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THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2010 - 2011

AnnuAl rePorT 2010 - 2011 - The Hills Shire...ANNUAL REPORT 2010 - 2011 Email: [email protected] Phone: (02) 9843 0555 The Hills Shire Council PO Box 75 Castle Hill NSW 1765

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The hills shire CounCilAnnuAl rePorT 2010 - 2011

1 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

2010 - 2011 Annual report

The Hills Shire Council is pleased to present its 2010 - 2011 Annual Report.

This report provides a comprehensive account of our performance during the last financial year, and the broad range of services and programs Council provides to the community. The report is divided into four parts to make it easier for readers to navigate.

• Our Financial Snapshot• Major Highlights• Message from the Mayor• Our Councillors• Message from the

General Manager• Strategic Direction• History of Our Shire• Our Delivery Snapshot

• Stormwater Levies & Charges• Legal Proceedings• Mayoral and Councillor Fees,

Expenses and Facilities• Councillors Overseas Visits• General Manager & Senior Staff

Remuneration• Contracts Awarded• Private Works and Financial Assistance• Equal Employment Opportunity• External Bodies, Companies

and Partnerships• Companion Animals Management

• Statement by Councillors and Management

• General Purpose Financial Statements

• Special Purpose Financial Statements

• Notes to Financial Statements• Special Schedules

• Introduction• Energy and Greenhouse• Water Management• Air and Noise Pollution• Biodiversity• Community Environment• Sustainable Development• Bushland• Waste Management & Resource

Recovery• Water Consumption• Appendix

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 2

ThE hILLs shIRE COUNCILANNUAL REPORT 2010 - 2011Email: [email protected]: (02) 9843 0555The Hills Shire Council PO Box 75 Castle Hill NSW 1765www.thehills.nsw.gov.au

Community Report

Our Financial Snapshot 3

Major Highlights 5

Message from the Mayor 7

Our Councillors 8

Message from the 9General Manager

Strategic Direction 11

History of Our Shire 13

Our Delivery Snapshot

- Proactive Leadership 15

- Vibrant Communities 19

- Balanced Urban Growth 23

- Protected Environment 27

- Modern Local Economy 33

Index

MEssAgE fROM ThE MAYOR“The Hills Shire Council has one of the strongest financial performances for Local Government in NSW. We have been prudent in our operating costs in order to finance our infrastructure without needing to borrow. This has been a year that we can look back on and be proud of. “ Page 7

MEssAgE fROM ThE gENERAL MANAgER“Stage one of The Castle Hill Main Street beautification project is now complete, with Old Northern Road re-opened to traffic in March. The Castle Hill Main Street project has created a vibrant and upgraded town centre for residents and visitors and facilitated the creation of outdoor dining spaces.” Page 9

sTRONg fINANCIAL POsITION

$23M INfRAsTRUCTURE DELIvERY

PLANs TO fUND INfRAsTRUCTURE BACkLOg

Our financial position is solid and is built on prudent financial leadership through long term financial planning. Page 3

Council committed to devote sustantial funds to address our ageing infrustructure. Page 7

REMAINs DEBT fREECouncil is debt free and has once again finished the year in a sound financial position with a budget surplus of $2.7 million. This was achieved from savings in expenditure and increases in revenue. Page 3

Council was able to deliver 96 out of the 103 projects representing 93.2%. Page 4

3 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

OUR fINANCIAL sNAPshOT

Our financial position is solid and is built on prudent financial leadership through long term financial planning. Council is debt free and has once again finished the year in a sound financial position with an operating surplus of $43.7 million, which is $17.2m greater than the previous year.

This operating surplus is due to Grants and Contributions receipted as income in the year that it is received, even though they may be expended in a future year. These contributions provided by the development sector include both assets for new subdivisions and also cash contributions for the future provision of community infrastructure such as new roads, community centres, libraries, and open space and recreation facilities. The Budget Result calculated applies the matching principals and has resulted in a surplus of $2.07m. This Budget Result has been achieved due to:

• 0.91% saving in recurrent expenditure on a Budget of $98.4m

• 0.87% increase in total revenue on a Budget of $117.3m

Both these results are well within the Key Performance Indicators set out in the Hills Shire Operational Plan and this favourable result has been achieved whilst meeting our service delivery goals.

Quick facts 2009/10 2010/11GENERAL RATES $ 57M $59M

GENERAL RATES COVERAGE RATIO 56.3% 51.5%

OPERATING INCOME EXCLUDING DISPOSAL OF ASSETS $135M $154M

OPERATING RESULT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS $26.5M $43.7M

TOTAL ASSETS $3.315B $3.132B

CASH & INVESTMENTS $67M $92M

TOTAL LIABILITIES $24M $27M

UNRESTRICTED CURRENT RATION 6.28:1 8.51:1

COUNCIL DEBT 0 0

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 4

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The 2010/2011 original adopted Capital Works Budget identified 80 projects excluding land. During the year variations were made resulting in 103 projects due to new funding. Council was able to deliver 96 out of the 103 projects representing 93.2%, compared to 91.5% in 209/10.

Reserve funds are funds restricted by Council Resolutions. These funds are set aside for various planned expenditure. Reserve funds on hand have increased from $16.3m in 2003/04 to $60.5m in 2010/11.

Although Council has substantial Cash Reserves and other Operational Assets, Council is faced with many challenges associated with our future population growth and the maintenance of existing infrastructure assets. The Developer Contributions shortfalls that have resulted from the capping of Contributions by the previous State Government, uncertainty in the World Financial Markets, and the impact of the introduction of Carbon Tax. Council’s strong financial position lays a positive platform to provide for the needs of the community.

fOR EvERY $1000 RECEIvED wE sPENT:

5 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

PROACTIvE LEADERshIPACHIEVEMENTS

• Successfully negotiated BioBanking Agreements over Council owned land at Withers Road Kellyville, Porters Road Kenthurst and Cadwells Road Kenthurst resulting in issue of the first registered BioBanking statement in New South Wales.

• Adoption of Infrastructure Backlog funding strategy.

vIBRANT COMMUNITIEsACHIEVEMENTS

• Completion of the Main St Project Phase 1 to enhance the streetscape through Castle Hill Town Centre reached a significant milestone when the section through the busy shopping area was completed in time for the 2010 Christmas shopping period.

• Completed the refurbishment of two buildings at Balcombe Heights to be used as Dementia Care and Aged Care facilities.

• Completed renovations to 79 sports fields in preparation for 2011 Winter Season.

• Opening of Wrights Road Community Centre.

• Signature Events Program commenced with Sensoria, including the very popular Shakespeare in the Park at Bella Vista Farm and the Sydney Country Music Festival held at the Showground in conjunction with Castle Hill Show.

• New shopping trip shuttle bus introduced for retirement villages in Hills district.

• Continued support to Frail Aged and Disabled People by providing a range of services.

BALANCED URBAN gROwTh

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Preparation of a new Local Environmental Plan for the Shire (Draft LEP 2010) and extensive community consultation.

• Completed upgrade of 10 Crown Roads in the northern part of the Shire.

• Approved construction of $4.8m public infrastructure including 5.4km of roads.

• Approved the first on-line complying development application in NSW.

• Approved 1051 new subdivision lots.

PROTECTED ENvIRONMENT

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Planted over 1000 new or replacement street trees.

• Each household produced 11.75 kg of waste per week which equated to the collection of 37,375 tonnes of household rubbish. This is a reduction of 0.9 kg per household compared to 2009/2010.

• Installation of solar power systems, solar hot water and energy efficient lighting at various Council Facilities to reduce Council’s energy consumption.

• Installation of water tanks and sub-surface drainage at Eric Mobbs Reserve Fields 3 & 4 to reduce our water demand.

