annual report 2012 - 2013 best value section

Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 Page 52

A Summary of Our Best Value Performance

INTRODUCTION

This part of our Annual Report provides a summary of performance against Banyule’s City Plan 2009-

2013 (Year 4). This section also constitutes Council’s Best Value Victoria Annual Report 2012-2013

to our community on the application of the Best Value Principles.

The summary outlines the significant achievements and progress made in relation to the objectives

and key directions in our City Plan. It highlights the range of services (activities), initiatives and

processes being implemented across Council to meet the needs of our community, meet the Best

Value Principles, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

The Best Value legislation, introduced by the State Government in 1999, is based on consideration of

the following six principles in providing services to the community:

1. All services provided by a council must meet quality and cost standards set by

Council (having regard to community expectations, affordability, accessibility, value for

money and best practice).

2. All services provided by a council must be responsive to the needs of its community.

3. All services provided by a council must be accessible to those members of the

community for whom they are intended.

4. A council must achieve continuous improvement in provision of services for its

community

5. A council must develop a program of regular consultation with its community in

relation to the services it provides.

6. A council must report regularly to its community on its achievements in relation to

the first five principles.

Further information on our Best Value response is available on our website in the Best Value section

(go to www.banyule.vic.gov.au and follow links to Council, Publications and Best Value Report). The

following information for each of Council’s services is also available:

Key Performance Indicator (KPI) results

Key Highlights for 2012-2013

Future Challenges for 2013-2014.

The diagram on the following page gives an overview of Council’s strategic framework, showing the

objectives, key directions and strategic indicators*:

(Note: * Progress against Banyule’s strategic indicators is then provided in the next section of our Annual

Report.)

http://www.banyule.vic.gov.au/



OUR ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES

The following lists the activities and services provided by Council during 2012-2013:

Activity Description

(This service area includes)

Health and Aged

Services

Aged and Disability Services: -Services for Older Persons & People with a

Disability: - Service Access and Assessment, Social Support, Assisted

Transport, Home Care, Delivered Meals, Respite Care, Personal Care,

Property Maintenance, Senior Citizens Centres

Environmental Health: - Food safety, Public Health (including: nuisance,

tobacco, infection control and prescribed accommodation),

Immunisation, Domestic Wastewater Management, Public Health

Emergency Management

Leisure, Recreation &

Cultural Services

Art collection management, Community buses for hire, Culture &

heritage development, The Centre Ivanhoe function centre, Festivals &

cultural events, Ivanhoe Golf Course, Library services, Leisure facilities,

Leisure programs for older adults, Leisure programs for people with

disabilities, Swimming pools, Sports ground allocations

Youth & Family

Services

Municipal Recovery Management, Child Care Centres, Early Childhood

facilities management, Early Childhood facilities Capital Works program,

Early Years Networks facilitation, Kindergartens and Universal Access,

Kindergarten Central Enrolment, Municipal Early Years Plan, Maternal &

Child Health Services, Inclusion Support Facilitators, Jets Studios,

Community Support & Resource, Youth Services, Banyule After Hours

Youth Outreach Service (Link-U), Community Safety (including Graffiti

Management), Community Liaison, Community Building (formerly Metro

Access), Community Development Grants, Employment Programs, Trust

Management, Volunteer Recognition Awards

Parks & Gardens

Horticulture: - Design, construct and maintain: - Playgrounds,

Sportsfields, Irrigation, Landscape, Park Assets, Weed Control, Nursery,

Garden bed design & maintenance, Walking/bike paths

Tree Care: - Street tree maintenance, Pest & disease control, Tree

replacement and planting, Community planting days, Tree removal, Tree

root control, Tree assessment for both private & council.

Bushland: - Environmental education, Environmental management, Flora

& fauna recording & restoration, Noxious weed control, Development of

wildlife corridors, Maintenance, construction, restoration and protection

of Bush Reserves and Rivers

Parks Maintenance: - Passive reserve maintenance, Active reserve

maintenance, Half cost fence replacement, Litter control in parks

Strategic: - Parks & Gardens strategic management, Strategy development

for public open space





Major Projects and

Infrastructure

Infrastructure Maintenance: - Footpath maintenance, Kerb & channel

maintenance, Sign repair/replacement, Street furniture

repair/replacement, Guardrail maintenance, Road patching, Drainage

repair, Unsealed road maintenance, Traffic Counters, Line marking, Road

Management Plan implementation, Pedestrian bridge maintenance

Construction Management: Civil & building construction project

supervision, Road resurfacing, Pedestrian trail maintenance, Asset

inspection & protection, Memorandum of consents, Bike path

maintenance, Roads construction and reconstruction projects, Scheduled

building maintenance, Unscheduled building maintenance, Air conditioning

maintenance, Vandalism repairs, Graffiti removal from council buildings

Development Services

Statutory planning

Subdivisions

Planning enforcement

Building permits & inspections

Transport

Engineering design

Drainage & infrastructure approvals

Sustainable Transport

Strategic & Economic

Development

Infrastructure Assets: Programming for road & footpath maintenance,

New Works & Services program, Drainage system, Asset Management

Plans

Strategic Planning: Land use, Urban Design, Heritage, Planning Scheme

reform, Housing, Neighbourhood Character

Environmental Planning: Environmental strategies & policies,

Environmental education & publications, Wildlife Corridor Program,

Waterwatch Program, Cities for Climate Protection Program, State of

the Environment reporting, Environmental assessment.

Economic Planning: Shopping centre promotion and development,

Shopping centre business planning, Shopping centre enhancement

program, Business development, Business networking, Shopping centre

streetscape master planning, Business growth, attraction and

development

Property Services: Property portfolio management, Acquisition &

disposition, Commercial & residential leases, Discontinuance & sale of

unused roads

Valuations: - Council rating valuations

Land Information Systems: Geographical Information System, Corporate

property information maintenance

Banyule City Council Annual Report 2012-2013 6




Operations Waste Management: - Waste Management strategic management,

Metropolitan Waste Management Group member, Banyule-Visy Material

Recovery Facility, Rethink Centre, Outreach Program, Waste service

support, Waste Recovery Centre (Transfer station), Garbage collection,

Recycling collection, Green waste collection, Hard rubbish collection,

Commercial waste collection, Parks & reserves waste collection

Cleansing: - Mechanical footpath sweeping of shopping centres,

Mechanical sweeping of sealed roads, Cleaning of public toilets and

BBQ’s, Inspection & clearance of drainage pits Maintenance of litter trap

program, Litter clearance from shopping centres, Litter collection,

Removal of dumped rubbish, Removal of dead animals from roads,

Syringe removal

Commercial Drain Cleaning- High pressure drain cleaning (carried out

for Banyule), Litter basket sales & installation

Plant and Fleet Management: - Workshop repairs, services for all Council

vehicles, Contract & specification of fleet, Ordering of new &

replacement vehicles

Emergency Management: - Co-ordination of Municipal Emergency

Management

Governance,

Information and Laws

Municipal Laws:- Animal management, Parking control, Fire prevention,

School crossing supervision, Local Laws compliance

Governance and Information Management:- Corporate Governance and

compliance, Council Elections, Councillors support & training, Council

Office Management, Records management, Archives management,

Cemetery management, Council Meetings

Councillors and

Executive

This includes Councillors Administration and Executive services

Information

Technology

IT Operations: - Customer request management, Maintenance of voice &

data network, Availability of systems & applications

Application Services: - Secure, reliable & innovative services, Delivery of

appropriate solutions, Enterprise Data Centre management, Leading edge

business solutions utilising new & innovative technologies

IT Infrastructure: - Stable & innovative infrastructure, Efficient life cycle

management of data, hardware & voice, Web solutions, Accessibility &

mobility infrastructure solutions

Human Resources Recruitment & selection, Induction, Industrial relations, Organisational

culture, Occupational Health & Safety support and advice, Workcover

and Return to Work Program, Learning and development, Strategic risk

management, Risk assessments and hazard management, Claims

processing/management, Insurances and broker relations, Workforce

Strategy, Workforce Planning





Financial Services Processing & collection of rates & maintenance of rating data, Accounts

receivable, Maintenance of ledgers, Annual & strategic budget

preparation, Procurement of goods and services, Accounts payable,

Investment management, Financial and management accounting, Payroll,

Financial reporting, and Debt servicing, Grants Commission, Investment,

Public Street Lighting, and Rate Revenue

Organisational

Performance

Customer Service to internal units & community, Cash collection &

processing, City Plan development, Best Value implementation,

Corporate policy development & management, Business plan

development, Corporate planning & reporting support, Organisational

development support, Continuous improvement, certification program

management and support, Public relations, Website, Media Liaison,

Corporate Communications Strategy, Corporate Identity, Advertising,

Publications, Community, Social and Health planning, Disability and

Inclusion planning, Indigenous community partnerships



Objective:

1. PEOPLE COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING AND SUPPORT

Support and strengthen the health and wellbeing of the Banyule community

‘People’ is about our desire for optimal health, for better living conditions and improved quality of

life. Wellbeing is fundamental to quality of life, quality of human relationships and the capacity to

participate in education, work, recreation and the community.

Outcomes for our key directions:

1.1 Promote and support good health

The opening of WaterMarc, Banyule’s new premier aquatic facility tops the list of

highlights for the year. This state of the art aquatic and recreation centre has

welcomed thousands of visitors from day one. The facility commenced operation

in September 2012. Visitor levels have surpassed initial expectations, overall

visitor numbers have been high, and membership numbers are also meeting

anticipated targets. The attendance figure for 2012-13 was 553,600.

Belgravia Leisure has been appointed with a three year contract to operate and

manage Council's WaterMarc Facility. Monthly contract meeting are held with

Belgravia Leisure and monthly reports submitted including profit and loss

statements for the facility.

Community

Consultation

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Continuous

Improvement

Reporting

The Draft Recreation Plan 2013-2017 was developed after extensive consultation

with the community, key stakeholders and the internal organisation. The plan is

to be finalised in late 2013, following a further opportunity for the community to

comment on the draft. The Draft Recreation Plan sets the key directions and

priorities for sport, leisure and recreation facilities and services for the next four

years.

Community

Consultation

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Continuous

Improvement

Reporting

The Ivanhoe Aquatic and Fitness Centre and Olympic Leisure Centre each

achieved their highest ever enrolments in Learn to Swim programs. In addition,

the Ivanhoe facility hosted the highest number of participants in Victoria for

‘Summer KIDZ’, the learn to swim program subsidised/ supported by the State

Government.

Glenda Barnhard, swimming teacher at the Ivanhoe Aquatic and Fitness Centre,

was awarded the Teacher of the Year (for students with a disability) at the 2013

Aquatics & Recreation Victoria (ARV) Annual Awards. Glenda is now Victoria’s

nomination for her category in the AUSTSWIM National Awards in October.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Continuous

Improvement

Council continued to implement the service plan to meet the objectives of Sport

and Recreation Victoria’s (SRV) Access for All Abilities program. Service Plans

that were submitted to SRV for the period January-June 2013 were implemented,

and final reports were provided to show achievement of the service plan and

program targets. Council will continue to seek funding support.

Notification was received from SRV that funding will not continue after June 30

2013.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Continuous

Improvement

Reporting



Council’s leisure services continued the equity grants program to assist those with

financial difficulties to participate. Local service providers such as NEAMI (a non-

government mental health organisation), Banyule Community Health, Children’s

Protection Society and Austin Hospital nominate clients that they feel could

benefit from the use of the centres to assist with health and wellbeing outcomes.

The program enabled approximately 100 community members to participate in

learn to swim classes, exercise with friends in the gym, have a swim with

neighbours or enjoy a group exercise class with others. The aim of the program is

to foster equitable access to leisure services for all residents of Banyule, to build

social capital, community connectedness and wellbeing through the provision of

socially inclusive leisure services, to promote healthier lifestyle choices and

enhance individual quality of life.

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement

Responsiveness,

Quality and Cost

Standards

Council delivered works as set out in the capital works plan to provide

improvements to park activity centres, unstructured play spaces and playgrounds

in line with its Playground and Play space plan, including:

Completion of Stage 1 of of the Price Park Masterplan implementation,

including replacing and substantially upgrading the playground, tree

removal, pruning and general risk reduction, and steps towards addressing

soil erosion and excess water run-off from the site.

Completion of Stage 2 of the Binnak Park Regional Playground to provide

play activities for older children and outdoor gym equipment for the

general community

Provision of fencing to improve safety around the Malahang regional

playground

Further works to the Possum Hollow playground in Warringal Park.

Playgrounds at Streamline Reserve and Greensborough War Memorial

and Price Park have been renewed and expanded in accordance with

Council’s asset management plans.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Continuous

Improvement

1.2 Develop a connected and involved community

The Good Access Good Business project was piloted in two shopping centres,

East Ivanhoe and Rosanna, with 34% of businesses located in these areas

participating in the pilot. The goal of the project was to develop a business access

awards program that rewards businesses which are accessible for people with

disabilities, older people, and people who use prams in the municipality of Banyule.

The project was also designed to encourage businesses to see the benefits of being

accessible, and to help them become accessible by encouraging them to adopt

access principles.

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

MetroAccess has continued to strengthen a range of partnerships with local

community and disability services resulting in increased opportunities for people

with a disability, including:

Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service (YPRL) working to increase access

for the Deaf community through staff training, increased programming and

capacity building;

Banyule Community Health Service (BCHS) working in partnership with

local families to support an Auslan playgroup.

Mini grants were distributed to two community organisations to host inclusive

events that celebrated International Day of People with Disability 2012.

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation



The ‘Our Mall Our Place’ project commenced in February 2013. This community

development project aims to strengthen the community’s engagement with the

Bell Street Mall through cultural activities and improved business approaches. The

project is funded by the State Government.

Council has continued to consult with and support residents and groups from

Banyule’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Council finalised the People: Health and Wellbeing Policy and Strategy 2013-2017

following an extensive community engagement program during 2012-2013. This is

the primary policy and strategy document that supports the ‘People – Community

Strengthening and Support’ objective of the Banyule City Plan 2013-2017. It

provides the broad ‘Health and Wellbeing’ policy context for all Council related

strategies, policies, plans and activities.

An application was submitted to the Victorian Department of Health to recognise

that the combination of the relevant sections of the Banyule City Plan and the

Banyule People Policy & Strategy satisfies the statutory requirements for a

Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, as required by the Victorian Health and

Wellbeing Act 2008. The Department of Health approved and commended

Banyule's approach.

