chairman: cr ken keith, mayor, parkes shire council agenda...

Agenda

Board Members in bold

It is advised that the next Centroc Board meeting will be held Thursday 23 May 2013 in Parliament House in the Waratah Room 8.30am for a 9.00am start. Tea and coffee on arrival and all refreshments will be provided. Dinner on the evening Wednesday 22 May has been reserved at the Aesop’s Restaurant located at 131 Macquarie Street Sydney. The venue has been booked for 7.00pm for a 7.30 start. Please contact Jenny Bennett on 0428 690 935 with any queries.

Agenda Centroc Board Meeting 23 May 2013

Cr M Morse Bathurst Regional Council Cr K Keith Parkes Shire Council

Mr D Sherley Bathurst Regional Council Mr K Boyd Parkes Shire Council

Cr S Ferguson Blayney Council Cr J Shaw Upper Lachlan Shire

Mr G Wilcox Blayney Council Mr J Bell Upper Lachlan Shire

Cr W Tuckerman Boorowa Shire Council Cr M Liebich Weddin Shire Council

Ms T Manns Boorowa Shire Council Mr T Lobb Weddin Shire Council

Cr I Gosper Cabonne Shire Council Cr R Buhr Wellington Council

Mr A Hopkins Cabonne Shire Council Mr M Tolhurst Wellington Council

Cr G Braddon Central Tablelands Water Cr S Freudenstein Young Shire Council

Mr T Perry Central Tablelands Water Mr P Vlatko Young Shire Council

Cr B West Cowra Shire Council Mr B Steffen Forbes Shire Council

Mr P Devery Cowra Shire Council Ms S Rabey RDA

Cr R Penny Forbes Shire Council Mr S Morrison RDA

Cr P Miller Forbes Shire Council Cr Keith Rhodes Local Government NSW

Cr C Manchester Harden Shire Council Mr Jason Collins Dept Premier and Cabinet

Mr M Kershaw Harden Shire Council Ms J Bennett Centroc

Cr D Manwaring Lachlan Shire Council Ms L Burgett Centroc

Ms L Collyer Lachlan Shire Council Ms M Macpherson Centroc

Cr M Statham Lithgow City Council Ms L Chapman Centroc

Mr R Bailey Lithgow City Council

Cr J McMahon Oberon Shire Council

Mr A Cairney Oberon Shire Council For Information

Cr J Davis Orange City Council Ms A Thomas Centroc

Mr G Styles Orange City Council Ms V Page Centroc

Centroc Forbes Shire Council

PO Box 333 Forbes NSW 2871

Phone: 0428 690 935 Email: [email protected]

Chairman: Cr Ken Keith, Mayor, Parkes Shire Council

Centroc Board Meeting – 23 May 2013 page 2

Agenda

Attendees – Please contact Jenny on 0428 690 935 if the list is incorrect

Council Aesop’s/Parliament Parliament only 1 Bathurst Mr David Sherley

2 Bathurst Cr Monica Morse

3 Blayney Mr Glen Wilcox

4 Blayney Cr Scott Ferguson

5 Boorowa Ms Therese Manns

6 Boorowa Cr Wendy Tuckerman

7 Cabonne Mr Andrew Hopkins

8 Cabonne Cr Ian Gosper

9 Cabonne Cr Lachie Macsmith

10 Cowra Mr Paul Devery

11 Cowra Cr Bill West

12 Forbes Mr Brian Steffen

13 Forbes Cr Ron Penny

14 Forbes Cr Phyllis Miller

15 Lithgow Mr Roger Bailey

16 Lithgow Cr Maree Statham

17 Lithgow Cr Ray Thompson

18 Lachlan Ms Liz Collyer (and spouse for dinner)

19 Lachlan Cr Des Manwaring (and spouse for dinner)

20 Lachlan Cr John Medcalf

21 Oberon Mr Alan Cairney

22 Oberon Cr John McMahon

23 Orange Mr Garry Styles

24 Orange Cr John Davis

25 Parkes Cr Ken Keith

26 Parkes Mr Kent Boyd

27 Upper Lachlan Mr Phil Newham

28 Upper Lachlan Cr Jo Marshall

29 Wellington Cr Rod Buhr

30 Wellington Mr Michael Tolhurst

31 Weddin Cr Mark Liebich

32 Weddin Mr Trevor Lobb

33 Young Mr Peter Vlatko

34 Young Cr Stuart Freudenstein

35 CTW Mr Tony Perry

36 CTW Cr Geoff Braddon

37 Centroc Ms Jennifer Bennett

38 Centroc Ms Meredith Macpherson

39 Centroc Ms Lee Chapman

40 Centroc Ms Laura Burgett

41 Dept Premier and Cabinet Mr Jason Collins

42 Local Government NSW Cr Keith Rhodes (President)

43 Member for Orange Mr Andrew Gee

44 Member for Bathurst Mr Paul Toole

45 Member for Dubbo Mr Troy Grant

46 Member for Burrinjuck TBC

Dinner Total 39

Attendees Parliament Total 46

Please see advice overleaf regarding State representatives attending lunch and morning tea


Agenda

TIME SLOT SESSION STATUS

8.30 - 9.00 ROOM SETUP

9.00 – 9.20 WELCOME – Cr Keith

9.20 – 9.45

MORNING TEA State Representative Acceptances:

The Hon Mike Baird MP, Treasurer

The Hon Robyn Parker MP, Minister for Environment &

Heritage

The Hon Andrew Constance MP, Minister for Ageing &

Disability

Paul Toole MP, Member for Bathurst

Andrew Gee MP, Member for Orange

9.45 – 10.20 Opening of CENTROC The Hon Andrew Stoner MP Deputy Premier

Confirmed

10.20 – 10.40 The Hon Chris Hartcher MP Minister for Resources and Energy

Confirmed

10.40 – 11.00 The Hon Brad Hazzard MP Minister for Planning and Infrastructure

Confirmed

11.00 – 11.20 The Hon Jillian Skinner MP Minister for Health

Confirmed

11.20 – 11.40 The Hon Duncan Gay MP Minister for Roads and Ports

Confirmed

11.40 – 12.00 BREAK

12.00 – 12.20 The Hon Don Page MP Minister for Local Government

Confirmed 12.20 – 12.40

12.40 – 1.00 The Hon George Souris MP Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for the Arts

Confirmed

1.15 – 2.00

LUNCH

The Hon Greg Smith MP, Attorney General

Chief of Staff, Attorney General, Damien Tudehope

Paul Toole MP, Member for Bathurst

Andrew Gee MP, Member for Orange

The Hon George Souris for a short period

2.00 - 3.30 Normal Business of the Centroc Board (see agenda following)


Agenda

3.40 – 4.00 The Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP Minister for Primary Industries and Small Business

Confirmed

4.00 – 4.20 The Hon Kevin Humphries MP Minister for Mental Health & Healthy Lifestyles Minister for Western NSW

Confirmed

4.20 – 4.40 The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP Minister for Transport

Confirmed

4.40 – 5.00 CLOSE MEETING


Agenda

1 Welcome

2 Apologies

3 Speakers

4 Minutes WHITE ..................................................................................................................... 12 4a Confirmation of the Minutes of the GMAC meeting 18 April 2013 .......................................................................... 12 4b Confirmation of the Minutes of the Board meeting 28 February 2013 .................................................................... 16 5 Business Arising from the Minutes WHITE .............................................................................. 20 5a Action List ................................................................................................................................................................. 20 6 Correspondence .................................................................................................................... 28 6a Incoming Correspondence GREEN ............................................................................................................................ 28 6b Outgoing Correspondence BLUE ............................................................................................................................... 32 15 May 2013 The Hon Tony Burke MP ..................................................................................................................................... 34 Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities ..................................................................... 34 7 Reports YELLOW .................................................................................................................... 35 7a Transport Infrastructure including the Bells Line of Road ........................................................................................ 35 Report by Jennifer Bennett 13/05/13 ...................................................................................................................................... 35 7b Water Infrastructure ................................................................................................................................................. 40 Report by Meredith Macpherson dated 13/05/13 ................................................................................................................... 40 7c Environmental Sustainability .................................................................................................................................... 49 Report by Jennifer Bennett dated 3/5/13 ................................................................................................................................ 49 7d Health ....................................................................................................................................................................... 59 Report by Jennifer Bennett dated 10/05/13 ............................................................................................................................ 59 7e Telecommunications................................................................................................................................................. 63 Report by Jennifer Bennett dated 14/05/13 ............................................................................................................................ 63 7f Regional Development ............................................................................................................................................. 66 Report by Jennifer Bennett dated 14/05/13 ............................................................................................................................ 66 7g Operational Report ................................................................................................................................................... 72 Report by Lee Chapman and Laura Burgett dated 07/05/13 ................................................................................................... 72 7h Stone Fruits Report ................................................................................................................................................... 79 Report by Paul Bennett Director of Environmental Services Forbes Shire Council dated 16/4/13 .......................................... 79 7i Planning Report ........................................................................................................................................................ 80 Report by Jennifer Bennett dated 16/05/13 ............................................................................................................................ 80 7j Tourism Report ......................................................................................................................................................... 88 Report by Jennifer Bennett dated 16/05/13 ............................................................................................................................ 88 7k Financial Report ........................................................................................................................................................ 90 Report by Jennifer Bennett & Ann Thomas dated 8/5/13 ........................................................................................................ 90 8 The Centroc acronyms and glossary guide PURPLE .................................................................. 94 9 General Discussion items

10 Other matters raised by Members

Upper Lachlan - Community Transport

Weddin - Cowra Rail Line

11 Speakers to the next meeting

12 Next Meetings

GMAC - 25 July – 9.30am – Orange

Board – 22 August – 9.30am -Young

Mr Kent Boyd - Secretary Treasurer


Agenda

Please find below the advice provided to Ministers based on feedback received from members, the Executive have requested some suggested questions and these will be tabled on the day.

The Hon Andrew Stoner MP Deputy Premier Hot topics

1. Decade of Decentralisation – the region is very supportive of this idea and have put in a

submission to the process which can be found at where is this at

http://centroc.com.au/largefileuploads/Centroc_Submission_Decentralisation_final.pdf

Where is this process up to? 2. Given that “regions” in the NSW Transport Masterplan include the Central Coast,

Wollongong and Newcastle, and that the Government has made election commitments to

the “regions” what is the current thinking in government with regard to what is a region and

where the spend and efforts for “the regions” will go?

3. Regional Action Plans – we are very appreciative of the process and looking forward to

process improvement and are keen to be involved. We are working with DPC can you please

support this as it will reduce duplication.

4. Managing the potential conflicts in some parts of the region between shooting in State

Forests and the impact this has on other forest users including tourists i.e. bushwalkers,

mushroomers, fossickers, bike riders etc and adjoining landholders.

The Hon Chris Hartcher MP Minister for Resources and Energy Hot topics

1. Councils are having problems with getting any answers from the electricity industry around

SLUOUS charges.

2. Wind farm guidelines. Where are they up to?

3. State Significant Development Projects, especially energy generating projects, which are

usually determined by the Minister for Planning - it is recognised that in some circumstances

minor improvements are made to public infrastructure directly affected by the proposed

energy generating development, e.g. road repairs, but unfortunately there are no ongoing

contributions towards other community infrastructure/facilities.

Such major projects generally only provide nominal continuing employment opportunities and contribute minimally to local communities in the long-term and an ongoing developers contribution would, at least, ensure come level of commitment is made to the local communities. Can this be resolved?

4. There are major projects in the region such as the TRUenergy Gas Fired Power Station

development modification at Dalton and Marulan. It now appears that until the NSW State

Government settles the issue of the privatisation of its energy industry assets, that this

http://centroc.com.au/largefileuploads/Centroc_Submission_Decentralisation_final.pdf


Agenda

project will sit on the shelf awaiting the outcome of the NSW Government’s

deliberations. Where are these up to?

5. Upper Lachlan Shire reports concern at the amount of time planning and engineering staff

have been compelled to spend on the 11 wind farm projects and the 4 gas fired power

generator projects within the Shire Council area. Council is alarmed at the current adverse

effects and substantially increased workload on Council’s professional staff with respect to

the investigation and preparation of appropriate submissions regarding the numerous state

significant infrastructure projects within the Upper Lachlan Shire Council Local Government

Area, with no commensurate development application fees being received by Council –

Planning and Engineering staff are spending up to 33% of their time working with alternative

energy generation companies regarding their applications and associated road issues.

Accordingly Council is requesting that a proportion of the DA fees paid for various State

Significant Developments within the Upper Lachlan Shire be forwarded to Council to allow an

increase in professional staff levels to deal with these developments and their ongoing

demands.

The Hon Brad Hazzard MP Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Hot topics

1. EP&A Act review the Minister may wish to give update on the White Paper and its impacts on

this region - which is not a high growth area.

2. Wind farm guidelines where are they up to? The Hon Don Page, Minister for Local Government Hot topics An update on the Destination 2036 Strategy from the Minister’s perspective in relation to:

The Local Government Act Review (noting our particular interest in facilitating

regional procurement);

The reports from the Independent Panel where there is keen interest in this region in

the most recent report outlining the Panel’s view on the 20 steps to stronger local

government;

Water utilities;

Rate capping and

New Code of Conduct.


Agenda

The Hon Jillian Skinner MP Minister for Health Hot topics

1. Update on the state response to the 24 Hour Helicopter Service.

2. The recruitment of health workforce is an ongoing problem for this region where, in particular members continue to report shortages of GPs. The region is seeking advice on:

a. What new actions (in the past 2 years) have been put in place to attract and retain

health workforce in Central NSW and

b. Given the need in the region to ‘grow our own’ health workforce and the interest from universities in growing centres for medical workforce training, can the State suggest strategies to grow doctor and medical workforce training placements in NSW hospitals in the region?

3. Update on hospital upgrades and capital works in the region.

4. Members are raising concerns regarding the use of emergency services in the region where a

recent car accident near Bathurst had one ambulance going to Lithgow, past the Bathurst hospital and the other to Orange. Why not use Bathurst Hospital?

The Hon Duncan Gay MP Minister for Roads and Ports Hot topics

1. Thank you for the ongoing support to secure the corridor for a safe swift link between Sydney and Central NSW along the Bells Line alignment as well as the safety upgrades in the mean time. Having reviewed the advice provided to Paul Toole regarding the next steps, the region understands that concurrent with the safety upgrades, a Route Options Study is to commence later this year. Regarding this Study the region is keen for: a. The terms of reference for the route Options Study including a surveyed preferred route

ready for preservation. b. Bells Line east corridor component be from Bilpin to the M7 where the whole corridor is

preserved over time. The sooner, the cheaper given the growth on the north west of Sydney.

c. A seat at the table at steering committee level and suggest WSROC Councils also have a seat.

d. The terms of reference for the Steering Committee be at a more “direct steering” level than at the helicopter level of the Steering Committee for the Bells Line Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan.

e. Include time frames.

2. Timber bridges funding update. While members appreciate the Bridges for the Bush Program and the recent funding of the Tarengo Bridge in Boorowa, there are other bridges in this region that are not included in the Bridges for the Bush Program as it stands. Of interest is some strategic work undertaken by Councils are showing bridges that are of an as high or higher priority.

3. What is the timeline for the regional transport plan for Central NSW? What does the Minister

understand will be Local Government’s involvement in this process?


Agenda

4. High Productivity Vehicles over the Blue Mountains. Currently these are being approved individually. Oberon has had on ongoing issue with one of its businesses trucking material into Sydney.

5. Blayney to Demondrille Line – update.

6. Ensuring the retention of the single invitation maintenance contract – update please.

7. Oberon Council is seeking a levy for forestry products which have a major impact on the local

haulage routes, specifically for local roads which were not originally designed or constructed

to accommodate the heavy burden and increase in weight and traffic volumes on these

roads. What is the Minister’s view?

8. Ensuring funding for sealing and maintenance of State Roads, for example Main Road 54 where Upper Lachlan Shire Council provide the following advice- the road carries a variety of traffic which is increasing due to the operation of the Central West Livestock Exchange at Carcoar (much of the livestock produced in Upper Lachlan Shire is sold through that facility) in addition to local, regional business and tourist traffic. Other members provide advice that the reclassification of roads from State to Local is in effect transferring the costs from State to Local Government.

The Hon George Souris MP Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for the Arts Hot topics

1. Managing the potential conflicts in some parts of the region between shooting in State

Forests and the impact this has on other forest users particularly tourists i.e. bushwalkers,

mushroomers, fossickers, bike riders etc and adjoining landholders.

2. Update on the new Destination NSW funding program.

The Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP Minister for Primary Industries and Small Business Hot topics

1. The delivery of the full suite of Best Practice Plans has been a priority of the Centroc Water Utilities’ Alliance (CWUA). The CWUA are nearing completion of the first suite of strategic work in delivering 100% best practice compliance with the majority of plans now approved by the NSW Office of Water (NOW). The NOW approval process has involved sometimes long delays in plan approvals with the turnaround on IWCM approval at least 12 weeks and longer. Concerns regarding delays, inconsistencies and at times seeking onerous reworks on Best Practice Plans from NOW have been raised in correspondence and also at a meeting with NOW on 5 December 2012. These delays have ramifications for the development of the


Agenda

Strategic Business and other plans as well as levels of compliance. Consultants are also now starting to factor these issues into pricing.

General consensus is that NOW places pressures on Councils to meet Best Practice requirements and yet there is no requirement on the part of NOW to respond in a timely and considered manner. CWUA seeks a process that will see NOW approvals completed within 3 months.

To minimise costs and maximise efficiencies for Councils the CWUA seeks a process review for Best Practice that:

a. Supports Centroc’s intentions to procure strategic work collectively; and b. Recognises that there is a great deal of work required for NOW officers and suggests

other models, for example independent audit.

The CWUA has requested that a process review for Best Practice encompasses guidelines for the lodgement of plans to enable members to lodge draft plans with NOW for approval prior to them being submitted to Council. Under this proposal once plans are approved by NOW, members would submit them to Council where NOW understands that as part of Council’s ownership of the plan they may want to make some changes. It is suggested that should this process be adopted a mechanism be put in place that will enable feedback to NOW if Councils make amendments.

2. The CWUA recognises the pressure on NOW with respect to the process review for Best Practice and is keen to work with NOW to look at alternative models. In particular the CWUA would like to see a process that will allow the updating of the Demand Management Plan as a regional exercise rather than one that individual Councils have to undertake every two years.

3. The uncertainty around the Country Towns Water and Sewer Program remains a concern.

Councils with projects remaining in the approved program have no certainty around the quantum or availability of financial subsidy. Councils are required to have 20-30year financial plans, however, no advanced advice can be provided on the quantum or availability of financial subsidy by the State under this program.

4. Secure Yield Modeling using existing Centroc Water Security Study - NOW has conducted

studies that indicate that LWUs face varying levels of threat to system yield from projected

impacts of climate variability over the next 30 years and that these impacts will be highest

for inland utilities in mid and southern NSW resulting in approximately a 30 percent

reduction in yield. This reduction in yield differs from those identified by the Centroc Water

Security Study.

NOW have draft guidelines for secure yield modeling for dams in the context of climate change.

The CWUA is seeking to progress the next steps which revolve around using the existing work undertaken through the Centroc Water Security Study rather than every member Council having to undertake this work. Centroc has been advised that the Climate Change Secure Yield Modeling is still with the Minister. We need to follow this up with NOW as to status of these Guidelines.


Agenda

5. Where there are concerns regarding the closing of CMAs in communities like Forbes and

Cowra where the knock on effects in the community are marked and needs and the region

LLS update.

The Hon Kevin Humphries MP Minister for Mental Health & Healthy Lifestyles Hot topics

1. Second stage road program.

2. Please also find the balance of the advice provided to Minister regarding this region.

The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP Minister for Transport

1. What is the timeline for the regional transport plan for Central NSW? What does the Minister understand will be Local Government’s involvement in this process?

2. Oberon Council is seeking a levy for forestry products which have a major impact on the local

haulage routes, specifically for local roads which were not originally designed or constructed

to accommodate the heavy burden and increase in weight and traffic volumes on these

roads. This may have further regional impacts as blue gum forests go in.

3. Inland Rail Corridor Melbourne to Brisbane.

4. Blayney to Demondrille Line – update

5. Ensuring regional slots at Kingsford Smith are retained.


Minutes and Matters in Progress

4 Minutes WHITE 4a Confirmation of the Minutes of the GMAC meeting 18 April 2013 Meeting opened 10:05 Chaired by Kent Boyd Attendance

Mr D Sherley Bathurst Regional Council Ms S Rabey RDA

Mr G Wilcox Blayney Shire Council Mr S Morrison RDA

Ms T Manns Boorowa Council Mr J Collins DPC

Mr A Hopkins Cabonne Council Ms J Bennett Centroc

Mr T Perry Central Tablelands Water Ms M Macpherson Centroc

Mr P Devery Cowra Shire Council Ms L Chapman Centroc

Mr M Kershaw Harden Shire Council Ms L Burgett Centroc

Mr R Bailey Lithgow City Council

Mr A Cairney Oberon Shire Council

Mr G Styles Orange City Council

Mr K Boyd Parkes Shire Council

Mr M Tolhurst Wellington Council

Mr P Vlatko Young Shire Council

1 Welcome

2 Apologies

Mr Brian Steffen, Liz Collyer, Trevor Lobb and John Bell Resolved Mr D Sherley/Mr G Styles

That the apologies for the Centroc GMAC meeting 7 February listed above be accepted.