MODERN LOCAL ECONOMY

ACHIEVEMENTS

• ”The Sydney Hills – a Compelling Opportunity” investment attraction campaign was targeted to Australian and new Zealand CEOs of major companies. The Invest Sydney Hills Marketing Group was formed to promote the brand Sydney Hills and attract new businesses to the region.

MAJOR hIghLIghTs

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 6

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7 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

MEssAgE fROM ThE MAYOR

It is with pride and a sense of achievement that I reflect on 2010/2011. Council has demonstrated financial prudence and sound and responsible governance, while continuing to provide quality services for our community.

Even with a tough budget, we delivered savings of $2 million in our operations and cost savings of $1 million in our capital works. We focused on the needs of our community. We focused on key services and infrastructure. The Hills Shire Council has one of the strongest financial performances for Local Government in NSW. We have been prudent in our operating costs in order to finance our infrastructure without needing to borrow. This has been a year that we can look back on and be proud of.

In 2010/2011 we articulated how we will address our infrastructure backlog. Council looks after assets worth over a billion dollars on behalf of the community which allow us to provide services to residents.

Local roads, footpaths, community buildings, parks, waterways and cycle ways will benefit as we work to refurbish and enhance existing community infrastructure over the next four years.

As a Shire, we are growing. We welcomed 720 Hills residents as new Australian citizens across six citizenship ceremonies in the last year. The region’s economy has grown by about $1,589 million in real terms since 2000 – or around 32%.

In 2010/2011, we experienced not only a change in the State Government, but also major changes in planning, and the announcement of the North West Rail. The fast-tracking of North West Rail will bring business to the Hills, choices for our commuters and free up traffic problems across Sydney.

I thank both Council staff and my Councillor colleagues for their efforts this year in ensuring the assets of the community have once again been responsibly managed.

“The Hills Shire Council has one of the strongest financial performances for Local Government in NSW. We have been prudent in our operating costs in order to finance our infrastructure without needing to borrow. This has been a year that we can look back on and be proud of.”CLR MIkE ThOMAs

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 8

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sEPTEMBER 2008 - sEPTEMBER 2012 COUNCIL TERM

Central Ward

East Ward

North Ward

West Ward

Clr Peter DimbrowskyMobile: 0419 664 438Facsimile: 9659 2162Email: [email protected]

Clr Tony HayMobile: 0422 508 975Facsimile: 9838 0205Email: [email protected]

Clr Justin TauntonMobile: 0448 083 108Email: [email protected]

Clr Larry BolithoMobile: 0412 174 413Facsimile: (02) 9873 3578Email: [email protected]

Clr David BenthamPhone: 9630 5290 (home)Mobile: 0427 292 140Facsimile: 9630 9402Email: [email protected]

Clr Andrew JefferiesMobile: 0427 928 111Email: [email protected]

Clr Greg BurnettMobile: 0402 849 794Facsimile: 8677 1034Email: [email protected]

Clr Barbara BurtonPhone: 9651 1865Mobile: 0417 254 171Facsimile: 9653 9474Email: [email protected]

Clr Robyn PrestonMobile: 0419 200 300Facsimile: 9894 7779Email: [email protected]

Clr Michelle ByrneMobile: 0448 268 140Facsimile: 9639 6750Email: [email protected]

Clr Mike ThomasPhone: 9843 0102Mobile: 0423 798 891Facsimile: 9843 0410Email: [email protected]

Clr Raymond HartyPhone: 9649 5000 (work)Mobile: 0412 265 876Facsimile: 9649 8500

OUR COUNCILLORs

9 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

I’m pleased to report that Council achieved a continued strong financial position during 2010-2011. Our financial indicators all continue to be well above accepted industry benchmarks, and the unrestricted current ratio, which shows Council’s liquidity position and measures its ability to satisfy its obligations, was described by our Independent Auditor as the best he has ever seen. Council remains debt free, and our long-term projections show we are in a positive and strong financial position for the future. I thank both our Councillors and Council Officers for their responsible fiscal management without impacting the services we deliver.

A highlight of the year was Council’s exhibition of our Draft The Hills Local Environmental Plan (LEP). The Draft LEP aims to achieve a balanced outcome that reflects local community values within the State Government framework. Extensive community consultation was carried out, including displays, information sessions, advertisements and social media platforms - with residents actively encouraged to participate and comment on the Draft LEP.

Major projects designed to increase the quality of life for our residents were carried out. Stage one of The Castle Hill Main Street beautification project is now complete, with Old Northern Road re-opened to traffic in March. The Castle Hill Main Street project has created a vibrant and upgraded town centre for residents and visitors and facilitated the creation of outdoor dining spaces. The majority of the work was carried out by Council staff, with the project being on time and within cost estimates. As General Manager, I extend my appreciation and thanks to the staff involved who clearly demonstrated we can deliver a project as well as any contractor.

“Stage one of The Castle Hill Main street beautification project is now complete...... The Castle Hill Main Street project has created a vibrant and upgraded town centre for residents and visitors and facilitated the creation of outdoor dining spaces.”

MEssAgE fROM ThE gENERAL MANAgER

DAvE wALkER

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 10

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The region’s economic development continued strongly. Total sales by local companies in the Sydney Hills grew from 9.8 billion to 17.1 billion in just three years, and jobs increased from 44,000 in 2007 to 51,000 local jobs in January. The number of Development Applications processed by Council in 2010/11 was 2,025 with an estimated construction value of $794 million, reflecting both the residential and commercial growth of the region.

Council, as part of its commitment to reduce the cost of waste going to landfill, explored a number of initiatives for future waste disposal and recovery, and held many popular recycling events. New services for the aged people with dementia, those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities (CALD) and people with specific health needs were launched at Balcombe Heights Estate offering social day, respite and aged care. Community events like The Sydney Country Music Festival, Australia Day Celebrations, and The Sydney Hills Shakespeare In The Park provided social and cultural opportunities for residents.

Challenges still remain for Council around how we will plan for future growth, while managing the NSW Government’s cap on the charges we can levy developers for new release areas. Without adequate levies, we will find it difficult to provide essential community infrastructure like parks, community facilities, playgrounds, open space, sports fields and drainage to support our new residents. Council will continue to explore ways to represent our residents on this important issue for our Shire.

11 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

The Hills Shire Community Strategic Direction seeks to articulate what the community would like to see happen to make this Shire the best it can be.

This direction expresses our community’s values; its targets reflect our priorities with the strategies and projects to describe how Council will find innovative ways to work towards achieving a better quality of life for those who live, work, visit and play in our beautiful Shire.

Hills 2026 has two important roles. First, it is a means for our community to track progress towards improved quality of life for people in the Shire with indicators acting

sTRATEgIC DIRECTION

as a point of reference to guide us towards the future we want. Secondly, it provides a framework for activities for Council, businesses and the entire Hills Shire community.

This is a living and dynamic strategy that will evolve to meet the needs of a changing community. It will determine what we are seeking to engage the efforts of not only The Hills Shire Council, but also regional bodies, State Government departments, businesses, clubs, associations, community groups and individuals in the Shire.

COMMUNITY vIsIONProactive leadership creating vibrant communities balancing urban growth protecting our environment and building a modern local economy.

REPORTINg ON OUR fUTUREThis annual report responds to Hills 2026 looking towards the future, this Shire’s first long term community strategic direction.