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Quality and Cost

Standards

Reporting

The Community and Social Planning team co-ordinated and supported the

organisation’s approach to inclusion, access and equity, which included:

the development of an Inclusion Access and Equity framework to guide

Council's work,

provision of advice to Council and community stakeholders on strategies

to improve community and social wellbeing,

development and support of internal and external partnerships to improve

community and social wellbeing

implementation of the Age Friendly and Accessible Housing Guidelines

Project in conjunction with the Strategic and Economic Development

team

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Council successfully completed its contracted Place Manager role with the State

Government funded Heidelberg West Neighbourhood Renewal project. At its

completion in June 2013 the initiative has been transitioned to a new community

based governance group ‘3081Connect’ with many activities ongoing. The NR Hub

will continue to operate as a community hub for a further two years under the

auspice of E-Focus.

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Quality and Cost

Standards



Council continued to strengthen community partnerships in delivery of Youth and

Family Services. Initiatives included:

staff attended the November 2012 Greensborough Township Meeting

which was convened to provide a proactive and positive response to

emerging perceptions of youth issues. Members of the group include the

Banyule Youth Service, WaterMarc staff, Victoria Police and

Greensborough Plaza management and security managers.

a Family Support Worker was engaged to work with families across

Council-managed West Heidelberg Children's Services. This is a pilot

project in partnership with Child Protection Society.

Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services continued to deliver successful

MCH programs working in partnership with Banyule Community Health

centre (BCHC), ensuring continuity of care with vulnerable clients. The

Continuity of Care model continues with great success between MCH and

BCHC, providing care to the most vulnerable families within the

municipality. MCH also strengthened its partnership with the junior

campus of Charles La Trobe Primary School.

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

The Banyule Heatwave Plan has been reviewed and revised in consultation with

key stakeholders. Heatwave alerts and outcomes have been monitored through

summer. Important information was made available on our website and through a

wide range of Council publications such as Banyule Business News, Banner,

Childrens Services newsletter, Food News and the Aged Services Newsletter.

Work has also being undertaken to address and support vulnerable people via a

register, and HACC funding has been received for Vulnerable people. This funding

will be used to support the HACC assessment process and will be linked with the

Emergency Management section.

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

1.3 Provide services and support to, and advocate for, people at important

life stages.

A major service review was conducted for Council’s Home and Community Care

Services (HACC) and the information will be used to inform future service

delivery models in line with the National reforms. A final report was submitted to

the Executive Management Team with key findings, outcomes and

recommendations for service development.

The review incorporated the delivered meals service, in response to changing

community needs, and the service has restructured to maximise efficiency. The

delivered meals service had a customer satisfaction rating of 95% for percentage of

delivered meals recipients satisfied with the service (rating the service as excellent,

very good or good).

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Quality and Cost

Standards

Community

Consultation,



Key activities undertaken by Council’s Aged and Disability Services (HACC) team

included:

continued to work with Banyule Community Health to improve service

coordination for client care.

Streamlined the provision of property maintenance services resulting in

reduced waiting times and greater clarity around service provision and

eligibility.

Introduced a community access program for disability respite to provide

opportunities for younger clients to participate in group activities (eg ten

pin bowling).

Successfully completed the ‘Aged & Community Care Common Standards

Audit’

Seniors Month was held in October with record attendance numbers and

fantastic community feedback.

Commenced the introduction of ‘Aged Friendly Cities’ across Council

projects (eg accessible housing)

Continued to implement Banyule's Active Service Model, including

working with the City Development department on age friendly housing,

addressing opportunities as they arise, and working with local senior

groups via seniors network to support the development of information

and opportunities for older adults (eg website).

The HACC Diversity Plan has been developed and submitted to the

Department of Health (DoH).

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Quality and Cost

Standards

Community

Consultation,

Reporting

The ‘Our Voice Our Community’ project, funded by the Federal Government for

18 months, was completed in January 2013. The project developed a number of

community engagement activities including: Summer in the Village; Makers Market;

pop up art installations at the Olympic Village shops; aesthetic improvements to

shopfronts at Olympic Village shops, children’s art activities at Tarakan Housing

Estate; Graffiti Expo and Safety Expo. The project was highly successful in turning

around negative perceptions of public space in key hot spot areas.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Quality and Cost

Standards

Community

Consultation,

In the Community Development Grants Program for 2012-2013, 52 applications

were received requesting a total of $172,242.00. Council distributed $140,000 in

grants to 36 approved applications (21 equipment based and 15 activity based)

totalling $107,000 the residual funds were distributed to community groups who

met the funding criteria, who applied for assistance throughout the financial year.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Community

Consultation,

Jets is a creative arts hub for young people. It has continued its significant growth

over the past 12 months and partnerships have been sustained and strengthened.

An average of 212 individuals accessed Jets each month: 63% were male and 37%

were female, with 30% of the total being people with a disability and 2% from

Indigenous or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. This is

an overall increase of 13% from 2011/12.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Jets implemented a significantly expanded respite program for both 13-17 and 18-

25 year old young people following Innovative Respite funding from the State

Government. Jets successfully obtained quality accreditation to the DHS

Standards, either meeting or exceeding recommended standards. The program

met an identified service need for after school programs for 13-17 year old young

people and after-hours activities for 18-25 year old young people.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Quality and Cost

Standards

Community

Consultation,



The ‘Time Out’ action research project was funded by Council’s Capital Works

program and commenced in December 2012 for 12 months. The project aims to

proactively support young people at risk of homelessness by maintaining their local

support networks and education where possible. The Time Out service also

incorporates a research component with host families. This research project aims

at capturing data on the experiences of families who informally support young

people who are living away from home.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Quality and Cost

Standards

Community

Consultation,

The SHYNE Showcase initiative was successfully launched. Five young people

were trained for public presentations that are currently being delivered in a

number of schools across Banyule. These young people address issues including

resilience, commitment to the community (local and global) and preserving our

national history. The project is in its infancy, with presentations to 250 young

people to date.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,

The ‘Banyule 100’ project has profiled 29 outstanding community members to

date, they are either young people who are outstanding in their endeavours or

adults who support young people. The website has experienced over 10,000 visits

and continues to gain momentum.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Link U secured funding from Youth Connections (a federally funded education re-

engagement program) after a successful trial model of local outreach targeting ‘at

risk’ young people who are disengaged from employment, education and

training. The aim of these Youth Connection outreach shifts is to increase

referrals into the Youth Connections service. As a result of our successful trial

this is being offered to other LGA’s as a ‘best practice’ model.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Quality and Cost

Standards

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,

Banyule L2P Learner Driver Program – successfully completed Year 3 of the Vic

Roads funded project delivered by the Banyule and Nillumbik Local Learning and

Employment Network , in partnership with Council and other key stakeholders.

The program aims to provide 120 hours supervised driving training to

disadvantaged young people. In Year 3, 25 young people obtained their

Probationary Drivers Licence. An average of 47 young people participated in the

program ranging from 16 – 21 years of age, logging a total of 2,404 hours of

driving. The program also supports approx 23 adult mentors. Funding for the

program by VicRoads/TAC has been extended for the next 2 years to June 2015.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Quality and Cost

Standards

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,

The Banyule Youth Service has continued to offer a variety of recreational and

engagement opportunities in the last 12 months. Some of these have included

open basketball sessions, youth fitness scholarships, bag making, journalism,

illustration and paste-up workshops. The service has also had the opportunity to

partner with Skateboarding Australia which provides free skateboarding

workshops for the next 12 months at Malahang Reserve every fortnight.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Community

Consultation,

Youth officers continued to successfully deliver short term individual support to

young people to enable successful referral into appropriate agencies. Anxiety,

school refusal, legal issues, drug and alcohol use and family conflict are the largest

presenting issues faced by young people.

A number of school based youth development programs were developed around

the issues of respectful relationships, safe partying and mindfulness and these were

delivered into 5 secondary colleges in Banyule.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Community

Consultation,



The Heidelberg West youth community has been a priority with strong

partnerships across a number of services including the Somali Council of Victoria,

e-Focus, Exodus, Victoria Police, and Transition 3081.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Community

Consultation,

Implementation of the Universal Access of Early Childhood Education (15 hours

kindergarten per week) has been introduced across all kindergartens in the

municipality including three (3) Council managed Long Day Care Centres.

As part of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

(DEECD) Quality and Assessment rating system, Morobe Street Children Centre

was deemed to be meeting National Quality Standards. Assessment ratings are

available on the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority’s

(ACECQA) website.

Council also secured $1.1 million in DEECD Capital Grants for works at Audrey

Brooks Memorial Pre-school, Morobe Street Children’s Centre, Interlaken Pre-

school, and Winston Hills Pre-School. This builds on Council’s efforts to increase

capacity of all Preschools in Banyule to support the move to the federal

government objective of Kindergarten Universal Access.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Quality and Cost

Standards

Early Childhood Services (ECS) continued its partnership with CPS (Children’s

Protection Society) to support and engage vulnerable families, to increase staff

networks and to support and offer training to all ECS Educators.

Training for ‘Embedding Indigenous Practices’ has also been completed for early

childhood professionals across Banyule and other bordering municipalities.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Council’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service has continued to work in

partnership with Banyule Community Health Centre. A number of initiatives have

significantly improved participation rates for Key Ages and Stages visits,

particularly for 18 months and 3.5 year olds, providing opportunity for assessment

and referral (where necessary) to other professionals.

The program was highlighted at the MaCFHN’s Conference in Canberra where the

West Heidelberg Continuity of Care program was presented. Integration and

collaboration models continue to develop, ensuring better outcomes for the

children and families in disadvantaged areas.

A Sing and Grow program was introduced for vulnerable families with parenting

and attachment difficulties, helping them learn important parenting skills in a

supportive environment, with positive results. Facilitators for new parents have

provided programs for new mums and dads which have been well received.

Generous feedback has been received from participants.

The improvements in our MCH systems and processes, including the introduction

of SMS reminders of appointments, has also contributed greatly to the improved

take up rates for Key Ages and Stages appointments.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Quality and Cost

Standards



Council’s MCH service:

attended to 15,055 KAS visits in 2012-2013

attended to 1,895 non-key ages and stages visits, provided to parents or

requested by parents

had 312 ‘new parent’ groups - various sessions held across the year with 2

key council facilitators

co-ordinated 914 referrals for child health and wellbeing , to other health

professionals

and 128 referrals for maternal health, referring the mother on to health

professionals for her needs

and breast feeding rates have been consistently high for the first 6 months

of the child’s life.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Quality and Cost

Standards

The vision for the Olympic Village Learning Hub (OVLH) revolves around life-long

learning and pathways to education and employment, with planning for integration

across the site ongoing for several years now. In May 2012, the project was

successful in securing $1.34m capital infrastructure funding from the Victorian

Government. This funding, together with Council contribution of $750,000, will

deliver stage one of the OVLH development - the Child and Family Centre. In

proceeding with the design phase of the Child and Family Centre, the opportunity

was taken to review all four elements of the Hub for size and siting based on new

demographic data, in particular the increasing population in the 3081 area. This

review has resulted in a redesigned OVLH siting plan to allow for a larger future

primary school building. The OVLH Strategic Partnership Group has continued to

work toward promoting and advocating to potential funding partners the benefits

of this project.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

The vision for the proposed Watsonia Community Hub is based on the concept of

co-located and integrated services providing benefits to the community through

better access and awareness of services, with a focus on creating healthy

communities, supporting social inclusion and enhancing the wellbeing of local

residents. With these benefits in mind, Banyule City Council has progressed the

planning of a community hub in the South of the municipality to service the

current and future needs of the community. Detailed design for the proposed

Watsonia Community Hub has commenced with the appointment of DesignInc

Melbourne as lead consultant. Discovery and design workshops facilitated by

DesinInc have been held with stakeholders. These workshops have informed a

preliminary preferred design solution which is now being explored further though

a detailed design phase.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Council has continued to implement the National Quality Framework for child

care centres across the municipality. Quality Improvement Plans have been

developed across 5 Council managed services to record achievements and

strength, highlight opportunities for improvement, and to document family and

staff input. Support for Quality Improvement Plans and the National Quality

framework has been offered to the broader early childhood services in Banyule

through email, Child care network meetings and Kindergarten Cluster meetings.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

The Municipal Early Years Plan (MEYP) has progressed with the development and

endorsement of a project management plan, the establishment of internal and

external MEYP Advisory Groups and the completion of a literature review,

including sector research of existing data and frameworks. In addition, it has

included the analysis of data and information collated from the 950 surveys

completed by parents and guardians.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,



1.4 Promote community safety

Council implemented Year 1 of the Community Safety Plan. It provides Banyule

with clear direction and priorities for the next four years. Key goals focus on

coordination, advocacy, education and primary prevention.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Victoria Police and Council initiated a pilot partnership program of informal street

briefings in West Heidelberg. This followed a successful London model and aimed

to increase positive engagement between the police and the community, enable

information sharing and reduce levels of community concerns and perceptions

about crime. There has also been interest expressed by other Council

Departments and external agencies to join these briefings.

Council completed a State Government funded community safety project at

Watsonia Train station for improved lighting.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Council became a signatory to the Women’s Health in the North Regional Strategy

on the Prevention of Violence Against Women. This is an organisational commitment

to work in partnership on key initiatives. Activities were also facilitated by

Council's White Ribbon Action team for the White Ribbon Day.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Northern Melbourne Institute of Tafe (NMIT) students, together with Banyule’s

Youth Services, have undertaken two community safety audits in West Heidelberg.

This is to ascertain young people’s responses and perceptions of community safety

in their local environment, and the process of reporting concerns to Council or

other Authorities.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

A CCTV camera has been installed at Olympic Village Shopping Centre and three

mobile/covert cameras purchased for VicPol from funding under the ‘Our Voice,

Our Community’ program. Utilizing a CPTED approach (Crime Prevention

Through Environmental Design - an approach to better design of public space to

reduce opportunity for crime) these are to be used in a crime prevention focus

and to increase the community’s perceptions of safety particularly around Olympic

Village. Discussions with the traders showed overwhelming positive responses to

this initiative. Signs have been erected to alert the community to the camera’s

presence.

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation,

The StreetArt program continued to attract approximately 25 young people

(predominantly male) per month as part of a graffiti diversion program. The

majority of these young people would be considered at risk and often presented

with multiple issues. Additional funding from Northern Melbourne Institute of

Tafe (NMIT) Youth Connections program resulted in an additional worker being

present at sessions to provide referral and pathway support around legal, housing

and drug and alcohol issues. The group completed 3 legal murals as well as an

exhibit “come and try” session at Splashdown Youth Festival in April 2013.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Council distributed 104 graffiti removal kits to residents, community groups and

traders through its “Adopt Your Space” program. Promotion of the kits has been

through a targeted media campaign, attendance at the Banyule Festival, networking

with the local branches of the Victoria Police, Neighbourhood Watch and

promotion of the program through Banyule Banner, ‘on hold’ messages and at a

number of local community events.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,



The Memorandum of Understanding for the Graffiti Removal Program

(Department of Justice) was negotiated and signed to continue the very positive

partnership between Council and the Community Corrections Program for a

further two years expiring in June 2015.