3 Speakers

Mr Jason Collins Department of Premier and Cabinet

4 Minutes

4a Confirmation of the Minutes of the GMAC Meeting 7 February 2013

Resolved Mr G Styles/Mr P Vlatko

That the Minutes of the Centroc GMAC Meeting 7 February 2013 held in Orange be confirmed.

4b Noting of the Minutes of the Board Meeting 28February 2013


That the Minutes of the Centroc Board Meeting 28 February 2013 held in Wellington be noted.

5 Business Arising from the Minutes – Matters in Progress


That GMAC note the matters in progress and make deletions as suggested.



6 Correspondence

6a Correspondence In


That GMAC note the incoming correspondence.

6b Correspondence Out


That GMAC note the outgoing correspondence.

7 Reports

7a Transport Infrastructure including Bells Line of Road

Resolved Mr R Bailey/Mr D Sherley

That GMAC note the Transport Infrastructure report.

7b Water Infrastructure Resolved Mr D Sherley/Mr R Bailey

1. commend the Regional Demand Management Plan to the Board; 2. commend to the Board that it write to NOW regarding the Five Year Procurement Plan advising

of Centroc’s intentions to implement the strategy and seeking the endorsement of NOW; 3. commend to the Board that it proceed with the development of a CWUA event with

a. a financial structure that will require CWUA member councils to be invoiced $350 each for which they will be entitled to send one delegate

b. additional delegates to be charged $200 for CWUA member councils and $250 for non-CWUA members

c. the balance to come out of the CWUA budget 4. note the balance of the Water Infrastructure report.

7c Environmental Report

Resolved Mr P Vlatko/Ms T Manns

That GMAC note the Environment Sustainability report.

7d Health Report

Resolved Mr G Styles/Mr P Devery

That GMAC note the Health report.

7e Telecommunications

Resolved Mr G Styles/Mr D Sherley

That GMAC note the Telecommunications Report.

7f Regional Development

Resolved Mr G styles/Mr A Hopkins

That GMAC 1. commend to the Board it nominate the Chair, Cr K Keith as delegate to the regional taskforce of

leaders to report to Government on actions that could maximise the net social and employment

benefits from mining growth; and

2. the balance of the Regional Development report be noted.



7g HR and Training Report

Resolved Mr D Sherley/Mr R Bailey

That GMAC note the HR and Training Report.

7h WHS and Risk Management Report

Resolved Mr P Devery/Mr D Sherley

That GMAC 1. continues to endorse the use of the regional Centroc Induction Card; and 2. notes the balance of the WHS and Risk Management report.

7i Supply and Management Team Report


That GMAC 1. send in a small delegation to advocate regarding the issues on electricity billing if required and 2. note the Supply Management Team report.

7j Compliance and Cost Savings Report


That GMAC 1. receive a report on opportunity in regional procurement of elections ; 2. receive a report on WSROC’s approach on energy efficient street lighting; and 3. note the balance of the Compliance and Cost Savings report

7k Regional IT and Managers Team Report

Resolved Mr G Styles/Mr A Hopkins

That GMAC note the Regional IT and Managers’ Team Report.

7l Planning Report

Resolved Mr D Sherley/Mr R Bailey

That GMAC 1. direct the Board receive a report regarding the recommendations made to the Local

Government Reform process by Mr A McCormack; 2. that the Department of Premier and Cabinet be advised that the regional priorities for State

agencies providing feedback to the Community Strategic Plans be DPI, DOP, Health, Transport and Water, Community Services and RMS; and

3. note the balance of the Planning report.

7m Tourism Report


That GMAC note the Tourism report.

7n Centroc Board meeting at Parliament House 23 May Report


That GMAC 1. provide RSVP’s to Centroc staff by the first week in May and

2. note the balance of the report.



7o Regional Directors of Corporate Services Report

Resolved Mr D Sherley/Mr G Styles

That GMAC 1. direct that the Executive receive a report on the price comparison between an external internal

auditor and a Centroc employed internal auditor; 2. receive a report from RDOCS on the management plan revision to include the RDOCS team 3. Orange, Cowra and Bathurst form the evaluation team for the Regional Code of Conduct Panel;

and 4. note the balance of the Regional Directors of Corporate Services report.

7p Financial Report


That GMAC note the Financial Report.

8 General Discussion regarding the changes to the Local Government Act

9 Matters Raised by Members

Upper Lachlan - Community Transport –referred to the Board

Weddin - Cowra Rail Line - referred to the Board

10 Next Meetings

Board – 23 May 2013 - Parliament House - Sydney GMAC - 25 July 2013 -Orange

Meeting closed at 12.35 Page 4 is the last page of the GMAC minutes for 18 April 2013



4b Confirmation of the Minutes of the Board meeting 28 February 2013

Meeting opened 10.05 Chaired by Cr K Keith Attendance Board representatives in bold

1 Welcome Cr Rod Buhr welcomed attendees to Wellington

2 Apologies Cr P Miller, Cr M Morse, Mr R Bailey, Mr T Lobb, Cr I Gosper, Mr J Collins, Mr M Kershaw, Cr C Manchester and Cr D Grant

Resolved Mr D Sherley/Cr D Manwaring

That the apologies for the Centroc Board meeting 28 February listed above be accepted.

3 Speakers

Professor Graham Sansom, Independent Review Panel

Associate Professor Gabriel Shannon, Rural Clinical School Orange

Resolved Mr Gary Styles/Mr D Sherley

That the Board lodge a submission to the Local Government Review Panel building on the work undertaken by Mr A McCormack.

4 Minutes

4a Confirmation of the Minutes of the GMAC Meeting 7 February 2013

Resolved Mr Gary Styles/Mr D Sherley

That the Minutes of the Centroc GMAC Meeting 7 February 2013 held in Orange be confirmed.

4b Confirmation of the Minutes of the Board Meeting 22 November 2012

Mr D Sherley Bathurst Regional Council Cr K Keith Parkes Shire Council

Cr K Radburn Blayney Council Mr K Boyd Parkes Shire Council

Mr G Wilcox Blayney Council Cr J Shaw Upper Lachlan Shire

Cr W Tuckerman Boorowa Shire Council Mr J Bell Upper Lachlan Shire

Ms T Manns Boorowa Shire Council Cr M Liebich Weddin Shire Council

Mr A Hopkins Cabonne Shire Council Cr R Buhr Wellington Council

Cr L MacSmith Cabonne Shire Council Mr M Tolhurst Wellington Council

Cr G Braddon Central Tablelands Water Cr S Freudenstein Young Shire Council

Cr B West Cowra Shire Council Mr P Vlatko Young Shire Council

Mr P Devery Cowra Shire Council Mr B Steffen Forbes Shire Council

Cr R Penny Forbes Shire Council Cr Jess Jennings Bathurst Regional Council

Cr D Manwaring Lachlan Shire Council Mr Andrew Muir Lithgow City Council

Ms L Collyer Lachlan Shire Council Mr Glenn Caroll Weddin Shire Council

Cr M Statham Lithgow City Council Mr Anton Franze Blayney Shire Council

Cr J McMahon Oberon Shire Council Ms D Galvin WBC

Mr A Cairney Oberon Shire Council Mr S Morrison RDA

Cr J Davis Orange City Council Ms J Bennett Centroc

Mr G Styles Orange City Council Ms M Macpherson Centroc



Resolved Cr B West/Cr J Davies

That the Minutes of the Centroc Board Meeting 22 November 2012 held in Grenfell be confirmed.

4c Noting of the AGM Minutes 22 November 2012

Resolved Mr J Bell/Cr M Statham

That the Minutes of the Centroc AGM 22 November 2012 held in Grenfell be noted where they should be amended to reflect that Mr J Bell and Cr J Shaw were not in attendance.

5 Business Arising from the Minutes – Matters in Progress


That the Board note the matters in progress and make deletions as suggested.

6 Correspondence

6a Correspondence In

Resolved Mr J Bell/Cr B West

That the Board note the incoming correspondence.

6b Correspondence Out

Resolved Cr R Penny/Cr W Tuckerman

That the Board note the outgoing correspondence.

7 Reports 7a Transport Infrastructure including Bells Line of Expressway

Resolved Mr K Boyd/Mr G Styles

That the Board 1. write to the NSW State Government expressing its disappointment in the lack of infrastructure

identified for members in the State Infrastructure Strategy for this region;

2. lodge a submission to the draft Freights and Port Strategy under the hand of the Chair; and


7b Water Infrastructure Report

Resolved Cr R Penny/Mr D Sherley

That the Board note the Water Infrastructure report.

7c Environmental Sustainability

Resolved Cr R Penny/Cr J Davies

That the Board circulate a submission developed through the Executive regarding the restructuring of Local Land Services.


That the Board 1. commend the proforma report on Revolving Energy Cost Savings Funds to members; 2. adopt the Summit Report, Distributed Energy Plan and Mentoring Tool 3. have the recommendations in the above reports implemented where possible within existing

resource; 4. direct that the balance of plans, toolkits and collateral developed under the Trust program be



approved through the Executive; 5. note advice regarding CEEP Round 1; 6. note the CEEP Round 2 grant application and send thanks to the CWUA for suggesting this approach; 7. write to the Minister for the Environment thanking her for funding the Trust Programs in Central NSW

for the past five years and outlining the ongoing benefits of the programs; and 8. note the balance of the report.

7d Health

Resolved Cr B West/Cr S Freudenstein

That the Board 1. through the Executive, lodge a submission to the Review of NSW Aeromedical (Rotary Wing) Retrieval

Services that:

a) is generally supportive though noting that 2018 is a long way into the future where the region

needs to service now;

b) is developed in consultation with Orange City Council who have access to key stakeholder advice

from health;

c) has attached letters of support from across the region and

d) provide media support to the above and



Resolved Mr G Styles/Cr J Davis

That the Board 1. write to the Federal Government regarding the emerging gap in internet provision as communities call

for more services but the NBN is not arriving fast enough and there is no provision for new connections and



Resolved Cr R Penny/Cr J Davis

That the Board 1. endorse the submission to the Decentralisation Taskforce;

2. lodge a submission on the weather radar station near Dubbo and

3. note the balance of the report

7g Operational Report

Resolved Mr A Muir/Mr D Sherley

That the Board 1. undertake a regional approach to the development of a Code of Conduct Review Panel similar to the

process being undertaken by other ROCs such as REROC and

2. note the balance of the Operational Report.



7h Planning Report

Resolved Mr D Sherley/Cr R Penny

That the Board 1. undertake advocacy to seek better engagement in the region as the State develops strategies relevant

to Central NSW; 2. advise the Department of Premier and Cabinet that the Regional Action Plan for Central NSW needs

revision to make it more factual, expressing our disappointment and 3. note the balance of the report.

7i Management Report

Resolved Cr B West/Cr R Penny

That the Management Plan and fee structure for Centroc 2013/2014 be commended to members noting it includes a 3% increase in fees and the distribution of contributions from outgoing members Harden and Wellington.

7j Centroc Population Projections

Resolved Cr B West/Cr J Davies

That the report be noted.

7k Financial Report

Resolved Cr J Davies/Mr B Steffen

That the Board note the Financial Report.

8 Matters Raised by Members

Bathurst

Resolved Mr D Sherley/Cr J Davies

That the Centroc Board 1. investigate options for supporting members in local government elections and

2. receive a report from Forbes regarding stone fruit and chemical use.

9 Speakers to the next meeting

The Executive to meet with Medicare Local as soon as practicable.

10 Next Meetings

Board - 23 May - Parliament House - Booked – being co-ordinated through Mr A Gee, Member for Orange as part of his commitments from the Centroc Summit 2012 GMAC - 18 April - Orange Meeting closed at 12.55pm Page 4 is the last page of the Board minutes for 28 February 2013



5 Business Arising from the Minutes WHITE

5a Action List

Action By Update

26511-Regional Development 1. Note progress the development of regional

development infrastructure priorities through holding a regional development infrastructure priority planning session with Economic Development Officers, engineers and interested GMS and other personnel at their direction and brief Mayors accordingly.

2. Support members’ applications to the Regional Development Australia Fund through commentary in the Centroc Priority Regional Infrastructure Plan (PRIP) develop an application under the Regional.

3. Development Australia Fund for the Centroc Regional Water Security Project recognising it is non-compliant with a view to using the document for advocacy purposes .

Ms J Bennett and Ms M Macpherson

Work has commenced on the RDAF application for water. Advice on its status can be provided to the meeting.

251111-6h-Planning Develop updated population data and advocate at the State level regarding the unacceptable figures being produced by the Department of Planning.

Ms J Bennett Draft projections to this meeting. Suggest deletion.

2212-7f-Regional Development Work with the RDACW on identifying and promoting regional infrastructure priorities.

Ms J Bennett Meetings have been held with RDA on infrastructure priorities.

2212-9a-Electricity Contract Receive a report scoping an audit of street-lighting contractual arrangements with a view to grant readiness.

Ms J Bennett and Ms L Chapman

Report scoping underway.

230212-7a-Bells Line Mr Nick Greiner and Mr Michael Deegan be met with to discuss how this might be progressed

Ms J Bennett A mutually suitable time is being sought where the Hon Duncan Gay offered to co-ordinate this, though this support has not materialised. Progress is being made by Paul Toole’s Office, please see Transport report. Suggest deletion.

230212-7b-Infrastructure 1. Review the guidelines for submission to Infrastructure

Australia with a view to seeking its support for the Centroc Regional Water Security Project.

2. Make representations to the Premier regarding the ownership of water infrastructure.

Ms M Macpherson

1. Underway 2. Premier’s office has

advised they have received the meeting request and will contact Centroc staff in due course.

Ms Macpherson following up with Premier’s office on the back of the INSW response. Suggest deletion item 2.



Action By Update

26412-General Managers requested a regional meeting be arranged for appropriate staff to consider software support options including LG Corporate Solutions to integrated planning and reporting.

Ms L Chapman Presentations at the next Directors’ of Corporate Services meeting 4 April. See advice on Directors’ of Corporate Services report. Suggest deletion

26412-6c-Environmental Sustainability Request Mr D Hines attend an Infrastructure Group meeting to provide advice on LED lighting.

Ms L Chapman Being progressed with the Compliance and Cost Savings Program. Mr Hines has provided advice he is not responsible for network and follow-up is being undertaken.

24512-6g-Operational Report 1. Receive a review of LGP’s process for tendering for

electricity on Centroc’s behalf;

2. Provide feedback to LGP regarding their tendering

process for electricity

Ms L Chapman 1.and 2. – underway meeting being scheduled with LGP.

16812 - 8a1 - Bells Line of Expressway Request a meeting between the Executive of Centroc and Mr Paul Toole, Member for Bathurst be requested.

Ms J Bennett Meeting held. See Transport Infrastructure report. Suggest deletion.

11112-7a-Bells Line of Expressway Review advice from the Federal Government regarding the commitment of $5m for transport studies for the region with a view to advocating to ensure the remaining $3.5m remains committed.

Ms J Bennett Correspondence sent. Please find attached to transport infrastructure report. Suggest deletion.

11112-7c-Water Infrastructure Seek a report on further investigation of the recommendations in the “First Things First” Strategy to develop a second Fish River storage in the Macquarie catchment and a new Carcoar dam in the Lachlan catchment.

Ms M Macpherson

Underway.

11112-7j-Supply and Management Team Report 1. Review the fuel tender process to increase cost benefit

while retaining compliance; 2. Request the new General Manager of Lachlan, upon

appointment, give consideration to the role of sponsoring General Manager for Supply.

Ms L Chapman 1. Underway where the concerns raised by the region have been communicated to the Minister for Local Government, who has responded. For further advice please see the planning report.

2. Ms Collyer has declined. Please see Operations Report.

11112-7o-Communications Report Seek advice from the Communications Group on forward programming for this initiative.

Ms J Bennett Chair of group advises meeting being scheduled for after Easter.



Action By Update

221112-7a-Bells Line of Road 1. Write to the Transport Minister stating that

a. Centroc express its disappointment in the outcome of the Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan;

b. Centroc continues to call for the urgent identification and reservation of a proposed Bells Line of Road route from the M7 to Kurrajong Heights and

c. Centroc strongly object to the transfer of the $3.5M for outstanding transport commitments for the Central West to other areas.

2. Endorse BLEG delegates actions in approaching WSROC councils with a view to securing their support for the corridor.

Ms J Bennett Letters sent, follow-up advice provided on the meeting with WSROC in the Transport Infrastructure Report. Suggest deletion.

221112-7b-Infrastructure Under the auspices of the Executive, provide a response to the First Things First State Infrastructure Strategy.

Ms J Bennett This has been superceded by the Centroc response to the State response to the First Things First Strategy. Suggest deletion.

221112-7c-Water Infrastructure 1. Lodge a GIPA request for information provided by the

consultancy that informed the Gellatly Report 2. Write to the Minister for Local Government, the Hon.

Don Page thanking him for his understanding of the economy of scope considerations and their importance to Local Government retaining the ownership and management of water utilities.

3. Follow-up Infrastructure NSW, the Independent Local Government Review Panel and the Minister for Water to express concerns regarding Local Water Utilities being included in the Local Government Review process while showcasing the activities of the CWUA.

Ms M Macpherson

1. Underway – came up in discussion with NOW. 2. Correspondence has been sent, Please see attachments 3. Correspondence has been sent, Please see attachments 2 and 3 Suggest deletion

221112-7i-Planning 1. Provide further advice to the Independent Panel on

Local Government Reform. 2. Direct that this advice is to include noting that Centroc

is active in both advocacy and operational roles; 3. Direct that the advice is to also include current issues

with procurement; 4. Request Professor Sansom and his panel attend at the

February Board meeting.

Ms J Bennett 1.Letter sent 4. Panel attended Board meeting. Formal advice to come. Suggest deletion

221112-7j-Management Receive a report on showcasing the activities of the Centroc Water Utilities’ Alliance with an event that has a view to having other regions in the State adopting the model being included as an option.

Ms M Macpherson

See report to this meeting. Suggest deletion

221112-9-Matters raised Receive a report on the feasibility of Centroc Councils playing a wider community capacity building role where apprentice numbers lag behind

Ms J Bennett and Ms L Burgett

HR team working closely with Skillset on Workforce Plans with a view to capitalising on current funding opportunities



Action By Update

target levels in their local labour market. for apprentices.

221112-Request from RAMROC re support for Charles Sturt University Engineering School proposal That the Board provide in principle support for cross Regional Organisation of Council advocacy for engineering schools to be progressed through the Executive.

Ms J Bennett Support provided, feedback from CSU is that the program is looking likely.

70213-7a-Transport Infrastructure including Bells Line of Road 1. Commend to the Board it write to the State

Government regarding the State Infrastructure Strategy expressing its disappointment at the lack of projects identified for Centroc members.

2. A submission be lodged to the Draft Freight and Ports Strategy under the hand of the Chair with further advice to the Board.

Ms J Bennett Sent. Suggest deletion

70213-7b-Water Infrastructure Note that a joint CWUA /LMWUA submission will be lodged to the Review of Water Industry Act 2006 and regulatory arrangements for water recycling under the Local Government Act 1993 through the Executive by 15 February 2013.

Ms M Macpherson

Submission lodged. Suggest deletion

70213-7c Environmental Refer current crop of regional strategies to the Executive for review.

Ms J Bennett Underway.

70213-7d-Health Members of GMAC Executive led by Brian Steffen with key member staff scope a position on medical school proposals for the region.

Ms J Bennett See advice to this meeting. Suggest deletion

70213-7f-Regional Development 1. Seek future advice on opportunities identified from the

consolidation of Community Plans for Centroc members.

2. members ensure that future community plans reference linkages with State Plans;

3. seek clarification of regional infrastructure planning in the Central NSW region

Ms J Bennett 1. Underway 2. Advice sent to members, follow-up being undertaken with the Directors of Corporate Services. Suggest deletion 3. Underway

70213-7k-Compliance and Cost Savings Receive a pro forma council report on the Regional Solar Panel Procure at the April GMAC meeting.

Ms L Chapman See report to this meeting where proforma reports have been circulated. Suggest deletion

280213- That the Board lodge a submission to the Local Government Review Panel building on the work undertaken by Mr A McCormack.

Ms J Bennett Sent with drafts circulated and reworked and resent. Suggest deletion

280213-7a-Transport Infrastructure Including Bells Line 1. Write to the NSW State Government expressing its

disappointment in the lack of infrastructure identified for members in the State Infrastructure Strategy for this region;

Ms J Bennett Correspondence sent. Submission lodged. Suggest deletion



Action By Update

2. Lodge a submission to the draft Freights and Port Strategy under the hand of the Chair.

280213-7b- Environmental Sustainability Circulate a submission developed through the Executive regarding the restructuring of Local Land Services

Ms J Bennett Submission lodged. Suggest deletion

280213-7b-Environmental Sustainability; 1. Note the CEEP Round 2 grant application and send

thanks to the CWUA for suggesting this approach. 2. Write to the Minister for the Environment thanking her

for funding the Trust Programs in Central NSW for the past five years and outlining the ongoing benefits of the programs.

Ms J Bennett 1. Members are considering report one by one, see updated table in the Environment Report. 2. Sent. Suggest deletion

280213-7e-Telecommunications Write to the Federal Government regarding the emerging gap in internet provision as communities call for more services but the NBN is not arriving fast enough and there is no provision for new connections.

Ms J Bennett Sent. Suggest deletion

280213-7f-Regional Development Lodge a submission on the weather radar station near Dubbo.

