NOTICE OF THE 2013 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF RIVERINA AND MURRAY REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS (RAMROC)

To be held on Wednesday 6th November 2013 at 10.00 am in the Ian Gilbert Room at Jerilderie Civic Hall, Jerilderie Street, Jerilderie.

Morning tea will be available from 9.30 am. The Annual General Meeting will precede RAMROC’s November General Meeting.

Agenda Papers for the General Meeting will be distributed separately.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA ITEMS

Welcome to Council Delegates by RAMROC Chairman

1. Apologies

2. Minutes of 2012 Annual General Meeting – held at Jerilderie on 14th November 2012 (included in agenda papers below)

3. Annual Report for period 1 October 2012 to 30 September 2013 (included in agenda papers below)

4. Remuneration for Chairperson Position (see EO’s report below)

5. Election of Office Bearers for 2013-2014 (see EO’s Report below and nomination papers attached)

Position of Chairperson Position of Deputy Chairperson Position of Honorary Secretary/Treasurer

6. Appointment of Auditors for 2013-2014 (see EO’s report below)

7. Meeting Schedule for 2014 (see EO’s report below )

Ray StubbsExecutive Officer

ITEM 2 - MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE RIVERINA AND

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MURRAY REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS (RAMROC), HELD IN THE IAN GILBERT ROOM AT JERILDERIE SHIRE COUNCIL, ON WEDNESDAY 14 TH NOVEMBER 2012 AT 10.00 AM

PRESENT

Albury City:

Balranald:

Cr Alice GlachanMr Les TomichMr Michael Keys

Apology

Berrigan: Cr John BruceMr Rowan Perkins

Carrathool: Cr Peter LairdMr Ken Croskell

Conargo: Cr Norm BrennanMr Barry Barlow

Corowa: Apology

Deniliquin: Cr Lindsay RenwickMr Des Bilske

Greater Hume Shire: Apology

Griffith City: Cr John Dal BroiCr Leon ThorpeMr Brett Stonestreet

Hay: Cr Bill SheaffeMr Bill Moore

Jerilderie: Cr Terry HoganCr Ruth McRaeMr Craig Moffitt

Leeton: Cr Paul Maytom

Murray: Cr John PocklingtonCr Bill AndersonCr Gen CampbellMr Greg Murdoch

Murrumbidgee: Cr Phillip Wells

Narrandera: Cr Jenny ClarkeMr Ray Pluis

Urana : Cr Margaret BuntinMr John Hunt

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Wakool: Cr Lois LockhartMr Bruce Graham

Wentworth: Cr Peter NunanMr Peter Kozlowski

RAMROC Mr Ray Stubbs Executive Officer

WELCOME The RAMROC Chairman Cr Terry Hogan welcomed all Councillors, Delegates and Guests to the meeting, with a particular welcome to those delegates attending their first meeting of RAMROC

MRRR 1 - APOLOGIES: Cr Heather Wilton - Mayor Greater Hume ShireMr Steve Pinnuck - General Manager Greater HumeCr Fred Longmire - Mayor Corowa ShireMr Bruce Corcoran - General Manager CorowaCr Steve O’Halloran - Mayor Balranald ShireMr Chris Littlemore - General Manager BalranaldCr Andrew Douglas - Mayor Wakool ShireCr Tom Weyrich - Mayor Murray ShireCr Bernard Curtin – Mayor Berrigan ShireCr Mick Rutledge - Deputy Mayor Hay Shire CouncilMr Allen Dwyer - General Manager Hay ShireMs Carolyn Upston - GM Murrumbidgee ShireMr John Batchelor - General Manager Leeton ShireMr Des Bilske – General Manager Deniliquin

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

MRRR 2 – ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2011-2012

Consideration was given to the Annual Report of RAMROC’s activities for the 12 months period to 30th September.2012.

RESOLVED that the Annual Report be received and adopted(Moved Albury and seconded Griffith)

MRRR 3 – ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 TH JUNE 2012

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The formal Annual Financial Statements of RAMROC’s General Account, Murray Waste Account, Riverina Waste Account and the Water4Food Account were submitted for information of delegates

RESOLVED that the Annual Financial Statements for the operations of RAMROC for the year ended 30th June 2012 be received and adopted(Moved Hay and seconded Conargo)

MRRR 4 – ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS FOR 2012-2013

The Executive Officer carried out the function of Returning Officer for the election of office bearers for the ensuing 2012-2013 term

1. POSITION OF CHAIRPERSON

The Returning Officer advised that he had received one nomination for the position, that being in respect of Cr Terry Hogan

There being no further nominations, the Returning Officer declared Cr Terry Hogan elected unopposed.

2. POSITION OF DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON

The Returning Officer advised that two nominations had been received, these nominations being in respect of Cr Lindsay Renwick and Cr Peter Laird.

Cr Renwick withdrew his nomination.

The Returning Officer therefore declared Cr Peter Laird elected unopposed.

3. POSITION OF HONORARY SECRETARY TREASURER

The Returning Officer advised that he had received one nomination for the position, that being in respect of Mr Greg Murdoch.

There being no further nominations, the Returning Officer declared Mr Greg Murdoch elected unopposed.

MRRR 5 – APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS FOR 2012-2013

Consideration was given to the report of the Executive Officer in this matter

RESOLVED that the Stubberfield Group (Accounting and Taxation), 25-31 Nish Street Echuca Victoria be appointed as RAMROC Auditors for 2012-2013(Moved Leeton and seconded Carrathool)

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MRRR 6 – MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2013

The Executive Officer proposed a schedule of RAMROC meetings for the 2013 year

RESOLVED that the meeting schedule for 2013 be as follows:- Wednesday 20th February, subject to potential date change to coincide with the

F Division AGM and Shire Association Presidential Tour and to avoid if possible any conflict with meetings of Member Councils

Wednesday 1st May 2013 Wednesday 7th August 2013 Wednesday 6th November 2013

(Moved Carrathool and seconded Urana)

There being no further business, the Annual General Meeting concluded at 10.20 am

ITEM 3 - ANNUAL REPORT 1 OCTOBER 2012 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2013

CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD

I am pleased to present this foreword to the Annual Report of the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC), which covers the period from 1st October 2012 through to 30th September 2013.

Once again the RAMROC region in has enjoyed generally favourable weather patterns for irrigation water availability and in turn the region had a 2012-2013 year of strong agricultural production. For the coming year, it is disappointing that the general security allocations for the Murrumbidgee system are not as favourable as we would like at point of time, which is having an impact on rice planting. Fortunately, availability in the Murray system is at 100%.

We are hopeful that the southern Murray Darling Basin will enjoy good conditions for seasons ahead, as this will help to ensure the ongoing prosperity of our region’s towns and communities, not only for food and fibre production, but also in terms of manufacturing, transport and tourism.

The major regional urban cities of Albury and Griffith continue to grow and prosper and they play a vital role in providing specialist health, education, manufacturing, transport and education services to the region. We are continuing to see positive population growth in some areas, principally those border communities along the Murray River, but unfortunately population decline is evident in some of the region’s smaller rural areas. This remains a real challenge which RAMROC and the Member Councils must address, in an endeavour to reverse that declining trend over coming years, in collaboration with the Commonwealth and NSW Governments.

The Murray Darling Basin Plan remains the region’s biggest single issue. The Basin Plan was legislated by the Commonwealth Government in November 2012 and provides for the removal of very substantial quantities of irrigation water away from irrigated agricultural production, so as to deliver increased environmental watering.