The Community Corrections Program has resulted in removal of approximately

6,000 m2 of graffiti across the municipality. Council now has 45 sites which are

visited by the work team on a regular basis. Over the past 12 months, the

program has increased its hours in Banyule by 24% from last year, providing a total

of 1,805 hours of work.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Council continued to ensure compliance with its obligations under the Electrical

Safety (Electrical Lines Clearance) Regulations.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards

1.5 Celebrate and promote Banyule’s cultural heritage

Banyule achieved above average results in the Victorian Local Government

Community Satisfaction Survey for 2013 across the selected performance

measures related to Leisure and Cultural Services. The results were amongst the

highest performance scores for Banyule and compare well with the average

Community Satisfaction Indicator (CSI) scores for the Inner Group. Of the

respondents that were able to provide a rating, over 90% of the total respondents

provided a rating of average or better in the three categories of ‘recreational

facilities’, ‘community and cultural activities’ and ‘arts centres and libraries’.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Reporting

Council worked in partnership with the Football Federation Victoria, Heidelberg

Stars Soccer Club, Heidelberg United Soccer Club and the local community to

host one of the days of the Australian Somali Football Association Tournament.

This is now an annual Melbourne-wide tournament and is represented by teams

from overseas and interstate along with our own local teams at Olympic Park in

West Heidelberg. Over 1000 people attended this day alone with over 4000

people attending the final as a part of the overall event.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

The former Banyule Art Space was relaunched as Hatch Contemporary Art Space

following a facelift and some interior works. The space is now a dedicated Arts

facility within the Banyule Community.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council developed the Draft Banyule Arts Plan 2013 – 2017, setting the direction

for the Arts in Banyule for the next four years. This included extensive

community consultation. The plan is to be finalised in 2013 following a further

opportunity for the community to comment on the draft

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

The 2012 Winter in Banyule Festival was themed as ‘Art Up Close’. Various

elements included ’24hr Emergency Art’, projections on Main Street in

Greensborough, Eid Celebrations, Antiques and Heirlooms and various

Workshops.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,



The theme of this year’s Malahang festival was Sport and the Olympics celebrating

the 56th anniversary since the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Attendance at

the festival was successful with approximately 3000 people attending over the

course of the day.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Banyule Festival continues to be very well attended and enjoyed by the Banyule

Community. Twilight Sounds attracted over 2,000 with a great line up of

Australian acts. The Kids Artyfarty Fest attracted well over 8,000 people

throughout the day with the annual Grand Street Parade having a near record

number of participants with over 800 people singing, dancing and marching down

Burgundy Street.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

‘Home - Reframing Craft & Domesticity’ was undoubtedly the most successful

Council art exhibition so far. As the first exhibition since the opening of Hatch

Contemporary Arts Space, ‘Home’ has set a solid grounding for the future

development of the Arts in Banyule and the potential for Hatch to connect with

diverse community members. ‘Home’ presented 83 works by 56 artists and

artisans who worked in a wide range of craft-based mediums. Artworks were

displayed in ‘rooms’ set up within the gallery, creating a narrative of a home and

providing an immersive experience. This exhibition received extremely positive

feedback from the local community and the art community more widely.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Banyule gathered 13 leading inclusive arts agencies and peak bodies together with

70 members of the local community for its ‘Inclusive Arts Forum’ to discuss raising

the profile of artists who have a disability, pathways in the creative industries for

artists with a disability, and practical strategies for making creative environments

inclusive. This forum was in partnership with Metro Access.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Council continues to work in partnership with the Heidelberg School Art

Foundation and Parks Victoria on the development of Council’s first purpose built

art gallery - Impressionist Lab (Gallery) – to celebrate the Heidelberg School of

Artists and Impressionism. Consultation with the community will continue as

Council moves forward on the proposed development.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

1.6 Protect and improve public health and wellbeing

In the 2012 calendar year, seven new food businesses opened in the municipality

(resulting in a total of 700 food premises registered under the Food Act 1984 as at

end June 2013).

Statutory food sampling requirements were met with a total of 198 food samples

submitted for the purpose of analysis in the set period of 1 March 2012 to 28

February 2013. In addition, Council conducted 1,176 statutory inspections of food

premises in the year ending 31 December 2012.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Quality and Cost

Standards



The detailed design for the redevelopment of Ivanhoe Aquatic & Fitness Centre

(Stage 1) was the completed in early 2013. This included several community,

member and staff consultation sessions, generating a good level of excitement and

expectation. Stage 1 includes: expansion of existing gym floor by 450sqm, new

entry and reception for the facility improving customer flow and accessibility,

improved staff administration hub, inclusion of a café facility with associated

seating, addition of lift and stairwell to help movement around the centre,

refurbishment of existing change areas and pool hall, with the addition of a change

village and additional car parking. This centre is a key recreation facility in Banyule,

attracting over 400,000 visits every year.

A full refurbishment of the Olympic Leisure Centre gymnasium was completed in

June 2013, including installation of new equipment. There has been a 25% increase

in memberships at the centre.

Community

Consultation

Responsiveness,

Accessibility

Continuous

Improvement

A total of 216 premises were registered under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act

as at end June 2013, and Council conducted a total of 213 statutory inspections of

Public Health and Wellbeing Act premises during the 2012 calendar year.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

During the 2012 calendar year, 10,589 vaccines were provided at public

immunisation sessions, 6,261 vaccines at school sessions and 864 via commercial

sessions.

Council has maintained an average of 93.06% immunisation coverage for the age

cohort of 12 months higher than the Victorian average of 92.35% and the

Australian average of 91.68%. It has also maintained an average of 94.06%

immunisation coverage for the cohort of 24 months higher than the Victorian

average of 93.38% and the Australian average of 92.59%.

The first years of the HPV vaccine for boys program at secondary schools has

been implemented.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Quality and Cost

Standards

Council continued to implement the Food Security Plan to ensure affordability,

safety and access to nutritious food, including:

Planning and discussions regarding increasing access to food relief

Food related partnerships across council (eg. food safety, sustainable food

growing and production)

A cross-council planning framework for food is being developed

A position has been advertised for a Food Security Project Officer. This

role will be responsible to the development of a strategy on food relief in

the municipality.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council adopted its Smoke free Outdoor Areas Policy in March 2013, designating

specific areas within the municipality as smoke free. Smoke free signage is being

installed in Regional and Neighbourhood playgrounds and being arranged for the

Greensborough walk.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,



The Domestic Animal Management Plan 2012-2016 was adopted by Council in

June 2013 and contains actions which support and facilitate the benefits of animal

ownership and companionship and contribute to the health and wellbeing of

residents. It also aims to educate residents about the accepted standards of

animal welfare including the care, feeding and physical wellbeing of domestic pets.

The key issues for Council which are addressed in the Plan include continuing to

encourage responsible pet ownership; dealing with dangerous and restricted breed

dogs, and addressing the overpopulation of dogs and cats.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

The Municipal Public Health Emergency Management Sub Plan was adopted by the

Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC)

The Community Disaster Resilience Consultation was conducted with 2000 hard

copy surveys being distributed across the municipality. Results of the survey were

analysed, and Council commenced development of a new Strategic Plan for

Building Disaster Resilience, to be implemented in 2013-2014.

Banyule continued to develop and implement the emergency management

collaboration project with other municipalities. Council officers participated at the

working group levels and in regional forums. It is anticipated that this project will

continue until 2014-2015 at a minimum.

During 2012-2013 Banyule:

Conducted a ‘Community Emergency Preparedness Survey’ which

identifies shared issues and enables Council to plan for and develop

problem solving strategies that are consistent with the community’s needs.

Identified and mapped facilities likely to have vulnerable people residing in

them, vulnerable communities and individuals, as well as areas of higher

risk (e.g. flood prone areas, extreme fire danger areas).

Assisted with the Co-ordination of Council’s Vulnerable Person’s Register

and maintenance of the Vulnerable Person’s in Facilities List.

In conjunction with VicSES completed development of the Banyule Flood

Emergency Management Plan.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards



Objective:

2. PLANET ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Conduct Council activities in a sustainable manner, and practice sound

stewardship of the natural environment to ensure its diversity, protection and

enhancement.

‘Planet’ is about the natural and formed environment and the ecosystems that sustain the community.

Our community is an integral part of the environment and together we are the custodians of our

shared home.


2.1 Protect and enhance our natural environment

Council completed and adopted the Planet (Environmental Sustainability) Policy

and Strategy 2013-2017, following an extensive community engagement program

during 2012-2013. This is the primary policy and strategy document that supports

the ‘Planet - Environmental Sustainability’ objective of the Banyule City Plan 2013-

2017. It provides the broad ‘Environmental Sustainability’ policy context for all

Council related strategies, policies, plans and activities and sets the framework for

achieving environmental sustainability in Banyule.

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Quality and Cost

Standards

Reporting

Banyule’s bushland reserves have continued to receive carefully planned

management to ensure the survival of rare and threatened species such as the

Eltham Copper Butterfly. Night time surveys in key locations allow the caterpillar

populations to be monitored and the butterfly’s habitat enhanced.

Council’s Bushland Crew undertook weed control programs in 35 reserves,

covering approximately 280 hectares of bush and natural areas. This included St

Helena Bush Reserve, Dalvida Reserve and Darebin Creek Northern Grasslands.

The programs were aimed at reducing weed cover and to encourage regeneration

of indigenous plants species.

The Bushland Crew also undertook a successful ecological burn in St Helena Bush

Reserve in conjunction with the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in December 2012,

resulting in a reduction of weed cover and the regeneration and an increased

population of rare orchid species. A carpet of wildflowers including orchids, peas,

daisies and lilies has been generated by cool burning of this bushland.

The team also continued the ongoing program of spot burning and hand weeding

to reduce weed cover and increase regeneration of native species throughout

most remnant bushland reserves, including Andrew Yandell Reserve, Simonelli

Reserve, Harry Pottage Reserve, Dalvida Reserve, Wooded Way Reserve,

Darebin Creek Grasslands, and Rosanna Parklands.

Council has continued to implement its works program that protects and

enhances our waterways, and wetlands. The Bushland Management team has

regular weed control, planting and maintenance program for various streamside

plantings, including:

Yallambie Park South, Plenty River,

Mandell Crt, Ivanhoe, Darebin Creek

Banyule Swamp South drainline habitat link, Viewbank

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



Banyule continued to liaise with Melbourne Water on a number of projects

including the Woody weed control program along the Yarra frontage from Bonds

Road, Viewbank to Ivanhoe Boulevard Wilson Reserve and starting Woody weed

removal and revegetation to Salt Creek, Rosanna Parklands from Lwr Plenty Road

to Von Nida Crescent , Rosanna.

(Continued)

Council’s Parks and Gardens team planted a total of 1,250 trees in streets and

parks in 2012-2013. It has also co-ordinated the planting of a total 9,835 local

native (indigenous) plants in parks and bushland reserves for 2012-2013. These

plants were made up of tube-stock trees, shrubs and ground species, and were

planted throughout Banyule’s bushland reserves, creeks and river reserves. This

was part of the ongoing revegetation program for 2012-2013, including community

working bees (local volunteers and friends groups).

The tree care team continued to investigate a wide variety of species suitable for

use within its parkland and street environment. The tree care team has initiated

additional programs such as integrated pest management to provide greater

protection of its significant street scapes from further pest and disease outbreaks

Banyule inspected and pruned 35,000 trees throughout the municipality under

Council’s Routine Street Tree Maintenance Contract.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council has obtained State Government funding to assist with upgrading the

section of the Plenty River Trail west of Willinda Park, and to provide improved

linkages between the trail and the Greensborough Principal Activity Centre.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Community consultation regarding permanent planning controls for substantial

trees in residential neighbourhoods in Heidelberg West, Bundoora, Watsonia,

Viewbank and parts of Greensborough has been completed and the amendment

will now be considered by a State Planning Panel.

Banyule has continued its focus on increasing the number of trees and other

vegetation on private land through planning conditions.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Public exhibition has begun for C80, to achieve a permanent Substantial Tree

planning scheme control, known as Vegetation Protection Overlay, Schedule 5.

The temporary planning scheme policy for neighbourhood character has been

extended by the Minister until 30 June 2013. The Minister's response to C68, for a

permanent and new Local Policy for Neighbourhood Character, is being

progressed. Further progress on C80 and for Council's Neighbourhood

Character Strategy is expected in 2013-2014.

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Banyule’s public spaces were mowed on a regular basis, including parks and

reserves, sportsfields, traffic management areas and fire hazards. Council

maintained its garden beds and Banyule's 44 active sportsfields to agreed standards

which meet community expectations. Surfaces on sportsfields responded well

based on the maintenance works conducted over the summer period.

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Quality and Cost

Standards



2.2 Conserve water and improve stormwater quality

Significant works were conducted to establish one of the largest stormwater

harvesting networks in Melbourne at Kalparrin Gardens in Greensborough,

Chelsworth Park in Ivanhoe and DeWinton Park in Rosanna. The works are

nearing completion, and when complete, the $6 million project will capture, filter

and store stormwater underground and use it to irrigate sport fields and open

spaces in these parks keeping them green all year round. This will improve amenity

for all park users including residents, sports clubs and schools.

Tonnes of litter, sediment, nitrogen and phosphorous will also be filtered and

prevented from polluting waterways including Kalparrin Lake, Reedy Billabong and

the Plenty and Yarra Rivers while saving precious drinking water. This project will

provide water for about 40% of Council’s active open space.

The project is supported by funding from the Australian Government, Ivanhoe

Grammar School, the Victorian Government, Melbourne Water and Banyule City

Council.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Accessibility

A draft Water Plan has been developed as part of the Planet (Environmental

Sustainability) Policy and Strategy 2013-2017 framework. This will be presented to

Council for consideration, adoption and implementation in 2013-2014.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council continued to implement The Sustainable Homes Program, which

encourages water saving through community education workshops. Water issues

were also promoted through the Banyule Stormwater Harvesting Project.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

2.3 Deliver action on climate change

Council continued to support the installation of a cogeneration system in

Watermarc to generate electricity from waste heat and reduce energy

consumption and costs.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

The preparation work was completed for energy efficient street lighting to save up

to 67 per cent of Council’s streetlight energy on about 8000 lights. The first half of

the municipality’s lights will be installed in the 2013-2014 financial year.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Council has now established recycling stations for mobile phones, batteries, x-rays,

fluorescent globes, eyeglasses and other items at its three customer services

centres.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Accessibility



Federal funding of $53,000 has been secured for a $90,000 solar hot water

program for key Council buildings.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council continued to provide a cost effective fleet while minimising the impact on

the environment, meeting operational requirements and minimising risk to staff

and community.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards

Council continued to implement the organisational volunteer Enviro Reps program

reinforces improved environmental practices. Enviro Reps are successfully running

the Worm Farm at Rosanna and the Recycling Stations have been expanded to

Greensborough and Ivanhoe offices.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

2.4 Avoid waste generation

Banyule achieved a result of 79 for ‘Waste Management (performance)’ in the

State Government’s Annual Community Satisfaction Survey 2013. The result of 79

was the highest for all the Inner Group whose average was 74. In addition,

Banyule achieved a result of 67 for Environmental sustainability (performance) –

this was significantly higher than the average for the Inner Group (65).