Ms J Bennett Submission lodged. Suggest deletion

280213-7g-Operational Report Undertake a regional approach to the development of a Code of Conduct Review Panel similar to the process being undertaken by other ROCs such as REROC.

Ms J Bennett EOI advertising closed 17 April. GMAC provided advice on selection panel. Panel to meet 17 May. Applicants notified of timeline.

280213-7h-Planning Report Advise the Department of Premier and Cabinet that the Regional Action Plan for Central NSW needs revision to make it more factual, expressing our disappointment.

Ms J Bennett Correspondence sent. Suggest deletion

280213-Matters raised by Members Investigate options for supporting members in local government elections.

Ms L Chapman Data has been collated. See advice to this meeting seeking Board resolve. Suggest deletion

180413- Advocacy at Parliament House 1. Determine that “hot topics” with corollary questions as

provided by members and in line with the advice provided in the advocacy documents be circulated to members and provided to the office of Cr Andrew Gee.

2. Invite the Chairs of LGNSW to the meeting and also request they present to the Centroc Board meeting in Young in August.

Ms J Bennett Actioned. Suggest deletion

180413-Medicare Local 1. Write to Ms J Beange thanking her for attendance and

noting that a. Centroc will provide a list of members for the

Local Government Advisory Group b. Centroc will provide a copy of the MoU that

was existing with the Central West Division of GPs and

c. the new Workforce Co-ordinator from

Ms J Bennett Actioned. Suggest deletion



Action By Update

Medicare Local will be contacting Centroc in the near future to discuss among other things the Beyond the Range Project.

180413- Advocacy to Parliament House 1. Co-ordinate meetings concurrent with the National

General Assembly with both sides of government where the following are to be raised and meetings arranges in priority order:

a. Telecommunications; b. Transport; c. Water/Murray Darling Basin and d. Regional Development.

Ms J Bennett Support has been sought through both The Hon John Cobb’s Office and Senator Matt Thistlethwaite’s office. Responses from Ms Anne Filner in John Cobbs Office are as follows: A meeting has been organised by Mr Cobb for Centroc to meet with the following on Thursday 13th June 2013. 4.00pm The Hon. Warren Truss, Federal Member for Wide Bay, Leader of the Nationals, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. 5.00pm Mr Luke Hartsuyker Federal Member for Cowper, Shadow Minister for Regional Communications, Shadow Minister for Youth and Sport, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House. These meetings will take place at 85 Keppel St, Bathurst. Can you please advise list of attendees closer to the meeting date. It is understood that further meetings are being sought. Regarding Federal Government reps, this is being progressed through direct contact with support from Senator Thistlethwaite’s Office.

180413- The Sexi Proposal Send a letter of support be sent from Centroc for in principle support of the SEXI proposal, and the development of a solar energy industry in their region.

Ms J Bennett Letter sent. Suggest deletion



Action By Update

180413-DPC request for 5 agencies for collaboration 1. Provide advice to the Department of Premier and

Cabinet that the 6 key agencies that the region would like to work with on Community Strategic Plans (CSPs) are: a. Community Services b. Road and Maritime Services c. Department of Planning d. Department of Primary Industries e. Health and f. Office of Water

2. Work with the Department of Premier and Cabinet on progressing collaborative strategic work to inform both the Regional Action Plans of the State and the Community Strategic Plans of Council.

Ms J Bennett This advice has been provided to DPC. Members are being canvassed for their status regarding CSPs where most are reporting they have completed them for this term. Work has commenced regarding the next iteration of the process where it has been raised with the Regional Leaders Network.

180413- Water Infrastructure 1. Commend the Regional Demand Management Plan to

the Board. 2. Commend to the Board that it write to NOW regarding

the Five Year Procurement Plan advising of Centroc’s intentions to implement the strategy and seeking the endorsement of NOW;

3. commend to the Board that it proceed with the development of a CWUA event with



c. the balance to come out of the CWUA budget

Ms M Macpherson

1, 2 and 3 – See updates in the report to this meeting. Suggest deletion

180413- Regional Development commend to the Board it nominate the Chair, Cr K Keith as delegate to the regional taskforce of leaders to report to Government on actions that could maximise the net social and employment benefits from mining growth

Ms J Bennett See updates in the report to this meeting. Suggest deletion

180413 - WHS and Risk Management Report continues to endorse the use of the regional Centroc Induction Card

Ms L Burgett Noted - the Policy and Procedures Manual will be updated accordingly Suggest deletion

180413 - Compliance and Cost Savings 1. receive a report on opportunity in regional

procurement of elections ; 2. receive a report on WSROC’s approach on energy

efficient street lighting

Ms L Chapman 1.see advice in the Operations report to this paper 2.to be provided to GMAC in July 2013 report

180413 - Planning Report 1. direct the Board receive a report regarding the

recommendations made to the Local Government Reform process by Mr A McCormack

2. Commend to the Executive that the priorities for State

Ms J Bennett 1. Underway 2. Dealt with by the

Executive, commend deletion.



Action By Update

agency consultation n Community Strategic plans are a. Community Services; b. Road and Maritime Services; c. Department of Planning; d. Department of Primary Industries; e. Health; and f. Office of Water.

180431 - Centroc Board meeting at Parliament House 23 May Provide RSVP’s to Centroc staff by the first week in May.

Ms J Bennett Suggest deletion

180413 - Regional Directors of Corporate Services 1. Direct that the Executive receive a report on the price

comparison between an external internal auditor and a Centroc employed internal auditor.

2. Receive a report from RDOCS on the management plan revision to include the RDOCS team.

3. Orange, Cowra and Bathurst form the evaluation team for the Regional Code of Conduct Panel.

Ms L Chapman 1. Underway 2. Underway 3. Noted Panel convening 17

May


Incoming Correspondence

6 Correspondence

6a Incoming Correspondence GREEN

No Date/Who Subject Comments

1 8 February 2013 Minister Hodgkinson

Centroc Water Utilities Alliance model

See Water Infrastructure Report

2 8 February 2013 INSW Response from joint Submission by Centroc and LMWUA


3 13 February 2013 Treasurer Baird

Reply to update provided on Centroc

See incoming correspondence

4 18 February 2013 Waste Policy Branch

National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme


5 19 February 2013 Forbes Shire Council

Support for review of the Aeromedical (rotary wing)

Available on Request

6 19 February 2013 Oberon Council



7 19 February 2013 Department of Infrastructure and Transport

Expect to commence the four reviews that are identified as the next steps in the Plan later this year

See Infrastructure Report

8 19 February 2013 Bathurst Regional Council



9 20 February 2013 Parkes Shire Council


Available on request

10 20 February 2013 Cabonne Council



11 21 February 2013 Oz Water

Invitation to attend the 2013 Awards


12 21 February 2013 Lithgow City Council



13 25 February 2013 EPA NSW

$465.7 Million waste less, recycle more initiative

See incoming correspondence S Sykes of Netwaste advises Net waste will be managing this process on behalf of the region.

14 25 February 2013 Central west transport Forum

Bells Line of Road See infrastructure Report

15 26 February 2013 Orange Ratepayer Association

Financial impact of the Macquarie to Orange pipeline


16 26 February 2013 OROC Weather station study See incoming correspondence

17 26 February 2013 Lachlan Shire Council


Available in request

18 26 February 2013 Cowra Council



19 27 February 2013 Upper Lachlan Shire Council


Available in request

20 27 February 2013 Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Request to lobby for Community Transport service to continue





21 27 February 2013 Attorney- General Minister for Emergency Management

Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements changes for local water utilities.


22 28 February 2013 Weddin Shire Council



23 5 March 2013 RMS NSW Route assessment guide for restricted access vehicles

See Transport Infrastructure Report

24 12 March 2013 Paul Toole Dinner invitation with Treasurer Mike Baird


25 13 March 2013 NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

The draft policy of NSW Energy from Waste Policy Statement available for public comment


26 15 March 2013 Heart Foundation

2013 Community Awards now open


27 15 March 2013 Troy Grant Member for Dubbo

Local Government working closer with State Government on Strategies for Central NSW

See Planning Report

28 15 March 2013 Upper Lachlan Shire Council

Forbes legal Authority for CEEP program


29 15 March 2013 Oberon Council



30 15 March 2013 Lithgow City Council



31 15 March 2013 Weddin Shire Council



32 18 March 2013 Boorowa Council



33 18 March 2013 Harden Shire Council



34 19 March 2013 Quest Events

2013 Power Pricing Conference


35 19 March 2013 Cabonne Council



36 19 March 2013 Forbes Shire Council



37 19 March 2013 Weddin Shire

The Cowra Lines Demondrille rail


38 19 March 2013 Mr Adrian Piccoli

Acknowledgement of correspondence sent regarding partnerships when developing State strategic for Central NSW

See Planning Report

39 20 March 2013 The Hon Catherine King

Response regarding the medical professionals shortage

See Health Report

40 21 March 2013 Parkes Shire Council






41 21 March 2013 AHURi 2013 National Urban Conference


42 22 March 2013 Paul Toole Acknowledgement of correspondence sent regarding partnerships when developing State strategies for Central NSW

See Planning Report

43 23 March 2013 Dr Mary Foley Director General NSW Health

Acknowledgement of Submission on NSW Aeromedical (rotary wing) Retrieval services

See Health Report

44 25 March 2013 Young Shire Council



45 25 March 2013 The Hon.Don Page

Acknowledging the Joint LMWUA and Centroc Submission copy provided


46 25 March 2013 CSU Invitation to attend Conference to discuss strategies to increase Medical graduates for rural and regional Aust

See Health Report

47 26 March 2013 Lachlan Shire Council



48 26 March 2013 Blayney Shire Council



49 26 March 2013 Katrina Hodgkinson

Acknowledgement of correspondence sent regarding partnerships when developing State strategic for Central NSW

See Planning Report

50 27 March 2013 Office of Environment and Heritage

NSW Community and Renewables Energy Funding, unsuccessful EOI.

See Environmental Report

51 2 April 2013 Savewater Centroc membership See Water Infrastructure Report

52 2 April 2013 Oberon Council

Proposed Local Lands Services Structure and Associated Boundaries


53 2 April 2013 Aged care Insite

Subscription options Available on request

54 2 April 2013 Department of Premier and Cabinet, Mr Simon AY Smith Deputy Director General

Response regarding the review of the Central West NSW Regional Action Plans and stronger partnerships to be developed between Centroc and State Government

See Planning Report

55 2 April 2013 Andrew Gee Centroc schedule for meeting at Parliament House


56 3 April 2013 Wellington Council

Centroc Fuel Tender Available on request




57 9 April 2013 ALGA Regional Cooperation and Development Forum on Sunday 16 June


58 9 April 2013 Andrew Gee Acknowledgement of correspondence sent regarding partnerships when developing State strategic for Central NSW

See Planning Report

59 16 April 2013 State Parliament NSW

Inquiry into downstream gas supply and availability in NSW

See Regional Development Report

60 17 April 2013 Blayney Shire Council Grant Baker

CWUA Strategic Business Plan contract with NSW Public Works


61 18 April 2013 Carewest Thankyou for support given to RDAF round 4 tender


62 20 April 2013 NSW Health Dr Mary Foley Director General

Thankyou for feedback on NSW Aeromedical (rotary wing) Retrieval services

See Health Report

63 24 April 2013 NSW Premier

Acknowledgement of concerns regarding State Strategy

See Planning Report

64 24 April 2013 the Hon. Andrew Stoner

Acknowledgement of concerns regarding State Strategy

See Planning Report

65 30 April 2013 Crennan Legal

Advice regarding tendering for petroleum contracts



Outgoing Correspondence

6b Outgoing Correspondence BLUE

Date/Who Subject Comments

1 30 January 2013 Minister Albanese

Bells line of Road Long Term Strategic Plan, Bells Line of Road route from the M7 to Kurrajong Heights and the $3.5M for outstanding transport commitments for the Central West to other areas.


2 22 February 2013 Premier O’Farrell

Support for CWUA sewer model See Water Infrastructure Report

3 22 February 2013 Independent Review Panel

Copy of the Joint response to State Infrastructure by Centroc and LMWUA


4 22 February 2013 Minister Hodgkinson

Support for CWUA sewer model See Water Infrastructure Report

5 22 February 2013 Minister Page

Copy of the Joint response to State Infrastructure by Centroc and LMWUA


6 22 February 2013 Metropolitan Water Directorate

Joint Submission Centroc and LMWUA Water Industry Competition Act


7 28 February 2013 NSW Ministry of Health

Submission regarding the Aeromedical rotary wing review

See Health Report

8 5 March 2013 State water Membership renewal agreed till December 2014.


9 6 March 2013 Transport for NSW Freights and Ports Strategy Team

Submission on Freights and Ports


10 7 March 2013 Premier O’Farrell The Hon. Andrew Stoner, MP Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services The Hon. Duncan Gay, MLC Minister for Roads and Ports, The Hon. Brad Hazzard, MP Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW, Mr Chris Eccles, Director General, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Mr Jason Collins, Regional

Authentic partnership with Local Government when developing State strategies for Central NSW

See Planning Report




Coordinator, Western NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Mr Paul Toole, Member for Bathurst, Mr Andrew Gee, Member for Orange, Mr Troy Grant, Member for Dubbo, Ms Katrina Hodgkinson, Member for Burrinjuck, Ms Pru Goward, Member for Goulburn and Mr Adrian Piccoli, Member for Murrumbidgee

11 14 March 2013 Mr Chris Eccles Director General of Department of Premier and Cabinet

Request for Regional Action Plan for Central NSW to be revised

See Planning Report

12 14 March 2013 NSW Freights and Ports Strategy Team

Submission See Transport Infrastructure Report

13 19 March 2013 Centroc GM’s

Community Strategic Plans See Regional Development Report

14 19 March 2013 Premier Barry O’Farrell

Disappointment with the State Infrastructure Strategy and the lack of projects for the region


15 20 March 2013 Senators Conroy and Thistlethwaite, Malcolm Turnbull and John Cobb

NBN and Internet connections in the Central West.

See Telecommunications Report

16 20 March 2013 Minister Kevin Humphries

Interest in involvement in the Phase2 of Western Roads Plan Parkes Shire sent on Centroc’s behalf


17 20 March 2013 Mr John Cobb and Mr Mark Coulton

Weather Station support See outgoing correspondence

18 21 March 2013 Independent Local Review Panel

Local Government Reform See Planning Report

19 22 March 2013 Local Land Services Stakeholder Reference Panel

Submission Restructuring of Local Land Services


20 26 March 2013 Ms Robyn Parker Minister for the Environment

Thankyou for funding the Centroc programs

See Environment Report

21 28 March 2013 Mr Andrew Francis CWUA

Thankyou for suggesting the group application for CEEP Round 2





22 24 April 2013 Local Government NSW Presidents Cr Donald and Cr Rhodes

Invitation to attend the Centroc Board at Parliament House.

See outgoing correspondence

23 2 May 2013 Jenny Beange Executive Officer Medicare Local

Thankyou and follow up from Executive meeting

See Health Report

24 7 May 2013 Matt Parameter Solar Energy eXchange Initiative Co-ordinator

Centroc in principle support for proposal


25 7 May 2013 Deputy Director General DPC

Key agencies for Community Strategies Plans and work with the DPC for Regional Action Plans

See Planning Report

26 7 May 2013 Local Members, Grant, Toole, Hodgkinson and Piccoli

Dinner Invitation Wednesday 22 May


27 7 May 2013 COC Reviewers applications

5 Unsuccessful and the remaining 32 informing they have made it to the selection process.


28 15 May 2013 The Hon Stephen Conroy Senator Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

Meeting request at the National General Assembly of Local Government June 16-19


29 15 May 2013 The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister for Regional Development and Local Government



30 15 May 2013 The Hon Tony Burke MP Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities



31 15 May 2013 Mr Graham Dun Central West Transport Forum

Road development between the Central West and Sydney


http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/index.aspx


Reports - Précis

7 Reports YELLOW

7a Transport Infrastructure including the Bells Line of Road

Report by Jennifer Bennett 13/05/13

Section 1 Regional Sustainability

Objective 1A Upgrade and ensure sustainability of transport infrastructure.

Subject Update on Transport Infrastructure

Sponsoring General Managers Mr Roger Bailey and Mr Kent Boyd Management Action Plan 2012/2013 1. Support Bells Line Of Expressway Group with a focus on sequestering the corridor

2. Develop lobbying support information as requested in the areas of road deficiencies, rail infrastructure and intermodal

facilities. This is to include the Blayney/Demondrille Line and Maldon Dombarton Line.

3. Support the Inland Corridor for the Brisbane to Melbourne rail link

4. Provide advocacy material to ensure the policy of members is being addressed in the ongoing roll out of the $5m

Federal spend on transport studies for Central NSW

5. Provide regional based engineering advice to the Board as requested including for submissions.

6. Maintain support for Centroc weight of loads group

7. Maintain the Centroc Policy for responding to issues relating to regional services remaining at Kingsford Smith Airport

(KSA)

8. Maintain a watching brief on developments in regional access to KSA

9. Support the current services to Parkes, Orange and Bathurst and encourage any future expansion of the service.

10. Develop a strategic plan for Transport.

a. Road.

b. Rail.

c. Airports – consider regional plan for airports.

Précis

Advice on the progression of the resolutions from the Board February 2013 and GMAC April 2013 and other previous meetings form part of the Action List under Matters in Progress. This report provides:

advice regarding a meeting held with representatives from BLEG and WSROC in Sydney to

progress the Bells Line of Road expressway;

advice regarding a meeting with Mr Paul Toole, Member for Bathurst, progressing the Bells

Line of Road expressway;

advice regarding the success of Boorowa in accessing funding for the Tarengo Bridge;

advice regarding a regional approach to Stage 2 of the Western NSW Roads Project being co-

ordinated by The Hon Kevin Humphries office;

advice regarding the development of the NSW Department of Transport regional plan for

Central NSW; and

a spreadsheet regarding accidents west of Lithgow.

At the time of writing, a meeting of the Infrastructure Group has been scheduled for Friday May 17. The report seeks advocacy to ensure the best outcomes from the Route Options Study for the Bells Line of Road upgrade scheduled for the second half of this year.


Reports

Advice regarding a meeting held with representatives from BLEG and WSROC A meeting was held in WSROC House Tuesday 5 March 11am. Present were Mr K Bartlett (EO WSROC); Mr I Armstrong (Chair BLEG); Mr D Bentham (Director, NRMA); Mr R Bailey, Cr J Davis and Ms J Bennett. Mr I Armstrong tabled copy from the 2 March Telegraph "Treading a pathway to legend" crossing the Great Divide’s 200th Anniversary. He spoke about the economic and safety needs of the road and reiterated the key findings of the Long Term Corridor Plan. There was discussion regarding tolls where some attendees did not favour them while others suggested that while they may not fund the road it would be a good contribution and show of commitment. Mr I Armstrong will continue to advocate with The Hon Duncan Gay, Mr N Greiner and Mr L Wielinga. He will also approach the State and Federal oppositions. Notes from the meeting are available on request.

Advice regarding a meeting with Mr Paul Toole, Member for Bathurst, progressing the Bells Line of Road expressway A meeting was held in the offices of Mr Paul Toole Wednesday 24 of April. In attendance were Cr M Statham, Mr D Sherley, Cr B West, Ms J Bennett and Cr K Keith. The advice from Mr Toole regarding progressing the securing of a corridor for the Bells Line through a Route Options Study was tabled. Mr Toole has been advocating consistently with regard to this issue and seeks the ongoing support of Centroc to keep the pressure on. Mr Toole also suggested that Centroc members have regular biannual meeting with RMS and include the Bells Line in these discussions. Regarding the Route Options Study to commence in the second half of the 2013 calendar year, advocacy should be undertaken to ensure that the following are considerations:

This is not about another Study;

The terms of reference for the Route Options Study should include survey of a preferred route ready for preservation;

The Bells Line east component be from Bilpin where the whole corridor is preserved, noting that the sooner preservation in undertaken, the cheaper it will be;

A seat at the table at steering committee level be set aside for Centroc and WSROC Councils; and

A time frame is outlined. It is commended that the State be thanked for the short term safety works and for progressing the Route Options Study where support for the considerations as outlined above be sought. Mr Toole also tried to sort a meeting with the Hon Duncan Gay for May 22 but this was not possible. The Hon Duncan Gay was provided with the advice above and will be speaking at the meeting in Parliament House.


Reports

Advice regarding the success of Boorowa in accessing funding for the Tarengo bridge

Boorowa have advised that they have been successful at accessing funding for the Tarengo Bridge. The Hon Duncan Gay has announced $1.75m to go toward this project.

Advice regarding a regional approach to Stage 2 of the Western NSW Roads Project being co-ordinated by The Hon Kevin Humphries’ office Subsequent to seeking advice from the Centroc Executive, a letter was sent to the Hon Kevin Humphries regarding a regional approach from Centroc regarding Stage 2 of his priority roads program. Correspondence was sent accordingly and is attached. Ms Jillian Kilby, co-ordinating the program was also consulted and she suggested the regional approach would be beneficial from her perspective. It is anticipated that the draft Priority Regional Infrastructure Plan for the region would be reviewed and provide advice to this process. At the time of writing meeting of the Infrastructure Group is being co-ordinated for 17 May.

Advice regarding the development of the NSW Department of Transport regional plan for Central NSW Representatives of the Department of Transport (DoT) have approached Centroc to sort dates, times and clusters of attendees of operational staff to help develop the NSW Department of Transport regional plan for Central NSW. At this stage more advice specific to the consultation has not been provided. Dot provide advice that consultation will roll out in June. The Engineers of the region will consider timing and clusters at their meeting 17 May.

