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Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Annual Report

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2014/2015 Report

An informative financial year overview of the

Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council operations.

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Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Page 3

Yarrabah Shire profile….…………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 4

Shire information………..…………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 5

Community Demographics

Services and Facilities

Annual community celebrations

Message from the Mayor………………………….……………………………………………………………..Page 6

Message from the Councillors desk………………………………………………………………………….Page 9

Chief Executive Officer’s Report………………………………………………………………………………..Page 11

Annual highlights……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 12

Yarrabah Precinct Artist

Vision statement………………………………………………………………………………………………………Page 13

Councillors………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 14

Councillor Portfolios

Councillor Meeting Attendance

Elected Members Report

Elected members remuneration & particulars…………………………………………………………Page 15

Provided facilities

Elected members remuneration

Elected members Fringe Benefit Tax expenses and reimbursements

Particulars

Organisation snapshot…………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 17

CEO’s assessment on Implementation of Corporate and Operational Plan

Organisational structure

Employee Statistics

Equal Employment Opportunity

Workplace Health and Safety

Remuneration of Senior Contract Employees…………………………………………………………..Page 19

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Contents Cont…

Complaints management…………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 19

Conduct and Performance of Councillors

Administrative action complaints

Special Expenditure reporting category…………………………………………………………………….Page 22

Overseas travel

Expenditure on grants to community organisations

Capital Works and joint government activity

Levied special rates and charges

Concession rates and charges summary

Commercial business units ……………………………………………………………………………………….Page 24

Annual Operations Report

Beneficial enterprises

Significant business activities

Competitive neutrality complaints

Invitation to change tenders………………………………………………………………………………………Page 24

List of Registers………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 24

Internal Audit…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 25

Community Financial Report…………..………………………………………………………………………...Page 26

Appendix A Financial Statements………………………………………………………………………………Page 30

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Introduction

Welcome to the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council’s 2014/2015 Annual Report.

The report is a transparent record of Council’s legislative requirements which is to be declared and

highlighted to the public, its stakeholders and other interested parties under Local Government

Legislation regarding its operational performance, financial decision making and other important

information for the financial year 2014/2015.

The Yarrabah Council is strongly committed to transparency of its operations and has ensured the

report provides you with as much information as possible to leave you with a clear understanding of

the Yarrabah Council’s current status in accordance with its legislative requirements.

Copies of this report can be obtained by contacting the Council on (07) 4056 9120 or visiting our

website at www.yarrabah.qld.gov.au

Yarrabah Council welcomes any feedback on the report which can be provided by writing to the

address below:

Yarrabah Council Reception

56 Sawmill Road, Yarrabah, QLD, 4871

Phone: 07) 4056 9120

Fax: 07) 4056 9167

Email: council@yarrabah.qld.gov.au

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Yarrabah Shire Profile

The Yarrabah Shire is an aboriginal community which is situated on approximately 159 square

kilometres of land which runs east from False Cape around the Mission Bay area extending past Cape

Grafton and Kings Point east of the Cairns inlet.

The geographic’s of Yarrabah in size is about 30 kilometres in length and 2.5 kilometres wide for

most parts, but then it broadens to approximately 8 kilometres in the northern section.

Although Yarrabah is great in size, most of the area occupied is within the established township area

located around the mission bay area with a population of 2,409 as per the 2011 census report. The

population however is believed to be slightly more as residents tend to travel in and out of the

community for extended periods for education, work and family reasons hence the reason to believe

the population is greater than the report states.

The area was originally occupied by 2

dominant groups the Gunggandji and

Yidinji people, where they lived their day

to day traditional lifestyle until it was

established as an Anglican Mission in

1892. The Church appointed a tribal

elder of the Gunggandji to be King for the

whole church mission. King Menmuny

was known to say ‘this is the new way”

The first Aboriginal Council was

established in the 1960’s, however

appointed persons principally acted as an

advisory body.

Also a mark in time in the Yarrabah history is when the community received its Deed of Grant in

Trust (DOGIT) land tenure in 1986 which paved the way for the community council of the day who

were the trustee holders to then become self-governed under the Community Services (Aborigines)

Act 1984. In its own right Yarrabah is now a Shire under the Local Government Act 2009.

In 2010 the original traditional owners the Gunggandji people received their determination for (as

the locals know it) the top half of the Yarrabah boundary which was then followed by a second

determination in 2013 for the bottom half which was a joint claim by the Gunggandji / Mundingalbay

Yidinji clan groups.

Since these determinations Yarrabah Council have been working closely together in partnership with

the Traditional Owner Working Groups.

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Shire Information

Community Demographics

Area: 159.4 square kilometres

Population: 2,409 (Census 2011)

Median Age: 22 years

Housing: 365

The Yarrabah Shire has mandatory alcohol

restrictions which apply to everyone residing

or visiting the Yarrabah Shire. Without a

licence the carriage limit is 30 cans of light/

mid strength beers or one bottle of non-

fortified wine per individual/vehicle.

