Strategy and Assets Committee
Meeting Date: Tuesday, 14 May, 2019
Location: Council Chambers, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 5.00pm
Membership (Quorum - 5)
Clr John Wells - Chairperson
Clr Bob Proudfoot
All Councillors
General Manager or nominee
Please note: The proceedings of this meeting (including presentations, deputations and debate) will be webcast and may be recorded and broadcast under the provisions of the Code of Meeting Practice. Your attendance at this meeting is taken as consent to the possibility that your image and/or voice may be recorded and broadcast to the public.
Agenda
1. Apologies / Leave of Absence
2. Confirmation of Minutes
· Strategy and Assets Committee - 9 April 2019............................................................ 1
3. Declarations of Interest
4. Call Over of the Business Paper
5. Mayoral Minute
6. Deputations and Presentations
7. Notices of Motion / Questions on Notice
Notices of Motion / Questions on Notice
SA19.50...... Notice of Motion - Ulladulla Sea Pool.......................................................... 11
8. Reports
General Manager
SA19.51...... Quarterly Progress Report - Councillors' Notices of Motion........................ 12
Finance Corporate & Community Services
SA19.52...... Revitalising Town & City Centres Conference............................................. 13
SA19.53...... March 2019 Quarterly Budget Review......................................................... 15
Assets & Works
SA19.54...... Jervis Bay Maritime Museum - Long Term Management Agreement......... 33
SA19.55...... One-off Crown land vesting application - Formalisation of main access to Integrated Emergency Management Centre (IEMC) and Nowra Racing Complex...... 54
SA19.56...... Acquisition of Lot 86 DP 29970, Unnamed Road Nowra Hill for the Western Bypass Corridor......................................................................................................... 58
SA19.57...... Proposed Acquisition of Land - Moss Vale Road South Urban Release Area 60
SA19.58...... Proposed Disposal of Vacant Land, St Georges Basin............................... 61
SA19.59...... Notification to Minister for Lands & Forestry of appointed Council Native Title Manager........................................................................................................ 62
SA19.60...... Former Landfill - Lake Conjola..................................................................... 63
SA19.61...... Shoalhaven Affordable Housing Strategy -
Property Acquisition Matters........................................................................ 78
Planning Environment & Development
SA19.62...... Refund Request - Fee Waiver - Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services Inc - DA17/1741 and CD18/1535......................................................................... 79
SA19.63...... Information Requests - Conjola Community Association............................ 86
SA19.64...... Lake Conjola - MIN19.143 - Monthly Progress Update Report................... 90
Shoalhaven Water
SA19.65...... Acquisition of Easement - Sewer Purposes - South Nowra...................... 102
SA19.66...... Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology - National Performance Report 2017-18 Urban Water Utilities............................................................................. 108
Reports
CSA19.3...... Proposed Disposal of Vacant Land - St Georges Basin.
Local Government Act - Section 10A(2)(c) - Information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
There is a public interest consideration against disclosure of information as disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to reveal commercial-in-confidence provisions of a contract, diminish the competitive commercial value of any information to any person and/or prejudice any person’s legitimate business, commercial, professional or financial interests.
CSA19.4...... Proposed Acquisition of Open Space Land identified in the Moss Vale Road South Urban Release Area
Local Government Act - Section 10A(2)(c) - Information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
There is a public interest consideration against disclosure of information as disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to reveal commercial-in-confidence provisions of a contract, diminish the competitive commercial value of any information to any person and/or prejudice any person’s legitimate business, commercial, professional or financial interests.
CSA19.5...... Shoalhaven Affordable Housing Strategy -
Property Acquisition Matters
Local Government Act - Section 10A(2)(c) - Information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
There is a public interest consideration against disclosure of information as disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to reveal commercial-in-confidence provisions of a contract, diminish the competitive commercial value of any information to any person and/or prejudice any person’s legitimate business, commercial, professional or financial interests.
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Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page |
Strategy and Assets Committee
Delegation:
pursuant to s377 (1) of the Local Government Act 1993 the Committee is delegated the functions conferred on Council by the Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act) or any other Act or delegated to Council, as are specified in the Schedule, subject to the following limitations:
i. The Committee cannot exercise any function delegated to the Council which by the terms of that delegation cannot be sub-delegated;
ii. The Committee cannot exercise any function which s377(1) of the LG Act provides cannot be delegated by Council;
iii. The Committee cannot exercise a function which is expressly required by the LG Act or any other Act to be exercised by resolution of the Council; and
iv. The Committee cannot exercise any function which is a function of the General Manager under s335 of the LG Act.
SCHEDULE
a. Make recommendations to Council and consider, formulate, review and adopt policies in relation to Councils corporate & community planning under Part 2 of Chapter 13 of the LG Act, asset management and in connection with the other functions listed in this Schedule and in particular to make recommendations to Council in respect of the content of Councils community strategic plan, delivery program, resourcing strategy and operational plan within the meaning of Part 2 of Chapter 13 of the LG Act;
b. Make recommendations to Council and consider, formulate, review and adopt Council policies, plans and strategies other than those in respect of town planning and environmental, natural resources / assets, floodplain, estuary and coastal management and sustainability matters that are dealt with by the Development and Environment Committee.
c. Make recommendations in respect of the introduction of new fees or charges or the alteration of existing fees and charges for inclusion in the Councils next operational plan within the meaning of s405 of the LG Act;
d. Monitor, review and consider matters relating to the operations and strategic direction of Councils Holiday Haven Tourist Parks Group;
e. All functions in respect of the management of, and facilities provided on Crown Land in respect of which Council is the ‘Crown Land Manager’ under Division 3.4 of the Crown Lands Management Act, 2016 and the making of recommendations to Council regarding such matters where the function is not dealt with under the delegations to the General Manager or cannot be delegated by Council;
f. Provision of corporate direction to the Shoalhaven Water Group in respect of powers delegated to it by Council regarding the construction, alteration or maintenance of water and sewerage works, effluent works and pump out removal;
g. Authorise the expenditure of funds raised under s64 of the LG Act within the limits outlined in, and in accordance with Councils adopted Development Servicing Plan and other relevant adopted Council policies;
h. Make recommendations to Council in respect of fees and charges for water and wastewater services provided by Council;
I. Develop, implement, review and adopt strategic policies for water, sewerage and effluent operations of Council;
j. Undertake preliminary investigations (feasibility, cost benefit, risk analysis, etc.) into development opportunities for Councils strategic land holdings and make recommendations to Council.
k. Review and make recommendations to Council in relation to:
l. The sale prices of land in connection with residential and industrial Council subdivisions;
m. The sale of Council property or the purchase or resumption of land;
n. The compensation to be offered in respect of land resumed by Council; and
o. Properties leased or rented by Council, other than those delegated to the General Manager for approval and execution in accordance with MIN14.912 and MIN15.237 of the Council.
p. To determine and accept all tenders with a value of $1 Million or more, except those tenders required by law to be determined by full Council (MIN17.334).
Minutes of the Strategy and Assets Committee
Meeting Date: Tuesday, 9 April 2019
Location: Council Chambers, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 5.01pm
The following members were present:
Clr John Wells - Chairperson
Clr Amanda Findley
Clr Patricia White
Clr Kaye Gartner
Clr Nina Digiglio
Clr Annette Alldrick
Clr John Levett
Clr Mitchell Pakes
Clr Greg Watson
Clr Mark Kitchener
Clr Bob Proudfoot
Mr Stephen Dunshea – Acting General Manager
Procedural Motion - Adjournment of Meeting |
RESOLVED (Clr Gartner / Clr Alldrick) MIN19.214 That the meeting be adjourned to allow the Regional Development Committee to complete the meeting proceedings. CARRIED
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The meeting was adjourned at 5.01pm to enable continuation of the Regional Development Committee.
The meeting reconvened at 6.01pm following the conclusion of the Regional Development Committee.
The following members were present:
Clr John Wells - Chairperson
Clr Amanda Findley
Clr Patricia White
Clr Kaye Gartner
Clr Nina Digiglio
Clr Annette Alldrick
Clr John Levett
Clr Mitchell Pakes
Clr Greg Watson
Clr Mark Kitchener
Clr Bob Proudfoot
Mr Stephen Dunshea – Acting General Manager
Apologies / Leave of Absence |
An apology was received from Clr Gash and Clr Guile.
Confirmation of the Minutes |
RESOLVED (Clr White / Clr Digiglio) MIN19.215 That the Minutes of the Strategy and Assets Committee held on Tuesday 12 March 2019 be confirmed. CARRIED
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Declarations of Interest |
Nil
Mayoral Minutes
Nil
Deputations and Presentations
Nil
Notices of Motion / Questions on Notice
SA19.38 Notice of Motion - Support for Greenwell Point Men's Shed |
HPERM Ref: D19/105306 |
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That Council provide 250 tonnes of gravel/road base for the completion of the Greenwell Point Men's Shed car park. |
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RESOLVED (Clr Pakes / Clr Watson) MIN19.216 That Council provide 250 tonnes of gravel/road base for the completion of the Greenwell Point Men's Shed car park. CARRIED
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Call Over of the Business Paper |
Items called over for debate: SA19.40, SA19.41 and SA19.48 Remaining items marked with an asterisk (*) were resolved en-block at this time. |
Reports
SA19.40 Review Access Areas for Dogs Policy (POL16/173) - Engagement of Consultant, Allocation of Budget and Establishment of Community Reference Group |
HPERM Ref: D19/58337 |
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That Council: 1. Engage Balancing Act to commence the review of the Access Areas for Dogs Policy (POL16/173). 2. Allocate a budget of $50,000 to engage the consultant to undertake the review from savings at the end of March 2019 Quarterly Budget Review. 3. Establish a Community Reference Group with the members in Attachment 1. 4. Receive a report on the draft Policy and Guidelines to Council prior to public exhibition.
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RESOLVED (Clr Pakes / Clr White) MIN19.217 That the matter regarding Review Access Areas for Dogs Policy (POL16/173) - Engagement of Consultant, Allocation of Budget and Establishment of Community Reference Group be deferred pending a Councillor Briefing. CARRIED
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SA19.41 Sustainable Energy Initiatives |
HPERM Ref: D19/84629 |
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the Committee receive the Sustainable Energy Initiatives report for information.
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RESOLVED (Clr Proudfoot / Clr Gartner) MIN19.218 That the Committee receive the Sustainable Energy Initiatives report for information. CARRIED
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SA19.48 NSW Government - Active Transport Program - Approved Projects 2018-19 and 2019-20 |
HPERM Ref: D19/88293 |
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That Council: 1. Accepts the grant funding offers under the NSW State Government Active Transport Program in the 2018-19 budget, as follows: a. $10,000 for the construction of end user facilities (bike racks) city wide, authorising the expenditure as follows; · Chris Creek, Sussex Inlet (adjacent to shared path and picnic facilities), adding value to the current shared path bridge project · Huskisson, adjacent to Portside Café (near Huskisson wharf) · Wowly Creek access (end of Monarch Place), Callala Bay · Moona Moona Creek reserve (adjacent playground) · Centre Street, Callala Beach (adjacent to community hall and public toilets) b. $15,000 for the construction of kerb ramps city wide, authorising the expenditure as follows: · Nowra (two locations: intersections of Berry Street and Bice Road, and Worrigee Street and Nowra Lane) · Bomaderry (intersection of Bunberra Street and Dalwah Street) · Huskisson (intersection of Sydney Street and Field Street) c. Provide Council’s matching funding ($25,000) reallocated from savings on the Beach Road Mollymook path project. 2. Accepts the grant funding offers under the NSW State Government Active Transport Program in the 2019-20 budget, as follows: a. $290,000 for the construction of Stage 2 of the Deering St, Ulladulla off road Shared User Path project, completing the extension to Ulladulla Lighthouse b. $135,000 for the construction of an off road shared user path linking St Georges Basin to Sanctuary Point (completing the missing link) c. $12,500 for the survey, design, and cost estimation of a shared user path bridge over Swan Lake Inlet (The Springs Road, Cudmirrah) d. $156,900 for the construction of pedestrian accessibility improvements (including kerb ramps and extensions) at the intersection of South St & Princes Hwy, Ulladulla. 3. Allocate $594,400 in the draft 2019-20 budget to provide the additional matching funds required to deliver the approved projects. 4. The General Manager (Director Assets & Works) writes to the NSW Roads & Maritime Services, and the Local Members of Parliament (for Kiama and South Coast), thanking them for their ongoing support of the Shoalhaven Community through the NSW Active Transport Program and for the support of RMS staff in reviewing and supporting Council’s nominations for these important local safety and accessibility improvements.
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RESOLVED (Clr Findley / Clr Gartner) MIN19.219 That: 1. Council accepts the grant funding offers under the NSW State Government Active Transport Program in the 2018-19 budget, as follows: a. $10,000 for the construction of end user facilities (bike racks) city wide, authorising the expenditure as follows; · Chris Creek, Sussex Inlet (adjacent to shared path and picnic facilities), adding value to the current shared path bridge project · Huskisson, adjacent to Portside Café (near Huskisson wharf) · Wowly Creek access (end of Monarch Place), Callala Bay · Moona Moona Creek reserve (adjacent playground) · Centre Street, Callala Beach (adjacent to community hall and public toilets) b. $15,000 for the construction of kerb ramps city wide, authorising the expenditure as follows: · Nowra (two locations: intersections of Berry Street and Bice Road, and Worrigee Street and Nowra Lane) · Bomaderry (intersection of Bunberra Street and Dalwah Street) · Huskisson (intersection of Sydney Street and Field Street) c. Provide Council’s matching funding ($25,000) reallocated from savings on the Beach Road Mollymook path project. 2. Council accepts the grant funding offers under the NSW State Government Active Transport Program in the 2019-20 budget, as follows: a. $290,000 for the construction of Stage 2 of the Deering St, Ulladulla off road Shared User Path project, completing the extension to Ulladulla Lighthouse b. $135,000 for the construction of an off road shared user path linking St Georges Basin to Sanctuary Point (completing the missing link) c. $12,500 for the survey, design, and cost estimation of a shared user path bridge over Swan Lake Inlet (The Springs Road, Cudmirrah) d. $156,900 for the construction of pedestrian accessibility improvements (including kerb ramps and extensions) at the intersection of South St & Princes Hwy, Ulladulla. 3. Council allocate $594,400 in the draft 2019-20 budget to provide the additional matching funds required to deliver the approved projects. 4. The General Manager (Director Assets & Works) writes to the NSW Roads & Maritime Services, and the Local Members of Parliament (for Kiama and South Coast), thanking them for their ongoing support of the Shoalhaven Community through the NSW Active Transport Program and for the support of RMS staff in reviewing and supporting Council’s nominations for these important local safety and accessibility improvements. CARRIED
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Items marked with an * were moved ‘en block’.