Table of recent incidents east of Lithgow Advice has been provided by Lithgow regarding traffic incidents east of Lithgow on both the Great Western Highway and the Bells Line of Road

Location Date Time Conditions Injuries Vehicles Description

Scenic Hill 27/01/12 12.15pm nil single failed to negotiate a left hand bend lost control to incorrect side of roadway and collided with kerb

Riverlett Hill 23/01/12 8.50am wet nil single failed to negotiate a right hand bend lost control and collided with Armco rail

Scenic Hill 1/2/12 6.00pm minor single lost control and collided with rock wall

Scenic Hill 16/2/12 4.35pm nil single failed to negotiate a bend, vehicle rolled onto its side

Riverlett Hill 10/2/12 11.15am wet nil single failed to negotiate a left hand bend, lost control and collided with Armco rail blocking both lanes

Hartley 19/2/12 6.45pm raining driver deceased

double veered to incorrect side of road and collided head on with prime mover


Reports

at scene

Scenic Hill 2/3/12 1.50pm nil double travelling west lost control and collided with vehicle, a prime mover truck traveling east

Scenic Hill 8/3/12 10.45am raining minor injuries

double vehicle 1 travelling east, failed to negotiate a left hand bend, collided with vehicle 2 travelling west

Scenic Hill 28/3/12 4.44am nil single travelling west in excess of speed limit, failed to negotiate right hand bend and collided with rock embankment, trailer of vehicle came to rest in middle of roadway

Scenic Hill 18/4/12 9.05am wet nil single travelling east lost control of vehicle collided with guard rail

Scenic Hill 18/4/12 1.55pm wet nil single lost control on left hand bend due to rain collided with safety barrier

Riverlett Hill 17/5/12 6.20am fog nil single vehicle travelling West lost traction negotiating a left hand corner, over steered and collided with the concrete dividing barrier

Riverlett Hill 24/5/12 1.00pm wet nil single vehicle travelling West lost traction negotiating a left hand corner, over steered and collided with the concrete dividing barrier

Riverlett Hill 25/5/12 12.40pm wet nil single vehicle travelling in an easterly direction failed to negotiate a right hand bend, lost traction and collided with the east bound embankment

Riverlett Hill 2/6/12 3.00am raining nil single driver lost control ,collided with concrete divider

Riverlett Hill 2/6/12 4.45pm raining nil single driver lost control, collided with a ditch

Riverlett Hill 13/6/12 12.45am raining nil single driver swerved and collided with a concrete barrier

Scenic Hill 23/6/12 10.40am dry nil single failed to negotiate a left hand bend and collided with gutter

Riverlett Hill 6/7/12 8.25am raining nil single failed to negotiate a sweeping left hand bend, collided with a rock wall

Riverlett Hill 13/7/12 7.15pm raining nil single failed to negotiate a sweeping left hand bend collided with embankment

Riverlett Hill 17/7/12 3.58pm dry driver transferred to Nepean

single semi trailer failed to negotiate a sweeping right hand bend truck went sideways before crashing into guard rail

Scenic Hill 15/8/12 2.10pm fine nil double vehicle 1 crossed wrong side of roadway and collided with vehicle traveling east. Both towed away

Scenic Hill 18/8/12 9.20am wet minor single failed to negotiate a right hand bend, collided with a tree

Riverlett Hill 17/8/12 5.09pm wet nil single travelling east, failed to negotiate a sweeping right hand bend

Riverlett Hill 28/10/12 4.30am nil single travelling east , lost control and collided with northern kerb alignment

Riverlett Hill 12/12/12 9.00pm fine airlifted to west mead and Nepean

double vehicle 1 towing a trailer, the trailer became detached, jack knifed, and vehicle 2 traveling east also has collided with trailer traveling in the same direction

Riverlett Hill 28/1/13 9.30am daylight, raining

minor single lost control negotiating a left hand bend, collided with centre barrier.*According to driver oil on road


Reports

Recommendation/s

That the Board 1. note that the Route Options Study (the Study) for the Bells Line of Road upgrade is to

commence in the second half of the 2013 calendar year; 2. thank the NSW Government for this Study and for the safety improvement works along the

Bells Line; 3. undertake advocacy to ensure that the following are considerations for the Study:

a. this is not about another Study and accordingly the terms of reference for the Route Options Study should include a survey a preferred route ready for preservation

b. the Bells Line east component be from Bilpin where the whole corridor is preserved, noting that the sooner preservation in undertaken, the cheaper it will be;

c. seat at the table at steering committee level be set aside for Centroc and WSROC Councils; and

d. a time frame is outlined; and 4. note the balance of the Transport Infrastructure report.

Attachment/s: 1 19 February 2013 Department of Infrastructure and Transport Bells Line of Road Long Term Strategic Corridor Plan

2 25 February 2013 Central West Transport Forum Bells Line of Road

3 5 March 2013 RMS NSW Route assessment guide for restricted access vehicles

4 NSW Route Assessment Guide 4.6meter high vehicle route

5 30 January 2013 Correspondence to Minister Albanese regarding the Bells Line of Road long term Strategic Plan road

route from M7 TO Kurrajong Heights and $3.5M for outstanding transport commitments for the Central West areas.

6 14 March 2013 Submission to The NSW Freights and Ports Strategy Team

7 19 March 2013 Correspondence to Premier O’Farrell disappointment with State Infrastructure Strategy and the lack of

projects for the region

8 20 March 2013 Correspondence to Minister Kevin Humphries from Parkes Shire Council on behalf of Centroc regarding

the Phase 2 of Western Roads Plan

Riverlet Hill 24/2/13 7.40am daylight nil single failed to negotiate a right hand bend, lost control vehicle rotated and collided with a safety barrier

Scenic Hill 15/3/13 8.35am day minor double driver 1 lost control veered to incorrect side of roadway and collided with vehicle 2.

Riverlet Hill 4/3/13 8.30am day nil single failed to negotiate a sweeping left hand bend, lost traction collided with drain

Riverlett Hill 29/3/13 7.45pm raining nil double Vehicle 1 clipped vehicle 2 whilst overtaking and kept going. Vehicle 2 lost control vehicle rotated, bounced off concrete barrier and collided with guard rail

Other GWH 20/3/13 6.00am day Head, conveyed to Nepean Hospital

Double travelling east failed to negotiate left hand bend, collided with a prime mover.

Scenic Hill 15/4/13 12.20am dry nil single failed to negotiate a steep right hand bend, lost control and hit the barricade.

Scenic Hill 23/4/13 3.30pm dry nil single Attempted to overtake on bend, failed to negotiate bend and collided with tree.

Riverlett Hill 2/4/13 9.00pm night airlifted to Liverpool hospital

single veered off roadway and collided with guard rails, rolling several times before stopping, driver trapped.


Reports - Précis

Précis In the context of the Management Plan priorities listed above, this report provides an update on progress by the Centroc Water Utilities Alliance (CWUA) in supporting members in delivering quality and secure water supplies to 2059, including:

a briefing on the Independent Local Government Review Panel ‘s current position on the

management of utilities;

advice regarding a proposed CWUA Mentoring Program project to inform the region’s progress for

the water utilities alliance in the context of Local Government Reform;

an update on advocacy work including the current status of the Secure Yield Guidelines and the State

Dam Inquiry;

advice on initiatives to increase the profile of the CWUA including the development of a logo and e-

Newsletter; and

progress in achieving NSW Office of Water (NOW) Best Practice compliance and in the delivery of

programs for asset management and workforce development.

The report provides a précis of the Regional Demand Management Plan and recommends that the Board adopt the Plan. It also provides advice regarding the CWUA Five Year Procurement Plan 2013-2017 and cost savings achieved to date and recommends that the Board write to NOW regarding the Five Year Procurement Plan. The report seeks endorsement for a planned CWUA Event to showcase the Alliance model and a financial structure to support its delivery. An update on the status of the resolve of the Board meeting in February is included in the Action List elsewhere in this agenda.

7b Water Infrastructure

Report by Meredith Macpherson dated 13/05/13


Objective 1B Upgrade and ensure sustainability of transport and water infrastructure

Subject Water Infrastructure Update

Sponsoring General Manager Mr Kent Boyd Management Action Plan 2012/2013 1. Lobby for funding for water supply security. 2. Seek funding and develop programming for the outcomes of the Centroc Water Security Study. 3. Deliver the CWUA Plan for 2012/2013 where its objectives are:

a. deliver cost savings and other efficiencies; b. grow staff skills and ensure workforce are adequately trained for compliance based service delivery; c. support members in assuring sustainable workforce; d. promote Local Government as the agency of choice delivering water utilities management in regional NSW and

further afield; e. advise the Centroc Board regarding Water Utilities Management; f. achieve full compliance with Best Practice requirements; g. implement Regional Best Practice strategies and h. promote the CWUA as an example of Councils working collaboratively

4. Provide regional based water engineering advice to the Board as requested. 5. Scope programming in Water management practices – long term – including irrigation. Environmental issues and

government service provision issues to be assessed. 6. Respond to Murray Darling Basin Authority plan impacts and programs. 7. Advocate to ensure water and sewer infrastructure management and ownership is retained by Local Government.


Reports

Advocacy Update

Independent Local Government Review Panel Position on Regional Water Utilities

The Board will be aware that the Independent Local Government Review Panel progress report, Future

Directions for NSW Local Government- Twenty Essential Steps released on 24 April 2013 provides the Panel’s

current position with respect to future governance structures and boundaries proposing a County Council

model where a core set of functions includes the management of, or technical support for water utilities.

The Panel was asked specifically to consider the Armstrong-Gellatly and Infrastructure NSW recommendation

to consolidate the existing 105 local government water utilities into around 30 regional groupings. The report

advises that:

The panel sees no case for major changes in the way they are being managed unless the councils

concerned identify a need to make adjustments. In particular the Panel believes that local government

should retain its current responsibilities for water supply and sewerage, not only because it is delivering

those services efficiently and effectively, but also because those services give rural local government

critical financial mass and the capacity to recruit and retain professional staff.

Nevertheless, the Panel sees merit in enhanced regional collaboration to facilitate strategic business

planning, to provide high level technical support to smaller councils, and –where agreed-to offer an

additional option for infrastructure development and service delivery. Making water utilities a function of

the new multi-purpose County Councils achieves those objectives whilst keeping rural water supply and

sewerage assets and operations firmly under local government ownership and control.

In discussion of County Councils centred around existing or potential major regional centres, the report cites the role that Dubbo City Council provides in its leadership of the Lower Macquarie Water Utilities Alliance, the model on which the Centroc Water Utilities Alliance is based.

At the time of writing a project proposal has been referred to the Centroc Infrastructure Group meeting on 17 May, to undertake an in-depth analysis to inform the region’s progress for the water utilities alliance in the context of Local Government Reform. See CWUA Mentoring program Project below. Please note that the Centroc position with regard to the Panel’s current position on water utilities is reiterated in the Planning Report to this meeting.

CWUA Mentoring Program Project

The Centroc Mentoring for Sustainability Program developed by Centroc with funding from the New South Wales Environmental Trust has been adapted for use by local council staff working with the Centroc Water Utilities Alliance – in the first instance as part of a mentoring program to develop leadership skills. The program is currently being trialed with a view to being rolled out to member councils in late 2013- early 2014. The trial is being undertaken by Ms Jenny Bennett, Executive Officer, Centroc and Mr Andrew Francis, Natural Resources Manager, Parkes Shire Council and Chair of the CWUA as the Mentees with Mr David Farmer, General Manager, Wollongong City Council as the Mentor and Ms Meredith Macpherson, Program Manager, CWUA providing project management support. To participate in the program Mentees and Mentors are required to agree a project that will be the focus of their learning within the program.


Reports

At the initial planning meeting held on 10 May two projects were identified, one to provide research and analysis of a number of scenarios for the range of services that could be delivered and the structure that may be applied to deliver these. This project will be undertaken in-house. The second project is to undertake a more focused analysis of a range of scenarios applicable to the Central NSW region for the management of regional water utilities in the context of the Local Government Reform process. The analysis will take into account:

1. Services that Councils want to deliver for water utilities management; and 2. The structure that may potentially be applied to deliver these services.

This more in-depth advice will inform the region’s progress for the water utilities alliance in the context of Local Government Reform and along with other research will add-value to the higher level work. It has been proposed that a consultant be engaged to undertake a stakeholder workshop to inform and develop the various scenarios with a view to being able to provide advice to the Board. At the time of writing, a briefing on the proposed project has been prepared for consideration by the Centroc Infrastructure Group. Verbal advice will be provided to the meeting.

Increasing the profile of the CWUA Recent recommendations made by Infrastructure NSW and the inclusion of the structure of Local Water Utilities in deliberations by the Independent Local Government Review Panel has seen the need for the CWUA to raise its profile presenting local water utilities as working collaboratively to deliver the best service possible to their communities. To this end the CWUA Program Manager in consultation with the CWUA Executive is working to implement the following: CWUA Event It is proposed to hold a CWUA event in the Central NSW region (title to be determined) aimed at:

showcasing the efficiencies and cost benefits of the Alliance model

promoting the model to government, community and other regions (ROCs)

providing networking and capacity building opportunities

building the knowledge base of LWUs with regard to future directions

planning/scoping future regional work from regional drought/demand/IWCM.

It is suggested that the event format comprise an informal networking dinner on the night of arrival followed by a one day formal event with an optional second day for site tours, regional network meetings etc. The venue for the event is currently being canvassed, though the CWUA has a preference for the Mount Panorama complex in Bathurst given the familiarity of Centroc staff with the site and its proximity to an airport and availability of onsite accommodation and catering facilities. While a date is yet to be finalised it is anticipated that the event will be held in mid to late July. Below is a draft Event Program. This is a work in progress with more research being undertaken on the feasibility of the event with a more detailed report to be provided.


Reports

Session ** Arrival

Topic

3.00 – 5.00pm Evening 6.00pm onward

Joint LMWUA/CWUA Executive Meeting Informal Networking Dinner

DAY 1 / Session Topic

Morning 8.30 9.00 – 9.20 9.20 – 9.40 9.40 – 10.45

Registration - Tea/Coffee available on arrival Official Opening

Mayor

Welcome to Country

Welcome to Water Utilities Alliance Model – Andrew Francis/Kent Boyd/Stewart McLeod (LMWUA)

Local Water Utilities Management- The Big Picture National & State

NSW Office of Water- Best Practice Update

Good news results for Non-Metropolitan LWUs (Stephen Palmer?)

National Perspective – Murray Darling Basin Plan (speaker?)

Morning Tea 10.45-11.15

Late Morning 11.15-11.35 11.35-12.30

State Government Update- Minister Hodgkinson (20 min)

Update on State Government initiatives including State Dam Inquiry/LG review

Water Directorate Update- Chair/EO

How Big is My Catchment ?- Drinking Water Quality Management

Presentation by Dept. of Public Health/NSW Public Works/Planning

Case studies? (Lachlan/Orange) Facilitator- Annalisa Contos (TBC)

Lunch 12.30-1.30

Afternoon 1.30 – 2.30

Training, Mentoring & Resource Sharing

Update by AWA- Petra Kelly (TBC)

Update by ITAB- Jenny James

CWUA Mentoring Program- Jenny Bennett/Andrew Francis

CWRWP Pilot Program Workforce Planning– Grant Leslie (TBC)

Late Afternoon 2.30 – 4.15

Break-out Sessions

The Alliance Model Promotion of the model/Planning/Tools & resources. CWUA

Management Plan Progress Report- Efficiencies and cost savings.5 Year Procurement

Plan

Regional Planning- Where to Now? Facilitator Annalisa Contos (TBC)

Regional Drought Management/IWCM/DWQM

4.15-5.00 Plenary on emergent issues as a result of event and close

Dinner 6.00pm- onward

Pre-dinner drinks Speaker

DAY 2 * Optional

Suggested Activities –Site Tour Joint LMWUA/CWUA Operators Meeting Regional meeting of Water Directorate/AWA/ITAB Network

It is recommended that the Board endorse the proposed CWUA event with a financial structure that will require CWUA member councils to be invoiced $350 each for which they will be entitled to send one delegate. This amount will assist to underwrite the event with additional delegates to be charged $200 for CWUA member councils and $250 for non-CWUA members with the balance to come out of the CWUA budget.


Reports

The following information regarding the CWUA logo and E-Newsletter is provided for information as it falls under the remit of advocacy. Feedback from members is welcomed. CWUA Logo A logo design has been commissioned for use on all CWUA business papers, emails, submissions, correspondence and promotional material including an E-newsletter. The logo has been designed to be consistent with other related Centroc logos including the Square Deal logo which Centroc is looking to make more use of in the future. It is proposed that this logo be used with the Centroc logo for CWUA business where ever practical and for all paper work associated with the proposed CWUA event.

CWUA E-Newsletter To further raise the profile of the

CWUA and promote its achievements

and activities to a broader range of

stakeholders, specifically in the lead

up to the proposed event, the design

of a CWUA newsletter template has

also been commissioned and is

provided for information, see below.

It is proposed that a number of

databases be established with the

template used to promote the CWUA

to external stakeholders and provide

for the efficient distribution of

information regarding funding,

resources and tools and

opportunities to the CWUA

membership.


Reports

Secure Yield Guidelines Update Discussions have been held with NOW representatives in Orange on 20 June 2012 and at NOW’s offices on 5 December 2012 regarding the possibility of using the Centroc Water Security Study to undertake secure yield modeling for dams in the context of climate change, as opposed to every member Council undertaking this work. The Draft Secure Yield Guidelines have not yet been released, though advice from NOW is that they will employ the same methodology and will be mandatory. At the February meeting of the CWUA it was resolved to take no further action until the Guidelines are released. State Dam Inquiry Members of the Centroc Executive attended a second public hearing of the State Standing Committee into water storages in NSW Parliament on Friday 16 November. The Committee anticipates conducting further consultations in early 2013, though at the time of writing have not confirmed a schedule for additional site visits. It is still anticipated that the final report will be tabled in mid-2013. To view a transcript from the hearing go to: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/60949A75B5713733CA257A76000D65E0

Progress by the Centroc Water Utilities Alliance

Best Practice Management Plans

The Centroc Water Utilities Alliance (CWUA) are nearing completion of the first suite of strategic work in

delivering 100% best practice compliance with the majority of plans now approved by the NSW Office of

Water (NOW).

There continues to be delays in receiving feedback on a small number of Demand Management and IWCM evaluation plans, most of which have been lodged with NOW for some time. Regional Demand Management Plan

The Regional Demand Management Plan has been completed by consultants MWH a précis of the Regional Demand Management Plan is as follows: The purpose of the Plan is to identify effective regional demand management collaboration opportunities for the CWUA and provide a plan to achieve these. It aims to develop a consistent regional approach, balanced against local priorities, towards cost effective water demand management, ensuring the efficient use of regional water resources while demonstrating member’s compliance with NSW Best Practice requirements and leadership in regional water management. Building on the recommendations of the Centroc Water Security Study, IWCM Evaluation Studies, Drought Management Plans and Demand Management Plans for each member council as well as initiatives undertaken through participation in the Savewater Alliance, the Plan provides:

A summary of the demand management measures committed to within each of the Centroc member LWU’s DMPs as well as an overview of the regional water supply sources;

Considers the role of demand-side management in the overall supply demand balance;

An assessment of key factors considered in forecasting demand for major towns in each LGA including current levels of demand, taking into account water restrictions, climate and water pricing structures as well as key drivers of future water demand such as population growth projections and the impact of demand management programs and planning policies;

http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/60949A75B5713733CA257A76000D65E0


Reports

An outline of the potential drivers, objectives and associated responses for regional demand management activity in Central NSW including an evaluation of the identified regional demand management actions and their benefits; and

Sets out a regional plan of action for demand management.

The Plan for collective action for the CWUA to achieve their demand management objectives includes:

Regional Water Conservation Implementation and Demand Management Implementation Program including, residential retrofit, non-residential audits, system water loss management programs;

Review of water security assessment in relation to new NOW security assessment guidelines and other updated climate change and water resource data;

Regional review of policy and procedures in staff training in relation to managing council’s own water demand;

Regional program of development and consultation on levels of service commitments;

Development of a strategic relationship plan for State Water;

Regional management of records on extraction/bulk supply;

Regional review of customer records databases to align with NOW requirements;

Rolling regional review program of LWU drought, IWCM and demand management plans;

Regional program for facilitating the preparation and ongoing review of recycled water management

plans and Section 60 Local Government Act 1993 approvals.

It is recommended that these actions are reviewed against the regional demand management objectives every two years in parallel with a review of each member LWUs DMP. Refer to advice regarding the Five Year Procurement Plan later in this report. It is recommended that the Regional Demand Management Plan be adopted. A copy is provided as an attachment. Summary of current programs

Drought Management – All but two out of the fifteen Plans lodged with NOW have been approved. Progress on the RDM Plan is anticipated in the future. See Five Year Procurement Plan later in this report.

Demand Management – Ten out of fifteen Plans have been approved by NOW. With the exception of one, the remaining four are lodged and awaiting assessment. Regional Plan is commended to GMAC for adoption.

IWCM – Ten out of fifteen plans have been approved by NOW with two lodged awaiting approval. The remaining three have received comments from NOW and it is anticipated will be re-lodged with NOW shortly. There is at least a 12 week turnaround from NOW on plan approval. Regional Plan is under development.

