTATIONS (page 6)

Item 5.1 – Shelley Scoullar – Chair of West Berriquin Irrigators Inc and spokesperson for the “Speak Up” campaign – together with former Chair Vicki Meyer - relating to impacts of the Murray Darling Basin Plan on communities in the region (15 minutes at 10.30 am)

Item 5.2 – Cr Austin Evans Chairman Steering Committee for the “Faith in a Basin Future” program – (15 minutes at 10.45 am)

Item 5.3 – Jacqui Bright Project Manager RAMROC / REROC Contaminated Land Management Program - will provide a status report (background document attached) (10 minutes at 12. 00 noon)

MRRR 6 EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT (pages 6 to 16 inclusive)

MRRR 7 RAMROC FINANCIAL REPORTS – PERIOD ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2015 (page 17)

MRRR 8 RAMROC DRAFT STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL PLAN 2016-2018 (page 17)

MRRR 9 MINUTES OF WORKING GROUP MEETINGS – as follows: (pages 17 to 36):-

9.1 RAMROC Engineers Group – 4th November 20159.2 RAMROC Integrated Planning and Reporting Network – 19th November 20159.3 RAMROC Riverina Waste Management Group – 2nd December 20159.4 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group – 4th December 20159.5 RAMROC General Managers Group – 29th January 20169.6 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group – 10th February 2016

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MRRR 10 GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS (page 36)

MRRR 3 - MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE RIVERINA AND MURRAY REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS (RAMROC), HELD IN THE IAN GILBERT ROOM AT JERILDERIE SHIRE COUNCIL, ON FRIDAY 13 TH NOVEMBER 2015 AT 10.30 AM

PRESENT

Albury City:

Balranald:

Cr Kevin MackFrank Zaknich

Mr Aaron Drenovski

Berrigan: Mr Rowan Perkins

Carrathool: Cr Peter LairdMr Ken Murphy

Conargo: Cr Norm BrennanMr Barry Barlow

Corowa: Cr Paul MiegelChris Gillard

Deniliquin: Cr Ashley HallMr Des Bilske

Greater Hume: Cr Heather WiltonCr Karen SchoffMr Steven Pinnuck

Griffith City:

Hay:

Cr John Dal BroiMr Brett Stonestreet

Cr Bill SheaffeMr Allen Dwyer

Jerilderie: Cr Ruth McRaeCr Terry Hogan (RAMROC Chair)Mr Craig Moffitt

Leeton: Cr Paul MaytomMs Jackie Kruger

Murray: Cr John PocklingtonMs Margot Stork

Murrumbidgee: Cr Austin EvansMr Kerry McMurray

Narrandera: Apology

Urana Shire Cr Patrick Bourke

Wakool: Apology

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Wentworth: Apology

RAMROC Mr Ray Stubbs Executive Officer

MEETING GUESTS: Ms Jennifer Weller – Chair RDA MurrayMr Mark Ritchie – Executive Officer

Riverina RDAMs Trudi McDonald – Regional

Co-ordinator NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet

Cr Greg Toll – National President Murray Darling Association

Mr Adrian Wells – former Regional Manager Murray Darling Association

MRRR 1 - WELCOME TO MEETING

The RAMROC Chairman Cr Terry Hogan extended a warm welcome to newly elected Mayors Cr Paul Miegel (Corowa Shire), Cr John Pocklington (Murray Shire) and Cr Ashley Hall (Deniliquin Council)

The Chairman also welcomed Councillor Karen Schoff from Greater Hume Shire, Ms Jennifer Weller Chair of RDA Murray, Mr Mark Ritchie Executive Officer of Riverina RDA, Ms Trudi McDonald Regional Co-ordinator NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet (Wagga office), Cr Greg Toll National President Murray Darling Association and Adrian Wells, former Regional Manager Murray Darling Association

MRRR 2 - APOLOGIES:

Cr Peter Nunan and Mr Peter Kozlowski – Wentworth ShireCr Jenny Clarke, Cr Graham Eipper and Ms Judy Charlton – Narrandera ShireCr Neil Gorey and Mr Bruce Graham – Wakool ShireCr Bernard Curtin – Berrigan ShireCr Leigh Byron - Balranald ShireCr Mick Rutledge – Hay ShireMr Adrian Butler – Urana Shire

RESOLVED that the apologies be received and accepted(Moved Carrathool and seconded Murray)

MRRR 3 - MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON 5 TH AUGUST 2015 RESOLVED that the Minutes of the General Meeting held on 5th August 2015 be received and confirmed.(Moved Griffith and seconded Conargo)

MRRR 4 – MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 5 TH AUGUST 2015 MEETING

Item MRRR7 - Traffic Accident Reporting

Cr Paul Maytom referred to RAMROC’s representations made to NSW Police and he advised that support has also been forthcoming from LGNSW and local Highway Patrol police.However, at this stage, no responses have been received from the Minister for Police.

MRRR 5 – PRESENTATIONS

Item 5.1 – Ms Jennifer Weller – Chairperson RDA Murray

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Jennifer provided a status report on the new RDA Board and its vision and objectives. A copy of Jennifer’s presentation will be distributed to RAMROC Councils

Item 5.2 – Mr Mark Ritchie – Executive Officer Riverina RDA

Mark advised that he has recently been appointed to the position of Executive Officer and that the RDA Chairperson Diana Gibbs, Deputy Chairperson Miriam Dayhew and Board Members are now in place. Mark spoke of the importance of strong RDA and ROC/Joint Organisation collaboration.

Item 5.3 – Ms Trudi McDonald – Regional Co-ordinator Department of Premier and Cabinet

Trudi advised that she has recently been appointed to the position, which covers Councils in the RAMROC and REROC regions. She spoke specifically about the Premier’s Priorities and other State Priorities, which effectively supersede the former NSW State 2021 Plan and Regional Action Plans.

Item 5.4 Adrian Wells – former Regional Manager Murray Darling Association

Adrian advised that due to ill health he had resigned his MDA position in September 2015 and he thanked RAMROC and Councils for the friendship and co-operation which had been extended to him during his 22 years of service. He advised that he and Owen Dunlop were continuing to undertake projects related to water, food and fibre production and natural resource management and that he would be keen to pursue the potential to partner with RAMROC on specific projects of mutual interest

MRRR 6 – FIT FOR THE FUTURE DISCUSSIONS

The meeting discussed a range of issues in relation to the current status of the Fit for the Future reform program, including the following matters:-

IPART’S FFTF Assessments Report to Government – 16th October 2015 Government’s call for merger proposals – due by 18TH November Outcomes of RAMROC Roundtable Meeting – held on 4TH November 2015 Outcomes of Joint Pilot JOs and ROCs Meeting – held on 6TH November Joint Organisations – MAMJO Proposal – RAMROC submission to the Emerging Directions

Paper Final Report of Upper House Standing Committee Inquiry

No resolutions arose from the meeting discussions

MRRR 7 – BERRIGAN SHIRE ITEM - ESSENTIAL ENERGY JOB LOSSES

Berrigan Shire submitted for discussion a letter from the NSW Branch of the Electrical Trades Union in relation to the recent announcement by Essential Energy to terminate 1400 jobs across regional NSW, with some 30 being from within the RAMROC region

RESOLVED that RAMROC make representations to Essential Energy, requesting that the established service levels be maintained for councils and communities in the region and that the support of Murray RDA, Riverina RDA and the Regional Office of NSW Premier and Cabinet be sought(Moved Hay and seconded Jerilderie)

MRRR 8 – EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT

8.1 – Commonwealth Select Committee on the Murray Darling Basin Plan

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Consideration was given to the Executive Officer’s report regarding the Select Committee’s Public Hearing held at Griffith on 27th October 2015 and to the presentations made at the Hearing by the RAMROC Executive and Carrathool, Leeton and Griffith Councils

RESOLVED that the EO’s report be received and noted(Moved Carrathool and seconded Griffith)8.2 – Cross Border Collaboration with Murray River Group of Councils (MRGC)

The Executive Officer reported that the Chairman had attended the Annual Forum of MRGC on 28 th August and that subsequently the Chair and EO had met with MRGC Councils at Wedderburn on 1st October and that agreement had been reached on draft terms of a Memorandum of Understanding to address issues of common interest, including water and food security, floodplain management, fruit fly control, regional freight transport, the Commonwealth Water Act and Murray Darling Basin Plan.

RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s report be adopted and that RAMROC endorse the terms of the draft Memorandum of Understanding with the Murray River Group of Council (Moved Albury and seconded Deniliquin)

8.3 – NSW Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) Legislation

The NSW Premier has confirmed the Government’s pre-election commitment to introduce Container Deposit Legislation for the recycling of drink and plastic containers by 1st July 2017. The Executive Officer advised that he is a Member of an EPA Working Group established to advise the Government on key aspects of the design and implementation of the CDS and that EPA will be distributing a full Discussion Paper for community consultation in the near future.RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s report be adopted(Moved Leeton and seconded Conargo)

8.4 – Proposed Redistribution of NSW Federal Electoral Boundaries

The Australian Electoral Commission’s NSW Redistribution Committee has released proposed changes to Federal electoral boundaries and has invited objections to be lodged by 13th November 2015.

RESOLVED that RAMROC lodge a formal objection to the proposed changes, on the grounds that Griffith, Murrumbidgee, Leeton, Narrandera and a large part of Carrathool have no community of interest with the Farrer Electorate and all of those LGAs should remain as whole Council areas within the Riverina Electorate. (Moved Murrumbidgee and seconded Leeton)

MRRR 9 - MINUTES OF RAMROC WORKING GROUP MEETINGS

The Minutes of the following Working Group meetings were submitted for information and consideration:-9.1 RAMROC Engineers Group – 7th August 20159.2 RAMROC Riverina Waste Management Group – 9th September 20159.3 RAMROC Procurement Steering Committee – 7th October 20159.4 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group – 7th October 2015 9.5 RAMROC Planners Group – 24th September 2015

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Working Group Meetings be received and noted and that the recommendations and actions taken be endorsed.(Moved Albury and seconded Carrathool)

MRRR 10 – GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS

10.1 – Future Role and Functions of Regional Organisation of Councils The Mayor of Murrumbidgee Shire Cr Austin Evans raised the issue of the future role and functions of ROCs, vis-à-vis the proposed establishment of legislated Joint Organisations during 2016.

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The meeting felt that this matter can be more effectively dealt with at the February 2016 meeting, when the boundaries, role and functions of the new Joint Organisation/s covering the RAMROC region may have been finally determined.