SA19.39 Appointment of Risk and Audit Committee Chair |
HPERM Ref: D19/78352 |
RESOLVED* (Clr Wells / Clr Alldrick) MIN19.220 That Council endorse the appointment of Peter McLean as the Risk and Audit Committee Chair. CARRIED
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SA19.40 Review Access Areas for Dogs Policy (POL16/173) - Engagement of Consultant, Allocation of Budget and Establishment of Community Reference Group |
HPERM Ref: D19/58337 |
Item dealt with earlier in the meeting see MIN19.217
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SA19.41 Sustainable Energy Initiatives |
HPERM Ref: D19/84629 |
Item dealt with earlier in the meeting see MIN19.218
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SA19.42 Tenders - External Plant Hire - 2019/2020 |
HPERM Ref: D19/87413 |
RESOLVED* (Clr Wells / Clr Alldrick) MIN19.221 That Council consider a separate confidential report in accordance with Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993. CARRIED
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SA19.43 Marsdens Law Group - 2019 Local Government, Planning & Environmental Law Conference |
HPERM Ref: D19/90541 |
RESOLVED* (Clr Wells / Clr Alldrick) MIN19.222 That Council 1. Notes the details of the 2019 Local Government, Planning & Environmental Law Conference scheduled for 21 June 2019 in Campbelltown. 2. Authorises available Councillors to attend the conference and such attendance be deemed Council Business. 3. Travel, accommodation and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses be met in accordance with its adopted policy. 4. Request Councillors attending the conference to provide a written report within 30 days of returning from the conference. CARRIED
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SA19.44 Acquisition of Electricity Easement for Pad Mount Substation - Lot 366 DP 821493 New Street, Ulladulla |
HPERM Ref: D19/60133 |
RECOMMENDATION* (Clr Wells / Clr Alldrick) That Council: 1. Compulsory acquire an Electricity Easement 5.5 meters by 2.75 meters for Endeavour Energy over Crown land Lot 366 DP 821493; 2. Pay compensation and costs associated with the acquisition from Holiday Haven’s Capital Programs Fund. Compensation determined by the Valuer General to be in accordance with the provisions of the Land Acquisition (Just Term Compensation) Act 1991; 3. Make the necessary application to the Minister for Local Government and the Governor for approval to the acquisition under the Local Government Act 1993; and 4. Authorise the General Manager to sign all documentation required to give effect to this resolution and to affix the Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven to all documentation required to be sealed. CARRIED
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SA19.45 Draft Policy - Creation of an Asset Protection Zone (APZ) over Council Owned or Managed Land |
HPERM Ref: D19/60437 |
RECOMMENDATION* (Clr Wells / Clr Alldrick) That Council: 1. Resolve to place the draft policy “Creation of an Asset Protection Zone (APZ) over Council Owned or Managed Land” on public exhibition for 28 days and seek submissions; 2. Deem this policy adopted at the conclusion of the submissions period, on the provision no submission(s) or submission(s) that would mean minor alteration to the Policy be received; 3. Receive a further report should submission(s) that are considered to have a significant effect on the policy be received. CARRIED
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SA19.46 Solar Garden - Update Report |
HPERM Ref: D19/8527 |
RESOLVED* (Clr Wells / Clr Alldrick) MIN19.223 That Council: 1. Note Repower Shoalhaven’s advice that it is intending to submit a funding application under the NSW Government’s $30M Regional Community Energy Fund to deliver a Solar Garden in the Shoalhaven. 2. Advise Repower that Council supports the installation of a Solar Garden on either the Old Tip Site at North Nowra or the Northern Section of the Animal Shelter Site at Nowra Hill and will make these sites available to Repower for such a use, subject to the necessary approvals being obtained. CARRIED
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SA19.47 Tree Planting - Schools Policy |
HPERM Ref: D19/55433 |
RESOLVED* (Clr Wells / Clr Alldrick) MIN19.224 That Council retain the Tree Planting - Schools Policy and amend it to reflect the following: 1. The Policy offering $200 per school for planting of trees on school or Council owned or managed land be communicated in writing to all local School Principals and Parents and Citizens Clubs annually, in the term prior to National Tree Day 2. Council staff, Bushcare and Parkcare teams continue to offer technical advice on tree selection and planting where possible. 3. Council allow trees to be planted on or around school property. CARRIED
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SA19.48 NSW Government - Active Transport Program - Approved Projects 2018-19 and 2019-20 |
HPERM Ref: D19/88293 |
Item dealt with earlier in the meeting see MIN19.219
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SA19.49 Ratepayer Advance Agreement - Kerb & Gutter Construction - 41 Basin View Pde Basin View |
HPERM Ref: D19/96468 |
RECOMMENDATION* (Clr Wells / Clr Alldrick) That 1. Council amend the resolution of 22 January 2019 to enter into a Ratepayers Advance Agreement, executed under the Seal of Council with: a. D L Mood of 41 Basin View Parade, Basin View (postal address is # 43) in respect of Kerb and Gutter construction to the value of $5,852.16 (advance) of which $1,859.28 (excluding GST) is the contribution, $3,992.88 is the loan and the amount to be repaid to the Ratepayer in 5 years at 5% interest per annum is $4,991.10. b. D L Mood of 43 Basin View Parade, Basin View (same as postal address) in respect of Kerb and Gutter construction to the value of $5,852.16 (advance) of which $1,859.28 (excluding GST) is the contribution, $3,992.88 is the loan and the amount to be repaid to the Ratepayer in 5 years at 5% interest per annum is $4,991.10. c. C J Hobbs of 45 Basin View Parade, Basin View (Postal Address: PO Box 127, St Georges Basin) in respect of Kerb and Gutter construction to the value of $5,852.16 (advance) of which $1,859.28 (excluding GST) is the contribution, $3,992.88 is the loan and the amount to be repaid to the Ratepayer in 5 years at 5% interest per annum is $4,991.10. 2. The Common Seal of Council of the City of Shoalhaven be affixed to any documentation required to be sealed otherwise the General Manager be authorised to sign any documentation necessary to give effect to the resolution. CARRIED
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Note: Clrs Watson and White recommended that Council send a letter of Congratulations to the Hon Shelley Hancock and the Hon Gareth Ward for their re-election in the recent State Government Elections, and their promotion to Ministerial Roles.
The Mayor advised that the correspondence has already been sent.
Confidential Reports
Pursuant to Section 10A(4) the public were invited to make representation to the meeting before any part of the meeting is closed, as to whether that part of the meeting should be closed.
No members of the public made representations.
RESOLVED (Clr Pakes / Clr Wells) MIN19.225
That the press and public be excluded from the Meeting, pursuant to section 10A(1)(a) of the Local Government Act, 1993, to consider the following items of a confidential nature.
CSA19.2 Tenders - External Plant Hire - 2019/2020 Commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.10(A)(2)(d)(i) There is a public interest consideration against disclosure of information as disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to reveal commercial-in-confidence provisions of a contract, diminish the competitive commercial value of any information to any person and/or prejudice any person’s legitimate business, commercial, professional or financial interests. CARRIED |
The meeting moved into confidential the time being 6.38pm.
The meeting moved into open session, the time being 6.39pm.
Report from confidential session
The following resolutions of the meeting, whilst closed to the public, were made public.
CSA19.2 Tenders - External Plant Hire - 2019/2020 |
HPERM Ref: D19/71044 |
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RESOLVED MIN19.226C That 1. Council appoint the following suppliers to the External Plant Hire – Preferred Supplier Panel commencing immediately on the execution of Panel Deeds and expiring on 31 December 2020.
2. The contract documents and any other associated documents be executed on behalf of the Council in accordance with cl165 of the Local Government Regulation by the relevant Group Director. CARRIED
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There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 6.40pm.
Clr Wells
CHAIRPERSON
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Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
SA19.50 Notice of Motion - Ulladulla Sea Pool
HPERM Ref: D19/145844
Submitted by: Clr Mark Kitchener
Purpose / Summary
The following Notice of Motion, of which due notice has been given, is submitted for Council’s consideration.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That Council trial an extended opening of the Ulladulla Sea Pool including winter this year (2019).
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Background
At the reconvened Ordinary Meeting on 2nd May, Council resolved to the trial opening of Huskisson Sea Pool for the winter season. Similar to Huskisson, Ulladulla has a sea pool of the same dimensions, the same style and built by the same contractors many years ago. The Ulladulla Sea Pool is also located in the middle of town in the most activated strip in the Southern Shoalhaven.
The Ulladulla Sea Pool is used at varying times of the day. Swimmers start arriving at dawn and there is a flurry of people until 9:00 am, then people come randomly with another burst around lunch time and after work.
The Ulladulla Sea Pool caters for many different groups. There are swimmers in training, residents with health conditions that choose to swim in salt water for the added buoyancy or because they can’t swim in chlorinated water, family groups, tourists and recreational swimmers. When the water becomes cold, swimmers don wetsuits. There isn’t a week goes by without someone asking me to have the Ulladulla Sea Pool open for winter.
It is said, exercising in cold environments promotes good health and longevity. Having the Ulladulla Sea Pool open during winter will give those residents who want to start up an ice-bergs swimming group the opportunity to do so in a safe environment.
Note by the General Manager
Over the past two years, the Huskisson and Ulladulla Sea Pools’ season length has been extended from closing at the end of March to closing at the end of May, with the costs absorbed through operational budgets.
The proposed Trial Opening Ulladulla Sea Pool over Winter Notice of Motion will cost an additional estimated $15,000 (June until October). This will also require a maintenance shutdown period of a minimum two (2) weeks in October, prior to reopening gain for the summer season. Should Council wish to extend this to an ongoing basis at both sea pools, this will require an additional $30,000 per annum for both locations.
As there is currently no supervision at the Sea Pool other than early morning cleaning and preopening safety checks, staff will be unable to measure patronage through the proposed winter extension.
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Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
SA19.51 Quarterly Progress Report - Councillors' Notices of Motion
HPERM Ref: D19/148303
Group: General Manager's Group
Attachments: 1. Incomplete Notices of Motion (councillors information folder) ⇨
2. Completed Notices of Motion (councillors information folder) ⇨
Purpose / Summary
To provide the quarterly progress status on Councillors’ Notices of Motion as resolved at the Ordinary Meeting in December 2018.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the Progress report on Councillors’ Notices of Motion be received for information.
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Options
1. As recommended
Implications: The listing of Actions will be received by the Council for information
2. Alternate recommendation
Implications: Not known
Background
In response to a Notice of Motion (CL18.350), at the Council Meeting held on 18 December 2018, Council resolved (MIN18.992):
“That the progress status of councillors’ notices of motion be reported quarterly at Ordinary Meetings of Council.”
This report provides, in the Councillor Information folder, the following:
· A list of incomplete Notices of Motion.
· A list of Notices of Motion completed since 1 January 2019.
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Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
SA19.52 Revitalising Town & City Centres Conference
HPERM Ref: D19/126087
Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group
Section: Human Resources, Governance & Customer Service
Purpose / Summary
To consider Councillor attendance at the Revitalising Town & City Centres Conference scheduled for 25-27 June 2019 in Parramatta.
Options
1. As per the recommendation.
2. That Council limit the number of Councillors attending the Conference and such attendance be deemed Council Business.
3. That Council not approve Councillor attendance at the Conference as Council Business.
Background
The Revitalising Town & City Centres Conference is considered relevant to local government. Information in relation to the conference can be found on Criterion Conferences website.
Criterion Conferences website link
Costs associated with the conference are estimated as follows:
· Registration : $3,197.00 (including two Workshops on the 27 June)
$2,499.00 (conference only)
$399.00 per Workshop
· travel, accommodation and out of pocket expenses not yet determined.
An option available to Council is to define the number of Councillors attending the conference and for Council to determine the appropriate Councillors authorised to attend. This option is presented having regard to the increase in Councillor expenses in recent years, so that Council may pro-actively control this area of expenses when appropriate.
The Conference commences at 8.00am Tuesday 25 June 2019 and concludes at 5.00pm Wednesday 26 June 2019. Two Workshop will be held on Thursday 27 June 2019 commencing at 9.00am and concluding at 4.30pm. The following Council Business is scheduled within the period of the conference:
· Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Committee 24 June 2019.
· Ordinary Council Meeting 25 June 2019.
· Councillor Briefing 27 June 2019.
Policy Implications
The Council Members – Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities Policy limits attendance at conferences to three per annum per councillor exclusive of any conference arranged by either the State or National Local Government Associations.
Financial Implications:
Funds are available for Councillors to attend this conference.
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Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
SA19.53 March 2019 Quarterly Budget Review
HPERM Ref: D19/135573
Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group
Section: Finance
Attachments: 1. Quarterly Budget Review Statement - March 2019 (under separate cover) ⇨
Purpose / Summary
That Council 1. Receive the March Quarterly Budget Review for information 2. Adopt the adjustments, as outlined in the March Quarterly Budget Review document 3. Adopt the projects that are being reforecast to the 2019/20 Draft Budget and accept them as a submission to the 2019/20 Draft Budget
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Options
Implications: Nil
2. Not adopt the recommendation and make an alternative resolution
Implications: Staff will need to rework the quarterly budget review in accordance with the alternative resolution.
Background
Projects requiring funding
The following Council resolutions and reports have been noted as priority items for consideration/inclusion in future budgets:
As future funding is identified, it will be highlighted and put to Council to place against their next highest priority from the above list.
Council’s Funds
General Fund
The budget adopted by Council produced an operating profit of $13.5M after capital grants, an operating deficit before Capital Grants and Contributions of $2.9M, and a reduction in our cash and investments of $11M.
· Additional rates revenue from new properties (subdivisions) +$88K
· Reduction in corporate postage +$50K
· Assorted revenue (leaseback, street parking) +$6K
· Jetty licence fees to reserve -19K
Revenue
As at 31 March, General Fund has achieved 78% of the revised budget. This is primarily due to the raising of rates revenue in full. Excluding rate income, General Fund has achieved 69% of the revised budget. The March Quarterly Budget Review Statement recommends an increase of $1.6M. The major adjustments in the review are:
Amount ($’000) |
Reason |
|
Revenue |
||
Rates and Annual Charges |
+89 |
Additional Rates revenue received |
User Charges & Fees |
-174 |
Reduction SEC -200K, Reduction Family Day Care -60K, Proponent funded works +70K, Kerb & Gutter +9K |
+298 |
+196K Tourism campaigns, Arts Centre +20K, Closure of Management Committee +16K, Waste Property rental +24K, Other property rentals +42K |
|
Internal Revenues |
+147 |
+81K Fleet, +41K Environmental, +40K Major Projects, -15K Signwriting |
Grants & Contributions - Operating |
+361 |
9 new operational grants (Boneseed, Frogbit, CPTIGS, Community Needs Gap, Health & Wellbeing, Crime Prevention, Milton Library, Museum Advisor, Youth Week) |
Grants & Contributions – Capital |
+888 |
2 new capital grants (York Street, Boongaree), High Voltage Contribution. |
Operating Expenditure
General Fund is on target with operating expenditure at 73% of the revised budget. The March Quarterly Budget Review Statement recommends a decrease of $462K, made up of:
Category |
Amount ($’000) |
Reason |
Operating Expenditure |
||
Employee Benefits & Oncost |
-359 |
Transfer from operational to expenditure on capital projects. |
Materials & Contracts |
+579 |
Expenditure of grants (above), Reduction in SEC expenditure, Proponent Funding received, transfer from Economic Projects Reserve +50K, transfer from Capital +34K |
Other Expenses |
-677 |
Reduction in Postage, Transfers to capital area |
Internal Expenses |
-1 |
Transfer to capital area |
Non-Operating Expenditure
Capital Expenditure as at 31 March is 33% of the revised budget (excluding commitments). The March Quarterly Budget Review Statement recommends a budget increase of $246K, mostly due to the reforecast of expenditure from the operational budgets.
During the March Quarterly Budget review – the following projects have been identified to be reforecast into the 19/20 financial year.
Project |
Amount to 2019/20 |
Comment |
Nowra Administration Building Compliance |
$870,000 |
Residual for fire suppression which will not proceed until current investigations and master planning for building future requirements is completed. |
Building Better Regions Grant – Myola |
$462,500 |
Delivery is over 2 years – survey, design and approvals year 1, construction year 2. Claims will be over 3 years as per the funding deed. |
Currarong coastal erosion remediation |
$300,000 |
Significant reduction in scope of works. Not proceeding with rock revetment wall and trial groyne. |
Broughton Vale Berry RFS (Council additional contribution) |
$300,000 |
Project to proceed to tender. |
Nowra CBD All Day Carparking |
$205,673 |
For 3 of the 4 locations, designs have now been completed (March 2019); awaiting the 4th location design, then will proceed to consultation. |
Office Accommodation Project |
$200,000 |
Newly created project for design works associated with building area use and future expansion options. |
The Lake Circuit |
$118,804 |
Project currently out to tender with additional budget in 19/20. Once contract is awarded, work will commence. Estimated to be late June. |
McGrath Avenue Carparking |
$100,000 |
Design now completed (March 2019), however awaiting another location design. Consultation proposed on all of the locations as a package, to allow for consultation. |
Total |
$2,556,977 |
|
Asset Sales
Asset sales are at 57% of the March Adjusted Budget. No increase has been proposed.
Water Fund
The budget adopted by Council produced an operating profit of $2.4M, an operating profit before Capital Grants and Contributions of $1.4M and a reduction in cash and investments of $5.2M. The adjustments made in this quarterly review have resulted in the following:
Income
As at 31 March, Water Fund has achieved 74% of the revised budget.
The March Quarterly Budget Review Statement recommends an increase of $441K. This adjustment relates mainly to Communication Towers $375K, the reimbursement for provision of power $49K and the reallocation of resources to capital projects $12K.
Operating Expenditure
As at 31 March, Water Fund has achieved 79% of the revised budget.
An increase of $140K is recommended for this review. This adjustment relates mostly to the Vincentia Communication Tower.
Non-Operating Expenditure
Capital Expenditure as at 31 March is 42% of the revised budget (excluding commitments).
A reduction of $3.56M is recommended after reviewing the timing of a number of key projects and expected outflow of payments.
Asset Sales
Asset sales are at 96% of the revised budget. An adjustment of 12K has been recommended for sales that have occurred during the quarter.
Sewer Fund
The budget adopted by Council produced an operating profit of $11M, an operating profit before Capital Grants and Contributions of $9.5M and a reduction in cash and investments of $27.5M. The adjustments made in this quarterly review have resulted in the following:
Income
As at 31 March, Sewer Fund has achieved 76% of the revised budget.
The March Quarterly Budget Review Statement recommends an increase of $18K. This adjustment relates to increased chargeable private works $15K and leaseback fees $3K.
Operating Expenditure
Operating Expenditure as at 31 March is 67% of the revised budget. No adjustments have been recommended.
