Members are advised that a meeting of the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC) will be held on Wednesday 6 th May 2015 in the Ian Gilbert Room at Jerilderie Shire Council’s Civic Centre.

Mayors /Delegates Councillors Terry Hogan AM (Chairman), Kevin Mack (Deputy Chairman), Fred

Longmire, Leigh Byron, Norm Brennan, Lindsay Renwick, Peter Laird, Heather Wilton, Bill Sheaffe, Tom Weyrich, Neil Gorey, Bernard Curtin, Peter Nunan, John Dal Broi, Austin Evans, Paul Maytom, Jenny Clarke and Patrick Bourke

GeneralManagers Messrs Rowan Perkins, Aaron Drenovski, Frank Zaknich, Chris Gillard, Barry

Barlow, Des Bilske, Steven Pinnuck, Allen Dwyer, Craig Moffitt, Margot Stork, Bruce Graham, Peter Kozlowski, John Batchelor, Brett Stonestreet, Matt Glover, Judy Charlton, Adrian Butler and Ken Croskell.

MEETING AGENDA ITEMS

MRRR 1 WELCOME TO GUESTS FROM NSW DEPARTMENT OF PREMIER AND CABINET AND THE OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE (AGENDA ITEM MRRR 5)

MRRR 2 APOLOGIES

MRRR 3 MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON WEDNESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2015 (pages 3 to 7)

MRRR 4 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 25TH FEBRUARY 2015 MEETING (page 7)

MRRR 5 PRESENTATIONS (page 8)

5.1 Jason Collins - Regional Co-ordinator Riverina-Murray – NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet - Update Report on DPC and RAMROC matters (20 minutes)

5.2 Officers from NSW Department of Environment and Heritage – re NSW Environmental Water Advisory Groups – Murrumbidgee and Murray- Lower Darling River systems (30-40 minutes allocated)

Jamie Allnutt - Community Engagement-Environmental - Water Regional Operations Group (South Branch – Queanbeyan),

James Maguire – Senior Environmental Water Management Officer-Murrumbidgee

Paul Childs – Senior Environmental Water Management Officer- Murray

MRRR 6 EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT (pages 8 to 14 inclusive)

MRRR 7 FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2015 - AS PER SEPARATE ATTACHMENTS – (EO’s report page 14)

MRRR 8 DRAFT BUDGET AND SCHEDULE OF COUNCILS' SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 2015-2016 – AS PER SEPARATE ATTACHMENT – (EO’s report page 14)

MRRR 9 MINUTES OF WORKING GROUP MEETINGS - AS FOLLOWS (pages 15 to 31):-

9.1 RAMROC Engineers Group – 11th February 20159.2 RAMROC Planners Group – 19th February 20159.3 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group – 25th February 2015 9.4 RAMROC Records Management Group – 3rd March 20159.5 RAMROC Riverina Waste Management Group – 11th March 20159.6 RAMROC Procurement Group – Taskforce Report – 14th April 20159.7 RAMROC General Managers Group – 17th April 2015

MRRR 10 GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS (page 31)

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AGENDA PAPERS AS PER THE FOLLOWING PAGES

AGENDA ITEM 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 WEDNESDAY 25 th FEBRUARY 2015 AT 10.00 AM

PRESENT

Albury City:

Balranald:

Cr Kevin Mack

Cr Leigh ByronMr Aaron Drenovski

Berrigan: Cr Bernard CurtinCr Brian Hill

Carrathool: Mr Ken Croskell

Conargo: Cr Norm BrennanMr Barry Barlow

Corowa: Apology

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Deniliquin: Cr Lindsay RenwickMr Des Bilske

Greater Hume: Cr Denise OsborneMr Steven Pinnuck

Griffith City:

Hay:

Cr John Dal BroiMr Brett Stonestreet

Apology

Jerilderie: Cr Ruth McRaeCr Terry HoganMr Craig Moffitt

Leeton: Cr Paul Maytom

Murray: Cr Tom WeyrichCr Betty Murphy

Murrumbidgee: Cr Phillip WellsMs Sue Mitchell

Narrandera: Cr Jenny ClarkeMrs Judy Charlton

Urana Shire Apology

Wakool: Mr Paul O’Brien

Wentworth: Mr Peter Kozlowski

RAMROC Mr Ray Stubbs Executive Officer

MEETING GUESTS: Cr Keith Rhoades – President LGNSWMr Shaun McBride LGNSW

MRRR 1 - WELCOME TO MEETING

The RAMROC Chairman Cr Terry Hogan welcomed the president of LGNSW Cr Keith Rhoades and Senior Strategy Manager Shaun McBride

MRRR 2 - APOLOGIES:

Cr Neil Gorey and Mr Bruce Graham – Wakool ShireCr Bill Sheaffe and Mr Allen Dwyer – Hay ShireCr Patrick Bourke and Mr Adrian Butler – Urana ShireCr Austin Evans and Mr Mathew Glover – Murrumbidgee ShireCr Peter Nunan – Wentworth ShireCr Fred Longmire and Mr Chris Gillard – Corowa ShireCr Peter Laird – Carrathool Shire

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Cr Heather Wilton – Greater Hume ShireMr Frank Zaknich – Albury CityMr Rowan Perkins – Berrigan ShireMr Garry Stoll – Leeton ShireMs Margot Stork – Murray Shire

RESOLVED that the apologies be received and accepted(Moved Jerilderie and seconded Berrigan)

MRRR 3 - MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON 12 TH NOVEMBER 2014

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the General Meeting held 12th November 2014 be received and confirmed. (Moved Albury and seconded Conargo)

MRRR 4 – MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 12 TH NOVEMBER 2014 MEETING

The Executive Officer updated the meeting on the following items:-8.2 – Review of the Commonwealth Water Act – representations to Commonwealth Government8.3 – Coal Seam Gas Workshop – proposed NSW Division Resources and Energy visit to Councils 8.6 – Murray Local Land Services Advisory Group - Cr Terry Hogan appointed

MRRR 5 – DISCUSSIONS WITH CR KEITH RHOADES AFSM – PRESIDENT OF LGNSW AND SENIOR STRATEGY MANAGER SHAUN McBRIDE

Cr Keith Rhoades addressed the meeting in relation to the following issues and responded to a range of questions and areas of Council concern:-

Fit for the Future Local Government Reform – current status of various components Commonwealth three year freeze on indexation of Financial Assistance Grants ALGA and State Associations – representations on sharing national taxation pool LGNSW policy document in relation to the forthcoming State Election Water and sewerage functions – important to retain at local Council level Local Government Act – amendments to provide for Fit for the Future LGNSW planning to convene a Rural Local Government Summit State Government policy position on pensioner rate concessions LGNSW Budget and Membership Contributions LGNSW format for 2015 Annual Conference at Rosehill Racecourse – 11-13 October 2015

The Chairman thanked Cr Rhoades and Mr McBride for their attendance at the meeting and a small presentation of local produce was made to them both by Deputy Chairman Cr Kevin Mack.

MRRR 6 – EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT

6.1 – Fit for the Future - Status of current discussions regarding Voluntary Mergers, Joint Organisations and Rural Councils

Consideration was given to the Executive Officer’s Report on the current status of Fit for the Future issues in the RAMROC region and in particular to the question of RAMROC commissioning a comprehensive analysis of Joint Organisation options.

RESOLVED

1. That subject to a finalisation and cost agreement in relation to the Consultancy Brief, that RAMROC engage Elton Consulting to undertake a comprehensive analysis of Joint Organisation options for the RAMROC region

2. That the full cost of the Elton Consulting Study as finally negotiated be met from uncommitted RAMROC funds on hand

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3. That the current operations of RAMROC continue pending a final determination in relation to the establishment of Joint Organisations within the RAMROC region, which are proposed by the State Government for commencement date in September 2016(Moved Albury and seconded Griffith)

6.2 – Fit for the Future Discussions with Local State Members

The Executive Officer reported on arrangements for a follow up meeting with Local State Members at the McCaughey Memorial Institute on Friday 27th February 2015 in relation to fit for the Future and other important State/Local Government matters.

The EO advised that the meeting at the Institute will also be attended by the NSW Deputy Premier the Hon Troy Grant MP and the Minister for Lands, Natural Resources and Western NSW the Hon Kevin Humphries MP

RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s Report be adopted(Moved Murray and seconded Deniliquin)

6.3 – RAMROC Issues to be taken to NSW Government Ministers following the March State Election

Consideration was given at the meeting to a wide range of issues important to Local Government that need to be pursued with State Government Ministers following the forthcoming State Election, as well as ongoing matters that will continue to be taken up at Federal Government level.

RESOLVED that the lists as presented by the Executive Officer be endorsed, and that the following matters be added:-

Murray Darling Basin Plan – NSW Government water saving infrastructure projects towards achieving the Sustainable Diversion Limit targets;

The extremely high purchase cost of irrigation water for food production – impacts on food producers and farm employment

Community transport funding – new State funding arrangements and tendering requirements for Councils

NSW Government pensioner concession rebates to Councils

RESOLVED that the Executive Officers list of issues and the above additional items form the basis of RAMROC representations to NSW Government Ministers and further that the matters proposed to be taken up with Federal Ministers be also adopted, including representations for special funding for mobile blackspot upgrades in priority emergency services areas, and that NBN Co and Telstra representatives be invited to address a forthcoming RAMROC meeting regarding the NBN rollout, mobile phone and 4G services within the region. (Moved Greater Hume and seconded Griffith)

6.4 – New South Wales Cross Border Commissioner

The Executive Officer reported that the Cross Border Commissioner based in Wagga James McTavish commenced his role in July 2014 and has recently established a Cross Border Business Advisory Committee made up of NSW and Victorian Government and Business stakeholders, with Local Government Councils and communities being represented by the Executive Officer.

RESOLVED that Member Councils provide feedback and information on priority cross border issues directly to the Executive Officer to formally take back to the Cross Border Commissioner and at meetings of the Business Advisory Group(Moved Murray and seconded Albury)

6.5 – Commonwealth Government Ministerial and Parliamentary Secretary Appointments

The Executive Officer reported on the following recent Federal Government appointments:- The Hon Sussan Ley MP Member for Farrer – appointed in December 2014 as the Minister for

Health and Minister for Sport

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The Hon Bob Baldwin MP – appointed in December 2014 as the new Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment, which embraces responsibilities for the Commonwealth Water Act, the Murray Darling Basin Authority and the Basin Plan

The Hon Neil Andrew AO – appointed in January 2015 as Chair of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, following the retirement of former Chair Craig Knowles

Invitations have been extended by the RAMROC Chairman to both Parliamentary Secretary Baldwin and MDBA Chair Neil Andrew to visit the region and to meet with RAMROC.

RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s report be received and noted(Moved Berrigan and seconded Murray)

6.6 – RAMROC Water4Food Program – Potential Action Plan and Program for 2015

Consideration was given to a proposal from the Chairman and Executive Officer that RAMROC carry out a renewed advocacy program during the forthcoming year at Federal and State Government levels in relation to the impending global population increases and consequent food security issues across the world, in the context of the importance of food and fibre production in the Murray Darling Basin.

RESOLVED that the RAMROC Executive develop a National Strategy and advocacy campaign in conjunction with other Murray Darling Basin Regional Organisations of Councils, stressing the importance Australia developing a comprehensive National Water Plan for the purposes of substantially increasing food and fibre production for global and Asian markets (Moved Jerilderie and seconded Albury)

MRRR 7 – RAMROC FINANCIAL REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDED 31 ST DECEMBER 2014

The Executive Officer submitted the second quarter Financial Statements for the year 2014-2015 and reported that the income and expenditure items for the financial year to date are in line with the Budget estimates for the following accounts

Overall Balance Sheet – all Funds General Account - Summary Murray Waste Account - Summary Riverina Waste Account - Summary Contaminated Land Management Account - Summary RAMROC Regional Waste Strategy Account - Summary (now finalised) RAMROC Roadside Vegetation Implementation Program Account - Summary (now finalised) RAMROC Woodsmoke Reduction Program Account – Summary (now finalised) Litter Prevention Program Account – Summary (Riverina Waste Group project)

RESOLVED that the financial reports of the RAMROC General Account and other programs set out above for the period ended 31st December 2014 be adopted(Moved Griffith and seconded Murray)

MRRR 8 - REPORTS OF RAMROC WORKING GROUP MEETINGS

The reports of the following Working Group meetings were submitted for information and consideration:-

8.1 RAMROC Engineers Group Meeting – 5th November 20148.2 RAMROC Records Management Group Meeting – 11th November 20148.3 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group Meeting – 17th December 20148.4 RAMROC Engineers Group Meeting – 11th February 20158.5 RAMROC General Managers Group Meeting – 13th February 2015

RESOLVED that the reports of the Working Group Meetings be received and noted and that the actions taken and recommendation made therein be endorsed.(Moved Griffith and seconded Carrathool)

FURTHER RESOLVED that in relation to the Byford Equipment presentation to the Engineers Group on 11th February regarding the Company’s new 20m and 26m A-B Double combinations that RAMROC provide strong support to the application for RMS approval of the new combinations and that a letter be written to LGNSW seeking its support as well(Moved Jerilderie and seconded Conargo)

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MRRR 9 – MINUTES OF RAMROC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING - _30 TH JANUARY 2015

The Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting held at Berrigan on 30th January 2015 were submitted for information and consideration

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Executive Committee meeting be received and noted and that the actions taken be endorsed(Moved Carrathool and seconded Berrigan)

MRRR 10 – GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS

10.1 - Adrian Wells – Regional Manager Murray Darling Association

Cr Paul Maytom Chair of MDA Region 9 advised that Adrian Wells is recovering well from recent surgery. The Executive Officer informed the meeting that he has been in regular communication with Adrian and also that MDA will now be establishing its Albury office in the City Council’s Kiewa Street complex.

10.2 – Death of Mayor of Forbes Council Cr Ron Penny

Cr Lindsay Renwick advised the meeting of the recent death of the Mayor of Forbes Shire Council Cr Ron Penny. The Executive Officer will send a letter of condolence to Ron’s family.

MRRR 11 – CONFIDENTIAL ITEM - EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT Chairman Cr Terry Hogan presented a written report to the meeting proposing that the Executive Officer’s Contract be extended through to 30th September 2016, in order to maintain continuity of RAMROC’s operations leading into the scheduled September 2016 establishment of Joint Organisations under the Fit for the Future reform processes.

RESOLVED that RAMROC approve of an extension to the Executive Officer’s Contract of Employment through to 30th September 2016, in accordance with the intentions and proposed contract provisions as detailed in the Chairman’s report

There being no further business, the RAMROC meeting concluded at 12.30 pm

AGENDA ITEM MRRR 4 - MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 25 TH FEBRUARY MEETING

Executive Officer to update and other matters raised by Delegates

MRRR 5 - PRESENTATIONS

5.1 Jason Collins - Regional Co-ordinator Riverina-Murray - NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet will provide an update report on DPC and RAMROC matters, including Cross Border Commissioner activities, Regional Action Plans and the role and functions of ROCs / JOs in regional strategic planning initiatives for the Riverina-Murray region (20 minutes allocated)

5.2 Officers from NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) will provide an overview of the roles and responsibilities of NSW OEH for the planning and delivery of NSW Environmental Water Entitlements, including the role and specific activities undertaken by the Environmental Watering Advisory Groups (EWAGs) for both the Murrumbidgee, Lachlan and Murray-Lower Darling River systems (30 to 40 minutes allocated)

MRRR 6 – EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT

6.1 - Fit for the Future – Appointment of Expert Panel to Assess FFF Submissions

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On 27th April 2015, the following Media Release was issued by the NSW Minister for Local Government in regard to the appointment of an Expert Panel to consider Councils’ Fit for the Future submissions.

IPART TO PLAY KEY ROLE IN ASSESSING FIT FOR THE FUTURE COUNCIL SUBMISSIONS

Minister for Local Government Paul Toole today announced the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), supported by South Australian local government expert John Comrie, will act as the Expert Advisory Panel to review local councils Fit for the Future submissions.

Mr Toole said IPART which has extensive local government expertise and proven experience was appointed after careful consideration.

“I am pleased that councils have been working hard on their submissions, examining their capabilities and opportunities to improve,” Mr Toole said.

“Councils and communities deserve these proposals to be considered independently, and assessed with consistency, fairness and impartiality.

“I am confident that IPART and Mr Comrie will perform the role transparently and effectively.”

The Independent Tribunal will conduct the assessment in line with the Terms of Reference developed in consultation with the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG). The MAG is made up of representatives from Local Government NSW, United Services Union and Local Government Professionals Australia.

The Terms of Reference include:

o Has the scale and capacity to engage effectively across community, industry and government;

o Is sustainable;

o Is efficient;

o Effectively manages infrastructure and delivers services for communities.

“Ensuring local government in NSW is Fit for the Future is a priority for the NSW Government,” Mr Toole said.

“We need a sustainable system of local government – one that provides quality services and infrastructure and will help us to deliver downward pressure on rates, better services and more infrastructure.

“NSW needs councils that are financially sustainable and able to deliver efficient and effective services.

“The Fit for the Future process is a chance for the State and Local Government to continue to work together to make these changes a reality.

“I encourage all councils to continue to prepare their Fit for the Future submission and consult the community on proposals for change.

“Councils have until 30 June 2015 to take advantage of the once in a generation support and benefits on offer.”

The Terms of Reference have been announced by Premier Baird and comprise the Task and Procedures for the Expert Panel. IPART has already released a Consultation Paper which explains its proposed methodology to assess Councils’ Fit for the Future (FFTF) proposals. IPART has invited electronic submissions in response by 25th May, so that the final methodology document can be released to Councils by the first week in June.

IPART will be holding four public hearings across the State to discuss the proposed methodology, and one of those hearings will be at the Commercial Club in Wagga on Thursday 21st May from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm.All Councils (2 representatives from each) and RAMROC and REROC are encouraged to attend

The Terms of Reference require IPART to provide the State Government with an assessment report on all Councils’ submissions by 16th October 2015.

In relation to the composition of the Expert Panel, Narrandera Shire Council has expressed concern as to whether IPART and Mr John Comrie will have a comprehensive understanding of NSW Local Government in its assessment of Councils’ FFTF submissions. NSC has asked that this specific aspect be considered

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by RAMROC and if supported by other member Councils that appropriate representations be made to Premier Mike Baird MP, MLG Minister Paul Toole MP and the Office of Local Government.

NSC Mayor Cr Jenny Clarke and General Manager Judy Charlton will be able to provide further background at the meeting.

Delegates will remember that RAMROC made representations in November 2014 to OLG that one or two experienced Local Government practitioners at the General Manager level should be “at the table” in developing an optimum Rural Council model. Those representations were not responded to by OLG.

In respect of the Expert Panel, Narrandera Shire makes a relevant point. Whilst not questioning the ability and credentials of IPART and Mr Crombie in any way, it would be very appropriate for two highly experienced former General Managers to be added to the Expert Panel, possibly one with large Metropolitan Council experience and one with Regional/Rural NSW experience.

The appointment of two experienced practitioners would also be of considerable assistance to the Expert Panel in the huge task that the Panel has has in finalising its consideration of a large number of Councils’ FFTF submissions and in reporting to the State Government by mid October 2015.

Recommendation1. For information and discussion by RAMROC Delegates at the meeting 2. That Member Councils and RAMROC representatives attend the IPART public hearing at

Wagga Wagga on Thursday 21st May 20153. That RAMROC support the concerns being expressed by Narrandera Shire regarding the

composition of the Expert Panel and that representations along the lines set out in the EO’s report be made to the NSW Premier, the Minister for Local Government and the Office of Local Government

6.2 - Fit for the Future – Options Study for Joint Organisations for the RAMROC Region

At the February RAMROC Meeting it was resolved that subject to finalisation of a Brief and an agreement on Study costs, that RAMROC commission a comprehensive analysis of Joint Organisation options for the RAMROC region and that the estimated cost of the Study (potentially in the order of $50,000 to $60,000) be met from uncommitted funds in RAMROC’s General Account.

Input from General Managers was sought to finalise a Consultant’s Brief that identified options to be studied, which in turn would enable the Consultants to assess for each option the advantages and disadvantages, the advocacy strength, the role and functions, governance arrangements, annual expenditure and income, staff resourcing and the capacity to engage with Governments and other external stakeholders.

The feedback from General Managers from across RAMROC revealed a diversity of Councils’ opinions and FFTF policy positions. In fact, some Councils indicated that they would not prepared to participate in an Options Study until such time as there is much more certainty about the outcomes of the FFTF Councils’ submissions, which is a process set down for final delivery by the Expert Panel in mid October 2015.