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Work with 10 municipal Councils in the northern and western suburbs was

finalised to enter into a contract for the long-term processing of green organic

waste collected within Banyule.

Council has worked with the Metropolitan Waste Management Group to ensure

due diligence to the impact of the Carbon Price on landfill gate fees and negotiate

a good result.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

The Rethink Centre hosted over 4,400 visitors in the past twelve months, which

brings the total attendance to more than 55,000 since its opening in 2000.

The Districts, Lifestyles and Avoiding Waste Project will develop tools to

understand behaviours in the household with regard to food waste. The project

has engaged 28 households over three areas to assist with the research by

providing food use and purchasing behaviour information.

Council held a School Waste Conference involving 8 schools and 150 students to

assist schools in developing waste programs and activities.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Council continued to provide a responsive and effective cleansing service to

streets, drains, shopping centres and public toilets, and maintain these assets with

a high level of cleanliness.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

An early draft of the Waste Management Plan has been developed. Consultation

with the community has been undertaken with key outcomes to be included in the

plan.

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Quality and Cost

Standards



2.5 Encourage environmental stewardship

This was the final year of the three-year Sustainable Homes and Communities

Education Program for residents, households and community groups. The program

involved workshops and presentations to provide the community with practical

information for saving money by reducing energy, water and food bills, producing

less waste and creating a more sustainable home and community. This program

was a joint project with Darebin Council and with the support of the State

Government.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council continued to deliver its community and Council environmental

sustainability engagement programs and events including Sustainable Homes and

Communities, Home Harvest Festival, Kids Teaching Kids Conference, Wildlife

Corridor, Healthy Waterways Waterwatch, EnviroReps and Spring Outdoors.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Drafts of environmental stewardship, water, biodiversity and energy plans were

completed to sit under the Planet Policy and Strategy and to be considered by

Council consideration.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Banyule continued to foster relationships with friends groups, school groups

through participation in local parks working bees, Clean Up Australia Day,

National Tree Day, Waterwatch activities, including:

Co-ordination of 90 volunteers who collected 144 bags of litter weighing in at

915 kgs of total rubbish across 6 sites as part of the Clean Up Australia Day

Program.

65 Working Bees were co-ordinated during the year with local Friends

groups, resulting in 9,835 local native (indigenous) plants in parks and bushland

reserves for 2012-2013.

During National Tree Day the Bushland crew oversaw 65 volunteers as they

planted approximately 1,900 indigenous trees.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

During 2012-2013 Council provided biodiversity education for 2,360 people at 30

events through the Wild Corridor Program. Council also provided water quality

and water conservation education about Banyule’s stormwater harvesting projects

at 15 events for 856 people .

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council continued to support and advocate on the implementation of new

industry based product stewardship programs (eg. electronic waste disposal). A

recycling process for televisions has been implemented at the Waste Recovery

Centre as a result of product stewardship.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



Education programs that empower the Banyule community to avoid waste

continued to be provided in 2012-2013. These included:

Aussi Vic Resource Smart Schools Program - This program is funded by the

State Government through Sustainability Victoria. Schools work towards

accreditation by developing environmental policies and statements that include

environmental action plans. The process involves promotion of their activities

to their School community through newsletters and the school's website.

Support and facilitation were provided to two schools, Montmorency Primary

and Greensborough Primary, to obtain their accreditation. Promotion of this

program to other schools in Banyule has also been completed. The Waste

Wise Education Program and education van have supported this program by

providing teacher professional development workshops, leadership in assisting

School’s Environmental Teachers in completing of the school’s accreditation

requirements, and also providing education sessions.

Schools Waste Conference October 2012 – The Waste Wise Outreach

Education Program sponsored and supported this conference by assisting with

the development of a program to be conducted at Ivanhoe East Primary

School by providing speakers and activities that inspired and encouraged

students to think about avoiding waste in the home and at school. This

conference was attended by eight Banyule Schools, Mother of God Primary

School, Montmorency South Primary School, Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School,

Greensborough Primary School, Briar Hill Primary School; Glen Katherine

Primary School, Ivanhoe Buckley House Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary

School, with 150 students in attendance. The outcome was to assist schools to

develop waste programs and activities.

Districts, Lifestyles and Avoiding Waste Project (funded by Metropolitan

Waste Management Group) – This project has commenced and the

development of an Education Kit to assist with Food Waste Avoidance in the

home is almost complete. This kit is to be distributed to 28 households in

Banyule over three different suburbs. The outcomes of this research will assist

Council to develop tools to understand behaviour in the household with

regard to food waste.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



Objective:

3. PLACE SUSTAINABLE AMENITY AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Enable Banyule’s buildings, places and spaces to be more sustainable and

encourage communities to live, work, shop, move and play locally.

‘Place’ is about ensuring that the buildings, infrastructure, places and spaces in which we live, shop,

work and play enhance our sense of wellbeing and belonging.


3.1 Support the character of neighbourhoods and guide growth to accessible places

Council completed and adopted the Place Policy and Strategy 2013-2017, following

an extensive community engagement program during 2012-2013. This is the

primary policy and strategy document that supports the ‘Place: Sustainable amenity

and built environment’ objective of the Banyule City Plan 2013-2017. It provides

the broad ‘Place’ policy context for all Council related strategies, policies, plans

and activities, and provides the framework for maintaining and improving Banyule

as a liveable and vibrant place

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Banyule Building Permits and Inspections (Bpi) issued a total of 1,431 building

permits for the year with a value of $194,793,090. Of this total, 401 building

permits were issued for development within Banyule, with a value of $43,103,975.

The group conducted a total of 6207 building permit inspections throughout the

year.

BPi kept residents and clients informed about compliance with building regulation

changes including the Australian Standards: ‘AS 1926.1 2010 Swimming Pool Safety’

and ‘AS 1428.1 2009 Design for Access and Mobility’.

BPi was audited on four occasions this year and achieved great results. These

included audits conducted by the Building Commission, including a Building

Commission Levy Financial audit and Building Commission Site Specific Audits, in

addition to other internal and external audits.

The Municipal Building Surveyor and Deputy have developed systems to enable

consistent approach to the report and consents process. This enables any building

proposals to be assessed against the impact upon the streetscape.

The BPi service is continuing to develop its procedures and systems to ensure

best service delivery to its customers. A scope is being prepared to develop

delivery via electronic device for on-site inspection results.

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,



In the 2012-2013 financial year, Council’s Development Planning team received a

total of 1,392 applications for development, subdivision, tree removal and formal

amendments to existing permits. Further to this, 107 requests for secondary

consent applications were received as well as 106 requests to extend permit

timeframes, 184 certification applications and 20 development plan approvals.

The team also completed the assessment of 1,439 applications for development,

subdivision, tree removal and formal amendments to existing permits. This is

again a productive financial year with 47 more applications being completed than

received. Further to this, 104 requests for secondary consent applications were

completed as well as 100 requests to extend permit timeframes, 116 certification

applications and 15 development plan approvals.

The Sustainable Housing and Liveable Housing Guidelines and assessment for

multi-dwelling developments (3 or more dwellings) were implemented.

343 complaints were received in relation to alleged breaches of planning permits

and the Banyule Planning Scheme with 221 complaints being closed.

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

The planning scheme amendment for a new Residential Neighbourhood Character

Policy (now in the Banyule Planning Scheme) has been completed. This aims to

improve local design outcomes for housing, landscaping, setbacks and the

protection of ridgelines and trees.

A heritage strategy and planning scheme amendments to guide local heritage

planning decisions and protect 65 additional heritage properties were completed,

with the inclusion of the Maroondah Aqueduct on the Victorian Heritage

Inventory and nominating Sparks Reserve for State heritage significance.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Community engagement for directing development to preferred places is

continuing. Public consultation for getting a framework into the planning scheme

has been completed and much consultation has been done to support Council's

adoption of an Ivanhoe Structure Plan in June 2013. There will be more

consultation in 2013-2014, when Council makes progress on public exhibition for

permanent planning scheme changes.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Work has continued to refine the 10-Year Capital Works Plan to help prioritise

the city’s capital works. Funding gaps in the management of the city’s assets

including roads, pathways, bridges, drainage, playgrounds, open space and buildings

are still being identified.

Responsiveness,

Banyule’s Engineering team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013, including:

Prepared 29 Council Reports, to inform Council and provide

recommendations on the appropriate course of action for key issues including:

major projects, transport and road safety issues, parking management,

drainage and road design.

Completed 1,270 Transport and Road Safety related customer requests, an

average of approximately 102 a month, with 93% completed on time

Completed 1,956 Drainage and Development related customer requests and

Referrals, an average of approximately 163 a month.

Delivered approximately $90,000 in Transport and Road Safety related Capital

Works.

Delivered approximately $90,000 in Drainage related Capital Works.

Commenced the Strategic Stormwater Network Catchment Analysis study for

the municipality delivering around $170,000 in modelling and investigations.

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,



Council has continued to ensure improvements to Banyule’s infrastructure and

road network to meet community needs. Council has worked with key

stakeholders to get the best outcomes in the design and planning stages of civil

and construction projects.

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Council committed to the purchase of three former school sites in Bellfield and

Heidelberg Heights to ensure the retention of community facilities, including local

basketball courts.

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

3.2 Support strengthening of local centres of activity

Council has continued to support initiatives in The Mall including a new business

incubator, ‘Our Mall Our Place’ cultural diversity events, and a visual

merchandising program, in keeping with Council’s vision for The Mall.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Special Rates and Charges schemes for shopping centres in Greensborough,

Montmorency, Eaglemont, Watsonia, Macleod, East Ivanhoe and Lower Plenty

have been completed and work has commenced on Rosanna and Ivanhoe.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Key Property Projects were delivered in accordance with Budget priorities, Responsiveness,

An updated Ivanhoe Structure Plan was adopted by Council in June 2013, after

further public consultation was done. Civic Precinct master planning is continuing

into 2013-2014 including recommendations on improved community facilities and

public spaces and the future of the library, and is being coordinated through the

Economic Development Unit.

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

3.3 Protect and develop publicly used assets

Stage 1 of the Price Park Masterplan has been completed. This included replacing

and substantially upgrading the playground, tree removal, pruning and general risk

reduction, steps towards addressing soil erosion and excess water run-off from

the site.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Stage 2 of the Binnak Park Regional Playground was been completed.

Works were conducted to raise garden beds at the Buna Reserve Community

Garden to better cater for elderly and disabled residents.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Council undertook a feasibility study into the potential of creating fenced off-lead

dog parks in Banyule and into the upgrade of the pavilion facilities of the Kintala

Dog Club.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,



The Darebin Trail link beneath Heidelberg Road to Sparks Reserve, Ivanhoe has

been completed, to connect the existing completed section of Darebin Creek

Shared Trail with The Boulevard.

Banyule together with other Northern Region councils have successfully lobbied

for State Government funding of $18million to complete the final stage of the

Darebin Creek Trail to link it to the Main Yarra Trail.

Council also secured State Government funding to assist with the upgrade of part

of the Plenty River Trail west of Willinda Park and to provide improved linkages

between the trail and the Greensborough Principal Activity Centre.

Community consultation into the feasibility of providing a safe improved bicycle

route between Banksia Street and Burke Road North was completed.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Condition inspections and associated repairs for our shared paths were completed

to the required standards of assets management. In terms of Linear metres of

shared paths/ trails renewed, upgraded and new, Council completed 2,908 metres,

including works for the Darebin Creek trail, Wilson Reserve trail, Donaldson

Creek trail, Plenty River trial, and Main Yarra trail.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Improvement works and facility upgrades that have been undertaken include:

park fencing at Elder Street Reserve

cricket net facilities at Chelsworth Park, Seddon Reserve, Olympic Park,

Shelley Reserve

path and steps on the Montmorency Park escarpment to improve safety.

heritage landscape installation at the Ivanhoe Town Hall

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Banyule’s Major Projects and Infrastructure team completed a range of activities in

2012-2013, including:

construction and upgrade of footpaths and installation of pedestrian signal in

Main Street Greensborough

reconstruction of carpark at Flintoff Street, Greensborough

footbridge works at Banyule Rd/Graham Rd deck replaced, Binnak Park

repaired due to vandalism, Elder St drainage works to approach, Willinda Park

handrails replaced and 10 bridges repaired due to storm damage

Bike path construction and maintenance.

Drainage works – 5 projects completed.

38,422 m2 of local roads have been resheeted with 13 roads being completed.

35.1 km of road crack sealing completed with 54 local streets crack sealed

Oriel Road, Malahang to Tobruk section reconstruction has been completed.

4,950 sqm or 6,680 bays of footpath replaced

367 lineal metres of kerb & channel replaced

18 pram crossings replaced

street signs and other street furniture worth $116,190 repaired and replaced

65 streets line marked with long life paint

major road patching works were performed on 10 streets with 1,000 sqm of

patching completed.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



Street Sweeping and Cleansing services have continued to be delivered to the

agreed standards. This included identified new requirements for Greensborough,

WaterMarc and Town Square. Data is currently being collated to determine the

frequency currently being acheived by each sweeper. The data is being analysed

and combined with GIS maps and driver reporting to modify sweeper rounds.

Adjustments were made to some rounds and have been monitored for

effectiveness.

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Drainage guidelines for developments were updated. Development guidelines are

monitored for improvements and frequently asked questions from developers,

ongoing improvements and amendments and are programmed for quarterly

updates.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

A Draft 10 Year Capital Works Plan and an assessment of the renewal gap across

key asset groups was completed in 2012. This is now being reviewed in keeping

with the revised Strategic Resource Budget to ensure that the renewal gap is

minimised.

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

The revised Road Management Plan was adopted by Council in June 2013.

Banyule completed the public exhibition of a local Environmentally Efficient Design

(ESD) amendment for the Banyule Planning Scheme to improve Council’s

assessment of development requiring a permit.

The ongoing Essential Service inspections and repairs were undertaken as per the

program for implementation of the Essential Safety Measures (Buildiing Code).

These reports were completed in June 2013. Exit lights, paths of travel and fire

extinguisher maintenance and servicing have been completed for the financial year.

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Reporting

Continuous

Improvement,



Banyule’s Functions team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013, including:

The Centre Ivanhoe celebrated 75 years since its official opening in 1937,

which was acknowledged by the hosting of its first ticketed event, “Back to the

Berg”. This gala event was a great success with over 330 guests attending for

a fabulous night of entertainment and dancing. Not surprisingly, the event

organisers received fantastic feedback from guests acknowledging the high

quality of the food, presentation of the venue & the Art Deco furnishings on

display.