RESOLVED that this matter be referred for further consideration at the February 2016 meeting(Moved Greater Hume and seconded Deniliquin)10.2 – Letter to Councils Mayors dated 11 th November 2015 from Premier Mike Baird MP and Local Government Minister Paul Toole MP – re Fit for the Future

The Mayor of Leeton Shire Cr Paul Maytom referred to the terms of paragraph 5 of the letter to Mayors of 11th November, in particular the words “and the guarantee the Government has given on services, infrastructure, rates and local representation”

RESOLVED that a letter be written to the Premier and Cabinet Office and the LG Minister’s office, requesting advice as to what guarantees the Government has specifically given, and to whom such guarantees have been made(Moved Leeton and seconded Murrumbidgee)

There being no further business, the RAMROC meeting concluded at 12.20 pm

MRRR 4 – MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING OF 13 TH NOVEMBER 2016

MRRR 5 – PRESENTATIONS

Item 5.1 - Shelley Scoullar – Co-ordinator “Speak Up” Campaign – MD Basin Plan and Food Production

Shelley is a Deniliquin district ricegrower and mother of 3 children, who is passionate about irrigation and food production. “Speak Up” is a grassroots campaign which originated from members of the West Berriquin Irrigators Inc. The thrust of the campaign is the need to educate the public about the importance of food production and the impact that the Basin Plan is having on the region’s communities.Shelley will be accompanied by Vicki Meyer, former Chair of West Berriquin Irrigation Inc

Item 5.2 – Cr Austin Evans – Chairman Steering Committee of the “Faith in a Basin Future” program

Austin will speak about the Faith in a Basin Future program initiated in the Murray and Murrumbidgee region to establish community based training and mentoring programs for people in irrigation communities who are being impacted by the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

Item 5.3 – Jacqui Bright Project Manager RAMROC and REROC Contaminated Land Management Project

This is a joint RAMROC and REROC 3 year Program funded by the NSW EPA to address the development of policies and procedures for managing contaminated lands in 26 Council areas across the Riverina Murray. Jacqui will provide a brief update on the project which commenced in January 2015. Backgroundinformation is separately attached.

MRRR 6 – EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORTS

Item 6.1 – Fit for the Future – LG Minister’s Merger Proposals - RAMROC Councils

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In early January 2016, the NSW Minister for Local Government the Hon Paul Toole MP announced that he had referred a significant number of Council merger proposals throughout the State to the Acting Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government, for examination and report by the end of March 2016.

The merger proposals if adopted are proposed to reduce the number of Councils in NSW from 152 to 112, in the Sydney metropolitan area from 43 to 25 and in regional areas from 109 to 87.

Based on a Government commissioned KPMG report, the Minister’s proposals claim that the mergers will result in state wide financial benefits of $2 billion over 20 years, as well as other benefits of creating stronger councils and providing improved services to communities.

The OLG Chief Executive subsequently appointed Delegates to examine the proposals and to submit reports to the Boundaries Commission and the Minister. The Delegates are currently receiving submissions closing on 26th February and have conducted public inquiries during the first two weeks of February.

The Minister’s proposals for the RAMROC region are as follows:- To merge Deniliquin and Conargo Shire (appointed Delegate is Mr Mike Eden) To merge Murray and Wakool Shires(appointed Delegate is Ms Cheryl Thomas) To merge Berrigan Shire and the southern part of Jerilderie Shire (appointed Delegate is Mr Tim

Stubbs) To merge Murrumbidgee Shire and the northern part of Jerilderie Shire (appointed Delegate is Mr

Tim Stubbs) To merge Corowa, Urana and Lockhart Shires (appointed Delegate is Mr Mike Eden)

Jerilderie Shire has subsequently lodged a separate proposal to merge the whole of Jerilderie and Murrumbidgee Shires. The OLG Acting Chief Executive has appointed Mr Tim Stubbs as the Delegate to examine the proposal and report to the Minister.Submissions for this proposal close on 8th April 2016.

It appears likely that the Minister will consider the reports of the Delegates and Boundaries Commission during April/May and that Governor’s Proclamations for the establishment of merged entities could be made shortly thereafter. Potentially, the Governor’s Proclamation could provide for the new entities to commence on the date of proclamation, or at the start of the next Financial Year on 1st July 2016, or at a later date to provide more time for an orderly transition.

The question of a transition period was considered at the General Managers Group meeting on 29 th January 2016, at which the following resolution was carried:-

RESOLVED that RAMROC make representations to the Premier and Minister for Local Government, as well as to the appointed Delegates reporting on the Minister’s merger proposals, drawing attention to the broad range and complexity of specific transitional issues that will need to be addressed by Councils involved in a merger and requesting that sufficient time be allowed to address those issues between the date of the Governor’s Proclamation and the scheduled commencement date of the newly merged Entity

Because submissions to the Delegates on the Minister’s Proposals close on 28th February and prior to this RAMROC Board meeting, letters have already been written to the Premier and Minister and the appointed Delegates. Endorsement of this action taken is recommended.

Submissions made to the Delegates, together with the examination and reporting by the Delegates on the merger proposals, are specifically related to the list of factors prescribed in Section 263 of the Local Government Act. These factors generally include financial considerations, communities of interest, elected representation, employment of staff, service and facilities, and the views of residents and ratepayers.

The question of Joint Organisations and their relevancy to any newly merged entities is apparently not a matter for consideration by the Delegates. It seems very clear that the Minister and OLG intend to treat Joint Organisations as an entirely separate issue and to wait until the new LGA boundaries have been determined.

Under those circumstances, it is not appropriate that a RAMROC written submission on Joint Organisations be made to the Delegates by the 28th February, nor at any of the Public Inquiries held in the region.

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Nevertheless, Minister Toole and the Office of Local Government have confirmed that Expressions of Interest for two additional Joint Organisations (“Early Starter JOs”) will be invited in coming weeks, to join the program of the five Pilot JOs which have been working over the past year and in respect of which OLG will shortly deliver a Final Report.

This matter was also dealt with at the January 29 General Managers Group meeting, at which time it was resolved as follows:-

RESOLVED that it be recommended to the RAMROC Board that at the appropriate time an Expression of Interest be lodged with the State Government for RAMROC’s proposed Murray and Murrumbidgee Joint Organisation (MAMJO) to be selected as one of the two “Early Starter” Joint Organisations.

The MAMJO proposal, in accordance the adopted RAMROC policy position, provides for a 14 member Council Joint Organisation, with provision for Associate Membership for Wentworth and Balranald Shires (part of the Government’s Far West Region) and Greater Hume and Urana Shires (part of the Riverina Pilot Joint Organisation).

The proposal also makes provision for the overarching JO region to provide administrative and technical resources for specific functions, activities or projects at a sub-regional level (Upper Murray Group, Mid Murray Group and Murrumbidgee Group), as may be appropriate from time to time.

The map below indicates RAMROC’s proposed boundaries for MAMJO and for the Riverina JO. The two Joint Organisations nest exactly within the State Government’s DP&E boundaries for the Riverina Murray region, which is a requirement of the Government for determining the final Joint Organisation boundaries.

The current merger proposals under consideration will likely have some bearing on the final boundaries of the Joint Organisations in the Riverina Murray region, in particular the proposed Corowa, Urana and Lockhart proposal. These merger outcomes will be able to be managed at the appropriate time.

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Recommendations1. That RAMROC endorse the resolution of the General Managers Group and the action taken

in relation to the question of an adequate transition period for commencement of a newly merged entity

2. That RAMROC endorse the recommendation of the General Managers Group to submit an Expression of Interest for the proposed Murray and Murrumbidgee Joint Organisation (MAMJO) as one of the two “Early Starter” Joint Organisations

3. That this meeting determine any further action to be taken arising from the Government’s merger proposals and the processes carried out to date

Item 6.2 – Review of the Local Government Act Development – Phase 1 Consultation

On 8th January the Office of Local Government advised that consultation on the Phase 1 proposed amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 has commenced and will close on 15th March 2016.

Phase 1 of the process focuses mainly on changes to governance and strategic planning matters. The follow up Phase 2 will focus on the ways in which Councils raise revenue and exercise their regulatory functions.

OLG has distributed to all Councils an Explanatory Paper on the proposed Phase 1 amendments entitled “Towards New Local Government Legislation”.

Feedback is to be made via an online survey. I suggest that it would be appropriate for RAMROC to provide a regional perspective on the proposed amendments, which to a large extent seem generally sensible and soundly based. However, there are likely to be some aspects on which RAMROC Councils will want to make specific comment.

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The Explanatory Paper is divided into the following sections:-

1. Guiding principles for the Act and local government2. Structural framework of local government3. The governing body of Councils4. Elections5. Councils’ workforce6. Ethical standards7. Councils’ strategic framework8. Council performance

In brief summary, the main points set out in each of the sections are as follows:-

1. Guiding principles of the Act and local government

Proposes amendments to the Act in relation to the Purposes of the LG Act; the Role of local government and the Guiding Principles of local government

2. Structural framework and local government

Proposes amendments to the Act in relation to the role of the governing body; the number of councillors (amends S.224 to require that councils must have an odd number of Councillors and Mayor); Rural Councils (allows for application to Minister for one-off approval to reduce the number of Councillors and abolish wards without the need for a constitutional referendum), removes the current restriction that prevents applications to reduce the number of Councillors in each ward to less than 3, and reduces the number of council meetings held in any year to below the current prescribed minimum of 10

3. The governing body of councils

Proposes amendments to describe the role of the Mayor; increases the term of Mayors elected by the Councillors to a minimum of 2 years, with an option for a four year term; makes it compulsory for Councillors to vote in a mayoral election (e.g. by proxy, phone, video conference or electronic means); and clarifies the circumstances under which the office of Mayor becomes vacant; the role of Councillors and the term of office becoming vacant; mandatory Oath or Affirmation by Councillors; provision of expenses and facilities and requirements; requirement for professional development training for Mayors and Councillors; the role of Administrators; appointment of Financial Controllers; Codes of Meeting Practice and delegation of functions (including removing the restriction on the delegation of acceptance of tenders)

4. Elections

Proposes amendments to make available an option to Councils to the adopt universal posting voting system

5. Councils’ workforce

Proposes amendments in relation to determination of an organisation structure (on advice of the General Manager and in accord with the CSP and Delivery Program); the role of General Managers and removing the requirement for General Managers to report annually on the contracted conditions of senior staff

6. Ethical Standards

Proposes amendments to replicate in the Model Code of Conduct the Act and Regulation provisions relating to disclosure of pecuniary interests and the management of conflicts of interest; and amending the provisions for dealing with complaints alleging breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions

7. Council’s strategic framework

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Proposes amendments to establish overarching IP&R principles and requirement for strategic business planning in accordance with those principles; setting by Regulation the prescriptive detail of IP&R; requiring a Council’s CSPs to identify key regional priorities and strategies and for delivery programs to address them and also to capture all Council activities; requirement for revenue policies to ensure financial sustainability and to provide a clear rationale for how rating systems are structured; and expanding the scope of councils’ community engagement strategies

8. Council performance

Proposes amendments to require that Annual Report information be endorsed by an internal audit committee; councils required to establish an internal audit committee with a majority of independent members and an independent Chair; removing the requirement for councils to include a full State of Environment Report in the Annual Report every four years; Councils to report on environmental objectives set out in the CSP through their Annual Reports and 4 yearly end of term report; introduction of a performance management and reporting framework (modified version of one recently adopted in Victoria); mandating that all councils must have an internal audit function in compliance with OLG Guidelines (General Managers not to be members of the internal audit committee but may attend unless specifically excluded); empowering the Auditor General to conduct issue based performance audits in key activity areas; setting financial management objectives and principles to align with IP&R frameworks; establishing a principles based approach for sound financial management; and placing Local Government audits under the aegis of the NSW Auditor-General

The proposed amendments were discussed at the General Managers Group meeting on 29th January and as a result a number of suggested changes have been identified and are briefly summarised below. These suggested changes are recommended by the GMs Group for RAMROC Board endorsement. Further suggestions by Mayors, Councillors and General Managers are encouraged for discussion at this meeting.