Non-Operating Expenditure
Capital Expenditure as at 31 March is 37% of the revised budget (excluding commitments). A reduction of $2.1M is recommended after reviewing the timing of a number of key projects and expected outflow of payments.
Asset Sales
Asset sales are at 93% of the revised budget. No adjustments have been recommended.
Council’s Groups
General Manager’s Group
General Manager’s Comments:
Revenue is tracking behind pro-rata due to the grant funded projects in the Economic Development area $1.7M. Due to the nature of the works, revenue will only be recognised upon completion of milestones.
Operating expenditure is less than 75%. This also arises predominantly from the ED due to the maintenance costs on industrial land being down – it’s been a dry summer and less mowing has been required on vacant lots. There are also savings in salary provisions arising from vacancies and ongoing attempts to attract suitable staff to key positions.
Capital is at 40% for ED, however works are underway with the final subdivision at Woollamia.
Finance, Corporate and Community Services
Income budget is higher than projected due to successful grant applications being received. These include Building Better Regions Fund (Boongaree, Community Wellbeing Plan, Needs Assessment ), NSW Government Crime Prevention (Safer by Design Training), Everyone can play (Boongaree) & Community Building.
In the Tourism Area, funding has been received for the NSW Unspoilt South Coast Marketing Campaign.
At the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery there has been a greater than forecast income from sales of artwork, associated with the calibre of exhibitions & artists. This has offset the additional staff cost being incurred at the Gallery to meet business demand.
Expenditure budget in the operational area for Project Q has been transferred to the Capital budget. As parts of Project Q are progressively completed, these expenses will be capitalised.
Capital funding for the Bay & Basin District Library at Sanctuary Point has now been separated from the Bay & Basin Community Hub. Additionally, capital funds have been identified and allocated as Council’s co-contribution towards the Building Better Regions Grant Funded projects as a part of this review.
The SRV funded works at Nowra Showground are at the planning and design stage. A heritage consultant has been engaged to provide advice and relevant stakeholders are being consulted.
Planning, Environment and Development Services
Group Director’s Comments:
Overall revenue is below projection due to time lag between completion of works and payment of claims for grant funded projects, in particular Shoalhaven Levee restoration. Also, revenue in Building and Compliance is not at revised projection level.
Expenditure is in line with budget, despite significant expenditure in regard to legal matters.
Nebraska Estate: $65,240 remains for progressing rezoning investigations.
Verons Estate: The $150,000 borrowed in 2006 to fund the rezoning investigations has been fully spent. A total of $25,000 has now been transferred from the Strategic Planning Consultants budget. This will need to be recouped from the landowners at a later date. $1,413 has also been transferred from road construction to rezoning investigations. Further transfer(s) may be necessary to complete the project.
Road investigations and construction: The balance of the roadwork design budget for Nebraska Estate for 2018/2019 is $10,646. The balance of the construction budgets for Jerberra, Verons and Nebraska Estates for 2018/2019 are $2.3M, $741K and $12,853 respectively.
Assets and Works
Group Director’s Comments:
The Roads and Transport program overall currently has a budget of $64,582,827 expenditure of $42,311,951 or 66% of allocation. $14,297,697 is allocated to the Local and Regional roads budget of which expenditure represents 73% of allocation, the remaining funds have been committed.
Less than pro rata expenditure is occurring in the Stormwater program and Streetscape expenditure is ramping up given the Easter holiday season is now behind us.
$20,122,371 is allocated to ten “Special Projects” which are very complex in nature and most are still in the early development stages. Expenditure on the remaining $50,376,310 is at 54%.
Full Year budget for Stormwater program is $2,406,359. Current Expenditure $583,369 which represents 24% expended.
Works are significantly impacted by land acquisition, design delays and approvals. Engineers are identifying pipe renewals and replacements as alternative projects for expenditure this year. Based on current projections the funds will be underspent at the end of the year by $400,000 or 17%.
Special Rate Variations
Spending against the Special Rate Variation from 2013/14 is 60% of budget.
Group Director’s Comments:
Works are tracking as expected. St Anns Street is scheduled for construction at the end of May 2019. Works at The Lake Circuit will be tendered for construction during Q4.
Spending against the Special Rate Variation from 2017/18 is 100% of budget and has been fully expended.
Spending against the Special Rate Variation from 2018/19 is 73% of budget.
Works are tracking as expected. The Showground Buildings will be let as a packaged tender during Q4. Streetscape renewals have completed their design phase, and are moving through to the construction phase. The replacement of the public amenities at Errol Bond Reserve are proposed to commence in May 2019.
Shoalhaven Water
The Shoalhaven Water General Group is operating slightly under budget, with revenue at 73% of budget and operational expenditure at 62% of budget. There are no adjustments recommended for this review.
Water Fund
The Water Fund has operated close to budget over the last nine months, with operational expenditure tracking slightly above budget at 79.2% and revenue at 73.8% of budget. The adjustment for revenue relates to additional revenue from communication towers $375K, the reimbursement of costs $49K and the reallocation of resources to capital projects $12K. The adjustment to operating expenditure mainly relates to the demolishment of the old Vincentia communications tower. The capital program is progressing at 41.9% of budget and requires an adjustment of $3.564M. This reduction is due to a change in the timing of a number of capital projects and expected outflow of payments.
Sewer Fund
The Sewer Fund is operating on target, with operating expenditure tracking slightly under budget at 67.4% and revenue at 75.8%. The adjustment to revenue relates to income from chargeable private works $15k and leaseback fees of $3K. The capital program is at 36.9% of the budget and requires a reduction of $2.175M. This reduction is due to a change in the timing of a number of capital projects and expected outflow of payments.
Financial Implications
Whilst the adjustments made in the March quarter budget review have improved the projected cash deficit budget, they have not fully eliminated it. Council will need to be mindful of this situation in considering introducing new or expanded works or services in the absence of an identified funding source.
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Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
SA19.54 Jervis Bay Maritime Museum - Long Term Management Agreement
HPERM Ref: D18/223744
Group: Assets & Works Group
Section: Business & Property
Attachments: 1. JBMM 2019-2022 Business Plan (under separate cover) ⇨
2. REMPLAN JBMM - Attraction ⇩
3. Agreement main body and schedule (under separate cover) ⇨
4. Specifications ⇩
5. Reserve Plan ⇩
6. Key Performance Indicators ⇩
7. Maintenance Responsibilities ⇩
8. Jervis Bay Maritime Museum Asset Management Plan (under separate cover) ⇨
9. Reports & Reporting Schedule ⇩
10. Example planned maintenance program ⇩
Purpose / Summary
Provide Council with the opportunity to consider entering into a long-term management agreement with the Lady Denman Heritage Complex Huskisson Incorporated (LDHCH Inc) for the management of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery with the allocation of associated funding under the proposed agreement.
That Council 1. Revoke the Section 355 Management Committee status of the Lady Denman Heritage Museum Management Committee; 2. Enter into a management agreement with the Lady Denman Heritage Complex Huskisson Incorporated ABN 84 292 148 464 for a term of 20 years plus extensions with a commencing annual management fee of $268,000 with annual 2% or CPI increases, whichever is the greater; 3. Note the inclusion of additional funding in the draft 2019/20 budget; 4. Authorise the General Manager to sign all documentation required to give effect to this resolution and to affix the Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven to all documentation required to be sealed.
|
Options
1. Adopt the recommendation.
Implications: Council and LDHCH Inc (Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery) will enter into an agreement that clearly defines roles and accountabilities for both organisations and provides financial support commensurate with the financial obligations outlined in the management agreement.
2. Not adopt the recommendation and resolve along the following lines:
Implications: Council re-confirm the Section 355 Management Committee status of the Lady Denman Heritage Museum Management Committee and continue to provide financial contributions from the donations budget.
Background
The Lady Denman Reserve (Lot 2 DP 870242 & Lot 137 DP 720912) at Huskisson is a Crown reserve (R96376 for Public Recreation, notified 1 October 1982 and for Community Purposes, Environmental Protection, Tourist Facilities & Services, notified 27 June 2008 as an addition to the reserve). Under the Crown Lands Management Act 2016 Council has been appointed the Crown land Manager of the Reserve to manage as if it was “Community Land” under the Local Government Act 1993 (LGA) and that the reserve is responsibly managed and the natural resources such as water, flora and fauna and scenic beauty are conserved, while still encouraging public use and enjoyment of the land.
The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery website: www.jervisbaymaritimemuseum.asn.au has the following introduction:
“The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum features a world-renowned collection of maritime artefacts and navigational and surveying instruments. The Museum exhibits a range of nautical equipment, models, photographs, paintings, drawings and objects relating to the history and heritage of the Jervis Bay area.
The Museum is home to the historic Lady Denman ferry and other historic vessels.
Located in Huskisson, Jervis Bay, the Museum enjoys a waterfront location on Currambene Creek. Positioned in a beautiful bush setting in Jervis Bay, the complex includes a large recreation area with native gardens, a mangrove boardwalk, fish feeding pond, boathouse and historic buildings.
The Jervis Bay region has a rich history of Indigenous culture and the museum sits on the land traditionally owned by the Dharawal and Dhurga people. The indigenous culture of the area is outlined in the Jervis Bay History exhibition.”
2018-2022 Business Plan
In December 2018 the Lady Denman Heritage Complex Huskisson Incorporated developed the “Jervis Bay Maritime Museum” – Business Plan 2018-2022. The Executive Summary states:
“The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum (The Lady Denman Heritage Collection Inc, LDHC) has in the past 3 years undertaken a range of new strategic directions to increase the Museum’s financial viability in the future. The LDHC Board and Management Committee believe that careful planning will enable the Museum to optimise the business into the future. However, it is recognised that revitalisation, replacement and refurbishment are required in the period 2019 – 2022 at the same time recognising an economic backdrop which affects individual spending in the leisure-based market, in which the Museum operates.
The 2018-19 Budget
The 2018-19 Budget approved by the Board is designed to permit the museum to operate on a ‘business as usual’ basis and progress the baseline priorities identified above. The Budget is on track, but it involves substantial constraints on the operations of the Museum, particularly in terms of staffing resources and the capacity to make even minor improvements to the museum facilities.
Priority Areas for Action
The Business Plan identifies the following priority tasks for 2018-19:
• Negotiation of an increased base annual salary grant and a Long-Term Lease Agreement with Shoalhaven City Council
• Fundraising and revenue generation
• Asset Management
• Staff Planning and Succession Planning
• Business Development
Priority Projects
The Museum has identified priority projects to ensure the Museum can be competitive in the future. These projects are focused on the redevelopment of ageing displays, improvements to core infrastructure and planning for placement of the Cape St George lighthouse mantle and redevelopment of the pond area. They are contingent on external/grant funding and increased fund-raising from the Museum.
Completion of these projects will:
• increase visitation
• ensure the Museum is a creative hub for the community
• an asset to the tourism delivery sector
• an attractive place for volunteers to work
• support diverse audiences
The full Business Plan can be found at Attachment 1.
Economic Contribution
With close to 30,000 annual visitations, based on local – 20%; domestic overnight – 45% and International – 35% (figures provided) the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum generates an economic benefit to the Shoalhaven in the order of $9.24m (calculated via REMPLAN Economic modelling). The REMPLAN Tourism Impact summary report is found at Attachment 2.
Funding
Council currently contributes to LDHCH Inc, via the donation budget, $111,000 annually (subject to CPI) and provides other financial assistance on an ad hoc basis.
Additional funds to bring the existing donation payment up to the recommended management fee have been included in the draft 2019/20 budget presented to Council’s Ordinary meeting on 30 April 2019.
Management Committee conversion to Management Agreement
The Management Committee appointed under the provisions of Section 355 of the LGA, represented by the LDHCH Inc, has managed the day to day responsibilities of this reserve on behalf of Council since 1981 with its status re-confirmed on several occasions as the entity responsible for the management of the Reserve by resolution of Council:
1. Dated 20 September 2011 (MIN11.989); and
2. Dated 4 October 2016 (MIN16.706)
The latter however also included in part:
“3. The following Section 355 Management Committees be renewed; however, discussions commence to transition these Committees to an occupancy agreement within 2 years:
b. Jervis Bay Maritime Museum”
The above recommendation was a result of the adoption of the “Lady Denman Reserve Strategic Business and Master Plan” by Council at its Ordinary Council meeting dated 26 July 2016 (MIN16.575) in part:
“a) Adopt the Lady Denman Draft Strategic Business and Master Plan (LDDSBMP) with the amendments as attached in the report….”
An extract from the LDDSBMP at page 22 states:
“With a clearer understanding of how areas of the Reserve are used, a new process of management of the reserve would also need to be developed given that the existing Management Committee structure is not operated in accordance with Council’s guidelines. The future direction of management would involve a new formal agreement between Council and the Incorporated Body. The agreement (suggested to be a lease) would formalise the area under the management of the body, their responsibilities, level of subsidy or support offered by Council and the working relationships to be formed with other site users including existing (Laddie Timbery and caretaker), as well as future users.”
Notwithstanding the above, Council staff have, as early as 2011, attempted to secure, via negotiations, a tenancy agreement with Lady Denman Heritage Complex Huskisson Incorporated.
There were several reasons why the above action was considered necessary at that time but, historically, a summary of the three main reasons are explained as follows:
· An Internal Council report dated June 2009 observed the activities of the Lady Denman Maritime Museum & Gallery “...continue to expand as does the Work Health & Safety requirements, legal contracts and work place accountabilities, financial and operational accountabilities.” It adds that the business of managing this facility is intricate and “...has grown beyond what could be considered a reasonable expectation of volunteers, both in terms of overall management capability and liability issues.”
· A management committee is an appropriate model to be relied on for the management of assets including land where there are multiple user groups. In those circumstances the committee is made up of representatives of the various (if not all) user groups and in that way no group is disadvantaged, and the interests of all user groups are well served. In this case there is only one user group and therefore a management committee representing multiple user groups is inappropriate in this case.
· There has been considerable concern over an extended period about the ad hoc nature of demands on Council for capital works, the funding of various works, services and employment positions and for repairs and maintenance. It has been suggested that a capital works and maintenance programme annexed to a lease or some other form of management agreement might help to alleviate concerns in this regard and to facilitate sensible and timely financial planning for insurance, repairs and maintenance and for further capital expenditure, through Council’s budget processes.
A lease has been considered on several occasions; however, for competing reasons, each party has expressed concerns relating to certain issues which included but are not limited to the following:
· A perception that under a lease agreement, Council would cease to contribute to the management of the reserve to the extent that it has in the past;
· Liability for the payment of a rental and other outgoings including Council rates and insurances;
· Responsibility for maintenance of assets and compliance with various statutes and regulations e.g. Work Health and Safety, Risk Management etc;
· Personal liability of the volunteers; and
· Interference in the running of the museum and galleries.
There is a contention which has been expressed by the Incorporated body that its activities on the Crown reserve does not in itself establish any liability for the payment of significant outgoings such as rent and rates. The incorporated body is, after all, managing the reserve, a community asset, on behalf of Council and aims to invest surplus funds it can generate, if any, back into the reserve or at least into the various programmes and promotions it undertakes.
It is difficult to support a contention in these circumstances that a lease is warranted. A lease is an interest in land granted by the registered proprietor, the “landlord”, to another party, the “tenant” or “lessee”, which confers a right to exclusive possession of the land for a fixed term. A lease usually creates obligations on the lessee to pay outgoings such as rates, taxes and insurances.
The Incorporated body is managing the reserve on behalf of Council and should not be put in a position where it is expected to assume responsibilities beyond what it can carry out. The Incorporated body claims that as a matter of principle, any agreement which provides for the management of this reserve should not result in disadvantage to either party. There is a view that this is virtually not achievable given the nature of a lease and the creation of obligations on the lessee.
Given the protracted history, as outlined above, what is now proposed is the engagement of the Incorporated body under a management agreement (like that existing for the Ulladulla Civic Centre). Negotiations in respect to the agreement have been ongoing since mid-2017, subject to Board and Council approval. Those negotiations have now concluded with each party happy to seek final approvals.
The core terms and conditions of the management agreement are defined in the table below:
Crown Land Manager & Contract Manager |
Shoalhaven City Council |
Reserve Owner |
NSW Department of Industry (Crown Land) |
Site Manager |
Lady Denman Heritage Complex Huskisson Incorporated (LDHCH Inc) |
Term |
20 years + 1-year extensions per the management agreement |
Management fee |
$268,000 + GST |
Management fee review |
Annually to CPI or 2% whichever is the greater |
The full Management Agreement is made up of the main body, schedule and Appendices A to H. An overview of each component of the agreement is found below.
Main Body & Schedule:
Defines the contractual relationship between Council and the LDHCH Inc. setting out key aspects of term, extensions, management fee, Insurance and Indemnity, administration, termination and definitions to name a few. The schedule lists key Items referred to in the body document. The main body and schedule are located at Attachment 3.