Regional Asset Revaluations – 8 members participated in a regional approach. Work is now completed. An evaluation is currently being undertaken as part of the Five Year Procurement Planning process. A 3 year CCTV contract is available for use by member councils for condition assessment of sewer mains for asset valuation work. Work is currently scheduled in Lachlan, Forbes and Parkes.

Asset Management- Smoke Testing – a 12 month program for smoke testing for reticulation has commenced with work currently being undertaken in 8 Councils prior to June 2013. Two Requests for Tender for regional procurement of Pipe Re-lining and Water main Re-lining services are being scoped.

Strategic Business Plans –NSW Public Works is progressing work on the development of SBPs with workshops completed at 6 Councils to date. Plan development for those Councils is well underway and scheduled to be completed by June. This is an 18 month program of works.


Reports

Drinking Water Quality Management Plans – the CWUA has identified DWQM Plans as a priority. A Working Party has been formed to monitor progress in the development of Drinking Water Quality Management Plans to ensure members are on target to meet the September 2014 regulatory deadline to have a Plan in place. Funding for Boorowa, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Cabonne and Oberon has been achieved with the Department of Health recently confirming funding for Cowra and Parkes. It has been recommended that Central Tablelands Water seek funding.

Save Water! Alliance – Regional program including shower head exchange, advertising and bill inserts rolled out in November 2012 –January 2013 was reviewed at the February CWUA meeting where it was resolved to renew the agreement for a further two year period from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014. All member councils need to sign the Agreement with the Savewater! Alliance. This has been circulated for signature through the CWUA membership.

Collaboration with LMWUA determines areas of mutual action for mutual benefit. Plans are underway for a Joint CWUA/LMWUA Executive Meeting in July. See also joint submission to the Water Industry Competition Act 2006 under correspondence to this meeting.

Development of regional 5 year schedule of procurement of strategic work and dam safety. See Five Year Procurement Plan below.

Water sampling training developed in collaboration with the NSW Department of Health (DoH) Public Health Unit was rolled out in early May 2013 with training delivered in Orange, Parkes and Bathurst. To date 65 water operators from CWUA member councils have been trained. Water Sampling Policy is in development with opportunities for further training in the use of the DoH Drinking Water database for ongoing analysis and monitoring of drinking water quality is in planning.

Through the Centroc Water Resources Working Party, work is underway to develop a pilot program to undertake an audit of Council’s water and sewer workforces including assessment of future skillset requirements with a view to developing a business case for an application for funding to Government Skills Australia for the development and delivery of Centroc training based on core competencies for water operators; and

The re-badging and roll-out of the Centroc Mentoring for Sustainability Program for the CWUA, including templates that can be adapted for use by local council staff working with the CWUA as part of a mentoring program to develop leadership skills. The program is currently being trialed with a view to being rolled out to member councils in late 2013- early 2014.See advice regarding a CWUA Mentoring Project under Advocacy Update.

Five Year Procurement Plan The CWUA Program Manager in consultation with the Compliance and Cost Savings Officer has developed a five year plan for a regional approach to the procurement of strategic work including best practice and asset management to inform the Best Practice Strategic Plan process. This plan is a work in progress contingent on NOW approval of Plans and is being developed with consideration of the four year Integrated Planning cycle. A copy provided an attachment to this report.

Centroc wrote to Mr Colin McLean former Executive Director, Urban Water, NOW on 10 October 2012 and Mr Sam Samra on 26 November 2012 seeking a process review for Best Practice that supports Centroc’s intentions to procure strategic work collectively and that recognises the amount of work required for NOW officers. This and other issues associated with the lodgment of Best Practice Plans, including the timeframe for approvals, were also raised at a meeting with the newly appointed Executive Director, Urban Water, Ms Maree Abood on 5 December 2012.

As there has been no response from NOW, the CWUA resolved at its meeting on 4 April to write to Ms Maree Abood, Executive Director, Urban Water advising that the CWUA plans to implement a Five Year Procurement Plan that includes regional reviews of Best Practice Plans, notably Demand Management Plans to minimize costs and maximize output for member Councils. It is suggested that NOW be advised that unless we hear to the contrary, the CWUA will progress with the implementation of the Plan.


Reports

It is therefore recommended that the Board write to NOW regarding the Five Year Procurement Plan advising of Centroc’s intentions to implement the strategy and seeking their endorsement. CWUA Cost Savings The table below details cost savings achieved through joint procurement of best practice management plans and asset management services by the CWUA to date.

* Cost savings for CCTV and Smoke testing to be provided at a later date.

Recommendation/s

That the Board 1. adopt the Regional Demand Management Plan; 2. write to NOW regarding the Five Year Procurement Plan advising of Centroc’s intentions to

implement the strategy and seeking the endorsement of NOW; 3. endorse the staging of a CWUA event with



c. the balance to come out of the CWUA budget and 4. note the balance of the Water Infrastructure report.

Attachment/s: 9 8 February 2013 Correspondence from Minister Hodgkinson regarding the Centroc Water Utilities Alliance model

10 8 February 2013 INSW response from Joint submission by LMWUA and CWUA

11 27 February 2013 Correspondence from the Attorney-General Minister for Emergency Management regarding the Natural

Disaster Relief and recovery arrangements changes for local water utilities

12 22 February 2013 Premier O’Farrell Support for the CWUA sewer model

13 22 February 2013 Correspondence to the Independent Review Panel response to State Infrastructure by Centroc and LMWUA

14 22 February 2013 Correspondence to Minister Hodgkinson regarding support for the CWUA sewer model

15 22 February 2013 Minister Page copy of the response to State Infrastructure by Centroc and LMWUA

16 Regional Demand Management Plan

17 22 February 2013 Joint submission by Centroc and LMWUA to the Water Industry Competition Act 2006

18 Five Year Procurement Plan 2013-2017

19 2 April 2013 Correspondence from Savewater regarding Centroc membership

IWCM Drought DemandAsset

Valuations*CCTV

*Smoke

TestingSBP SaveWater

Total CWUA

Savings

Bathurst 5,000.0$ 12,000.0$ -$ 44.0$ 1,925.0$ 18,969.0$

Blayney 5,000.0$ -$ -$ 402.0$ 457.5$ ctw 5,859.5$

Boorowa 4,000.0$ 9,000.0$ 5,000.0$ 669.0$ 86.0$ 18,755.0$

Cabonne 4,000.0$ 9,000.0$ 9,000.0$ 690.0$ 649.5$ 160.0$ 23,499.5$

Cowra 14,000.0$ 5,000.0$ 6,000.0$ 673.0$ 669.0$ 732.0$ 27,074.0$

Forbes 5,000.0$ 9,000.0$ -$ 669.0$ 79.0$ 14,748.0$

Harden -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$

Lachlan 13,000.0$ 6,000.0$ 9,000.0$ 522.0$ 763.5$ 61.0$ 29,346.5$

Lithgow 5,000.0$ 8,000.0$ -$ 873.0$ 649.5$ 976.0$ 15,498.5$

Oberon 4,000.0$ 4,000.0$ 5,000.0$ 454.0$ 764.0$ 194.0$ 14,412.0$

Orange 5,000.0$ 12,000.0$ 14,000.0$ 785.0$ 650.0$ 2,250.0$ 34,685.0$

Parkes 25,000.0$ 5,000.0$ 6,000.0$ 776.0$ 650.0$ 127.0$ 37,553.0$

Upper Lachlan 14,000.0$ 4,000.0$ 6,000.0$ 764.0$ 269.0$ 25,033.0$

Weddin 5,000.0$ 9,000.0$ -$ 447.0$ ctw 14,447.0$

Wellington -$ -$ -$ 1,280.0$ 1,280.0$

Young 4,000.0$ 9,000.0$ 5,000.0$ 764.0$ 646.0$ 19,410.0$

CTW 5,000.0$ 7,000.0$ -$ 644.0$ 12,644.0$

Total 117,000.0$ 108,000.0$ 65,000.0$ 5,175.0$ -$ -$ 8,610.0$ 9,429.0$ 313,214.0$


Reports - Précis

7c Environmental Sustainability

Report by Jennifer Bennett dated 3/5/13


Objective 1A Reduce ecological impacts in Central NSW and develop climate change adaptation programming

Subject Grant funded programs update and advice on Local Land Services

Sponsoring General Manager Mr Peter Vlatko Management Plan actions 2012/2013 1. Finalise “Climate Adaptation” program

2. Finalise Mentoring Program

3. Deliver Regional Summit

4. Member Councils have renewable energy implementation plans

5. Liaise with Regional organisations (such as the CMA’s and Central West Business Chamber) and funding entities to seek

further regional sustainability projects with a focus on regional sustainability strategic work and renewable energy.

6. Determine specific priority regional environmental policy requirements and progress an environmental advocacy

strategy for the region focusing on State and Federal perspectives.

7. Prepare three grant ready initiatives

8. Develop Centroc Sustainability Action Plan

The restructuring of Local Land Services (LLS) and Centroc response to date

Members will be aware that the Department of Primary Industry, Catchment Management Authorities and the Livestock Health and Pest Authority are being restructured into the one Local Land Services organisation where a notable feature is the absence of a Lachlan based region. Members have also expressed concern regarding the lack of detail on the service provision and that Local Councils will become the rate collectors for the new entities. Subsequent to the resolve of the Board a submission was lodged in line with the minutes and direction provided in discussion at the meeting.

Précis This report provides advice on:

restructuring of Local Land Services (LLS) and Centroc response to date where the most recent maps from the State taskforce are provided;

NSW Environmental Trust (the Trust) Grants;

progress on the Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) Grant Round One; and

the draft policy of NSW Energy from Waste Policy Statement and $4.657m waste less recycle more initiative.

Advice regarding energy initiatives including community solar panel procurement forms part of the Revolving Cost Savings Report. A “green tip” is also provided. The report is provided for noting.


Reports - Précis

The Minister for Primary Industries established the Local Land Services Reference Panel (the Panel) to provide advice on establishing Local Land Services.

The Panel is chaired by Dr. John Keniry, NSW Natural Resources Commissioner. The Panel consists

of representatives from NSW Farmers Association, Landcare NSW Inc., Greening Australia NSW,

NSW Local Government Shires Association, Australian Farm Institute, Livestock Health Pest

Authorities, Catchment Management Authorities and the Department of Primary Industries. The

Panel has met eight times since it was established in October 2012.

The Panel released a draft final map at the end of December 2012 (Figure 1). Since then, the Panel has considered feedback from the community given at consultation workshops

(22 workshops, with around 1,500 attendees) and the Have your say web-site (over 2,000 responses

in total). Formal submissions and briefings from stakeholders were also considered such as

agricultural and farming groups, local government, environmental groups, Aboriginal groups and

government agencies. The feedback highlighted a range of issues, alternatives and options for the Panel to consider (Table 1). At its 22 April 2013 meeting, the Panel discussed and voted on their preferred Local Land Services boundaries. For most issues, there was majority of panel members in favour of one option for each issue. However, the majority was clearer in some cases than others (Table 1). The Panel decided to map and present both the Panel members’ majority and minority preferences to the Minister (Table 1). Figure 2 shows the majority view of the Panel on boundaries, while Figure 3 shows the minority view of the Panel.


Reports - Précis

.


Reports

Table 1: Outstanding key issues and options considered by the panel at its 22 April 2013 meeting

Issue Key arguments and potential options

1. Remove the Central Tablelands LLS region

OPTIONS A. Remove the Central Tableland LLS region, and merge:

i. Harden, Young, Boorowa and Cowra LGAs into Riverina LLS region

ii. Oberon, Bathurst, Blayney, Lithgow and Mid-Western

Regional LGAs into Central West LLS region

iii. Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley and Goulburn Mulwaree LGAs into South East LLS region.

B. Remove the Central Tablelands LLS region (with LGAs merged into

surrounding LLS regions as described above) and include Wingecarribee LGA into South East LLS region.

C. Retain the current Central Tablelands LLS region.

D. Retain the current Central Tablelands LLS region and include

Orange and Cabonne LGAs in Central Tablelands LLS region.

Panel member preferences

Five (5) panel members preferred Option B - CMA, Landcare, DPI, GA and the Chair

Three (3) panel members preferred Option D, including Orange and

Cabonne LGAs in the Central Tablelands LLS region and moving Harden and Young LGAs to the Riverina LLS region - LGSA, NSWFA and LHPA

Panel decision

1.

The majority of panel members preferred Option B.

2. Map and present both majority and minority preferences to Minister.

2. Extend the southern and western boundaries of the Greater Sydney LLS region

OPTIONS E. Retain the current boundary arrangement for Sydney LLS region.

F. Extend the southern and/or western boundaries as per:

i. Cumberland LHPA proposal

ii. Sydney Catchment Authority proposal

iii. Hawkesbury-Nepean CMA proposal

iv. Wingecarribee Shire Council proposal.

G. Include Wingecarribee Shire Council in South East LLS (if Central Tablelands is removed as described in Issue 1, Option B).


Panel members noted this issue is related to preferences outlined in Issue 1 above.

Panel decision

1.

Refer to Issue 1.

2. Present this preference in the majority view map to the Minister.


Reports


3. Include the western section of the Murray LLS region into one or two Western LLS regions

OPTIONS H. Retain the current boundary arrangements for Murray LLS and Western LLS regions.

I. Include the western section of the Murray LLS region into one or

two Western LLS region.

J. Split Balranald and Wentworth LGAs into Western and Murray LLS regions.

Panel member

preferences Five (5) panel members preferred Option J - CMA, Landcare, DPI, GA

and the Chair

Three (3) panel members preferred Option I, with one LLS region - LGSA, NSWFA and LHPA

Panel decision 1. The majority of panel members preferred Option J.

2. Map and present both majority and minority preferences to the Minister.

4. Include the entire Mid-Western Shire Council in the Central West LLS region

OPTIONS K. Include the entire Mid-Western Shire Council in the Central West LLS region (or Central Tablelands).

L. Retain the eastern section of the Mid-Western Shire Council in the

Hunter LLS region


Six (6) panel members preferred Option K, with retaining Mid-Western Shire Council in the Central Tablelands or Central West LLS region - Landcare, LGSA, GA, NSWFA, LHPA and the Chair

One (1) panel member preferred Option L - CMA

DPI abstained from voting.

Panel decision 1. The majority of panel members preferred Option K.

2. Map and present the majority preference to the Minister.

5. Include Greater Taree City Council in Hunter LLS region

OPTIONS M. Include Greater Taree City Council in Hunter LLS region

N. Retain Greater Taree City Council in North Coast LLS region


Five (5) panel members preferred Option M - DPI, GA, LGSA, CMA and the Chair.

Three (3) panel members preferred Option N - LHPA, Landcare and

NSWFA.

Panel decision 1. The majority of panel members preferred Option M.

2. Map and present both majority and minority preferences to the Minister.

6. Include Coleambally Irrigation Area in the Riverina LLS region

OPTIONS O. Include the Coleambally Irrigation Area in the Riverina region.

P. Retain the Coleambally Irrigation Area in its current


Reports


configuration across the Riverina and Murray LLS regions.


Six (6) panel members preferred Option O - GA, NSWFA, DPI, LHPA, Landcare and the Chair

Two (2) panel members preferred Option P - CMA and LGSA

Panel decision 1. The majority of panel members preferred Option O.

2. Map and present the majority preference to the Minister.

Include Finch Parish County (part of Walgett LGA) in North West LLS region. Use the Western Division boundary for the North West LLS region

OPTIONS Q. Retain Finch Parish County in Western LLS region

R. Include Finch Parish County in North West LLS region


Four (4) panel members preferred Option Q – NSWFA, CMA, Landcare and GA

Four (4) panel members preferred Option R – LHPA, LGSA, DPI and

the Chair

Panel decision 1. The panel members’ preferences were evenly split between Options Q and R.

2. Map and present the split preferences in both majority and

minority maps to the Minister.

Include Gwydir Shire Council in Northern Tablelands LLS region

OPTIONS S. Retain Gwydir Shire Council in North West LLS region.

T. Include Gwydir Shire Council in Northern Tablelands LLS region.


Five (5) panel members preferred Option S – LHPA, NSWFA, DPI, GA and the Chair

Three (3) panel members preferred Option T – Landcare, CMA and

LGSA (with LGSA having a further preference to include Moree LGA in Northern Tablelands LLS region)

Panel decision

1.The majority of panel members preferred Option S.

2.Map and present both majority and minority preferences to the Minister.


Reports - Précis

Correspondence has been received from Oberon Council that is a fit with the advice provided in the submission. Please find it attached.

NSW Environmental Trust (the Trust) Grants update

Where all activities are completed the final report regarding the Climate Adaptation project has been provided to the Trust where the financial acquittal can be completed upon receiving the last invoice for the last piece.

The Mentoring Toolkit has also been completed. It has been rebadged for the Centroc Water Utilities’ Alliance who will consider a report in its regard in due course.

Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) Update

As advised at the August Board meeting of 2012, the application to the Round 1 of the Community Energy Efficiency Program was successful where advice was provided directly to members 13 June. Every effort was taken to fast track the funding agreement, unfortunately this was a protracted process with the agreement signed 6 November.

The funding will bring up to over $1.1m to the region for energy efficiency projects across 51 sites. There is also a level 2 audit component for Forbes and a significant communication component. Priority and Phase One projects have commenced where work at the Oberon Pool, Parkes Pool and Lithgow Pool and LWU sites at Upper Lachlan have either been completed or are well under way. The lighting Request for Tender has been let where lighting audits for all member Councils are included. This is because the work undertaken to date regarding audit has been at a high level and may not have taken into account issues around older light fittings where some Councils (Orange and Oberon) have reported significant problems in this area. As advised in earlier reports, the usage of a NSW Office of Environment and Heritage approved electrician in this process means that members outside the CEEP program may be eligible for significant cost savings should they wish to engage in the process. More advice regarding the tender process including all documentation is available on request. Current status of the roll out of ongoing works is as follows: Council Project Status Acquittal update

Parkes Pool Complete Funding provided Milestone report yet to be assessed by DCCEE.

Oberon Pool Complete Funding provided Milestone report yet to be assessed by DCCEE.

Lithgow Pool Complete Funding provided Milestone report yet to be assessed by DCCEE.

Upper Lachlan

Variable speed drives at Taralga, Gunning,

Complete Invoicing being progressed.


Reports - Précis

Crookwell.

Cabonne Lighting Tender Awarded Chasing up re separability

Parkes Lighting Tender Awarded Using supply and install. Audit complete. Installation commenced

Blayney Lighting Tender Awarded Audit completed.

Boorowa Lighting Tender Awarded Using supply and install. Audit complete.

Weddin Lighting Tender Awarded Using supply and install. Audit complete.

Young Lighting Tender Awarded Review of audit advice for program selection underway.

Forbes Level 2 Audits of 3 Large sites in Forbes

Two complete, one to go.

Balance of Parkes projects

Ready to roll

Balance of Young projects

Slated for next financial year

Balance of Boorowa Projects

Slated for July

Forbes Power Factor Correction

Slated for July

Lachlan soft starter projects

Slated for July

Councils not in the CEEP Program lighting component participating in the lighting tender Members will be aware that an opportunity to roll out the tender and program administration of lighting retrofit including the SWN Office of Environment and Heritage funding has been provided to those Councils not in the CEEP lighting process. Responses to date are as follows where further follow-up is being undertaken with the balance of Councils. Advice to the meeting would be welcomed. Council Project Status

Lithgow Audit, procure and install Using BAEC for audit at this stage with next steps dependent on CEEP grant outcome

Forbes Audit, procure and install Using BAEC for audit at this stage with next steps dependent on CEEP grant outcome

Orange Audit, procure and install Audit to commence in near future

Lachlan Audit, procure and install Audit to commence in near future


Reports - Précis

Communication components Due to the late onset of this project the signage and blog components have experienced slippage where the Summit was held in the agreed timeframe. Members now have signage for installation and industry is reviewing the website/blog upgrade. A number of media releases have been sent out and there is good interest in the project with its strong linkages to the distributed energy planning activities being undertaken in the region. Agendas, notes and minutes from the Project Technical Committee and Project Steering Committee are available on request. Milestone Reporting Reporting against milestones and funding accrual is as follows. As can be seen, there is significant slippage in this process. Staff are working with the DCCEE to try and turn this around.

Milestone Description and Deliverables Milestone Date DCCEE Funding (GST exclusive)

Progress

1. First Milestone Signing of Funding Agreement

On execution $400,000 Funding received

2. Second Milestone Submission of draft Supplementary Information Report for approval under Schedule 4 and acceptance by the Department in accordance with clause 8.4 that details:

a. updated baseline energy use, baseline energy efficiency, energy efficiency improvement and cost benefit for each building, site or facility that is part of the Activity prepared in accordance with the Energy Efficiency Improvement Guidance provided at Annexure A;

b. updated Risk Management and Mitigation Strategy for the Activity prepared in accordance with the Risk Management Guidance at Annexure B;

c. evidence that the Recipient has the legal authority to deal with the Department on behalf of the Group in accordance with clause 1.6.3 of this Agreement; and

d. an updated waste management plan which is consistent with applicable Local, State, Territory and Commonwealth legislation including codes and policies.

1 Nov 2012 $0 Feedback provided in the last week of March is that the baseline energy data which was previously understood to be approved requires reworking. The consultant advises that the DCCEE methodology was used. This has been reoldged.

3. Third Milestone Submission of a Milestone Report for acceptance by the Department in accordance with clause 8.4 indicating the progress to date made in relation to completion of the activities described in the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Milestones.

