annual report 2011/12 · the hills region provides a unique lifestyle to 37,000 residents and...

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Official opening of the Swan View Youth Centre February 2012

Message from the Shire President

Page 4 Message from the Chief Executive Officer

Page 5 Elected Members / Shire Wards

Page 6 Executive Leadership Team / Risk Management

Page 7 Our Vision and Values

Page 8 Strategic Objective One

Page 9 Strategic Objective Two

Page 10 Strategic Objective Three

Page 11 Strategic Objective Four

Page 12 Strategic Objective Five

Page 13 Access and Inclusion

Page 14 Record Keeping

This document is available in alternative formats on request.

Table of ContentsShire of Mundaring is located 35km east of Perth’s central business district.The hills region provides a unique lifestyle to 37,000 residents and covers Bailup, Beechina, Bellevue, Boya, Chidlow, Darlington, Glen Forrest, Gorrie, Greenmount, Helena Valley, Hovea, Mahogany Creek, Malmalling, Midvale, Mount Helena, Mundaring, Parkerville, Sawyers Valley, Stoneville, Swan View (part of), The Lakes and Wooroloo.The Shire encompasses a total land area of 644sqkm of which nearly half comprises national park, state forest or water catchments. While rural land is used mainly for farming, a fledgling wine industry has been developing in more recent years, which complements a growing tourism industry.The Shire boasts a rich history, closely linked to the old railway line that is now the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, which stretches some 70km through the shire.Tourism is a vibrant and growing part of the region, with nature-based activities and facilities a priority.

From the Shire President

Cr Helen Dullard

Another year has passed and reading through this report is a great way to review our major achievements over the past 12 months. It is also a way to acknowledge the hard work by Shire employees, the success in grant applications, invaluable relationships with our community and even more importantly, the where to from here.

The draft Local Planning Scheme 4 and Local Planning Strategy are being reviewed this year against submissions made by the public. They will be endorsed by the Council and sent to the WA Planning Commission. We hope that we will receive approval from the Minister for Planning for the documents to be endorsed in early 2013.

The Local Planning Scheme is a legislative document which applies controls to help the Shire achieve the recommendations of the Strategy. This includes how developments can take place, and under what conditions.

The main themes of the documents include sustainable development, bushfire protection and biodiversity protection – all of which are extremely important for the Shire’s continued growth and the community’s safety.

Another priority over the next year will be

finalising the Strategic Community Plan, part of the Shire’s Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework.

We are conducting workshops to get feedback direct from residents on what they want for the community. This feedback will then be collated into a draft plan, expected to be released for public comment later this year.

The Strategic Community Plan will show the community vision, our strategic direction and priorities for action over the next 10 years. The document will guide our activities and decision making.

We look forward to working with local residents to progress this plan, along with the many other initiatives and projects planned for the next 12 months, and beyond.

Thank you to fellow councillors for their efforts over the past 12 months. I also congratulate Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Throssell and all Shire employees for their outstanding efforts and continued passion for working for the community.

Cr Helen DullardPresident, Shire of Mundaring

From the CEO

Jonathan Throssell

Local Government Structural Reform was a hot topic again this year, and will continue to be.

Following draft findings from the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel, the Shire announced its commitment to position itself for change.

The Panel supported a reduction in the number of local governments from the current 30; with the options including 10 to 12 councils; five to six councils; or one metropolitan council.

Options to reduce the number of councils are in-line with recommendations from Directions 2031; which suggests the creation of a North-East Local Government to include shires of Mundaring and Kalamunda and City of Swan.

The Shire is committed to adopting changes that will benefit the community. This has been our aim since the Local Government Structural Review began in 2009.

The draft findings show that reform is likely and we will concentrate on ensuring our community is fairly represented and our unique attributes are recognised.

We are now reviewing options on how the three local governments becoming a larger entity will

work to the advantage of our community.

Whilst this has been happening, however, Shire employees have continued with business as usual.

As an organisation, we have achieved some great things for the shire and I congratulate employees for their continued commitment and passion to achieve our vision : A vibrant community enjoying a rich mix of lifestyles.

A staff survey will be conducted soon to get feedback from our employees. The survey is held every two years to see what the organisation does well, and areas that could improve.

This feedback helps to strengthen our standing as a Workplace of Choice. This allows us to attract and retain great employees, who in turn work hard for the organisation and more importantly, the community.

As well as recognising the efforts of all employees, I would like to take this opportunity to thank elected members, particularly Shire President Helen Dullard, for their ongoing commitment.