Specifications:
Defines the responsibilities (essential terms) of the Site Manager (LDHCH Inc) with a descriptor of each. The Specifications are located at Attachment 4.
Reserve Plan:
Defines the geographical area of responsibility under the agreement. The Reserve Plan is located at Attachment 5.
Key Performance Indicators:
Sets out the seven (7) key performance indicators which when met are the trigger for the one (1) year rolling term extensions. The table listing the key performance indicators, measure, success descriptor and base line are located at Attachment 6.
Maintenance Responsibilities:
Defines the maintenance responsibilities of each party like that under a landlord and tenant arrangement. Maintenance responsibilities are located at Attachment 7.
Asset Management Plan:
The Asset Management Plan sets out the maintenance strategies to assist LDHCH Inc manage regular, reactive and capitalised maintenance. The plan does not infer any financial obligations on either party but is rather a guide for budgeting with implementation as and when funds are available. The Asset Management Plan is located at Attachment 8.
Reports & Reporting Schedule:
Defines the reports to be provided to Council, their content and time frames around delivery of same. The schedule is located at Attachment 9.
Planned Maintenance Program:
The program is a simple one-page visual checklist pertaining to Regulatory and Statutory maintenance undertaken that forms part of the monthly reporting regime. An example of the planned maintenance program is located at Attachment 10.
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Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
SA19.55 One-off Crown land vesting application - Formalisation of main access to Integrated Emergency Management Centre (IEMC) and Nowra Racing Complex
HPERM Ref: D19/107320
Group: Assets & Works Group
Section: Business & Property
Attachments: 1. Plan - Proposed Lot 5 - Access to IEMC and Nowra Racing Complex ⇩
Purpose / Summary
To provide Council with an opportunity to consider submitting a one-off vesting application to the NSW Department of Industry – Lands, seeking proposed Lot 5 in subdivision SF 10607 to be vested in Council, as shown in Attachment 1. This would facilitate the process to formalise the main access to IEMC and Nowra Racing Complex.
That Council submit a one-off vesting application to the NSW Department of Industry – Lands, seeking proposed Lot 5 in subdivision SF 10607 be vested to Council.
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Options
1. Resolve as recommended.
Implications: This would enable Council to apply for the vesting of this land and if successful complete the conditions of consent under SF10607, provide separate titles and dedicate proposed lot 5 as a road.
2. Not resolve as recommended.
Implications: Proposed lot 5 would need to be compulsory acquired from the Department and compensation paid.
Background
Division 4.2 of the Crown Land Management Act 2016 (CLM Act) enables the Minister for Lands and Forestry to vest ‘transferable Crown land’ to councils to then own and manage under the Local Government Act.
This Division of the CLM Act is intended to be used almost exclusively as part of the “Land Negotiation Program”, with Shoalhaven City Council joining the program on 1 July 2019. Notwithstanding, there is a limited ability for councils to apply to the department for a one-off vesting where the land meets the local land criteria including circumstances where there is:
· Strong ‘public interest’ to do so and a ‘public good’ would be achieved through doing so;
· An exceptional local need or circumstance to justify a ‘one-off vesting’.
Lot 460 DP 1062117 is part of Crown Reserve 88840, for public recreation and racecourse which includes the greyhound track, thoroughbred horse track, harness race track and the speedway. Refer to the aerial photo below:
Previous long-term leases for the various tenants were able to be issued with a description relating to part of a lot. However, Section 7A of the Conveyancing Act 1919 now requires, where the total term of the lease is greater than 5 years, a plan to identify the lease area which must also:
· Be a deposited plan of subdivision;
· Bear a completed subdivision certificate; and
· Be a survey, complying with the normal requirements for plan preparation and lodgement.
To issue new long-term leases to existing tenants Council undertook a subdivision of Lot 460 with development consent granted for a five (5) lot subdivision on 22 November 2017 under subdivision SF10607.
The proposed Lot 5, currently known as Dog Track Road, was constructed under an authority granted by a licence for access prepared, or at least sanctioned, by Crown Lands in the late 1970s.
Dog Track Road provides access to the IEMC, harness race track and the Speedway and is on the northern side of the greyhound track.
In 2017, the Department of Industry – Lands provided consent to the five-lot subdivision of Lot 460 DP 1062117 within Crown Reserve 88840, on the basis that Council, acts to initiate acquisition of proposed Lot 5 for road purposes.
Prior to the commencement of the CLM Act on 1 July 2018 it was considered the only means of securing proposed lot 5 for a road was via a compulsory acquisition in accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991. This would entail the payment of compensation.
The CLM Act Division 4.2 provides for vesting of Crown Land into local councils to address an exceptional local need, and it is Council’s intention to apply to the Department for a vesting of Lot 5 by demonstrating an exceptional need for the vesting in the application. Vesting Crown land involves transferring the title of Crown land to the new owner and does not require payment of compensation.
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Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
SA19.56 Acquisition of Lot 86 DP 29970, Unnamed Road Nowra Hill for the Western Bypass Corridor
HPERM Ref: D19/66301
Group: Assets & Works Group
Section: Business & Property
Purpose / Summary
This report provides Council with an opportunity to approve the acquisition of Lot 86 Unnamed Road Nowra Hill for the future construction of Western Bypass Corridor.
That Council: 1. Purchase by agreement, Lot 86 Unnamed Road Nowra Hill being Lot 86 DP 29970 from Joseph Charles Holmes, Shirley May Holmes & Darren Charles Holmes, for thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) excluding GST; 2. Delegate authority to the General Manager to adjust the purchase price, if necessary, in accordance with settlement figures determined by Council’s solicitor; 3. Fund all costs associated with the purchase including reasonable conveyancing costs for the Vendor, from the Property Reserve; 4. Grant authority to affix the Common Seal of the Council to any documents required to be sealed and that the General Manager be authorised to sign any documents necessary to give effect to this resolution; and 5. Classify the property purchased as ‘Operational’ Land in accordance with Section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.
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Options
1. Adopt the recommendation.
Implications: The successful acquisition of the property will increase Council’s holding to twenty-seven (27) properties fronting the unnamed road for future development of the Western Bypass Corridor. Four (4) properties remain in private ownership.
2. Not adopt the recommendation.
Implications: The property owners may choose to sell privately, therefore Council’s ownership of land fronting unnamed road will remain fragmented.
Background
The owners of Lot 86 DP 29970 have made a formal request to Council to purchase their property as the land is affected by Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan 2014 Clause 7.21 Development on Land within the vicinity of the Western Bypass Corridor. The Clause restricts development on the land to protect the future construction of the road corridor.
Under Shoalhaven Local Environment Plan 2014 (SLEP 2014), Lot 86 has a land zoning of RU2 – Rural Land and has an area of 5,109.16m2. A review of Council’s records indicates the land does not comply with SLEP 2014 Clause 4.2D (3) Erection of dwelling houses on land in certain rural, residential and environment protection zones, and therefore the erection of a dwelling, is not permissible.
Council resolved in 1990 as follows (MIN90.2331)
“90/2331 -Old Golf Links Estate - Lots 76-106, DP 29970 - Regional Services Corridor, off Albatross Road, South Nowra File 86/1718
RECOMMENDED that with respect to the Old Golf Links Estate, DP29970, Regional Services Corridor off Albatross Road, South Nowra:
(a) Council approach the landowners of Lots 76-79, 81-103 and 105 and 106, DP 29970 and offer to purchase the lots for the proposal of securing an anchor point for the regional services corridor;
(b) Where owners wish to sell, then Council obtain valuations and negotiate the purchase price.
(c) The funds be obtained from future loan borrowings; and
(d) A Meeting be held with the landowners to discuss the matter.”
On 25 September 2018 a valuation was obtained through Walsh & Monaghan who assessed the market value of the land. Subsequent negotiations resulted in the owners accepting Council’s second offer of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) in addition to reasonable conveyancing costs to affect the sale.
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Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
SA19.57 Proposed Acquisition of Land - Moss Vale Road South Urban Release Area
HPERM Ref: D19/122687
Group: Assets & Works Group
Section: Business & Property
Purpose / Summary
This report is to provide Council with the opportunity to consider a confidential report for the acquisition of land within the Moss Vale Road South Urban Release Area.
Further information is provided in a separate confidential report in accordance with Section10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993; if the information was disclosed, this would confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
That Council, in accordance with Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993 consider a separate confidential report in relation to property acquisition matters associated with Moss Vale Road South Urban Release Area.
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Options
1. Proceed in accordance with the recommendation.
Implications: Consider a separate confidential report for the proposed acquisition of land associated with the Moss Vale Road South Urban Release Area
2. Not adopt the recommendation
Background
Council sought and was given approval for a low interest loan through the NSW Department of Planning & Environment’s Low-Cost Loan Initiative to accelerate the provision of infrastructure (open space) for new housing.
The purchase of land for open space using funds from the above loan forms part of a separate confidential report to Council.
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SA19.58 Proposed Disposal of Vacant Land, St Georges Basin
HPERM Ref: D19/124286
Group: Assets & Works Group
Section: Business & Property
Purpose / Summary
To provide Council with an opportunity to consider a confidential report on the proposed disposal of Council’s vacant land in St Georges Basin.
Further information is provided in a separate confidential report in accordance with Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993; if the information was disclosed this would confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
That Council in accordance with Section 10(a)(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993 consider a separate confidential report on the proposed disposals of vacant land in St Georges Basin.
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Options
1. Council accept the recommendation as presented.
Implications: Proposed property disposal will be considered by Council.
2. Not adopt the recommendation
Implications: Proposed property disposal will not commence.
Background
The proposed disposal of Council’s vacant land located in St Georges Basin, as identified in the confidential report, was identified as surplus land for disposal as part of the 2017 Planning Proposal to amend Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan 2014 (PP010 – Council Land Reclassification – Housekeeping).
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SA19.59 Notification to Minister for Lands & Forestry of appointed Council Native Title Manager
HPERM Ref: D19/130925
Group: Assets & Works Group
Section: Business & Property
Purpose / Summary
To provide Council with the opportunity to appoint the Manager, Property Unit as Shoalhaven City Council’s native title manager as required under Section 8.6 of the Crown Land Management Act 2016 (CLM Act 2016) and provide notice of same to the Minister under Section 8.8 of the CLM Act 2016.
That Council confirm the engagement of the Manager, Property Unit as Shoalhaven City Council’s Native Title Manager and advise the Minister for Lands and Forestry as required by Section 8.8 Crown Lands Management Act 2016.
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Options
1. Resolve as recommended
Implications: Council will meet its statutory obligation to appoint a native title manager and provide notification to the Minister.
2. Not resolve as recommended
Implications: Council will need to notify the Minister a native title manager has not been appointed stating reasons why or notify the Minister that Council is looking to appoint a different native title manager.
Background
Section 8.8 of the CLM Act 2106 requires each Council to give notice to the Minister for Lands and Forestry of the name and contact details of any person the Council has engaged or employed as a native title manager. The notice must be given as soon as practicable after 30 June (but not later than 31 October) of each year.
Section 377(1) of the Local Government Act 1993 states that the giving of a notice to the Governor or Minister is a non-delegable function meaning a resolution of Council is required.
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SA19.60 Former Landfill - Lake Conjola
HPERM Ref: D19/114602
Group: Assets & Works Group
Section: Commercial Services
Attachments: 1. Email from resident outlining recollection of what was dumped at Lake Conjola in the past ⇩
2. ALS Water sampling test results - Pattimores Lagoon ⇩
Purpose / Summary
To respond to MIN19.4 (Part 6), for action to be taken at the former landfill at Lake Conjola due to concerns that contamination from the site could be affecting the quality of water in the lake.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That in response to MIN19.4 (Part 6) Council undertake the following at a total cost of $16,500 and report back to council with the results of this sampling and future options; 1. Write to local residents advising on the investigations being undertaken and seeking any local knowledge or understanding of materials that were place at the Lake Conjola Landfill site prior to it being decommissioned. 2. Sample the soil in the creek line both upstream and downstream of the former landfill. 3. Drill and install two monitoring boreholes plus collect surface samples.
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Options
1. As recommended.
2. That Council reconsider its previous decision having regard for the costs identified.
Background
At the ordinary meeting on the 26 March 2019, Council resolved as follows in relation to the former landfill at Lake Conjola (Refer Part 6 MIN19.4).
“Report back to Council with a proposed plan and costings to undertake investigations for contamination at the old Waste Depot at Lake Conjola. Such investigations to include:-
a. Water samples in Pattimores lagoon, land run off water, Ground water. Take soil core samples. Take into consideration that many residents use bore water to water their gardens, vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
b. Contaminations including asbestos, industrial liquids, insecticides.
c. Seek information from Local residents on knowledge of what was dumped at the site from the original opening.”
Report
The current water sampling regime for the Lake Conjola is summarised as follows:
· Weekly water sampling at 7 sites in the Lake (including the outlet from Pattimores Lagoon) testing for bacteriological indicators to monitor recreational water quality
· Monthly water sampling from the 7 sites plus an additional 4 sites testing for bacteriological indicators, nutrients and chlorophyll to monitor the ecosystem health of the lake
· Quarterly water sampling in Pattimores Lagoon in compliance with the Shoalhaven Water Environmental Protection Licence for the Sewage Treatment Plant.
The results of the Water sampling are publicly available on Council’s Aqua Data website.
On 29 March 2019 Council received an email from Jim Dale, a Lake Conjola resident, outlining his understanding of what was dumped at the site from the original opening. His email is provided as an attachment for information and to provide context to this report (see Attachment 1).
A search was undertaken of Council’s records of the site. The following is a summary of that research:
· The records show that on 2 Nov 1968 the Council Shire Clerk wrote to the District Surveyor indicating that council was in urgent need of a garbage depot in the Lake Conjola area. A suitable site had been selected on Portion 176, a portion of a grazing lease let to Mr Curry. The section of land had a light timber cover and was unsuitable for grazing, but ideally suited for the proposed depot.
· The site was gazetted as a garbage depot in the Government gazette on 17 July 1970. It is therefore assumed that tipping operations commenced in late 1970 or early 1971.
· Calculations of waste volume inputs documented in 1985 included 28.7 cubic metres per week from households and 106.5 cubic metres per week from holiday units, campsites and others. The waste consisted primarily of domestic waste (dry household waste and putrescible garbage), trade waste (mainly from caravan parks) and building and demolition waste.
· Council’s D6 bulldozer visited the site from the Ulladulla depot every week during peak tourist times and every 3 to 4 weeks during the winter months.
· An inspection of the site by the Department of Health in June 1985 resulted in the Department requesting Council to take steps to close the depot in view of the potential contamination of the creek.
· In May 1986 Council resolved to close the site and redevelop it as a transfer station, along with providing a kerbside collection service for the village.
· Once closed the landfill was levelled out and covered with clay. Native shrubs and groundcovers were also planted.
[Note: Clay is generally the material of choice for capping landfills. Clay has a low permeability and is flexible enough to move with the settlement of the waste mass as it decomposes over time].
· Since operating as a transfer station, the site has been regularly maintained and inspected. No recorded evidence of leachate seepage from the former landfill has been identified during these inspections.
· There is a high probability that asbestos materials were tipped in the landfill. Asbestos was not banned in the 16-year period that the tip operated, and many houses in Lake Conjola would have been constructed with asbestos cement cladding.
[Note: Asbestos is only a risk to human health if it is disturbed and asbestos dust particles float in the air where they can be breathed in. Excavating into the old landfill to identify whether there is asbestos present will elevate the risk of exposure to Council staff, contractors and visitors to the facility. Leaving the waste material sealed below the surface is the lowest risk option and is preferable].
· Details of potential contaminated land in this area are detailed on Council’s GIS and potentially contaminated lands register.
Water samples in Pattimores lagoon.
In response to an email from a Lake Conjola resident claiming that the former landfill has impacted on the water quality in Pattimores Lagoon, Council arranged to sample and analyse the water for typical leachate contaminants. The water in Pattimores lagoon was sampled at the point where the creek that flows past the former tip enters into Pattimores lagoon on 25 February 2019. The laboratory test results are attached and show that there is no evidence of contamination.
Proposed Plan and Costings
The following initial testing regime is proposed.
1. Write to local residents (as required by Councils Resolution) and ask for any information on “what was dumped at the site from the original opening”. The returned information will be reviewed, and confirm via interview if necessary, to make sure that any testing adequately covers any credible claims. Estimated Cost $1,000.
2. Sample the soil in the creek line both upstream and downstream of the former landfill. If the creek is flowing, water samples will also be taken. The results of this sampling will provide an indication of whether the former tip is impacting on the soil and water quality in the creek and will inform the next step in the investigation. Estimated Cost $2,500.