15 Nov 2012 $40,000 Milestone lodged.

4. Fourth Milestone (Parkes and Weddin Activities)

31 Jan 2013 $150,000 Milestone lodged, awaiting advice on


Reports - Précis

Milestone Description and Deliverables Milestone Date DCCEE Funding (GST exclusive)

Progress

Submission of a Milestone Report for acceptance by the Department in accordance with clause 8.4 indicating the level of Other Contributions made in relation to and completion of the activities described in:

a. Table 2; b. Tables 11 to 21; and c. 53.5 and 53.7 from Table 53

in Attachment A to Schedule 2.

earlier Milestones. Slippage in signage where at the time of writing it has been been posted to members.

5. Fifth Milestone (Cabonne and Harden Activities) Submission of a Milestone Report for acceptance by the Department in accordance with clause 8.4 indicating the level of Other Contributions made in relation to and completion of the activities described in:

a. Tables 4 to 10; and b. Tables 31 to 36,


15 Feb 2013 $100,000 Milestone lodged. Slippage in signage where at the time of writing it has been been posted to members. Slippage in blog where at the time of writing the EOI is with industry.

6. Sixth Milestone (Young, Oberon, Blayney, Boorowa and Forbes Activities) Submission of a Milestone Report for acceptance by the Department in accordance with clause 8.4 indicating the level of Other Contributions made in relation to and completion of the activities described in:

a. Table 1; b. Tables 22 to 28; c. Tables 29 and 30; and d. Table 37,


28 Feb 2013 $100,000 Milestone drafted.

7. Seventh Milestone Completion of energy data gathering to update the estimate of energy efficiency improvement provided under Milestone 2a, in accordance with the format detailed at Annexure A to Schedule 2 and provision of the updated estimate to the Department for information.

17 May 2013 $0

The draft policy of NSW Energy from Waste Policy Statement and $4.657m waste less recycle more initiative. Please find correspondence attached where this is being managed through Netwaste.

Recommendation/s

That the Board note the Environment Sustainability report

Attachment/s: 20 22 March 2013 Local Lands Services Stakeholder Reference Panel submission on restructuring of Local Land Services

21 26 March 2013 Correspondence to Ms Robyn Parker Minister for the Environment thanking the minister for funding

the Centroc Programs

22 28 March 2013 Correspondence to the CWUA chair Andrew Francis thankyou for the suggestion to apply for a Round 2

CEEP project

23 2 April 2013 Correspondence from Oberon Council Proposed Local Lands Services Structure and Associated Boundaries


Reports - Précis

7d Health



Objective 1D Support the retention and growth of health services across the region

Subject Activities in the Health Sector

Sponsoring General Manager Mr Brian Steffen Management Plan Actions 2012/2013 1. Implement Beyond the Range Project Year 1

2. Support growth of cancer care services in the region.

3. Undertake advocacy for members and the region on an as needs basis.

4. Develop policy and actions responding to the emergent needs of members in health.

5. Consideration of the Federal Government Reform processes – e.g. levels of service and community based health

planning and how this will impact on Local Government, funding changes that may impact on funding levels in

community services (e.g. HACC).

6. Ensure the smaller community needs for health servicing are assessed.

7. Aged care to be a specific issue for consideration.

Progress on implementation of Stage 2 of the Beyond the Range attraction and retention of health workforce project in the web based portal Members have been provided with significant background regarding this project. Please request all background information on this project, or it is available from recent business papers which are up on the web at http://centroc.com.au/publications

All members have provided advice regarding their inclusion in the program and from a member perspective the program is now ready to roll.

Précis Advice updating previous meetings’ resolve can be found in the Action List elsewhere in this agenda. This report provides advice on:

progress on implementation of Stage 2 of the Beyond the Range attraction and retention

of health workforce project;

progression of a meeting with Ms Jenny Beange, CEO of Medicare Local;

models for medical schools for the region; and

an event in Canberra 24 May regarding medical workforce being hosted by Charles Sturt

University.

The report recommends the Board: 1. Receive a report outlining the pros and cons of various university medical programs in the

region and

2. Advocate for universities providing medical workforce training in the region where a

proportion of existing training places are quarantined for country students.

http://centroc.com.au/publications


Reports

Progress on implementation of Stage 2 of the Beyond the Range attraction and retention of health workforce project

Member engagement in the program is as follows:

Council Agreed

Bathurst √

Blayney √

Cabonne √

Cowra √

Forbes √

Lachlan √

Lithgow Agreed for one year then review

Parkes √

Oberon Agreed for one year then review

Orange √

Weddin √

Wellington √

Young √

To help secure 50% partnership funding, meetings has been held with Cadia Valley. With the assistance of Ms Nedra Burns of Cadia funding has been secured as follows:

$5K per year from The Mineral Council

$15K from Cadia

Further advice regarding Lake Cowal and other possibilities is being pursued. Bland Shire Council have expressed interest in the project as a result of Barrick and Lake Cowal’s involvement. This has been followed up.

It should be noted that issues around funding have contributed to slippage in program delivery where the Expression of Interest for the marketing advice is being reviewed by Council stakeholders attending the meeting 7 May described below.

Progression of a meeting with Jenny Beange, CEO of Medicare Local A meeting between the Centroc Executive and Ms Jenny Beange, CEO of Medicare Local was held 18 April. The main focus of the meeting was to develop a pathway for communication and action on health where Medicare Local and Centroc work in collaboration where MOUs have been used in the past.

From the meeting it was agreed that Centroc will provide a list of members for the Local Government Advisory Group and a copy of the MoU that was existing with the Central West Division of GPs. The new Workforce Co-ordinator from Medicare Local will be contacting Centroc in the near future to discuss among other things the Beyond the Range Project.


Reports

Correspondence has been provided accordingly and is attached. Medical Schools in the Centroc region In recent time Sydney University has come up with a proposal for a medical school in Dubbo and Orange. Professor Gabriel Shannon from Sydney University made a presentation to the Board at its recent meeting in February in Wellington. This proposal is competitive with the Charles Sturt University proposal which has enjoyed support from the Board to date. It should also be noted that there are a number of other universities offering medical training of some type in the region where it is typically as an outreach on a rotational basis with students spending a majority of their time in a metropolitan setting. The Board requested a more in depth analysis of the Sydney University versus Charles Sturt University offerings to be undertaken by a small committee led by Mr B Steffen. This committee met 7 May where the notes are available on request. In attendance were

Brian Steffen - Forbes

Liz Collyer - Lachlan

Maree Clark - Lachlan

Scott Maunder - Orange

Lawrence Ryan - Cowra

Jenny Bennett - Centroc

There are significant problems for any university proposing to either expand or introduce a medical school in this region. The most significant challenge is around hospital placements for training and internships. Where patients in hospitals and medical practices rightly expect a degree of safety and professionalism in their care, support structures for training places need to be in place. This will require sufficient staffing at hospitals of doctors and allied health workforce to support this training. Given that hospitals are funded primarily through the State, who pays? It would appear it would need to be some type of federal funding. While nothing to do with new medical schools, one solution is to ensure that a proportion existing training places are quarantined for country students. Changing the structure of internships to include as much activity in smaller hospitals and medical centres is also one way to increase training numbers in this area. Again it would require resourcing but perhaps not as much as would be required in the bigger teaching hospitals. After much discussion it was decided that a table identifying the pros and cons of varying proposals should be developed for the Board.

Health workforce CSU Event in Canberra Members will be aware that CSU has invited leaders from across the region to Canberra to an event on health workforce for regional communities. Please find the agenda attached. Most of the members of the committee as described above will be in attendance and will progress further activity through the Executive if required.


Reports

Other advice to the Board from the meeting 7 May Members attending the meeting 7 May discussed medical schools in the context of health services in the region in general. They found that there is an opportunity to ensure a greater suite of services being delivered by hospitals by:

Looking at a hub and satellite model

Advocating for the greatest possible suite of services to be delivered particularly at the

procedural hospitals.

There is an opportunity for health to engage in cultural change to facilitate the needs of rural and remote patients for example by:

Reviewing the need for personal attendance and facilitating, for example, Skype

consultations

Have an appointment schedule focus that recognises the travel needs of community

transport and privately transported patents.

Further discussions scoping out how the above might be progressed will need to be undertaken.

Recommendation/s

That the Board 1. receive a report outlining the pros and cons of all university medical programs in the

region;

2. advocate for universities providing medical workforce training in the region where a

proportion of existing training places are quarantined for country students ; and

3. note the balance of the Health report.

Attachment/s: 24 20 March 2013 Correspondence from the Hon. Catherine King response regarding medical professionals shortage in

Rural NSW

25 28 February 2013 NSW Ministry of Health Submission on the Aeromedical rotary wing review

26 23 March 2013 Correspondence from Dr Mary Foley acknowledging Centroc’s submission on Aeromedical (rotary

wing) retrieval services

27 2 May 2013 Correspondence To Medicare Local Thank you and follow up from meeting

28 CSU event agenda 24 May 2013


Reports - Précis




Objective 1E Telecommunications

Subject Advocacy update

Sponsoring General Manager Mr Garry Styles Management Plan Actions for 2012/2013 Advocate on behalf of the region to 1. Ensure long term broad band accessibility for the region:

a. Conduct delegations, submissions and letter writing to understand ALP approach achieving fibre to the kerb in Central NSW.

b. Use existing and on-top broadband studies for lobbying purposes with Federal ALP.

The NBN roll out map for the nation and for the Centroc region was reviewed 9 April

showing no further change for anticipated roll outs for this region.

Précis Members will be aware that Centroc continues in its efforts to focus attention on the need for broadband in the region with a view to positioning Centroc members early in the national roll-out. Recommendations from past meetings form part of Matters in Progress. Unfortunately in the recent announcements outlining works to be commenced in the next three years on fibre to the premises, no Centroc member was included. Please go to the map at the link below. http://www.nbnco.com.au/rollout/rollout-map.html?icid=pub:network::men:roll-map On 9 April the coalition unveiled its broadband policy which is a national broadband network fibre to the node rather than fibre to the premises. More advice is provided below. The report is provided for noting.

http://www.nbnco.com.au/rollout/rollout-map.html?icid=pub:network::men:roll-map


Reports

Federal Coalition policy on broadband

Malcolm Turnbull, Shadow Minister for Telecommunications, launched their plan for fast broadband and an affordable NBN (the Plan) 9 April.

The Plan itself is at: http://www.andrewsouthcott.com/Portals/0/Documents/The_Coalitions_Plan_for_Fast_Broadband_and_an_Affordable_NBN.pdf

The Background Papers are available at:

http://www.malcolmturnbull.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Background.pdf

In summary, the coalition are suggesting that it would be faster to deploy and more affordable to roll out fibre to the node where the “last mile” or last distance from the node to the home would be copper. This distance is described as several hundred metres in the Plan. Households would have the option to buy connection to the node.

http://www.andrewsouthcott.com/Portals/0/Documents/The_Coalitions_Plan_for_Fast_Broadband_and_an_Affordable_NBN.pdf

http://www.andrewsouthcott.com/Portals/0/Documents/The_Coalitions_Plan_for_Fast_Broadband_and_an_Affordable_NBN.pdf

http://www.malcolmturnbull.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Background.pdf


Reports

The Background Papers raise concerns regarding

the likely uptake of wireless households, which is growing rapidly

cost blow outs of the roll out

people not buying into the higher speeds because they do not need them and

the extended period of the rollout

The Coalition suggest that their plan would be delivered by 2019 and income generating by 2020/2021 costing 20-33% of the fibre to the premises program of the NBN.

Shorter stretches of copper do allow for faster upload and download speeds, but there is a lot of debate about exactly how good this can be, where commentators are suggesting that the copper network in many areas has reached its use by date and will require upgrading anyway. There is no commitment from the Coalition regarding speeds for specific areas though every household and business would have access to broadband with a download data rate of between 25 and 100 megabits per second by late 2016, and between 50 and 100 megabits per second by 2019.

Coalition projected prices will be $24 lower per month by 2021 than Labor's projected NBN prices.

Areas currently experiencing poor service will be prioritized. This may have some potential for Central NSW.

Meetings are being arranged through the Hon John Cobb’s Office with Coalition representatives seeking advice on the implications for Central NSW. To date advice has been provided that a meeting has been organised by Mr Cobb for Centroc to meet with the Mr Luke Hartsuyker Federal Member for Cowper, Shadow Minister for Regional Communications, Shadow Minister for Youth and Sport, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House on Thursday 13th June 2013 at 5pm.

Meetings are also being arranged through Senator Thistlethwaite’s office with the Hon Stephen Conroy.

Recommendation/s

That the Board note the Telecommunications report.

Attachment/s: 29 20 March 2013 Senators Stephen Conroy and Matt Thistlethwaite, Malcolm Turnbull and John Cobb regarding NBN

and internet connection in the Central West


Reports




Objective 1F Regional Development

Subject Regional Development Australia

Sponsoring General Manager Mr Garry Styles Management Plan Activities for 2012/2013 1. Review of REDs for next steps in implementation including

a. identify clusters and areas of competitive advantage in each council area and in the Region generally. Cluster

analysis to include mining, education, and agriculture and other points of difference, strengths.

b. a regional approach to marketing and promotions be considered

2. Support location of Weather Station near Dubbo 3. A specific lobbying plan for Centroc in short term.

Précis

With the Regional Economic Development Strategy approved by the Board in February 2012, a complete suite of the documentation is available from the Centroc website. RDACW have recently updated data and links are provided from the Centroc website through the RDACW website. The next steps progressing marketing the region are being undertaken in consultation with RDACW. REDE consulting have been commissioned to update the current Centroc Population projections in line with previous Board resolve. The draft has been reviewed by GMAC and is attached for adoption. This report also provides advice on the regional taskforce of leaders to report to Government on actions that could maximise the net social and employment benefits from mining growth and a workshop on population projections co-ordinated by the ABS and Department of Planning. Correspondence seeking feedback to an Inquiry Into Downstream Gas Supply And Availability In NSW is attached. Given the Screen Central project is returning to a lower level of service as the funding period has expired, reporting for this initiative forms part of this report. The management plan will be updated accordingly. For advice on the previous resolve of the Board and GMAC, please see the action list under “Matters in Progress.” The report recommends 1. the nomination of the Centroc Chair to the Regional Taskforce of Leaders to report to Government on action that could maximize new social and employment to benefit from mining growth; 2. adoption of the Centroc population projections and 2. feedback be provided to the Inquiry Into Downstream Gas Supply And Availability In NSW.

Population projections from Centroc Where separate reports and more detailed advice regarding the Centroc population projections have been provided in previous reports, please find attached the draft projections for the region.


Reports

While these involved extensive work with members and solid review from the Project Steering Committee, members are encouraged to discuss the attached advice with Mayors and staff. It should be noted that the ABS have recently released Estimate Regional Population figures based on their old flawed methodology. Please see advice below where member should not that these figures may conflict with those provided in the Centroc projections seeking adoption.

A regional taskforce of leaders to report to Government on actions that could maximise the net social and employment benefits from mining growth The Department of Premier and Cabinet have invited Centroc to be part of the leadership group for this initiative identified in the Regional Action Plan. Members of the group are drawn from industry, local councils and NSW Government agencies. Ms Lee Chapman attended the first meeting in Dubbo Thursday 14 February. Notes from the meeting are available on request. The meeting slated for April 9 has been postponed and direction is sought determining a delegate from the ROC where the Chair is commended. The Executive Officer would attend to provide administrative support similar to the model used for the Bells Line of Road Long Term Corridor Plan.

Workshop on population projections co-ordinated by the ABS and Department of Planning A workshop was held in Orange March 19 facilitated by the NSW Department of Planning and the ABS. Advice was provided to the attendees regarding a review of ABS projections as these had been overstated for this region in the past. The review is underway. Attendees were encouraged to provide advice about local effects on population change to help inform projections going forward. Please find following some key slides from the workshop where the full presentation is available on request.


Reports


Reports

An Inquiry Into Downstream Gas Supply And Availability In NSW Correspondence has been received regarding a State Inquiry Into Downstream Gas Supply And Availability In NSW. This is attached. As this affects a number of members where further canvassing needs to be undertaken, a response to this process is recommended.

Screen Central NSW and Western Sydney The grant funding for Screen Central NSW and Western Sydney is now being finalised with Screen NSW. At this stage, there is $5000 to be invoiced at project acquittal. The Screen Central Website will still be functional as a location image database and enquiries made through the website will still be forwarded to the relevant Centroc Councils. Advice from the project will continue to form part of the Central NSW Economic Development Officers Forum where EDOs are typically film contact officers. After acquittal advice regarding organisational restructure required for this project will be provided as Centroc resources will need to be deployed elsewhere.


Reports

Recommendation/s

That the Board 1. nominate the Chair, Cr K Keith as delegate to the regional taskforce of leaders to report to

Government on actions that could maximise the net social and employment benefits from mining growth;

2. adopt the Centroc Population Projections; 3. provide a response to the State Inquiry Into Downstream Gas Supply And Availability In NSW;

and 4. note the balance of the Regional Development report.

Attachment/s: 30 19 March 2013 Centroc General Managers regarding Community Strategic Plans

31 23 March Draft Population Projections

32 16 April 2013 State Parliament NSW Inquiry into downstream gas Supply


Reports – Précis

7g Operational Report

Report by Lee Chapman and Laura Burgett dated 07/05/13

Section 2

Regional Cooperation and Resource Sharing

Objective

Subject Operational Report from GMAC 18 April 2013

HR and Training Service

HR Team Update The HR team held their first meeting for 2013 on 19 February in Blayney. The HR Team is currently focused on a Pre Employment Screening tender, a Regional Workforce Development project and the continuing trial of Online Training with a view for a regional contract. The next HR team meeting is scheduled for 21 May in Orange. Pre Employment Screening Tender The Pre-employment screening tender is due to close on 14 May. The Tender will be evaluated during the next HR team meeting. Regional Workforce Planning Cowra, Parkes, Lachlan and Oberon Councils are all currently working with Skillset on a Regional Workforce Development Project. A project scope has been developed by Skillset and the Councils who are involved will be attending a Workshop on the 21 May. The project will be looking at how the involved Councils can:

• ensure staff have the skills they require to perform their current jobs to a high level

• ensure staff are to be able to move into roles as part of a succession plan

• equip the organisation with skills that are needed in the future.

Précis This report provides advice on the operational reports received at the April 2013 GMAC meeting, specifically on the

HR and Training Service;

WHS/Risk Management;

Regional Directors of Corporate Services;

Regional IT Managers Team;

Supply Management Team and

Compliance and Cost Savings Program Further detail relating to these reports is available in the April 2013 GMAC business paper on the Centroc website www.centroc.com.au or on request. Minutes from all project team meetings are available on request. This report recommends that the Board

allow the Executive to sign off on doing a regional tender for elections

http://www.centroc.com.au/


Reports

To answer these questions Skillset will be doing the following in conjunction with participating Councils:

• Conduct Council Job Skills Audits

• Conduct Council Staff Skills Audits

• Undertake Council Training Needs Analysis

• Develop Council Training Plans

CWUA Water Sampling Training This training is currently being completed in conjunction with the Public Health Unit. Sessions are being completed or have been completed in the following locations

Monday 22 April – Orange

Tuesday 7 May - Parkes

Thursday 9 May - Bathurst A full report on the training will be provided in the August Board report. Online Training Update The online training trial is nearing its completion with Bathurst, Orange, Oberon and Lithgow councils. Cubic Consulting, who won the tender, met with representatives from the four trial councils in Bathurst on the 19 March to discuss the progress of the trial. There have been a total of 614 enrolments across the 4 trial councils with 403 having completed the courses as at 2 May 2013. The courses that are currently being rolled out include:

Bullying and Harassment

Equal Employment Opportunity

Code of Conduct

Privacy

The Alcohol and Other Drugs course originally offered is now in the process of being redeveloped as the content did not fit with councils Drug and Alcohol policies. The new version of this course should be ready by mid May. The WHS module that is being developed based on the Centroc WHS Handbook is currently being reviewed by Council staff. The trial is set to finish on 30 June and the HR group will hear a full report about the trial at their next meeting in May. Should the trial be successful as predicted, the HR team will look to go for a fulltime contract with Cubic Consulting with a view to a progressive regional rollout of the software. WHS/Risk Management WHS/Risk Management Team Update


Reports

The WHS team held their first meeting for 2013 on 5 March in Oberon. Minutes and presentations for this meeting are available on request. The next WHS meeting is scheduled for 4 June in Molong. WHS Centroc Induction Program It was brought to Centroc’s attention that some member Councils have not been issuing Centroc Induction Cards. The issue was brought to light when Bathurst Regional Council (BRC) had contractors on site as part of the regional smoke testing contract through the CWUA that did not have a Centroc induction card. BRC then had to run a special induction. The issue was raised at the WHS meeting and it was discovered that a few other councils are also not using the Centroc Induction handbook or issuing Centroc Induction Cards either to staff or contractors. A regional induction program was developed in order to reduce the costs of holding inductions for contractors at each council and with a rise in regional contracts it is important that all member councils are using the induction program. Contractors have already provided advice that they would want to charge extra costs for conducting multiple inductions. The Centroc Local Government Work Health and Safety handbook was last updated in January 2012 after the changes to WHS legislation and the handbook has been re-issued to all council HR and WHS Managers. The matter is being worked through on an individual Council basis and support for the program has been provided by GMAC. Load Shifting Load shifting training under the contract with TAFE Western is well under way with Lithgow council completing their training and Orange, Wellington and Warren Councils all underway or currently being organised. Regional Directors of Corporate Services Team (RDOCS) The Regional Directors of Corporate Services had their second meeting in Orange on 4 April with seven councils in attendance. The next meeting is scheduled for 11 July in Cowra. Asset Valuation Work has commenced for a regional approach to asset valuations due in 2015 (Roads) and 2016 (Community Land) in order to ensure a more efficient outcome. The Infrastructure Team will hear a report on the Roads, Bridges and Footpath valuations process to ensure all interested parties are on the same page. A tender for valuation services will be let later in the year providing the consultant with 12 months to complete the work 6 months prior to the auditor visiting council. Internal Audit Centroc will go to tender for regional internal audit services early next year for a 1 July 2013 commencement. Upper Lachlan will be extending their contract with IAB for 12 months to allow a number of audit projects identified in their Strategic Audit Plan to be completed. The tender box is to close on 30 April with a tender review set for 15 May.