COMMUNITY vALUEs Our community’s aspirations for the Hills Shire local area are described by the following community values:

• Community Spirit• Accessibility• Sustainability• Leadership• Natural Beauty

HILLS 2026COMMUNITY

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

DELIVERYPROGRAM OPERATIONS

PROGRAM

Resourcing Strategy

Asset Management

Strategy

Workforce Strategy

Long Term Financial

Plan

Community Outcomes, Quality of Life indicators and Council Strategies

Council Actions, Performance Measures and Budget

• Innovation• Balance • Proactivity• Safety• Families

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 12

OUR COMMUNITY sTRATEgIC DIRECTION Is BUILT ON ThE fOLLOwINg ThEMEs:vIB

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• Council works together with the community• Council’s finances and assets are responsibly managed• Our community is transparently governed• Council is an employer of choice• I am a valued customer

PROACTIvE LEADERshIP

• There are places to play and be active• I can feel safe• I am connected to the community• There are services and facilities to suit my needs

vIBRANT COMMUNITIEs

• I can get where I need to go• Lifestyle options that reflect our natural beauty

BALANCED URBAN gROwTh

• Our Shire is green and pollution free• I can feel close to nature• Our natural resources are used wisely

PROTECTED ENvIRONMENT

• Our Shire attracts new businesses and visitors• I can work close to home

MODERN LOCAL ECONOMY

13 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

hIsTORY Of OUR shIRE

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 14

ThE BEgINNINg

This Shire was inhabited by the Darug Aborigines (also spelt Dharug, Daruk, Dharuk) until the early 1800s.

The first European visitors to the Hills area were members of an expedition led by Governor Philip from Parramatta in April 1791. The group was in search of a new area for settlement and farming to support what was then a struggling colony in Sydney.

The Castle Hill area had been selected as a Government Farm settlement for convicts. In 1794, William Joyce, a pardoned convict, was granted the first parcel of land in Baulkham Hills.

Others began to follow, stocking their land with cattle and sheep and clearing bushland to plant crops of wheat and maize. The Hills District began to thrive with more settlers moving to the area and establishing viable farms.

The Hills Shire area was proclaimed a Shire on 6 March 1906. A temporary Council was put in place before the first Council elections later that year. The temporary Council had their first meeting on 16 June 1906 at Matthew Pearce’s property on Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills.

On 8 December 1906 the first elected Council took office and Councillor Bruce Purser was elected as the first President of the Shire of Baulkham Hills.

Over the years, the Council Chamber has moved to cater for increases in population and the need for more services and infrastructure. Council moved to its present location on Showground Road, Castle Hill in 1982.

In 2006 The Hills Shire celebrated its centenary and has seen many changes in the past 100 years.

ThE hILLs shIRE TODAY

The Hills Shire is located in Sydney’s northern suburbs – about 30 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. The Shire is bounded by Hawkesbury Shire in the north, Hornsby Shire in the east, Parramatta City in the south and Blacktown City in the west.

The Hills Shire occupies an area of 380 square kilometres stretching from Oatlands in the south to Wisemans Ferry in the north. The Shire is centrally

located in Sydney’s North, adjacent to the M2 Hills and M7 Motorways and the proposed North West Metro Link and North West growth centre – a major growth area for the Sydney basin. Two thirds of the Shire is rural land some of which is used for farming and other agricultural industries.

The Hills Shire is predominantly residential with rural areas in the northern areas of the Shire, agriculture, national parks, as well as semi-rural and rural-residential living. The southern areas of the Shire feature well-established residential and commercial areas as well as new release areas of residential and employment development.

There are 23,000 businesses in the Shire. The world class Norwest Business Park has an estimated 17,000 employees working in different businesses in the park, including many who have their Australian Corporate Head Offices located within the Business Park.

The Hills Shire has increased significantly in population since the Second World War. Major periods of development include the 1950s and 1960s in suburbs such as North Rocks, Carlingford and Baulkham Hills. In the last twenty years, significant development has occurred in suburbs such as Glenhaven, Kellyville, Beaumont Hills and Rouse Hill. The primary housing market role that the Shire played over this period, was to provide affordable home owning opportunities for families and prospective families from areas to the south and east.

This role is expected to continue with additional areas of the Shire being identified for future urban development over the next twenty years. This growth is to be focussed in Kellyville and Box Hill as well as the remaining areas of Rouse Hill. In conjunction with new development areas in neighbouring Blacktown City, the Shire will therefore be catering for a significant amount of metropolitan Sydney’s demand for greenfield land.

Forecast Population in 2011 of 174,538 is expected to increase to reach 238,908 by 2026.

The 2006 Census reveals that 30% of The Hills Shire residents were born overseas, and 21.8% are from a non-English speaking background. Other than English, the languages most frequently spoken are Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, Korean and Italian.

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15 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

Quick facts

???

• Successfully negotiated BioBanking Agreements over Council owned land at Withers Road, Kellyville, Porters Road Kenthurst and Cadwells Road Kenthurst resulting in issue of the first registered BioBanking Statement in New South Wales.

• Subdivision design concept for Council owned land at Hill Road and Colburra Place, West Pennant Hills, completed to maximise protection of environmentally sensitive areas while still yielding a development opportunity for Council.

• Finalised purchase of former Castle Hill Fire Station to consolidate Brisbane Road Development site.

• Adoption of Infrastructure Backlog funding strategy.

• Liaising with IPART officials to determine the financial impact to this Council due to the State Government capping of Developer Contributions.

• Further streamlined accounts payable system through electronic delivery of orders and remittances to complement EFT direct transfer to bank accounts.

• Introduction of Learning and Development Calendar and Leadership Program.

• Upgrade of the data network to remote Council sites to support an integrated voice and data network to improve customer service.

• Successfully defended appeals, continued to prosecute land owners and contractors for illegal land filling, dog attacks and land clearing.

• Set up of new Contact Centre to facilitate improved Customer Service with one stop shop concept.

• Twitter celebrated 1000+ users and the Extension of Social media to Council Libraries and Youth Activities.

• Introduced Castle Hill Main Street Communication strategy.

• Hills, Hornsby and Hawkesbury Memorandum of Understanding.

ProACTive leAdershiP

AChIEvEMENTs

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11FuLL TIME STaFF 605 584 586

NUMBER OF RESIDENTS/RATE ASSESSMENTS

59,150 59,887 60,390

NuMbER oF CaLLS PRoCESSED 213,695 284,748 325,267

NUMBER OF VISITORS TO CouNCIL’S WEbSITE

652,693 659,788 754,266

Proactive leadership

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 16

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1. Developing the organisation as an efficient and effective business operation and implementing strategies for enhancing and measuring competitiveness of the organisation and delivery of all services.

2. Identifying potential development opportunities, from Council’s operational land holdings, to generate additional income to support the funding of major projects.

3. Managing the Council’s financial resources to ensure peak performance of Council’s financial operations and the organisation’s overall performance, and manage the strategic and business planning process and monitor Council’s performance against the plans.

4. Maintaining Council’s rating, revenue and expenditure for the purpose of ensuring the proper discharge of statutory and other accounting responsibilities.

5. Ensuring that the community has high quality roads, waterways, buildings, pathways, bridges and public reserves, through effective asset management where the condition of existing assets are maintained to the highest possible condition within the available funds.

6. Developing and implementing people management strategies which assist all groups to exceed their business outcomes as expressed in Council’s Strategic Plan.

7. Providing integrated technologies that will provide opportunities for efficiencies and improved customer services throughout Council’s operations.

8. Arranging and providing administrative and support for Council Meetings and managing the property leasing activities to generate a recurrent source of income.

9. Providing customer service to residents on all services across Council operations by providing front desk reception and service for Council’s Administration Centre.

10. Ensuring all activities carried out by Council are in accordance with legislation and represent Council in any Court matters.

11. Managing Council’s information resources and records management to provide timely and comprehensive information to meet operational business needs, accountability requirements and community expectations.

12. Ensuring the organisation can achieve its objectives and operate effectively in accordance with sound governance principles through implementation of an effective risk management strategy and providing an independent appraisal activity to both Council and Management.

13. Communicating the initiatives, decisions and activities to residents, the media and Council staff. To promote the role of the Hills Shire Council within the community and increase the awareness of Council’s activities.

2010/2011

whAT wE hAvE DONE IN ThIs YEAR

PRINCIPaL aCTIvITy

17 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

PROACTIvE LEADERshIP

A professional and proactive Council delivering sustainable services and facilities for The hills shire Council now and into the future.