The General Managers’ Comments on the Phase 1 amendments are as follows:-

Clause 1.1 – Purposes of the Local Government ActComment: The proposed amendment to create a system of Local Government should be changed to also include the word “independent”, so that it reads as follows:- “to create a system of local government that is independent, democratically elected, engages with and is accountable to the community, is sustainable, flexible, effective and maximises value for money”Clause 1.3 – The guiding principles of Local Government Comment: The proposed amendment final dot point should include the words ”work together”, so that it reads as follows:- “endeavour to work together, involve and support its staff”

Clause 2.1 - The role of the governing bodyComment: The following proposed amendment (dot point 8) should be deleted, as the words are strictly operational and contrary to the other proposed roles of the governing body which are more strategic:- “to make decisions necessary for the proper exercise of the council’s regulatory functions”

Clause 2.3 – Rural councilsComment: The proposed amendment allows small rural councils to apply to the Minister for a reduction in councillor numbers and a reduction in the number of meetings, but only on a “one-off” approval basis.The words “one-off” should be removed, because the right to make an application should be available at any time

Clause 3.1 – The role of the MayorComment: The 9th dot point of the proposed amendments provides for the Mayor to “advise, manage and provide strategic direction to the General Manager in accordance with the council’s strategic plans and policies”The word ”manage” should be deleted, because it is actually the role of the Council itself to manage the General Manager, not the Mayor individually. Otherwise, there is potential to “politicise” the role of the General Manager and to undermine the role of the Council as the governing body.

Clause 3.2 – The Mayor’s term of officeComment: The proposed amendments provide that Mayors that are elected by Councillors will hold office for a minimum of two years, with the option of electing a person to the office for a whole four year term. It is

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also proposed that that it be compulsory for Councillors to vote in a Mayoral election and this can be by proxy (telephone, video conference or electronic means).

However, is also proposed that if a Councillor is not present and has not cast a vote by proxy, phone etc and the remaining Councillors are an even number, then one of those Councillors must be excluded from voting by way of a draw from the hat. This does not seem to be any improvement on the current method of drawing from a hat when the votes are equal, so this proposal serves no purpose and should be deleted.

Clause 3.7 – Mayor / Councillor professional development Comment: The level of detail as proposed in the amendment and which is required to be included in the Council’s Annual Report is too onerous. Also, the obligations on Councillors to participate in training or development programs are not applied to persons elected to NSW State Parliament. These proposed amendments should be deleted.

Clause 3.9 – Financial Controllers (where a Financial Controller has been appointed to a Council)Comment: Councils should not be micro-managed to the point that every individual payment must be signed off by the Financial Controller. This proposed amendment should be deleted.

Clause 5.1. – Determination of the organisation structureComment: The proposed amendments perpetuate the confusion of the existing legislation and need to be removed in order to restore clarity between the roles of Councillors and the General Manager in determining the organisation structure. Minor changes to structure as part of day to day operation do not warrant “consultation with the governing body” and the proposed amendments are a retrograde step and contrary to the role of the General Manager and should be deleted

Clause 5.2 – The role of the General Manager in appointing staffComment: The proposed amendments should be changed to clarify that the General Manger has the power to appoint staff in accordance with the approved organisation structure

Clause 7.3 – Councils’ integrated planning to reflect regional prioritiesComment: There is an opportunity for Clause 7.3 to include a reference to the role of the newly created Joint Organisation if and/or /when they JOs legislated

Clause 7.6 – Expanded scope of Councils’ community engagement strategiesComment: The words ”other than routine business as usual operations” serve no purpose and should be deleted.

Clause 8.1 – Annual ReportsComment: The proposed amendments require that the information in a Council’s Annual Report is to be endorsed as factually correct by the Internal Audit Committee.

However, this is not practical and the Internal Audit Committee should not be charged with this responsibility. It would be extremely time consuming for an Internal Audit Committee to gain sufficient knowledge to be in a position to endorse the content of an Annual Report. It is the General Manager’s responsibility to ensure that the information in the Annual Report is accurate.As such the proposed amendment should be deleted

Clause 8.4 – Internal AuditComment: The proposed amendments provide that General Managers may not be members of an Audit Committee (but may attend meetings unless excluded by the Committee). However, the circumstances where the General Manager may be excluded by the Committee should be specified and not left open to the discretion of the Committee.

As an overarching comment, the value adding role and importance of Internal Audit Committees are recognised, but they should not be allowed to subvert the authority of the democratically elected body which they have the potential to do. The role of the Audit Committee should be to assist the governing body and management to add value and promote continuous improvement in the performance of a Council’s functions, not to take over.

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RAMROC Mayors and General Managers may wish to provide further input at the meeting, so that a comprehensive response can be provided to OLG by the 15th March deadline.

Recommendation1. That the RAMROC Board endorse the above comments made by the General Managers

Group in response to the Phase 1 Amendments.

2. That together with other comments made and any additional matters endorsed at this Board Meeting that a co-ordinated RAMROC response on the proposed Phase 1 amendments be submitted to the Office of Local Government by the deadline date of 15th March 2016

Item 63 – RAMROC Regional Freight Transport Plan

The following report from Brad Ferris Director Engineering at Albury City, on behalf of the RAMROC Engineers Group, was submitted to the 29 January meeting of the General Managers Group. Brad attended that meeting and gave a verbal presentation regarding the project.

The General Managers Group has now recommended that the Freight Transport Plan be formally endorsed by the RAMROC Board. Brad’s report is as follows:-

Regional Freight Transport PlanPurpose of Report

To seek endorsement of the RAMROC Regional Freight Transport Plan.

Background

During 2015 the RAMROC Engineers Group expressed a desire to manage freight transportation across Council boundaries and the broader region. Therefore a project was initiated to develop a Regional Freight Transport Plan. The project aimed to investigate and detail the freight infrastructure network demands from a regional perspective. The implementation of integrated transport solutions for the region is an overriding goal of the project and to this end road, rail and air transport networks have been considered.

Issues

With the freight task in NSW expected to double over the next 15 years, adding significant pressure to existing infrastructure, it is timely that Councils and other authorities consider a regional approach to transport planning, mapping freight corridors and constraints.

The goals of the Plan include:

develop a network of identified freight corridors that facilitate the efficient and effective movement of freight within and through the region;

support the development and implementation of integrated freight transport solutions; remove identified road constraints; and support the growth and development of logistics solutions that improve freight movements.

The NSW Freight and Ports Strategy has estimated that by 2031 the freight task in NSW will almost double to 794 million tonnes. Transport for NSW has forecast growth in 17 supply chains, the majority of which are generated or have destinations within our region, including:

manufacturing; meat and livestock; grain; timber and paper; retail;

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non-grain bulk agriculture; wine; horticulture and fresh produce; cotton; and wool.

Each Council has identified and mapped their respective freight routes, modal points, industries serviced and constraints. In order to achieve a common approach in determining regional priorities, a weighted matrix was developed and a resultant score has been allocated for each constraint. This approach was consistent with the recently completed Regional Freight Transport Plan by the neighbouring Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC). Having a consistent plan structure and assessment across regions allows valuable freight information to be mapped for not only interlinking Councils but broader regions.

The Plan encompasses all classifications of roads, regardless of hierarchy, ownership or control. The Plan also reviews rail networks (operational and non-operational) as well as air freight modal points. Sixty three freight routes have been identified in the Plan with individual freight route maps included for major industries such as grain, livestock, minerals and cotton. Within these freight routes 157 constraints have been detailed. The Plan has been established within a wider context of NSW State planning and aligns with the objectives of the NSW State Priorities, NSW Master Transport Plan, NSW Freight and Ports Strategy, Murray-Murrumbidgee Regional Transport Plan and Riverina and Murray Lower Darling Regional Action Plans.

The Plan is a valuable tool for ongoing discussions and negotiations with industry, State and Federal Governments as well as other freight related authorities and stakeholders. Specifically, it will assist Councils with the following activities: identify existing regional freight corridors and their constraints; promote designated regional freight corridors to users and potential users; develop long term infrastructure plans; encourage transport and logistics development on identified corridors; promote the use of multiple transport modes for freight movement; develop and implement integrated transport solutions; support infrastructure funding submissions; and promote Councils, governments and industry to work collaboratively on freight solutions.

The Plan has reached “Final Draft” status after being reviewed by individual Councils a number of times. It is proposed that this Plan be presented to the RAMROC General Meeting for endorsement on 10 February 2016, following consideration by the General Manager’s Group (29 January 2016). Hard copies of the Plan will be distributed at the General Manager’s Group meeting for information and reference. Once endorsed, the Plan will be introduced to relevant industry stakeholders and government authorities. The Plan will be underpinned by a comprehensive on-line mapping facility detailing freight routes, modal points, constraints and pinch points. Users will be able to view and manipulate the mapping layers to discover information about freight transport in the region. This task will be undertaken in conjunction with REROC and finalised by the RAMROC Engineering Group during 2016.

ConclusionDuring 2015 the RAMROC Engineering Group has developed a Regional Freight Transport Plan to assist in managing the predicted high growth in freight demand over the next 15 years. The Plan identifies road, rail and air freight transportation routes, modal points and constraints which will support a strategic and holistic approach to freight management. It will be a valuable resource for all stakeholders, including discussions with government agencies and industry. Further development of the Plan is scheduled during 2016 with the implementation of an on-line mapping/information facility and integration with the REROC Regional Freight Transport Plan.

Following the General Managers meeting, some additional input has been received from Councils and the Plan has been updated and is now finalised. A new electronic copy has been distributed to all Councils.

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On a cross border regional freight transport basis, NSW Roads and Maritime and VicRoads have engaged Deloitte and SMEC Australia Pty Ltd to prepare an investment prioritisation strategy for the maintenance and upgrade of bridge and ferry crossings on the Murray River between the NSW coast line and the South Australian border.

The RAMROC Freight Transport Plan will link to that strategy, in that it identifies Murray River crossings that currently have freight transport constraints, specifically at Echuca/Moama and at Swan Hill .

The Plan also has relevance to the current NSW Government Intermodal Taskforce Study in relation to road/rail intermodal freight transport facilities throughout the State. In the RAMROC Freight Transport Plan intermodal facilities are located at Ettamogah (near Albury), Griffith and Tocumwal.

It is intended that the Freight Transport Plan as a working document will be updated on a regular six monthly basis through ongoing input from Member Councils.

RecommendationThat the Executive Officer’s report be received and noted and that the RAMROC Regional Freight Transport Plan be formally endorsed

Item 6.4 – The Jerilderie Proposition – Official Recognition of Sir John Monash

A letter has been received from Cr Ruth McRae Mayor of Jerilderie Shire, seeking the support of RAMROC Councils to the Jerilderie Proposition, which seeks official recognition and posthumous promotion of Sir John Monash.