3. Drill and install two monitoring boreholes, one upstream and one downstream of the former landfill along the line of the creek. The results of this sampling will inform whether Council will be required to carry out any further investigation or remediation actions at the site. $13,000.
Industrial liquids and insecticides will be included in the suite of analytes for the soil and groundwater testing.
Excavating into the old landfill to identify whether asbestos is present is considered to be a high risk, and not necessary. It is likely that asbestos is present. Asbestos buried within the fill below the cap is safe and does not represent a threat to anyone in the community. The site is registered on Council’s GIS as potentially contaminated land and is therefore a no dig zone.
This sampling strategy will sufficiently inform Council whether further analysis or remediation is required at the former Lake Conjola landfill.
Community Engagement
In addition to the current extensive and ongoing community engagement with the Lake Conjola community, the Step 1 of the process outlined above will result in each resident being written to. Using this contact method Council will advise that the results of the testing will be made available on Council’s webpage and a link will be set up for this to occur.
Policy Implications
Nil
Financial Implications
The total cost of this proposal ($16,500) is unfunded.
This amount will need to be drawn from the 2018/19 operating and maintenance budget for the Lake Conjola Recycling and Waste Transfer Facility.
The Lake Conjola Recycling and Waste Transfer Facility generates an income of $63,000 per year. The over expenditure of this budget will ultimately need to be funded from the operations at West Nowra.
The possibility of ongoing sampling and remediation and the cost of such, has not been considered at this stage.
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SA19.61 Shoalhaven
Affordable Housing Strategy -
Property Acquisition Matters
HPERM Ref: D19/140309
Group: Assets & Works Group
Section: Technical Services
Purpose / Summary
To provide Council with the opportunity to consider a separate confidential report on the acquisition of an additional property to facilitate the proposed Shoalhaven Affordable Housing Strategy.
The recommendation for consideration is provided in a separate confidential report, this is in accordance with section 10A(2)(C) of the Local Government Act 1993, if the information was disclosed, this would confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.
Options
1. Council Accept the recommendation as presented
Implications: Council will consider a separate confidential report outlining the proposal
2. Not adopt the recommendation
Implications: Council will not be able to consider a separate confidential report
Background
Based on former activities associated with the Shoalhaven Affordable Housing Strategy, Council can consider a separate confidential report on an additional property acquisition for same.
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SA19.62 Refund Request - Fee Waiver - Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services Inc - DA17/1741 and CD18/1535
HPERM Ref: D19/114241
Group: Planning Environment & Development Group
Section: Development Services
Attachments: 1. Fee Waiver Request ⇩
Purpose / Summary
This report is to enable Council to consider a request made by Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services Inc for the reimbursement of fees in relation to Development Application (DA17/1741) and Complying Development Certificate (CD18/1535) for Lot 4 DP 758794 – 81 Osborne Street, Nowra.
That Council: 1. Reimburse Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services Inc $2,555.95 (GST Incl.) being Development Application (DA) fees and Complying Development (CD) fees in relation to DA17/1741 and CD18/1535. 2. Fund the reimbursement from the Unallocated Donations budget.
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Options
1. Adopt the recommendation.
Implications: Council will be required to reimburse the development application and associated fees paid by the applicant in relation to DA17/1741 and CD18/1535.
2. Not support the request.
Implications: All fees paid by the applicant will be retained and will not be refunded to the applicant.
Background
Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services Inc is a not for profit community organisation that has been operating in the Shoalhaven for 40 years. Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services Inc is a registered charity.
Shoalhaven City Council is the owner of property 81 Osborne Street, Nowra.
On 14 June 2017, Council received a DA (DA17/1741) from Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services Inc in relation to a change of use from childcare centre to community facility. The fee paid was $504.45 (GST Incl.).
On 12 July 2018, Council received a CD application (CD18/1535) from Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services Inc in relation to internal renovations to the community facility. The fee paid was $2,051.50 (GST Incl.).
The total paid was $2,555.95 (GST Incl.).
Clause 2.4 of policy POL18/19 (Fees – Waiving of Development Application & Other Fees for Charitable Organisations and Community Groups) states as follows:
“2.4. Reimbursement of fees for DAs and/ or CCs
If a reimbursement of the fees is sought, a written request outlining the grounds for reimbursement must be submitted. The matter will then be referred to Council’s Strategy and Assets Committee for consideration by Council. Any donations by way of whole or partial reimbursement determined by the Council will be paid out of the “unallocated donations” budget or a source identified in Council’s resolution.
The request for reimbursement of fees is in accordance with clause 2.4 of POL18/19.
Policy Implications
It is unlikely that the adoption of the recommendation of this report will have any substantial policy implications.
Financial Implications
Council’s support of the request will result in a refund of $2,555.95 (GST Incl) by way of donation to be funded from the unallocated donations budget. If there are insufficient funds available in the budget, an alternative option may be required to enable the refund.
Risk Implications
There are no inherent risks associated with the adoption of the recommendations of this report.
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SA19.63 Information Requests - Conjola Community Association
HPERM Ref: D19/113757
Group: Planning Environment & Development Group
Section: Environmental Services
Purpose / Summary
To provide information in accordance with the previous resolution of the Council requiring an update of documentation requests from the Conjola Community Association.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the report on documentation requests from the Conjola Community Association be received for information.
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Options
1. As recommended
Implications: The information outlined within the report will be noted. No further action by staff required.
2. Alternate recommendation
Implications: Unknown
Background
At the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 26 March 2019, the Council considered a Mayoral Minute (MM19.4) and Notice of Motion (CL19.63) with respect to the Opening of Lake Conjola.
Council resolved (inter-alia) MIN19.143:
“9. Report back to Council at the Strategy & Assets meeting in April on reasons for:
a. Not providing the CCB Executive with copies of documentation in relation to Lake Conjola requested over the last 9 months.
b. How Council can facilitate the requests from the CCB Executive for copies of documentation. “
Documentation Requests from Conjola Community Association
Council staff within the Planning, Environment and Development, Assets & Works, Shoalhaven Water and General Manager’s Groups have received correspondence from the Conjola Community Association (CCA) requesting various documentation relating to Lake Conjola. Staff have been providing the information requested in each individual email to the CCB when the documentation has been available and can be publicly distributed.
Staff have tried to ensure that the requests for documentation have been met as soon as practical and that the CCB remains informed. Updates to the community have also been provided via media releases and updates on social media platforms.
Many of the requests for information from the CCBs have been sent to a range of Council officers via individual staff email addresses. This makes the individual requests difficult to track. However, once staff have received emails, these have been included in Council’s record management system, along with responses provided to the CCB.
Council’s information Officer has not received any Applications under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 which respond to the Council resolution.
Documentation Provision and Outstanding Matters
A search of Council’s records has indicated that all requested documents have been provided to the CCB.
To confirm that all documentation requests have been met Council staff have also liaised with the Conjola Community Association and have received confirmation that all documents had been provided as requested (this has been recorded in Council’s record system D9/147719).
Documents that have been provided to the CCB include:
· Survey of the constructed entrance pilot channel;
· Copies of Crown Land licence applications (which included documentation prepared by the CCA on risks and threats caused by the lake closure);
· Copies of water quality monitoring data;
· Provision of the draft grant application for a Lake Conjola coastal management program (comments and input received from CCA included in final grant application that was submitted);
· Documentation of round-table meetings regarding the management of Lake Conjola and the entrance;
· Copy of Crown Land licence application (12/2/19) determination
· Notification and updates of actions taken by Council (including pamphlet that could be distributed to community);
· Notification and updates on lake levels;
· Copy of mosquito sampling results;
· Notification and updates on response to concerns about the old landfill site; and
· Conjola Regional Sewerage Scheme environmental monitoring report;
· Copies of correspondence to Ministers and Government Agencies
Provision of Information to CCB Executive- Current Policy
Council currently addresses the provision of information to Consultative Bodies via the following policies
1. Guidelines for the Conduct of Community Consultative Bodies (POL16/176)
“2.1 Provision of Information
Council will provide CCBs with the following information:
a) a weekly list of development and sub-division applications currently before Council for determination
b) details of policy documents and corporate planning strategies on which Council is seeking comment
c) land re-zoning proposals
d) Council Business Papers and Minutes
e) draft Delivery/Operational Plans
f) Council’s Annual Report
g) Other relevant documents.
Where an e-mail address is provided, Council will, if requested by the CCB, forward the above information in an electronic format. In such a case, Council will use hyperlinks to the Council documents where appropriate.
If further information is required in regard to a major development proposal, the CCB can nominate a representative to liaise with an officer of Council on the issue.
If the development application is of a very significant or sensitive nature, arrangements may be made for representatives of a CCB to meet with Council’s Development Assessment Unit. This will provide an opportunity for the CCB to have some preliminary input and comment.”
The ‘Other Relevant Documents’ are considered to be those which the Council considers should be provided to those bodies as a method of community consultation.
The provisions of information release for the public apply to members of our community, including community organisations and consultative bodies.
The Council’s Information Guide outlines how Council provides information to the community in accordance with our requirements under the Government Information (Public Access) (GIPA) Act. Information is also available on the Council’s website about information access as follows:
“The
GIPA Act encourages the routine and proactive release of government
information, including information held by providers of goods and services
contracted by government agencies.
In summary, there are four ways in which Council
information will be available.
1. Mandatory release. Council must publish certain information on its website, free of charge. If the information is not available on Council’s website, you may inspect a copy of the information at Council’s offices during normal business hours free of charge. If you wish to obtain a hard or electronic copy of the information, charges may apply.
2. Proactive release. Council can proactively release additional information in an appropriate manner and either free of charge or at the lowest reasonable cost. Council publishes a range of additional information on this website. Council will review its program for proactive release of information every 12 months.
3. Informal request. Council can release information informally. You can apply for informal access to information without the need for a formal application. You can download an informal application request (PDF 31 kb) or email Council at council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
4. Formal request. Council can release information in response to a formal application. You can download a formal application form (PDF 31 kb).”
Where possible Council will deal with requests informally to reduce costs to the applicant. In determining any application or request, consideration needs to be given to Copyright, Privacy and other legislative and policy requirements of the Council when releasing the information.
It is acknowledged that in other correspondence or conversations with Council staff that requests will be made for information or documents held by the Council. In this scenario it is appropriate for the Council Officer to deal with that request directly if appropriate to do so, or the request may be referred to Council’s Information Officer to respond to the request.
Persons requesting information on behalf of a CCB or other community organisation are encouraged to advise who they are representing when requesting information or documentation.
Improvements to Process – CCB Document / Information Requests
Requests for information and documentation relating to Lake Conjola have been provided from the Conjola Community Association to Council in a variety of ways. Some requests have been made in writing whilst others have been requested verbally. Requests have also been made by a number of members of the organisation.
In order to improve the process for the both the request and provision of information, it has been requested that all correspondence from the CCB is provided to council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au in writing, for matters relating to Lake Conjola. These requests will then be recorded in Council’s record system and allocated to a central point within the organisation for response. This will improve efficiencies and oversight of the documentation in the future. This request has been communicated to the CCB and further discussions will occur to assist improving overall process and communication in the future.
Work is occurring more generally on improvements to the communications between Council and CCBs including improvements to maintenance requests and other governance matters. Further information relating to these changes are to be provided to CCBs at the CCB Executive Meeting to be held this month.
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Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
SA19.64 Lake Conjola - MIN19.143 - Monthly Progress Update Report
HPERM Ref: D19/145365
Group: Planning Environment & Development Group
Section: Environmental Services
Purpose / Summary
To provide a progress update on the implementation Council resolutions (MIN19.143 and 19.4) relating to issues concerning Lake Conjola.
Options
1. As recommended
Implications: The progress report be received for information and actions will continue to be implemented as outlined in the report.
2. Alternate recommendation
Implications: Unknown
Background
At the Ordinary meeting of Council on 26 March 2019, Council made the following resolution, via a Mayoral minute (MIN19.143 MM19.4).
That Council:
1. Make further representations to the relevant agencies for approval to open the entrance of Lake Conjola on the following grounds: -
a. To minimise risk to public safety associated with excessive inundation of foreshores and infrastructure because of low level flooding that has been affecting residents and foreshore areas for more than 3 months.
b. In accordance with the recommendation from residents and community members at the Lake Conjola Community CCB Meeting 21 January 2019.
c. In-line with the Interim Entrance Management Plan:-
i. On the planned openings prior to Christmas and Easter holiday trigger levels.
ii. Social, mental and physical impact and wellbeing of residents and tourists including events that occurred over last 3 months
d. The continued threat of weather i.e. heavy rain from storms and capacity of contractor’s timeframes and safety to open the entrance in an emergency
2. Continue to make ongoing representations to the relevant agencies for approval to open the entrance at Lake Conjola in accordance with Item 1 above until such opening has occurred.
3. Seek approval from the NSW Government Ministers of Crown Lands, Office Environment and Heritage and Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) to immediately prepare and maintain a “dry notch” at the entrance to Lake Conjola to allow “break out” of the lake should flooding occur. This is to be maintained until a new Coastal Management Plan is approved by the Minister.
4. Write to the Minister for Crown Lands & Office of Environment & Heritage requesting that an investigation be undertaken immediately to establish how and why Lake Conjola was listed as an “ICOLL” and not a Wave Dominated Barrier Estuary (WDBE).
5. Write to Department of Fisheries and request Fisheries to investigate:
a. All current, ongoing and future fish and marine life deaths/kills and sea grass kills in Lake Conjola
b. The amount of Lead in the Lake from lost lead from over a century of recreational fishing by testing water, fish and marine life species in Lake Conjola and the sands beds of the Lake with the lake closed and not being subject to two tidal interchanges per 24 hours, is this lead building up in the water column and the food chain.
6. Report back to Council with a proposed plan and costings to undertake investigations for contamination at the old Waste Depot at Lake Conjola. Such investigations to include: -
a. Water samples in Pattimores lagoon, land run off water, Ground water. Take soil core samples. Take into consideration that many residents use bore water to water their gardens, vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
b. Contaminations including asbestos, industrial liquids, insecticides.
c. Seek information from Local residents on knowledge of what was dumped at the site from the original opening.
7. Request the General Manager (or his delegate) to continue to audit the safety of Council assets at Lake Conjola and undertaken any works or signage that maybe necessary. This report to include an investigation of the condition of “Steps” over Lake Revetment walls created by Council on the Council reserve in front of the Lake Conjola Liquor Store and to the east towards Deep Water Resort to be repaired, cleaned and maintained by council.
8. Report timeframe and priority status for preparation of Coastal Management Plan for Lake Conjola to Council.
9. Report back to Council at the Strategy & Assets meeting in April on reasons for:
a. Not providing the CCB Executive with copies of documentation in relation to Lake Conjola requested over the last 9 months.
b. How Council can facilitate the requests from the CCB Executive for copies of documentation.
10. Provide monthly update reports to Councillors on all issues concerning Lake Conjola.
11. Formerly resolve as policy to continue to support and advocate for residents and community members at Lake Conjola on all issues pertaining to opening the entrance, flooding and erosion at Lake Conjola. Community Engagement
On the 21 January 2019, the Development & Environment Committee resolved (MIN19.4):
That Council:
1. Commit to an operational and strategic review of the Lake Conjola Interim Entrance Management Plan:
a. The Conjola Community Association (CCB) be involved in discussions
b. A Meeting be convened in the next 2 weeks to start discussions on the review of the Entrance Management Plan.
2. Approach the State Government for assistance in funding the review through the 2019/20 NSW Floodplain Management Grants or Floodplain Grants Scheme or Coastal and Estuary Grant Program and any other available funding opportunities;
3. Seek a further report following the round-table discussion planned for early in the new year with The Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, the Mayor, Councillors, community representatives, government agencies and relevant Council officers, to confirm the scope of the review;
4. Allocate a budget of $150,000 in the 2019-2020 Budget for the strategic review and community consultation; and
5. Continue water quality monitoring program at the seven (7) sites being monitored with Lake Conjola, noting that this sampling program is outside Council’s current operations budget.
6. Continue to monitor the infrastructure for public safety and undertake maintenance where necessary on council owned infrastructure
7. Any resident who believes that their infrastructure has been damaged due to increased water levels should write to Council and relevant agencies, outlining their concerns.
Implementation progress update
The following tables provide Council with a summary of the progress to date on each of the resolutions, including an estimated timeframe and cost, and includes other agencies advice or approval required.