Another concern expressed was in relation to apparent limited scope of functions and progress being made by the five selected Pilot Joint Organisations. In our region, it is also relevant that Greater Hume Shire and Urana Shire have been included in the Riverina Pilot Joint Organisation Study and that the State Government is still definitely committed to Wentworth and Balranald Shires being a part of the Western Region Authority.

This leaves the JO options for the RAMROC region somewhat up in the air, more so because a small number of RAMROC Councils are separately participating in potential merger discussions and in a couple of cases have commissioned Shared Business Cases under the OLG funding arrangements.

As Councils’ FFTF submissions are required to be submitted by 30th June, there is also now an extreme shortage of time for any JO Options Study to be completed in time to provide much value for the individual submissions by Councils.

In my recent discussions with OLG and IPART officials, the indications are that RAMROC would be best placed to put on hold the commissioning of a Joint Organisations Study at this stage of the processes underway.

Taking into account this range of factors, the General Managers Group meeting held on 17 th April resolved to recommend to the RAMROC Board as follows:-

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“That the commissioning of an Independent Study into Joint Organisation/s options be deferred at this point of time and that the matter be re-visited after July 2015 when Member Councils’ Operational Plans and Budgetary processes have been completed and the Fit for the Future (FFTF) submissions have been submitted to the Office of Local Government and more progress has been achieved by the five Pilot Joint Organisations”

RecommendationThat RAMROC endorse the above recommendation that has been made by the General Managers Group

6.3 – Department of Planning and Environment – Draft Murray-Murrumbidgee Regional Growth, Environment and Infrastructure Plan (RGEIP)

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) is currently in the final stages of developing the Murray-Murrumbidgee Regional Growth, Environment and Infrastructure Plan, which embraces the existing boundaries of the REROC and RAMROC regions (except for Wentworth and Balranald Shires which are included in the Western Region Authority area).

A presentation and workshop was held with the General Managers Group on Friday 17th April 2015, the purpose being to discuss actions contained in the DRAFT Plan, particularly focussing on the actions which the ROCs/Joint Organisations will be responsible for implementing.

The proposed timetable for the Draft Plan is as follows:-1. Submit to NSW Cabinet in June 20152. Exhibition is anticipated in July 2015 for an 8 week period

The Goals, Objectives,, Strategic Directions and Actions embodied in the Draft RGEIP are based on the following six themes:-

Community – centres planning, neighbourhood design, social infrastructure, heritage Economy – value adding, agribusiness, tourism Housing – ageing population, seasonal and itinerant workers Infrastructure – identification, justification, prioritisation (strategic need) Agriculture and Natural Resources – protection of resource, maximise opportunities Environment and Hazard Management – climate change, hazard management

DPE presented a Working Paper to the General Managers Group meeting and has proposed that RAMROC and /or the established Joint Organisation/s in due course undertake the following strategic planning actions in the short term (1-3 years) or the short to medium term (up to 5 years)

1. Community Support the ROC/JO to undertake a skills and resource analysis to determine regional and

community capabilities to undertake actions identified in the Plan (with DPE - short term) Prepare a comprehensive Centres Strategy for the Region, based on the network of centres model

identified in the Plan (with DPE– short term) Develop regional-specific guidelines for the design of town and village centres, new

neighbourhoods and subdivisions (with DPE – short term)

2. Economy Prepare a comprehensive analysis of land supply and demand for each local government area and

to identify future requirements (with DPE and Local Councils - short term) Investigate the issues surrounding the backlog of local infrastructure projects in the Region which

are providing barriers to development (with Local Councils, DPC, DPE, RMS, Transport for NSW – short to medium term)

3. Housing Undertake a housing survey to investigate the demand and barriers to provision of a range of low

care and independent seniors accommodation options across the region (with Local Councils, DPE, Housing NSW, FACS and industry - medium term)

4. Infrastructure Support the development of a defined freight Network in the Region, as identified in the NSW

Freight and Ports Strategy November 2013 (with DPE, Transport for NSW and Local Councils – short to medium term)

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Identify regionally significant transport infrastructure projects across the Region (with Local Councils, Transport NSW and RMS – short term)

Prioritise identified regionally significant transport infrastructure projects (with Local Councils, Transport for NSW and RMS - short to medium term)

Develop a Regional Freight Transport Plan (this is a ROC project already in progress) Investigate the regional capacity for growth in water and sewer infrastructure to enable future

economic development (with DPC – short term) Investigate the issue of growing industry demand for energy supply across the region, to support

future growth and investment (with DPC – short term)

5. Rural lands and Natural Resources No ROC /JO actions proposed

6. Environment and Hazard Management No ROC /JO actions proposed

Councils’ General Managers and Planning Directors/Managers have been requested to provide feedback to DPE on the actions proposed in the DRAFT Plan by 12th May. I am co-ordinating the feedback received into a single RAMROC response.

RecommendationFor information only at this stage, to indicate the scheduled involvement of RAMROC / JOs in the future development of the Department of Planning’s Murray-Murrumbidgee Regional Growth, Environment and Infrastructure Plan

6.4 RAMROC and REROC Councils Contaminated Land Management Project

As previously reported, RAMROC and REROC have combined to undertake a joint Contaminated Land Management Project involving 26 participating Councils across the Riverina Murray region, which is being fully funded by NSW EPA over a three year program period ($150,000 per annum).

The program commenced in January 2015 and the project Officer Jacqui Bright has submitted the following status report:-

“Over recent weeks all RAMROC and REROC participating project councils have been visited by the CLM Project Officer. The purpose of these visits was to:- Introduce the project officer and the contaminated land management project to Council representatives- Undertake a survey of existing Council policies, procedures, site registers and understanding around

effective management of contaminated lands; and- To garner information about project expectations and required educational materials for Councils up

skilling.

A report on the findings of these visitations has been drafted and will be provided to Councils in due course.

A key observation from meeting with Councils is the variance in knowledge resources across the Councils in relation to contaminated land management. There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from the Councils for the provision of an educational workshop on effective contaminated land management.

Issues that Councils have sighted that they would like to see addressed have included: An overview of the Contaminated Land Management Act and Councils obligations and

responsibilities under the Act. Insight into the use of State Environmental Planning Policy 55 – Remediation of Land and the

SEPP 55 Planning Guidelines The new Underground Petroleum Storage System (UPSS) regulations particularly in relation to

roles and responsibilities for EPA, WorkCover and Council. Group discussions / work shopping on scenarios Councils face in regards to managing

contaminated land matters in the planning process. The Auditing process and how this is a resource for Councils in considering outcomes of site

investigations and remediation reports in the planning process. The legal obligation of Councils in managing legacy contamination information in Section 149

certificates.

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Workshops are proposed to be held on Wednesday 13th May in Deniliquin and Thursday 14th May in Wagga Wagga. The same presentations are going to be presented on both days and are open to all interested Council parties for attendance”.

Recommendation

For information and that RAMROC encourage full participation by Officers and interested Councillors in the May workshops at either Deniliquin or Wagga Wagga

6.5 Meeting with Chair and Chief Executive MDBA and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder – at Griffith on 21 st April 2015

In accordance with the RAMROC/MDBA Engagement arrangements which were agreed upon in early 2014, the RAMROC Engagement Group met with the recently appointed Chair of MDBA Mr Neil Andrew, together with MDBA Chief Executive Dr Rhondda Dickson and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Mr David Papps, at the Griffith City Council Chambers on Tuesday 21st April 2015.

The RAMROC delegation comprised Crs Terry Hogan, Kevin Mack, John Dal Broi, Paul Maytom, Norm Brennan and Tom Weyrich, together with General Managers, Rowan Perkins, Margot Stork, Brett Stonestreet and the Executive Officer.

The meeting was a very worthwhile one and the agenda covered a wide range of topics, including the following:-

An overview by MDBA on the Basin Plan and the implementation progress The report and recommendations of the Expert Panel which reviewed the Water Ac t in relation to

social and economic considerations. The Expert Panel report concluded that the Act already provides for the achievement of economic, social and environmental considerations, but recommended that all decision makers (e.g. MDBA and CEWO) more transparently demonstrate how these triple bottom line outcomes are taken into account, under both the Water Act and the Basin Plan

The current status of the MDBA Social and Economic Analysis of Basin Plan impacts – MDBA plans for future engagement with Councils and communities

Easter 2015 water levels – feedback from Councils and tourist communities re 2014 and 2015 comparisons (low levels in 2014 and high levels in 2015)

Proposed Commonwealth Government legislation to cap water buybacks at 1500 GL – what are the potential impacts on MDBA delivery of the Basin Plan

Sustainable Diversion Limits – current status on progress to the 2,750 GL to 3,200 GL recovery targets

Murray Mouth and Lower Lakes status - use of environmental water and other action planning to keep Murray Mouth open and maintain Lower Lake water levels

Environmental water delivery quantities - quantities and locations carried out in 2014-2015 to date and planning for the 2015-2016 year

Monitoring of environmental watering outcomes – status report on monitoring activities Current status of the MDBA Constraints Management Strategy, including the assessment of

impacts and the feasibility / costs associated with the removal of constraints in the various river reaches - MDBA responses to Council and community representations regarding the CMS, for example the Wakool Shire response re the Yarrawonga to Wakool Junction reach.

High cost of temporary water impacting on farmers and communities (current 2015 prices are around $130/ML and preliminary projections for higher costs of around $150/ML in 2016 under reduced availability projections) – representations to the Water Act Expert Panel for CEWH to have greater flexibility to trade unused environmental allocations for increased production purposes and potential for lower costs to producers

Review of the existing MDBA /RAMROC Engagement arrangements, e.g. MDBA Weekly Operations Reports for Murray River system,

MDBA  - current media arrangements, e.g ABC Riverina and Goulburn-Murray radio MDBA and RAMROC Executives – arrangements and timetable for future meetings

It was agreed that the next combined meeting will be held in February / March 2016 and that in the meantime the Executive Officer will continue to engage regularly with MDBA on an as needs basis for specific matters. The key Basin Plan implementation issues over coming months will be feasibility/cost assessments for the Constraints Management Strategy and further progress on State Government water saving infrastructure projects, which are critically important to the 2016 review of Sustainable Diversion Limits.