Implementation of the Basin Plan and the diversion of up to 3,200 GL to the environment will be phased in over several years and is proposed to take full effect by 2019. Absolute highest priority must now be given to ensure that the implementation phases of the Plan are undertaken in ways that will achieve a sensible and pragmatic balance of environmental, social and economic outcomes.

In this regard, I share the concerns of other organisations about the Basin Plan Constraints Management Strategy which MDBA is currently developing, which plans to deliver increased overbank flooding to water environmental wetlands. RAMROC Councils need to be extremely

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vigilant to ensure that any removal of flow constraints does not prejudice agricultural production or cause detrimental downstream impacts on landowners, businesses, tourism, and infrastructure.

It is indeed pleasing that the New South Wales Premier the Hon Barry O’Farrell MP and Primary Industries Minister the Hon Minister Katrina Hodgkinson MP continue to take a firm stance and are insisting on a number of specific protective measures and guarantees from the Commonwealth Government, before New South Wales is prepared to sign off on the Basin Plan Intergovernmental Agreement.

These NSW Government conditions include giving highest priority to investment in infrastructure projects and environmental works and measures to generate water savings, as well as limitations on water entitlement buyback programs and the provision of acceptable structural adjustment packages for the towns and communities adversely affected.

The new Commonwealth Government has also re-affirmed its commitment to cap water buybacks to a maximum of 1,500 GL and to ensure that agricultural production and rural communities are not prejudiced. In this regard, RAMROC will continue to work closely with our local Federal and State Parliamentarians.

The other major issue during the past year has been the work carried out by the Independent Local Government Review Panel into the future structure, role and functions of NSW Councils. The Review Panel is currently finalising its report to go to the NSW Minister for Local Government the Hon Don Page MP during October 2013 and then to Cabinet for final decision, which is likely to be sometime in the first half of 2014.

I express my sincere appreciation to the Deputy Chairman Cr Peter Laird who has provided tremendous input and support throughout the year. Also to our Secretary Treasurer Greg Murdoch and Murray Shire Council for the effective financial management of RAMROC’s operations and to Albury City Council for its ongoing support by way of excellent and affordable office facilities, IT equipment and administration services.

I would particularly like to thank all of the Mayors, Councillors and General Managers who represented their Councils at RAMROC meetings during the year. In this regard, I pay special tribute to former Mayors Alice Glachan, Margaret Buntin and Andrew Douglas for their contribution in making our ROC a strong, active and effective organisation .

A very warm welcome is extended to newly appointed Mayors Crs Kevin Mack, Patrick Bourke and Neil Gorey and I trust that they will find RAMROC’s activities both interesting and rewarding.

Thanks also to the region’s Federal Members, the Hon Sussan Ley MP and Michael McCormack MP. We sincerely congratulate them on their recent Ministerial appointments in the new Australian Parliament following the September 2013 election, Sussan becoming the Assistant Minister for Education and Michael the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance.

Also to State Members the Hon Adrian Piccoli MP Minister for Education, John Williams MP and Greg Aplin MP for their ongoing assistance and strong support It was pleasing that all three Members were enthusiastic to participate in a special forum with RAMROC Mayors and General Managers in early February 2013, which resulted in a very worthwhile discussion on matters of importance to the region and re-affirmed the strong collaboration which is so necessary between Local and State Governments.

Finally, my thanks go to the Executive Officer Ray Stubbs for the dedication, knowledge and leadership that he continues to provide to RAMROC’s activities and to the Member Councils. As I have said on many occasions, RAMROC is extremely fortunate to have an EO of Ray’s calibre at the helm of our organisation.

Cr. Terry Hogan AM

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CHAIRMAN

EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT ON RAMROC ISSUES AND ACTIVITIES FOR 2012-2013

1. MEETING WITH LOCAL STATE PARLIAMENTARY MEMBERS

On 6th February 2012, RAMROC held its first ever combined meeting with the three State Members for the RAMROC region:-

The Hon Adrian Piccoli MP – Member for Murrumbidgee and Minister for Education Mr John Williams MP – Member for Murray-Darling Mr Greg Aplin MP – Member for Albury

The primary purpose of the meeting was to fully appraise the region’s State Members of the views and concerns of Member Councils and their communities in relation to a range of important State Government policies, issues and initiatives; and to ensure that strong and effective working relationships are maintained at all times between Councils, Local Members and State Government Ministers.

Topics discussed at the meeting included the following:-

1. The establishment of the Local Land Services Department in January 2014 and the potential impacts on local service levels and employment opportunities;

2. Department of Planning Issues – Planning Reform White Paper, Regional Planning Strategies and RAMROC’s suggestion for the establishment of a DoP office in the Riverina /Murray region;

3. Independent Local Government Review Panel – Implications for Councils and Communities;

4. State Government’s “Decade of Decentralisation” Taskforce and the importance of regional economic development;

5. State and Local Governments – Collaboration and RAMROC Councils access to State Ministers;

6. State Government policy position in relation to the Murray Darling Basin Plan;7. Redgum National Parks – Issues of timber industries, tourism, infrastructure,

management and maintenance;8. NSW State Plan 2021 and Regional Action Plans for the Riverina and Murray-Lower

Darling regions;9. Fruit Fly control – need for Government support for control programs;10. Emergency Services - responses to remote rural locations.

It was agreed that the discussions were fruitful and there would be merit in arranging meetings on an annual basis with both Federal and State Members.

2. NSW GOVERNMENT “DESTINATION 2036” AND ESTABLISHMENT OF INDEPENDENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW PANEL

In July 2011, the Division of Local Government released an initial Discussion Paper for Destination 2036 Project. In August 2011, in partnership with LGSA and LGMA, the Division hosted a Special LG Workshop at Dubbo attended by all NSW Councils, Regional Organisations of Councils and County Councils.

Following the Dubbo workshop and based on the Workshop Outcomes Report, the Minister for Local Government the Hon Don Page MP established an Implementation Steering Committee, which in June 2012 produced the Destination 2036 Action Plan, identifying five key strategic directions for long term reform, these being:-

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Efficient and effective service delivery Quality Governance Financial Sustainability Appropriate Structures Strong Relationships

In line with Destination 2036 and at the request of LGSA, Minister Page established the Independent Local Government Review Panel in March 2012 to investigate and identify options for governance models, structural arrangements and voluntary boundary changes for Local Government in NSW.

The LG Review Panel, which comprises Professor Graham Sansom as Chair, together with Ms Jude Munro AO and Glenn Inglis, issued an initial Consultation Paper in July 2012 and held a comprehensive workshop with RAMROC Member Councils in Jerilderie on 1st August 2012.