COUNCIL wORks TOgEThER wITh ThE COMMUNITYWHaT WE SaID WE WILL DO PROGRESS

Enter into bilateral relations with our adjoining Council's to improve strategic direction, services and opportunities.

Complete. Entered into Memorandum of Understanding with Hawkesbury and Hornsby Councils

Advocate for needs and interests of the Shire in the State Federal election cycles.

Complete. Meetings held with known State candidates then elected Members for Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury.

COUNCIL’s fINANCEs AND AssETs ARE REsPONsIBLY MANAgED

WHaT WE SaID WE WILL DO PROGRESS

Pursue property development and invest in programs that will improve Council’s financial position.

Complete. All property development projects progressing as per Project Plans. BioBanking Agreements signed by DECCW and now on public register. Sale of surplus “credits” to development industry will generate source of income for ongoing maintenance and improvement of assets covered by BioBanking Agreement. Projects in progress are Withers Road development, Terminus Street, investigation of opportunities for Baulkham Hills Town Centre and preparation of Master Plan for the Hills Centre and Administration Centre site.

Fully implement the Strategic Asset Management module across all asset classes and use to predict future asset renewals and replacements and implement 10 Year construction program.

In Progress. Asset Management Strategy and Plans have been developed. Predictive modelling commenced to prepare infrastructure backlog data however 4 and 10 year capital works programs have been produced using visual inspection techniques and professional experience.

I AM A vALUED CUsTOMER

WHaT WE SaID WE WILL DO PROGRESS

Implement initiatives to enhance technology aspects of Customer Relationship management system.

Complete. Visits to other Councils to review technology and operations. Project plan for the Customer Services Project was developed in January 2010. A number of initiatives have been implemented and these include : a voicemail trial using native MS Exchange and the redesign of Council’s Wide Area Network to support integrated voice and data and orders placed with the appropriate carriers. “One View” of a customer including extracts of data from all related computer systems.

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 18

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• Impact of proposed North West Rail Link on Operations Centre in Carrington Rd, Castle Hill.

• Uncertainty of the Impact on Council Finances due to the Developer Contribution capping by the State Government.

• Increase in the age profile of both the existing workforce and volunteers and the challenges

this presents in attracting replacements in the medium and longer term.

• Maintaining and improving customer response times to service requests.

• Dealing with service authorities to minimise impact on the cost and delivery time for Capital Works Programs.

Challenges for Tomorrow

Quality of Life Indicators

COUNCIL WORKS TOGETHER WITH THE COMMUNITy 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Level of Communication & Access to Information

66.2 66.2 67.0

Q - Community Satisfaction - People Who Agree Opportunities To Have A Real Say on Important Issues

61.8 61.8 62.6

Q - Number of Participants in Council's Annual Community Survey

1,005.0 1,005.0 986.0

COUNCIL’S FINaNCES aND aSSETS aRE RESPONSIBLy MaNaGED

2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Financial Management Approach 64.2 64.2 64.4

Q - Community Satisfaction - Preparing for Future Changes in the Shire

62.8 62.8 62.0

OUR COMMUNITy IS TRaNSPaRENTLy GOvERNED 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction with Council Decision Making 60.4 60.4 61.4

Q - Community Satisfaction With Council's Professional Conduct

69.0 69.0 71.0

Q - Council's Rating On The Governance Health Check 85.0 86.0 89.0

Q - Percentage of Staff Trained in Code of Conduct 95.0 95.0 83.0

COUNCIL IS aN EMPLOyER OF CHOICE 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

B - Percentage of Staff Retained 90.2 91.3 88.9

B - Hours of Training per Employee 14.0 14.1 15.7

B- Percentage Staff Satisfaction 71.9 74.0 *

I aM a vaLUED CUSTOMER 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - % People Who Are Not Dissatisfied With Council Services Overall

91.0 91.0 94.0

*Not measured.

19 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

vibrant Communities

AChIEvEMENTs• Coordinated participation by 200

volunteers in National Tree Day resulting in the planting of approximately 5,700 trees and shrubs across four sites.

• Coordinated participation by 95 volunteers in ‘Trees for Mum’ day on Mother’s Day resulting in the planting of approximately 300 trees and shrubs at Bruce Purser Reserve.

• Completing the refurbishment of two buildings at Balcombe Heights to be used as Dementia Care and Aged Care facilities.

• The extension of sporting facilities at Murray Farm to meet the growing demands of the community.

• Restoration of the level of the Homestead at Bella Vista Farm completed.

• Improved the play facilities at the Bernie Mullane Sports Complex and Balcombe Heights Estate by constructing shade sails over the playground equipment.

• Introduced the use of recycled water tanks and improved irrigation of playing fields at Eric Mobbs and Tory Burn Reserves.

• Provided access for disabled people into the Baulkham Hills Pool with the introduction of a sling hoist and upgrade of the first aid facilities.

• Upgraded the amenities blocks at Eric Mobbs Reserve, North Rocks Park, Don Moore Reserve Coolong Reserve, Ellerman Park and South Maroota Reserve improving access.

• Completed renovations to 79 sports fields in preparation for 2011 Winter Season.

• Centralised graffiti removal activities for all Council infrastructure resulting in significant cost savings with no reduction in service levels.

• Conducted annual Australia Day Emergency Services Expo at the Balcombe Heights Estate.

• Opening of Wrights Road Community Centre.

• 83% utilization in Community Facilities Venues.

• Signature Events Program commenced with the very popular Shakespeare in the Park at Bella Vista Farm and the Sydney Country Music Festival held at the Showground in conjunction with Castle Hill Show.

• The Hills Shire Library Service was the winner in the Health and Ageing Category for the successful Festival of Active Living in the national awards conducted by Australian Library and Information Association.

• Australia Day 2011 was held at the Balcombe Heights Estate, Baulkham Hills for the second year where a crowd of approx 13,000 - 15,000 people enjoyed “Mental As Anything”, local performances and entertainment and a spectacular fireworks finale.

• Paws in the Park 2010 was also held at the Balcombe Heights Estate for the second time with increased participation where larger family crowds

Quick facts

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11NuMbER oF VoLuNTEERS 2,086 2,116 2,000

aREa oF PubLIC oPEN SPaCE MAINTAINED

1,304ha 1,302ha 1,305ha

NuMbER oF SERVICES To FRaIL agED aND DISabLED PEoPLE

279,808 213,549 223,199

LIbRaRY VISITS 1,193,363 1,205,599 1,163,745

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 20

enjoyed the ‘Halloween’ theme. The program included a demonstration by the Police sniffer dogs (bomb detection) and a visit from ‘Wags the Dog’ of Wiggles fame who assisting teaching young children in attendance how to safely approach a new/unknown dog.

• Orange Blossom Festival 2010 consisted of 39 separate events and community activities which showcased the Shire’s history, arts, environment, lifestyle and diversity.

• The Hills Building and Design Awards saw an 18% increase in entries and 79% increase in builders entering the Awards from 2009. Five new sponsors were signed for the 2010 awards, which made 15 sponsors in total.

• Cultural development support with community partners and schools through the Archibull exhibition

• Youth Communication Strategy – facebook and SMS information for young people.

• Enhanced operations of Council’s six tennis venues with the introduction of keyless entry at Annangrove and Kenthurst Parks, centralised tennis hot-line for bookings and a Membership data base for all casual and regular hirers.

• Introduction of an SMS Wet Weather line to complement existing systems.

• Major conference and event attractions included Moscow Circus, Indian Bridal Fair & Department of Fair Trading Conference.

• Council Long Day Care Centers maintained high quality accreditation.

• New shopping trip shuttle bus introduced for retirement villages in Hills district.

• Continued support to Frail Aged and Disabled People by providing a range of services.