The Jerilderie Proposition is as follows:-

“Following on the outstanding contribution of Sir John Monash to State and Nation before, during and after World War 1 and reflecting the fact that Sir John Monash received no Australian Awards or Honours post November 2018, the Prime Minister approve by Government Gazette publication, the posthumous promotion of one step in rank of General Sir John Monash to the rank of Australian Field Marshall, with effect 11th November 1930, one year after Sir John Monash was eventually promoted to the rank of General”

The Jerilderie Proposition emanates from a book written by former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer titled “Maestro John Monash”, which was launched in both Jerilderie and Melbourne in 2014. The Council has submitted the proposition to the Prime Minister through the Federal Member for Farrer the Hon Sussan Ley MP for consideration.

Recommendation1. That RAMROC resolve to support Jerilderie Shire Council in its representations to Prime

Minister the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, seeking the official recognition and posthumous promotion of General Sir John Monash one step in rank to Field Marshall with effect 11th November 1930.

2. That RAMROC exhort the support of the Federal Member for Farrer the Hon Sussan Ley MP (Minister for Health, Aged Care and Sport) and the Member for Riverina the Hon Michael McCormack MP (Assistant Minister for Defence)

Item 6.5 – MDBA Annual Report 2014-2015 and Summer Update Report Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder

The following Reports have recently been released and copies are separately attached for information of RAMROC Delegates:-

1. Murray Darling Basin Authority – 2014-2015 Annual Report (52 pages)

2. Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) Update – Summer 2015-2016 (4 pages)

Some of the key features contained in those reports are as follows:-

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MDBA Annual Report 2014-2015

MDBA continued to collect information to assess how communities are adjusting to change and to the impacts of the Basin Plan

New water trading rules took effect, improving opportunities for water uses to manage risks As at 30th June 2015, 1,951 GL (71%) of the water recovery target of 2,750 GL has been recovered A further $550 million was invested in water efficiency infrastructure on farms and water delivery

systems Water purchases in the Basin were capped by introduced legislation at 1,500 GL The basin wide environmental watering strategy was published, which sets long term measurable

outcomes and provides guidance on watering strategies Whole of basin received over 2,000 GL of environmental watering – water was re-used to provide

multiple benefits downstream Monitoring showed improvements for native fish, waterbirds and vegetation in response to watering

events New water management structures were tested, which were designed to maximise the use of

environmental water Three aboriginal communities trialled the Aboriginal Waterways Assessment tool to measure river

and wetland health Basin Governments are working to develop projects to reduce the water recovery target and to

develop proposals to deliver environmental water more efficiently MDBA and States worked with communities to better understand the effects of constraints

management strategies

Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) - 2015-2016 Summer Update

Water management strategies have taken account of there being less water available in the system

A combination of carryover, water delivery and small trade of allocations has been used to maximise environmental outcomes

130 woodland and wetland bird species were identified in the Macquarie Marshes Bird Count Evidence of successful spawning in the Lachlan and Edward-Wakool systems, including flat-

headed Gudgeon, Murray Cod, Olive Perchlet and Obscure Galaxias Evidence of the nationally endangered Southern Bell Frog in the mid- Murrumbidgee wetlands Whole of system watering actions delivered to the River Murray, using 2014-2015 carryover - has

yielded positive outcomes for the Barmah and Millewa Forests, growth of moira grass, breeding of over 1,000 pairs of water birds and spawning of golden perch and the endangered silver perch

Above average rainfall and delivery of significant volumes of environmental water have improved conditions in the Lower Lakes and Coorong

555 GL of Commonwealth environmental water has been delivered since July to maintain barrage flow to the Coorong through to November 2015. A further 150 GL will be delivered between January and June 2016.

Arrangements are in hand for the RAMROC Executive Committee to have a roundtable meeting in Deniliquin in the near future with the new MDBA Chief Executive Phillip Glyde and Chair Neil Andrew. A date for this meeting has yet to be set. Other interested Mayors/General Managers are invited to participate, although the aim is to have a maximum panel of around 8 RAMROC members.

Recommendation 1. That the Executive Officer’s report be received and noted. 2. That a small panel of around 8 be formed to meet with the MDBA Chair and Chief Executive

in Deniliquin on a date to be set in March or April

Item 6.6 – Multicultural NSW – Appointment of Regional Advisory Councils

The NSW Minister for Multiculturism the Hon John Ajaka MP is encouraging people to play a part in building and maintaining a cohesive and harmonious society within their region, by applying to participate in a new network of 12 Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) being established across the State (5 in Metropolitan Sydney and 7 in regional NSW) .

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The Regional Advisory Councils will identify issues that affect their communities and will work with a range of community groups, specialist service providers and government agencies to increase access, opportunity and participation for all NSW residents and to promote the benefits of cultural diversity.

The RACs represent the front line of community engagement and provide Multicultural NSW with an essential connection to people of culturally and linguistically diverse background. They play a vital role in the development and maintenance of relationships between different levels of government, community organisations and multicultural community groups.

Within the RAMROC region, there will be two Regional Advisory Councils, one for the Riverina region and one for the Murray-Lower Darling region. Each RAC, which will comprise 8 Community Members and 7 Government Members, is planned to be established and operational by March / April 2016.Ordinary meetings of RACs are to be held every three months.

Multicultural NSW has met with community representatives and myself on two occasions and is currently in the process of assessing the applications which have been received for appointment as Community Members to each RAC. As part of this process, it has been identified that it is very important to establish a mechanism for ongoing collaboration and communication with Councils and their communities, and that this can most effectively be achieved through participation in RACs by a representative from a ROC or Joint Organisation, or alternatively from a significant lead council in the region.

In this regard, RAMROC has been asked to consider nominating a member council officer to each of the two RACs in the Government Member category. In my view, these officers would ideally be a Community Services Director, Manager or Project Officer, who would provide an effective interface and exchange of information between the RAC, RAMROC, Councils and community organisations.

RAMROC’s resources are available to assist the officers in distributing information and for other administrative requirements.

RecommendationThat RAMROC accept the invitation from Multicultural NSW for one Council Officer to be appointedto the Riverina RAC and one to the Murray-Lower-Darling RAC and that expressions of interest from Councils be channelled through RAMROC to Multicultural NSW for consideration

MRRR 7 – RAMROC FINANCIAL REPORTS – FOR PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

Attached are the RAMROC Financial Reports for the 2015-2016 year, for the period ended 31st December 2015. The reports include the income and expenditure summaries and account balances for the following funds:-

General Account Summary – funds balance $200,901 Murray Waste Group Account – funds balance $608,357 Riverina Waste Group Account – funds balance $586,577 Litter Prevention Account – project completed – nil balance Contaminated Land Management Account - funds balance $140,783

Total equity as 31.12.2016 stands at $1,536, 618

The General Account income and expenditure amounts are generally in accord with the 2015-2016 Budget and no significant variations are expected through to the end of June.

Both the Murray and Riverina Waste Accounts are holding considerable funds on hand at present, although program development and expenditures are expected to increase significantly in the second half of this financial year.

RecommendationThat the RAMROC Financial reports for the period ended 31st December 2015 be adopted

MRRR 8 – RAMROC DRAFT STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL PLAN 2016-2018

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The attached draft Strategic and Operational Plan for 2016-2018 was submitted to and discussed at the General Managers Group meeting held on 29th January 2016.

The General Managers Group resolved to adopt the draft Plan and to refer it to the RAMROC Board for consideration and adoption

RecommendationThat the draft RAMROC Strategic and Operational Plan, subject to any Board changes or additions, be formally adopted

MRRR 9 – REPORTS OF WORKING GROUP MEETINGS , AS FOLLOWS:-9.1 RAMROC Engineers Group – 4th November 20159.2 RAMROC Integrated Planning and Reporting Network – 19th November 20159.3 RAMROC Riverina Waste Management Group – 2nd December 20159.4 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group – 4th December 20159.5 RAMROC General Managers Group – 29th January 20169.6 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group – 10th February 2016

Item 9.1 – Minutes of Engineers Group Meeting – 4 th November 2015

MINUTES OF THE RAMROC ENGINEERS MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE4 November 2015 at 10.00am

Present: David Tamlyn Jerilderie Shire (Chair)Brad Ferris Albury CityAndrew Lawson Albury CityFred Exton Berrigan ShireMyles Humphries Berrigan ShireKen Thompson Carrathool ShireGeoff Lewis Corowa ShireMark Dalzell Deniliquin CouncilGreg Blackie Greater Hume ShireDallas Bibby Griffith CityMajit Chugha Griffith CityGraham Gordon Griffith CityGreg Stewart Hay ShireColin Sandford Jerilderie Shire Barry Heins Leeton ShireLeigh Robbins Murray ShireGary Randhawa Murrumbidgee ShireKrishna Shrestha Narrandera ShireFrank Dyrssen Narrandera Shire

Apologies;Denis Gelle Jerilderie ShireBernie Maxwell Griffith CityChris Lashbrook Leeton Shire

GuestsPeter Ledwos DPI WaterWarwick Brown DPI WaterMonique Aarts Advanced Environmental SystemsMeeting Opened 10.00am

David welcomed Peter Ledwos and Warwick Brown, DPI Water

Confirmation of Minutes - of the meetings held 7 August 2015 moved Ken Thompson and seconded Dallas Bibby that the minutes of these meetings be accepted.

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Presentation – Peter Ledwos and Warwick Brown, DPI Water – Achieving Best Practice – Integrated Water Cycle Management

- Any issues relating to Best Practice Requirements should be directed to Peter and Warwick.- Many councils need to update their IWCM- Checklist is available – better guidance – IWCMs produced with more standard plans.- IWCM – Shapes Business; SBP – Runs Business.- IWCM organises the information

Part 1 - Issues paper (find problems)Part 2 - Strategy (answer problems)

- Use checklist to complete the evaluation study & work out issues – if not many issues some of checklist not used – speak to DPI Water.

- Benefits of Regional ConsultancySavings in consultancy fees – travelling, meeting costs.Regional issues can be addressed.Resource sharing / information sharing.Separate IWCM for each council.

- IWCM Consultants BriefEssential – Schematic of Water Supply Schemes.Population – serviced / unserviced.IssuesLatest Capital works plan.Ask For – schedule of pricesOption to withdraw from strategyPrice for presentation to PRGPrice for facilitating the PRG meeting & minutes.

- Funding and support – funding available.DPI to look at preferred tender, issues paper, strategy

- Drinking Water Quality Management Plans – required by NSW Health; better to have before IWCM, based on Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

- Trade Waste Policy & ApprovalsProtects staffEncourages efficient use of resourcesProtects infrastructureEnables appropriate pricing.

- Best to employ a consultant for trade waste.- Biggest benefit of best practice – performance of utilities shown to be doing a great job; pricing up

to date- Best Practice may become mandatory as a regulatory issue.

Agenda Items

Greg Blackie – RAMROC Regional Freight Transport Plan- Greg distributed a draft copy of the Plan to all Council’s present. Need answers to missing

information by next Friday 13 November 2015.- Greg will email information to David to distribute.- Second round of fixing Country Roads – using this plan will assist applications.- Look at the maps pages 9-12 and let Greg know if anything needs to be added.- Pages 14-25 list all constraints and scored matrix – all highlighted pages need a matrix asap.- Constraints descriptions need to be clear – if asking for funding the problem needs to be clearly

stated.- Any changes – scan page and send to Greg.- Any information on hubs needs to be sent to Greg.- Thanks to Greg and staff for a great job done.