Available Services

Post Office

Commonwealth Bank Agency

Bendigo Bank Agency

Gindaja Treatment and Healing

Rehabilitation Centre

Gurriny Yealamucka Primary Health

Centre

Women’s Shelter

Mutkin Aged Care Hostel

PHaMs – Personal Helpers and Mentors

service

Local State Emergency Services & Rural

Fire Service

Centrelink

Job network services –QITE

Island & Cape Service Station

Supermarket

Micro Businesses – Gilpul Takeaway

Dilliger Takeaway, Gindaja catering

service, Landscape and Gardening Service,

Car Washing & Detailing

Queensland Police Service

Correctional Services

Justice Group

Black Star Radio

Yarrabah Co-operative

Education Facilities

Daycare

Kindergarten

Primary School Campus

High School Campus

Arts Precinct

RATEP

Indigenous Knowledge Centre

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Jilara Football Oval

Aquatic Centre

James Noble Sports Centre

Community Groups & Clubs

Traditional Owners Groups

Church Groups - Anglican, Living Waters,

Jehovah’s Witness, Seven Day Adventist

R.S.L – Yarrabah Chapter

Play Group

PCYC

Youth Group

Women’s Group

Men’s Group

Elder’s Group

Yarrabah Seahawks Junior Rubgy League

Yarrabah Seahawks Senior League

Annual community events and

celebrations

Survival Day ( Australia Day)

ANZAC Memorial Service

Foundation Day

NAIDOC Week Celebrations

Queensland Music Festival

Opera Australia

Yarrabah Rodeo

Carols By Candle Light & Christmas

Nativity play

New Year’s Fireworks

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Message from the Mayor Errol ‘Mala’ Neal

Hi to all, countrymen/women, friends, families and residence.

Firstly most importantly I give honour & praise and thanks to Our

Creator Lord Jesus for his guidance, direction and protection.

Within the local Government shire in which the Yarrabah

Aboriginal Shire does its business, I acknowledge and pay my

respect to the two Traditional owner groups past and present that

has native title rights as determined Gunggandji Nation 6013, and

6016 which is jointly shared between the Gunggandji Nation &

Mandingulpi Idinji clan.

I also acknowledge Traditional owners past and present from other parts of Queensland and Australia that

have been forcibly removed and played a significant role in helping to building this great proud Aboriginal

Shire of Yarrabah “Paradise by the Sea “and for this I thank them.

Once again we received for 2014/2015 an unqualified audit report which is always a relief and welcome news.

I thank the hard work of the administration staff in particular our Executive Manager Corporate Services, Mrs

Jemma Lichtenfeld and her team.

With so many highs and lows this Council has faced since elected, with the makeover and restructuring of this

organisation while a difficult decision this has paid off to ensure the future of the Council and I stand by this.

Making change is never an easy task, but it was inevitable and someone had to do it. It took a big and very

brave step in doing so and quite frankly our people weren’t ready or prepared for it, simply because no one

likes changes. In my view it couldn’t be helped, what with the pressure from previous State Governments and

reduction of SGFA funding. The challenge was on and we stood and welcomed it and proved that no matter

what negative impact it might have, YASC in its resilient fashion stood up and simply got on with the job and as

the Yarrabah moto says ”NEVER SAY DIE- WE WILL SURVIVE”.

Our Vision, Our Story concept - Building into the future “ DEEP SEA WATER PORT “ in collaboration with

Gunggandji Nation Traditional Owners certainly got tongues talking and ruffled a few feathers. This was part

of the strategy of getting both tiers of Government to look at us and take note (ABS reports our

unemployment rate as one of highest and states we are the most disadvantaged community in the country.)

Our perseverance and the strategy worked, we managed to secure for Yarrabah a $7 Million Jetty Project

included in this year’s Queensland State Budget. This will be one of our biggest infrastructure investments to

date, this will commence very soon with public consultation enabling the community to have their say on

possible locations. This will most definitely improve easier access for those wanting to get into Cairns a lot

faster (not to mention a lot more fishing on the jetty) and the opportunities for visitors that may want to come

and visit this most beautiful country “ Home of Guyala “

I also take great pleasure of highlighting some of our many achievements.

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Employment, this is the most challenging, this Council under my leadership has looked at creating

opportunities, jobs, training and employment. We started to target the investment from Governments that’s

coming into the YASC, infrastructure, housing, roads and environment.

In the past and more so since transition, over the last decade with Yarrabah becoming a Shire in its own right.

The privileges of the past with everyone engaged in some sort working activity, working to beautify Yarrabah,

and recently we have witnessed losing a lot benefits and programmes. Eg CDEP, the local canteen. This almost

decapitated our uniqueness, all of a sudden lot of our people were left with nothing to do anymore leaving

most in a confused state of mind.