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AChIEvEMENTs CONTINUED

whAT wE hAvE DONE IN ThIs YEAR

2010/2011

1. Maintaining Council’s parks to agreed standards as set out in asset management plans.

2. Maintaining community buildings to agreed standards as set out in asset management plans.

3. Delivering new parks, open space capital projects and new community buildings capital projects as set out in the Works Program.

4. Providing a Library Service across the Shire.5. Providing a cost effective Long Day Care service to children under

five years, in accordance with agreed standards at no cost to Council.

6. Facilitating community services across the Shire for the benefit of the community.

7. Providing and maintaining support for Emergency Services in order to respond effectively to any type of emergency.

8. Providing services to frail aged and people with a disability and their carers. Programs include Food Services, Community Transport, Home Modifications/Maintenance, Easy Care Gardening, Respite and Dementia Services, CALD Social Day Care, Working Carer Support.

PRINCIPaL aCTIvITy

21 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

I AM CONNECTED TO ThE COMMUNITYWHaT WE SaID WE WILL DO PROGRESS

Introduce signature events, program based around Arts, Culture, Sports and Music to promote the Hills District.

Complete. Sensoria (including Shakespeare in the Park), Sydney Country Music Festival and Outdoor Adventure Series launched as initial signature events. Shakespeare season was conducted with good attendances and a customer satisfaction of 87.5%. Sydney Country Music Festival held on 1 April with the opening night of Castle Hill Show. Main entertainers was Troy Cassar-Daley. The World Cliff Diving Championships on the Hawkesbury River brought an international focus on the Hills District and Dirt Fest brought competitions from the Greater Sydney area and interstate.

Implement a program to promote and enhance volunteering in the Shire.

Complete. Program prepared including Volunteer Networking strategies, Honorary Rangers Workshop, development of Project/Facility Plans with individual committees, and various “Thank you” functions and Expo at Castle Towers. Volunteer Manual prepared.

Pursue potential sponsors for a Visual Arts program and prize.

Complete. The opportunity to sponsor a Visual Arts Program and prize was highlighted to potential sponsors. Discussions have been held with representatives from Myer Castle Hill and Bendigo Bank regarding sponsorship opportunities. Visual Arts Exhibition planned for Sensoria Signature Event in November 2011.

ThERE ARE PLACEs TO PLAY AND BE ACTIvEWHaT WE SaID WE WILL DO PROGRESS

Implement the Castle Hill Showground Strategic Plan of Management.

Complete. Plan prepared including infrastructure needs and marketing has been developed and endorsed by Council.

Develop and implement the Bella Vista Farm Park Strategic Plan of Management.

Complete. Plan developed and a future Actions Paper has been prepared and endorsed by council.

Assist with the development of Main Street Plan of Management and associated community engagement.

Complete. Discussions have commenced with community groups and regular internal Task Group meetings scheduled.

Community Liaison Group now seeking community consultation with relevant traders and property owners.

Community information session being conducted. Christmas event advertised. Outdoor dining licence fees endorsed by Council. Outdoor event held. Additional community consultations. Nominations for committee advertised. Positions advertised. Community Committee selected with first meeting to be held end of May 2011.

Initial meeting held. Report to Council with various strategies to promote Main Street.

Develop a Library Facilities Plan for the future growth and sustainability of Libraries in The Hills.

Complete. A high level strategy for delivering library services has been developed and was adopted by Council. The strategy proposes a set of principles for assessing the points of presence and delivery mechanisms for Library services when new opportunities become available for the existing branch library locations. The Library Strategy also proposes that appropriate public consultation be undertaken when a firm proposal for change is identified for any of the Branch Libraries.

Active, safe and culturally rich people enjoying community life together.

vIBRANT COMMUNITIEs

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 22

Quality of Life IndicatorsTHERE aRE PLaCES TO PLay aND BE aCTIvE 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM

PRIOR yEaR 2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Playgrounds and Play Equipment 73.6 73.6 76.0

Q - Community Satisfaction - Community Centres and Halls 70.8 70.8 74.2

Q - Community Satisfaction - Ovals and Sporting Facilities 79.2 79.2 80.2

Q - Community Satisfaction - Public Toilets 54.2 54.2 57.4

Q - Community Satisfaction - Quality of Parks and Gardens 77.0 77.0 79.0

Q - % People Who Agree or Strongly Agree They Have Easy Access to Sporting Facilities

53.0 53.0 53.4

Q - % Population Aged Over 18 Who Participate In Physical Activity 79.0 79.0 78.7

I CaN FEEL SaFE aND HEaLTHy 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Emergency Services 80.8 80.8 83.8

Q - Community Satisfaction - Lighting of Public Areas 67.2 67.2 69.8

Q - % People Who Feel Safe in Public Places During the Day 90.7 90.7 91.6

Q - Number of Crimes Reported Per 100,000 People - Malicious Damage To Property

837.2 837.2 760.4

Q - Number of Driving Offences Per 100,000 People Exceeding Alcohol Limit 191.0 191.0 259.7

I aM CONNECTED TO THE COMMUNITy 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Council Provision of Community Events 70.8 70.8 73.0

Q - Community Satisfaction - Support for Volunteer Organisations 71.8 71.8 75.0

Q - % People Who Agree or Strongly Agree Their Neighbourhood Has a Friendly Atmosphere

85.1 85.1 83.2

Q - % People Who Agree or Strongly Agree They Have Easy Access to Community/Neighbourhood Facilities

43.4 43.4 44.7

Q - % People Who Agree or Strongly Agree They Have Easy Access to Entertainment/Cultural Facilities

40.2 40.2 35.5

Q - Contributions and Donations to Community Groups, Individuals and Organisations

90,342.7 81,408.7 76,551.0

Q - Per Capita Voluntary Participation 19.5 19.5 19.5

THERE aRE SERvICES aND FaCILITIES TO SUIT My NEEDS 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Services and Facilities for Older People 68.2 68.2 69.6

Q - Community Satisfaction - Youth Services and Facilities 64.4 64.4 66.0

Q - % People Who Agree or Strongly Agree They Have Easy Access to Health and Medical Services

68.2 68.2 67.6

Q - % People Who Agree or Strongly Agree They Have Easy Access to Schools 61.0 61.0 61.2

• Managing the impact of North West Railway line on precincts around stations.

• Managing a population of approximately 250,000 people by 2013.

• Meeting the expectations of over 2,000 volunteers while ensuring adherence to Legislative and safety requirements.

• Cost impacts of changes to child/staff ratios to be introduced under the National Reform Agenda for Long Day Care.

• Adapt and respond quickly to changing customer expectations and new technology based service delivery channels for customer service and the Library.

• Impact of an increasing ageing population.

Challenges for Tomorrow

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Quick facts

.

Balanced urban Growth

AChIEvEMENTs

• Bruce Purser Reserve Shared pedestrian/cycle path involving the construction of 650 metres of a 2.5m wide concrete shared pedestrian/cycle path from Bruce Purser Reserve to link with the existing pathway and bridge over Caddies Creek. This has provided an important pedestrian link for 3 schools and the Kellyville and Beaumont Hills communities to the Rouse Hill Regional Centre.

• Continued support to maintain and protect heritage items through the Heritage Assistance Fund.

• Gazettal of the Carlingford Precinct Local Environmental Plan and commencement of the Development Control Plan and Developer Contributions Plan ( Sec 94 ) to provide for 3,500 new dwellings.

• Preparation and adoption of Carlingford Public Domain Preparation and adoption of the Shire Wide Developer Contribution Plan( Sec 94 A).

• Preparation and adoption of the Brothel Development Control Plan and Outdoor Dining Development Control Plan.

• Providing a new land use planning framework to meet dwelling and employment targets and guide future decisions for the Shire.

• Swept the equivalent of more than 7,000km of local roads.

• Approved Development Applications with an estimated construction value of approximately $794 million.

• Application of The State Environmental Planning Policy regulating in the Growth Centres precinct of North Kellyville.