Jonathan ThrossellChief Executive Officer

West Ward

Tony Cuccaro Helen Dullard Pauline Clark

Central Ward

Alan Pilgrim Leona Gu Liz Wysocki

South Ward

Darrell Jones Colin James Eva Marjanovic

East Ward

Patrick Bertola John Daw Stephen Fox

Council Meeting Attendance

Ordinary (18)

Special (4)

Cr Pilgrim 15 4 Cr Dullard 17 4 Cr Clark 13 3 Cr Cuccaro 14 4 Cr Daw 16 4 Cr Jones 18 4 Cr Bertola 18 4 Cr Fox 18 4 Cr Marjanovic 18 4 Cr James 16 4 Cr Wysocki 13 4 Cr Gu 12 of 13 3 of 3 Cr Johnson 5 of 5 1 of 1

Elected Members

Risk ManagementTo strengthen the approach to risk management, the Executive Leadership Team became the risk management committee for the Shire. A partnership arrangement was created with Local Government Insurance Services (LGIS) to deliver a whole of organisation program called the Organisational Risk Management (ORM) Project. The Project is about managing key risks that may affect a local government with the end product providing risk management information, processes, structures and systems for the Shire to develop and/or implement.LGIS is using the Australian and New Zealand Standard for Risk Management as the foundation to review the Shire’s strategies, business units, activities, operations and projects. This will ensure that our key risk issues are effectively identified, addressed and rated.The project considers all types of risks that may have either a negative or positive impact on the organisation. They will not be limited to just the insurable and/or health and safety risks. The ORM Project officially commenced in November 2011 and has four phases, with an expected completion in January 2013. During the early phases there was significant gathering of information via various means (site inspections, investigations, audits, questionnaires and workshops). The project focus will move to reviewing the unacceptable risk issues highlighted.

Staff ProfileShire of Mundaring had an average staffing level of 187.2 total Full Time Equivalents. Comparative Employee Turnover figures have remained consistently low for the last four years. It was 10.18% for the 2011/12 period, compared with 11.27% for 2010/11 and 10.28% in the preceding period.

The Executive Leadership Team (clockwise from back left): Director Statutory Services Mark Luzi, Director Community Services Megan Griffiths, Director Corporate Services Paul O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Throssell, Director Infrastructure Services Shane Purdy.

Executive Leadership Team

$100,000 - 109,999 6 $110,000 - 119,999 0$120,000 - 129,999 0 $130,000 - 139,999 2$140,000 - 150,000 2 $180,000 - 189,999 0$210,000 - 219,000 1

Employee RemunerationThere were 11 employees entitled to an annual cash salary of $100,000 or more in the following categories:

Achievement of best practice in corporate governance is a major responsibility of the Executive Leadership Team. It entails the consideration and approval of Shire policies, strategic direction and resource allocation, as well as monitoring Shire performance, progress towards targets and use of resources.

Our Vision A vibrant community enjoying a rich mix of lifestyles

Our Purpose To work within the community to provide leadership and services which sustain and enhance a diverse quality of life.

Our PeopleThe success of the Shire is dependent upon building the skills and capabilities of employees. The Shire is fortunate to have talented and dedicated people who are committed to the achievement of our strategic objectives.

Our Working EnvironmentThe Shire maintains a friendly, outcome focused workplace. Staff have access to a range of opportunities for professional and personal development.

Our Core Values RespectIntegrityTeam Spirit

Driving Values Excellence in Customer ServiceInnovationContinuous Improvement

Strategic Objective One Promote & support sustainable development

Submissions received during a public comment period for the draft Local Planning Strategy and Local Planning Scheme 4 continued to be reviewed and assessed.

Local businesses were assisted by the Shire in establishing the Mundaring Chamber of Commerce. It continues to support the group, as well as holding regular Business Advisory Group meetings.

Access to Lake Leschenaultia will be free from 1 July, in a move to increase visitor numbers to the site.

Plans for 2012/13

THE fifth annual Mundaring Truffle Festival was held on the weekend 30-31 July 2011.

Every year the Festival grows in professionalism, scope of the program, size of the event and in status as a true food and wine experience. The involvement of Eventscorp, Buy West Eat Best, Oak Valley Truffles and a larger presence from European Foods and other sponsors lifted the bar even further, cementing its position as Australia’s premier truffle festival.

National icon chefs Stephanie Alexander and Philippe Mouchel, and international food personality Chef Wan from Malaysia were great drawcards, adding their star quality.

The most popular activities included the Gourmet Produce Market, European Foods Tasting Tent, Truffle dog demonstrations, Buy West Eat Best Cooking Zone, Food Piazza, Perth Hills Wine Show, 3 Chef Masterclass and the array of entertainment provided.