ProcurementRay and Bernie are apologies to today’s meeting.

- A spreadsheet was sent out to gauge Council’s needs over the next 12 months.- Suggested that we are already getting prices for next 12 months and need to look at 2016/2017.- May be hard to have specification to suit all Councils.- Trucks / utilities should be fairly similar.- Maybe need to have another look at this issue in March 2016.

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- Water and Sewerage Chemical tenders discussed.Some Council’s joining Victorian councils to purchase water chemicals.

RMS / RMCC Steering Committee- Task Group has been formed – Craig Moffitt, General Manager Jerilderie Shire is on the Task

Group Committee.- RAMROC issues will be passed on to Craig. If anyone has any issues please let David know.- Contract - should be announced by 15 December if a new contract will be offered or an extension.

Expect a one year extension.

NSW Grain Harvest Management Scheme- This scheme has been extended.- Discussed at RMS Consultative Committee – looking for a blanket sign off.

Training- Blue & Yellow Card being organised with TC Training.- White Card online training.- Telstra Copper Line location – Berrigan looking for training. Ron Dillion will attend next meeting regarding new Mines Legislation.

David has been invited to attend a REROC meeting to discuss RMCC.

Hay Shire are looking at installing reservoir probes – if anyone has any information please pass on.

Jerilderie’s new tower has been completed at the filtration plant if anyone wants to take a look.

Narrandera requested information regarding new gravel pits – DA etc

David Kerslake has left our region and is now working for NT Government in Darwin.

A presentation was made to Dallas Bibby on his retirement on behalf of RAMROC. Congratulations Dallas.

Meeting closed 1.00pm. Next meeting Wednesday 3 February 2016 at 10.00amItem 9.2 Minutes of Integrated Planners Group Meeting – 2 nd November 2015

RAMROC INTEGRATED PLANNERS NETWORK GROUPMEETING HELD: 19 November 2015JERILDERIE COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1.Present: Ray Stubbs (RAMROC); Penny Davies (Carathool), Duncan McWhirter (Leeton), Craig Taylor (Narrandera), Mark Dowling (Hay), Kate DeHennin (Albury City), Susan Appleyard (Jerilderie)Guest: Trudi McDonald Regional Coordinator Apologies: Alison Bland (Murrumbidgee), Leanne Austin (Griffith), Shireen Donaldson (Griffith), Des Bilske (Deniliquin), Terri McGuire (Deniliquin), David Smith (Greater Hume)

Items of Business Discussion /Action

2. Business ArisingFeedback re: Martin Bass

Workshop – IPR & FFF Brilliant for those with limited exposure to IPR Workshop was useful

Performance Reporting Project Kate provided feedback that the working party she had been involved with had not met – so no update from that perspective

Network noted that upcoming LGProfessionals NSW) Integrated Planners Network Forum includes Session on Theory and Practice of Performance Indicators – Sydney 27 Nov 10.00 am – 1.30 pm.

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Items of Business Discussion /Action

3. Integrated Planning: Learning and Professional Development

Network discussed key requirements and timing of the End of Term Report.Thanks to Kate for information and feedback on the process undertaken by Albury City. Albury’s report was both qualitative and quantitative with data sourced from Agencies that were identified in the Albury City CSP. Key issue for End of Term Report is that it Reports on the Progress toward achieving CSP outcomes/objectives. Discussed Best Practice – State of Shire or LGA Reporting and internal resources required to undertake. Meaning it is generally more than an aggregation of Delivery Program Progress ReportsKey IssuesCouncillors need to be engaged in its developmentReporting Framework reflect CSP outcomes / Evaluation around the progress toward CSP outcomes and or quality of life improvementMust be tabled by the Council at the last Council Meeting of the outgoing CouncilMust not be used by Councillors as electoral materialEnd of Term Report – basis for review of CSPLimited information in OLG Guidelines re: EOTRState of Environment Report – being considered for the region Councils can then access data that may be relevant to environmental outcomes identified in their CSP

End of Term Report

Community Engagement Reflection and Discussion

What is working?More resources and internal commitment to engaging communitiesFor some social media is effective, for others this has not been as effectiveWhat has changed?Recognition that public meetings / public notices requesting submission are not necessarily the best way of engaging affected communities or usersWhat new engagement methods are being used?Targeted engagement methods – dependent on issue, stakeholders to be engaged. Resource Tabled – ‘A Guide to Engagement Techniques’ developed to improve health service planning it includes upwards of 50 different engagement techniques, when to use, resources required, level of innovationResource Sharing and Support –A number of Council’s used a consultant to prepare Community Engagement Strategy/CSPs – EOT Reporting and Review of CSP will require a evaluation of Engagement Strategies used and Review / Development of new Engagement Strategy.Action: Network members with inhouse expertise experience able to assist on request e.g: Leeton, Berrigan, Albury

CSP Development – Consultancy EOI Documentation

Craig discussed the process going forward for Council’s that are considering engaging Consultants to review/develop new CSP. Discussed that no single or agreed EOI / Specification used in the region. Further the consultant who had undertaken this work is now no longer working as a Consultant . LG Procurement has a list of consultants able to undertake this work. Craig has also contacted Micromex and Sauce Communications. Ray mentioned that if there is sufficient interest RAMROC may consider developing specification/EOI for interested Councils similar to State of Environment Reporting

IP&R Conference Wyong Topics covered included100 Cities Resilience FrameworkOLG & Legislative ChangeFFF & IPRCase Studies in Jos & Alignment of CommunityGrants with CSPEnd of Term Reporting – Peer Review

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Items of Business Discussion /ActionAction: Jo to distribute copies of presentations to network

5. Community Strategic Plans/ Planning and other Agencies

Regional Planning / Coordinator Trudi McDonald DPCTrudi introduced herself and provided and overview of current DPC approach to regional coordination. Primarily Trudi’s role is to liaise with State Government Agencies on the implementation of government policies and priorities. Trudi tabled Riverina Murray Regional Coordination Priorities 2015-2016 attached This replaces NSW 2021 therefore going forward Councils reviewing CSPs should ‘give due regard to this latest Plan’ when reviewing and developing new CSP

6. Regional Advocacy IPR Implementation /Monitoring

Wagga Wagga Regional Forum – well attended by RAMROC .No Business

7. Network Development

Review of Terms of Reference Not tabled

2016 Schedule of Meetings No action – pending outcome of FFF & JO model

End of IP&R Minutes

Item 9.3 – Minutes of Riverina Waste Management Meeting – 2 nd December 2015

MINUTES RAMROC Riverina Waste Group meeting

Meeting Date: Wednesday, 2 December 2015 Time: 10.30am Venue: Griffith

Meeting opened 10.35am Present: John Roser (Chair), Kelly Tyson, Shane Wilson, Lindsay Dodds, Garry Randhawa, John Craig (Regional Coordinator).

Apologies: Ray Stubbs (RAMROC), Susan Appleyard, Phil Ruddick and David Tull

Visitors: Gustavo Iragorri and Bianca Richards – EPA Sydney

Minutes previous meeting: Accepted. Moved Shane Wilson, 2nd Garry Randhawa Business arising from previous minutes: All matters will be covered by reports to this meeting

General matters from the agenda- Milestone 1 - Kerbside Recycling Collection and Community Education Both Griffith and Leeton have benefited from a campaign rolled out by JR Richards on their behalf. This has involved television and newspaper advertising. The coordinator has liaised with Cleanaway (Narrandera) and now ascertained that there is no funding in their contracts for education. The information was noted.

Milestone 2 - Expand kerbside recycling services within the region No Councils are planning an expansion at this stage. The information was noted.

Milestone 3 - Local and Regional Communication The Coordinator provided a report on liaison with other voluntary waste groups and RENEW1. 1 The network of voluntary waste groups across NSW including the EPA and Local Government NSW.

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EnviroMentors Program- this has been rolled out to schools this year in the normal manner. We engaged them for 29 days during 2015. It was agreed we engage them again in 2016 Moved- Kelly Tyson, 2nd Garry Randhawa

Riverina Environment Education Centre Program- this program runs in Narrandera and Murrumbidgee Shires and has been successfully completed for 2015. It was agreed we engage them again in 2016 Moved- John Roser, 2nd Lindsay Dodds

Composting in Smaller Towns and Villages – A proposal to run a program to encourage home composting in smaller towns was discussed and it was agreed that the coordinator could engage an educator to develop and deliver a program. This program will involve the participation of local groups such as Tidy Towns, Garden Clubs or Progress Associations to act as local champions for such a program. Accepted. Moved- Shane Wilson, 2nd Kelly Tyson Milestone 4 - Industry Liaison

Annual Waste Forum - It was noted that the Annual Waste Forums had been held in Griffith and had been successful. It was reported however, that the event attracted mainly the same audience as in past years and few new industries. It was agreed to discontinue this event for next year.

Mass Mortality of Chickens - A further report was presented on mass mortality of chicken investigation and it was noted that the recent approval for a State significant production facility at Euroley in the Narrandera Shire had conditions related to this element. These conditions were distributed by the coordinator and could act as a guide to councils asked to consider large chicken raising facilities The information was noted.

Milestone 5 - Effective Landfill Management

E-Waste A previous operative in this area [PGM- Melbourne] had been contacted and subsequently advise they could now accept some waste at no cost except for freight. The member councils indicated that at this stage they did not have sufficient material stockpiled to warrant a collection.

Landfill consolidation and environmental improvements grants The Regional Coordinator noted that both Murrumbidgee [Coleambally] and Leeton [Whitton] had made applications under this program. No advice has yet been received as to the success of these applications.

Waste Locate EPA officers Gustavo Iragorri and Bianca Richards attended and gave a presentation on the operation of Waste Locate. This is a new program provided by the EPA to track the movement of tyres and asbestos. The presentation was well received and the members who had used the system indicated it was reasonably easy and there were no significant issues. The Chair thanked Gustavo and Bianca for making the trip from Sydney and for their presentation. The information was noted.

Milestone 6 - Illegal Dumping

Illegal Dumping Base Line Data Project The coordinator noted that a funding application had been successful [$20,000] to ensure base line data is available from councils. A project officer [Lisa Thomas] has been appointed and is in the process of visiting each council to ensure the use of the “RIDonline” mobile phone ‘app’ is fully understood. Data collection will be an outcome of the project. The information was noted.

Litter Strategy We have successfully obtained a grant [$20,000] to write our regional litter strategy. It is due for completion by the end of April 2016. This will then allow us to apply for further funding to support the implementation of the strategy. As the project develops ideas will be tested with the council officers. It was agreed that the Regional Coordinator produce the strategy on behalf of the group. Accepted. Moved- Kelly Tyson, 2nd Garry Randhawa

Milestone 8 - Collective Tendering and Group Investigations

Metal Recycling Contract

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The group noted that the contract is due to expire in 2016 as is the contract for the RAMROC Murray Waste Group. It was agreed that we join with that group in seeking a regional contract for this service. Accepted. Moved- John Roser, 2nd Shane Wilson

Griffith Community Recycling Centre The $297,000 Community Recycling Centre for Griffith is progressing. Council has let a tender and construction has commenced and completion is expected on 16th February 2016. Other

Council’s Community Recycling Centres Following the acceptance of the quotations for construction of the sheds being accepted by Murrumbidgee Shire Council six CRCs will now be constructed. One will be in each of the shires in our region. David Tull will liaise with councils and the builder on behalf of the group. The concrete aprons of the sheds will be enlarged within the funding. As Jerilderie Shire have elected to construct their own shed a sum equivalent to that provided for the other sheds will be made available to Jerilderie. Our communication and education funding has been approved but at a much lower level than we were originally told. It has dropped from $50,000 per annum for 2 years to $17,000 per annum. The funds from the Griffith project [$10,000] will be combined with this to prevent duplication. The information was noted.