Successful achievement of all sales targets by the Functions Team, with an

increase of approximately 16% in income. This was due in part to The Centre

playing host to a record breaking 50 weddings in a single calendar year. This

was a fantastic result and reflects the significant promotion and marketing

efforts of The Centre Ivanhoe Functions Team.

Installation of several major Capital Improvements to the facility included:

New furniture for the Great Hall foyer

New furniture in the Streeton Bridal Suite

Wireless Internet Access - established throughout the venue

New roller door for the Streeton kitchen

New Rationale oven in the Great Hall kitchen

These improvements will continue to allow The Centre Ivanhoe to meet the

function and event requirements of both new and existing clients.

Adoption and commencement of a New Catering Contract Model in early

2013. This resulted in the redeployment or voluntary redundancy of all

members of The Centre’s Functions team. One staff member was redeployed

to the Function Contract Co-ordinator position.

Provision of sponsorship by way of Banyule City Council’s Facility Access

Grants was well used by many community groups, enabling them to hold

numerous fundraising events at several of Councils community venues and

halls.

Continuous improvement to our halls, particularly the provision of new tables,

chairs and blinds, has resulted in receipt of ongoing, positive feedback from

many clients. Cooperation with Council’s Building Maintenance team has

facilitated the successful upgrade of the Lower Plenty Senior Citizens

Community Hall.

Introduction of bookings of the revamped Lower Plenty Senior Citizens Hall

will now by administered by the Leisure & Cultural Bookings Officer at

Banyule.

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Reporting

Continuous

Improvement,

Council continued to deliver its Parks Maintenance services, including maintaining

our passive and active reserves to standard, managing our peak season which

includes Fire Hazards, Guard rails, right of ways, cuttings, and traffic management

areas.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



3.4 Enhance public spaces

Every year, thousands of Australians help clean up their environment on Clean Up

Australia Day in March. Council encourages volunteers to join together in a

clean-up around the municipality. This year Council coordinated 90 volunteers

who collected 144 bags of litter weighing in at 915kgs of total rubbish across 6

local sites.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Council commenced the process of preparing an Urban Tree Policy and Strategic

Plan for Banyule.

Public and open spaces are a key element of the Ivanhoe Structure Plan which

recommends the investigation of 7 key public places in the Ivanhoe Activity Area.

The Plan has been adopted by Council.

Routine maintenance work continues to occur on gateways. Council continues to

advocate for improved service outcomes for-non council assets.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Banyule’s Municipal Laws team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013,

including:

Achieved a significant improvement in responding to customer requests - 90%

of customer requests were responded to within time compared with 77% last

year. Customer requests have increased by an average of 2% from the

previous year and this has been handled within existing resources.

Provided an increased focus on enforcement of traffic issues around schools in

the morning and afternoon for the protection of children.

In collaboration with the Salvation Army and Victoria Police, Council has

successfully implemented a project to tackle illegal dumping of rubbish at the

Watsonia Salvation Army Store. The project which involved Council installing

CCTV technology has resulted in a 98% reduction in rubbish dumping, the

prosecution of offenders and a huge cost saving to the Salvation Army in

having to get rid of the rubbish.

A new Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee has been established

as a Sub Committee of the Municipal Emergency Management Planning

Committee and the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee disbanded.

A new Fire Management Plan has been prepared and adopted by council in

May 2013 as per the recommendations of the Victorian Bushfire Royal

Commission.

Continued auditing of building sites with site inspections while providing

education to building contractors. This proactive approach helps to keep

building sites clean, tidy and safe for the surrounding community.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council continued to deliver its Horticultural Services to maintain and enhance

the quality of garden beds in open spaces, public spaces and reserves. This

included completion of a heritage landscape installation at the Ivanhoe Town Hall.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



3.5 Support sustainable transport

Council continues to work with and advocate to the Department of Transport

and the Minister for Transport to improve:

service frequencies and accessibility to our activity centres

access and facilities at railway stations

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation,

Banyule’s Engineering team:

Investigated and recommended the installation of bicycle lanes throughout the

municipality to improve links to the existing bicycle network in line with

Council Bicycle Strategy.

Implemented the WaterMarc Parking Management Plan.

Revised engineering information to be available on Banyule’s new web site.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council has continued to advocate to other levels of government to strengthen

accessible transport links to our activity centres to ensure increased opportunities

for employment growth. This included developing the Ivanhoe structure plan

transport priorities to improve access and parking to identified activity centres,

advocating for improved accessibility in connectivity. Investigations are underway

for parking control measures in Greensborough and Heidelberg, and Bus parking

options for Greensborough in relation to the new WaterMarc facility. This is an

ongoing advocacy role. As issues arise we bring these to the attention of the

relevant stakeholders for addressing.

Accessibility,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,

The Ivanhoe Structure Plan (Transport Plan) was completed and adopted by

Council.

A localised ‘way finding’ proposal was completed and installed around the

Watermarc Facility

Council provided training and support to schools for the ‘Walking and Riding to

School’ program. The St Martins school has been assisted in this program.

Council has supported the annual ride to school day. Recent awards have been

passed onto the 3 top schools by the local Councillors and officers.

Concepts were prepared for 4 sites for Pedestrian Improvements.

A Parking Management study was completed and implemented in Greensborough.

Implementation of parking controls in Greensborough and Heidelberg is underway

in identified locations.

Flexicar locations are currently being negotiated for Heidelberg and Ivanhoe.

Paid parking locations have been installed in Heidelberg and Greensborough to

improve turn over and availability. Further locations are being assessed for paid

parking consideration around activity centres and major attractors.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,



A presentation was made to a Councillor briefing regarding Alternate Truck

Routes. Ongoing advocacy to VicRoads is continuing regarding traffic and freight

volumes on Rosanna Road.

Council has continued advocacy in relation to the Greensborough Hwy/Rosanna

Rd corridor safety and amenity A North-east link report was presented to

Council in September 2012, and letters sent to VicRoads requesting development

of short term and medium term solutions for Rosanna Rd, and to organise a

meeting to plan implementation of these solutions.

A preferred alternate truck route report has been received from VicRoads and

meetings with senior VicRoads officers have continued to discuss and raise this

item. Ongoing discussions and advocacy to VicRoads is continuing, and included:

Letters to all local state and federal members of parliament seeking

support and meeting on this issue

Letters to the Minister for Transport seeking: meeting with Council to

discuss this issue; consideration for sound barriers on Greensborough

Hwy.

Letter to the Regional Director of VicRoads to request a meeting with

Council to discuss this issue

Raising of several issues regarding the safety and amenity on Rosanna Rd

and Greensborough Hwy as part of ongoing VicRoads Liaison meetings.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,



Objective:

4. PROSPERITY PROSPEROUS AND SUSTAINABLE LOCAL ECONOMY

Support economic and social development opportunities in a sustainable manner

for a thriving Banyule economy

‘Prosperity’ is about fostering economic conditions so that people in the community achieve financial

independence and a sustainable quality of life.

Outcomes of our key directions:

4.1 Support and encourage appropriate business development and local economic

growth

Council has continued to determine potential growth for retail, commercial and

residential development, and improve marketing and promotional material to

encourage investment in the city. Growth for Retail, Commercial and Residential

development is being accommodated through the development of structure plans

and the finalisation of Council’s Neighbourhood Character Strategy.

Greensborough, Heidelberg and Ivanhoe have adopted structure plans, a planning

scheme amendment is being developed for the Ivanhoe Structure Plan and a

proposed permanent Neighbourhood Character Strategy Amendment is being

considered by the Minister for Planning.

Banyule finalised the Prosperity Policy and Strategy 2012-2013 (Interim) in August

2012. During 2012-2013 the key policy and strategy documents informing the City

Plan were renewed as part of the major review of Council’s key strategic

direction, involving comprehensive community engagement during the

development of Banyule’s new City Plan for 2013-2017 and Budget for 2013-2014.

As part of this process, the ‘Prosperity’ Policy and Strategy has been integrated

within the strategic framework.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council continued to develop and deliver the business training and network

program to better address the needs of local businesses.

A total of 25 economic development events were delivered in partnership with

other organisations (eg. neighbouring Councils, State and Federal Government,

Regional Development organisations, traders associations, etc). This

demonstrates Council’s commitment and focus on supporting economic

development. The events included: 10 Banyule Business Events, 4 Northern

Business Achievement Awards Breakfasts, 9 Business Mentoring Days (Banyule

advisory service), and 2 Victorian Government Mentoring Bus Visits (mobile

business centre/ mini bus).

In addition, 486 people attended Council operated/ hosted economic development

events. The result for this indicates a high level of participation in Council

operated/hosted local economic development events. This represents 51

mentoring bookings (Banyule advisory service) and 435 event registrations

(Banyule Business events).

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



Council has continue to regularly update Banyule businesses through e-bulletins

and quarterly newsletters about new initiatives, opportunities and key changes to

legislation that may impact their business

Work with the Banyule Nillumbik Local Learning Employment Network included:

Referral of young achievers for Northern Business Achievement Awards.

Development of schools and industry breakfast project

Community

Consultation,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Banyule achieved good results in the State Government’s Community Satisfaction

Survey 2013 for the following categories:

CSI - Business and community development and tourism (performance) -

Banyule’s score (61) in the CSS 2013 was equal to the Inner Group

average and lower than the State-wide average (62).

CSI - Planning and building permits (performance) - Banyule’s score (55) in

the CSS 2013 was higher than the Inner Group average (53) and equal to the State-wide average.

Community

Consultation,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Structure plans were completed for Greensborough, Heidelberg and Ivanhoe and

a planning scheme amendment is being developed to start the implementation of

the Ivanhoe Structure Plan.

Banyule has continued to encourage businesses to employ sustainable practices

and minimise environmental impacts. This included support to access energy

efficiency advice and resources.

Community

Consultation,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

4.2 Improve access to affordable housing, employment, health and community

services

A range of interventions has been completed, or significant progress made in

relation to Shopping Strips, including:

Implementation of the Street life project for The Mall around visual

merchandising and communications.

Support BSMTA and Council offices to deliver OMAC (office of multicultural

affairs and citizenship) “Unity through partnerships” project to develop a

series of new opportunities for communities to share their cultures with the

broader population utilising the public spaces at The Mall.

Rate renewal completed for East Ivanhoe and Lower Plenty, with renewals for

Rosanna and Ivanhoe progressing as planned.

Support provided for smaller shopping centres including Diamond Village,

Greville Road and Balaka Place.

Sessions held with Councillors and Centre Managers to discuss support for

shopping centres including City Plan, rates and charges, capital works and

cleaning and maintenance.

Capital works improvements completed in Macleod including upgrade of

lighting in Rotunda, new seating in parkland, new pathways in parkland,

installation of pedestrian safety barrier, installation of water refill station near

playground, repositioning and repainting of Rotunda (including garden beds)

and new commemorative plaque.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



Ongoing support provided to 11 traders associations and committees

regarding governance, special rates expenditure, marketing and promotional

activities, cleansing and maintenance etc.

Eaglemont Village revitalisation fund enacted to see the appointment of a part

time marketing coordinator to deliver festivals and communications in the

centre.

Greensborough maintenance fund expanded to deliver amenity improvements

for the centre (e.g. mulching of garden beds, painting of street furniture,

removal of graffiti etc).

Delivery of Australian Retailers Association session in Greensborough focused

on customer service and experience, as part of Victorian Government Street

life Program

(Continued)

4.3 Encourage appropriate investment in our activity centres

The Ivanhoe Structure Plan has been finalised ready for Council adoption. The

planning scheme amendment for interim and potentially permanent controls in the

Banyule Planning Scheme has commenced.

This included extended public consultation taking place involving about 1,200

stakeholders, including expanded resident membership on the Ivanhoe Community

Consultative Committee

The draft Ivanhoe Civic Precinct Masterplan including recommendations on

improved community facilities and public spaces and the future of the library has

commenced.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Banyule has continued to work with Trader Associations to maximise the

marketing of key activity centres

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Council has continued delivery of a range of support to traders to develop

sustainable economic development programs through the Special Rates and

Charges schemes, including; governance arrangements, best practice guidance,

rules of association, rate renewals, marketing and promotional activity, and annual

business planning.

Commercialisation opportunities for maximising return on Council’s landholdings

continue to be pursued.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,



4.4 Build community capital

Council negotiated the purchase of three former school sites; Banksia Secondary

College, Bellfield Primary and Haigh Street Primary from the Department of

Education and Early Childhood Development in April 2013, with contracts

expected to be finalised in August 2013.

Council’s decision to purchase the school sites has provided a unique opportunity

to regain ownership of important community facilities including the

basketball/netball stadium located on the former Banksia Secondary College site in

Bellfield.

The purchase of the school sites has also provided Council with the opportunity

to lead local planning outcomes that will assist in offsetting some of the costs

associated with buying and refurbishing these community facilities.

The first step for Council will be to undertake preliminary design and master

planning for each of the school sites. Master planning for the Haig Street site will

commence in September 2013.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Banyule continues to work closely with its community to deliver successful events

including Banyule Festival, Malahang Festival, Winter in Banyule, Carols by

Candlelight and the Boulevard Lights.

Informal leisure programs such as Exercise in the Parks in partnership with

Banyule Leisure Facility Management (BLFM), a Family Bike Ride in partnership

with Banyule Bug User Group, Games Night at the Watsonia library in partnership

with the YPR Library Service, Antiques and Heirlooms Workshops, and Street

parties have been very successful and also provide a tool for community

engagement.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Council continues work with agencies to support community activities such as

emergency management. Further information is provided in Objective 1 ‘People –

Community Strengthening and Support’ in the key direction: 1.6 Protect and

improve public health and wellbeing

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Council’s activity to build connection and resilience of our community has

continued. This is a part of how many of the Community Programs are

implemented, in particular, with the Arts and Recreation Plans, participation of

volunteers and youth programs (these include for example festivals, events, and

disability programs).

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,



Council has conducted evidence based planning for community development,

including:

ID data training sessions were provided for staff in November 2012 and

February 2013

A 'data buddies' group has been established with a nominated person from

community programs service units

A mapping process has been completed identifying sources of data used across

Council and data gaps. This is guiding our future work

Population data intranet pages have been developed that link through to

internal and external demographic resources

Youth Profile and Early Years profiles are currently in development

HACC profile has been produced

short demographic profile of Banyule following the 2011 census has been

developed

Training for ID Data was introduced and subsequent use of the information for

development of various profiles and service unit plans. This work will continue

across the organisation to develop skills of staff to interpret and utilise data

sources to inform their business.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Reporting,

Continuous

Improvement

Partnership and Licence Agreements have been completed or reviewed, including:

Toy Library partnership agreement responsibilities have been transferred from

MCH to ECS.