The two Long Table Lunches for 200 people and Truffle Masterclass for 100 were sold out prior to the Festival while the Hub demonstration series was heavily booked. In spite of severe weather conditions on both days, nearly 33 percent of visitors stayed for more than four hours and 52% stayed 2-4 hours, attesting to their participation and enjoyment of the activities and entertainment on offer.

The 12,000 visitors spent on average $131 per head, which provided an overall economic impact from the Festival of $1.57million.

The draft Local Planning Scheme 4 and Local Planning Strategy is expected to be presented to the Council around August 2012 for endorsement. The documents will then be sent to the WA Planning Commission, then finally the Minister for Local Government for approval.

The Shire will take over ownership of the cafe/kiosk and canoe hire at Lake Leschenaultia as part of plans to increase visitor numbers and provide a consistent service to patrons.

Strategic Objective Two

Protect, manage and enhance the community’s environment

The Shire’s Environmental Management Plan 2012-2020 and Local Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan were endorsed by the Council.

A number of events were held throughout the year to help educate local residents. These included a six-week Living Smart Course, talks on Sustainable Cities and Solar Power.

Solar panels were added to the Shire’s Administration Building and Swan View Youth Centre as part of the Perth Solar City Project.

The Environmental Advisory Committee continued to support multiple environmental projects and is working in partnership with the Mundaring Arts Centre on a “connection to fauna” project which will provide sculptural interactive play equipment.

The hard work of the Shire’s 80 Friends Groups and five Catchment Groups was acknowledged at the end of year Volunteer Celebration.

A Friends Group Networking event, which attracted 30 attendees, was organised by Kalamunda and Mundaring to strengthen Landcare ties between the two shires.

Several grants have supported the Shire’s commitment to the community’s environment. These grants included: * $17,000 State NRM Grant for Watsonia Removal * $14,800 targeting Bamboo removal

The Shire will formalise its Roadside Conservation Strategy, Eastern Catchment Management Plan and Individual Management Plans.

Plans for 2012/13

The Shire was a finalist in the WA Environment Awards for its Tree Canopy and Understorey Program.

Through this year’s TCUP, 52,000 seedlings were distributed to local residents.

A modern well-integrated application now manages the program.

The Shire has information of seedlings per property, reserves and friends groups.

By recording the survival rates, the Shire can ensure the best option for seedling growth success for future years.

A new Fleet Management System has been implemented to manage the Shire’s fleet operations. This new flash system has created visibility of information and is a modern browser-based application which is user friendly and has excellent reporting capabilities.

A Corporate Asset Management System is underway bringing together all asset information. The module for the Shire’s 10 year infrastructure is complete, producing the much-needed reports for the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework.

The main business application Authority is being upgraded and expected to go live in July. All workstations were upgraded with Windows 7 and Microsoft 2010 during the year.

The Shire also finalised a virtual private network for data communication to all satellite stations, providing a stable connection for electronic business processing and when the main line is unavailable.

Federal funding supported the purchase of a new climbing frame, shade structures, synthetic turf and sheds for Bilgoman Aquatic Centre. A new verandah area was constructed at Elsie Austin Oval, and four tennis courts were resurfaced at Helena Valley/Boya and Glen Forrest.

Brown Park upper oval has had a problem with Sting Nematode for many years and past treatments have been ineffective against this most resilient of pests. Recently a new method of overcoming the effects of the nematode has been trialled at Brown Park and has achieved healthier looking grass, more even playing surface, marked reduction in the number of dry, unhealthy areas and a reduction in water usage. This method of treatment may be carried out on several Shire ovals to increase the health of ovals and to reduce water consumption.

Strategic Objective Three Secure financial sustainability and effective asset management

Plans for 2012/13

Completion and full integration of the asset management system to replace stand-alone data sources. This will feed into the State-run roads management system and the Shire’s geographic information and financial system.

Information management and retention of Shire records are critical. The Shire now has a state of the art disaster recovery IT server room at its Operation Centre. By installing this robust, adaptable and trustworthy disaster recovery environment, the Shire is in a coveted place as a leader in this area.

Volunteers The Shire continued its support and acknowledgement of local volunteers, with more than 70 people nominated from 36 local community groups for the 2011 Thank a Volunteer Day. Four free volunteer training/workshops were also held throughout the year, with topics including Grant Writing and Creating an Online Presence. The workshops attracted 113 volunteers from 47 organisations.

Libraries The Shire’s Library Service successfully applied for a grant from Telstra to help seniors learn how to use the Internet and email with more confidence and knowledge. The program runs out of the Mundaring Library and involves intense small group tuition.