Milestone 9 - Love Food, Hate Waste Program The coordinated reported that 6 successful events had been conducted by during 2015. The information was noted.

Milestone 10 - Regional Waste Management Strategy The strategy is complete and is now being implemented via the projects noted in this report. The information was noted.

Milestone 11- Waste Minimisation Training The 2015 Landfill Operator Training Course was held in May. Several staff attended. It was noted that if any council would like additional specialist training or training for their staff they should contact the coordinator. The information was noted.

Milestone 12- Green Waste Diversion and Composting This project involving Griffith/Leeton has been progressing and a consultant has been engaged to undertake a project. The information gathering aspect of the project is progressing and an initial report is imminent. The information was noted.

Financial Report The financial report was provided verbally as it had only just arrived due to staffing issues with Murray Shire who look after our finances. The totals showed solid working funds were available for all projects. Accepted. Moved- Garry Randhawa, 2nd Shane Wilson

General business It was noted that contact had been made via a consultant on the potential for the EPA to provide additional training related to waste for staff. I was agreed that we should contact the EPA and advise that we strongly support such an initiative.

The Next Meeting will be held in March 2016 in Darlington Point. Meeting closed 12.25pm.

Item 9.4 – Minutes of Murray Waste Management Group Meeting - 4 th December 2015

MINUTESRAMROC Murray Voluntary Waste Management Group meeting

held 10.30am, Friday, December 4, 2015,Deniliquin Council Chambers

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WELCOMERAMROC Murray waste group chair, Simon Arkinstall, welcomed members and guest presenters.Moved Myles Humphries, 2nd Warwick Newell, that the meeting be formally opened at the conclusion of the scheduled presentations. Carried.

PRESENTATIONSHalve Waste:Tiffany Key, Mike Ritchie and Associates, gave a presentation on the Halve Waste package that is being developed for adoption by councils outside the Albury-Wodonga region.Elements of the package included school-based waste education workshops linked to the curriculum; compost workshops, commercial and industrial sector waste audits; three-bin audits and Love Food Hate Waste programs delivered into retirement homes.The Halve Waste campaign was launched in 2010 to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in the volume of material being received at the Albury Waste Management Centre by 2020.

E-waste:Karvan Jayaweera and James Kneath, PGM Refiners, addressed the meeting on the potential re-introduction of a regional e-waste collection.PGM again had funding to collect and process material under an arrangement with TechCollect, and had also entered a commercial arrangement with ToxFree for regional collections.A discussion on the failure of the previous collection arrangements, the impact on member councils and potential arrangements going forward were discussed at length.This presentation was followed by a discussion via a phone conference with Carmel Dollisson and Janene Murdoch, from TechCollect.TechCollect is servicing two councils in the region – Albury and Wakool – and recommended any further arrangements be negotiated with PGM Refiners because of its greater capacity to service rural and remote sites.

MEETING OPENED at 12.15pm:Group chair, Simon Arkinstall, thanked all guest speakers for their presentations and declared the meeting open.PRESENTSimon Arkinstall, Murray Shire; Andrea Baldwin, Albury City; Myles Humphries, Berrigan Shire; David Carroll, Corowa Shire; Jon Stammers, Deniliquin Council; Warwick Newell and Simone Hughes, Conargo Shire; Nigel Taylor, co-ordinator; Tiffany Key, Mike Ritchie and Associates, Karvan Jayaweera and James Kneath, PGM Refiners; Carmel Dollisson and Janene Murdoch, TechCollect, via phone link.

APOLOGIESAndrew Shaw, Greater Hume Shire; Mark Cook, Deniliquin Council; Adam Garland, Wakool Shire; Geoff Pitt, Conargo Shire; Karina Bonnitcha, CRC project officer.Moved Andrea Baldwin, 2nd Myles Humphries, that the apologies be accepted.Carried.

MINUTES PREVIOUS MEETINGMoved David Carroll, 2nd Andrea Baldwin, that the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.Carried.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES None.

1: HALVE WASTE PRESENTATIONMoved Myles Humphries, 2nd David Carroll, that MRA provide the co-ordinator with the Halve Waste presentation for circulation to members to consider which elements of the package they might adopt, and bring that information back to the February waste group meeting.

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Carried.

2: E-WASTE PRESENTATIONSMoved Simon Arkinstall, 2nd Warwick Newell, that PGM’s presentation be circulated to members, who will individually contact PGM if they wish to initiate a collection service; and that the co-ordinator forward the group’s contact details to PGM.Carried.

3: CRC PROJECTCRC project officer Karina Bonnitcha, was an apology for the meeting.A project summary was provided to the co-ordinator for presentation and discussion at the meeting.All project partners expressed concern at the ongoing delays in construction of the CRCs, which were to have been completed by the end of November.The latest advice from the contractor is that they will be completed late January.Concern was also expressed at the lack of communication from the contractor in relation to construction schedules.Karina is attempting to address these issues.The current project status is:

• Construction has begun at two sites; Corowa and Berrigan. • Corowa - Footings have been dug and poured, and the frame is standing. Sheeting expected

to be applied next week, with concreting to follow.• Berrigan - Footings have been dug and poured. Frame is on location but not standing. Frame

and sheeting expected to be completed next week, with concreting to follow.• Blighty – Construction is yet to begin at Blighty but is expected to be completed before the end

of the year.• Moama – Construction expected to take place very early in the new year and completed mid-

January.• Currently seeking clarity and support from EPA on preferred fit-out options.• Working together with RAMROC Riverina to investigate feasibility of a joint fit-out procurement

plan.• Aiming for fit-out to take place in February.

Community education plan:The co-ordinator reported the EPA had finally signed off on the CRC community education plan, with a 60 per cent reduction in the funding to be made available.The plan now incorporates the Deniliquin CRC hub, funded separately under round one, and has been circulated to the project participants. Deniliquin’s funding will be incorporated into the regional plan.The CRC television advertisement was screened at the meeting.There was still no information available on the separate grants program for CRC signage at the four CRCs, which will make available up to $15,000 over two years.To generate economies of scale this project will be delivered in partnership with the RAMROC Riverina and REROC waste groups.Noted.

4: RIDONLINEAn update from project officer Lisa Thomas on the RIDonline illegal dumping project, including the latest on the training delivery to participating councils, was provided to the meeting.Lisa also emailed to members the required registration form for RIDonline Private.Issues that councils needed to address internally included: Entering data from public; How to manage anonymous reports; Council email address to receive reports; and Staff finding illegal dumping in areas not having access to the internetCouncils visited to date: Albury, Berrigan, Balranald, Conargo, Corowa, Deniliquin, Hay, Murray, Wakool, and Wentworth.A meeting with Jerilderie was still being finalised.It was planned to have the project’s training component completed by Christmas.

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Noted.

5: LITTER STRATEGYRAMROC Murray has successfully applied for a $20,000 grant to develop a Regional Litter Plan and Implementation Plan (L-RIP) that focusses on regional litter objectives and how to achieve them.Funding of the implementation plan’s actions will be available next financial year.The project will be delivered in collaboration with the RAMROC Riverina Waste Group.Each region is required to form a project team, which in our case will comprise the two RAMROC waste group co-ordinators rather and engaging a consultancy.Initially a project plan will be developed, followed by an implementation plan that will identify projects for grant applications under round two funding.The EPA will provide litter data for the region in the absence of council data, and also data from the National Litter Index.The implementation plan needs only to identify projects for the first 12 months, which will form the basis of grant applications.It is envisaged the project will not place additional workload on members other than some consultation as the co-ordinators develop an analysis of the region’s litter needs that will form the basis of the regional action plan.RAMROC Riverina co-ordinator, John Craig, might be in contact with members during January while Nigel Taylor was on annual leave.Litter is one of the Government’s priority areas and the implementation plan (L-RIP) is required to be incorporated into the RAMROC regional waste strategy 2014-2020, which commits to a 10 per cent reduction in litter incidents in the region by 2017.Nigel Taylor and John Craig will meet the L-RIP program managers for a workshop in Ballina on February 17 next year.Moved David Carroll, 2nd Jon Stammers, that the RAMROC Murray and Riverina co-ordinators proceed with the delivery of the L-RIP project as outlined.Carried.

6: ENVIROMENTORS PROGRAMThe KAB EnviroMentors school education program is seeking bookings for the 2016 school year.This year the program was conducted across the region from Monday, August 10, to Friday, September 11.Host councils were: Albury, Greater Hume, Corowa, Berrigan, Deniliquin, Hay and Wentworth.An evaluation report was received and circulated to the participating councils before the meeting.It shows 17 schools across the participating councils took part during the 20 days of workshop delivery, reaching 1793 pupils.Sustainability Now and Schoolyard Harvest were the two most popular subjects that teachers would like to see delivered next year.The 2015 program of workshops cost $23,690, which was met by RAMROC Murray.Quoted prices for 2016 are $820 a day plus GST, accommodation and travel.Moved Andrea Baldwin, 2nd Myles Humphries, that a decision on a booking for 2016 be deferred to the February meeting pending the receipt of costings from Mike Ritchie and Associates on the delivery of school workshops under the Halve Waste education package.Carried.

7: CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEMEThe second local government advisory committee meeting was held in Sydney on October 8.Ray Stubbs, RAMROC executive officer, and the RAMROC representative on this committee, advised the meeting minutes had yet to be circulated.A discussion paper is expected to be released mid-December.The NSW Government has committed to delivering a Container Deposit Scheme for NSW by July, 2017.Noted.

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8: SCRAP METAL COLLECTIONAt the October waste group meeting it was resolved that RAMROC Murray councils join with RAMROC Riverina councils and call tenders for a 12-month regional scrap metal collection.The Riverina group voted in favour of this proposal at its meeting on Wednesday, December 2.RAMROC Murray will administer the tender process on behalf of both groups.After a discussion on the current state of the scrap metal market, the following timeline and actions were proposed:

• Before December 24: Co-ordinator to develop draft contract documentation and forward to Murray Shire (tender authority).

• Mid-January: Murray Shire to obtain legal review of contract documentation and then circulate final documents to all participating councils for approval.

• Late January: Murray Shire to advertise tender for required 21-day period.• Mid-February: Evaluation of tenders received by team comprising RAMROC Murray co-

ordinator and group chair, Simon Arkinstall, and two representatives from RAMROC Riverina. This group will meet once at an agreed location in the region.

• Late February: Individual contracts between successful contractor and participating councils signed and exchanged.