This council under my leadership will never let this happen to us the “ Yarrabeans” again and see the long

history of struggle die before for our eyes. NO and NO WAY will we stand for this - so we took a stand.

In order to take advantage of the investment coming in we needed to align our policies so we adopted

Procurement Policies enabling us to become Principle Contractors. In the past we have seen lots of investment

$$$ and jobs going outside and over the hill so our people were missing out. This Council has decreased that.

By way of increasing our capacity creating more employment and training in this area we now see more locals

in work, with creation of six more Apprenticeships, and also not forgetting the creation of small business such

as, Chuckan Painters , Prior Plumping Services, Mossman Cabinets and Shatner’s Tiling.

We are now building five of the new houses and only four have gone to contractors from outside. This puts

YASC in very good position to build the next allocation of nine new social housing in 2015/16. We now have a

commitment from outside contractors to employing locals in the areas of electrical, plumbing and upgrade

subdivision civil works.

Highlights are:

Home Ownership Leases.

Let’s not forget this council’s brokering agreement funding for the Gunggandji Rangers programme.

We have also been instrumental after so long some fifteen years in waiting to getting the Mariah Jackson’s

Women Shelter up and running.

The Dual Carriage Bridge at Reeves Creek should be open very soon.

The new Yarrabah Indigenous Knowledge Centre,

Our own Yarrabah Radio Station and Studio

The first Aboriginal RSL in a Community

EDUCATION - We are working with Yarrabah State School addressing attendance hopefully in the New Year

with the help and assistance from community we can adopt the Community Connectedness (community

Raising A Child).

Working for the Dole; we see more interest from locals setting up their own businesses like Brent Pearson &

Sons participating in working for the dole, Seahawks Junior Rugby League on a similar scheme and Percy

Neal Work Solutions creating opportunity in civil works machinery training.

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Disability and homelessness - in collaboration with Mutkin, YASC as set aside and allocated the old Potters

House which is already active.

Men’s Group - YASC has allocated the green shed down at the Museum. Still a work in progress.

Sport and Recreation and Cultural investment.

Yarrabah Rodeo

QMF Musical Festival for the past three years.

Sponsoring local athletes at sporting carnivals.

Supporting locals Seahawks Rugby League Club celebrating bit of history winning for the first time two

premiership.

Supporting Nighthawks Netball team.

Yarrabah Annual sporting day.

Survival day

And as the Festive Season is nearing there will be New Year Fireworks.

Last and foremost on behalf of Mayor and Councillors we wish All Countrymen the very best and wish for a

safe and Happy Festive Season. Blessing to all.

Cheers

Mayor Errol Neal

YASC working hard & working for you.

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Message from the Councillors Desk

Councillor Mark Wilson

Firstly I would like to say thank you to the Yarrabah people for giving me the

opportunity of being a councillor for the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council

where we call paradise by the sea. How time flies we are back again with the

Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council’s Annual Report for 2014/2015. The

councillor's faced many changes and challenges to develop and implement

improved policies. With an updated organizational chart and the operational

plans for what it's mean to have good governance and systems in place to be

able to make good decisions for the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council and the

Yarrabah people to be sustainable and efficient within the local government. I

believe that the council has established a good executive's management team

and work force and receiving an unqualified audit. To all the staff thank you,

the aim is to bring self- determination and self-control in to local government

and back to the people of Yarrabah.

Councillor Henry Miller

It has been another busy year in Yarrabah. The highlight for me this year was our recent trip to Toowoomba for the annual LGAQ conference. This was a great learning curve and an eye opening experience. It enabled me to meet with like-minded people from other Communities and regional Councils around Queensland. I thank the Community for having faith in me as a Councillor. It has been a difficult term with some tough decisions to make. However I believe we have set up the Council to be able to be sustainable into the future. I would like to try to encourage the younger generation to get behind their Community and

become a Councillor to take Yarrabah into the future and continue the good work this Council has achieved

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Councillor Bevan Walsh

I would like to take this opportunity to submit my final report for 2015. The last

14 months have been busy with the construction of infrastructure. These

include the Indigenous Knowledge Centre, double lane for Reeves Creek Bridge,

housing and finally after 20 years the construction of the Women’s Shelter

which is a great achievement considering the circumstance surrounding the

allocation of funding. Another achievement for this council is the allocation of

$7m for the consultation and construction of a long awaited jetty for the

community. This will give our community members, organisational staff and

tourist the opportunity to travel to and from Yarrabah for work and leisure once

a future ferry service becomes operational.

Another highlight I would like to touch on is the Queensland Music Festival

which has been running now for the past three years in our community. I was fortunate to be involved as a

coordinator and honoured to be a member of the Yarrabah Brass band. This event is very significant to our

community due to the establishment of the Yarrabah Brass Band and it brings our community together.