The Panel’s work is in 4 stages as follows:- Stage 1 - Exploration – Investigating issues and exploring ideas Stage 2 - “Options for Change” Discussion Paper Stage 3 - “Future Directions for NSW Local Government - 20 Essential Steps” Report Stage 4 - Report and recommendations to the NSW Government

(scheduled for submission to Minister Page in October 2013)

The Stage 3 Future Directions report proposed the following:-

Sustainability and Finance Develop a standard set of sustainability benchmarks; require all

councils to appoint a qualified Chief Financial Officer; strengthen the guidelines for councils’ 4-year Delivery Programs; and place local government audits under the oversight of the Auditor General

Improve the rating system and streamline rate-pegging to enable councils to generate essential additional revenue

Progressively re-distribute grant funding to provide greater assistance to rural-remote councils with limited rating potential

Establish a State-wide Local Government Finance Agency to bring down interest costs and assist councils make better use of borrowings

2. Infrastructure Maintain the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS) for at least

5 years, with a focus on councils facing the most severe problems Create a Strategic Projects Fund for roads and bridges to help reduce

the infrastructure backlog Investigate the Queensland model of Regional Roads Groups, as well

as options for cost savings through strategic procurement initiatives Require asset and financial management assessments of councils

seeking special assistance

3. 3. Productivity and Improvement Introduce a requirement for regular ‘best value’ service reviews Develop a consistent data collection and performance

measurement system for NSW councils, and strengthen internal and performance audit processes

Commission a review by IPART of the regulatory and compliance burden on NSW local government

4. Better Governance Mandate ongoing professional development for councillors Strengthen the authority and responsibilities of Mayors and

require popular election of Mayors in all councils with a population of 20,000 or more

Provide additional governance options for larger councils,

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including a mix of ward and ‘at large’ councillors and a ‘civic cabinet’ model

Take steps to improve Council-Mayor-General Manager relations

5. Structural Reform Establish a network of around 20 ‘new look’, multi-purpose County Councils to

undertake regional-level functions outside of the Sydney metropolitan area Introduce the option of Local Boards to service small communities and to ensure local

identity and representation in very large urban councils Encourage voluntary amalgamations of smaller rural councils to improve their

sustainability, and convert small (in population) councils (generally less than 5,000) to Local Boards

Promote a series of voluntary amalgamations in the Lower Hunter and Central Coast regions, including Newcastle-Lake Macquarie and Gosford-Wyong

Seek to reduce the number of councils in the Sydney basin to around 15, and create major new cities of Sydney, Parramatta and Liverpool, each with populations of 600,000 to 800,000 people

Introduce a package of incentives for voluntary mergers that offers a higher level of support to ‘early movers’

6. Western NSW Establish a Western Region Authority to provide a new governance and service

delivery system for the far west of NSW, based on a partnership between Local, State and Federal governments and Aboriginal communities

7. Implementation Appoint a Local Government Development Board for a maximum period of 4 years

with a brief to drive and support a concerted program of reform Build on the new State-Local Government agreement to secure increased

collaboration and joint planning between councils and State agencies Strengthen recognition of elected local government in the NSW Constitution Focus Local Government NSW (the new single association of councils) and the

Division of Local Government on sector improvement.

In relation to the Structural Reform options for the RAMROC region, the Future Directions Report proposed the following:-

1. Proposed Amalgamations around Major Regional Centres

Albury and Greater Hume Deniliquin, Conargo and Murray (and potentially Wakool) Griffith, Murrumbidgee and Carrathool

2. Proposed Multi Purpose “County Councils” for regional level functions

Murrumbidgee County– Griffith/Murrumbidgee/ Carrathool (proposed merger, plus Hay, Leeton and Narrandera

Upper Murray County – Albury/Greater Hume (proposed merger), plus Berrigan, Corowa, Jerilderie and Urana

Lower Murray County – Deniliquin/Murray/Conargo (proposed merger), plus Wakool and southern parts of Balranald and Wentworth

Note: The panel proposed that the boundaries of Balranald and Wentworth Shires be reviewed – the northern sections potentially to form part of the suggested establishment of a “Western Region Authority”

The Panel proposed that “as a minimum the core functions of a County Council” would generally comprise:-

Strategic regional and sub-regional planning; Regional advocacy, inter-government relations and promoting collaboration with

State and Federal agencies in infrastructure and service provision; Management of, or technical support for, water utilities (except for the Lower

Hunter and Illawarra, which are State owned corporations);

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Road network planning and major projects; Waste and environmental management (including weeds and floodplain

management) Regional economic development; Library services; “High level” corporate services

3. Future of Existing County Councils in the RAMROC region

Central Murray Noxious Weeds CC (currently comprises Berrigan, Conargo, Murray and Deniliquin Councils) – proposed split, firstly for Berrigan to go to the proposed Upper Murray County Council and secondly for Deniliquin, Conargo and Murray to go to the proposed Lower Murray County Council

Riverina Water CC (currently comprises Wagga, Lockhart, Urana and Greater Hume Council) – proposal is to explore option of a split, with Greater Hume and Urana to go to the proposed Upper Murray County Council.

Since the Panel’s report was released, there has been a considerable amount of engagement with Councils, communities and agencies. There has been quite strong reaction from stakeholders, particularly criticism of the “county council” model. It is understood that the Panel is reviewing this issue and may amend its proposals to accommodate alternative suggestions received for augmenting the structure and role of existing regional organisations.

In August 2013, RAMROC adopted the following policy resolutions:-

1. That the Executive Officer further highlight to ILGRP the attributes of ROCs as valuable models for regional collaboration;

2. That the RAMROC General Managers Group be required to discuss and assess the suggested regional collaboration model that has been suggested by REROC

3. That the General Managers Group bring back a report to RAMROC in relation to potential options which would strengthen existing ROC models as an alternative to the Panel’s “county council” concept;

4. That RAMROC re-affirm its policy of opposition to any forced amalgamations of Councils

5. That ILGRP be advised that Wentworth and Balranald Shires are strongly opposed to any proposal to dissect their Council areas or to include their Shires in any proposed Western Region grouping.

During September 2013, the General Managers Group considered alternative ROC models, such as that being proposed by REROC, as well as similar options being proposed by Hunter Councils ROC and SHOROC. A report on options for a proposed RAMROC model will be considered at the November 2013 RAMROC meeting.

3. INQUIRY INTO ADEQUACY OF WATER STORAGES IN NEW SOUTH WALES

In June 2012, the NSW Government announced the formation of a Legislative Council Standing Committee on State Development. The Committee was required to inquire into and report on the adequacy of water storages in NSW.

The Inquiry was tasked to investigate a wide range of water related issues, including the capacity and management of existing water storages to meet agricultural, urban, industrial and environmental needs, as well as proposals for construction and/or augmentation of new or existing water storages and measures to significantly better manage water usage in both urban and rural settings.

RAMROC presented a formal submission to the NSW Upper House Water Storages Inquiry and the Chairman and Executive Officer were subsequently invited to address the Standing

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Committee in Wagga in November 2012. The principal thrust of RAMROC’s submission and the presentation to the Standing Committee was as follows:-

The critical importance of water security and water availability to maintain and develop Australia’s food and fibre production capacities;

That Federal and State Governments should adopt an integrated approach to issues of environment, food and fibre, population, regional and rural economic development and the long term sustainability and management of water resources, rather than dealing with these issues individually and in a fragmented way;

That Federal and State Governments should develop a National Water Plan which examines how the nation’s overall water resources can best be harnessed, stored and delivered to provide maximum benefit to all urban and rural users.

The Standing Committee presented its report to the NSW Government in early July 2013 and the Government is required to respond by 6th January 2014. This response is being coordinated by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, with comprehensive input from the relevant Government Ministers and State Agencies.

The Committee has made 19 recommendations. All are significant and many of them bear directly on the Murray Darling Basin Plan, the new NSW Water Sharing Plans to be developed by the State Government, and on the management of urban water usage by Local Government water utilities.

It is worthwhile to mention most of the key recommendations, which are relevant to the RAMROC region, as follows:-

Recommendation 3 - That the NSW Government and local councils continue to support and promote demand management practices and urban water conservation measures such as stormwater harvesting and recycling waste water;

Recommendation 4 – That the NSW Government: financially support the agriculture sector to use more efficient water practices and

encourage contributions from industry and the Commonwealth Government to support research and development in this area, and

ensure that after the 2,750 GL in sustainable diversion limits for the Murray Darling Basin Plan objective has been met, any further funding for on-farm efficiency savings should be provided based on:

1. State funded projects returning 100% of water savings back to the irrigator; and

2. Any State participation in federally funded programs for on-farm water savings be based on irrigators retaining at least 50% of the savings.