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In relation to the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to legislate for the capping of water buybacks to 1500 GL, as well as representations by many stakeholders for the Commonwealth Water Act to be amended to provide a triple bottom line balance of environmental, economic and social considerations and for the CEWH to have powers to trade unused environmental water for increased food production purposes, the RAMROC Chairman Cr Hogan and I have participated with Southern Riverina Irrigators in recent fruitful discussions with Commonwealth Government Senator John Madigan to encourage strong crossbench support for all of these important matters. I will report verbally to the meeting on the status of the representations being made to the Senate.

RecommendationFor information and discussion

6.6 – RAMROC Procurement Working Group

At the February RAMROC meeting, I reported on the potential to establish a RAMROC Procurement Group in association with LGNSW’s Local Government Procurement (LGP).

The purpose of the Procurement Group is for RAMROC Councils to collaborate extensively to implement optimum take-up of LGP Contracts and in so doing to benefit from a generous LGP Rebate Scheme on offer, which has potential to generate significant annual income for RAMROC purposes and for distribution of the rebate amongst the participating Member Councils.

In order to progress the matter, a Procurement Taskforce was established, comprising officers from 6 RAMROC Councils. Its task was to work with LGP to examine all aspects of the proposal. The Taskforce met in mid April and made its report and recommendations to the General Managers Group on 17 th April.

The General Managers Group has resolved to endorse the Taskforce recommendations, as follows:-

RESOLVED that the following action pathway as recommended by the Taskforce be adopted and submitted to the RAMROC Board meeting on 6th May 2015 for final approval:-

1. That RAMROC Councils be encouraged to confirm their participation in the LGP Rebate Offer, with an objective of adopting a program commencement date of early May 2015

2. That the RAMROC Executive Officer be authorised to sign the LGP Group Rebate Offer Agreement on behalf RAMROC and to provide to LGP the Notice of Participation documentation in relation to the individual LGP Contracts, for formal notification by Local Government Procurement to suppliers and contractors

3. That RAMROC adopt and implement the following governance arrangements and short term action plans:-a. That the RAMROC Procurement Group (RPG) Organisation Structure comprise one

nominated representative from each participating Council, together with the RAMROC Executive Officer and the Local Government Procurement (LGP) Business Manager Southern Region and that the RPG meet on a quarterly basis and report through the General Managers Group

b. That the RPG elect annually a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson from amongst the nominated representatives of the Participating Councils

c. That the RPG appoint a small Steering Committee to oversight and implement the program on a day to day basis, which is to meet as required and report to the RPG

d. That the Executive Officer gather information at an early date from Participating Councils as to which LGP Contracts they are currently purchasing from and that a summary be prepared for the Steering Committee

e. That the PWG initially focus on a small number of specific identified LGP Contracts, for example:- Office supplies and associated products (including potential for environmentally sustainable products) Workforce Training Programs Bitumen, Emulsions, Asphalt and Roadbase materials Heavy Plant and Trucks

f. That the PWG also focus on Best Practice Procurement – sharing of information, templates, policies and procedures with other NSW Councils and within the RAMROC network

g. That the PWG and Council General Managers give prompt consideration to the Option 2 proposal by Arc Blue for a RAMROC Regional Spend and Opportunity Analysis, particularly as Best Practice Procurement is a high priority of the State Government’s Fit for the Future LG reform program

h. That consideration of a Vendor Panel upgrade for local and regional suppliers be considered following clarification of FFTF outcomes in the region

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The increased financial return to RAMROC and participating Councils will of course be subject to sustained growth in the use of LGP contracts by Councils, which is the principal task to be co-ordinated by the Procurement Steering Committee. However, it appears quite feasible that by generating an increase of between 25 to 30% in regional spend on LGP contracts, the annual rebate from LGP will be substantial. RecommendationThat RAMROC endorse the recommendations of the Procurement Taskforce, and in turn the General Managers Group, for the establishment of a RAMROC Procurement Group and the adoption of the LGP Rebate Offer.

MRRR 7 – FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 31 ST MARCH 2015

Attached separately are the half year financial reports for the following RAMROC programs as at 31st March 2015

Overall Balance Sheet of all Funds General Account Summary – Balance of $211,942 Murray Waste Group Account Summary – Balance of $487,096 Riverina Waste Group Account Summary – Balance of $407,932 Contaminated Land Management Project Account Summary – Balance $103,044 RAMROC Regional Waste Strategy Program Summary (program is now expended and finalised) Roadside Vegetation Implementation Project Summary (program is now expended and finalised) Woodsmoke Reduction Program Summary (program is now expended and finalised) Litter Prevention Program Summary (Riverina Waste Group Project – Balance $36,270)

I have to report that the financial statements indicate that the Budget items remain well on track, with no significant variations at this 9 months stage of the year.

RecommendationThat the financial reports of RAMROC General Account and other programs for the period ended 31st March 2015 be received and adopted

MRRR 8 – DRAFT BUDGET AND SCHEDULE OF COUNCIL SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR 2015-2016

A draft RAMROC Annual Budget and Schedule of Member Subscriptions for 2015-2016is separately attached for consideration.

The draft Budget proposes that the membership Subscriptions for 2015-2016 will remain the same as for the current year 2014-2015, whilst maintaining a small surplus result of $2,667. This will mean that at the 30th June 2016, the accumulated uncommitted balance of funds on hand will stand at $143,177.

Recommendation That the draft RAMROC Budget and Subscriptions Schedule for 2015-2016 be adoptedMRRR 9 – MINUTES OF WORKING GROUP MEETINGS AS FOLLOWS (pages 15 to 27):-

9.1 RAMROC Engineers Group – 11th February 20159.2 RAMROC Planners Group – 19th February 20159.3 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group – 25th February 2015 9.4 RAMROC Records Management Group – 3rd March 20159.5 RAMROC Riverina Waste Management Group – 11th March 20159.6 RAMROC Procurement Group – Taskforce Report - 14th April 20159.7 RAMROC General Managers Group – 17th April 2015

9.1 RAMROC Engineers Group Meeting – 11 th February 2015

MINUTES OF THE RAMROC ENGINEERS MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE11 February 2015 at 10.00am

Meeting opened: 10.00am

Present: David Tamlyn Jerilderie Shire (Chair)

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Brad Ferris Albury CityAndrew Lawson Albury CitySimon Overland Balranald ShireFred Exton Berrigan ShireMatthew Clarke Berrigan ShireKen Thompson Carrathool ShireGreg Blackie Greater Hume ShireDallas Bibby Griffith CityGraham Gordon Griffith CityDenis Gelle Jerilderie ShireChris Lashbrook Leeton ShireJoseph Biannchini Murrumbidgee Shire Steve Goodsell Murrumbidgee ShireKrishna Shrestha Narrandera ShireFrank Dyrssen Narrandera ShireShane Squires Narrandera ShirePenny Craig Urana ShireBrian Ebery Wakool Shire

Apologies;Ray Stubbs RAMROCMyles Humphries Berrigan ShireStephen Joyce Carrathool Shire Greg Stewart Hay ShireLeigh Robbins Murray ShireBarry Heins Leeton ShireSimon Pradhan Wentworth Shire

GuestsChris Nisbet Byford EquipmentGary Byford Byford EquipmentPeter Ledwos Office of Water Regional ManagerMarie Talevska Local Government ProcurementJessica Jones Local Government ProcurementRon Dillon Senior Mines Safety OfficerMike Sheen Mines Safety Officer

Confirmation of Minutes of the meetings held 6 August 2014 moved Ken Thompson and seconded Joseph Biannchini that the minutes of these meetings be accepted.

Greg Blackie – Infrastructure Project.Greg presented a base document for the Infrastructure Project. No data has been received from Balranald Shire or Deniliquin Council. Simon from Balranald Shire advised he would send info to Jerilderie asap.

The Draft RAMROC Infrastructure document will be presented at the May meeting with adoption expected at the August meeting.Councils need to send their modal points and constraints to Greg as soon as possible.Thanks to Greg and the Greater Hume Shire GIS Team for the time put into this plan.

Presentation – Gary Byford & Chris Nisbet; Byford Equipment , Moama.

Gary and Chris presented a video and explanation on their new 20m & 26m A-B Double combinations. The presentation showed swept path, turning circles and improvements which reduce the damage to roads at property entries and intersections. At this stage there is no approval for these combinations from RMS South Western Region, Byford have scheduled meetings with RMS to present the new vehicle combination.

Each Council was given a copy of the presentation. Engineers meeting discussed the new vehicle combination and all feel that the concept would be appropriate for use on council road networks.

Brad Ferris – Streetlighting

Brad gave a rundown on the determination regarding increased costs for streetlighting.- Essential Energy have resubmitted their submission with calculation errors fixed.- Looking to introduce LED lighting for new sub divisions – if replacing old lights, Council to pay.

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- Final decision to be handed down 30/4/15. Council submissions accepted until 13/3/15 Ray Stubbs has updated the RAMROC submission.

- Expect a small increase in streetlight rates.

Presentation – Peter Ledwos – Regional Manager (Southern NSW Region); Urban Water Branch, Office of Water

Peter outlined the need and the process for producing Integrated Water Cycle Management Plans (IWCM) that all Council’s are now required to produce, and explained the funding available for the preparation of the documents. Some RAMROC Council have plans in place and may need updating, many will need to be produced. Meeting discussed the idea to have the Management plans produced as a collective, in conjunction with the Office Of Water.

Presentation – Marie Talevska & Jessica Jones Local Government Procurement

Marie and Jessica outlined LGP’s role and how they can assist LG’s with tendering and management of contracts.

Presentation – Ron Dillon & Mike Skeen Senior Mine Safety Officers

Outlined the changes to the NSW Mining Legislation. The new Work Health & Safety (Mines) Bill and Regulations came into effect 1 February 2015.

- Activities that do not apply were explained.- Decisions can be challenged.- If a function is not covered under the Roads Act it is covered by the mining legislation.- Risks should be identified and treated on a location basis.- Suggest daily risk assessments / tool box meetings etc to back up generic SWMS.- Keep a mine record book – suggestion keep in loader.- Notify when commencing / recommencing using a pit – email Ron or Mike – this includes

contractors, dozer, crushing etc NOT when loading out.- New accident / incident form on website.- Quarterly reports.- Incidents to be advised to Ron or Mike as soon as possible.- Contractors can use Council’s Safety Management Plan.- Need a system in place for Contractors Working Alone.- Production Manger’s course – Wagga - $100 per Council.