2014, saw the re-introduction of the Yarrabah Rodeo for the first time in 52 years. This event was a success

with crowd numbers totally around 2000 people. It was great to see the community getting involved and

enjoying themselves and hearing the positive feedback. The Yarrabah Rodeo was held for its second year in

2015, but unfortunately this year’s event saw the numbers were down due to other events occurring

simultaneously the same weekend.

I would also like to acknowledge our new council employees who have joined our organisation in the last 7 to

12 months. Although they have faced many challenges since taking on their new positions they have managed

to work with us through these challenges and have given valuable contribution to the Yarrabah Shire Council.

Leading into the Christmas period, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a healthy, safe and

enjoyable festive season. I look forward to a productive 2016 where collectively we can continue to grow and

work together to get better outcomes for our community.

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Message from the Councillors Desk Cont….

Councillor Malcolm Canendo

I would firstly like to thank the Yarrabah Community for your constant support

over these four years and to all of our YASC staff (both Senior and Junior) for

their continuous effort in servicing the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire especially our

Chief Executive Officer Janelle Menzies. We are at the last stage of our term

with the elections coming up in March 2016 and it is hoped that all that has

been achieved can be beneficial for our people e.g. New Knowledge Centre,

Two lane Reeves Creek Bridge, New Houses, New Subdivision, 99 years Home

Ownership Leases etc.

I would like to give acknowledgement to Simon Cotton who has left Yarrabah

late in the third term and thank him for his commitment to the Yarrabah State

School and Community and wish him all the best in all future endeavours. In saying that I would like to

congratulate the incoming Principal Jason Evert who has been in the community over the last 10 years and I

believe is going to be an asset in this role. I would also like to acknowledge Graham “Buzzy” Burridge (retiring)

for the tremendous work he has done for the community from the Yarrabah PCYC and support he has given to

the Yarrabah Community, providing assistance with local activities, services, in kind and financial sponsorship.

Thanks Buzzy and I wish him all the best with the retirement.

I apologise that I haven’t been as involved in my portfolio areas of Education, Sport and Recreation and

Community Services this year due to some personal commitment with studying. I hope that over this term of

Council I have had an impact within my portfolio areas.

In conclusion I would like to thank my fellow Councillors Errol Neal (Mayor), Bevan Walsh, Mark Wilson and

Pop Henry Miller for their support and effort in the council term and wish them all the best if they are

contesting for elections next year or with any future endeavours. Wish the new set of Council that is sworn in

from 2016 best of luck in progressing Yarrabah over the next four years of their term.

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Chief Executive Officers Report

Thank you to the Mayor, Councillors and Staff for your warm welcome and

support since I started as the Chief Executive Officer in Mid-December, 2014.

During 2014-2015 the Council started two major projects the construction of the

Yarrabah Indigenous Centre and the construction of a dual carriage bridge over

Reeves Creek. Both of these projects will be completed during the 2015-16 year.

We also completed our 2013 NDRRA projects on time and within budget.

Council has also begun planning to build 9 new houses in Djhenji and a new

subdivision as Principal Contractor which has not been done by council for a

number of years, I hope this will also increase local employment and industry to the community.

Our Executive Management team is now stabilised with the appointment of a new Executive Manager

Infrastructure and Work and a new Executive Manager Community Services. The position of Governance

Manager has also been filled which was vacant for a couple of years.

Thanks to the commitment to our finance team, I am pleased to advised that the Council’s 2014-15 financial

audit was again an unqualified result this year showing a very healthy surplus which is quite a different picture

from 2013-14 where the council had quite a large deficiency mainly attributed to the divestment of the Aged

Care facility and their assets.

During the year we also started some training and workforce development which will continue into 2015-16.

I am looking for to the 2015-16 year as we see some projects complete and new ones about to begin. I would

like to acknowledge all the staff for their efforts during 2014-15 and we will continue on our business

improvement process through 2015-16 and beyond.

Janelle Menzies

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Annual highlights for 2014-15

Rodeo & Festival

Queensland Music Festival

Opera Australia

Art Centre Open Day

$1.4M Yarrabah Knowledge Centre completed

Work started on Reeves Creek Dual Carriage Bridge $1.2M

Secure Funding and begin planning for the construction of 9 new houses $1.8M

Secure Funding and begin planning for Djenghi 6A M$1.2

Finalise 2013 NDRRA works $4.2M

Complete 26 Housing Upgrades $3M

Complete Water Treatment upgrade $0.3M

Complete Water Pipes Upgrade $1M

Unqualified Audit for 2014-15

Visits by Officials Bob Katter MP, Senator Nigel Scullion, Senator Glen Lazarius, Leeanne Enoch MP,

Treasurer Curtis Pitt

1st 99 Year Home Ownership Lease signed following by another 3.