Recommendation 5 – That the NSW Government develop a statewide policy of waiving fixed water charges during exceptional drought conditions

Recommendation 7 – That the NSW Government review the environmental flow allocations for all valleys in NSW and make representations to the Commonwealth Government for it to review the environmental flow allocations for NSW valleys, in relation to the Murray Darling Basin Plan

Recommendation 8 – That the NSW Government amend the principles of the Water Management Act 2000 to ensure that the commercial water supply for towns and utilities, and high security needs in regulated rivers, are prioritised above environmental needs

Recommendation 9 - That the NSW Government clarify with the Commonwealth Government the NSW Government’s liability for environmental water releases under the Murray Darling Basin Plan that inundate private land, in time to feed into the process of developing the NSW Water Sharing Plans that must comply with the Basin Plan and be enacted by 2019

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Recommendation10 – That the NSW Government fund the Computer Aided River Management System across all NSW river systems

Recommendation 11 – That the NSW Government implement the water metering project across NSW to support the statewide implementation of the Computer Aided River Management System

Recommendation 12 – That the NSW Government: Make representations to the Commonwealth Government to resolve who will provide

funding for the augmentation of the Menindee Lakes, and Reaffirm and complete plans to enable construction to commence as soon as

practicable

Recommendation 13 – That the NSW Government make representations to the Commonwealth and South Australian Governments to initiate a review of the current management of the lower lakes of the Murray Darling Basin. This review should focus on returning the lakes to an estuarine system by building barrages upstream, rather than at the mouth, thereby reducing the volume of water currently required and improving the productivity and environmental outcomes for NSW

Recommendation 15 – That the NSW Government investigate the potential of strategically placed en-route storages to extend water use and provide flexibility in water delivery to some river systems, particularly in the Murray Darling Basin

Recommendation 16 – That the NSW Government commit to continuing an integrated water management policy, and that it foster responsible use of water in urban, industrial and agricultural settings

Recommendation 17 – That the NSW Government ensure that new storage proposals are comprehensively assessed in terms of costs, benefits, storage efficiency, geological suitability of the site, environmental considerations, community expectations and other factors as appropriate

Recommendation 18 – That the NSW Government establish an Integrated Water Management Taskforce comprised of each of the key water use groups and government, with the following roles:

to drive innovation in responsible water conservation, use and management, and to build collaborative relationships and promote the sharing of knowledge and

expertise between and within water user groups across NSW

Recommendation 19 - That the NSW Government commit to investing in water efficiency research and development, to inform an integrated, best practice approach to water management and to further advances in this area.

4. MURRAY DARLING BASIN PLAN IMPLEMENTATION– CURRENT STATUS

The Basin Plan legislation passed through Federal Parliament in November 2012 and provides for the diversion of 2,750 GL by 2019 for environmental watering purposes, which previously would have been available for irrigated food production, with a further 450 GL by 2024, making a total of 3,200 GL.

This 3,200 GL is in addition to the pre 2009 environmental water acquisitions achieved through the Living Murray and other programs of almost 900 GL.

Approximately 1600 GL of environmental water has been acquired by the Commonwealth Water Holder to date, of which some 80% (around 1300 GL) has been through direct water entitlement buyback.

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The key issues for RAMROC’s attention now will be to focus on what strategies can be taken to ensure that implementation of the legislated Basin Plan is undertaken in a manner that minimises as far as possible the adverse impacts on food production and on rural towns, communities and businesses.

Some of the RAMROC strategies will need to focus on the following: To ensure that future water buybacks are kept to an absolute minimum; To ensure that the focus will be on achieving water savings through infrastructure

works, including irrigation system on and off farm and through best practice environmental works and measures;

To ensure that environmental water delivery programs are undertaken in such a way that causes minimal impact on downstream landholders and community infrastructure;

To ensure that Federal and State Governments provide funding to the region to facilitate structural adjustment and economic development.

At the writing of this report, the following matters best summarise the current status of the Basin Plan. In this regard, RAMROC Councils have held discussions with the Chief Executive of the Basin Authority Rhondda Dickson and her team regarding implementation issues, particularly the monitoring of social and economic impacts and the management of environmental flow constraints.

a. Intergovernmental Agreement – Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments

Negotiations are still in progress in relation to the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Commonwealth Government and the NSW State Government. After several months of discussion and negotiation, some issues remain to be finally resolved.

In May 2013, the NSW Government through Primary Industries Minister the Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP announced that the NSW Government would not be prepared to implement the Basin Plan until the Commonwealth Government commits to:-

Give priority to infrastructure and environmental works and measures, to meet the remaining recovery volumes;

Limit its buybacks to a level that allows regional communities time to adjust (note that in January 2013, the NSW Government imposed a 3% limit per valley per decade on further licence buybacks for the environment);

Amend the SDLs for 2 groundwater aquifers that would otherwise restrict known potential economic development in those regions;

Provide sufficient and equitable assistance to communities impacted by the Plan; Provide recognition that the funding offered by the Commonwealth for State

implementation works will actually limit the extent of implementation by the State Government.

b. Constraints Management Strategy

Following the November 2012 announcement by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard that a further 450GL of environmental water (in addition to the 2,750 GL in the Basin Plan) would be recovered through removal of operational rules and physical constraints, MDBA is required to develop a Constraints Management Strategy (CMS) by November 2013.

Preliminary stakeholder strategic meetings were held in Canberra in April 2013 and MDBA has since carried out some engagement and consultation sessions with local councils and stakeholder organisations. The CMS will examine what infrastructure works need to be undertaken and whether existing river system operational rules need to be amended, in order to remove existing constraints. A draft report is expected to be publicly released during October for further consultation, with the CMS to be finalised by the end of 2013. The NSW Government position in relation to constraints management is that there should be no compulsory acquisition of land and no adverse third party impacts arising from the removal of constraints and delivery of environmental flows. Further that the Commonwealth Government should be investing in further on-farm works and infrastructure to bridge the gap

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through to the 2,750 GL target, before it commences any recovery of additional volumes of environmental water through constraints removal.

c. Social and Economic Analysis

RAMROC has strongly pressed the point to MDBA that in relation to social and economic factors, it is critical that MDBA have one-on-one consultations with individual councils and communities, with specific attention to those that are most likely to be detrimentally affected. Also that MDBA needs to take into account the socio-economic work previously commissioned by Councils, as well as the work carried out under the Strengthening Basin Communities program and in other commissioned consultancy reports.

MDBA officials met with a number of councils in April 2013 to identify the key criteria which should be adopted for this task. At this stage, the Social and Economic Analysis task is still “work in progress”

d. Nimmie-Caira Environmental Water Project

In early July 2013, the Commonwealth and New South Wales Water Ministers jointly announced that agreement had been reached for implementation of the Nimmie-Caira water savings project in the Lower Murrumbidgee floodplain, which will deliver a long term average of some 173 GL to the environment each year.

Under the agreement, the Commonwealth will provide $180 million to NSW, for the purchase of land and water entitlements from 11 property owners and for NSW to undertake extensive infrastructure works and develop future land management arrangements.

At the RAMROC meeting with MDBA in May, the point was strongly made that in proposed major water infrastructure projects such as Nimmie-Caira, it is important for Councils to have a seat at the negotiating table when these projects are under consideration, in order to provide an important and necessary level of local input and advice, taking into account the best interests of the affected Councils and communities. At this point of time, no response to that suggestion has been forthcoming from MDBA.

e. Koondrook-Perricoota Forest - flood enhancement project

This $80 million project has been completed. Located on the NSW Victorian border between Moama and Barham, the scheme will provide managed environmental water to some 17,000 hectares of red gum forest areas.