• Approval of development activity in the Balmoral Road release area. The development includes a number of seniors living developments, multi-unit housing and a significant number of single detached dwellings.

• 1445 inspection of Swimming Pools were carried out. Promotion of increased community awareness in pool safety by educating the public in protecting children around the pool.

• Comprehensive awareness campaign to determine the level of fire safety within our local Shopping Centres.

• Determined 121 Subdivision Development Applications resulting in approving 1,051 new residential dwelling lots. This is in comparison to 97 Subdivision Development Applications resulting in creating 483 residential lots in the previous financial year.

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11RoaD NETWoRk MaINTaINED (kMS) 931 934 938

FooTPaTHS MaINTaINED (kMS) 319 328 328

NuMbER oF DEVELoPMENT aPPLICaTIoNS PRoCESSED

1,822 1,959 2,025

NuMbER oF kILoMETRES SWEPT 1,911 1,918 2,542

% DEVELoPMENT aPPLICaTIoNS PROCESSED IN 40 DAYS

88.47 87.98 86.99

% SubDIVISIoN aPPLICaTIoNS PROCESSED IN 40 DAYS

62% 76% 61%

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 24

Balanced urban Growth

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• Issued 65 Subdivision Certificates (linen plans) for the creation of 329 new residential lots.

• Approved construction of $4.8 million worth of public infrastructure including 5.4km of new road and 4.2km of drainage in conjunction with development of privately owned land.

• Established a thorough pre-lodgement meeting and submission checking process to improve the accuracy and completeness of development applications at lodgement, in line with constantly evolving legislation aimed at improving assessment times.

• Established the Hills Certifiers website to interact with the local building

community with the ability to request a quote for certification services on-line.

• Approved the first on-line Complying Development application in NSW.

• Conducted 4,293 critical stage building inspections.

• Winning twenty major Court prosecutions for Landfill/ bushland clearance resulting in fines and costs being awarded.

• 98 dog attacks reported and investigated to ensure public safety.

• 25 dangerous dog declarations made.• 60 school safety patrols conducted

every week during peak hour traffic at the schools.

AChIEvEMENTs CONTINUED

whAT wE hAvE DONE IN ThIs YEAR

2010/2011

1. Providing long term planning strategies for the future of the Shire and preparing developer contributions plans that adequately provide services and facilities to support our growing population.

2. Providing safe and orderly vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic throughout the Shire.

3. Maintaining Council’s civil infrastructure including road footpath, bridges and traffic facilities to agreed standards as set ou in asset management plans.

4. Delivery new civil infrastructure capital projects including roads, footpaths, bridges and traffic facilities as set out in the Works Program.

5. Ensuring development activities in the Shire are in accordance with community needs and expectations, legislation, adopted planning instruments, development control plans and policies.

6. Protecting the amenity of the Shire and residents by encouraging, promoting and enforcing compliance with statutory requirement, legislation and Council’s policies.

7. Ensuring the subdivision of land is created in accordance with required standards, public safety, health and amenities so as to enhance the Garden Shire image.

PRINCIPaL aCTIvITy

25 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

An attractive built environment that reflects our garden image.

BALANCED URBAN gROwTh

I CAN gET whERE I NEED TO gO

WHaT WE SaID WE WILL DO PROGRESS

Construct Stage 1 works for Main street - Castle Hill Town Centre.

Complete. Construction of all works between Showground Road and Crane Rd/Castle St completed and road re-opened to traffic. Construction on the western side of Showground Road and Cecil Street, completed. Work commenced on the eastern side of Old Northern Rd and expected to be completed by September 2011.

Further submissions have been prepared for referral to the Minister for Transport regarding Stage 2 of the Main Street works for the Bus Interchange. This stage needs up to $7.5 million to complete. A decision on the timetable for work to commence is dependent on the construction methods to be used for the Castle Hill Railway Station. An announcement is expected in this regard by December 2011.

Pursue partnerships to improve Showground Road.

Complete. Council staff and the Mayor attending meetings between QIC, the RTA, and the Roads Minister to facilitate the discussions. We have also completed a benefit / cost analysis to highlight the economic implications of completing the project in the next 5 years. No further progress can be made by Council until a funding agreement has been reached.

Complete the design of Showground Road upgrade and advocate for its construction.

Complete. Council staff have completed the detailed concept plan for this section of Showground Rd. The RTA have now taken responsibility for completing the final engineering design work, including public utility relocations, private property adjustments, and traffic signal designs.

LIfEsTYLE OPTIONs ThAT REfLECT OUR NATURAL BEAUTYWHaT WE SaID WE WILL DO PROGRESS

Prepare new LEP in accordance with Department of Local Government requirements by 2010.

Complete. The draft LEP 2010 was exhibited between March and May 2011. Council has been briefed on the issues raised during the exhibition and a final document and report is being prepared. Proposed to lodge with the Department Of Planning early September 2011.

Undertake Precinct Planning for the future Box Hill release area.

In Progress. Planning for the Box Hill Release Areas is being carried out in partnership with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. The Department has delayed the finalisation of draft documentation to resolve issues around riparian corridors, provision of infrastructure and compatibility with Council’s draft LEP 2010.

Develop planning strategies for the changes around new rail stations.

Complete. Preliminary planning around the future station locations is subject to discussions with the North West Rail Link Project Team to link master planning to the future station entry/exit portals. The existing master planning for future zones and development controls will guide discussions on future land use adjacent to the station and in the station catchments. Discussions with the North West Rail Link Project Team also include potential station relocation and/or locations for additional stations.

Implement eDA system and integrate with MYPLAN and E View.

In Progress. Electronic Housing Code Project for lodgement and assessment of complying development is now being tested with select clients. Updating of flood related development controls is nearing completion.

Develop a plan for Balmoral Road Transit Centre

Complete. A Master Plan, draft LEP and draft DCP have been developed and forward to the Department of Planning & Infrastructure and the Department of Transport. Further planning for Balmoral Road Transit Centre is being discussed with the North West Rail Link Project Team to link master planning with the future stations entry/exit portals.

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 26

Quality of Life Indicators

I CaN GET WHERE I NEED TO GO 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Footpaths/Cycleways 65.2 65.2 66.0

Q - Community Satisfaction - People Satisfied with Condition of Residential Road Surfaces

65.2 65.2 64.4

Q - Community Satisfaction - Traffic and Parking Enforcement 65.0 65.0 63.0

Q - % Of Population Who Walk, Cycle Or Use Public Transport To Get To Work

11.1 11.1 11.1

Q - % People Who Agree or Strongly Agree They Have Easy Access to Work

33.0 33.0 32.5

Q - Length of Cycleways Constructed Per Year (metres) 241.0 250.0 1,400.0

Q - Total Commuters in Shire * 69,314 69,314 69,314* As per Census Data 2006, no current Census Data available yet.

LIFESTyLE OPTIONS THaT REFLECT OUR NaTURaL BEaUTy

2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Streetscape Appearance 72.0 72.0 73.6

Q - Community Satisfaction - Low Density Housing Development

68.8 68.8 70.2

Q - Community Satisfaction - Medium Density Housing Development

57.4 57.4 58.8

Q - Community Satisfaction - Range of Shopping Facilities 85.2 85.2 84.4

Q - Community Satisfaction Built Environment - Overall Zoning and Presentation of the Shire

74.6 74.6 74.2

Q - Community Satisfaction Heritage Buildings - Protection of Heritage Values & Buildings

72.2 72.2 74.0

Q - % People in the Shire Unemployed 3.2 3.2 3.2 Q - % People Who Agree or Strongly Agree They Have Easy Access to Local Shops

78.8 78.8 79.3

Q - % People Who Agree or Strongly Agree They Have Easy Access to Major Shopping Centres

72.7 72.7 71.6

Challenges for Tomorrow

• Improving our Transport links in the Shire.