Reports

At the April RDOCS meeting, the idea of comparing the costs of Centroc hiring an internal auditor for interested members to the results of the tender process was suggested. GMAC resolved for RDOCS and the Centroc Executive to hear when the information becomes available. Regional Code of Conduct Panel As directed by the Board, a Regional Code of Conduct Panel is being developed. It will service Forbes, Cowra, Lithgow, Oberon, Bathurst, Parkes, Orange, Lachlan and Weddin. Other members are using other regional panels. Documentation has been circulated and advertising undertaken in both the Sydney Morning Herald and all participating member newspapers. Expenditure on advertising has been close to $5K and is included in the financial report to this meeting. At the time of writing over 40 packages have been sent out where responses closed 17 April. Bathurst, Orange and Cowra have nominated as the selection panel and at the time of writing are looking at May 17 to undertake the selection process. One issue around insurance has been identified where it is suggested that Councils contracting individually from the Panel resolve this on an individual basis. Selected panel members will be asked to provide information regarding their insurance status and this advice will be provided on the panel register. Regional IT Managers Team Next Meeting The next meeting of the Regional IT Managers will occur in Cowra on Wednesday, 28 August 2013.

Supply Management Team The Supply Management Team met on 6 March in Orange. The Agenda and Minutes of the meeting are available on request. The Supply Team will be looking at going to tender for regional contracts in Oils and Guard Posts in 2013. Regional Contracts Centroc currently has 3 regional contracts in Fuel, Bitumen Emulsion and Road Signs. The bitumen and road signs contracts are progressing well and both council staff and suppliers are pleased with the business. The Fuel contract finishes 30 June and Centroc has gone out to tender for a new contract to commence 1 July. Councils are obligated to purchase fuel from a contract based on advice from the Division of Local Government. Councils have found that purchasing from a contract has cost them up to several cents a litre more than what they would be able to purchase from the local supplier. In response to this, GMAC resolved for the tender to result in a panel of providers for councils to purchase fuel from. The tender for supply of fuel closes on 16 May with an assessment to take place on 29 May in Forbes by the Supply Team. Operation Jarek and considerations of a regional approach Ms J Bennett presented to the Supply Team members the comments made by ICAC about training in relational selling not being sufficient a response to managing the risks identified to Councils by Operation Jarek. Options for consideration suggested by ICAC include:


Reports

mentoring

a regional supplier black list of suppliers who partake in relational selling

‘my beautiful stores’ project where members tour various Council stores and collaborate on

best practice

It was requested that the team receive a report about what Centroc can do collaboratively to manage risks identified by Operation Jarek from a regional perspective. This will be provided at the next Supply Team meeting to be held in Forbes on 29 May 2013. Compliance and Cost Savings Program Street lighting It is understood that WSROC is undertaking an initiative in energy efficient street lighting with potential assistance from the CEEP Round 2 funding. GMAC resolved to receive a report with information on WSROC’s proposal and process. Regional Solar Panel Procurement (modelled on the Parkes project) Due to the success of the Parkes regional solar panel project, members would be aware that Centroc is pursuing a similar one encompassing the whole Centroc region. A pro forma report for members to put to Council about this project has been provided with most Councils having heard the report at their March meetings. Centroc applied for grant money from the Office of Environment and Heritage to assist with the development of marketing for the project and received notification on 27 March that we were unsuccessful. Feedback from our application was provided and we were told that due to the large number of applicants, the criteria was tightened and two areas were focused on:

1. Elimination of risk (any project not using solar or wind were eliminated) 2. Bulk purchase of panels.

Our application was not awarded due to the type of project not fitting the post-application change in criteria (bulk panel procurement) and not for the strength (or lack thereof) of the application. A budget for the program will be provided in due course given the recent advice from OEH. Confirmation of participation will be critical to budget development as marketing costs will vary dramatically accordingly. It is proposed to run an expression of interest program to the community for a two month period. Eventbrite will be utilised to collate the expression of interests from community members and collect the $25/household ($10/pensioner) EOI fee. This fee will assist in covering the costs of advertising and ISF reviewing the tenders from a technical aspect. Further work on the project (including a budget) cannot be undertaken until the number of councils interested in participating is known. Centroc will wait to hear the results from reports heard at Council before progressing this project. Regional Procurement of Election Services GMAC resolved to investigate the possibility of regional procurement of election services in order to achieve cost savings across the region. Centroc is looking to partner with members of Hunter


Reports

Councils in this venture. Hunter Councils went to tender for election services for the last elections with cost savings ranging from good to tremendous. It is hoped that with the addition of Centroc members, Council will be able to achieve even greater savings. It is commended that the Centroc Executive be given the responsibility to sign off for a regional tender for elections after hearing a report as more information comes to light. Savings in Procuring Regionally In the recent edition of the Local Government Procurement Newsletter (May 2013), LGP General Manager Brian O’Mara quoted “For councils the anecdotal evidence (that has been substantiated by many NSW council staff) is that a standard tender costs a council around $15,000 to $25,000 to conduct”. Centroc members have been aware of the considerable savings achieved in relation to the price of items by procuring collectively but this statement shows the savings attributed to each council by running the tender process regionally. Centroc staff believe each Council saves more in the order of $8,500 - $10,000 per tender done regionally which is still a considerable amount when you consider that Centroc has let three regional tenders this year with at least another three in the pipeline for 2013. Participation Status to Current Programming The table below shows the savings achieved by each council for each operational project run through Centroc. Columns shown in ‘blue’ are deemed to be billable savings. A new column showing the savings in relation to councils participation in a regional tender is included. A saving of $5,000 has been attributed for each regional tender a council has participated in: fuel, internal audit, road signs, bitumen, water & sewer strategic business plans, CCTV/Smoke Testing, and online training trial. Please note this does not include tenders which have not resulted in a contract as of the writing of this report.

All savings 14 Dec 2009 – 20 March 2013

Completed Programs (Telephony Audit & Diesel Tax Rebate, Corporate Express)

Training Service

CWUA

Regional Tenders

Total Savings

Billable Non-

billable

Bathurst 110,054 46,204 18,969 6,000 24,000 $205,227

Blayney 12,755 27,599 5,860 6,000 24,000 $76,214

Boorowa 15,186 16,743 18,755 6,000 24,000 $80,684

Cabonne 168,945 44,302 23,500 6,000 24,000 $266,747

Cowra 12,045 60,859 27,074 6,000 24,000 $129,978

Forbes 31,936 77,053 14,748 6,000 24,000 $153,737

Harden 2547 9,286 n/a 1,000 4,000 $16,833

Lachlan 22,962 45,792 29,347 6,000 24,000 $128,101

Lithgow 39,603 97,476 15,499 7,000 28,000 $187,578

Oberon 89,665 14,882 14,412 7,000 28,000 $153,959

Orange 92,294 60,572 34,685 4,000 16,000 $207,551

Parkes 90,488 72,034 37,553 5,000 20,000 $225,075

Upper Lachlan 31,375 48,999 25,033 5,000 20,000 $130,407

Weddin 38,742 29,315 14,447 6,000 24,000 $112,504

Wellington 42,389 18,777 1,280 5,000 20,000 $87,446


Reports

Young 14,605 32,599 19,410 4,000 16,000 $86,614

CTW 9,638 6,146 12,644 2,000 8,000 $38,428

Total Savings for Centroc Members $2,287,081

Net Cost to Members (CWUA & Training fees) $207,310

Net Savings $2,079,771

Recommendation/s

That the Board 1. progress a regional tender for elections through the Executive; and 2. note the balance of the Operations report.

Attachment/s: Nil


Reports

7h Stone Fruits Report

Report by Paul Bennett Director of Environmental Services Forbes Shire Council dated 16/4/13

Dimethoate and Fenthion has been used in Australia for domestic use for 60 years with no problems and has allowed home gardeners to grow fruit and vegetables without causing a major build up of Queensland Fruit Fly which will infect commercial orchards and farms.

Australia is importing more fruit from China and they use these products, as do many other countries, and of course most comply well with standards but so does the locally produced products but even better.

The European Union banned the use of these products in 2001 but have now reviewed their decision and are increasing the MRL’s Dimethoate and Omethoate and reintroduced their use on many fruit and vegetables including stone fruit. As they realise the error they made. The European Food and Safety Authority are not only re-introducing these products but are increasing the MRL’s by 50 to 500% as new evidence is being brought forward to support the increase.

Overseas countries do not want Queensland Fruit Fly, therefore many of our exports need to be treated with Dimethoate before the importing country take our products.

The failure of State Departments to control fruit fly in regional areas has led to a greater need for these chemicals. In Forbes case 15 years ago Forbes had a fruit fly inspector based in Forbes and with the cooperation of the Forbes Shire Council eradication and spraying of unwanted fruit trees took place. Today no action is taken by the State Departments. This is probably related to the letter received by Forbes Council from the Forbes office of the Department of Primary Industries stating that they have no policy in relation to fruit flies.

The Victorian Government has withdrawn funding for fruit fly control in all areas bar the Sunrassia near South Australia. This will put the Riverina in a vulnerable situation and without effective pesticides to control any outbreaks.

The fruit industry will be destroyed in Australia and we will be importing fruit from countries using these products.

All these organophosphates contain Cholinesterase inhibitors as do hundreds of plant species, which produce them NATURALLY to ward-off pests, the classic species where high levels do occur are potatoes and tomatoes but literally hundreds of plants you eat every day contain these types of natural chemicals.

Farmers are not only leaving agriculture but they are being forced off the land by policy decision, such as this one, which could result in no horticultural products left in eastern Australia once this ban has been enforced. Australia won’t be the food bowl for Asia – Asia will be our food bowl as we won’t be producing in Australia.

Recommendation/s

That the Centroc Board Object to the restrictions imposed by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority APMA on the chemicals Fenthion, Omethoate and Dimethoate for the control of Queensland Fruit Fly as there is no satisfactory alternative to these chemicals and their ban or restriction in eastern Australia will result in the total destruction of the Australian Fruit Industry and many vegetable industries, including tomatoes and request the Federal Government to intervene and reinstate these chemicals for use in the Australian Fruit and Vegetable industries.


Reports - Précis

7i Planning Report


Section 1 Regional Co-operation and resource sharing

Objective 1G Deliver regional benefit from collaboration in planning

Subject Planning update

Sponsoring General Managers Mr Garry Styles, Mr Paul Devery and Mr David Sherley Management Plan actions 2012/2013

Member status with their LEPs and the possibility of developing a regional working group to support this process;

Planning reforms support;

Monitor the Destination 2036 Process and provide advice to the Board accordingly;

Scope the synthesis of the Integrated Planning and Reporting work being undertaken by members both across Local Government in Centroc and with State and Federal agencies, the Plan for the Central West and the State Plan. In this synthesis include the development of processes with other levels of government that:

a. improve communication; b. reduce duplication; c. simplify reporting and access to each other’s information and d. maximize opportunity;

Précis This report provides advice on the development of the planning function for Centroc. For progress on recent resolutions of the Board please go to Matters in Progress. Advice includes:

The planning reforms;

Destination 2036; and

The Department of Premier and Cabinet regarding progressing regional priorities.

The report recommends the Board:

1. receive a report regarding the recommendations made to the Local Government Reform process by

Mr A McCormack that include scenarios for regional activity and advice on enabling structures;

2. these scenarios to include in depth advice with regard to collaboration on water utilities based with

funding of this advice to be capped at $12,000;

3. circulate a submission to the New Directions for Local Government Paper, in line with the draft

submission as tabled at the meeting, where it is to include advice regarding models for regional

collaboration:

i. noting that Centroc is undertaking work on scenario development for regional

programming and the preferred structural arrangements for their delivery;

ii. noting that the preference from this region is for legislation for regional

collaboration be purpose built or if existing County Council provisions are to be

amended, these be amended to include heads of consideration as follows:

1. Enabling regional procurement and other collaborative programming

where regional procurement has been an area of particular deficiency;

2. Self-determining constitutions including provisions for Board membership

based on principles of representation and offering both operational and

advocacy advice and skills to the entity

3. Optional binding/mandatory arrangements with guidelines for when these

are to be used;

4. Answerability to constituent councils and

5. Employment of staff under similar arrangements as General Purpose

Councils and

4. lodge a submission to the White Paper on Planning Reforms in line with previous Centroc advice.


Reports

Destination 2036, the Independent Local Government Review Panel (the Panel) and ROCs Extensive work was undertaken on the submission to the Panel and this can be found on the Centroc website. Copies of various drafts have been circulated and the Submission forms an attachment to this report. It should be noted that Mr A McCormack made a number of recommendations to Centroc throughout this process and these follow: (Note – the overwhelming majority of responses in the Centroc Survey indicated that member Councils were generally happy with the performance of the Regional Organisation and , in addition, most Councils indicated Centroc should do more.) The following recommendations are then made referencing the 2nd report of the IRP. 1. That Centroc further investigate benefits and impediments in regard to the Shared Service form of

collaboration (Page 24 of Report)

2. That Centroc undertake research into the opportunities for Shared Services

3. That Centroc indicate it would be prepared to address, on behalf of its members, other aspects of

the Report. These could include:

providing opportunities to enhance political governance (Page 30)

alternative governance models for Councils to choose (Page 32)

relationships with the State Government and networking opportunities (Page34)

1. That Centroc, because of its current structure, investigate adaption to the Incremental Model as

proposed by Gooding Davis Consultancy Nov 2012

GMAC gave consideration to this advice and has commended it to the Board. Late in April the Independent Panel released its next round of advice, Future Directions for NSW Local Government, Twenty Essential Steps. It is assumed that members are very familiar with this document though summary advice can be provided on request. A draft dot point styled reponse in keeping with past submissions was provided to members seeking feedback. This advice can be provided on request. Where there is general support for a majority of the suggested Centroc response, a number of members are raising concerns regarding the Centroc position to date with regard to the County Council model. The most current version based on member feedback of the dot point advice will be tabled at the meeting. To date the submissions from Centroc have not been supportive of using the Country Council model as a vehicle for regional collaboration, preferring in the first instance the voluntary collaborative


Reports

model as it is imminently responsive to member needs. The development of special purpose legislation for regional collaboration is the next preferred position. This advice was based on County Council provisions in the Act as they currently stand. Given this one area where there are differences of opinion in the region:

1. Advice is provided regarding the County Council legislation as it stands and its impacts on

regional collaboration currently being delivered; and

2. Determination is sought regarding the appropriate response from Centroc where the

following are other options for consideration are:

a. No Centroc response with regard to preferred collaborative models for regional

activity;

b. Advice tracking with the current Centroc position noting that there is a minority

view and

c. Advice regarding the County Council model suggesting that while the existing

legislation could form a starting point, a substantial rework would be required.

County Council legislation as it stands and its impacts on regional collaboration Relevant sections from the Act are summarized as follows:

1. The Minister establishes, dissolves and amends the constitution of a County Council.

2. The Governor proclaims the County Council as formed where this proclamation includes:

a. A description of County Council functions;

b. A description of County Council geographical area of responsibility;

c. The names of constituent councils; and

d. The number of Councillors from constituent Councils to be elected to the County

Council.

3. The legal status of the County Council is that

a. it is a body politic;

b. it is specifically NOT a body corporate;

c. nor does it have the status, immunities and privileges of the Crown (including the

State and the Government of the State); and

d. having said that, the law applies to a County Council in the same way to and in

respect of a body corporate (including incorporation).

4. Constituent Council elect the County Council Board and are made as part of the proclamation

from their elected representatives. The Councillors are responsible for managing the affairs

of the County Council.

5. The County Council determines the role of the Chair.

6. The County Council may take on one or more Council functions.

7. A constituent Council may not take on a function proclaimed by the County Council.


Reports

8. A County Council must employ a General Manager similar to the General Purpose Council.

9. A County Council must meet at least 4 times per year.

10. The Governor may by proclamation amend the above.

11. Funding of the County Council is determined by regulation and includes;

a. Contribution purpose;

b. The circumstances when funding applies;

c. How contributions are assessed;

d. Payment of contributions; and

e. Recovery of contributions.

Discussion

The Legislation as it stands:

provides the opportunity for some mandatory regional programming, for example water and

sewer, fleet where this can be defined and separated from Council activities;

has the entity answering to the State, not to constituent members;

limits regional programming is to what can be described as a function that is not duplicated

by the constituent Council, so for example ‘advocacy,’ ‘high level corporate

services’ ‘procurement’ and ’training’ would be out as they would need to be undertaken

by member Councils in some capacity for efficiency purposes. This would rule out a

significant proportion of regional programming as is delivered by ROCs, Alliances and other

collaborations of Councils such as Netwaste;

provides no opportunity for General Managers to operate at Board level, a model that

arguable works very well in this region;

does not lend itself to being adaptive in its funding streams from constituent Councils and

insists on a separate General Manager and stand-alone operations (where these can be

devolved to member Councils.)

The legislation as it stands has been developed to enable cross Council operations for definable and typically one off functions such as “water supply services” or “weeds management services.” Nimble, evolving regional collaboration with variable funding streams would not be possible under the County Council current provisions. A County Council developed under the existing legislation would have to be very well designed and would mean the end of its proclaimed services being delivered by constituent Councils. There may be some opportunity for devolvement of functions back to the constituent Council, though this is arguably too complex. Further, it is answerable to the State, not to its constituent members, which is why it can never be any more than a fourth tier of government. It is not embedded in its constituent Council membership, its plans and constitution are proclaimed, owned and administered by the State. Members will recall both asset strips and the sheeting home of liability by the State in the past with regard to County Councils as ultimately it is the State that has complete control.


Reports

It is clear that the legislation for County Councils as it stands is not workable for regional collaboration as currently being delivered in Central NSW, or for that matter as envisaged by those supporting the County Council model including the Independent Panel. Further, the re-work of legislation to enable much of what has worked successfully for ROCs like Centroc is so extensive that it begs the question of why bother? Why not develop purpose built legislation to enable regional collaboration? Given the support for the County Council model from some members, it is suggested that a compromise position be undertaken. Members could look for agreement on heads of consideration informing legislation amendments where these would preferably be purpose built or where this is not feasible, as a rework of the County Council provisions. Based on advice provided from members in recent round of consultation, heads of consideration suggested are as follows:

Enabling regional procurement and other collaborative programming where regional

procurement has been an area of particular deficiency, for example fuel procurement

Self-determining constitutions including provisions for Board membership based on

principles of representation and offering operational and advocacy advice and skills to the

entity

Optional binding/mandatory arrangements with guidelines for when these are to be used

Answerability to constituent councils

Employment of staff as do Local Councils (this provision is to support the union position that

appears to be a significant driver in the Local Government Reform process)

Members may have other suggestions for heads of consideration.

Conclusion There is general recognition that the County Council provisions as they stand in the Local Government Act would have to be amended to enable regional collaboration of the type entertained by varying entities including ROCs, Alliances, Netwaste and the Independent Panel. It is therefore recommended that Centroc provide advice that the preferred position is to have purpose built legislation to define vehicles for cross Council collaboration recognising that should the County Council provisions be used, they would require amendment in line with the heads of consideration as listed above. Cross regional response to the Future Directions for NSW Local Government The ROCs are meeting in Sydney 20 May where Graham Sansom will be speaking. There may be an opportunity for a cross-ROC response where there is general disappointment from key ROCs in the State with the advice as it stands regarding regional collaborations of Councils as it will undo significant programming developed across the State. A verbal update can be provided to the meeting. Mapping the way forward


Reports

Three areas of activity are commended to the Board. Firstly, the development of scenarios for consideration that outline the activities undertaken by local government working together regionally with an outline the types of structural arrangements required to best enable them. This will inform advocacy from the region with the Minister as the next level of reporting from the Independent Panel will be for Ministerial consideration and will not include any further feedback mechanisms from Local Government. Secondly on 17 May the Infrastructure Group are giving consideration to a report scoping detailed scenario advice for collaborative structural arrangements for Local Water Utilities for member consideration. This would from a more in depth component for the advice above. Estimates for the cost of this advice are under development where this will be tabled at the meeting and a suggested ceiling of $12,000 is suggested as a ball park figure. Finally, regarding the submission to the New Directions for Local Government, it is recommended that Centroc respond in line with the draft submission tabled at the meeting where

1. this is to be circulated to members

2. advice regarding models for collaboration across Councils

a. note that Centroc is undertaking work on scenario development for regional

programming and the preferred structural arrangements for their delivery.

b. note that the preference from this region is for legislation for regional

collaboration to be purpose built or if existing County Council provisions are to

be amended, these be amended to include heads of consideration as follows:

i. enabling regional procurement and other collaborative programming

where regional procurement has been an area of particular deficiency,

for example fuel procurement;

ii. self-determining constitutions including provisions for Board

membership based on principles of representation and offering

operational and advocacy advice and skills to the entity;

iii. optional binding/mandatory arrangements with guidelines for when

these are to be used ;

iv. answerability to constituent councils and

v. employment of staff as do Local Councils

Amendments to the Local Government Act Members will be aware that submissions to the Local Government Act Taskforce discussion paper are due 28 June. Of note is the commentary enabling regional procurement which commends enabling. It is proposed that in line with previous submissions, this is supported.