The project incorporates the construction of an inlet channel and a series of levees and control regulators, to enable water to be diverted into the creek system that feeds and drains the forest, whilst at the same time ensuring the protection of surrounding farm lands from artificial flooding.

f. RAMROC and Murray River Group of Councils (MRGC) joint delegation to members of Federal Coalition

On 17th June 2013, a combined delegation of 37 Mayors, Councillors and CEOs and General Managers from 17 Councils across the RAMROC and MRGC regions met with Coalition MPs and Senators at Parliament House Canberra.

The principal thrust of the delegation was to discuss the implementation phases of the Basin Plan, to ensure that implementation is undertaken in ways that will achieve a pragmatic, sensible and equitable balance of environmental, economic and social outcomes and which will maintain food and fibre production levels in the Southern Basin region and drive the long term sustainability of the region’s rural towns and communities.

The Leader of The Nationals the Hon Warren Truss MP and Deputy Leader Barnaby Joyce assured the joint delegation at that time of the willingness of the Federal Coalition, if elected to Government later in 2013, to work very closely with local members, councils and communities and with MDBA and Federal/State agencies, so as to ensure that those objectives are realised.

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Following the Federal election on September 2014, these issues will be pursued vigorously with the Minister for Environment the Hon Greg Hunt MP and with Federal Members in both southern NSW and northern Victoria. On a positive note, indications are that the Coalition Government will certainly honour its pre-election policy of limiting water entitlement buybacks to a maximum of 1,500 GL and with the focus for future water savings to be on infrastructure works.

g. Water for the Future Program – Commonwealth funding to RAMROC region

MDBA Chief Executive Rhondda Dickson informed the May 2013 RAMROC meeting that the Commonwealth Government has invested more than $550 million into the RAMROC region under the Water for the Future Program, since the commencement of the Commonwealth Water Act in 2007-2008. She undertook to provide RAMROC with a breakdown of that funding.

In summary, the funding allocations totalling $558.7 million have comprised:-

Private Irrigation Infrastructure Operators Program – Rounds 1 and 2 $ 420.2 million On farm Irrigation Efficiency Program – Rounds 1, 2 and 3 $ 130.3 million Irrigation Modernisation Planning Assistance Program – Rounds 1 and $ 1.2 million Strengthening Basin Communities Program – Planning Components $ 3.5 million SBC Program – Water Savings Initiatives Infrastructure Component $ 3.5 million

h. Community Information Sessions - ABC Riverina Breakfast Radio

MDBA has adopted a RAMROC suggestion that a great deal of public goodwill would be achieved by having the MDBA Executive Director of River Management appear on ABC Riverina radio program on a fortnightly basis with ABC Riverina Radio Presenter Anne Delaney, to talk about river flows and other matters of interest about the Basin Plan and its implementation.This regular talkback session has been taking place over recent months and has been well received by the community

5. NSW DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING - A NEW PLANNING SYSTEM FOR NSW

In July 2011, the NSW Government initiated a comprehensive review of the state’s planning system and released an initial Independent Panel Review Paper, followed by the Government’s Green Paper “A New Planning System for New South Wales”

The overriding aim of the Government is to make major changes to the planning system that will significantly shift planning functions to a more streamlined approach, one that facilitates economic growth and community participation. The proposed blueprint for change has been based around four fundamental reforms as follows:-

Community participation - engaging communities as an integral part of key planning decisions

Strategic focus - a shift to evidence based strategic planning Streamlined approvals - a performance based system where decisions are fast and

transparent and complying development is maximised Provision of infrastructure – to strategically plan so that infrastructure that supports growth is funded and delivered..

Submissions in response to the Green Paper closed in September 2012. The RAMROC Planners Group was actively involved in the process and lodged a regional submission to augment the submissions made by individual RAMROC Member Councils.

The State Government White Paper was subsequently released in April 2013 and RAMROC made a comprehensive submission on 25th June in relation to a number of specific aspects. The summary to the RAMROC submission reads as follows:-

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Overall, RAMROC considers that the review of the NSW planning system represents an opportunity to achieve a world-class planning system that reduces complexity and focuses greater attention on the delivery of quality planning outcomes.

The proposed new planning system entails a level of significant change. Councils and the State are going to have to be adequately resourced to ensure the success of the reforms. There is a substantial level of detail that is not currently available which will have a significant impact upon the functioning of the new planning system and the ability of councils and their communities to adapt to the new system. It is anticipated that this detail will be outlined in any regulations and accompanying material.

RAMROC supports the White Paper in principle, with the qualification that the reform process (including those charged with its implementation and delivery at all levels) needs to be suitably resourced in terms of funds, tools and skills to ensure its successful implementation as per the comments contained in this submission. Also, significant consideration needs to be given to the creation of relevant savings and transitional provisions so as to allow for councils that are not at the forefront of the new planning system to continue to operate effectively and efficiently for their communities. Councils should be utilised as a conduit and, as the closest government sector to their local community, they need to be given the resources and tools to be able to inform their community of the new system and how to participate in it effectively. Sufficient time is also required to ensure that the implementation of any new planning system is undertaken in a co-ordinated and co-operative manner.

The Department of Planning is currently analysing the submissions and has released two draft Exposure Bills for comment. These Bills will be required to implement the legislative framework for the new planning system and the draft Bills will be amended as necessary to accord with any changes arising from the White Paper submissions and other feedback.

A number of other documents will be required to support the introduction of the new planning system, including Regulations, Guidelines, Practice Notes and other instruments outlining transitional and procedural requirements

At this stage, the new Planning System is proposed to be in place in early 2014.

6. ESTABLISHMENT OF NSW LOCAL LAND SERVICES DEPARTMENT

In October 2012, the NSW Minister for Primary Industries appointed an independent Stakeholder Reference Panel chaired by Dr John Keniry AM to undertake a statewide community consultation process towards the establishment of a new Department of Local Land Services as from January 2014, which will deliver the functions currently provided by Catchment Management Authorities, Livestock Health and Pest Authorities and DPI agriculture advisory services.

During the consultation period, RAMROC and member Councils provided input into the process. The main areas of concern related in the region to the closure of existing offices and loss of local jobs and the consequent flow-on effects to rural communities.

RAMROC also pointed out that Councils already have well established structural and governance capabilities that are available to undertake some of the key responsibilities and services that LLS will be required to provide under the new arrangements, including control of weeds and pests on TSRs, private property inspections for feral animals, the levying of rate notices and charges and if appropriate incorporation of LLS into Councils’ offices and servicing other administration needs.

In the RAMROC region, the new Local Land Services boundaries cover three separate areas, the Murray Region, the Riverina Region and the Western Region (which includes the whole of Balranald and Wentworth Shires)

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There are eleven regions, and John Macarthur-Stanham has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of the LLS Board of Chairs.

Ten of the 11 LLS regions will have Member Local Boards of seven people, comprising four Government appointments and three ratepayer elected positions. In the Western region, the ratio is five Government appointed and four elected, taking into account the huge size of that region .

The Minister has appointed Chairs for each of the eleven LLS regions and those Chairs will comprise the LLS Board of Chairs, under the Chairmanship of John Macarthur-Stanham.

On 29th August 2013, the Minister announced a major strategic review of weed management in New South Wales, as this was a key issue raised during the LLS engagement process. The review will also be undertaken by the Commissioner for Natural Resources Dr John Keniry.