Procurement Policy promoting local indigenous businesses and employment

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Vision statement

‘Burri Cummin’ –

One People, One Place, One Fire

To improve unity and inspire to a better quality of

life

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Councillors

The Yarrabah Shire Council has 5 elected Councillors who are currently serving their 4th year since being

elected Councillors. Whilst serving as the elected members of their community each Councillor is bound by

the Local Government Act 2009 and Local Government Regulation 2012.

Integral to leading their community, each of the Yarrabah Shire Councillors are committed to;

Being transparent in terms of their decision making in the public and organisations best interests,

Ensuring that all Councillors are complying legally and ethically as per the Councillors Code of Conduct,

Providing good governance

Ensuring that community are kept informed on all aspects of community development and progress

and given the chance to have their say and representation through meaningful community

engagement and feedback processes,

Providing community driven direction to help better the services which community receive

Providing sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure

Reaching targets with effective outcomes efficiently.

Improving unity to inspire all to a better quality of life

In order to achieve these principles the councillors have specific duties and responsibilities as part of their

roles and portfolios which they are responsible for.

Council meetings are scheduled for the third Thursday of every month. These dates are adopted by resolution at the first Council meeting of the calendar year.

Councillor Portfolios Councillor Portfolio

Mayor Errol Neal Local disaster Management Land & Development Native Title Media Overseer of all Councillor portfolios

Councillor Henry Miller Environment Law & Order Youth & Elders

Councillor Mark Wilson Housing Municipal Works & Infrastructure Employment & Training

Councillor Bevan Walsh Arts & Culture Health Transport

Councillor Malcolm Canendo Education Sports & Recreation Community Services Communications

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Councillor Meeting Attendance

Elected Member Ordinary Council Meetings Attended

Special Council Meetings Attended

Total Meetings Held

Total meetings Attended

Cr. Errol Neal 13 2

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15

Cr. Henry Miller 12 2 14

Cr. Mark Wilson 12 3 15

Cr. Bevan Walsh 12 3 15

Cr Malcolm Canendo 12 3 15

Councillors’ remuneration & particulars

Provided Facilities

Each Councillor of the Yarrabah Council is provided with specific facilities as agreed to by resolution as outlined

below;

Mayor

Separate office accommodation

Secretarial and administrative support in accordance with the staff structure

Deputy Mayor

Separate office accommodation

Other Councillors

Shared office accommodation

Fully maintained boardroom and kitchen amenities

Other Facilities

Each Councillor have been provided a single standard laptop, portable Wi-Fi Internet access and

mobile phone to be used both at the Council work location and at the Councillors home office which

will be loaded with the Microsoft Office Suite and email software for the use of duties associated with

their positions.

Within the work location, a networked printer, access to a shared landline and fax. Council will provide to each Councillor the necessary stationery and the cost of postage for the

undertaking of duties directly associated with their position.

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Elected Members Remuneration

The remuneration of all Councillors is a fixed amount as set out by the Local Government Remuneration

Tribunal and is reviewed and adopted by the Council on an annual basis.

Councillors acting in the position of Deputy Mayor are further remunerated in accordance with the extra

responsibilities required of the position.

Each Councillor (except the Elected Mayor) is given the opportunity to sit as Deputy Mayor over their 4 year

term as elected Councillors of the Yarrabah Council.

The remuneration & superannuation contributions of the Elected Members are as outlined below

Elected Members Fringe Benefit Tax Expenses and Reimbursements

The Councillors Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is what a Councillor must pay for the use of a Council packaged

vehicle/use of a council vehicle for the annual year, in this case between 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015.

Councillors In accordance with the Local Government Guidelines for Councils, Councillors may use a vehicle by

Council for official Council business.

If a Councillor uses a private vehicle to conduct Council business then a reimbursement may be claimed, based

on a log book to substantiate the relevance of travel to Council business and paid in accordance with the rates

prescribed in the Queensland Local Government Officers Award (Federal).

If a councillor uses a Council owned vehicle for private purposes then the Councillor must reimburse Council

based on the vehicles log book record of use in accordance with the rate prescribed by the Australian Taxation

Office.

The table below provides the total Councillors’ Fringe Benefits Tax expenses for the 12 month period from 1

April 2014 to 31 March 2015.