The co-ordinator indicated that legal advice would be sought on the feasibility of writing monetary penalties for non-compliance into the next contract specifications.OneSteel’s performance and delivery in the final months of the most recent contract would be taken into consideration as part of any future evaluation process.Due to the current market situation, the 10 per cent payment provision to RAMROC Murray would not be incorporated into the future contract.It was recommend members who required a collection in the interim period make whatever temporary arrangements necessary.Moved Andrea Baldwin, 2nd Warwick Newell, that the timeline and actions outlined above be adopted to implement a regional scrap metal collection for a period of 12 months across both RAMROC waste groups.Carried.

9: TYRE STEWARDSHIP AUSTRALIATyre Stewardship Australia is the not-for-profit company established by the tyre industry to deliver the national Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme.TSA is funded via a 25c levy on new tyres being imported into Australia, and there is no cost to participants.A copy of the TSA invitation to local government to join the scheme was circulated to members for consideration.Noted.

10: REGIONAL WASTE STRATEGY SUMMARIESMember councils are being provided with a summary of the RAMROC Regional Waste Management Strategy 2014-15 to guide their decisions on issues most relevant to each individual council. The aim of the document is to assist member councils align their decisions around waste collection, diversion and disposal with the region strategy.To date summaries have been provided to all members except Albury, which is being progressed.Noted.

11: GENERAL BUSINESSTrue cost of landfillingAlbury and Murray advised they had already untaken this exercise and recommended it to members as a sound foundation for any future waste management decisions.It would also assist members preparing internal waste management plans and budgets.Moved Simon Arkinstall, 2nd Jon Stammers, that this item be deferred to the February meeting due to time constraints.

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Carried.Standardised signage across all waste reception sitesMoved Warwick Newell, 2nd Simon Arkinstall, that this item be deferred to the February meeting due to time constraints.Carried.

Feasibility study into a regional mattress collectionMoved Andrea Baldwin, 2nd Warwick Newell, that the co-ordinator email all waste group members requesting estimates of the number of mattresses received at their sites for further discussion at the February meeting.Carried.

Deniliquin Community Recycle CentreJon Stammers reported that the contractors had arrived on site and construction of the Deniliquin CRC was under way with a completion date of April 18, 2016.Noted.

Meeting schedule 2016:Members were asked for guidance on a meeting schedule and venues for 2016.The co-ordinator advised he would be on leave from December 25 to January 28, and recommended the first meeting for 2016 be held on Wednesday, February 10.Moved Jon Stammers, 2nd Simon Arkinstall, that the first meeting in 2016 be held on February 10 at Deniliquin; that meetings continue to be held on the first Wednesday of alternate months; and that meeting venues be revisited at the February meeting.Carried.

Meeting closed 1.25pm Next meeting: 10.30am, Wednesday, February 10, 2016, Deniliquin Council

Item 9.5 – Minutes of General Managers Group Meeting – 29 th January 2016

MINUTES OF THE RAMROC GENERAL MANAGERS GROUP MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE SHIRE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON FRIDAY 29 TH JANUARY 2016 AT 9.30 AM

PRESENT: Frank Zaknich (Albury), Steve Pinnuck (Greater Hume), Judy Charlton (Narrandera)Allen Dwyer (Hay), Aaron Drenovski (Balranald), Barry Barlow (Conargo Shire), Phil Marshall and Ken Murphy (Carrathool), Adrian Butler (Urana), Craig Moffitt (Jerilderie), Jackie Kruger (Leeton), Lea Rosser (Wakool); Brett Stonestreet (Griffith City) and Ray Stubbs (Executive Officer)

WELCOME

The Executive Officer welcomed Phil Marshall as the recently appointed General Manager at Carrathool Shire and Lea Rosser as Acting General Manager at Wakool Shire

1. APOLOGIES Peter Kozlowski (Wentworth), Rowan Perkins (Berrigan), Chris Gillard (Corowa), Margot Stork (Murray), Phil Pinyon (Murrumbidgee) and Des Bilske (Deniliquin)

RESOLVED that the apologies be accepted

2. MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MANAGERS GROUP MEETING – 17 TH JULY 2015

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on Friday 17th July 2015 be confirmed

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 17 TH JULY 2015

There were no matters arising from the 17 July meeting

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4. DRAFT RAMROC STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL PLAN 2016-2018

The Executive Officer submitted for discussion and feedback a draft Strategic and Operational Plan for RAMROC activities for a three year period 2016 to 2018, noting that the State Government proposes to legislate the establishment of new Joint Organisations across the State from 2016, which will potentially result in the phasing out of RAMROC in its current form.

RESOLVED that the draft RAMROC Strategic and Operational Plan 2016-2018 be adopted and referred to the next RAMROC Board Meeting for formal adoption

5. FIT FOR THE FUTURE – MINISTER’S MERGER PROPOSALS

Consideration was given to the Executive Officer’s Report in relation to merger proposals affecting nine Councils throughout the RAMROC region and to the pending Final Report of the Pilot Joint Organisations and the proposed inviting of Expressions of Interest by the NSW Government for “Early Starter” Joint Organisations.

RESOLVED that it be recommended to the RAMROC Board that at the appropriate time an Expression of Interest be lodged with the State Government for RAMROC’s proposed Murray and Murrumbidgee Joint Organisation (MAMJO) to be selected as one of the two “Early Starter” Joint Organisation

FURTHER RESOLVED that RAMROC make representations to the Premier and Minister for Local Government, as well as to the appointed Delegates reporting on the Minister’s merger proposals, drawing attention to the broad range and complexity of specific transitional issues that will need to be addressed by Councils involved in a merger and requesting that sufficient time be allowed to address those issues between the date of the Governor’s Proclamation and the scheduled commencement date of the newly merged Entity

FURTHER RESOLVED that it be recommended to the RAMROC Executive Committee that the 10 th

February RAMROC meeting be postponed until the first Wednesday in March to allow time for further information being received regarding the proposed EOI process for Early Starter Joint Organisations and the Final Report of the five Pilot Joint Organisations6. REVIEW OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT DEVELOPMENT – PHASE 1 CONSULTATION

The Office of Local Government has now released an Explanatory Paper on Phase 1 Development of proposed amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 and has invited feedback by 15th March 2016.

The Executive Officer reported on the proposed amendments to the Act, which were discussed by General Managers Group, with a number of matters being identified for comments back to OLG.

RESOLVED that Councils’ General Managers provide any specific comments to the Executive Officer, for inclusion in a RAMROC submission to be lodged in response to the OLG Review of the Local Government Act Explanatory Paper

7. RAMROC REGIONAL FREIGHT TRANSPORT PLAN

A RAMROC Freight Transport Plan has been prepared under the direction of the Engineers Group. The project has investigated, detailed and mapped the freight infrastructure network demands from a regional perspective.

The final draft of the Plan was distributed to Member Councils in December 2015 and subject to any further amendments will now be finalised and submitted to the next RAMROC meeting for formal endorsement..

Brad Ferris Director Engineering at Albury City Council provided an overview of the key issues addressed by the Plan, which has identified 63 freight corridors and 157 constraints which need to be removed in order to achieve maximum efficiency in the freight transport network.

RESOLVED that the draft RAMROC Freight Transport Plan, subject to a small number if identified additions, be approved and referred to the next RAMROC Meeting for formal endorsement

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FURTHER RESOLVED that RAMROC acknowledge the excellent work of the Engineers Group in the development of the Freight Transport Plan

8. REDISTRIBUTION OF FEDERAL ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES FOR FARRER AND RIVERINA

The Australian Electoral Commission has announced the final outcomes of its deliberations on the boundaries and names of the 47 Electoral Divisions in NSW, which has made a number of significant changes to both Farrer and Riverina Divisions. The Executive Officer reported on the new boundaries of the Divisions, and the Division names will remain the same

RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s report be received and noted

9. NSW OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE – ENABLING REGIONAL ADAPTATION WORKSHOPS FOR THE RIVERINA MURRAY REGION

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage has convened workshops in Jerilderie and Wagga Wagga on 11th and 12th February 2016. The workshops are entitled “Using local knowledge to build resilience to climate change” and Councils’ senior engineering, planning and sustainability officials are strongly encouraged to participate.

RESOLVED that the workshop information be noted and that Council Officer participation be encouraged

10. SOLAR ENERGY APPLIANCES PACKAGE FOR RAMROC COMMUNITIES

Consideration was given to a report by the Executive Officer concerning the potential for RAMROC towns and communities to participate in a program of installation of affordable solar energy technology appliances on a group basis, following an approach from a local group of solar energy entrepreneurs.

RESOLVED that this form of community benefit concept is best left to the already established solar energy commercial providers and market forces.

FURTHER RESOLVED that the opportunity for group procurement by Councils for solar energy installations in Council buildings and other infrastructure facilities be referred to the RAMROC Procurement Group for its consideration

11. WORKING GROUP MINUTES

The Minutes of the following Working Group Meetings were submitted for information and discussion:-

11.1 RAMROC Engineers Group - 4th November 201511.2 RAMROC Riverina Waste Management Group - 2nd December 201511.3 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group - 4th December 2015

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Working Group meetings be noted and that the actions taken therein be endorsed

12. GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS

12.1 Depreciation of Road AssetsKen Murphy referred to the need for consistency of depreciation rates for Council owned roads and comparisons with RMS depreciation rates. It was noted that a number of RAMROC Councils and the Engineers Group are working in this issue with Consultants Jeff Roorda and Associates.

12.2 Drug and Alcohol Policies

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Allen Dwyer raised the matter of Councils’ policies and practices in relation to drug and alcohol testing of employees. A number of General Managers spoke about their respective policies and procedures, particularly in relation to random testing and documentation will be made available through the GMs network

12.3 Support for General Managers and Officers involved in Fit for the Future Council mergers

Frank Zaknich referred to the importance of maintaining contact and providing informal support to Councils’ GMs and other staff affected by mergers that are being implemented under the Fit for the Future program. For example, an informal social evening/dinner for the General Managers Group was suggested as one potential way of networking and providing support.

The Executive Officer will liaise further with General Managers to develop initiatives that will provide a pathway of ongoing contact and support.

12.4 Fit for the Future – Progress on Far West Region Initiative

Aaron Drenovski provided a status report on the State Government’s Far West Region initiative. He advised that currently there is a strong focus on the Local Government sector, particularly opportunities for resource sharing of functions and activities and in regard to indigenous issues. Aaron also advised that detailed proceedings of the Initiative’s Advisory Committee are bound by confidentiality provisions.

12.5 FFTF Merger Proposals – Support from United Services Union and LGNSW

Craig Moffitt referred to the Government’s merger proposals affecting Jerilderie Shire and in particular action being taken by his Council to advocate that Jerilderie Shire not be split and that the whole of the Shire be merged with Murrumbidgee Shire. Craig advised that Council is appreciative of the strong support being demonstrated by officials from LGNSW and the United Services Union.

There being no further business the meeting concluded at 12.25 pm

Item 9.7 – Minutes of Murray Waste Management Group – 10 th February 2016

MINUTESRAMROC Murray Voluntary Waste Management Group meeting held

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 10.30am, Deniliquin Council Chambers,

Civic Place, Deniliquin

Meeting opened: 10.45am

PRESENTMyles Humphries, Berrigan; Geoff Pitt, Conargo; David Carroll, Corowa; Jon Stammers, Mark Cook, Deniliquin; Andrew Shaw, Greater Hume; Onisimo Mukodi, Alex Romanin, Wakool; Nigel Taylor, co-ordinator.