General Business

- Training – Mine Safety – Production Manager- Traffic Control Training – Jerilderie, Murrumbidgee, Berrigan- Telstra Cable Location, legislation has changed need a new training provider.- PEG meeting to be confirmed.- Grain Harvest Management Scheme to be reviewed in March 2015.- HML Bridge Assessments; who does them? GHD; SKM- IPWEA Forum – Corowa & Fit for the Future Forum – Jerilderie.- Suggestion of RAMROC Engineer’s Golf Day.- What will happen to this group re Fit for the Future / further discussion required.- PSP Sealing document.- Drinking Water Meeting/ NSW Health / Wagga 25th Feb 2015

- Meeting closed at 2.30pm.

Next Meeting 6th May 2015

9.2 RAMROC Planners Group – 19 th February 2015 (DRAFT)

Draft (yet to be reviewed by Chair) - MINUTES OF THE RIVERINA AND MURRAY REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS PLANNERS GROUP

MEETING 19 FEBRUARY 2014Albury City Council

12.30AM

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Chaired by David Christy at Albury City Council – meeting commenced at 12:30

1. Present

Anthea Crack Griffith City CouncilBob Parr Corowa Shire CouncilCam O’Kane Berrigan Shire CouncilChristopher O’brien Murray Shire Council

Colin Kane Hume Shire CouncilDave Christy Albury City CouncilKelly McNicol Griffith City CouncilLaurie Stevens Berrigan Shire CouncilShane Wilson Carathool ShireTegan Bruce Leeton Shire CouncilKelly Tyson Leeton Shire Council

2. Apologies

Susan Appleyard – Jerilderie Shire CouncilRay Stubbs – Executive Officer RAMROCShavaun Tasker – Deniliquin Shire CouncilMarie Sutton – Conargo Shire CouncilAshley Albury – NSW PlanningWayne Garnsey – NSW PlanningMichael Keys – NSW Planning

3. Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Council Planners Group Meeting 12 February 2013 are confirmed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

Moved – Shane Wilson Seconded- Kelly Tyson

Matters arising from Minutes SW – Did Colin write a letter to the BPB regarding NCC classes of Agricultural buildings? DC – will check with Colin, however there are no clear guidelines for these structures

4. Presentation – Jacqui Bright – RAMROC Contaminated Land Officer

The floor was turned over to Jacqui Bright who provided a presentation on her project regarding Contaminated Lands in RAMROC Councils

5. Draft Murray Regional Strategy

The draft strategy is nearing completion and will be sent out for consultation in the coming months once the new government comes into power.

6. Department of Planning and Infrastructure Updates

Dave Christy to insert dot points

7. General Business

Monitoring of Industries utilising the EPA’s Liquid Food Waste Exemption – Kelly McNicol o KM - gave an overview of the liquid trade waste exemption and asked if any other

Councils were having issues with compliance issueso SW - commented that it is important for resource reuse and recovery but its use in wet

weather is problematic.o KT - It’s a self-regulated system and should be up to

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Regulation of Private Certifiers (setting up and maintenance of construction sites) – Kelly McNicol

o DC – there needs to be a balance and understanding between PCA’s and Council. They need to work together so Council is not always complaining to the BPB.

o SW – It would be interesting to know how many orders have been issued by Private PCA’s

Training Opportunities – Dave Christy o DC – we are looking at doing a “Handling difficult Customers” course in Albury and

would like to invite the RAMROC Councils. o DC – Other training opportunities include “Planning for Non-Planners”o DC- if anyone knows of any other training opportunities please send them to the

RAMROC group. o TB- course on Heritage Assessment and Bushfire Prone lands is neededo KT- course on MapInfo and fire mitigation would also be handy.

Other General Business o DC – Resource recovery – a person operating an illegal waste recycling facility has

lodged a DA for a similar facility in the urban area. There is concern with the land use compatibility of the development with neighbouring uses.

SW – Dust Management Plan may help LS – Covering the area with a shed and require a cyclone unit to be installed.

DC – too onerous as a condition of consent – not what was applied for.

o KT – Cumulative Impacts of structures - A local grain handling business is cumulatively expanding to a level that could be considered Designated Development, but doing so using a number of DA’s instead of Master planning

SW – could recommend refusal based on the cumulative effect of the development

o LS – Help with mapping amendments to LEP BP – there are consultants in Albury that can do it.

8. Next Meeting The next meeting will be in Jerilderie on 21 May 2015

Meeting closed at 1:45

9.3 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group – 25 th February 2015

10.35am:WELCOMEGroup chair, Simon Arkinstall, declared the meeting open and welcomed members.

PRESENTSimon Arkinstall, chair, Murray; Andrea Baldwin, Albury; Myles Humphries, Berrigan; Warwick Newell, Conargo; David Carroll, Corowa; Andrew Shaw, Greater Hume; Adam Garland, Wakool; Nigel Taylor, RAMROC Murray.

APOLOGIESGeoff Pitt, David Kerslake, Conargo; Mark Dalziel, Jon Stammers, Mark Cook, Deniliquin; Allen Dwyer, Phil Ruddick, Hay; Susan Appleyard, Jerilderie; Matthew Fischer, Urana; Nigel Sutton, Corowa.Moved Myles Humphries, 2nd Andrew Shaw, that the apologies be accepted.Carried.

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

BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTESGAS BOTTLES

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In relation to Item 3 in the minutes, Andrea Baldwin asked whether automotive gas cylinders were included in the OneSteel scrap metal collection contract.The co-ordinator advised the Tender Specifications stated in Section 6.2 (Page 17) that: “The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that any metal waste, including gas bottles, are safe for crushing, prior to that waste entering any crushing device or any other device designed to change the original shape of the metal.”No distinction was made between automotive gas cylinders and other gas bottles.Noted.

REFRIGERANT RECOVERYA discussion then followed on the recovery of refrigerant from appliances received at waste sites.Myles Humphries gave details of a training course that selected Berrigan Shire operators would undertake to attain accreditation in refrigerant recovery.The co-ordinator indicated that if member councils were prepared to nominate staff to undertake a recognised training course to facilitate refrigerant recovery, RAMROC Murray would fund this training as a means of enhancing resource recovery and waste management practices across the region.Moved Andrew Shaw, 2nd Andrea Baldwin, that Myles report to the next meeting with costings on available courses to train council operators to recover refrigerant, the collection equipment required and disposal of refrigerant.Carried.

1: MRA PHONE CONFERENCEA phone conference with Mike Ritchie, Tom Mallet and Nathan Green, from Mike Ritchie and Associates, commenced at 11am.Topics discussed included:

Raw Mulch Exemptions under the new POEO Waste Regulations and the implications for rural and regional councils mulching greenwaste and making it available to the public or using it away from the waste site;

Geographic extension of the Section 88 Waste Levy; Opportunities for councils under the Federal Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund; Reduction in licensing thresholds under the new POEO regulations; New waste tracking obligations, including waste transfers interstate; Proposed NSW container deposit legislation; and Municipal media (MyWaste platform).

The co-ordinator will liaise with Mike Ritchie to seek EPA clarification on the tracking requirements relating to waste transfers from NSW to Victoria. At this stage it appears the tracking requirements apply only to waste from the Sydney metropolitan area.Moved Myles Humphries, 2nd Andrew Shaw, that MRA representatives be invited to attend the next waste group meeting to give a presentation on the capabilities and benefits to councils of the MyWaste platform.Carried.

2: LANDFILL OPERATOR TRAININGThe 2015 Landfill Operator Training Course will be held from Tuesday, May 12, to Thursday, May 14, inclusive at the Thurgoona campus of the National Environment Centre, Riverina TAFE.The co-ordinator is currently negotiating with the EPA for sponsorship support to offset the registration fee for participants.RAMROC Murray will meet the registration fee for participants from member councils, who will receive a competency Asset Maintenance (Waste Management) on successful completion of the course.Participants from outside the region, or the private sector, will pay the full registration fee.Members present indicated all would be sending at least one representative.Moved Myles Humphries, 2nd David Carroll, that the information be noted, and that member councils support the course by registering selected staff.Carried.

3: COMMUNITY RECYCLING CENTRES

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The EPA has advised the regional application to establish four satellite community recycling centres under Round 1 of the Landfill Improvements and Consolidation Program has been successful, but the information cannot be made public until a ministerial announcement has been made.RAMROC Murray will received $153,480 to construct four centres at Moama, Berrigan, Blighty and Corowa.These will feed into regional centres at Albury and Deniliquin.The co-ordinator is meeting with the NSW Environment Trust in Sydney next Tuesday for a workshop on project delivery (Project Measures Table) and reporting and acquittal requirements.The funding Deed of Agreement must be signed by March 21, 2015, and the project completed by May 31, 2016.A meeting of the four participating councils will be convened after the Sydney workshop to progress the project.Noted.

4: REGIONAL STRATEGY SUMMARYTo assist member councils align their decisions around waste collection, diversion and disposal with the RAMROC Regional Waste Management Strategy 2014-20, it was proposed to provide each member council with a summary of the strategy to guide decisions on issues most relevant to each individual council.RAMROC Murray will meet all costs associated with this project.An example of the summary prepared for Narrandera was circulated at the meeting.Those present said they would welcome this initiative, as it would assist them align future waste management decisions with the regional strategy.Moved Myles Humphries, 2nd Andrew Shaw, that all member councils participate, with RAMROC Murray meeting all costs associated with the project.Carried.

5: HEY TOSSERMembers were advised the NSW EPA is about to launch a $20 million litter prevention campaign under the Waste Less Recycle More initiative.It includes the Hey Tosser! bank of resources and the ability for the public to report littering from vehicles resulting in fines for offenders rather than warning letters.The co-ordinator distributed 4000 Hey Tosser! reporting cards at the meeting.On 1 February the EPA launched a new system for the public reporting of littering from vehicles.As of 1 March, the new system will allow fines to be issued to those who have been reported.Community members must be 18 years and over to report and are required to register their personal details through the EPA website or mob app, agree to the Terms and Conditions, and declare an understanding of the responsibilities associated with reporting.Council staff are encouraged to inform residents about this new reporting option.   During discussion on this issue, Andrea Baldwin said she would provide the co-ordinator with a link to Albury City Council’s updated website on illegal dumping for distribution to members, who could upload the information to their own council websites if they wished.Moved Adam Garland, 2nd Warwick Newell, that the co-ordinator forward the Albury City link when received.Carried.