Table 1 – Summary of Progress for MIN19.143
Resolution Part |
Progress to Date |
Timeframe |
Estimated Cost |
Comments/ Approvals |
1. Make further representations to the relevant agencies for approval to open the entrance of Lake Conjola |
Completed. Application lodged on 11/4/19 to DoI – NSW Crown Lands for pilot channel to open the lake. Previous application lodged on 12/2/19 refused. |
Standard timeframe for determination is 40 business days |
Opening works estimated cost $60,000 Any pilot channel or dry notch needs to be monitored to assess condition, rate of infill and impacts Up to $1600 per survey This does not include any environmental assessment that may be a condition of REF or licence |
NSW DoI – Crown Land refer application to NSW OEH and DPI Fisheries All agencies have been contacted to determine and support progress of the application. The existing pilot channel infilled to a depth of approximately 400mm
Note: the cost may be substantially more depending upon the volume of sand that is required to be removed due to infill. However, it is not recommended that Council carry out these works more than once per year, other than in an emergency or in accordance with the current policy, due to increased risk of shoaling of the entrance.
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2. Continue to make ongoing representations to the relevant agencies for approval to open the entrance at Lake Conjola in accordance with Item 1 above until such opening has occurred. |
Ongoing should Crown Land licence to open entrance not be granted. Awaiting approval for the initial short-term license from NSW DOI – Crown Land |
As above |
As above |
As above, each agency has been contacted on a number of occasions by staff. Follow up email from Director PE&D sent to each agency 7/5/19. |
3. Seek approval from the NSW Government Ministers of Crown Lands, Office Environment and Heritage and Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) to immediately prepare and maintain a “dry notch” at the entrance to Lake Conjola to allow “break out” of the lake should flooding occur. This is to be maintained until a new Coastal Management Plan is approved by the Minister. |
In progress. Progress to date: 1. Met with NSW OEH to discuss design and approvals required for a “Flood Dry Notch” 2. Review of approval process and Infrastructure SEPP pathway 3. Reviewed existing studies and reports to prepare discussion paper outlining draft design and location of a proposed flood notch (as no current studies, design, REF or approvals exist) 1. Action required: 2. Review of Environmental Factors (REF), design, survey, Infrastructure SEPP assessment & licence application. |
Complete design, REF and preparation of application – possibly 6 weeks.
40 days for licence application processing
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Design, REF (including assessment of stockpile locations), approvals $12,000 Works $60,000 and $30,000 each time it is maintained if required
If maintained until new CMP is in place, based on 3 maintenance operations per year – 2019/20 $150,000 2020/21 $90,000
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Approval would be required via the granting of a short -term license from NSW DoI – Crown Lands as it is works outside the adopted entrance management policy
Note: if a pilot channel is in place and functioning a dry notch will not be required and access would be limited
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4. Write to the Minister for Crown Lands & Office of Environment & Heritage requesting that an investigation be undertaken immediately to establish how and why Lake Conjola was listed as an “ICOLL” and not a Wave Dominated Barrier Estuary (WDBE). |
Completed. Letter has been sent to Hon. Matt Kean MP, NSW Minister for Energy and Environment has been sent requesting that an investigation be established into how Lake Conjola is listed as an ICOLL |
Letter sent 18 April 2019 |
N/A |
N/A |
5. Write to Department of Fisheries and request Fisheries to investigate: a. All current, ongoing and future fish and marine life deaths/kills and sea grass kills in Lake Conjola b. The amount of Lead in the Lake from lost lead from over a century of recreational fishing by testing water, fish and marine life species in Lake Conjola and the sands beds of the Lake with the lake closed and not being subject to two tidal interchanges per 24 hours, is this lead building up in the water column and the food chain |
Completed. Letter sent to The Hon. Adam John Marshall, MP – Minister for Agricultural and Western NSW asking the NSW DPI to investigate |
Letter sent 18 April 2019 |
N/A |
N/A |
6. Report back to Council with a proposed plan and costings to undertake investigations for contamination at the old Waste Depot at Lake Conjola. Such investigations to include: a. Water samples in Pattimores lagoon, land run off water, Ground water. Take soil core samples. Take into consideration that many residents use bore water to water their gardens, vegetable gardens and fruit trees. b. Contaminations including asbestos, industrial liquids, insecticides c. Seek information from Local residents on knowledge of what was dumped at the site from the original opening. |
See separate report contained within this business paper prepared by Assets & Works (A&W) Group titled ‘Former landfill – Lake Conjola’ 3. |
3 – 4 months |
$16,500 |
Approvals may need to be sought from NSW Government |
7. Request the General Manager (or his delegate) to continue to audit the safety of Council assets at Lake Conjola and undertaken any works or signage that maybe necessary. This report to include an investigation of the condition of “Steps” over Lake Revetment walls created by Council on the Council reserve in front of the Lake Conjola Liquor Store and to the east towards Deep Water Resort to be repaired, cleaned and maintained by council. |
Audits of infrastructure completed by Assets & Works Group.
Council has also commissioned a Coastal Engineer to undertake a condition assessment of the shoreline protection asset (rock wall) fronting Garrad Way. Council Asset & Work group have undertaken a visual inspection of all foreshore public assets at Lake Conjola and Conjola Park on 23/3/2019 and 05/03/2019 |
On-going whilst lake levels are elevated |
Rock wall condition audit $5,000 Results of future audits unknown therefore costs of any rectification works unknown |
Audit inspections identified one bollard requires replacing. No other actions required to date. |
8. Report timeframe and priority status for preparation of Coastal Management Plan for Lake Conjola to Council. |
Application for preparation of Lake Conjola Coastal Management Program (CMP) lodged with NSW OEH, 24 April 2019. Conjola Community Association representatives provided input into the preparation of the grant application. |
Assessment to take between 3 – 6 months with preparation of CMP timeframe 2 years |
Total project cost $280,000
Council has sought $140,000 grant funding |
N/A |
9. Report back to Council at the Strategy & Assets meeting in April on reasons for: a. Not providing the CCB Executive with copies of documentation in relation to Lake Conjola requested over the last 9 months. b. How Council can facilitate the requests from the CCB Executive for copies of documentation. |
Completed.
See separate report in this business paper
A ‘Get involved page’ is being established on Council’s website to facilitate communication of actions taken by Council with the community |
Information provided in April
|
N/A |
N/A |
10. Provide monthly update reports to Councillors on all issues concerning Lake Conjola |
This report is the monthly update Updates will also be continued to be provided to Councillors via email and the community via Council’s webpage |
Monthly |
N/A |
N/A |
11. Formerly resolve as policy to continue to support and advocate for residents and community members at Lake Conjola on all issues pertaining to opening the entrance, flooding and erosion at Lake Conjola |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Table 2: Summary of Progress for MIN19.4
Resolution Part |
Progress to Date |
Timeframe |
Estimated Cost |
Comments/Approvals |
1. Commit to an operational and strategic review of the Lake Conjola Interim Entrance Management Plan: a. The Conjola Community Association (CCB) be involved in discussions b. A meeting be convened in the next 2 weeks to start discussions on the review of the Entrance Management Plan.
|
Completed.
Grant application lodged for a Lake Conjola CMP as per Table 1 |
2 years |
$280,000 |
OEH advised review of policy must be done under CM Act. Grant application submitted to prepare a Lake Conjola Coastal Management Program. Conjola Community Association provided input into application.
|
2. Approach the State Government for assistance in funding the review through the 2019/20 NSW Floodplain Management Grants or Floodplain Grants Scheme or Coastal and Estuary Grant Program and any other available funding opportunities |
Completed.
Grant application lodged for a Lake Conjola CMP as per Table 1 |
2 years |
$280,000 |
|
3. Seek a further report following the round-table Seek a further report following the round-table discussion planned for early in the new year with The Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, the Mayor, Councillors, community representatives, government agencies and relevant Council officers, to confirm the scope of the review; discussion planned for early in the new year with The Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, the Mayor, Councillors, community representatives, government agencies and relevant Council officers, to confirm the scope of the review;
|
Council resolution (MIN19.143) following round-table, licence application sought to open lake 12/2/19 (determined and refused) and 11/4/19 as per Table 1 |
|
|
|
4. Allocate a budget of $150,000 in the 2019-2020 Budget for the strategic review and community consultation; |
Completed
2019/20 Budget bid prepared and submitted |
|
$150,000 |
|
5. Continue water quality monitoring program at the seven (7) sites being monitored with Lake Conjola, noting that this sampling program is outside Council’s current operations budget.
|
Ongoing
Weekly monitoring at 7 sites and monthly catchment monitoring continuing |
Ongoing |
Laboratory costs weekly sampling for all parameters at 7 sites $45,500 annually
Laboratory costs monthly monitoring at 11 lake sites for all parameters –$16,500
Environmental Health Officer water sample collection $30,000 per annum
|
|
6. Continue to monitor the infrastructure for public safety and undertake maintenance where necessary on council owned infrastructure
|
Assets & Works Group have completed 2 rounds of inspections. Refer to table 1 |
|
|
|
7. Any resident who believes that their infrastructure has been damaged due to increased water levels should write to Council and relevant agencies, outlining their concerns. |
N/A |
Unknown |
Unknown |
|
Policy Implications
Until the NSW DOI – Crown Lands approves a short-term licence to construct a pilot channel to open the lake, Council must operate under the procedures outlined in the 2013 Interim Lake Conjola Entrance Management Policy.
Financial Implications
It is proposed that a detailed funding strategy will be developed to support the on-going management of Lake Conjola following the completion of the strategic review and community consultation referenced in item 4 in Table 2 above.
Risk Implications
The key risk to Council in implementing this resolution are economic and the likelihood of application to NSW DoI Crown Lands not being approved.
|
Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
SA19.65 Acquisition of Easement - Sewer Purposes - South Nowra
HPERM Ref: D19/98505
Group: Shoalhaven Water Group
Section: Water Asset Planning & Development
Attachments: 1. Plan showing proposed easement in yellow - 191 Old Southern Road South Nowra ⇩
Purpose / Summary
This report is submitted to seek Council approval to acquire an Easement to Drain Sewage variable width over Lot 1 DP 553175 Old Southern Road South Nowra, from Mrs Kathleen Belling. The easement is required for an existing sewer pipeline.
That Council: 1. Acquire an Easement to Drain Sewage variable width over part of Lot 1 DP 553175 Old Southern Road South Nowra marked (E) on the attached draft survey plan. 2. Pay compensation of thirty-six thousand dollars ($36,000) and reasonable legal costs associated with the acquisition in accordance with the provision of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991, from Shoalhaven Water’s Sewer Fund. 3. The Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven be affixed to any documents required to be sealed.
|
Options
1. Resolve as recommended.
Implications: Acquisition of the easement is required to formalise existing Shoalhaven Water sewer infrastructure.
2. Not resolve as recommended and provide further directions to staff.
Background
The sewer rising main was constructed by Shoalhaven Water in 1988 over private land, being Lot 1 DP 553175. At that time, no legal entitlement was created to benefit Council for future repair and maintenance of Shoalhaven Water assets.
A valuation has been obtained on behalf of Council by Walsh & Monaghan Pty Ltd who have assessed compensation for the easement acquisition at thirty-six thousand dollars ($36,000).
A conditional offer was made at that amount and reasonable legal costs. Mrs Kathleen Belling, property owner, has advised that the offer is acceptable.
The compensation has been based on the acquisition of an easement area of 446.4m2.
Risk Implications
Acquisition of the easement is necessary to secure Shoalhaven Water’s legal operation and maintenance of the supply of essential public infrastructure. The proposed action is administrative and has no environmental impact.
|
Strategy and Assets Committee – 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
SA19.66 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology - National Performance Report 2017-18 Urban Water Utilities
HPERM Ref: D19/123515
Group: Shoalhaven Water Group
Section: Water Customer & Business Services
Purpose / Summary
The Shoalhaven Water Customer Service Plan outlines water and wastewater customer services and responsibilities in accordance with the legislative framework for Local Government Water Utilities in NSW. The National Performance Report (NPR) 2017-18 for Urban Water Utilities produced by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) benchmarks the performance of 85 urban water service providers, comprising 80 water utilities and 5 bulk water suppliers, against a range of indicators covering water resources, pricing, environment, finance, asset, health and customer service.
The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the outcomes for Shoalhaven as contained within the NPR 2017-18 for Urban Water Utilities. The NPR is a comprehensive “report card” released at the end of March 2019 outlining utility performance benchmarked for Government, Community and Industry uses.
That the report be received for information in accordance with the Committee’s delegated authority from Council.
|
Options
1. Council could seek additional information on any of the indicator results.
Background
Performance monitoring and benchmarking of Council’s Water Supply and Sewerage businesses is required under the terms of the National Water Initiative (NWI) and which is facilitated by the BOM. The BOM specifies the criteria used for monitoring and subsequent inclusion within the results tabled publicly each year.
This report is provided to Council following initial analysis of the results and as a summary of the Shoalhaven Water performance against that of the 24 comparative sized utilities. 12 of these utilities are in NSW of which Shoalhaven is the largest.
Utilities – Grouped by Size
For the purpose of NPR, the contributing utilities are grouped by number of connected properties. The utility groups used are:
Group |
Number Connected Properties |
Major |
100,000+ |
Large |
50,000 to 100,000 |
Medium |
20,000 to 50,000 |
Small |
10,000 to 20,000 |
With 48,600 connected properties, Shoalhaven is the second largest of all Medium Utilities nationally. With steady growth, it is likely that in the coming years, Shoalhaven will move into the Large Utilities reporting group. Comparative analysis of Shoalhaven’s performance against both Medium and Large Utilities has therefore been included in this report to give an indication of performance against both current and future reporting peers.
Similar sized utilities in Medium Utility group include:
Water Utility |
Number Connected Properties |
Water Corporation Mandurah (WA) |
49,000 |
Mackay Regional Council (Qld) |
46,300 |
Wannon Water (Vic) |
43,100 |
Mid-Coast Council (NSW) |
41,000 |
Indicators
The National Performance Report is designed to outline water consumption trends and 166 indicators relating to the performance of the urban water industry to;
• Provide a Nationally consistent definition and approaches which enable comparisons to be made,
• Inform customers about the level of service they are receiving,
• Build community confidence and improve the water literacy of the community,
• Inform the decision-making processes of government, regulatory agencies and water businesses, and
• Encourage greater transparency in the way water is managed.
The indicators used in the 2017-18 NPR are contained within 7 broad headings;
An example of the result for Shoalhaven within each of the headings has been extracted from the published report as indicated below, together with a commentary as applicable to support the results across the suite of indicators.
WATER RESOURCES
W12 - Average Annual Residential Water Supplied (kL/property)
The average annual residential water supplied indicator (W12) reports the average volume (kL/property) of water supplied to residential properties during the reporting year.
The average volume is influenced by a number of factors, including:
· rainfall;
· water conservation measures
(for example, water restrictions);
· availability of water supply;
· housing density; and
· water prices.
|
Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
Rainfall is the most influential factor affecting residential consumption. With dry rainfall conditions in 2017-18, Shoalhaven experienced a 4% increase in residential water supplied.
In comparison, Shoalhaven average residential consumption was 28% less than the group average (219 kL/property) and 25% less than the average supplied in the Large Utility Group (210 kL/property).
Table 1 W12 - Average Annual Residential Water Supplied (kL/property)
Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
South Gippsland Water |
125 |
120 |
118 |
-1% |
Gladstone Regional Council |
243 |
224 |
132 |
-41% |
Mid Coast Council |
139 |
144 |
142 |
-1% |
Wannon Water |
153 |
136 |
144 |
6% |
Clarence Valley Council |
158 |
162 |
155 |
-4% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
150 |
151 |
157 |
4% |
East Gippsland Water |
146 |
148 |
157 |
7% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
181 |
201 |
164 |
-18% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
163 |
150 |
167 |
11% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
167 |
167 |
170 |
2% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
158 |
153 |
172 |
13% |
Tweed Shire Council |
165 |
178 |
176 |
-1% |
Mackay Regional Council |
196 |
175 |
180 |
3% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
- |
181 |
188 |
4% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
234 |
221 |
216 |
-2% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
236 |
234 |
218 |
-7% |
Albury City Council |
223 |
204 |
237 |
16% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
251 |
230 |
291 |
26% |
Riverina Water (W) |
333 |
298 |
311 |
4% |
GWM Water |
254 |
210 |
316 |
51% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
363 |
345 |
343 |
-1% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
322 |
300 |
386 |
29% |
Lower Murray Water |
504 |
428 |
490 |
15% |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
219 |
5% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
210 |
3% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
218 |
4% |
W26 Recycled Water Supplied (Total Volume - ML)
W26 - Total recycled water supplied is the sum of all treated sewage effluent used by the utility and its customers. It includes residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and environmental use as well as onsite use by the utility.
Drier than usual weather conditions have increased demand for recycled water for irrigation. Shoalhaven produced 346 ML more recycled water than the medium group average. The volume of recycled water is expected to continue increasing as the current REMs project completes.