Elected Members Remuneration, Fringe Benefits Tax Expenses and Reimbursements

NAME POSITION REMUNERATION SUPERANUATION EXPENSES CLAIMED

FBT TOTAL PACKAGE

Errol Neal Mayor $95,329.71 $11,439.57 $0.00 $20,907.63 $127,676.91

Mark Wilson Deputy Mayor $54,997.57 $6,599.71 $0.00 $0.00 $61,597.28

Bevan Walsh Councillor $48,578.98 $5,829.48 $0.00 $0.00 $54,408.46

Henry Miller Councillor $48,578.98 $5,829.48 $0.00 $0.00 $54,408.46

Malcolm Canendo Councillor $48,578.98 $5,829.48 $0.00 $0.00 $54,408.46

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Particulars

The annual report must contain a copy of the resolutions made during the financial under s250 (1) and s206(2). s250(1) outlines that ‘A local Government must adopt an expenses reimbursement policy’ and s206(2) outlines that ‘The Local Government must, by resolution, set an amount for each different type of non-current physical asset below which the value of an asset of the same type must be treated as an expense’

4.12 Chief Executive Office Approval of Mandatory Policies as required under the Local Government Act

Summary/Purpose: Approval of Mandatory Policies as required under the Local Government Act

Part 4 of the Local Government Regulations 2012 – Financial Policies

1. Investment Policy (Section 191) 2. Debt Policy (Section 192)

II. Part 6 of the Local Government Regulations 2012 – Spending 1. Advertisement Spending (Section 197) 2. Procurement Policies (Section 198)

III. Expenses Reimbursement Policy required under Division 2 – Reimbursement of Expenses and Provision of Facilities

RESOLUTION 13: 20/04/2015 – That the Council – adopt the Approval of Mandatory Policies as required

under the Local Government Act.

MOVED: Cr. Malcolm Canendo CARRIED.

SECONDED: Cr. Mark Wilson

A copy of the Expenses Reimbursement Policy is available on the Council’s website.

The council did not make any resolutions setting an amount for each different type of non-current physical asset below which the value of an asset of the same type must be treated as an expense.

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Organisation snapshot Implementation of Councils community plan

The Yarrabah Council adopted its community plan in December 2011.

Organisational Structure

The Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council currently employs 106 people, with Council being the largest employer

in the Yarrabah Community. With the communities current unemployment rate the Yarrabah Council feel

strongly about encouraging local employment with 98% of its workforce being local residents.

As per the established organisational structure, the Councils operations are sectioned into 4 functions which

are;

Office of the Chief Executive Officer: This comprises the support functions for the Mayor and Councillors,

Council and committee meetings, statutory requirements, human resources and construction

Corporate Services: This comprises all the administrative functions of Council including financial management

and information technology

Community services: This comprises of all council operated community services and facilities

Works and Infrastructure: This comprises the functions of all aspects of community municipal works, repairs

and maintenance, plant and equipment handling and maintenance and environmental protection

The council is committed to ensuring through its structure that each of its services is providing an accessible

and quality service to each of its community members.

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Organisational Chart

Roads & Maintenance Financial Management Swimming Pool

Water & Sewerage Commonwealth & Bendigo Daycare Centre

Environment, Parks & Gardens Banks Social Housing Management

Cleaners Post Office & QGAP Indigenous Community Links

Fleet Management Information Technology Family Income Support Program

Fabrication Arts & Culture Prescient

Stores Bus

Solid Waste Collection

Employee Statistics

EMPLOYMENT STATUS FEMALE MALE TOTAL

Full Time 32 50 82

Casual 11 13 24

TOTAL: 43 63 106

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Council are committed to ensuring that all employees and potential employees are given and have access

to equal opportunities in the workplace regardless of age, race or gender. Council has adopted the practice as

part of it policy.

Workplace Health and safety

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

(Office of the CEO)

PA to CEO & Mayor

Governance Manager

Human Resources, Risk & Regulation

Manager

Workplace Health & Safety

Works & Infrastructure

Corporate Services

Community Services

Mayor Councillors

Building Construction Maintenance

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Council is highly dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of workplace health and safety practices and

procedures are followed. To help ensure that practices and procedures are followed, upon commencement of

employment, all staff are given a workplace health and safety induction.

Staff are regularly updated on changes and pending changes and/or persons affected it may require further

training or study which council fully supports and may cover costs associated with it.

Council currently employs 2 Workplace Health and Safety Officers.

Remuneration of Senior Contract Employees

AS per the established organisational structure the Yarrabah Council currently employs 4 Senior Contract

Employees.

In accordance with the Local Government Act 2009 requirements it is required that the number of senior

contract employees with remuneration packages exceeding $50,000.00 must be recorded for the period of 1

July 2014 to 30 June 2015.

A senior contract employee refers to the Chief Executive Officer and all senior executive employees of the

Local Government Council. The table below is a record of the number of senior contract employees whose

salary exceed $50,000.00

Package range Number of senior contract employee within package range

$50,000 - $99,000 0

$100,000 - $200,000 4

Complaints management

As per s306 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, the Yarrabah Shire Council is committed to ensuring

there is an effective complaints management process which covers both administrative complaints and the

conduct and performance of Councillors which we strictly adhere to, to effectively manage complaints in a

sensitive yet transparent way and within the prescribed timeframe.

A copy of Council’s complaints management process can be obtained from the Human Resources Manager or

Chief Executive Officer.