Following feedback received from a Seniors Week event, Wooroloo residents now have a partial library service delivered in their community. With the support of Wooroloo Primary and volunteers, the Shire now has a mini library at the school. To date 400 items have been lent to 90 residents and 19 members have joined.

Children’s Services The Better Beginnings Plus program, aimed at Pre-Primary children, and partially funded by Rio Tinto and the Library Board of WA has been progressively rolled out to local schools. The program provides families with resources to help their children get a positive literacy start before they commence school.

Midvale Early Childhood and Parenting Hub further expanded its services as a result of successfully tendering for programs under the federally funded Communities for Children Plus program. The Hub is now a Community Links and Early Years Referral Centre offering many services including Playgroups in Schools and Young Mums Parenting Programs.

The Shire’s Inclusion Support Agency successfully tendered for an additional three years funding from the Federal Government to continue supporting services in the Eastern region of Perth to fully include all children with additional needs into day care settings.

Youth Swan View Youth Centre was officially opened in February 2012 with an official ceremony attended by more than 80 people, followed by a music concert The Moontunes Festival involving five local youth bands. The Centre is home to the Shire’s youth service provider Seen and Heard, as well as its Parent & Adolescent Counselling service. Service providers and community groups have made youth-related bookings including art classes, community youth training, nutrition courses, cooking classes as well as ballet and cheerleading.

Strategic Outcome FourIncreased community engagement and wellbeing through the provision of quality services that are accessible to all

Events The Hub of the Hills continued to host a variety of events for people of all ages. The events included the Mundaring MusicFest which was held over a weekend in March. The mini festival offered an evening of classical music, music workshops, a Youth Space, stalls and an Afternoon Concert in Sculpture Park.

The 2012 Cinema under Starlight attracted more than 1600 people in total at Mt Helena, Helena Valley/Boya and Wooroloo. The major sponsor was Linley Valley Fresh. Helena Valley Ratepayers Association and Wooroloo P&C tended the kiosk, raising more than $1000 each.

Grants The Shire continued its support of local community groups and clubs through the grants program, with 18 groups receiving funding for the first time. Grants have helped develop the skills of volunteers through training in the areas of: dance, soccer, karate and volunteer support. The program has also supported the purchase of equipment such as digital cameras, garden tools, musical instruments, shade sails, and computers.

Plans for 2012/13Eastern Region Family Day Care Scheme will commence as a third party regulator for all educators within the Scheme from August 2012. This will bring WA into line with national processes. The Scheme will implement the Education and Care Services National Law (WA) Bill 2011 which recently passed through the WA Parliament.

Children’s Services will be fully operational with the National Quality Framework, including the Early Years Learning Framework during 2012/13. Eastern Region Family Day Care Scheme will be assessed against the new standards during this period.

Library Services will offer the public free access to eBooks via the Shire’s website. The service will be funded by the State Library.

Strategic Outcome FourIncreased community engagement and wellbeing through the provision of quality services that are accessible to all

Total hall & pavilion attendances 139,948 Total hall & pavilion bookings 5995 Total oval & hardcourts attendances 40,960 Winter 58,740 Summer Bilgoman Aquatic Centre 82,486 total visits 32,000 children for swimming lessons 14 school carnivals Mt Helena Aquatic Centre 23,137 total visits 10,758 school children 12,379 community

The leadership team members participated in a 360 degree review process which included individual coaching sessions to reinforce skills and to address areas of development identified through the review.

A comprehensive corporate training program was rolled out to address identified training needs and promote continuous improvement. All employees participated in targeted training to ensure the smooth transition to technology upgrades as well as changes to the electronic records management system. Other programs included first aid training, computer skills, letter and report writing.

Enterprise Bargaining Negotiations began in 2011 with agreement being reached in early 2012. In addition to changes in work practices contributing to business process improvement, the Shire remains a competitive Workplace of Choice while maintaining sustainability in accordance with the long term financial plan. Another Workplace of Choice initiative saw the successful trial of an after-school parent-led crèche, a no cost alternative to after-school child care. This program is continuing throughout 2012 due to the commitment of participating employees.

Strategic Objective Five

Develop and continually improve human resource capability and corporate governancePlans for 2012/13

A key area of focus will be a review and development of our current workforce plan to ensure it is consistent with the Department for Local Government’s Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework and that it meets the required standards.

In preparation for changes arising from the Local Government Reform process there will be increased emphasis on positioning the organisation to ensure a smooth transition to any new arrangements. This will include strategies to build workforce resilience and ensuring workplace change is managed effectively and efficiently with minimal disruption.