Youth services - current partnering agreements such as Banyule Support and

Information Centre (BANSIC), Volunteers of Banyule (VOB), Diamond Valley

Community Support (DVCS), Banyule Housing;

Council meeting in April approved 1 year extension to current lease at 101

Burgundy Street, Heidelberg for BANSIC to August 2014;

A service review of BANSIC, VOB AND DVCS will be undertaken over

coming months to inform Council’s future direction and

Council officers have taken a different approach this year in an effort to negotiate

and complete partnering agreements in a timely manner.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Reporting,

Continuous

Improvement

Council has continued to partner with agencies to support community activities

such as emergency management recovery and coordination. Relationship building

has been initiated with Banyule Community Health Service. The Community

Development (Emergency Management) Project Officer is currently scoping other

opportunities.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,



Objective:

5. PARTICIPATION COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY LIFE

Govern effectively by appropriately engaging the community in issues that affect

them, and advocate for the broader interest of the community.

‘Participation’ is central to good governance.

Outcome of our key directions:

5.1 Plan and engage with our community

Council finalised the Participation Policy and Strategy 2013-2017, following an

extensive community engagement program during 2012-2013. This is the primary

policy and strategy document that supports the ‘Participation: Community

involvement in community life’ objective of the Banyule City Plan 2013-2017. It

provides the broad ‘Participation’ policy context for all Council related strategies,

policies, plans and activities, and provides the framework for Council to support

community involvement, by appropriately engaging with our community on issues

that affect them, encouraging participation and advocating on behalf of our

community.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Reporting

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Council conducted a major review and developed a new four year Banyule City

Plan for 2013 – 2017 (Council Plan). The process included Councillor planning

days in Nov-Dec 12, sessions with the Senior Management Team and Banyule

Leadership Network, an extensive community engagement program (November

2012-May 2013), and public exhibition in May 2013-June 2013. City Plan 2013-

2017 key directions have specific 'focus areas' to ensure strong alignment with key

corporate plans, and the plan includes key initiatives (in response to VAGO’s

guidelines and requirements). These give the community more of a practical sense

of what we are aiming to achieve. The new City Plan was sent to the Minister,

Councillors and staff, and is available on the website, intranet, at Council Service

Centres, local libraries and neighbourhood houses.

Council’s City Plan and Community Plan consultation process involved extensive

partnership and collaboration across Council. Numerous service units have been

involved and engaged with their respective customer groups in the consultation. In

addition to the City Plan and Community Plan, the consultation gathered

information for the Arts, Recreation, Open Space, and Early Years Plans.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Reporting

Quality and Cost

Standards,

The initial 2010-2012 Action Plan for the Community Plan has been completed.

We are now developing an implementation process for the next Action Plan. The

2013-2017 Community Plan Action Plan will have the same timeframe as the City

Plan (2013-2017).

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,



Council used a variety of methods for involving our community in the decisions

we made. These include public forums such as workshops, advisory committees,

online and paper surveys, use of giant blackboards at community events,

attendance of community group meetings, and short surveys at community and

sports activities.

We delivered an improved community engagement program

Consultation was undertaken in partnership with service units across Council so

that they engage with their various target groups, eg. Youth team engage young

people, Early Years with children, etc., to enable a more co-ordinated and shared

approach to consultation across Council. This approach was used to engage the

community for the purpose of developing the City Plan 2013-2017 and

Community Plan together with other support plans across Council.

We have asked the local community about how to make Banyule an even better

place to live, work and play. More than 1,200 people have told us their ideas

through surveys, forums, face to face meetings, and at various festivals and events.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

The Statement of Indigenous Commitment (first year of the action plan), which

was adopted last year by Council, has been implemented. This included the

development of a calendar of events and activities to commemorate significant

dates:

An Indigenous flag raising ceremony and morning tea to celebrate 2013

National Reconciliation Week, May 2013. Austin and Mercy Hospitals

Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Reconciliation Victoria activities and LG Pro

Special Indigenous Australians Group.

Council funds National NAIDOC Week activities for children and young

people attending local schools to celebrate Aboriginal culture.

Council and Banyule Community Health Centre (Aboriginal Health Service)

have set up a "yarning circle" to engage regularly with Indigenous residents.

Council's Human Rights Charter responsibilities to include the needs of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Reporting

The Youth and Family Services (YFS) Citizenship Framework was officially

launched to all staff in August 2012. It has been embedded in everyday YFS

business and engagement activities across the broader organisation. Planning

commenced to incorporate this framework into the Municipal Early Years Plan.

Our childcare and kinder services actively invited children to contribute and plan

for their day and environments.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Council continued integrated planning to ensure streamlined targeted and

appropriate outcomes for the community that adhere to the directions of the City

Plan. As a part of designing the community consultation process and in preparing

the new City Plan, there has been ongoing communication between service units

across the organisation.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,



Banyule has continued to support a high quality locally delivered Valuations service

that underpins the effective funding of Council services through valuations and

rates.

Banyule’s Governance team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013, including:

Recorded 79 Assemblies of Councillors, indicating Councillors are being

provided with a greater understanding of issues to assist them to make

informed decisions.

Preparation and Planning for the General Election in October 2012. The

media was utilised to advertise the Stand for Council Campaign and a General

Advertising Plan was utilised for the elections. Regular updates on Council’s

website information on the elections included how to enrol to vote, where to

vote and becoming a Councillor. An information session for Prospective

Candidates was held with the Municipal Association of Victoria and attracted a

good number of people.

Reviewed The Election Caretaker Guidelines to ensure best practice after

review undertaken by the Local Government Inspectorate of the entire

sector. Inclusions included making the guidelines applicable to social media.

Conducted and supervised the election contract. The Victorian Electoral

Commission conducted the Election, information sessions for candidates were

held for candidates, organised the count of ballots and votes and undertook

the non-voting process.

Developed an Induction Program for Councillors to ensure they are kept

abreast of the key requirements of office and the key challenges facing the

organisation.

Expanded Governance Practice notes were developed to assist staff with key

legislative requirements including Election Caretaker Guidelines

Rollout of hand-held technology for Councillors has reduced the requirement

for hardcopies of Agendas, Minutes and briefing notes and ensure Councillors

have the most up to date information. On Ordinary Agendas and Minutes

alone we have saved 29,886 pages of paper.

Development of new ward fund applications forms, information for applicants

and guidelines for staff after Council adopted a new Ward Fund Policy

Development and presentation of a new Report to Council on the status of

Councillors Motions presented to Council, this helps track progress on items

that often relate to advocacy and are referred to Members of Parliament or

Government departments.

Reported Councillor expenses to Council for the first time continuing

providing open and honest communication with our community. The report

included Councillor expenses on Broadband/Computer, Conferences/Training

Telephone/Mobiles and Stationery for the previous four years. This will be

reported to Council annually.

Held four Cemetery Trust meetings to discuss operating matters, future use

of the cemetery and adopt the budget for the Cemeteries.

Successful Grant Applications submitted to the Department of Health. Full

grants received to allow for maintenance works at the Warringal Cemetery

and Greensborough Cemetery.

Successful completion an audit of the Banyule Cemeteries Trust Abstract of

Accounts.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



Introduced a Code Red Policy (emergency management) for the Warringal

Cemetery and Greensborough Cemetery.

Participation by Banyule Cemeteries Trust in the development of the CCAV

Metropolitan Planning Strategy submission, and consequently contributing to

the submission from Banyule City Council.

Continued Advocacy to both Levels of Government on the future of

cemeteries and grave tenure issues.

(continued)

Banyule’s Leisure and Cultural services team delivered a range of activities in

2012-2013, including:

E-Newsletters and Social Media - introduced two new monthly e-newsletters

to keep the community informed and engaged with what is happening in

sports and leisure and arts and culture across Banyule. An Arts & Culture and

Sports & Leisure E-Newsletter is distributed to approximately 600 individual

and groups each month.

Arts and Cultural Committees - continued to consult and engage with the

community through four Arts Committees Arts & Cultural Advisory

Committee, Public Art Advisory Committee, Cultural Vault Reference Group

and the Art Collection Advisory Committee. Over 40 committee members

meet with Council Officers on a regular basis to provide advice on projects

and contribute to the development of Council’s strategic direction for arts and

cultural development across Banyule.

Internship and Volunteer Opportunities - Leisure and Culture continued to

provide opportunities for the community to assist in the development and

delivery of some of Council’s programs and services such as the Older Adults

Program, the Free Leisure Programs, the Festivals and Events and the Arts

Exhibitions.

Sports Forums - A range of sports forums for all sporting clubs, including

liquor licence education on recent law changes and first aid training. Strategic

planning workshops were conducted for soccer, cricket, baseball and football

clubs specifically looking to improve club direction and understanding of

Council processes.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

5.2 Encourage participation in community life

Over 340 Banyule residents became Australia residents over the last 12 months.

Council held four ceremonies including an Australia Day citizenship ceremony. A

survey of citizenship attendees achieved a satisfaction rating of 98%.

Accessibility,

The Banyule Community Volunteers Awards and Celebration Dinner held on 16th

May 2013 during National Volunteers Week with over 500 guests in attendance.

A total of 45 nominations were received of which 9 were recognised including

two Lifetime Achievements, three individuals, one young person, two groups and

one Good Neighbour.

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation



Council conducted the 2013 Sports Achievement Awards and Club Recognition

Night, with 43 nominations received. Over 200 people attended the night held at

The Centre Ivanhoe, hosted by Cameron Ling.

Through its Sports Development Grants, Council once again provided valuable

funding to the sporting community for sports people and teams to cover travel

costs, equipment costs and uniform costs.

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Council led the development and implementation of an North East Primary Care

Partnership (NEPCP) elder abuse awareness toolkit for use within the Banyule

service system. The Toolkit was launched and in use by Aged & Disability Services,

and the broader community.

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Banyule’s Health and Aged services worked with the Community and Social

Planning team to develop an overall plan for consultation. HACC clients are

regularly encouraged to provide feedback about our service and their needs.

Further work will be conducted in 2013-2014 for a consultation and participation

plan and implementing regular avenues for engagement of Health and Aged

community stakeholders.

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council’s Youth and Community Partnerships team has continued to implement

the Banyule Youth Charter through delivery of the actions in the Youth strategic

plan.

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Accessibility,

Banyule’s Governance team co-ordinated the following:

Held 21 Ordinary Meetings and 2 Special Meeting of Council.

Held 4 Citizenship Ceremonies this year, with over 340 Banyule residents

becoming Australian Citizens from a variety of nationalities/countries. This

included an Australia Day citizenship ceremony with, a local Banyule resident,

as Banyule’s Australia Day guest Speaker.

Surveyed Citizenship Ceremony attendees to measure satisfaction with the

ceremony, achieving a 98% satisfaction rating.

Processed 15 Freedom of Information requests. All requests have been

processed within the statutory timeframe of 45 days.

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

5.3 Advocate on behalf of the community

Banyule worked in partnership with the community to advocate on key issues by

encouraging active citizenship and leveraging community power.

Council appointed an Inclusion Access and Equity social planner in October 2012.

This resource assisted in developing the community consultation to try to capture

under represented voices by targeting local activities, events and community

facilities such as schools, libraries, shopping centres. Work has been in progress

for the development of an Inclusion Access and Equity framework to guide

Council's work.

Being more pro-active in Council's approach to advocacy is a key element of the

Participation Policy and Strategy adopted on 17 June 2013. Whilst Council has

been active in advocating for community needs, we recognise that engaging

community partnerships will be an essential part of measuring success. A strong

implementation process is also being developed for the Community Plan which

will also focus on encouraging participation and advocacy by the Banyule

community.

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



Council participated in user group meetings and contributed to industry forums

to improve Banyule’s efficiency and effectiveness (eg. software vendors, industry

representative groups such as FinPro, VECCI, Civica, MAV). During October

2012, we requested information regarding new fire services levy from

parliamentarians. Staff also attended Finpro meetings as well as Civica and RMA

meetings. We provided a representative to an industry working party on changes

to the Long Service Leave regs. The December Finpro AGM/discussion group and

Civica finance group were also attended. Regional procurement meetings

attended. Staff are continually working towards addressing changes in industry

standard requirements.

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council continued to work with other levels of Government and Local

Government Industry to positively and proactively influence changes to legislation

that will impact on Banyule.

Due to changes in legislation, funding shortfalls and changes in community demand,

Council services continue to face financial pressures. Areas affected include home

and community care, health service, maternal and child health and library services.

Council continued to advocate to both State and Federal Governments in the

areas of cost shifting and failures of grants to keep up with increasing operating

costs to reduce the burden on ratepayers. Council continues to lobby both

Governments for specific grants relating to sporting facilities, new infrastructure

and service initiatives.

Issues that fall outside Council’s direct area of responsibility will be fed into the

development of the next stage of our Community Plan. For example, transport

and traffic congestion is an issue where Council will continue to work in

partnership with local community groups, agencies and residents.

Responsiveness,

Community

Consultation

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



Objective:

6. STRATEGIC RESOURCE PLAN: USE OUR RESOURCES WISELY

Manage the non-financial and financial resources required for the next four years

to achieve Council’ strategic objectives.

Outcome of our key directions:

6.1 Provide excellence in customer service and communications

Council has implemented year two of its corporate communications plan, focusing

on branding and promotion, digital media and community engagement. A major

element of the plan has been the redevelopment of Banyule’s website and the

introduction of social media.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

A number of event marketing campaigns have been undertaken across Council,

including events marketing for Banyule Festival, Malahang Festival, Carols by

Candlelight, The Boulevard Lights, Children’s Week, Senior’s Festival and

Volunteer Awards.

Marketing and branding campaigns have been implemented for:

Storm Water Harvesting project

community consultation for the City Plan and Community Plan

Positive Charge

Grand Opening Celebration of WaterMarc

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Banyule’s Communications team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013,

including:

Redevelopment of Council’s website and launch including re-write of over 500

content pages, implementation of electronic newsletter and development of

Council’s social media policy and introduction of Facebook.