7. RIVERINA AND MURRAY TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN

In February 2013, the State Minister for Western New South Wales the Hon Kevin Humphries MP wrote to the Mayors of 55 Councils in the central areas of the State, proposing the Phase 2 development of the Western Roads Plan, that being a comprehensive portfolio of roads that need to be upgraded in order to create strategic links and support productivity in the regions.

The principal purpose of the Western Roads Plan Phase 2 project was to identify and prioritise key road projects across the central region, to be incorporated into a comprehensive database to be used for funding submissions at both Federal and State levels.

Concurrently to the Western Roads Plan Phase 2 proposal, RAMROC was approached by REROC in May 2013 to participate in a similar but more comprehensive project, which identifies both road and rail infrastructure across the Riverina and Murray Regions. REROC Councils had already completed the data gathering and mapping of all road and rail infrastructure in their region, which included the mapping of other infrastructure such as agricultural storage facilities, forestry plantations etc, all of which impact on the national, state, regional and local transport network.

At the August 2013 RAMROC meeting, Coolamon Shire Council officers provided a demonstration of the digital mapping component of the project. As a result, it was resolved to carry out an expansion of the REROC database and mapping across the RAMROC region, which will then provide a transport infrastructure database and mapping system for the entire Riverina and Murray.

In turn, this will facilitate the prioritisation of transport infrastructure projects and provide a valuable tool for inter-council collaboration and for future funding applications to Governments. The RAMROC Engineers Group has established a Steering Committee to oversight the project and the mapping component is planned to be undertaken by a team comprising Albury City and Greater Hume Shire officers.

8. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS – REGIONAL CO-ORDINATION

For some years, RAMROC has been concerned at the lack of collaboration and co-ordination between Councils and the New South Wales Government Agencies at the regional level.

It is pleasing to report that this year a new spirit of regional collaboration has been achieved following discussions in February 2013 with the Deputy Director General of NSW Premier and Cabinet Simon Smith and the new Regional Coordinator Western NSW Alison McGaffin.

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To develop the regional coordination framework, Alison attended the March RAMROC meeting on 6th March and followed up with a further meeting with the General Managers Group on 19th April, at which she made the following points:-

Prior to 2011, the NSW Regional Co-ordination program was very much internally focussed on NSW Government activities

A review was undertaken in 2011, having regard to the emphasis being placed by the O’Farrell Government on regional issues, the challenging economic environment in the State and the significant structural changes being made to the NSW Government and its agencies

The outcome of the review in respect of the RAMROC region was that a Western NSW Region of DPC Regional Co-ordination Branch has been created, to align with the responsibilities of the Minister for Western NSW the Hon Kevin Humphries MP.

Western NSW is serviced from 3 regional offices in Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Dubbo, with 10 DPC officers working as a team across Western NSW

The Western Region encompasses nearly 70 Local Government areas, which means that ROCs are an effective point of engagement between the DPC and Agencies team and the Member Councils

The Government places significant emphasis on delivery of its NSW 2021 State Plan and the 2 year Regional Action Plans and the Government has a key goal of increasing local participation in decision making and the tailoring of services to match the expectations of communities, as set out in Councils’ Community Strategic Plans.

RAMROC’s Integrated Planning and Reporting Network Group is working with the DPC Western Region team to ensure best possible alignment between the Councils’ Community Strategic Plans, the Riverina and Murray Regional Action Plans and the NSW 2021 State Plan. It is proposed to establish a Taskforce of leaders across all 3 levels of Government to work with Councils in the review of their CSPs and 4 Year Delivery Plans, in order to achieve enhanced integration of service delivery.

In addition at the RAMROC level, the General Managers Group and DPC have agreed to hold regular forums between the GMs Group, DPC, senior officials from other State agencies and RDAs on issues where co-ordination and integration across Governments are critically important. The first of these forums is scheduled for 24th October in Narrandera and will focus on regional economic development challenges and opportunities

Another point of collaboration is that across New South Wales, DPC has established seven Regional Leadership Groups (RLGs), which comprise the most senior regional officials from Government Agency Clusters. At the western regional level, the Western RLG meets on a bi-annual basis with the Western Regional Leadership Networks (RLN), which is made up of officials of State Agencies, Health, Police, Trade and Investment etc, together with the Executive Officers from each ROCs and each RDA.

9. CODE OF CONDUCT – REGIONAL PANEL OF CONDUCT REVIEWERS

The Division of Local Government released its new Model Code of Conduct framework and administration procedures documentation on 19th December 2012.

Under the new Code legislation, all Councils were required to make the following administrative arrangements in preparation for commencement of the new Code:-

Adopt the new Model Code and Procedures by 1 March 2013; Appoint members of staff other than the General Manager to act as a Complaints

Coordinator and alternate Complaints Coordinator, prior to 1 March 2013; Ensure that Panels of Conduct Reviewers, appointed using the selection process

prescribed under the new procedures, were in place by 30 September 2013.

At the March 2013 RAMROC meeting, it was resolved to adopt a recommendation of the General Managers Group that Member Councils agree to appoint a regional Panel of Conduct

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Reviewers and to carry out an Expression of Interest process for appointment of persons to the Regional Panel for a term of up to four years.

Accordingly, RAMROC advertised sought Expressions of Interest from persons who met the eligibility criteria set out in the Code of Conduct framework. As a result, 14 EOIs were received and these were assessed by a small Panel of General Managers, who recommended to the RAMROC Board that a Regional Panel of ten (10) persons be appointed for a four year term commencing on or around 1st June 2013.

The RAMROC Board adopted the recommendation for appointment of the Regional Panel. Each RAMROC Member Council was then in a position to pass a formal resolution for the appointment of those Conduct Reviewers as the members of its Council Panel.

10. PRESENTATIONS TO RAMROC MEETINGS

During 2012-2013, the following presentations were made by special guests at RAMROC meetings:-

Murray Hume and Riverina Business Enterprise Centres - Chief Executive Officer and Business Advisory Team

Murray Regional Tourism Board – Executive Officer Riverina Regional Tourism Board – Executive Officer Shires Association of NSW – President Cr Ray Donald and LGSA Executive Team Independent Local Government Review Panel Members Murray Darling Basin Authority – Chief Executive Officer and Senior Officials Royal Far West Children’s Health Care – Chief Executive Officer and Team Coolamon Shire Mapping Team – Demonstration of REROC Road and Rail Transport

Infrastructure Digital Mapping Project NSW Department of Planning – Western Regional Manager – Draft Murray Region

Growth Plan.

11. EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS - REPRESENTATION BY EXECUTIVE OFFICER During 2012-2013 the Executive Officer represented the interests of RAMROC Councils on a number of external organisations, including the following:-

Charles Sturt University Wagga Campus Regional Consultative Committee NSW Regional Organisations of Councils Network – Executive Officers Group NSW Regional Leadership Network – State Agency Regional Managers, and

Executive Officers ROCs and RDAs Murray Hume and Riverina Business Enterprise Centres – Board Member Murray CMA Catchment Action Plan – Steering Committee Member Murray CMA Biodiversity Management Plan – Steering Committee Member Regional Development Australia – Murray Region (to December 2012)

12. REPORTS OF PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS WORKING GROUPS

The Professional Officers Working Groups continue to operate very effectively. The Groups provide a valuable forum for project activities, information sharing and in representing RAMROC in dealings with Government Departments and the like.

The Working Groups are in effect the “engine rooms” of RAMROC’s annual activities.