• Meeting the demands for a diverse range of affordable housing and maintain the character of our existing villages & neighbourhoods.

• Responding to on-going reform of the NSW planning.

• Providing for sustainable dwelling and employment growth that balances the needs of the economy, community and environment.

• Community acceptance of higher density development.

• Council’s role in facilitating and developing affordable housing.

• Our involvement in NSW government in delivering North West Rail Link.

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Quick facts

*Much higher figure due to introduction of new waste service in 2007^ Increased usage due to additional facilities.

AChIEvEMENTs• In conjunction with other Councils and

land managers in northern Sydney, participated in a rabbit bio-control program.

• 18,319 tonnes of recyclables were collected, reprocessed and reproduced into new products. 19,141 tonnes of garden organic materials that were turned into mulch and soil conditioners for the agriculture and horticulture markets.

• Each household produced 11.75 kg of waste per week which equated to the collection of 37,375 tonnes of household rubbish. This is a reduction of 0.9 kg per household compared to 2009/2010.

• Almost 120 tonnes of electronic materials were recycled, predominantly large televisions owing to the implementation of digital TV.

• Over 5,647 mattresses were recycled or given to charities. These mattresses were redirected from the bulky waste service and saved over 3,700 cubic metres of landfill space.

• In addition to the annual Household Chemical CleanOut collection funded by the Office of Environment & Heritage, Council ran its own Cleanout event. 3,104 residents participated in the event and over 113 tonnes of hazardous materials were collected.

• The introduction of Council’s ‘Rethink Your Waste – The Hills Kitchen Rocks’ seminars have proved overwhelmingly successful. Over 600 residents

have attended the seminars held approximately every 6-8 weeks. Information on assists ways to eat healthy while keeping the costs low and the waste lower by introducing ideas on meal planning, purchasing choices, composting and worm farming.

• Education programs including Biodiversity, Schools Environment Days, Bushland Clearing, the Living Sustainably Workshop Series and Skin penetration workshop.

• Continued coordination of the Community Environment Centre, which includes Sustainable Home Demonstration Site and Waterwise Garden Demonstration Site.

• Installation of solar power systems, solar hot water and energy efficient lighting at various Council Facilities to reduce Council’s energy consumption.

• Energy and water auditing conducted on Council’s top 10 energy and water consuming sites.

• Installation of water tanks and sub-surface drainage at Eric Mobbs Reserve Fields 3 & 4 to reduce our water demand.

• Continuation of Council’s biodiversity mapping and conservation priority project.

• Continuation of the coordinated community rabbit baiting program, in addition to 7 training sessions delivered for the use of Pindone and 1080 baits.

Protected environment

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11SAVINGS GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSIoNS – WaSTE

7,219 9,616 9,965

NUMBER OF FOOD PREMISES INSPECTED

575 1,044 714

SToRMWaTER NETWoRk (kMS) 608 608 611

INCREASE IN ENERGY USE 3.88% -0.46% 6.83% ^

% REDuCTIoN IN kg gaRbagE PER HouSEHoLD

24.37* 5.02 7.05

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 28

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AChIEvEMENTs CONTINUED

• Continued Business Sustainability project with over 30 small to medium businesses being assisted by Council’s Project Officer to implement energy and water savings actions.

• Successful prosecutions for water pollution and public health breaches.

• Inspection and sampling program for the Shire’s Cooling towers.

• Council took part in an arbovirus study with Mosquito trapping used to identify potential health risks.

• Developments in skin penetration premises inspection forms.

• 88% more inspections as part of the On-site Sewage Management System monitoring program.

• 9.2% reduction in the number of Unsatisfactory Routine Food Premises Inspections.

• Completed Hunts Creek Reserve, emergency bank stability works.

• Completed Stage 2 Burnside Reserve, Oatlands, urban stream rehabilitation.

• Mapping and Condition Assessment for Council owned/managed rural waterways.

• Improving corporate knowledge of hydrologic level of service for constructed storm water systems.

WhAT We hAve done in This yeAr

2010/2011

1. Maintaining Council’s stormwater infrastructure to agreed standards as set out in Asset Management Plans.

2. Delivering new stormwater capital projects as set out in the Works Program.

3. Facilitating the protection of the Shire’s Biodiversity, responding to Climate Change and managing the public and environmental health of the Shire through the implementation of education encouragement and enforcement policies and actions.

4. Providing waste removal, recycling and garden waste service and creating awareness programs to reduce waste and increase resource recovery.

PRINCIPaL aCTIvITy

29 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

OUR shIRE Is gREEN AND POLLUTION fREEWHaT WE SaID WE WILL DO PROGRESS

Develop a Climate Change Mitigation action Plan.

Complete. The Hills Shire Council was selected by the LGSA to undertake a pilot of a methodology for creating Climate Change Mitigation Plans. The methodology involved forming a Steering Committee of senior staff and a Working Party made up of staff from a cross-section of the organisation to contribute to the development of THSC’s Climate Change Action Plan. The three facilitated workshops were completed and the information has been collected and incorporated into Council’s environmental projects programming.

Deliver business and industry education programs and communications to increase knowledge and capacity to integrate climate change mitigation and greenhouse reductions in their organisations.

Complete. The Business Sustainability Project Officer was successful in registering 43 to the program. Water & Energy audits, including water metering to identify usage was conducted and the businesses prepared action plans based on opportunities identified from audits.

The program has resulted in 49,000L / day of water saved for local businesses (saving local businesses approx $60,000 p.a) and a minimum of 163,598 kWh per year of Energy Saved (representing over 183 tonnes CO2 emissions)

This program will be repeated in the next financial year. Case studies have been completed and released to the media. Project final report drafted.

Review Council’s green Lease Strategy.

Complete. Research and case studies were conducted. Key staff have been consulted and Green Lease principles have been developed for implementation into future new lease arrangements.

OUR NATURAL REsOURCEs ARE UsED wIsELYWHaT WE SaID WE WILL DO PROGRESS

Identify potential for establishing alternative Waste Technologies Regional solutions.

Complete. Consultant engaged and findings presented to Councillors Workshop in August 2010 to seek clear outcome of where the Council will head in the future regarding disposal options. Waste & Recycling Task Group established comprising Councillors and Officers. The Consultant was given approval to contact Hawkesbury and Hornsby Councils in relation to consideration of a regional tender.

A report will be presented to Council in July 2011 seeking Council’s resolution to proceed with an EOI to look at long term local disposal solutions for the region.

Implement Water Savings action Plan

Complete. A 35,000 litre water tank was installed at Waves Aquatic Centre to supply water for cleaning of pool area and change rooms. Water efficient toilets and showers were installed at Castle Hill Showground, and water efficient shower heads were installed in the Administration Building. Sub-surface drainage was installed at Eric Mobbs Reserve and a 106,000 litre tank was installed at Fred Caterson field 4 to complete the sub-surface drainage system. Sub-metering was installed at Balcombe Heights Estate.

Undertake studies on mapping natural assets (urban, private and rural private).

Complete. Mapping of waterways in whole of Council area now complete. Information provided to GIS team for incorporation on Council-wide GIS and is now made available to all staff through E-View. This work was completed in-house, at a potential total saving of $100,000. Mapping and condition assessment of Council’s rural waterway assets completed.

Carry out urban overland flood study program.

Complete. Overland flowpaths and natural waterways mapped to assist with flood control lot assessment. In total 988 Flood Control Lot determinations and 201 flood information requests were completed.

Carry out feasibility studies on Muirfield Detention basin and embankment

Complete. Type 2 Five Yearly Surveillance Report and Dam Safety Emergency Plan submitted to NSW Dams Safety Committee, who have retained High C risk category, reducing possibility to take basin off line.

The natural character of our shire is preserved and protected.