Reports

Advice from pervious submissions including the one described above will inform the Centroc response where it is commended this be circulated for member feedback and lodged under the hand of the Chair. Advice from the Department of Premier and Cabinet regarding progressing regional priorities. A request has been made from the Department of Premier and Cabinet regarding progressing regional priorities through better liaison with State agencies and Councils as members develop their Community Strategic Plans. At the time of writing a request has been sent to members initiating this process where further advice on the suggested process will be provided to the meeting. It is suggested that this is a good start to ensuring a better fit between Local and State strategic processes. The request is as follows:

In this regard, I would ask for Centroc to liaise with your member councils and ask them to nominate the five key Agencies that they wish to consult with over the coming months. If you can provide this to me by April 30 2013, along with an indication of the general issues identified for discussion with the Agency. I will then liaise with those Agencies to identify a key contact for councils to work with. Given the number of councils if it could be done as a group I think we will get a better outcome for all involved.

Submission to the White Paper on Planning Reforms The White Paper on the Planning reforms has been released showing some more detail than the Green paper but remains generally similar in ideas and outlook. Members will be aware that submissions are due 28 June. Feedback has been requested from members where it is anticipated that a submission will be lodged generally in line with past work.

Recommendation/s

That the Board 1. receive a report regarding the recommendations made to the Local Government Reform

process by Mr A McCormack;

2. this report to include scenarios for regional activity and advice on enabling structures;

3. these scenarios to include in depth advice with regard to collaboration on water utilities with

funding of this advice to be capped at $12,000;

4. lodge a submission to the New Directions for Local Government Paper, in line with the draft

submission as tabled at the meeting where:

a. the final submission is to be circulated to members for feedback and is to include

advice regarding models for collaboration:

i. noting that Centroc is undertaking work on scenario development for regional

programming and the preferred structural arrangements for their delivery;

ii. noting that the preference from this region is for legislation for regional

collaboration be purpose built or if existing County Council provisions are to be

amended, these be amended to include heads of consideration as follows:

1. Enabling regional procurement and other collaborative programming


Reports

where regional procurement has been an area of particular deficiency;

2. Self-determining constitutions including provisions for Board

membership based on principles of representation and offering both

operational and advocacy advice and skills to the entity;

3. Optional binding/mandatory arrangements with guidelines for when

these are to be used;

4. Answerability to constituent councils and

5. Employment of staff under similar arrangement as General Purpose

Councils.

5. lodge a submission to the White Paper on Planning reforms in line with previous submissions

and

6. note the balance of the Planning Report.

Attachment/s: 33 7 March 2013 Correspondence to Premier O’Farrell, Stoner, Gay, Hazzard, Eccles, Collins, Toole, Gee, Grant, Goward,

Hodgkinson, Piccoli regarding Authentic partnership with Local Government when developing State strategies for

Central West.

34 14 March 2013 Correspondence to Mr Chris Eccles Director General of Department of Premier and Cabinet request for

Regional action Plan for Central NSW to be revised.

35 15 March 2013 Correspondence from Mr Troy Grant Member for Dubbo acknowledgment of correspondence received

in regards to developing the State strategies with local government

36 19 March 2013 Correspondence from Mr Adrian Piccoli Member for Murrumbidgee acknowledgment of

correspondence received in regards to developing the State strategies with local government

37 22 March 2013 Correspondence from Mr Paul Toole Member for Bathurst acknowledgment of correspondence

received in regards to developing the State strategies with local government

38 26 March 2013 Correspondence from Ms Katrina Hodgkinson Member for Burrinjuck acknowledgment of

correspondence received in regards to developing the State strategies with local government

39 21 March 2013 Submission Local Government Reform

40 24 April 2013 NSW Premier acknowledgement of concerns regarding State Strategy

41 24 April 2013 The Hon. Andrew Stoner acknowledgement of concerns regarding State Strategy

42 7 May 2013 Correspondence to DPC Deputy Director General Key agencies for Community Strategies Plans and

working together for Regional Action Plans


Reports

7j Tourism Report


Objective Regional Tourism

Subject Tourism update

Sponsoring General Manager Mr Garry Styles

Members will be aware that the Hon George Souris has announced the forward program for the next three years regarding tourism for regional NSW. The key points from this are:

a new $7.2 million Visitor Economy including an additional $2 million as part of the new Program.

approval for up to 20% of your current funding to be used to develop and/or refine Destination Management Plans

each RTO will be required to have a DMP in place prior to any submission for funding. These plans will need to provide the information contained in the template distributed by Destination NSW in December last year.

Having a DMP is not a guarantee of funding and any regions without a DMP will have difficulty in accessing any funds. Individual towns do not have to have separate DMPs but they need to ensure that they are included in a regional DMP and reference back to that DMP in any submissions for marketing or product developing funding they may be making.

Destination NSW would be happy to review your DMP with you ‘one on one’ or answer any questions you may have on this topic. A series of Destination Management Planning workshops commencing 8 April 2013 will be held across NSW to support you in completing this activity.

all RTOs will have access to 70% of their funding allocation from the 2012/2013 financial year. This funding has been “quarantined” for the next three financial years (2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016). This means it is money that has been earmarked for your region but not awarded to you as a matter of course. It is essentially yours to lose.

To access this money, it must be applied for. To apply, you will need to have a completed DMP and be able to demonstrate that your proposed programs are matched dollar for dollar to the amount being applied for. This does not prevent you from making applications for additional money from the Contestable Pool of Funds.

RTOs may apply for Quarantined Funds from 1 May until 29 November, 2013. This will allow seven months to apply for funding. Any unallocated funds as of 31 January, 2014 will be transferred into the Contestable Pool – which also may be applied for.

there will be a new contestable pool of funds which will total $3.5 million.

rather than only offering one funding round as has happened previously, Destination NSW will be offering two funding rounds for the contestable pool, one in May/June and the other in Dec/January2014.

to assist all stakeholders, we are conducting a series of free workshops in Regional NSW commencing on 8 April 2013. A schedule is available on request where advice has been provided to its members by CNSW Tourism.

It is clear that Demand Management Plans (DMPs) are the key to future funding where it is understood CNSW Tourism has pulled together a significant amount of data to inform this process.


Reports

Subsequently CNSW Tourism has circulated the following advice regarding the development of its DMP. Good afternoon all Following the receipt of quotes and further research, it’s our opinion that a budget for a comprehensive regional DMP is between $30 - $40,000. CNSWT has currently budgeted $15,000, so the shortfall from CNSWT is around $15,000 - $25,000 (this amount can be matched $ for $ from our Demand Funding allocation from Destination NSW to bring the total to $30 - $40,000. It will now be a requirement of any funding application to reference a regional DMP hence our initiative in trying to finalise this document. It was our view that as many members had allocated funds towards the (unsuccessful) TIRF grant, that a portion of this could be allocated to the DMP process, thereby saving each LGA / member the cost of investing their own DMP. It could be possible for the contribution to be apportioned according to the size of the council/organisation : for example $500, $1000 or $2000. This proposal has been reached following discussion by the board’s Finance Committee. I look forward to your considered response. Kind Regards

Norm Mann In response members have committed to funding this approach. At the time of writing the balance of commitments to this initiative are being progressed. It is understood that Cr Monica Morse will be tabling further advice at the meeting.

Recommendation/s

That the Board note the Tourism Report.

Attachment/s: Nil


Reports

7k Financial Report

Report by Jennifer Bennett & Ann Thomas dated 8/5/13

Section 2 Regional Co-Operation & Resource Sharing

Objective 2I Maintain an effective Board

Subject Financial Report

This report presents the financial accounts at 8 May 2013. This report does not include the Bells Line Expressway Group which is reported separately. This report anticipates a full year result of a deficit of $4,414 against a small budgeted profit of $630. This deficit can be attributed to the additional costs incurred by Centroc for the Code of Conduct Panel. During this financial year there has been a reduction in some anticipated income areas. This has included small decreases in membership fees and leaseback income with larger decreases in the anticipated income for the Revolving Cost Savings Fund and Training Service. However, this reduced income has been offset by a reduction in anticipated expenses. The greatest savings have occurred in wages costs to Centroc due to the CEEP project and the finalising of the Climate Adaptation project. A large portion of time has been spent on these projects by the Compliance and Cost Savings Manager in particular and therefore wages costs have been absorbed by these projects. Councils will not be required to provide contributions towards the Beyond the Range Project as budgeted. This will be reconsidered next financial year. Participating Councils in Tranche 1 of the Strategic Business Plans for Water Supply and Sewerage Services contract with NSW Public Works have been invoiced for their fees. Tranche 2 participants will be invoiced next financial year. Councils will be invoiced shortly for their membership fees to the Savewater Alliance for the period January to June 2013. This is a two year contract and Councils will be invoiced at six monthly intervals. This report does not include the wages and costs incurred by the three staff members hosted by Orange City Council for the March 2013 quarter. This invoice is currently being prepared and reviewed so these costs will be included in the next report.

Recommendation/s

That the Board note the Financial report

Attachment/s: Nil


Reports

CENTROC FINANCIAL POSITION AT 8 MAY 2013 Budget Actual Anticipated

2012/2013 8/5/13 30/6/13

Income

CENTROC Membership Fees 191,660 190,343 190,343

Regional Training Service Fees - Training 20,000 20,000 20,000

Regional Training Service Fees - OH&S & HR 32,976 32,976 32,976

Regional Training Service Fees - Other ROC 9,894 7,692 7,692

Screen Central NSW Service Fees 16,000 16,000 16,000

Screen Central Other ROC 2,000 1,000 1,000

Best Practice Management (Lachlan) 24,000

Best Practice - CCTV cost reimbursements 329,414 329,414

Best Practice - Water & Sewerage (variations) 13,110 13,110

Best Practice - Smoke Testing cost reimbursements 61,945 61,945

CWUA Program 133,310 133,310 133,310

CWUA - Strategic Business Plan 210,519 210,519

Beyond the Range Member Contributions 52,000 0

Environment - Distributed Energy Plan (BOD variation) 8,000 8,000

savewater! Alliance - Member Engagement Campaign 30,797 30,797

savewater! Alliance - Contract 2 membership fees 14,592

Sustainability Program Member Contributions 62,500 0

520,340 1,055,106 1,093,698

Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) Grant funds 400,000 820,000

Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) Council Reimbursements

50,210 102,710

Environment - TAGI Mentoring Program 9,900 9,900

Screen NSW Grant Funding 20,000 5,000

20,000 460,110 937,610

Regional Training Service Income 400,000 255,917 345,000

Online Training Trial 35,351 35,351

Revolving Savings Fund 60,000 1,268 5,000

460,000 292,537 385,351

Bitumen Emulsion Rebate 12,000 6,241 12,000

Road Signs Rebate 15,000 21,878 30,000

Other rebates from Compliance and Cost Savings Project 30,000 15,331 21,000

57,000 43,451 63,000

Vehicle Lease Back EO and TO 6,000 2,979 4,800

Vehicle Lease Back - Compliance & Cost Savings 4,500 1,887 3,800

Vehicle Lease Back - Climate Adaptation Project 4,500 0

Vehicle Lease Back CWUA 4,500 876 2,800

Interest 21,000 25,141 27,000

Centroc Summit 20,000 9,469 9,469

Member Council contributions to Try A Trade 5,000 5,000 5,000

Member Council Expenses Reimbursed 1,036 1,490

Consultant's Expenses Reimbursed 633 633

65,500 47,021 54,992

Total Income $1,122,840 $1,898,225 $2,534,651


Reports

Budget Actual Anticipated 2012/2013 8/5/13 30/6/13

Expenditure Executive Officer Costs 140,000 59,074 130,000

Executive Officer Vehicle Costs & Depn 15,000 2,993 15,000

Compliance & Cost Savings Program Manager 115,000 2,782 45,000

Compliance & Cost Savings Program Manager Vehicle Costs & Depn

13,500 1,867 13,500

Training & Program Support Manager 90,000 62,185 90,000

Training & Program Support Manager Vehicle Costs 10,000 3,500 3,500

Training Support Officer/Admin Assistant 40,000 9,239 9,239

Training Service Costs 320,000 237,546 320,000

Finance Officer 34,000 15,985 28,000

Best Practice Management 24,000

Best Practice - CCTV (reimbursed) 313,762 329,414

Best Practice - Smoke Testing (reimbursed) 61,945 61,945

Best Practice - Water & Sewerage (variations) 13,109 13,109

Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) 221,579 820,000

Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) Councils to Reimburse

102,710 102,710

CWUA Best Practice Program Manager & Program costs 133,310 49,099 133,310

CWUA - Strategic Business Plan 98,712 210,519

Environment - TAGI Mentoring Program 10,928 10,928

Environment - Distributed Energy Plan (BOD variation) 8,000 8,000

Online Training Trial 13,864 34,658

savewater! Alliance - Member Engagement Campaign 30,797 30,797

savewater! Alliance - Contract 2 14,578 14,578

Screen NSW Project Costs 20,000 646 5,000

Beyond the Range 52,000 0

Advocacy 4,244 5,000

Audit Fees 5,000 4,500 4,500

Bank Fees and Sundry costs 2,400 3,038 3,100

Centroc Summit 20,000 14,023 14,023

Code of Conduct Panel 4,812 4,812

Computer Software 2,000 384 1,000

Consultant's Expenses Reimbursed 633 633

Council Expenses Reimbursed 1,490 1,490

Depreciation (excl. Vehicles) 1,000 1,000

Environment 62,000 0

Internet Cloud 10,000 6,645 10,000

Printing and Stationery 2,000 1,054 2,000

Secretariat Council Support 20,000 10,000 20,000

Sponsorship - Try a Trade 10,000 10,000 10,000

Supply Management Administration 2,000 3,255 3,500

Webex Conferences 1,451 1,800

Website Hosting and costs 3,000 1,294 3,000

Total Expenditure $1,122,210 1,401,723 2,539,065

Net Profit/Loss $630 $496,501 -$4,414


Reports

Budget Actual Anticipated 2012/2013 8/5/13 30/6/13

Non-Budgeted Items

(Carried over & funded from Surplus)

Advocacy 8,766 8,766 8,766

Best Practice - Council Contributions 99,769 38,275 99,769

Best Practice - Water & Sewerage 30,274 30,274 30,274

Beyond the Range 78,000 78,000

Environment - Climate Adapt Project (incl Sundry, L/Back & Interest)

235,348 195,611 235,348

Environment - Climate Adapt Project - Distributed Energy Plan 128,000 128,000 128,000

Environment - TAGI Mentoring Program 2,649 2,649 2,649

Environment - TAGI Weather Rpt/Celebrate Sustain 12,850 5,473 12,850

Health Study 16,358 302 16,358

Revolving Cost Savings Fund 50,000 50,000

Save Water Alliance - Contract 1 8,639 7,289 8,639

Screen Central NSW (incl website) 20,000 7,696 20,000

Screen NSW - grant funding 11,771 11,771 11,771

Telecommunications Study 20,000 20,000

Total Non-Budgeted Expenditure $722,424 $436,105 $722,424

Net Profit/Loss after Non-Budgeted Expenditure -$721,794 $60,396 -$726,838

Accumulated Surplus at 30 June 2012 $828,069

Anticipated Surplus at 30 June 2013 $101,231


Acronyms and Glossary

8 The Centroc acronyms and glossary guide PURPLE ACELG Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government AEC Australian Electoral Commission AECOM Today, listed on the Fortune 500 as one of America’s largest companies, AECOM's

talented employees – including architects, engineers, designers, planners, scientists and management professionals – now serve clients in approximately 125 countries around the world – the company which undertook the water security and quality report for Infrastructure Australia

AWA Australian Water Association BCP Business Continuity Plan BLOR Bells Line of Road BLEG Bells Line Expressway Group – Chaired by Ian Armstrong OAM with funding primarily

from Centroc Councils - go to bleg.com.au for more advice BOD Bathurst/Orange/Dubbo Alliance CANFA Conservation Agricultural & No-till Farming Association Carbon+ Funded by a Strengthening Basin Communities Grant this plan will provide advice on

ways to reduce the carbon impact of the water security study CCT Capital Country Tourism CEEP Community Energy Efficiency Program Centroc Central NSW Regional Organisation of Councils CMA Catchment Management Authority CNSWT Central NSW Tourism CPI Consumer Price index CRRSMTP Centroc Regional Resource Sharing, Mentoring and Training Plan – funded under

SBCP and being delivered by the CWUA CRSWP Centroc Regional Water Security Project – Lake Rowlands, associated pipework and

other smaller infrastructure projects also known as Option F2A of the Centroc Water Security Study

CSP Community Strategic Plan CTW Central Tablelands Water CWCMA Central West Catchment Management Authority CWDGP Central West Division of General Practitioners CWFS Central Western Farming Systems – operating out of Condo Ag station and with a

membership of 400 this organisation is partnering with Centroc to deliver the communication strategy for the Carbon+ Plan

CWRWP Centroc Water Resources Working Party CWSS Centroc Water Security Study – Funded 100% by the State Government at $500K this

project identifies action that needs to be taken to secure water for Central NSW to 2059.

CWUA Centroc Water Utilities Alliance – formed late 2009 and formally named in 2010, the CWUA is a regional project that has attracted around $100K of grant funding to deliver practice compliance, efficiencies and cost savings across the region

DCCEE Department of Climate and Energy Efficiency DECCW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water DEEWR Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations DMP Destination Management Plan DNSW Destination New South Wales DOHA Federal Department of Health and Ageing DPC Department of Premier and Cabinet DTIRIS Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=aec&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aec.gov.au%2F&ei=s5bATqegKqWriAe-tsn0BA&usg=AFQjCNGOSuuwJpTZMcuo7ObUBmXqMrPC7A



E21 A web based software enabling councils to analyse their consumption and expenditure on electricity

EDO Economic Development Officer EMS Energy & Management Service, owners of e21 EOI Expression of interest ERM Enterprise Risk Management EV Electric Vehicle FCO Film contact officer FTE Full time Equivalent GM General Manager GMAC General Managers Advisory Committee GSA Government Skills Australia GWAHS Greater Western Area Health Service HCCREMS Hunter & Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy HEMS Helicopter Emergency and Medical Retrieval Services HNCMA Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority HRMG Human Resources Managers Group I & I Industry and Investment NSW IA Infrastructure Australia INSW infrastructure NSW IPandR Integrated Planning and Reporting IPART Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal IWCM(P) Integrated Water Cycle Management (Plan) – a statutory requirement under best

practice in NSW – Centroc is procuring these and other best practice plans collectively to save members money and provide some regional shared understandings and their efficiencies of both the plans and their implementation

KSA Kingsford Smith Airport LASEEP Learning and Sharing Energy Efficiency Program LCMA Lachlan Catchment Management Authority LEP Local Environment Plan LGA Local Government Area LGMA Local Government Managers Australia LGP Local Government Procurement LGSA Local Government and Shires Association LMWUA Lower Macquarie Water Utilities Alliance – Centroc used the LMWUA model for the

CWUA LTO Local Tourism Organisation LWU Local Water Utility MDB Murray Darling Basin MLA Mid Lachlan Alliance of Councils – Parkes, Forbes, Weddin and Lachlan MoU Memorandum of Understanding – Centroc has signed these with Lachlan CMA,

Central West CMA, Central West Division of GPs and RDACW. MWH The company which undertook the Water Security Study and is undertaking the

Carbon+ work for the region NAB National Australia Bank NDRA Natural Disaster Relief Assistance Program

NOW NSW Office of Water NRM Natural Resource Management OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage OROC Orana Regional Organisation of Councils



PRIP Priority Region Infrastructure Plan – the engineers of the Centroc Region with $10K of consultancy support are near completion of a plan that identifies that priorities of the region for infrastructure improvements

PSC Project Steering Committee PTC Project Technical Committee QBL Quadruple bottom line – environmental, social, economic and governance. RAMROC Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils RDACW Regional Development Australia Central West RDAF Regional Development Australia Fund – Federal funding for shovel ready project

with demonstrable regional benefit REP Regional Economic Profile REROC Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils RESAP Regional Environmental Sustainability Action Plan RFS Rural Fire Service RFT Request for Tender RMS Road Management Solutions ROI Return on Investment RTO Regional Tourism Organisation – examples include Capital Country, Blue Mountains

and Central NSW RTO Regional Training Organisation – requires accreditation – the Centroc Training

Service is not at RTO as it concentrates on brokering training rather than providing it SBCP The Strengthening the Basin Communities Program – Centroc has received $790K to

deliver the Carbon+ Plan Screen NSW Screen NSW is a partner agency of Trade and Investment NSW, with a key role in the

creative and economic development of the state SEROC South Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils SEWPAC Federal Department of Sustainability, the Environment, Water Population and

Climate SIAP Strategic Internal Audit Plans SLA Service Level Agreement SSROC Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils TAFE Tertiary And Further Education TAGI That’s a Good Idea! TNSW Tourism NSW TOR Terms of Reference WBC Wellington/Blayney/Cabonne Alliance WHS Work Health and Safety WOLG Weight of Loads Group WSAA Water Services Association of Australia WSROC Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Council WTAN Water Trainer and Assessment Network