The following dot points from each Group demonstrate the scope of issues taken up and activities that were undertaken by the Groups during the year.

12.1 RAMROC General Managers Group

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Quarterly meetings - canvassing issues of importance to Local Government Monitoring of activities and reports of RAMROC Working Groups Reported as necessary to RAMROC meetings on specific issues identified Discussions with Charles Sturt University – potential to develop CSE Civil Engineering

Degree Course Managed Expression of Interest Process – Appointment of Regional Panel of Conduct

Reviewers Local Government and Catchment Management Authorities – discussions regarding the

establishment of Local Land Services, Murray Biodiversity Management Plan, Catchment Action Plans for Murrumbidgee and Murray Catchments

Workshop with Riverina Waste Project Manager – re RAMROC Regional Waste Strategy Workshop with ICAC Principal Corruption Officer – re Operation Jarek Workshop with Department Premier and Cabinet Regional Co-ordination Group Workshop with REROC – Proposed Regional Collaboration Models based on ROCs

During the year, General Managers Les Tomich Albury City and John Hunt Urana Shire announced their retirements. RAMROC Certificates of Appreciation were presented to them by the Chairman at the November 2012 meeting.

12.2 RAMROC Engineers Group Report

NSW long Term Transport Plan - Issues discussed were long term funding of roadworks, Last Mile Issues, Local Roads, Unfunded Plan and City Centric, Freight Studies

Type 1 Road Train, B Triple, AB Triples east of Newell Hwy. Council’s may approve roads in their LGA

Build A Bridge Program for aspiring Engineers (RAMROC may need to arrange funding of $15000)

Flood Damage Restoration Program (some inconsistencies between Council approvals) (Funding to be completed by June 2014)

Cycleway / PAMPs Program funding to be spent by March of each year Higher Mass Limits, Irrigation Crossings , Standard Fencing at crossings Water / Sewerage Development Servicing Plans. Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga , looking at the feasibility of offering Engineering

Degree Course at either Wagga or Bathurst. (Recommending 4 year Course) John Holland Rail P/L - little progress on Agreements. Bridge Load Limits / Livestock Loading Scheme Grader / Heavy Plant Registration - over mass permits may be required. Presentation by Taryn Quarmby (Industry Capability Network ). Mitchell Judd (Regional Manager RMS South West Region) Presentation on various

items including Bridges for the Bush, RMCC Maintenance, Contestability, Government looking at the way it deals with Councils, Top 10 Freight Priorities for the region.

12.3 RAMROC Planners Group Report

Access to Regional Office of Department of Planning and InfrastructureDuring the year the Regional Director and various departmental staff from the Western Region office in Dubbo attended meetings of the Planners’ group to update the members on policies of the Department of Planning and infrastructure.It is thanks to the regional officers and the LEP Acceleration Fund that a number of Member Councils have made LEPs in accordance with the standard LEP in the past 12 months.

Draft Murray Regional StrategyRAMROC Planners continued to lobby for an improved Regional Strategy for the Murray region, including an updating of the population projects and the transport options for the region. This work is continuing and it is anticipated that a discussion paper for a draft strategy will be released in late 2013.

Murray Darling Basin PlanThe Planners Group continue to support the work of RAMROC and General Managers in pursuing better outcomes for the region from the proposed Basin Plan.

Submission – A New Planning System – Green Paper

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The Group prepared a submission on the Green Paper in October. Albury City provided much of the information for the submission. This followed the majority of Council Planners attending the Information and Feedback/consultation meetings held by the Department of Planning in Wagga.

Submission – A New Planning System - White Paper The Group prepared a submission on the White Paper in June. Albury City provided much of the information for the submission. This also followed the majority of Council Planners attending the Information and Feedback/consultation meetings held by the Department of Planning in Wagga.

Local Government Planning Directors Group

RAMROC was represented on this group initially by Elizabeth Stoneman and then by Michael Keys. This group provided a direct conduit to the Minster for Planning and senior executive staff of the Department of Planning to raise concerns and issues relevant to RAMROC Councils.

RAMROC Planners’ Group continues to be an important means for the council planners and building officers to maintain up-to-date information, consider regional issues, meet with the regional officers from state agencies and work together on submissions to the benefit of the ROC and the individual Councils.

12.4 RAMROC Integrated Planners Network Report

The Integrated Planning Network Group canvasses regional implementation of IP&R, professional development and learning (corporate and strategic planning), identification and sharing of local resources and knowledge regarding strategic plans of other agencies, CSP development and IP&R implementation.

In its third year of operation, three meetings were held during the year and these were attended at varying times by representatives of Albury, Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Deniliquin, Griffith, Greater Hume, Leeton, Murray, Narrandera and Wakool Councils

In the past twelve months, the network has disseminated information and worked on the following:

1. Development and sharing of IP&R resources/solutions Collegiate support / networking IPR implementation and review

2. Integrated Planning and other Agencies Mapping of common projects CSPs RAMROC Councils Regional Coordination – Dept

Premier and Cabinet liaison Feedback from LGMA Strategic Planning and Community Engagement (June 11)

Forum and issues that may arise with proposed Planning System and integration with IPR framework

3 Learning and Professional Development IPR Peer Review Workshop facilitated by DLG Initiated Planning and organization of Performance Reporting Expo held Griffith City

Council Aug 2013

12.5 Murray Waste Group Report

1. Waste Group Chairman

Founding RAMROC Murray Waste Group Chair Bob Parr announced at the October 2012 meeting that, due to a restructure of roles within Corowa Council, his involvement with the Waste Group would cease at the end of 2012.

Myles Humphries from Berrigan Shire Council was nominated for the position and was elected unopposed.

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2. NSW Government’s “Waste Less Recycle More” Initiative

In early 2013, the NSW Government announced $465.7 million “Waste Less, Recycle More” initiative designed to transform waste management across NSW in the next five years.

Key programs during next five years are:

$250 million waste and recycling infrastructure package, made up as follows:- $70 million to facilitate establishment of community drop-off centres for problematic wastes (eg, gas bottles, paint, fluoro tubes, used oils, batteries and smoke detectors).- $70 million to target the collection and re-processing of food waste from businesses and households (organics).

- $60 million to stimulate investment in waste and recycling infrastructure to support levy-paying communities.- $35 million to support businesses across NSW increase waste avoidance and resource recovery.- $15 million to support recyclers reduce residuals, increase their efficiencies and develop innovative recycling solutions and new markets

$137.7 million for local councils to develop fit-for-purpose local solutions for their communities.

$58 million to combat illegal dumping through partnerships between the EPA, councils, the community and land owners.

$20 million to fund litter programs to ensure NSW has the lowest litter rate per capital in Australia.

3. RAMROC Regional Waste Management Strategy Stage One of the RAMROC Regional Waste Management Strategy, being a comprehensive audit of all waste landfill and transfer station sites in the Riverina and Murray Waste Group areas, was completed in August 2013 by consultancy GHD at a cost of some $90,000. The NSW Government provided a grant of $60,000 for Stage 1 and the remaining $30,000 is being funded by RAMROC Councils.

Expressions of Interest for Stage Two were invited in August. However, before a contract can be awarded, RAMROC is awaiting confirmation from the NSW Government of further grant funds for the project. Stage Two will develop and deliver a regional waste management strategy for the whole RAMROC region, as is required by the NSW EPA to align it with the Government’s $465.7 million “Waste Less, Recycle More” initiative and the NSW 2021 strategy.

4. Landfill Operator Training The October 2012 annual landfill operations training course conducted through the National Environment Centre at Thurgoona attracted 10 participants.