APOLOGIESGroup chair, Simon Arkinstall, Murray; Andrea Baldwin, Albury; Mark Dalziel, Deniliquin; Adam Garland, Wakool.

MINUTES PREVIOUS MEETINGMoved Myles Humphries, 2nd Jon Stammers, that the minutes of the previous minutes be accepted.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTESNo business arising.

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1: CRC PROJECTConstruction:A project team meeting was held at Berrigan on Thursday, February 4, followed by an inspection of the Berrigan facility.Work has also started on liaising with the EPA in relation to the interior fit-out of the four CRC sheds.The co-ordinator is now working with a legal adviser to establish final costings to RAMROC following the termination of the contractor on February 1 for breach of contract.These costings include the provision of three interior floors, downpipe provision and installation and some additional expenses for the hiring of post-hole augers at Corowa and Berrigan and a travelling crane at Blighty.Despite this setback the sheds are on schedule for completion, including fit-out and signage, in April for a formal opening in May.Andrea Baldwin indicated before the meeting that Albury’s regional CRC should be operational by June 30, 2016.Jon Stammers said the Deniliquin CRC was 40 per cent complete, with the project tracking well inside the EPA target timeline.

Community education plan:An amount of $42,500 is available to deliver this plan for the Corowa, Berrigan, Blighty, Moama and Deniliquin CRCs when completed.This campaign will be delivered in collaboration with RAMROC Riverina and REROC.Artwork for the entrance signs, A3 poster and DL brochure have been drafted and the television and radio advertisements are now being finalised by Fotomedia agency (being used by all RENEW NSW waste groups to deliver cost saving benefits).

Signage:The EPA has indicated it will meet the cost of signage for the four CRCs at Corowa, Berrigan, Blighty and Moama.Its commitment includes installation in addition to provision of the signs.This will be delivered in collaboration with the RAMROC Riverina group to achieve cost savings through a bulk purchase.RAMROC Murray will also manage the provision of signage at the Deniliquin CRC in addition to the four satellite centres.Each of the five signage project partners will be contacted during February for details of the signage required at each site.Moved Geoff Pitt, 2nd Mark Cook, that the above information be received and noted, and that Deniliquin be included in the signage project.Carried.

2: RIDONLINEAn update from project officer Lisa Thomas on the RIDonline illegal dumping project was presented to the meeting, including the latest on the status of the training delivered to participating councils during December/January.Lisa will be contacting councils within the next few weeks and is available to provide information or support as required.Moved David Carroll, 2nd Geoff Pitt, that the information be received and noted.Carried.

3: LITTER STRATEGY

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RAMROC Murray has successfully applied for a $20,000 grant to develop a Regional Litter Plan and Implementation Plan (L-RIP) that focusses on regional litter objectives and how to achieve them.

The project is being delivered in partnership with the RAMROC Riverina Waste Group.

Each region is required to form a project team, which in our case comprises the two RAMROC waste group co-ordinators rather and engaging a consultancy.

Two surveys to gather preliminary information were forwarded to all councils – first to assess service demands and gaps, and the second gathering general information for the regional litter strategy.

Corowa, Berrigan, Greater Hume and Balranald have not returned the first survey, while only Wakool, Deniliquin and Berrigan have returned the second one.

Nigel Taylor and John Craig (RAMROC Riverina co-ordinator) will be attending an L-RIP workshop in Ballina on Wednesday, February 17, and require this information before that date.RAMROC is required to submit a draft regional litter plan by March 25, submit a final Regional Litter Plan and Litter Implementation Plan to EPA by April 29, submit L-RIP grant applications under Stage Two my mid-July and deliver and acquit the Stage Two projects by June, 2017.Moved Geoff Pitt, 2nd Mark Cook that members complete and forward the two surveys to John Craig before Tuesday, February 16.Carried.

4: SCRAP METAL COLLECTIONTenders are currently being called to provide a regional scrap metal collection for a period of 12 months across 17 of RAMROC’s 18 member councils (Urana declined to participate).The RAMROC Murray co-ordinator developed the tender documentation, and submitted it mid-December to Kell-Moore Albury for legal review.The documents were then forwarded to Murray Shire, the RAMROC tender authority, to be advertised for the required 21-day period.This was undertaken on January 29, with tenders closing at 2pm, Friday, February 19.Submissions received will then be evaluated by a team comprising the RAMROC Murray co-ordinator and group chair, Simon Arkinstall, and two representatives from RAMROC Riverina. This group will meet once at an agreed location in the region.Due to the current market situation, the 10 per cent payment provision to RAMROC Murray has been removed from the future contract.A non-conforming inquiry has been received, and will be advised to submit a conforming tender if interested.Deniliquin has received an offer of a one-off collection of recyclables, with a range of prices for the various metals.The co-ordinator said this offer could be accepted, as Deniliquin was currently not under contract.Moved Andrew Shaw, 2nd Jon Stammers that the information be received and noted, and that the non-conforming inquiry be advised accordingly as above.Carried.

5: HALVE WASTE PRESENTATIONTiffany Key, Mike Ritchie and Associates, gave a presentation to the December meeting on the Halve Waste package being developed for adoption by councils outside the Albury-Wodonga region.The presentation was obtained and circulated to members for review and decision on which elements of the package they might adopt.Members indicated the EnviroMentors school education program offered excellent value and should be continued across the region.It was also suggested further consideration be given to the Halve Waste compost workshops.The Berrigan, Deniliquin and Wakool members indicated they would be interested in having Halve Waste compost workshops delivered to their residents.

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Moved Myles Humphries, 2nd Mark Cook, that a decision on the EnviroMentors program be deferred to Item 7 of the agenda, and that the co-ordinator liaise with Halve Waste to obtain costings to deliver a series of compost workshops in the Berrigan, Deniliquin and Wakool shires.Carried.

6: E-WASTE PRESENTATIONSCopies of the PGM presentation delivered to the December meeting were provided to members in accordance with the resolution adopted.Jon Stammers said Deniliquin had entered an agreement with PGM to collect its e-waste for transportation and processing at its Melbourne facility at a subsidised freight cost of $100 a tonne.Move Jon Stammers, 2nd Myles Humphries, that the information be received and noted.Carried.

7: ENVIROMENTORS PROGRAMThe KAB EnviroMentors school education program is seeking bookings for the 2016 school year.The 2015 program of workshops cost $23,690, which was met by RAMROC Murray.Quoted prices for 2016 are $820 a day plus GST, accommodation and travel.Moved David Carroll, 2nd Myles Humphries, that EnviroMentors be engaged to deliver its program of school workshops across the region in 2016.Carried.

8: CONTAINER DEPOSIT SCHEMEThe NSW EPA is hosting a number of consultation forums in Sydney and regional NSW to discuss and answer questions relating to the container deposit scheme discussion paper, which the Government released for public comment on December 19, 2015. The discussion paper explores the key elements that will shape the design of a cost-efficient NSW container deposit scheme and presents two possible options for the scheme.Option One: Proposes a NSW Refund CDS model that is based on a financial incentive of 10 cents, similar to that in the South Australian and Northern Territory schemes.Option Two: Beverage industry proposal, called Thirst for Good, would build on existing infrastructure and current levels of investment in litter management, rather than replacing it.There are five programs within the Thirst for Good proposal: community cash for containers (community groups co-ordinated by councils); employ litter collectors; donate litter bins; 100 industry funded reverse vending machines; and community education.The co-ordinator presented a summary of both options to the meeting.The discussion paper can be downloaded from the EPA website at: http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/resources/waste/container/150286-CDS-discussion-paper.pdf Consultation forums will be held in:Queanbeyan – noon-3pm, Thursday, February 11 and Sydney – 9am-noon, Friday, February 12.Moved Andrew Shaw, 2nd Geoff Pitt, that the information be received and noted.Carried.

9: TRUE COST OF LANDFILLINGThe co-ordinator proposed at the December meeting that a resource be engaged to determine the true cost of landfilling at each waste reception site operated by member councils.Albury and Murray have untaken this exercise and recommended it to members as a sound foundation for any future waste management decisions.It would also assist in the preparation of preparing internal waste management plans and budgets.The co-ordinator proposed RAMROC engage a suitably qualified resource to undertake this exercise as it would greatly inform councils’ future waste management planning and decisions.Moved Myles Humphries, 2nd Andrew Shaw, that members indicate to the co-ordinator if they wished to take part in this project, and advise by email which sites they wanted assessed.Carried.

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10: STANDARDISED SITE SIGNAGEA proposal to standardise and improve signage across the region’s waste reception sites was deferred from the December meeting to the February meeting.The co-ordinator said it was proposed that RAMROC fund the provision of internal signage in the EPA’s corporate livery for all waste reception sites in the region.The aim was to standardise signage across all waste reception sites, improve the visual appearance of the sites and assist residents to separate materials through clear identification of the appropriate locations to deposit materials.Installation would be the councils’ contribution to the project. At this point in time the focus would be only on internal signage, as the Fit For The Future council mergers could make redundant any signage erected externally.Moved Andrew Shaw, 2nd Mark Cook, that the co-ordinator develop a proposal to provide standardised internal signage for the region’s waste reception sites.Carried.

11: REGIONAL MATTRESS COLLECTIONIt was resolved at the December meeting that the co-ordinator email all waste group members requesting estimates of the number of mattresses received at their sites for further discussion at the February meeting.Members were emailed the request on December 8, with only Albury, Deniliquin and Murray and Greater Hume providing the following information:Albury received 2818 mattresses for the last financial year, Deniliquin 250 mattresses, Murray 250 and Greater Hume 200-250.Moved Myles Humphries, 2nd Onisimo Mukodi, that those who have yet to email this information to the co-ordinator do so as soon as possible.Carried.

GENERAL BUSINESS

National Waste Conference – Coffs HarbourLast year the EPA offered subsidies to each regional waste group to assist the attendance of a nominated officer from a small rural council at the national waste conference at Coffs Harbour.The EPA has committed to supporting these subsidies again in 2016.Each waste group is being asked to nominate an officer who believes they would benefit from attending the 2016 conference, but would not be able to do so without this financial assistance, which takes the form of payment of the conference registration fee.Simon Arkinstall was RAMROC Murray’s nominated representative last year.This year’s conference will be held from May 3 to 5, and RAMROC Murray will also meet the cost of airfares and accommodation for the nominee, who will receive a letter of invitation from the event manager, Impact Environmental, once nominated.Moved Geoff Pitt, 2nd Mark Cook, that Onisimo Mukodi, from Wakool Shire, be RAMROC Murray’s nominated attendee at this year’s conference.Carried. Meeting closed: 12.40pm

Next meeting: 10.30am, Wednesday, April 6, Deniliquin Council Chambers.

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MRRR 10 – GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS

SEPARATE ATTACHMENTS

ITEM 5.3 - Contaminated Lands Management Project – Background Notes by Project Officer

ITEM 6.5 - a. Annual Report for 2014-2015 Murray Darling Basin Authority

b. Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Update for Summer 2015-2016

ITEM 7 RAMROC Financial Reports for period ended 31st December 2015

ITEM 8 RAMROC Draft Strategic and Operational Plan 2016-2018

End of RAMROC Agenda 2nd March 2016

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