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Conduct and Performance of Councillors

The annual report must contain;

ITEM

RESULT

the total number of the following during the year--

Orders and recommendations made under section 180 (2) or (4) of the Act.

Nil

Orders made under section 181 of the Act. Nil

each of the following during the year--

The name each councillor in relation for whom an order or recommendation was made under section 180 of the Act or an order was made under section 181 of the Act.

Not applicable Not applicable

A description of the misconduct of inappropriate conduct engaged in by each of the Councillors.

Not applicable

A summary of the order or recommendation made for each Councillor.

Not applicable

the number of each of the following during the year--

Complaints about the conduct or performance of Councillors or which no further action was taken under s176c(2) of the Act.

3

Complaints referred to the department’s Chief Executive Officer under section 176c(3) (a) (i) of the Act.

1

Complaints referred to the Mayor under section 176c(4)(a) of the Act.

Nil

Complaints referred to the departments chief executive officer under s176c(4) (a) of the Act

2

Complaints assessed by the Chief Executive Officer as being about official misconduct

Nil

Complaints heard by the tribunal Nil

Complaints to which s176c(6) of the act applied

3

Administrative Action Complaints

S187 of the Local Government Regulations 2012 requires the annual report for a financial year must contain a statement about how the local government has implemented its complaints management process, including an assessment of the local government’s performance in resolving complaints under the process.

A copy of the Council’s Administrative Action Complaints Policy and Procedure can be located on the Council’s

website at www.yarrabah.qld.gov.au.

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ITEM

RESULT

The number of the following during the financial year;

the number of administrative action complaints made to the local government.

During this financial year through its complaints management process there have been 1 administrative action complaint lodged to the Yarrabah Council.

the number of administrative action complaints resolved by the local government under the complaints management process.

1 out of 1 complaint have been resolved through the councils complaints management process this financial year.

the number of administrative action complaints not resolved by the local government under the complaints management process.

Nil of the complaints have not been resolved through the councils complaints management process.

the number of administrative action complaints under paragraph (a)(iii) that were made in a previous financial year

1 of the complaints resolved during the financial year was made in the previous financial year.

Special expenditure & charges reporting categories

Overseas travel

Under section 188 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 the council must contain in the report any

overseas travel expenditure covered by the Council.

This financial year there was no overseas travel.

Assessment of Corporate Plan and Operational Plan

Council’s Corporate Plan 2011-2016 and Operational Plan for 2014/15 was reviewed throughout the

year with the majority of actions completed. Information was fed back to Council through regular

management reports and specific Operational Review reports.

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Expenditure on grants to community organisations

Under section 189 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 Council must contain in the report a list of

expenditure on grants given to community organisations. The grants received from Council by community

organisations and members are as outlined below.

Name of recipient Purpose Amount received

Yarrabah Seahawks Snr Rugby League Team bus registration $2,222.45

Pyramid Power Australian Rules Sporting Club Oval lights $2,000.00

Elsa Dabah Grade 11 interview in Townsville $400.00

Menmuny Murgha Fiji Self Development Fund $200.00

Theeran Pearson Fiji Self Development Fund $200.00

Greg Fourmile Fitness Project $400.00

Florence Barber Funeral assistance - Cherbourg $500.00

Linda Sexton 8 Girls - Qld Indigenous School Netball side $1,200.00

Yarrabah Seahawks Snr Rugby League Fuel $74.77

Paula Neal Boarding school D Wilson $400.00

EM Cedric Funeral assistance - Townsville $500.00

Murray Street Funeral Funeral assistance $441.32

Delise Ambrym Funeral assistance - Albury $478.34

Jason Fourmile Funeral assistance $100.00

Rohannie Yeatman Tamale Yeatman U12's rugby $250.00

Brent Pearson Kellyanne Pearson Reds Leadership Program $250.00

Bobby Patterson Funeral Assistance Palm Island $200.00

$9,816.88

Capital Works and Joint Government Activity

Council’s capital works for this year included Range road improvements, community house repairs, housing

upgrades, water and sewerage upgrade.

Majority of these projects were financed by grants from the state and federal government. (see Appendix A

Financial statements)

Levied special rates or charges

No special rates or charges were granted for the financial year 2014/15

Concession rates and charges summary

No concessions have been granted for the financial year 2014/15

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Commercial business unit s

Commercial Business Unit Annual Report

Council possesses no commercial business units.

Beneficial enterprises

The Yarrabah Council does not have any beneficial enterprises

Significant business activities

There were no significant business activities this financial year.

Competitive Neutrality Complaint

There has been no competitive neutrality complaints received this financial year.

Invitation to change tenders

There has been no invitation to change any tenders this financial year.

Controlled Roads

The Yarrabah Council fully controls and maintains all roads within the Yarrabah boundaries.