Table 2 – W26 Total volume of recycled water supplied (ML)
Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Wagga Wagga Council (S) |
- |
5227 |
5008 |
-4% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
196 |
4893 |
4739 |
-3% |
Mackay Regional Council |
238 |
2602 |
4263 |
64% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
147 |
4188 |
4060 |
-3% |
Albury City Council |
1427 |
1344 |
3885 |
189% |
Gladstone Regional Council |
3397 |
2899 |
3166 |
9% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
- |
2327 |
3043 |
31% |
East Gippsland Water |
1286 |
1670 |
2774 |
66% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
315 |
1576 |
2289 |
45% |
GWM Water |
676 |
4416 |
2147 |
-51% |
Wannon Water |
255 |
1656 |
1779 |
7% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
372 |
1229 |
1650 |
34% |
Mid Coast Council |
459 |
1033 |
1290 |
25% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
- |
1097 |
1073 |
-2% |
Tweed Shire Council |
667 |
824 |
852 |
3% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
536 |
801 |
755 |
-6% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
256 |
481 |
400 |
-17% |
Lower Murray Water |
2791 |
3759 |
387 |
-90% |
Clarence Valley Council |
337 |
329 |
376 |
14% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
115 |
452 |
352 |
-22% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
- |
168 |
226 |
35% |
South Gippsland Water |
17 |
136 |
108 |
-21% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
30 |
158 |
70 |
-56% |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
1943 |
11% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
2446 |
-8% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
8657 |
5% |
PRICING
There are various indicators by which utilities are measured on pricing. This can include straight charge comparisons or total customer bills based on the utility residential average or a universal 200kL of water use. The most practical comparison for pricing is the accepted customer bill based on 200kL of water plus the fixed charges. This takes out influences such as weather and normalises a benchmark for utilities to compare pricing without correcting differences for tariff structures. The 200kL result is shown at Table 5 below.
P3 – Typical Residential Bill – Water - based on average residential annual water supplied
In 2017-18 Shoalhaven again recorded the most affordable annual residential bill (water) at $348.47, a 1% increase on last year which is due to the increased average annual residential water consumption.
The result places Shoalhaven as having the lowest annual residential bill for water supply across all measured utilities nationally.
Table 3 - P3 – Typical Residential Bill – water
Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Shoalhaven City Council |
340.04 |
343.6 |
348.47 |
1% |
Wannon Water |
396.02 |
346.56 |
362.32 |
5% |
Lower Murray Water |
516.28 |
446.45 |
488.25 |
9% |
Clarence Valley Council |
497.62 |
509.75 |
491.32 |
-4% |
Albury City Council |
433.34 |
429.33 |
495.33 |
15% |
South Gippsland Water |
539.09 |
510.16 |
516.89 |
1% |
East Gippsland Water |
511.09 |
538.46 |
559.00 |
4% |
Riverina Water (W) |
650.01 |
590.48 |
607.84 |
3% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
611.66 |
605.56 |
618.12 |
2% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
646.9 |
636.04 |
650.45 |
2% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
652.09 |
645.21 |
655.60 |
2% |
Mackay Regional Council |
692.52 |
630.94 |
657.10 |
4% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
641.72 |
631.04 |
680.35 |
8% |
Tweed Shire Council |
626.17 |
682.52 |
681.25 |
0% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
825.22 |
723.7 |
699.93 |
-3% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
641.72 |
609.43 |
700.09 |
15% |
Gladstone Regional Council |
950.66 |
862.32 |
733.06 |
-15% |
Mid Coast Council |
643.79 |
698.11 |
741.40 |
6% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
793.08 |
851.11 |
785.37 |
-8% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
- |
861.3 |
861.63 |
0% |
GWM Water |
915.41 |
828.48 |
872.43 |
5% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
934.07 |
814.21 |
890.43 |
9% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
897.79 |
826.44 |
1019.17 |
23% |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
657.21 |
4% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
642.00 |
1% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
684.60 |
2% |
P8 – Typical Residential Bill – Water & Sewer - based on average residential annual water supplied
The typical residential bill (P8) has the same parameter to water as shown above but includes sewerage charges. Shoalhaven has the fourth lowest typical residential bill in the Medium group; it is $223 less than the group average and $173 less than the national average.
Table 4 P8 – Typical Residential Bill – Water & Sewer
Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Lower Murray Water |
994 |
923 |
968 |
5% |
South Gippsland Water |
1006 |
975 |
983 |
1% |
Wannon Water |
1165 |
1090 |
1097 |
1% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
1140 |
1154 |
1178 |
2% |
Albury City Council |
1162 |
1156 |
1209 |
5% |
East Gippsland Water |
1174 |
1212 |
1219 |
1% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
1243 |
1246 |
1269 |
2% |
GWM Water |
1410 |
1321 |
1366 |
3% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
- |
1396 |
1394 |
0% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
1447 |
1427 |
1424 |
0% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
1528 |
1442 |
1426 |
-1% |
Mackay Regional Council |
1478 |
1404 |
1434 |
2% |
Gladstone Regional Council |
1632 |
1542 |
1468 |
-5% |
Tweed Shire Council |
1437 |
1504 |
1501 |
0% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
1447 |
1416 |
1503 |
6% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
1439 |
1451 |
1521 |
5% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
1487 |
1470 |
1547 |
5% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
1580 |
1633 |
1565 |
-4% |
Clarence Valley Council |
1613 |
1623 |
1600 |
-1% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
1582 |
1584 |
1630 |
3% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
1636 |
1565 |
1755 |
12% |
Mid Coast Council |
1649 |
1687 |
1760 |
4% |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
1401 |
2% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
1292 |
1% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
1351 |
1% |
P7 - Annual bill based on 200kL/a (water & sewerage) ($)
The annual bill based on 200 kL for water and sewerage services (P7) is the sum charge for the provision of services to a residential customer adopting a consistent volume of water. This indicator aids comparisons between utilities and is a more realistic benchmark of pricing and transparency of tariff increases. Table 5 shows Shoalhaven’s performance within the Medium group ($160 less than group average and $120 less than the National average). Table 6 makes a further comparison to utilities surrounding the Shoalhaven ($184 less than the average).
Table 5 P7 Annual bill based on 200kL/a (water & sewerage) ($)
Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Lower Murray Water |
774 |
770 |
771 |
0% |
South Gippsland Water |
1140 |
1121 |
1124 |
0% |
Albury City Council |
1131 |
1151 |
1129 |
-2% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
1103 |
1122 |
1146 |
2% |
Wannon Water |
1267 |
1224 |
1216 |
-1% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
1225 |
1240 |
1252 |
1% |
East Gippsland Water |
1287 |
1323 |
1313 |
-1% |
GWM Water |
1315 |
1314 |
1315 |
0% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
1369 |
1372 |
1366 |
0% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
1205 |
1388 |
1367 |
-2% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
1393 |
1394 |
1388 |
0% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
1371 |
1411 |
1411 |
0% |
Mackay Regional Council |
1464 |
1439 |
1449 |
1% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
1537 |
1520 |
1507 |
-1% |
Tweed Shire Council |
1535 |
1572 |
1570 |
0% |
Gladstone Regional Council |
1501 |
1496 |
1575 |
5% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
1510 |
1539 |
1594 |
4% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
1558 |
1581 |
1600 |
1% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
1644 |
1634 |
1630 |
0% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
1640 |
1670 |
1674 |
0% |
Clarence Valley Council |
1695 |
1714 |
1709 |
0% |
Mid Coast Council |
1834 |
1867 |
1951 |
4% |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
1412 |
1% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
1314 |
3% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
1372 |
1% |
Table 6 P7 Annual bill based on 200kL/a (water & sewerage) ($)
Performance Comparison – Utilities near Shoalhaven
Utility |
2014–15 |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change 2016-17 |
Sydney Water Corporation |
1211 |
1210 |
1095 |
1096 |
0% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
1210 |
1225 |
1240 |
1252 |
1% |
Wingecarribee Shire Council |
1304 |
1317 |
1335 |
1334 |
0% |
Goulburn Mulwaree Council |
1596 |
1575 |
1521 |
1492 |
-2% |
Bega Valley Shire Council |
1899 |
1948 |
1941 |
1934 |
0% |
Eurobodalla Shire Council |
1920 |
1940 |
1937 |
1949 |
1% |
AVERAGE |
1400 |
1423 |
1430 |
1436 |
0% |
FINANCE
F16 - Total capital expenditure for water and sewerage ($000s)
This comparison presents the total capital expenditure in real dollar terms and provides the total level of capital investment against similar sized utilities. A number of factors influence capital expenditure (age/lifecycle of infrastructure and growth) and therefore a utility performance in this indicator will be “lumpy” over time as many projects are one off and can take several years to complete.
Shoalhaven capital expenditure on sewer infrastructure ($111,681,000) made up the bulk of the total. Overall, Shoalhaven expenditure was higher than most utility and national averages as a consequence of the REMs project works.
Table 7 – F16 Total capital expenditure for water and sewerage ($000s)
Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Shoalhaven City Council |
22504 |
60451 |
125917 |
108% |
South Gippsland Water |
8382 |
5445 |
29543 |
443% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
16200 |
32389 |
26938 |
-17% |
Gladstone Regional Council |
13118 |
22901 |
26668 |
16% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
18567 |
21836 |
19469 |
-11% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
19597 |
26757 |
19256 |
-28% |
Wannon Water |
14837 |
18774 |
18782 |
0% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
14559 |
21682 |
18503 |
-15% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
19531 |
16676 |
17026 |
2% |
GWM Water |
6659 |
6833 |
16066 |
135% |
Mid Coast Council |
14863 |
9416 |
15397 |
64% |
Lower Murray Water |
10006 |
5052 |
12575 |
149% |
Mackay Regional Council |
16656 |
11261 |
12237 |
9% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
- |
55240 |
12073 |
-78% |
Riverina Water (W) |
36301 |
na |
10925 |
na |
Tamworth Regional Council |
5896 |
15828 |
10294 |
-35% |
East Gippsland Water |
7513 |
11345 |
8357 |
-26% |
Tweed Shire Council |
8768 |
6985 |
8307 |
19% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
5659 |
5495 |
7024 |
28% |
Albury City Council |
8744 |
9367 |
5366 |
-43% |
Wagga Wagga Council (S) |
4204 |
na |
5272 |
na |
Western Downs Regional Council |
11688 |
16317 |
4420 |
-73% |
Clarence Valley Council |
19138 |
3511 |
4302 |
23% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
- |
4587 |
1285 |
-72% |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
18167 |
27% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
41948 |
23% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
33106 |
18% |
F13 - Combined Operating cost ($/property)
This indicator is considered to be one of the most important benchmarks within the NPR reporting suite. The indicator measures the operating costs (for operation, maintenance and administration) of each water utility in relation to the number of properties serviced. Operating costs are influenced by many factors, including:
• utility size
• climate and rainfall
• the way and the distance that water is transported
• the sources of water
• input cost escalation (e.g. the costs of fuel, chemicals and labour), and
• the level of water and sewage treatment required
The combined operating cost for Shoalhaven was $780 per property, down $23 on the previous year ($803). Considering the number of schemes operated and the size of distribution within the Shoalhaven, this is an excellent result with the total operating cost per property remaining well below the group average of $928 per property.
Table 8 – F13 Combined Operating cost ($/property) - Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
679.04 |
601.38 |
622.90 |
4% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
685.26 |
655.09 |
648.66 |
-1% |
Albury City Council |
698.74 |
669.98 |
691.34 |
3% |
Lower Murray Water |
690.44 |
812.5 |
754.59 |
-7% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
1262.7 |
866.81 |
770.43 |
-11% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
771.31 |
803.92 |
780.64 |
-3% |
Clarence Valley Council |
835.58 |
806.46 |
818.91 |
2% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
807.59 |
679.49 |
821.12 |
21% |
South Gippsland Water |
1159.03 |
934.36 |
881.00 |
-6% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
- |
1030.1 |
906.04 |
-12% |
East Gippsland Water |
944.44 |
1058.65 |
922.00 |
-13% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
906.08 |
886.99 |
960.75 |
8% |
Wannon Water |
991.09 |
940.81 |
967.00 |
3% |
Mid Coast Council |
1007.68 |
1006.75 |
980.09 |
-3% |
GWM Water |
1026.34 |
977.5 |
992.68 |
2% |
Tweed Shire Council |
968.28 |
992.38 |
993.21 |
0% |
Mackay Regional Council |
1145.56 |
912.82 |
1001.26 |
10% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
911.26 |
936.45 |
1002.80 |
7% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
1006.64 |
980.56 |
1003.28 |
2% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
949.62 |
963.03 |
1011.33 |
5% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
- |
1383.59 |
1361.35 |
-2% |
Gladstone Regional Council |
1472.12 |
1047.91 |
1540.44 |
47% |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
928.72 |
3% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
888.50 |
3% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
916.60 |
0% |
CUSTOMER
C15 – Average during of unplanned outages (minutes)
This indicator reports the average time (in minutes) that a customer is without water supply due to an unforeseen interruption requiring attention by a utility. It also includes instances in which scheduled (planned) interruptions exceed the time limit originally notified by a utility. It is a partial indicator of customer service and the condition of the water network, and of how effectively the operation of the network is being managed.
Nationally, rural water supply networks have higher interruption timeframes owing to the expanse of networks and overcoming difficult access conditions. Shoalhaven (147 minutes) had the fourth highest response time in its group and has historically been higher than others given that we also have the third largest mains network in our group to maintain. The results can also vary year to year depending on the nature, location or environmental conditions of a particular incident.
Table 9 – C15 Average during of unplanned outages (minutes) Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Gladstone Regional Council |
46 |
47.6 |
23 |
-51% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
121 |
30 |
30 |
0% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
33 |
39.8 |
34 |
-14% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
No data |
61 |
53 |
-13% |
Lower Murray Water |
54.1 |
57 |
59 |
4% |
Mackay Regional Council |
115 |
66.5 |
64 |
-4% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
49.9 |
71 |
65 |
-8% |
East Gippsland Water |
71.5 |
92 |
76 |
-17% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
No data |
138 |
77 |
-44% |
Wannon Water |
104.9 |
93.5 |
79 |
-15% |
South Gippsland Water |
95.6 |
91 |
101 |
11% |
GWM Water |
105.7 |
94.4 |
103 |
10% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
- |
161 |
120 |
-25% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
- |
120 |
120 |
0% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
- |
162 |
129 |
-20% |
Tweed Shire Council |
112 |
136 |
141 |
4% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
202 |
104 |
147 |
41% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
127.8 |
105.6 |
230 |
118% |
Riverina Water (W) |
206 |
183 |
242 |
32% |
Albury City Council |
137 |
119 |
266 |
124% |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
108 |
6% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
202 |
6% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
144 |
16% |
C14 – Percentage of calls answered by an operator within 30 seconds
This indicator measures the number of calls answered within 30 seconds after the ‘operator’ option is selected. It gives an indication of the efficiency of the utility’s customer service arrangements and is affected by the ratio of customer service staff to customers, particularly when severe events result in a large increase in customer calls.
In 2017-18 the percentage of calls answered Nationally was 82% and the average in the medium group was 90%. Shoalhaven continued its strong performance with 98% making this the eleventh year at or above our group average. The strength for Shoalhaven is considered to be the employment, stability and retention of workforce assets through multi-skilling.
Table 10 - C14 – Percentage of calls answered by an operator within 30 seconds Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Gladstone Regional Council |
No data |
No data |
100 |
na |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
- |
99 |
99 |
0% |
East Gippsland Water |
99 |
99 |
99 |
0% |
Wannon Water |
99 |
98.8 |
99 |
0% |
South Gippsland Water |
99 |
94 |
99 |
5% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
98 |
98 |
98 |
0% |
Mackay Regional Council |
No data |
No data |
97 |
na |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
98 |
96 |
96 |
0% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
No data |
No data |
95 |
na |
Lower Murray Water |
86 |
94 |
95 |
1% |
Wagga Wagga Council (S) |
100 |
94 |
94 |
0% |
GWM Water |
93 |
92.3 |
91 |
-1% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
No data |
No data |
91 |
na |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
No data |
No data |
80 |
na |
Albury City Council |
- |
47 |
50 |
6% |
Tweed Shire Council |
49 |
50 |
50 |
0% |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
90 |
1% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
87 |
-3% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
82 |
0% |
C13 – Total complaints water and sewerage (per 1,000 properties)
This indicator is a partial measure of a utility’s customer satisfaction and operational performance. Complaints are recorded based on verbal or written communication.
The Shoalhaven Water increasing trend is largely the result of improved data capture and processing. The result remains a positive outcome in comparison to the group and National figures.