6: ILLEGAL DUMPING - REFLECT data collection toolThe group had previously resolved to develop an illegal dumping register to meet RAMROC’s commitment to establish a baseline, if possible, for 2014-15 and aim to reduce the incidence of illegal dumping in the region by 10 per cent by 2017.Simon Arkinstall gave a presentation to the December meeting on a proposed data collection spreadsheet based on the REFLECT platform, technology already used at Berrigan, Corowa, Murray, Greater Hume, Conargo and Deniliquin councils.At that meeting, the co-ordinator advised contact had been made with Nina Sheer, NSW EPA, who was the project manager for the EPA’s RIDonline illegal dumping information system project.A RIDonline project information sheet and FAQ were circulated to members mid-December.

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The co-ordinator reported that a follow-up discussion had been held with Nina just before the meeting in which she said an updated FAQ on the project would be released within the next week.It was planned to launch RIDonline in April, with a phone App to be launched in August, 2015.RIDonline was designed as an easy-to-use tool that would allow council officers, government agencies and members of the public to report incidents that would be fed into a centralised database.It would be possible for a council or regional group to drill down into this database to extract information relevant to their particular area, including the timing and location of illegal dumping incidents, and the volume and composition of materials involved.The co-ordinator asked whether the group wished to continue with its own illegal dumping project, or adopt the RIDonline tool when it became available.Moved Adam Garland, 2nd David Carroll, that RAMROC Murray cancel its project in favour of the RIDonline illegal dumping information system.Carried.

7: HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL COLLECTIONSuccessful one-day collections were conducted at Albury, Culcairn, Corowa and Moama in November, 2014.A total of 239 residents dropped off 6.948 tonnes of household hazardous chemicals for diversion from landfill to reprocessing and recycling.Compared to the previous collection, this represented twice the number of residents depositing almost double the volume of material at less than half the total number of sites.The unexpected success of the collection created a shortfall in funding of $12,659 (ex GST) to meet the cost of processing the additional material received.The co-ordinator reported a successful application had been made to the EPA to cover the additional amount.The EPA had also signed off on the project acquittal report, which was submitted on December 23.The period of time between collections and the heightened level of promotion of the collection by the participating councils were major factors in the success of this year’s event.Noted.

8: ENVIROMENTORS SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAMA three-week block of Keep Australia Beautiful EnviroMentors school education workshops has been booked for term three, 2015.Keep Australia Beautiful delivered 47 EnviroMentors school education workshops across the RAMROC Murray region mid-November, 2014, reaching a total of 1338 students from 13 schools in 14 days.'Drip, Drop, Splash' and 'Schoolyard Harvest' were the selected modules delivered.Members were given an overview of the scheme’s operation and how the subject matter and participating schools were selected, and were asked if the booking should be extended to accommodate more member councils following RAMROC Murray’s commitment to meet the full cost of the program this year.Moved Myles Humphries, 2nd Warwick Newell, that the three-week booking be endorsed, and members notify the co-ordinator if they wished to participate in the program so a decision could be made about extending the booking if required.Carried.

9: E-WASTE COLLECTIONRENEW NSW forwarded a submission to the Federal Government’s Operational Review of the National TV and Computer Recycling Scheme on behalf of the 96 regional and rural member councils of the State’s eight waste groups.A draft of the RENEW NSW paper was circulated to member for comment before the closing date of February 6, 2015.Members indicated at the meeting that the only options were to reintroduce fees for e-waste received at their sites, or to landfill the material, as most did not have the financial capacity to pay commercial rates to have the material collected and processed.The reintroduction of fees posed a risk of increased illegal dumping, particularly of televisions, and would not be well received by the public in place of the previously free service.Noted.

10: LANDFILL CONSOLIDATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM

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Four councils present, Albury, Greater Hume, Berrigan and Conargo, indicated they had made grant applications under the first round of the Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvements Program.The co-ordinator reported the EPA had advised at the RENEW NSW forum in Armidale the previous week that all applications had been assessed and forwarded to the Environment Trust, with an announcement expected on March 5, 2015.The second and final round of grants would open on May 28 and close on August 18, 2015.

11: GENERAL BUSINESS1. Raw Mulch Exemption: This was discussed extensively during the earlier phone conference with

Mike Ritchie and Associates.Noted.

2. Annual reporting: Non-levy licensed facilities will be required to report annually from August 1, 2015, under the new POEO Waste Regulations. They will have to detail the amount, type, and destination of waste that is processed, stored, recycled and disposed of each year.

Noted.

3. NSW Waste Strategy 2014-2021 is now available on the EPA’s website at:http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/resources/wastestrategy/140876-WARR-strategy-14-21.pdf Noted.

4. Meeting schedule:Moved Andrew Shaw, 2nd Myles Humphries, that the next meeting of the RAMROC Murray waste group be held on Wednesday, April 22, at Deniliquin council chambers.

Carried.

Moved Andrea Baldwin, 2nd Warwick Newell, that the meeting scheduled for June be held on Tuesday, June 2, at Wagga to coincide with the No Time To Waste regional conference the following day.

Carried.Meeting closed: 1.15pm.

9.4 RAMROC Records Management Group – 3 rd March 2015

MINUTES For Records Management Networking Group held on Tuesday, 3rd March 2015, commencing at 11am In the Jerilderie Shire Council

PRESENT: Roger Fraser – Albury (in the Chair), Sandy Paterson - Wakool, Lisa Bryce – Jerilderie, Jenny Campbell & Tracey Smith - Carrathool, Lyndall Ireland – Narrandera, Michelle Pumpa & Jeanette Ross – Greater Hume and Kerrie Jennings - Conargo.

APOLOGIES: Leanne Mark-Berrigan, Jane Griffith-Hay, Annette Dankert - Denilquin, Kim Harvey & Amanda Watson- Murray, Annette Trethowan & Kim Parker - Urana.

PREVIOUS MINUTES: Moved L Bryce, Seconded S Paterson, that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th

November 2014, as printed and circulated be confirmed. Carried.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES: Nil

GENERAL BUSINESS:

CONTAMINATED LAND : Members were advised of the recent appointment of Jacqui Bright as Contaminated Land Officer, for 3 years. This has come about through a RAMROC / REROC grant and Jacqui will be working her way around the local government area to assist with contaminated land issues. Jacqui will be based at

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Albury and will be looking at developing a standardised set of policies and procedures to assist all councils within the RAMROC / REROC area.

NEWCASTLE CHAPTER SEMINAR: No-one present at the meeting attending- once again stating distance as the main factor.

SCANNED DOCUMENTS & DIGITAL SIGNATURES: State Records NSW recently covered this topic in the Future Proof Blog as there is still a fair bit of uncertainty regarding these types of records. Members discussed the various issues concerning legally admissible scanned documents and the use of digital signatures. Whichever way your organisation chooses to tackle these areas, ensure it’s documented in policies and procedures.

LINKED TRAINING WEBINAR: Rachelle Sammut from Linked Training provided the group with a presentation on the Certificate IV course as well as information on how to decide which level of training is right for you. This course is provided online and applicants are accepted all year. For further details please contact Linked Training.

STATE RECORDS NSW – NEW STANDARD Members discussed the release of NSW State Records new Standard Number 12- which has replaced 5 previous standards. Members are advised to review the new standard as it provides a more streamlined approach.

STATE RECORDS GA39: It is advisable to always refer to the HTML version of GA39 on the State Records website as amendments are made from time to time that will not show up if you have downloaded an Excel or PDF version. An example of this is for Pensioner Rebates (25.06.03) – PDF - Retain minimum of 7 years after action completed, then destroy HTML version now states to retain 7 years after action completed (Action being whilst the rebate is in effect).

USE OF ACRONYMS: Brief discussion around how Councils record keepers are managing the use of various acronyms. Most members agreed that standard acronyms can be used as long as they are documented in a set of Procedures or Business Rules and non- standard acronyms need to have the full name included in the title as the acronym may not mean much in years to come.

NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is scheduled for the 7th July 2015 at 11am at the Jerilderie Shire Council.

The meeting was closed at 1.10pm

9.5 – RAMROC Riverina Waste Management Group – 11 th March 2015

Meeting opened 10.35am

Present: John Roser (Chair), Kelly Tyson, Susan Appleyard, Trent Cormie, Garry Randhawe & Joe Bianchini (Murrumbidgee Shire), John Craig (Regional Coordinator).

Guests: David Tull, Tracey Cornell (REROC), Gustavo Iragorri (EPA) and Andrew Ward-Harvey (EPA)

Apologies: Phil Ruddick (Hay), Shane Wilson (Carrathool) Garry Stoll (Leeton).

The chairperson welcomed those in attendance noting that this was Garry and Joe’s first meeting.

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Minutes previous meeting:Accepted. Moved Susan Appleyard, 2nd John Roser

Business arising from previous minutes: EPA had been asked to attend this meeting and they had agreed RWG was to conduct E-Ramp assessments with the assistance of participating council as well as

aiding with the development of a funding application – this happened and all those who wanted an application had one submitted – we are awaiting the results.

Waste cell construction – typical design project – it was decided this was not however the operational manual for small landfills was being considered for a review

Prepare a summation of the report of the waste strategy for each council – all bar Leeton and Griffith completed have been completed.

General matters from the agenda-

Milestone 1 Kerbside Recycling Collection Community EducationThe coordinator reported there was little progress of the development of the Get it Right on Bin Night campaign. He has been working with REROC on this project. We are awaiting resources development by the EPA which have now been promised for later in the year. We intend to continue to collaborate with REROC in this project and await the material from the EPA.

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 CommunicationReport on liaison with other voluntary waste groups and RENEW1. There was a report on the potential waste levy.The coordinator also reported that he had attended several meetings of the REROC waste group and collaboration had flowed from this attendance. He had also attended the RENEW meetings in Armidale and sessions in Sydney since the last meeting.Advertising has continued through the “Hey Tosser” litter project.