List of Registers

The Yarrabah Council holds the following registers;

Name of Register

Register of Interests of a Councillor and their Related Persons

Register of Interests of Chief Executive Officer and Senior Executive Employees and their Related Persons

Register of Delegations

Register of Roads

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Internal audit

Council’s internal audit function is undertaken by Pacifica Pty Ltd. There has been 1 visit this financial year

covering the following:

Tender evaluation and contract management

With the increase in housing upgrade and maintenance works Council felt this was an area we could improve

and make more efficient.

Internal audit assists with streamlining and improving Council’s business processes. It ensures compliance

with legislation and identifies any areas of operational risk and offers recommendations for improvement.

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Community Financial Report

Our Community Financial Report contains a summary and analysis of our financial performance and position for the financial year. This community report will focus on our two key financial statements that will provide clarity and make it easier for readers to understand our financial management and performance as shown in the financial statements.

The performance over the past three years will be reviewed to highlight areas of improvement.

Results Highlights of 2014/2015

First Surplus since 2011

Increase in Own-Source Revenue (Sales) by $1.6 Million

Reduction in Expenditure (M&S) by $600,000.

Unqualified Audit

Snapshot of the Financial Statements for Year Ended 30 June 2015

Council has finished with a $2.5M surplus, our first surplus since the financial year ending 2011. Our financial results are reflective of a strong economic base and our commitment to increasing our own-source revenue while decreasing non-essential expenditure. Our long-term financial forecast provides a plan to address the challenges and demands associated with providing economic sustainability within an uncertain future.

• How did we perform in relation to making a profit over the past year?

Comprehensive Income

• What do we owe and what do we own at year end?

Financial Position

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Statement of Comprehensive Income This statement measures how Council has performed in regards to income and expenses during this financial year showing the profit/loss.

The Year in Review

Our financial results of a $2.5M profit are the result of Council’s commitment to increase our own- source revenue while maintaining strict budget control with the focus on utilising local staff while decreasing Council’s reliance on contractors.

While the result is positive, the profit does not necessarily mean extra monies for Council’s general use. Some grant funds received are tied for use in future years and revenue such as capital income can be non-monetary as it can be donated assets by various government bodies.

Where Our Money Comes From

As shown in the above chart, 39% of our income is grant funded for various operating and capital projects, this has reduced from 2014 results where 53% of Council total revenue was grants from the government and other bodies that finance the day to day operations of our services. This has to continue to drop for Council to be sustainable into the future. In 2014, Council’s own-source revenue has increased from $1.5M to $7.7M, which is just over 40% of Council’s total revenue this financial year. The increase in own-source revenue has mainly been driven by the increase in the number of housing maintenance and upgrade contracts being serviced. Where We Spend It

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Employee benefits were $5.5M (33%) of our total expenditure. Materials and services were $4.9M (29%) that was closely followed by the expense of Council’s assets depreciating $4.1M (25%). In 2015, Council has enacted a workforce strategy with the focus on attracting, upskilling and retaining local skills in our building and assets services, thus reducing the need for external contractors. In conjunction with the increase in new housing contracts, our workforce strategy has driven the reduction of costs in materials and services by $587,363 with only a slight increase in employee benefits.

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Income & Expenditure by Council Function

Corporate services are responsible for 34% ($6.5M) of Council’s total revenue, followed closely by housing at 33% ($6.3M), community services at 20% ($3.8M) and transport infrastructure at 8% ($1.6M). Making up the revenue in corporate services is $3.9M in donated assets and $2.4M in grants, subsidies, contributions and donations. Housing revenue is from $3.8M in maintenance contracts and $2.5M in upgrade contracts, while income in community services is mostly made up of grants from various funding bodies which fund the ICL and Daycare type activities.

Statement of Financial Position Our statement of financial position measures what Council owns (assets) and what is owed (liabilities) to relevant stakeholders at the end of the financial year. By viewing what Council owns, reduced by what we owe shows Council’s net wealth (equity) as at the 30th of June. Most of Council’s assets, $96.5M are classified as infrastructure. Our infrastructure consists of social houses, buildings, roads, water and other assets which will require considerable investment in the future to maintain for the community of Yarrabah. The bulk of Council’s liabilities, $2.3M are trade and other payables. This represents monies owed by Council but was not due to be paid.

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The Past Three Years in Review The following graphs display our revenue streams over the past three years:

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The last three years in review highlight Council’s commitment to reducing expenditure while working to increase areas of revenue.

The year of 2014 brought further decreases in the amount of external government funding available for operations. Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council was able to absorb some of the reduction by focusing on increasing its own-source revenue streams and reducing non-essential expenditure. This financial year demonstrates our current Councillor’s commitment to increasing capacity to take on a larger amount of building and assets contracts while reducing overall expenditure. Our commitment to employees, the community and continuous improvements will continue to increase our strengths into the future.

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Appendix A

Financial Statements