Provision of marketing services (inc. advertising/marketing plan

development/brochures etc) for projects including:

Twilight Sounds and kids ArtyFarty fest

Volunteer awards (including sponsorship development)

Water Harvesting Project

I love 3081 Report to Government

Community Emergency Management Preparedness Survey

Early Years Promotion

Smoke Free Playgrounds

Seniors Festival

Liveable Housing Guidelines assessment

Ivanhoe Aquatic centre redevelopment

Malahang Festival

Carols by Candlelight and Boulevard Lights (including sponsorship

development)

Production of Community Engagement Communication strategy focused

around the City Plan, Community Plan, Recreation Plan and Arts Plan.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



Development of a Media and Communication strategy around Salvos theft and

dumping reduction, with an estimated reach of 5 million people

Developed a media strategy to promote the Sustainable Community Awards

in partnership with Darebin and Moreland City Councils

Production of Bus Shelter campaigns for Twilight Sounds, Kids ArtyFarty fest

(10 sites) and the opening of the Artspace exhibition (10 sites)

Provision of a signage audit: replacement/refurb of 25 signs

Provision of media coverage for WaterMarc including:

2 cover stories and 7 articles in Government sector publications

3 stories in leisure and aquatic industry publications

Broadcast coverage on Coxy’s Big Break and 3AW/PVFM

Media release published in Local Today

Ongoing interest with Diamond Valley Leader

Execution of Grand Opening Celebration event for Watermarc, attended by

5000 people

Developed award submissions for the LGpro awards:

Watermarc: Greensborough Walk and Main Street

Young Achievers

Salvation Army/CCT Initiative

Developed submissions for Banksia Awards:

Built in Environments Award- Harmonious Manmade Landscapes

Banyule Flats Reserve Sports Field Lighting Project

Developed award submissions for WaterMarc for: National Local

Government Awards, Planning Institute of Australia, 2013 Australian Property

Institute - Excellence in Property Awards, 2013 Australia Award for Urban

Design and the Australian Institute of Project Management.

Developed 2 submissions for SACS Leadership Awards

Production of new profiles written for all councillors for use on website/

Banner and Leader Newspaper ads

Achievement of 10,000 ‘views’ on YouTube channel from 1 January 2013 to

end of financial year

Development and launch of Banyule’s Facebook page

Provision of consistent media coverage and promotion of Water Harvesting

project including published articles and groundwork for management of official

opening

Production of digital signage on TV’s in 3 service centres, Olympic leisure

Centre and Nets stadium

Production of Banyule City Council’s Budget Report 2012-2013

Provided marketing and communication support for Volunteer awards and

Banyule Sport Awards

(Continued)



In the State Government’s Annual Community Satisfaction Survey 2013, Banyule’s

result of 78 for ‘Customer service (performance)’ was significantly higher than the

Inner Group average (73) and significantly higher than the State-wide average (71).

The results included 91% of respondents providing a rating of average or better

for Customer Service.

Survey respondents were also asked: ‘How has Council performed on ‘Informing the Community’ over the last 12 months?’ In addition to the strong results for the core measures, the result for ‘Informing the community (performance)’ was 84% for percentage of respondents providing a rating of average or better. Banyule’s CSI score for this category was 62, equal to the average for the Inner Group and higher than the State-wide average rating (61).

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Banyule’s Customer Service team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013,

including:

Dealt with challenges associated with the introduction of the VoIP phone

system and Geomant call centre system.

Built on our Customer Request Management (CRM) system with a further

work undertaken in the area of Parks and Gardens.

Conducted four training sessions for Development Services staff reinforcing

customer service standards.

Continued to make Customer Service staff available to work in a variety of

different business units including Planning, Strategic and Economic

Development, Construction and City Services Executive.

Continued to participate in industry forums including LGPro Customer

Service Special Interest Group.

Visited East Gippsland Shire Council and made several changes to

workstations and practices based on observations made on the day.

Participated in Banyule’s Municipal Emergency Management Plan exercises and

events.

Conducted Best Value Plus audits as part of councils BV+ internal audit

program.

Conducted 12 Out and About sessions with the community.

Building up our knowledge base through the Customer Service intranet page

and CRM help notes.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



6.2 Develop our staff and organisational culture

A cross-organisational learning and development advisory group has been formed

to provide advice and assistance to HR, with the aim of providing a more

centralised approach to learning and development across the organisation and to

simplify and facilitate training processes.

The leadership development program has been implemented for the executive

management team and the senior management team, with flow on effects to other

parts of the organisation.

The Banyule Learning Network (BLN) program continued to evolve and included a

number of topics which were followed up in separate programs, including the

Voice of Banyule, Fraud Awareness and Control, the Human Rights Charter, and

Leading Teams.

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Council has expanded the Consultative Committee model to include quarterly

local area committees in Parks & Gardens, Operations, HACC, and BLFM to

discuss and address area specific employee relation matters.

Council also introduced a Recruitment Panel register of trained staff able to assist

with recruitment in order to meet the principles of merit and equity.

Council has moved from utilising a recruitment agency to undertake senior officer

recruitment to conducting the recruitment and selection process internally.

Preliminary discussions with Managers from Community Programs and City

Services commenced on relevant Enterprise Agreement (EA) Schedules as part of

preparation for negotiating EA No. 6 in 2013/2014.

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

6.3 Manage our valuable corporate information and knowledge

The Information Management Working Group consisting of Business Services,

Information Technology and Records Management key staff have undertaken the

following tasks in readiness for the implementation of Stage One of the new

Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS):

Tender evaluation and selection of vendor to implement TRIM as Banyule’s

new Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS).

Managing communication and staff engagement, with a focus on timely and

consistent information.

Co-ordinating key business improvement activities, including the Business

Classification Scheme, ‘AS IS’ process mapping, business requirements for

EDRMS integrations, clean-up and classification of network drives in

preparation of data migration and workflow development.

Consultation with staff across the organisation to develop ‘as is’ process maps

of how records are currently managed across the organisation to identify

process improvements with the implementation of the EDRMS.

Various change management activities undertaken with staff to assist with

cultural change pre and post implementation.

Trial data migration of InfoVision data into the EDRMS to enable staff have

access to legacy data at go-live, supporting the ‘one-stop-shop’ philosophy.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



Banyule’s Records Management team delivered a range of activities in 2012-2013,

including:

Registered over 65,510 records in Council’s Records Management System

(InfoVision). The types of documents registered included inwards and

outwards correspondence, internal files, notes, memos and emails.

Assessed, sentenced and transferred 142.8 shelf metres of files to the

secondary storage facility.

Successfully retrieved 90% of files requested by staff from the secondary

storage area, demonstrating the effectiveness of the management of our paper

records.

Registered, bar-coded and sent 3,320 building files to offsite storage provider.

Registered, bar-coded and sent 160 shelf meters of inactive property files to

the offsite storage provider to make space for active files.

Sentenced and destroyed 48.7 gigabytes of images.

Conducted cleansing of InfoVision data (Council’s outdated records

management system), in readiness for the migration of data to a new

Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDMRS).

Reviewed and introduced an improved ‘Mail Protocol’ for Councillors to

increase record capture and to align the management of Councillor

correspondence with Council’s records management policy.

Completed a range of activities as recommended by the Municipal Association

of Victoria, to inform staff about the Royal Commission’s enquiry into

institutional child abuse and Council’s “disposal freeze” on all documents or

data relating to children/adults aged 0-25yrs.

Formation of an Information Management Working Group consisting of

Business Improvement, Information Technology and Records Management key

staff to undertake the following tasks in readiness for the implementation of a

new Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS):

Tender evaluation and selection of vendor to implement TRIM as Banyule’s

new Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS).

Project Management to ensure the project is implement in-time and on

budget.

Facilitation of Information Management (IM) Steering Committee to capture

IM decisions.

Consultation with staff across the organisation to develop ‘as is’ process maps

of how records are currently managed across the organisation to identify

process improvements with the implementation of the EDRMS.

Various change management activities undertaken with staff to assist with

cultural change pre and post implementation.

In consultation with every area of the business, developed Business

Classification Scheme to provide a better structure for the capture and

management of Records.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,



6.4 Deliver innovative information technology solutions

Over the last financial year IT Team has delivered a range of foundation

technologies as identified in the ‘Technology Vision 2020 and Delivery Plan’ with

the aim to best position Council meeting the future technological challenges. Some

of the key achievements in this area are as follows:

Worked with Human Resources Team to deliver HR Module and working

with several other Service Units to utilise additional functionalities to improve

operational efficiency to maximize the utilization of Corporate Applications i.e.

Authority Systems and others

Resolved all critical and challenging operational issues related to the

VoIP/Unified Communication Solution - Microsoft Lync and Geomant Contact

Expert System which has replaced the unsupported and out-dated

PABX/Telephony systems.

Presented a business case regarding IT Disaster Recovery Solution options

meeting Banyule’s Business Continuity Plan to Executive Management Team

highlighting respective option’s benefits and shortcomings. The decisionwas

made to establish a dedicated connectivity between Ivanhoe and WaterMarc

to establish secondary Datacentre.

Decommissioned several legacy servers, upgraded ESX Environments and

Firewall and others to improve operational reliability and efficiency in line with

the ‘Technology Vision 2020 and Delivery Plan’.

Completed Phase 1 of Windows 7 rollout and PC replacement for more than

200 staff members and provided relevant trainings. In order to commence the

Phase 2 of Windows 7 rollout for next of the Council staff we have

undertaken in excess of 50 business applications testing and modifications to

be complaint with Windows 7 operating environments.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

The introduction of iPad and a Cloud services application (The Hub) to manage

Council Meetings and relevant activities has proved effective and efficient. This

process allows storing and distributing meeting minutes and agendas securely in

the Cloud Services. iPads have been rolled out to all the councillors, senior

management team and relevant officers.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

IT also provided a responsive and quality service to Council, with more than 6,000

IT requests logged and resolved. In addition:

in excess of 3 million emails were received and distributed – an increase of

approx 500,000+ from last year.

in excess of 1.8M spam email was quarantined – an increase of 1.4M from last

year which demonstrates that active blocking is occurring at the gateway

(firewall) rather than in the internal network

in excess of 31,000 viruses were prevented from accessing our network – an

increase of 11,500 from last year.

more than 2,500 system patches were applied for Microsoft Applications,

systems and servers to make the IT Network Infrastructure stable and

reliable, and the IT Infrastructure uptime was more than 99%.

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,



6.5 Conduct effective and integrated forward planning

During 2012-2013 we have continued with our significant work to strengthen the

corporate planning process. The planning process commenced early (in October

2012) to enable timely and better integration with the budget process. In the

development of Banyule’s new City Plan 2013-2017 there was a particular focus

on further clarifying the intent of the City Plan key directions, identifying clear

focus areas, and incorporating key initiatives. The set of strategic indicators used

to monitor progress against our City Plan objectives has also been strengthened.

These aspects of corporate planning contribute greatly to Council delivering

services in a more strategic, coordinated and responsive way to meet the needs of

the community.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Our strategic indicators were reviewed to ensure best representation of our

performance, to provide good quality information, and to respond to Community

engagement work conducted in 2012-2013, data review, and relevant industry

developments.

The indicators chosen represent measures of success in areas that are within our

control or are of significant interest to Council. These indicators help us to assess

our efficiency, indicate effectiveness and assess the quality of the services we

provide. They aim to monitor progress against Council’s priority areas within each

objective.

In addition, Banyule has participated in the Department of Planning and

Community Development initiative to establish a Performance Reporting

Framework across the local government sector. Banyule has been involved in

working group has provided significant sector advice and input. With

representation on the technical working group

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Reporting

Service units conducted an annual review process to report on their performance

in the previous year and plan their service for the following year. This process

aligns with the Corporate Planning Program (City Plan and Organisational Annual

Business Plan). The service unit annual review process includes:

reviewing Service Objectives and Quality & Cost Standards

completing an end of year report (action plan, summary of performance/ key

highlights and KPIs)

conducting service unit/directorate planning for the next year

reviewing performance against last year’s action plan and relevant KPis, and

taking into account community feedback from ongoing consultation

determining priorities and key challenges

developing an updated action plan.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Reporting

Council prepared its Annual Report for 2011-2012 in line with relevant legislation

and responding to new guidelines and recommendations. This included the

Performance Statement, Financial Statements, Standard Statements, and Banyule’s

Best Value Victoria Report on the ongoing implementation and achievement of

Banyule’s Best Value Program, reporting progress to the community and Minister

for Local Government. Council also commenced work for the Annual Report

2012-13.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Reporting



Council continued to ensure alignment of all strategic planning to the City Plan

objectives and the organisation’s values. Significant progress was made in setting

our strategic direction and priorities over the next four years. The City Plan

2013-2017 framework is based on the ‘5P’ objectives of People, Planet, Place,

Participation and Performance. The plan includes a clear set of key directions and

focus areas, supported with key initiatives. With the adoption of the People, Planet

and Participation policies and strategies in June we now have all of the ‘P’

frameworks adopted and in place. The Place policies and strategy was adopted in

April 2013 and our Performance objective is underpinned by policy context and

strategic intent that is informed by a strong legislative framework, industry best

practice guides and our Banyule Management System. Together, these give us a

strong framework for decisions moving forward. Ongoing internal support is also

provided for key plans as they are reviewed (linkages of these with City Plan,

Annual Business Plan, policy and strategy documents and other plans. Recent

examples include the Recreation Plan and Arts Plan. This support is also provided

for reporting on key corporate plans.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Reporting

6.6 Deliver quality and value for money services

Council continued its commitment to the Best Value process in its service delivery

and service support.

The annual planning process for each service unit incorporated the development

of a comprehensive action plan for continuous improvement and ongoing service

provision. The Best Value action plans developed through the service review

process address the key issues and opportunities for improvement resulting from

community consultation and benchmarking programs, and the review of the

Quality and Cost Standards and current work practices. These have been

integrated with the organisational Annual Business Plan and key supporting plans.

Quality and Cost Standards are reviewed and updated annually. The documents

also incorporate links to the City Plan and other key Council plans, and a brief

service profile.

Council continued its service review program to review, measure and benchmark

our services to ensure we are effectively meeting the quality and cost standards

set. An in-depth service development review program has been further developed and implemented to strengthen continuous improvement activity across Council service provision and address service challenges. Reviews were undertaken for the Municipal Laws Service and Home and Community Care Services during 2012-2013 and final reports were submitted to the Executive Management Team with key findings, outcomes and recommendations for service development. Banyule has continued to support the planning, development and continuous improvement of Council’s systems. We have undertaken key activities as part of service reviews, including GIS mapping, consultation mapping, staff consultation design, benchmarking design, project mapping, and development of reporting structures.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Reporting,



Council holds externally audited certification in the areas of quality, the environment and safety. This certification program and associated integrated business management system form the foundation of our continuous improvement and best value system. Council successfully maintained certification following an annual surveillance audit held in July-August 2012 with Council’s current certification body, Global-Mark Pty Ltd.