The information was noted.Milestone 4 Industry LiaisonA report was presented on the Bin Trim commercial waste diversion program being conducted by Mike Ritchie and Associates. There had been little consultation or feedback.A report was presented on mass mortality of chicken investigation and suggested way forward. This relates to those growing chickens for the large processing plant near Griffith [Baiada]. The chicken industry is growing rapidly in the area. The issue is disposal of large quantities of birds if there a catastrophe. It is agreed that planning needs to be undertaken to deal with such a catastrophe. The coordinator has met with Darren Wallett of EPA and BAIADA (Graham Kirby). Baiada has now advised they have a site in Carrathool Shire. It was moved that a further meeting be held with the EPA to ensure there is a management plan submitted with any DA and that the facility at Carrathool Shire will meet the needs of the region.Accepted. Moved- Kelly Tyson, 2nd Susan Appleyard

Milestone 5 Effective Landfill Management� E WasteIt was reported that the program had run into problems making it difficult to get collections without payment . Each council should consider their position and potential ongoing costs.

� POEO Act amendments

The group asked the EPA to attend this meeting with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the changes and their implications. Gustavo Iragorri (EPA) and Andrew Ward-Harvey (EPA) travelled from

1 The network of voluntary waste groups across NSW including the EPA and Local Government Assoc.24

Sydney to attend and explain the new provisions. The presentation was well received and they answered pertinent questions. The officers agreed to provide their presentation to the coordinator for distribution.

� Landfill consolidation and environmental improvements grants

See earlier note on thisThe information was noted.

Milestone 6 Illegal DumpingThe coordinator noted that a funding application had been submitted in 2014 totalling $50,000 however it had been unsuccessful.A further application for grant funding will be submitted in the next round of grants. It will be for $20,000 to ensure base line data is available from councils. It was agreed the coordinator could engage a project officer on a part time basis if the funding is forthcoming.

EPA produced Litter reporting cards which explain to the public how they can report individuals for littering were distributed.

The information was noted. Waste Watchers Program

The EnviroMentors program was rolled out across the region’s schools last year with 16 schools participating. The cost was $27,000 and they have been resigned for 2015.

Riverina Environment Centre They have rolled out their program to the 2 public schools and 1 private school in Narrandera. Assessment by the schools was very positive. In the next round this Centre will be asked to run their program in Murrumbidgee Shire as well.

Garden SmartThe meeting was again reminded of the provision of the facilitator to run these events.

Litter GrantAn application for an education campaign related to litter had been submitted to the EPA and had been successful. The grant is for $60,000 for Leeton, Narrandera and Griffith.The program has a series of elements-

Advertising (commenced) Ranger training Education Signage Bin audit (completed) and some new bins Tidying some areas and working with local groups More audits

The coordinator is being assisted in the project by an environmental specialist and media consultant.The coordinator provided a written report on this topic which was distributed.

The actions of the coordinator were endorsed

Milestone 8 Collective Tendering and Group Investigations Metal Recycling Contract

The group will look at a new contract in mid 2015 to commence in 2016. Griffith Community Recycling Centre

Planning for the $297,000 Waste Drop Off centre for Griffith is progressing.

Other Council’s Community Recycling CentresAn application totalling $222,000 was submitted to the Environmental Trust to fund 6 drop off centres; one in each of the shires in our region. We have now been advised the application was successful. The group noted the valuable assistance provided by David Tull in completing the application.The meeting supported the coordinator taking this action. David will oversee continue to oversee the project however it was noted that David will be on leave from end of April for 3 months.The need to submit plans to EPA in the near future (mid April) was noted so we need to be sure you are comfortable with the location of the facilities on each site. It was noted that separate funding for the signage will be provided and an education campaign will also be conducted. David will prepare a time line for information needed from councils.It was noted that some additional funds may be required for this project from reserves held by Riverina Waste Group and it was agreed these could be utilised to meet a shortfall.

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Accepted. Moved- Susan Appleyard, 2nd Trent Cormie

Milestone 9 Love Food, Hate Waste ProgramThe coordinated reported on progress noting that the education consultant will conduct several events across the region in 2015.

The information was noted.Milestone 10 Regional Waste Management StrategyThe coordinator has prepared a summation of the report for most councils and these have been distributed. Leeton and Griffith are yet to be completed.

The information was noted.

Milestone 11 Waste Minimisation TrainingThe 2015 Landfill Operator Training Course will be held from Tuesday, May 12, to Thursday, May 14, inclusive at the Thurgoona campus of the National Environment Centre, Riverina TAFE.They are currently negotiating with the EPA for sponsorship support to offset the registration fee for participants. If this doesn’t happen the group will pay the registration fee for participants from member councils, who will receive a competency Asset Maintenance (Waste Management) onsuccessful completion of the course.

The payment of course fees for participants was endorsed.Accepted. Moved- Garry Stoll, 2nd Phillip Ruddick

Milestone 12 Green Waste Diversion and CompostingThis project involving Griffith/Leeton/Narrandera was the subject of one of the business case studies in the draft regional strategy. A subsequent meeting was held with representatives of the 3 councils and a result it was decided a more focussed study of the proposal was required. This report was subsequently provided but left some questions that needed further elaboration. A peer review of the document was undertaken and this process aided in developing a better understanding of the issues surrounding such a service. This was particularly relevant to food waste collection.A subsequent meeting of the 3 councils came to the conclusion that progress could not be made until there was approval from each of the councils to at least consider the project. The coordinator agreed to provide a report which could be modified by each of the participants and put before their council.The results of these reports are yet to be seen but when they are a way forward can be planned. Accepted. Moved- John Roser, 2nd Kelly Tyson

Financial ReportThe financial report was unable to be provided by the account keepers [Murray Shire] but would be distributed when available. The meeting noted advice from the coordinator that he believed there were no shortages in the available funds for the various projects.Accepted. Moved- Susan Appleyard, 2nd Shane Wilson

General BusinessThere was a discussion on the chicken industry which is growing rapidly in the area. The issue of disposal of large quantities of birds if there is some sort of catastrophe is of concern to most of the councils within the group and some planning needs to be undertaken to deal with such an event.

It was moved that the coordinator arrange a preliminary meeting with the local officers of the EPA to better understand how a strategy may be developed.Accepted. Moved- Trent Cormie, 2nd Kelly Tyson

The next Meeting will be held sometime in June/July 2015. Meeting closed 1pm.

9.5 RAMROC Procurement Group – Taskforce Report – 14 th April 2015

MINUTES OF THE RAMROC PROCUREMENT TASKFORCE MEETING HELD AT NARRANDERA SHIRE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON TUESDAY 14TH APRIL 2015 AT 10.00AM

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PRESENT: Peter Hanes (Albury City), David Carroll (Corowa Shire), David Tamlyn (Jerilderie Shire), Max Turner (Griffith City), Bernie Maxwell (Griffith City), Martin Hiscox (Narrandera Shire), Jessica Jones (Local Government Procurement) and Ray Stubbs (RAMROC)

1. WELCOME

The Executive Officer welcomed Members of the Taskforce Group and Jessica Jones LGP Business Manager to the meeting

2. APOLOGIESDes Bilske and John Harvie (Deniliquin), Craig Moffitt (Jerilderie) and Justin Finlayson (Albury)

3. BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A RAMROC PROCUREMENT GROUP

Ray Stubbs presented a brief background report in relation to the proposal by Local Government Procurement for the establishment of a RAMROC Procurement Group (PWG), which was agreed to in principle by RAMROC General Managers Group and the RAMROC Board in February 2015.

The Taskforce Group has been set up by resolution of the RAMROC Board, for the purpose of progressing the concept and reporting back to the RAMROC GMs Group meeting on 17th April.

4. LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT PTY LTD (LGP) AND RAMROC REBATE OFFER AND AGREEMENT

Jessica Jones presented a revised LGP Group Rebate Offer, which incorporates feedback and suggestions that have been given to LGP in response to the original letter of offer and draft agreement.

The key improvements that have been made to the original offer include:-1. Clarification that participation by RAMROC Councils in the LGP Rebate Offer is not compulsory

(i.e. each Council has discretion whether to participate in the Group)2. Provision of a six monthly rebate to RAMROC (previously an annual rebate)3. Removal of the quarterly auditing of RAMROC Councils spend4. Clarification of how the LGP Group Rebate Offer is calculated5. Clarification that the use of the “Notice of Participation” to LGP Suppliers is not “an exclusive use”

arrangement (i.e. Councils always have discretion to purchase from whomever they choose – they are not compelled to purchase any specific product via an LGP contract)

A full copy of the amended LGP Group Rebate Offer will be presented to all RAMROC Councils, to enable each Council to make an informed decision whether to participate in the program.

In essence, the key features of the rebate offer are as follows:-1. LGP has been prescribed by the NSW Government to carry out group tenders on behalf of NSW

Councils;2. As such, Councils are able to procure deliverables through LGP Contracts, without an LG Act

requirement to tender themselves3. LGP receives a Management Fee from its approved contractors, which ranges from 0.5% to 3.5%

and averages around 1.3%4. LGP now offers RAMROC a rebated share of the LGP Management Fee received from its

Contractors. The actual level of rebate is based on a percentage of RAMROC Member Councils using LGP procurement contracts, viz

Percentage of RAMROC Member Councils using an LGP Contract

ROC/JO Rebate Percentage of the LGP Management Fee

1 to 49% 20% 50-79% 37.5% 80-100% 50%

5. The rebate percentages are based on the total number of 18 RAMROC Member Councils (NOT the number of those Participating Councils in the Rebate Offer program)

6. Rebate payments will be made directly to RAMROC (not to individual Councils), which in turn will decide as to the quantum and method of distribution of the rebate to the Participating Councils, or potentially to be applied towards other PWG purposes.

7. Non Participating Councils in the Rebate Offer will continue to receive the current level of rebate of 0.05% to 0.10% of LGP Contract spend (percentage depends on specific contract).

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8. Non Participating Councils at commencement of the rebate offer may at any future time elect to become a Participating Council

9. LGP will advise all Approved Contractors of the Participating Councils, so that they can report to Local Government procurement on all sales to Councils under an LGP Contract

NOTE: Based on the aggregate RAMROC Councils spend on LGP Contracts in 2013-2014 of $14,027,408, the total rebate to Councils amounted to a total of $9,129 (less than 50% of Councils participated in each contract). Based hypothetically on that same aggregate spend and still with less than 50% of Councils participating in each contract, the new LGP rebate offer would yield a total rebate of $31,542

Moreover, under the proposed new arrangements, there is tremendous potential to significantly increase both the total aggregate spend and also increase the number of Councils purchasing in each LGP contract. For example, a lift of 27% in regional spend on those same contracts would generate a total rebate to RAMROC of $119,203.