5. E-Waste Stuart Luff, Business Development Manager PGM Refiners, gave a presentation to the April 2013 meeting on e-waste recycling proposals for the RAMROC Murray region.

6. Tyre Stockpiles and Rural Landfills Ken Gordon, Director, Carbon Recovery Australia, addressed the April 2013 meeting on proposals for dealing with tyres received at rural landfills.

7. NSW Waste Levy The co-ordinator reported in April that the NSW Government had directed the EPA to consult with councils on the geographic extension of the Section 88 waste levy across all of NSW.

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It is proposed to apply to landfills receiving more than 5000 tonnes a year, or to new small rural landfills receiving greater than 200 tonnes a year, in order to discourage waste dissemination.

8. Recycling of bed bases, mattresses and couches Waste Consultant Mike Ritchie gave a presentation to the August 2013 meeting. He has been engaged by Melbourne-based Mattress Gator to promote a collection and recycling scheme for mattresses, bases and couches from local government, retail stores, warehouses, factories, hospitals and other businesses in the RAMROC Murray region.

9. EnviroMentors School Workshops

Keep Australia Beautiful NSW delivered a series of EnviroMentors school workshops across the region in October-November 2012.

Workshop topics are “In the Bin” and “Compost Critters”.

10. Regional scrap metal collection

The regional scrap collection tender with One Steel has continued to provide a valuable service for participating Councils and also provide a financial return to RAMROC. The current One Steel contract has expired and tenders are currently being invited for a new 2 year tender.

12.6 Riverina Waste Group Report

The following list provides an outline of the projects undertaken by the group which improved diversion of material from landfill or aided the sustainability of the region.

1. Planning has commenced for the provision of a Household Waste Drop-Off Facility inGriffith.

2. A new contract was signed to ensure scrap metal, which is a valuable resource, is diverted from the waste stream.

3. A series of Garden Smart Workshops have been held across the region to enhance the education of community on Smart Gardening techniques to reduce water consumption and reuse organic waste.

4. The region has embraced the Love Food, Hate Waste program which has been promoted by the group via an educator. A series of advertisements and innovative hands on workshops have heightened the community’s understanding of the issues related to food wastage and excessive biomass disposal into landfill sites.

5. Waste Watchers Education Program continued to be a feature of the group’s educational activities with 21 schools receiving entertaining and informative tuition from specialist educators.

6. Initiation of a major operational revamp at Griffith City Council with the issue of a consultants brief for a new transfer station with improved recycling capability.

7. To ensure workers at waste disposal sites were kept at the forefront of current developments, the group arranged and supported the attendance of operators at TAFE run Sustainability and Waste Management Training.

8. The group organised and funded a municipal composting feasibility study based on the small town of Coleambally, with a view to running a trial program.

9. In an effort to provide industry specific recycling solutions a second annual winery recycling forum was held with many of the large producers in the area attending. This has resulted in the establishment of a collaborative recycling collection program in conjunction with a local social welfare group.

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10. In conjunction with the RAMROC Murray group a specification was written and quotations were sought and a contract let to GHD Engineering to conduct an audit of all the waste facilities and services within the RAMROC geographic area. This Stage 1 project was completed in late August 2013.

11. A specification has been distributed to appropriate consultants requesting quotations for the production of the Stage 2 Regional Strategic Plan.

12. The issue of e-waste collection and disposal has been escalated and a cost effective trail has been arranged for one of the councils within the group. Within the next few weeks we expect to send our first load of material for processing. This will form the basis of schemes in our other municipal areas if it is successful.

13. The group has taken a keen interest in the fostering of strategies that will aid in the disposal of material generated by disaster. This is an advocacy role.

13. ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 30 TH JUNE 2013

The Annual Accounts for RAMROC for the year 1st July 2012 to 30th June 2013 are separately attached and comprise the following:-

All Funds Summary General Account Murray Waste Project Account Riverina Waste Project Account Water4Food Account

At the date of this report, the final audit and submission of the Auditor’s Report for 2012-2013 is nearing completion

Explanatory Notes by the Executive Officer in relation to the financial results contained in the 2012-2013 Annual Statements were submitted to the August 2013 RAMROC meeting

End of Annual Report

AGENDA ITEM 4. REMUNERATION FOR CHAIRPERSON POSITION

Executive Officer Reports

Prior to the election of Chairperson for the 2013-2014 year, I suggest that RAMROC give consideration as to whether an annual remuneration should be paid to the Chairperson.

The suggestion is made on the basis that the RAMROC Chairperson is required to spend a considerable amount of time in fulfilling the role, as well as incurring out of pocket expenses such as for a private vehicle and other sundry costs in attending delegations and meetings etc.

In most instances, RAMROC meets or reimburses the direct expenses of the Chairperson, for example by way of accommodation, airfares etc. I also realise that in some RAMROC Councils, a vehicle may be provided for use by the Mayor, but this is not always the case.

In past years, no remuneration or expense allowance has been paid to the Chairperson, but in my view a Chairperson should not be out of pocket in carrying out the functions required. I have no specific amount in mind and it could either be in the form of an annual fee, or by a daily fee and per kilometre reimbursement for use of private vehicle.

Provisionally, an amount of $5,000 has been included in the 2013-2014 RAMROC Budget.

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I have checked the status of other ROCs in relation to their policy on this issue. Only one other ROC actually pays an annual fee, whilst most of the others apply a policy of reimbursement for private vehicle and/or other expenses incurred.

RecommendationFor decision

AGENDA ITEM 5 – ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS FOR 2013-2014

Executive Officer Reports

Matters for attention at this Annual General Meeting include the election of Committee Officials for 2013-2014. The positions to be elected are:- Chairperson – to be elected from amongst the appointed Council delegates; Deputy Chairperson – to be elected from amongst the appointed Council delegates; Honorary Secretary / Treasurer – to be elected –a staff member of a participating

Council.

As per the usual RAMROC election processes, nominations can be made at any time prior to or at the time of the election and may be in writing, or can be made verbally at the meeting.

Separately attached is a Nomination Paper for each of the Executive Committee positions. Nominations can be sent to me by fax or email or at the start of the meeting or may be lodged at the meeting. As indicated above, nominations can also be made from the floor at the meeting.

If more than one nomination is received for any of the positions, the meeting will need to determine before the ballot the method of voting to be adopted. Voting may be the following alternative methods:- Open Voting Ordinary Ballot Preferential Ballot

Ballot papers will be available at the meeting if required.

AGENDA ITEM 6 – APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS FOR 2013-2014

The meeting is required to appoint its Auditors for the ensuing term. For the past two years RAMROC has commissioned the Stubberfield Group based in Echuca to undertake the RAMROC audit and this has been carried out most capably and professionally.

RecommendationThat the Stubberfield Group (Accounting and Taxation), 25-31 Nish Street Echuca Victoria be appointed as RAMROC Auditors for 2013-2014

AGENDA ITEM 7 – MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2013

Under the formation Section 355 Agreement, the RAMROC Committee is required to meet at least every three months, with the Annual General Meeting being the first Wednesday on or after 1st November.

Meetings are traditionally held at Jerilderie as the most appropriate central location and are generally held on the first Wednesday in the month, except in February when the meeting is held later in the month, taking into account late December-January Councils’ meeting break and my annual leave period.

The suggested meeting schedule for 2014 is as follows:-

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Wednesday 19th February 2014 Wednesday 7th May 2014 Wednesday 6th August 2014 Wednesday 5th November 2014 – Annual General Meeting.

RecommendationThat the RAMROC meeting schedule for 2014 be adopted

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