A Employee Climate Survey will be conducted in 2012. The survey aims to identify employee perceptions of what it’s like to work at Shire of Mundaring as well as what is most important to them. Results will be used to identify high priority areas of focus and develop workforce attraction and retention strategies to address identified gaps. These strategies will be incorporated into the corporate workforce plan.

Access and InclusionThe Shire’s Access and Inclusion Plan was updated and adopted by the Council in September. It is available for viewing on the Shire’s website or in an alternative format upon request. The review incorporated extensive consultation and now includes Outcome 7: People with disability have the same opportunities as others to seek employment with the Shire of Mundaring.

Access and Inclusion training was provided for new staff, committee members and funded bodies of the Shire. The training was presented by people with disability and helped raised awareness on providing inclusive practices within work areas and the experience of having a disability.

Mundaring Hall access upgrades have begun. This project is funded by the Shire’s access upgrades budget and through $100,000 sponsorship by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and indigenous Affairs. The upgrades include two new unisex accessible toilets, a continuous accessible path of travel to all public entries, sheltered motorised mobility scooter parking and charging points, tactile signage, accessible doors and doorways and accessible kitchen. Teams across the Shire and access consultants were included in the planning process.

The new Swan View Youth Centre includes a main entrance automatic door, accessible parking bays and a drop off/pick up bay near entrance, ample circulation space in internal design, accessible kitchen bench, a unisex accessible toilet, directional access signage, fixed and portable hearing loop, and a stage lift.

A partnership between Main Roads WA and the Shire is providing improved access across Great Eastern Highway in the Mundaring townsite. Two switch back ramps are being installed on the median strip. This link will provide a much safer and more accessible crossing option.

A $50,000 grant from the Disability Services Commission’s Count Me In Inclusion Program will fund the Fusion Art Project which will support “inclusion champions” and provide inclusive art workshops.

The Celebration of Ability Award is an initiative of the Inclusion and disAbility Access Advisory Committee. The trophies for this award are made by the Mundaring Community Men’s Shed. This year’s winners were:

Glen Forrest Uniting Church for improving access to the church property for people with disability.

Carrie King, a Wooroloo Prison Farm swimming pool lifeguard, for her determination in removing an access barrier. Carrie researched pool chair lift information, sourced quotes and applied for a grant successfully. Anne Borley and Scott Warner for teaching Auslan at Mundaring Sharing in a voluntary capacity. They cater for students who are deaf, who are speechless, are friends/relatives of someone who has a hearing impairment or people who enjoy the challenge of learning a new language.

The Shire’s Excellence Awards program was launched in February 2011 to recognise the efforts of employees. Since its inception there have been 16 nominations evenly spread amongst service areas, including two nominations from members of the community. Nominations recognised outstanding performance in areas such as customer service, outcomes beyond employees’ normal role expectations, consistent commitment to organisation values and excellent performance over a sustained period.

There was continuing focus on improving safety systems, performance and meeting statutory obligations in preparation for the impending new National Work Health and Safety legislation. The Shire was a finalist in the 2011 WorkSafe Safety Awards in the category of Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Safety and Health Issue. Following an incident where an employee slipped whilst attempting to pull up a tarpaulin cover on the back of a three way tipping truck, staff and OSH representatives developed the concept of a fold-up/fold-down ladder for the rear of the tipping truck. A prototype was designed and further developed which successfully addressed the identified safety risk.

Record Keeping• All new employees undertake a record

keeping induction session.• Employees are provided with a copy of

Records Management & Meridio Guidelines, available online also as a quick reference

• Group training sessions are held regularly• A newsletter is provided with useful topics &

handy hints • Procedures are being updated for Records

Service direction.

The Shire’s record keeping system is fully compliant with the State Records Commission requirements.

Freedom of Information

The Shire has a Freedom of Information Statement prepared in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1992. The statement, which is available on the Shire’s website, outlines the Shire’s functions, the kind of documents held and how those documents can be accessed.

A total of 12 Freedom of Information requests were received during this reporting period.

Plans for 2012/2013

• Hold regular Records Information sessions• Question & Answer document made available• Handy hints in “For the Record” newsletter• Auditing records being added to Meridio.

Employee achievements

Wellbeing Program

Innovation

Increasing awareness of health issues and encouraging wellness continued to be the focus of the Corporate Wellbeing Program. The 2011/12 Program included workplace physical assessments, individual ergonomic assessments for identified at-risk staff, skin cancer screenings, flu vaccination program and audiometric testing for Operations staff. A strong sense of community involvement was also demonstrated by staff, with the social club holding events to support fundraising efforts and awareness for Movember (men’s health) and Cancer Research.

annual report 2011/12 · the hills region provides a unique lifestyle to 37,000 residents and...

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