Jessica Jones undertook to send RAMROC an update Spend Report spreadsheet for 2014-2014 and 2014-2015 to date, for further information of the RAMROC Councils and the Procurement Group.

TASKFORCE RECOMMENDED PATHWAY FORWARD1. That RAMROC Councils be encouraged to confirm their participation in the LGP Rebate Offer,

with an objective of adopting a program commencement date of 1st May 20152. That the RAMROC Executive Officer be authorised to sign the LGP Group Rebate Offer

Agreement on behalf RAMROC and to provide to LGP the Notice of Participation documentation in relation to the individual LGP Contracts, for formal notification by Local Government Procurement to contractors

RAMROC PROCUREMENT GROUP (RPG) – GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS

The Taskforce discussed the strategic objectives, governance structure and functions of the RAMROC Procurement Group.

TASKFORCE RECOMMENDED PATHWAY FORWARD1. That RAMROC adopt and implement the following governance arrangements and short term

action plans:-2. That the RAMROC Procurement Group (RPG) Organisation Structure comprise one

nominated representative from each participating Council, together with the RAMROC Executive Officer and the Local Government Procurement (LGP) Business Manager and that the RPG meet on a quarterly basis and report through the General Managers Group

3. That the RPG elect annually a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson from amongst the nominated representatives of the Participating Councils

4. That the RPG appoint a small Steering Committee to oversight and implement the programon a day to day basis, which is to meet as required and report to the RPG

5. That the Executive Officer gather information at an early date from Participating Councils as to which LGP Contracts they are currently purchasing from and a summary be prepared for the Steering Committee

6. That the PWG initially focus on a small number of specific identified LGP Contracts, for example:- Office supplies and associated products (including potential for sustainable products) Workforce training programs Bitumen, Emulsions, Asphalt and road base materials Heavy Plant and Trucks

7. That the PWG also focus on Best Practice Procurement – sharing of information, templates, policies and procedures, with other NSW Councils and the RAMROC network

8. That the PWG and Council General Managers give prompt consideration to the Option 2 proposal by Arc Blue for a RAMROC Regional Spend and Opportunity Analysis, particularly as Best Practice Procurement is a high priority of the State Government’s Fit for the Future LG reform program

9. That consideration of a Vendor Panel upgrade for local and regional suppliers be considered following clarification of FFF outcomes in the region

There being no further business the Taskforce meeting concluded at 12.16 pm

9.7 RAMROC General Managers Group – 17 th April 2015

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MINUTES OF THE RAMROC GENERAL MANAGERS GROUP MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE SHIRE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON FRIDAY 17TH APRIL 2015 AT 10.00AM

PRESENT: Frank Zaknich (Albury), Peter Kozlowski (Wentworth), Brett Stonestreet (Griffith City), Craig Moffitt (Jerilderie), Chris Gillard (Corowa), Judy Charlton (Narrandera), Margot Stork (Murray), Rowan Perkins (Berrigan), Paul O’Brien (Wakool), John Harvie (Deniliquin) and Kerry McMurray (Murrumbidgee), Ray Stubbs (Executive Officer)

GUESTS: Ashley Albury – General Manager (Western) - NSW Planning and Environment (DPE) Azaria Dobson – DPE

Erin Strong – DPE

1. WELCOME

The Executive Officer welcomed John Harvie (Acting GM Deniliquin) and Kerry McMurray (Acting GM Murrumbidgee) to the meeting.

He also welcomed the Department of Planning and Environment General Manager (Western Region) and members of the Regional Growth Plan team

2. APOLOGIESGarry Stoll (Leeton), Steve Pinnuck (Greater Hume), Des Bilske (Deniliquin), Bruce Graham (Wakool), Allen Dwyer (Hay), Aaron Drenovski (Balranald), Barry Barlow (Conargo Shire), Ken Croskell (Carrathool) and Adrian Butler (Urana)

RESOLVED that the apologies be accepted

3. MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MANAGERS GROUP MEETING – 13 th FEBRUARY 2015

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on Friday 13th February 2015 be confirmed

5. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 13 TH FEBRUARY 2015

There were no matters arising from the February meeting that required discussion or further action

6. PRESENTATION AND WORKSHOP – MURRAY-MURRUMBIDGEE REGIONAL GROWTH PLAN

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment General Manager Ashley Albury, together with Azaria Dobson and Erin Strong from the Western Region based in Dubbo, presented a draft working document in relation to the proposed Murray-Murrumbidgee Regional Growth Plan, and workshopped with General Managers the following matters:-

Plan status and expected delivery timeframes Overview of the plan and consultations already undertaken Draft Plan – Vision and Goals Proposed Plan Objectives and Action Tables for each of the key themes - Community, Economy,

Housing, Infrastructure, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Environment and Natural Hazards The proposed role of RAMROC in Plan implementation of the proposed actions

A copy of the DPE Workshop presentation will be distributed with these GMs Group Minutes

The workshop agreed on a number of strategic planning actions which will be undertaken at a RAMROC or later Joint Organisation level, generally those actions to be taken in conjunction with DPE and/or other State Agencies and Member Councils.

7. “FIT FOR THE FUTURE” – REVIEW THE PROPOSAL FOR AN OPTIONS STUDY OF JOINT ORGANISATIONS FOR THE RAMROC REGION

(Note:- This matter was dealt with as a Confidential Item, on the grounds that that it relates to a February 2015 RAMROC decision to negotiate for the commissioning of a Consultant’s Proposal)

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Consideration was given to the Executive Officer’s report in relation to an intention to commission an independent Options Study into the potential establishment of one or more Joint Organisations covering the RAMROC region. A review of the matter is necessary on account of a range of factors associated with the Fit for the Future LG reform program and the differing views of some Member Councils regarding the proposed study generally)

RESOLVED that it be recommended to the May RAMROC meeting that the commissioning of an Independent Study into Joint Organisation/s Options be deferred at this point of time and that the matter be re-visited after July 2015 when Member Councils’ Operational Plans and Budgetary processes and Fit for the Future (FFF) submissions have been submitted to the Office of Local Government and more progress has been achieved by the five Pilot Joint Organisations.

7. RAMROC PROCUREMENT GROUP PROPOSAL - REPORT OF PROCUREMENT TASKFORCE MEETING HELD ON 14 TH APRIL 2015

The Executive Officer submitted the Minutes of the Procurement Taskforce Meeting held on 14 th April and to the recommended action actions made by the Taskforce to proceed formally with the establishment of the RAMROC Procurement Group in accordance with the Local Government Procurement Rebate Offer.

RESOLVED that the following action pathway as recommended by the Taskforce be adopted and submitted to the RAMROC Board meeting on 6th May 2015 for final approval:-

1. That RAMROC Councils be encouraged to confirm their participation in the LGP Rebate Offer, with an objective of adopting a program commencement date of early May 2015

2. That the RAMROC Executive Officer be authorised to sign the LGP Group Rebate Offer Agreement on behalf RAMROC and to provide to LGP the Notice of Participation documentation in relation to the individual LGP Contracts, for formal notification by Local Government Procurement to suppliers and contractors

3. That the RAMROC Procurement Group (RPG) Organisation Structure comprise one nominated representative from each participating Council, together with the RAMROC Executive Officer and the Local Government Procurement (LGP) Business Manager Southern Region and that the RPG meet on a quarterly basis and report through the General Managers Group

4. That the RPG elect annually a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson from amongst the nominated representatives of the Participating Councils

5. That the RPG appoint a small Steering Committee to oversight and implement the program on a day to day basis, which is to meet as required and report to the RPG

6. That the Executive Officer gather information at an early date from Participating Councils as to which LGP Contracts they are currently purchasing from and that a summary be prepared for the Steering Committee

7. That the PWG initially focus on a small number of specific identified LGP Contracts, for example:- Office supplies and associated products (including potential for sustainable products) Workforce training programs Bitumen, Emulsions, Asphalt and road base materials Heavy Plant and Trucks

8. That the PWG also focus on Best Practice Procurement – sharing of information, templates, policies and procedures with other NSW Councils and within the RAMROC network

9. That the PWG and Council General Managers give prompt consideration to the Option 2 proposal by Arc Blue for a RAMROC Regional Spend and Opportunity Analysis, particularly as Best Practice Procurement is a high priority of the State Government’s Fit for the Future LG reform program

10. That consideration of a Vendor Panel upgrade for local and regional suppliers be considered following clarification of FFF outcomes in the region

8. PROPOSAL FOR REGULATORY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (RIAMS) The Executive Officer reported on a request from the NSW Client Manager for RIAMS Australia to address the July 2015 General Managers Group meeting in relation to the potential introduction of the Regulatory Information Management System (RIAMS), which provides standard procedures and templates for a range of Local Government regulatory functions

RESOLVED that no action be taken in this matter

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9. WORKING GROUP MINUTES

The Minutes of the following RAMROC Working Groups were submitted for consideration and endorsement of actions taken:-

9.1 RAMROC Engineers Group – 11th February 20159.2 RAMROC Planners Group – 19th February 20159.3 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group – 25th February 2015 9.4 RAMROC Records Management Group – 3rd March 20159.5 RAMROC Riverina Waste Management Group – 11th March 2015

RESOLVED that the Working Group Minutes be received and noted and that the action taken be endorsed

10. GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS

10.1 Murray Darling Association – Role, Functions and Governance Review

Consideration was given to an email received from the Chief Executive Officer of Murray Darling Association, seeking an opportunity to address the July General Managers Group in relation to a planned review of the MDA Constitution and improvement of governance and operational arrangements

RESOLVED that the MDA Chief Executive Officer Emma Bradbury be invited to address the 17 th July meeting of the General Managers Group

10.2 Local Government NSW

General Managers discussed a number of areas of concern by their Councils in relation to some of the services currently being provided by LGNSW and potential alternative sources for key functions

RESOLVED that the Executive Officer survey RAMROC General Managers in relation to these matters and report back to the July meeting for further consideration

10.3 Local Government Act Taskforce and Proposed Legislation

RESOLVED that the Executive Officer take up with OLG the current status and timetable for the proposed new NSW Local Government Act and also that the EO clarify the opportunity for further input by Councils into draft LG Act legislation

There being no further business the meeting concluded at 2.05 pm

MRRR 10 – GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS

To be raised by delegates at the meeting

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