Table 11 – C13 – Total complaints water and sewerage Performance Comparison Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Gladstone Regional Council |
- |
0.3 |
0 |
0% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
0.4 |
0.3 |
1 |
100% |
Tweed Shire Council |
- |
- |
1 |
n.a. |
Lower Murray Water |
2.9 |
4.8 |
2 |
-65% |
Albury City Council |
7 |
11.2 |
2 |
-82% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
1.5 |
1.8 |
2 |
11% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
- |
9.2 |
3 |
-70% |
MidCoast Council |
8.2 |
4.4 |
3 |
-32% |
East Gippsland Water |
1.8 |
4 |
4 |
-8% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
31.2 |
15.5 |
6 |
-61% |
Wannon Water |
6.1 |
5.3 |
6 |
13% |
GWMWater |
7.4 |
7.6 |
8 |
9% |
South Gippsland Water |
5.2 |
6.2 |
9 |
44% |
Riverina Water (W) |
6 |
8.4 |
13 |
55% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
7.7 |
20.5 |
15 |
-26% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
23.1 |
18.3 |
17 |
-7% |
Clarence Valley Council |
- |
- |
19 |
n.a. |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
48 |
47.2 |
40 |
-15% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
54.5 |
39.5 |
48 |
22% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
- |
52 |
55 |
6% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
2.8 |
12.8 |
60 |
366% |
Mackay Regional Council |
33.4 |
57 |
93 |
64% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
0.4 |
1.6 |
- |
n.a. |
Wagga Wagga Council (S) |
38 |
34 |
n.a. |
n.a. |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
21 |
12% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
10 |
-15% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
15 |
5% |
ASSETS
Water Mains
A8 - Water main breaks (number per 100 km of water main)
The Shoalhaven network of water mains is considered to be large at 1,578km and is ranked 3rd largest in the Medium group. Shoalhaven experienced extended hot and dry conditions for much of 2017-18 and these conditions have an impact on assets. Whilst the 2017-18 result was higher than the previous year, the overall comparison was less than the Medium group or Nationally.
Table 12 - A8 Water main breaks (no. per 100 km of water main) Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
3.6 |
4 |
2.8 |
-30% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
3 |
4.2 |
3.6 |
-14% |
Albury City Council |
4.1 |
3.3 |
3.9 |
18% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
4.2 |
8 |
3.9 |
-51% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
2.6 |
1.8 |
4.2 |
133% |
Clarence Valley Council |
12.3 |
15.4 |
5.9 |
-62% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
7.5 |
8.3 |
6.5 |
-22% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
8 |
5.7 |
6.5 |
14% |
Mackay Regional Council |
11.8 |
9.4 |
6.6 |
-30% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
8.9 |
5.5 |
6.8 |
24% |
Tweed Shire Council |
7.5 |
9.1 |
7.5 |
-18% |
Riverina Water (W) |
18.6 |
11.6 |
8.1 |
-30% |
Wannon Water |
11.1 |
9.6 |
8.3 |
-14% |
Mid Coast Council |
1.7 |
6.9 |
8.9 |
29% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
7.1 |
10 |
9.7 |
-3% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
6.5 |
7.8 |
9.7 |
24% |
Gladstone Regional Council |
33.9 |
6.7 |
10.8 |
61% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
16.7 |
16.2 |
12.3 |
-24% |
East Gippsland Water |
12.9 |
12.8 |
17.1 |
34% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
20.5 |
28 |
18.2 |
-35% |
Lower Murray Water |
32 |
28.6 |
26.2 |
-8% |
South Gippsland Water |
40.9 |
29.5 |
34.3 |
16% |
GWM Water |
55.5 |
56.6 |
58.5 |
3% |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
12 |
1% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
17 |
17% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
16 |
7% |
A10 – Real losses (L/Service connection/Day)
Real losses are water leakages and overflows from water mains, service reservoirs and service line connections before the customer water meter. The indicator calculations are estimated using a range of assumptions and the results can be influenced by the condition of mains, infrastructure and water pressure.
Shoalhaven Water result is less than both the Medium group and National averages.
Table 13 – A10 Real losses (litres/service connection/day) Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Dubbo Regional Council |
- |
51.3 |
4 |
-92% |
Clarence Valley Council |
- |
46.9 |
43 |
-8% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
43 |
40 |
45 |
13% |
Gladstone Regional Council |
336 |
239.3 |
47.8 |
-80% |
Lower Murray Water |
76 |
80 |
51 |
-36% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
87 |
79 |
55 |
-30% |
East Gippsland Water |
66 |
48 |
55.8 |
16% |
Mid Coast Council |
71 |
84 |
57 |
-32% |
Riverina Water (W) |
115 |
55.6 |
57 |
3% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
48 |
56 |
62 |
11% |
Albury City Council |
- |
46.2 |
63 |
36% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
72 |
107 |
64 |
-40% |
Wannon Water |
72 |
84 |
70 |
-17% |
GWM Water |
109 |
112 |
72 |
-36% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
78 |
89.1 |
80.7 |
-9% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
67 |
77 |
93.8 |
22% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
- |
- |
101 |
n.a. |
Tweed Shire Council |
- |
90.9 |
104 |
14% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
No data |
65.4 |
170.5 |
161% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
152 |
114.2 |
186 |
63% |
Mackay Regional Council |
131 |
130.3 |
189.9 |
46% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
354 |
50.6 |
215.5 |
326% |
Wagga Wagga Council (S) |
na |
na |
na |
1 |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
86 |
19% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
93.3 |
35% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
101 |
16% |
Sewer Mains
A14 and A15 - Sewerage Main/Property connection breaks and chokes
These indicators provide the number of breaks and chokes per 100 km of sewer main (A14) and the number of connection breaks and chokes per 1,000 properties (A15). They are presented together in the NPR annual reporting publication to provide a complete picture of the sewer system performance.
There is no obvious or consistent reason to establish why the increase in the number of sewer main breaks has occurred, but a review of historical results shows similar variations with the results in preceding years. Regardless, the result is less than both the group and national averages.
Table 14 – A14 Sewer Main breaks and chokes (number per 100km) Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Mackay Regional Council |
5.1 |
3.8 |
2.2 |
na |
Western Downs Regional Council |
4.8 |
4.8 |
2.8 |
42% |
Gladstone Regional Council |
10.9 |
12.4 |
5.6 |
-57% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
9 |
10 |
7 |
-30% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
6.2 |
8.1 |
7.1 |
-12% |
East Gippsland Water |
5.2 |
5.9 |
7.6 |
29% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
20 |
41 |
8 |
-80% |
Albury City Council |
76 |
78 |
9 |
-88% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
13 |
8 |
11 |
38% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
11.4 |
10.1 |
11.5 |
14% |
Wannon Water |
18.2 |
18 |
12.5 |
-31% |
South Gippsland Water |
29.9 |
110 |
13.4 |
-88% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
27 |
15 |
14 |
-7% |
Lower Murray Water |
15.6 |
18 |
16 |
-11% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
25.9 |
28.1 |
17 |
-40% |
MidCoast Council |
8 |
20 |
22 |
10% |
Clarence Valley Council |
- |
31 |
36 |
16% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
46 |
35.7 |
38 |
6% |
GWMWater |
50.5 |
46.3 |
42.1 |
-9% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
33 |
86 |
59 |
-31% |
Wagga Wagga Council (S) |
72 |
62 |
73 |
18% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
97 |
95 |
84 |
-12% |
Tweed Shire Council |
1 |
1 |
- |
n.a. |
Riverina Water (W) |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
28 |
-16% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
17 |
-4% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
25 |
1% |
Table 15 – A15 Property connection breaks and chokes (number per 1,000 properties) Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Shoalhaven City Council |
0.1 |
0.1 |
0 |
-100% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
1.5 |
2.8 |
0.5 |
-82% |
Gladstone Regional Council |
0.7 |
1.2 |
0.6 |
-50% |
Tweed Shire Council |
1.2 |
1.2 |
0.8 |
-33% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
- |
1.1 |
1 |
-9% |
East Gippsland Water |
0.8 |
1.2 |
1.8 |
50% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
2.8 |
2.9 |
2 |
-31% |
Mackay Regional Council |
0.6 |
1.7 |
2.2 |
29% |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
1.3 |
2.7 |
2.8 |
4% |
Wannon Water |
3.5 |
3 |
3 |
0% |
South Gippsland Water |
1.8 |
64 |
3.7 |
-94% |
Albury City Council |
12.5 |
10.7 |
4.5 |
-58% |
Wagga Wagga Council (S) |
13.4 |
6.7 |
5 |
-25% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
- |
6.1 |
6.9 |
13% |
Lower Murray Water |
6.2 |
6 |
7 |
17% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
0.2 |
0.6 |
8.7 |
1350% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
9.8 |
10.6 |
9.7 |
-8% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
10.8 |
8.6 |
10.2 |
19% |
Clarence Valley Council |
- |
5.9 |
20.4 |
246% |
GWM Water |
31.4 |
29.2 |
35.1 |
20% |
Riverina Water (W) |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
Mid Coast Council |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
6 |
63% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
3.1 |
19% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
7 |
70% |
ENVIRONMENT
E12 - Total net greenhouse gas emissions
The total net greenhouse gas emissions (net tonnes CO2 equivalent per 1,000 properties) indicator (E12) reports the contribution of the utility’s operations to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are required to be referred to the National Greenhouse Accounts Factors issued by the Department of Environment and Energy.
Comparing different utilities’ net GHG emissions is impacted by a number of variables affecting emissions, including:
• sources of water;
• gravity versus pumped networks;
• geographical conditions (influencing the need for pumping);
• the number of large-volume customers;
• the extent of industry within the customer base;
• the prevailing greenhouse policy in the jurisdiction; and
• the method of calculation.
Table 16 – E12 Total net greenhouse gas emissions (net tonnes CO2 equivalent per 1,000 properties) Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group (utilities supplying both sewer & water)
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Tweed Shire Council |
452.7 |
456.8 |
703 |
54% |
Wannon Water |
776.4 |
675.3 |
695.6 |
3% |
Lower Murray Water |
602.1 |
542.3 |
643.2 |
19% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
492.2 |
469.7 |
505 |
8% |
Shoalhaven City Council |
453.5 |
469.6 |
479 |
2% |
GWM Water |
582.6 |
425.7 |
476.7 |
12% |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
No Data |
No Data |
475.3 |
na |
Tamworth Regional Council |
423.3 |
422 |
469 |
11% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
456.4 |
488.7 |
459 |
-6% |
South Gippsland Water |
372.4 |
416.4 |
454 |
9% |
Mid Coast Council |
371.3 |
336.6 |
426 |
27% |
Albury City Council |
477 |
436.6 |
418 |
-4% |
East Gippsland Water |
346 |
364.7 |
351.3 |
-4% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
188.7 |
348.4 |
350 |
0% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
No Data |
No Data |
334.2 |
na |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
384.7 |
395 |
304 |
-23% |
Clarence Valley Council |
- |
200 |
252 |
26% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
233.1 |
299.4 |
200 |
-33% |
GROUP AVERAGE - MEDIUM |
|
|
444 |
6% |
GROUP AVERAGE - LARGE |
|
|
367 |
-6% |
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|
|
395 |
4% |
Treatment plants consume significant amounts of energy and are Shoalhaven’s largest contributing factor in the production of GHG emissions. When factoring in the number of treatments plants in operation, Shoalhaven compared well within our group.
Comparison – No. of Treatment Plants & GHG emissions – Medium Utility Group
|
Shoalhaven |
Group Average |
Number of Treatment Plants |
17 |
13 |
GHG (net tonnes CO2 equivalent per 1,000 properties / plant) |
28 |
34 |
HEALTH
H3 - Percentage of population for whom microbiological compliance was achieved.
This indicator reports the percentage of the population serviced by the utility for whom microbiological compliance was achieved.
Compliance is assessed against the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011 or licence conditions imposed on the utility by their regulator. Typically, utilities record very high compliance; however, unforeseen events may deliver a lower compliance result, with the cause of non-compliance not always traceable.
Shoalhaven has consistently maintained 100% microbiological performance.
Table 17 – H3 Water Quality Compliance - Performance Comparison – Medium Utility Group
Utility |
2015–16 |
2016–17 |
2017-18 |
% Change from 2016-17 |
Shoalhaven City Council |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Albury City Council |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Clarence Valley Council |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Coffs Harbour City Council |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Dubbo Regional Council |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
East Gippsland Water |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Lower Murray Water |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Mid Coast Council |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Port Macquarie Hastings Council |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Queanbeyan–Palerang Regional Council |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Riverina Water (W) |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
South Gippsland Water |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Tamworth Regional Council |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Tweed Shire Council |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Water Corporation—Mandurah |
100 |
100 |
100 |
0% |
Wannon Water |
100 |
99.9 |
100 |
0.1% |
Bundaberg Regional Council |
No data |
No data |
100 |
n.a. |
Wide Bay Water (Fraser Coast Regional Council) |
No data |
No data |
100 |
n.a. |
Gladstone Regional Council |
No data |
No data |
100 |
n.a. |
Mackay Regional Council |
No data |
No data |
100 |
n.a. |
Fitzroy River Water (Rockhampton Regional Council) |
No data |
No data |
100 |
n.a. |
GWM Water |
100 |
100 |
99.4 |
-0.6% |
Western Downs Regional Council |
No data |
No data |
72.5 |
n.a. |
Wagga Wagga Council (S) |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
n.a. |
Community Engagement
A copy of the BOM performance report in a similar format is available from the BOM website. A full dataset of the results from the 166 indicators also available.
Links and a summary of Shoalhaven’s performance will be promulgated for customers on the Shoalhaven Water website and as applicable segments will be contained within the Customer Service Plan for benchmarking against the targets specified in that strategic document. An update of the Customer Service Plan will be completed once the NSW DPI Water Triple Bottom Line Reporting is received and analysed.
Full analysis of the entire suite of indicators is being undertaken to address any issues including future considerations for inclusion into the Shoalhaven Water Strategic Business Plan.
Financial Implications
There are no financial implications for Council resulting from this report that have not been addressed separately.
|
Strategy and Assets Committee – Tuesday 14 May 2019 Page 0 |
Local Government Amendment (governance & planning) act 2016
Chapter 3, Section 8A Guiding principles for councils
(1) Exercise of functions generally
The following general principles apply to the exercise of functions by councils:
(a) Councils should provide strong and effective representation, leadership, planning and decision-making.
(b) Councils should carry out functions in a way that provides the best possible value for residents and ratepayers.
(c) Councils should plan strategically, using the integrated planning and reporting framework, for the provision of effective and efficient services and regulation to meet the diverse needs of the local community.
(d) Councils should apply the integrated planning and reporting framework in carrying out their functions so as to achieve desired outcomes and continuous improvements.
(e) Councils should work co-operatively with other councils and the State government to achieve desired outcomes for the local community.
(f) Councils should manage lands and other assets so that current and future local community needs can be met in an affordable way.
(g) Councils should work with others to secure appropriate services for local community needs.
(h) Councils should act fairly, ethically and without bias in the interests of the local community.
(i) Councils should be responsible employers and provide a consultative and supportive working environment for staff.
(2) Decision-making
The following principles apply to decision-making by councils (subject to any other applicable law):
(a) Councils should recognise diverse local community needs and interests.
(b) Councils should consider social justice principles.
(c) Councils should consider the long term and cumulative effects of actions on future generations.
(d) Councils should consider the principles of ecologically sustainable development.
(e) Council decision-making should be transparent and decision-makers are to be accountable for decisions and omissions.
(3) Community participation
Councils should actively engage with their local communities, through the use of the integrated planning and reporting framework and other measures.
Chapter 3, Section 8B Principles of sound financial management
The following principles of sound financial management apply to councils:
(a) Council spending should be responsible and sustainable, aligning general revenue and expenses.
(b) Councils should invest in responsible and sustainable infrastructure for the benefit of the local community.
(c) Councils should have effective financial and asset management, including sound policies and processes for the following:
(i) performance management and reporting,
(ii) asset maintenance and enhancement,
(iii) funding decisions,
(iv) risk management practices.
(d) Councils should have regard to achieving intergenerational equity, including ensuring the following:
(i) policy decisions are made after considering their financial effects on future generations,
(ii) the current generation funds the cost of its services
Chapter 3, 8C Integrated planning and reporting principles that apply to councils
The following principles for strategic planning apply to the development of the integrated planning and reporting framework by councils:
(a) Councils should identify and prioritise key local community needs and aspirations and consider regional priorities.
(b) Councils should identify strategic goals to meet those needs and aspirations.
(c) Councils should develop activities, and prioritise actions, to work towards the strategic goals.
(d) Councils should ensure that the strategic goals and activities to work towards them may be achieved within council resources.
(e) Councils should regularly review and evaluate progress towards achieving strategic goals.
(f) Councils should maintain an integrated approach to planning, delivering, monitoring and reporting on strategic goals.
(g) Councils should collaborate with others to maximise achievement of strategic goals.
(h) Councils should manage risks to the local community or area or to the council effectively and proactively.
(i) Councils should make appropriate evidence-based adaptations to meet changing needs and circumstances.