The organisational systems related to Best Value Plus (Banyule Management

System) were reviewed and maintained to ensure ongoing certification. This

included providing support to the Steering Committee and Working Group,

facilitating the Internal Audit Program, maintaining system documentation and

communication, facilitating training to relevant staff members, liaising with external

auditors and assisting with the close-out of audit findings. The BMS was reviewed

and actions loaded into Council’s Interplan system (planning and reporting system)

to track progress.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Reporting,

Council participated in the Victorian Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey for 2013 (CSS 2013), co-ordinated by the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD). This was the second year of the re-vamped survey, which builds further on the 14 previous years in which Banyule City Council has participated in the all-Council State-wide survey. Banyule City Council continued to deliver strong results, with relatively high performance in most of the measured service areas, against a background of generally stable (and some decreased) result levels across the sector. Banyule’s 2012-2013 targets for the CSI measures were based on: Of the respondents that were able to provide a rating, 60% provided a rating of average or better (ie. average, good or very good), in accordance with the scale provided by the DPCD. The results for the core measures were as follows:

Overall performance of Council (performance): 93%

Customer service (performance): 91%

Community consultation and engagement (performance): 81%

Advocacy /Lobbying on behalf of the community (performance): 78%

Overall Council Direction: 91% The targets and actual results for CSI measures are also provided in terms of the CSI scores and are shown in ( ) brackets. These are listed for comparison with the average results for the Inner Group, and with the State-wide average. Banyule’s CSI score for ‘Overall performance’ (68) in the CSS 2013 was higher than the Inner Group average (66) and significantly higher than the State-wide average (60). Banyule also scored strongly in the following core performance measures:

‘Customer service’ (78) – this was significantly higher than the Inner Group average (73) and significantly higher than the State-wide average (71)

‘Overall Council direction’ (57) – this is significantly higher than the State-wide average (53) and higher than the average for the Inner Group (55).

In comparison to the Inner Group average, Council scored higher for three of the five core performance measures: significantly higher for ‘Customer service’ and higher for ‘Overall performance’ and ‘Overall Council direction’. Banyule has scored significantly higher than the State-wide average for the same three core measures, and scored equal to the State-wide average for ‘Community consultation and engagement.’

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Reporting,



Residents were asked to rate a range of Council services for importance (as a responsibility for Council) and also Council’s performance on those same services over the last 12 months. Residents rated ‘Waste management’ (82), ‘Elderly support services’ (78) and ‘The condition of local streets and footpaths’ (78), as the highest in importance. Council’s performance was rated highest on ‘Waste management’ (79) and ‘Recreational facilities’ (75). The results showed that ‘Waste management’ is considered the most important service area and is also Council’s highest performing area. Importance ratings often exceed perceived performance ratings in most areas. Banyule’s results across the selected range of service performance measures (18 service categories) were solid. When compared with the target of 60% of respondents providing a rating of average or better (ie. average, good or very good), Banyule’s results included:

for 11 out of the 18 categories measured, the percentage of respondents providing a rating of average or better was between 90% and 96%

for 5 of the 18 categories the percentage of respondents providing a rating of average or better was between 80% and 89%

for 2 of the 18 categories the percentage was 78% and 79%. Council’s results also compared favourably with the Inner Group and State-wide results for the selected range of service performance measures. A summary of the results is as follows:

Banyule’s results were higher than or equal to the Inner Group average in 14 of the 18 service categories measured, and only one point lower than the average in a further three categories.

In comparison with the State-wide average, Banyule’s results were higher than or equal in 15 of the 18 categories measured, and only one point lower than the average in a further two categories.

Banyule’s results were significantly higher than the Inner Group average for: ‘Waste Management’, ‘General Town Planning Policy’ and ‘Traffic Management’. Strong comparative results were also obtained for: ‘Recreational Facilities’, ‘Environmental Sustainability’, ‘Planning and Building Permits’, and ‘Enforcement of local laws.’

In comparison with the State-wide average, Banyule’s results were significantly higher for: ‘Environmental sustainability’, ‘Waste management’, ‘Recreational Facilities’, and ‘Local Streets and Footpaths.’ Strong comparative results were also obtained for: ‘General Town Planning Policy’, ‘Enforcement of Local Laws’, and ‘Disadvantaged Support Services’.

Banyule’s service performance scores were highest for: ‘Waste management,’ ‘Recreational facilities,’ ‘The appearance of public areas,’ and ‘Art centres and libraries.’

Banyule incorporated two further questions in the survey (CSS 2013). This enables Banyule to continue to monitor Council’s performance and to gain additional information about the important measures of: how safe people feel in Banyule, and how connected to the community they feel. These tailored questions were based on a rating scale. For ‘Percentage of people who feel safe in Banyule’ there was strong satisfaction with local safety, with a result of 97%. For ‘Percentage of people who feel they ‘belong’ in Banyule’, a strong result of 83% was maintained in 2012-2013.

(Continued)

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Reporting,



Council partially Implemented MAV Step Program for Planning process

improvement The planning department continues to participate in this program.

The principles and process approach to workflows of the program are taken into

consideration when exploring and developing individual business planning actions.

Banyule developed a system to allow on-line applications for building permits and

an interactive website. This system is 95% complete with implementation likely by

the end of June 2013

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Reporting,

Council has focussed on organisational performance with the maintenance and

development of appropriate reporting systems. The new City Plan 2013-17 and

Budget 2013-14 are based on the extensive community engagement program

undertaken in 2012-2013 and Councillor and staff input. These documents include

a KPI set based on a continuation of the new and reviewed set developed last

year. This offers improved alignment between planning and reporting, and

responds to changes in the DPCD Community Satisfaction Survey for 2012 and

2013, and findings in the VAGO report. The documentation for the Budget

2013-2014 has been further progressed and presented in the new model format in

line with industry best practice.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Reporting,

Council co-ordinated the transition to ‘Interplan’ and further developed the

system to improve action planning and reporting processes (with a focus on risk

management, project management and prioritisation). The Interplan Core module

has been implemented and is now self-hosted which has improved the speed and

login requirements.

Work commenced during 2012-2013 to develop an Integrated Project

Management module (IPM) as part of the system. When finalised, IPM will be used

in future to assist the organisation to prioritise and manage Capital Works

projects (and replace the new works and services reporting system). A Risk

Management module has also been further developed as part of the Interplan

system during 2012-2013, to assist in managing organisational risks (corporate and

service unit level).

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Reporting,



6.7 Apply sound risk management principles and practices

A collaborative work plan has been established to improve safety and promote

safety culture within Banyule Leisure Facility Management (BLFM). This included

assisting with training, participating in weekly OHS meetings, and implementing an

OHS Bulletin.

The Risk Management Team has worked with the Leisure and Culture team to

deliver effective management and public, contractor, volunteer and staff safety for

successful festivals and events.

In addition the Risk team has worked with Early Years Services to look into the

design and development of nappy change benches in order to minimise ergonomic

and manual handling hazards to staff, and reduce the risk of children suffering an

injury from a fall.

Council has continued to work with its injury management consultant to assist

with workplace injuries, training and education, and hazard minimisation for

ergonomic/task-related activities resulting in consistent processes and reduced

injuries.

Council in partnership with Deakin University has undertaken to a study into

identifying and measuring musculoskeletal stresses placed on the body resulting

from the tasks performed by HACC (Home and Community Care) workers. This

information will be used to inform reviews and changes of procedures, task

scheduling, and assist with recruitment, retaining current employees, and returning

injured staff to work. The study promises to lead change across the HACC

sector, and has possible applications for all manual tasks across Council.

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Banyule successfully applied for a grant for a WorkSafe health grant to supplement

and enhance proposed health and wellbeing activities in 2013/14 as well as forming

an effective partnership with Corporate Bodies International to develop and

deliver a staff health and wellbeing program.

Proactive health initiatives continue to be delivered to staff, including workplace

health checks, mental health awareness sessions, drug and alcohol awareness

sessions, expanding fruit box deliveries across more staff sites, to encourage

healthy eating, and continuing to provide an Employee Assistance Program in

collaboration with D’Accord.

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Council developed and implemented a Corporate Risk Register on ‘Interplan’ to

capture, monitor and address our key strategic risks. Further work will be

undertaken in 2013-2014 to refine the system, register and reporting.

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Reporting



6.8 Provide effective support to enable good governance and accountable leadership

Council continued to prepare monthly reports for Senior Management providing

information on the status of a Council resolution and the actions undertaken in

relation to the resolution. This helps Senior Management monitor the actions

undertaken and the actions that still require follow-up.

A new report was developed and is reported to Council quarterly on Councillor

motions. The report includes the status of the Council resolution and the

progress of the actions undertaken in relation to the resolution. This keeps

Councillors and members of the public informed on progress of key items.

A new process has been introduced at Council meetings to capture questions

arising from the Council Meeting Public forum (the informal question time before

the meeting). This enables questions and queries that cannot be answered at the

meeting to be documented. Once a month Councillors are updated on the

progress of such questions that were taken on notice from the Council meeting.

Rollout of hand-held technology for Councillors has reduced the requirement for

hardcopies of Agendas, Minutes and briefing notes. This ensures Councillors have

access to the most up to date information. On Ordinary Agendas and Minutes

alone we have saved 29,886 pages of paper.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Reporting,

Council successfully managed the 2012 Council Election to ensure open and

transparent processes and encourage a broad range of candidates and increased

level of community participation in the deciding of the elected Council.

Further information related to the Council Election and governance aspects

related to the Council is outlined in the highlights listed for Objective 5

Participation, in key direction 5.1 - Plan and engage with our community. This

includes details related to the following highlights:

Implementation of post-election activities, including statutory

requirements and induction of Councillors.

Reviewed and improved governance systems, processes, training and

education

Reviewed The Election Caretaker Guidelines

Preparation and Planning for the General Election in October 2012

Conducted and supervised the election contract.

Developed an Induction Program for Councillors

Developed Expanded Governance Practice notes

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Reporting,

Council commenced the review of the General Local Law to improve the amenity

and liveability at Banyule. Initial planning was conducted, and Internal Steering

Committee is being established and internal consultation has commenced. The

project will continue in 2013-2014.

Community

Consultation,

Responsiveness,

Accessibility,

Continuous

Improvement,



6.9 Plan and manage Banyule’s physical assets

Asset management plans for the city’s roads, pathways, bridges, drainage,

playgrounds, open space and buildings have been updated or completed.

Council’s commitments to direct development towards appropriate locations,

encourage good design, and maximise the value of Council’s existing assets,

continue to be implemented.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Fleet Management Services continued to provide a cost effective fleet through the

purchase of suitable vehicles and plant, and by ensuring appropriate maintenance

and programmed replacement. The timely and responsive maintenance service

ensures maximum utilisation and minimal downtime, for Council’s fleet, small

equipment, and the Waste Recovery Centre.

Council continued to review its Fleet Policy and the organisation vehicle list,

expanding the availability of smaller, more environmentally efficient vehicles. It

continued to evaluate new vehicle technologies and fuel options to help improve

Council’s transport carbon footprint and operating cost.

In addition, Banyule’s Fleet Management team:

Undertook workshop environment assessment (air quality, lighting) and

implemented improvement measures to increase safety of staff.

Continued to transition trucks to Euro 5 diesel technology.

Purchased a filter crusher to improve workshop waste recycling.

The team also reviewed light fleet management actions and recommend options

for improving financial sustainability. Currently fleet is being retained longer to

reduce depreciation losses. Smaller cars have replaced large cars in many instances

thus reducing capital investment. As fleet is replaced, more fuel efficient vehicles

are introduced into the fleet, reducing running costs. LPGas is considered (in

consultation with customers) with each purchase, instead of petrol or diesel .

Better utilisation is investigated with every replacement vehicle and plant item.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

Council commenced work on developing a strategic stormwater network capacity

assessment for one catchment. A tender was awarded and the contract

progressing well. Contract extended to include stormwater modelling of the

entire municipality with priority areas included. The project is to be completed

2013-2014

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Quality and Cost

Standards,



Banyule’s Street Sweeping and Cleansing Services team delivered a range of

activities in 2012-2013, including:

Undertook clean-up of dumped rubbish and implemented preventative

measures for further dumping where possible.

Implemented technology to improve investigation of drainage assets.

Continued to deliver a quality service to Banyule residents, with a focus on:

Maintaining roads, drains and other installations to a standard which

ensures public safety and protects the natural environment.

Providing a responsive and effective street sweeping and cleansing service

to the streets, drains, shopping areas and public conveniences, and

maintaining these assets with the required high level of cleanliness.

Provided a comprehensive service, including the following:

Twice-weekly mechanical sweeping of roads and gutters, car parks and

laneways associated with major shopping centres. Other shopping centres

and residential streets were swept on a five-weekly cycle, and sweeping in

industrial areas was conducted on a three-weekly cycle.

Additional resources to assist the mechanical street sweeper for the 8-12

week autumn program, for leaf collection in designated streets.

Inspection and maintenance of stormwater pits and drains - with trouble

spots serviced four times a year, and pits and drains (including those

located in easements) cleaned in response to customer requests.

Conducted clearance of litter from shopping centres, Council litter bins

and specified main roads.

Conducted cleaning of Council’s public toilet blocks and barbeques

Undertook cleaning and waste collection at Festivals (eg. Banyule Festival

events, Boulevard Christmas Lights).

Responded to emergency callouts – continued to respond to out of hours

requests requiring urgent attention.

Banyule achieved a result of 71 for ‘The Appearance of Public Areas

(performance)’ in the State Government’s Annual Community Satisfaction Survey

2013. The result of 71 was similar to the Inner Group (72) and equal to the State-

wide average.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Accessibility,

Community

Consultation,

Quality and Cost

Standards,

6.10 Manage our financial resources in a sustainable manner

The Financial Services team has prepared relevant financial information for the

new City Plan 2013-2017 and for Banyule’s Annual Report for year ended

30/06/2013.

The team worked with Councillors and management to review and prepare

Council’s 2013-2014 Budget. They also worked closely with Communications and

Business Services business units, to enhance and improve the new format of

Council’s Budget for 2013-2014 using the model budget guidelines.

The Financial Services team continued to support service units with a focus on

increasing specific expert advice on budget information that may be utilised for

whole of life asset costing and service specific planning. It also provided

organisational advice on rating strategies and financial implications around

infrastructure funding.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Accessibility,



Long term budget modelling was undertaken through the year and included

options on superannuation debt funding, an updated rating strategy and strategic

advice on closing the renewal gap.

Finance in partnership with other areas of Council, has established finance for the

purchase of the school sites in Heidelberg West.

Responsiveness,

Continuous

Improvement,

Community

Consultation,

Accessibility,

The Procurement team has continued to provide education and support for

procurement activities and contract management for service units. Monitoring of

adherence to the Procurement Policy and the Procurement and Contract

Guidelines (based on legislative requirements under S186 of the Local Government

Act 1989) has continued and been reported to management as required.

The Procurement team has continued to provide management reporting on

services and contracts on a regular basis and as required.

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

Reporting,

A draft leasing policy was presented to Council and further consultation will occur

with stakeholders in 2013-2014 to finalise the policy framework.

Community

Consultation,

Continuous

Improvement,

Responsiveness,

annual report 2012 - 2013 best value section

Documents

best value report

best value principles

councils services

best value section

disability services

aged services

best value response

best value legislation