PROTECTED ENvIRONMENT

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OUR NATURAL REsOURCEs ARE UsED wIsELY (continued)

What we said we will do: PROGRESS

Provide E-waste collection. Complete. Three E-Waste collections were provided in the 10/11 financial year. The events were hosted at the Hills Centre carpark which brought in 2,066 cars and almost 116 tonnes of e-waste was collected.

Provide mattress recycling. Complete. Council committed to the collection of a mattress recycling program for the Hills Shire in 10/11. 5,647 mattresses collected for recycling, reuse over the reporting period.

We also collect mattresses (four recycling) that have been illegally dumped across the Shire. These mattresses were previously going to landfill at a substantial cost to Council.

update Council’s office recycling programs.

Complete. Improved recycling of Council’s old computers, monitors, printers, scanners, mobile phones and battery recycling box to the depot for the collection of single use and rechargeable batteries.

Provide public place recycling. Complete. Public Place Recycling bins installed in our frequently used Parks.

I CAN fEEL CLOsE TO NATUREWHaT WE SaID WE WILL DO PROGRESS

Develop a biodiversity Conservation Strategy.

In Progress. Work continued on the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy including the purchase of statistical analysis software, remote sensing imagery, and field survey equipment. Ground-truthing work was carried out in locations across the Shire, with the data being incorporated into the vegetation communities classification and mapping. The flora and fauna presence database has been updated, including the purchase of data from other agencies. Work continues on completing the relevant datasets and formulating scientifically appropriate strategies to identify priority conservation areas across the Shire.

Carry out feasibility studies for alternative energy.

Complete. Council engaged a suitable consultant who undertook a detailed feasibility study into the opportunities for solar and wind at 90 Council facilities. The study identified 25 sites with high suitability for solar and 25 with medium suitability. It concluded that wind is not a feasible option within the Shire, given the lack of adequate wind. The findings of this study will be used to guide future renewable energy installations pending successful grant applications and/or funding allocations.

Prepare plan for Council buildings energy efficiency.

Complete. Lighting retrofits were carried out in sections of the Administration Building, Operations Centre, Hills Centre, Balcombe Heights Child Care Centre, Thomspon Hall, Castle Grand Community Centre and car park. Retrofits included changing to LED’s and T5’s. Solar systems were installed at Crestwood Community Centre (10kwh system), Thompson Hall (5kwh), Wrights Road (5kwh) and Balcombe Heights Child Care Centre (1.5kwh). Solar hot water systems were installed at the Eurambie, North Rocks and Balcombe Heights Child Care Centres.

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 31

PROTECTED ENvIRONMENT

Quality of Life IndicatorsOUR SHIRE IS GREEN aND POLLUTION FREE 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM

PRIOR yEaR 2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Air Quality 81.0 81.0 83.2

Q - Community Satisfaction - Management of Noise Pollution 74.6 74.6 75.0

Q - Community Satisfaction - Water Quality 81.0 81.0 82.6

Q - Greenhouse Gas Emissions Abated By Council 7,219.0 9,616.0 9,965.0

Q - % of Sessions That Air Pollution Index Is In the Hazardous Range

2.5 11.4 4.4

Q - % People Who Use Solar Power 7.2 7.2 17.1

Q - Number Of Air Pollution Complaints Received By Council Per Year

85.0 108.0 99.0

Q - Number Of Water Pollution Complaints Received By Council 129.0 53.0 58.0

I CaN FEEL CLOSE TO NaTURE 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Bushland Regeneration and Weed Control

71.6 71.6 72.8

Q - Community Satisfaction - Preservation of Permanent Open Space & Sensitive Environments

71.4 71.4 70.8

Q - Community Satisfaction - Preservation of Plants and Animals in their Natural Habitat

74.6 74.6 76.6

Q - % People Who Agree or Strongly Agree They Have Easy Access to Natural Areas

73.1 73.1 74.3

Q - Number Of Threatened Fauna Species In The Shire 38.0 38.0 42.0

Q - Number Of Threatened Flora Species In The Shire 22.0 22.0 22.0 Q - Percentage Variation in Vegetation Cover Across the Shire 3.0 3.0 3.0

OUR NaTURaL RESOURCES aRE USED WISELy 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Garden Organics Collection 75.8 75.8 75.3

Q - % People Who Compost Garden Waste 34.4 34.4 33.6

Q - % People Who Use Energy Saving Devices In Their Homes 88.5 88.5 91.9

Q - % People Who Use Recycled Water 31.7 31.7 31.3

Q - Total Potable Water Consumption For The Shire 14,662,993 15,434,148 15,856,341

Q - Tonnes of Domestic Waste Material Collected by Council Going to Landfill

41,690.0 42,561.0 42,686.0

Challenges for Tomorrow

• Finding alternative Waste Technologies to reduce the landfill dependance.

• Making waste recovery programs more accessible to the community as they are costly and require extensive promotion and marketing to be successful.

• Responding to the impacts of climate change.

• Reducing both Council’s and the Community’s energy and water consumption.

• Protecting our endangered species and vegetation communities.

• Increasing participation and prioritisation of environmental protection.

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 32

33 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

AChIEvEMENTs• More than 77 business development

workshops were offered with over 1800 participants attending.

• More than 250 business visits were conducted offering information and local data to businesses.

• Large business intelligence database maintained and made available via businesssydneyhills.com.au to local businesses.

• ”Supercharge Your Business” campaign launched to encourage local businesses to access free Council business and information and statistics.

• ”The Sydney Hills – a Compelling Opportunity” investment attraction campaign was targeted to Australian

and new Zealand CEOs of major companies. The Invest Sydney Hills Marketing Group was formed to promote the brand Sydney Hills and attract new businesses to the region.

• New regional website and tourism brochure developed in partnership with the Hills Hawkesbury and Regional Tourism Association (HHART) to more effectively promote the location as a tourism destination.

• Continued to collaborate with Business Magazine to promote Council activities and position the local region as a business location.

Modern local economy

Quick facts

* Data not available yet.

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11ToTaL LabouR FoRCE 96,676 100,480 101,231

ToTaL uNEMPLoYMENT 4.71% 6.01% 3.67%

buSINESSES REgISTERED (abNS) 1,707 1,779 1,718

buSINESSES DEREgISTERED (abNS) 1,532 1,339 1,447

ToTaL CoMPaNIES REgISTERED 30,249 30,689 30,960

gRoSS REgIoNaL PRoDuCT (EST) $6.424b $6.545b *

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 34

MO

DER

N L

OC

AL

ECO

NO

MY

WhAT We hAve done in This yeAr

2010/2011

1. Conducting ongoing strategic branding and marketing campaigns with an outcome that the Sydney Hills work and lifestyle attributes are strategically positioned in the minds of existing and potential residents and companies at a local, regional, metropolitan, state and national level.

2. Providing ongoing support of the local business community through building programs that increase the business competence and capacity of local companies to support the growth of local jobs and economic growth.

3. Supporting the local tourism industry to grow by working in partnership with The Hills, Hawkesbury and Riverlands Tourism to promote the area as a business events and leisure destination through various marketing activities and the visitor information centres.

PRINCIPaL aCTIvITy

Modern local economy

35 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

OUR shIRE ATTRACTs NEw BUsINEssEs AND vIsITORs

WHaT WE SaID WE WILL DO PROGRESS

Conduct ongoing investment attraction marketing campaigns including the Invest Sydney Hills website and associated lifestyle website - Live Sydney Hills.

Complete. We formed Invest Sydney Hills Marketing group. Marketing Strategy developed. Meeting held every 6 weeks. “Tell your Boss” campaign commenced with The Hills Shire Times. New investment attraction prospectus completed in November 2010 and was distributed to key stakeholders and the Invest Sydney marketing group. Direct Mail to over 3,000 key decision makers in Australia and New Zealand conducted.

Selectively support events and activities that are designed to promote the region.

Complete. Sydney Hills business and lifestyle portal launched. Sensoria marketing campaign collatoral promoted. Sydney Country Music Festival held 1 April 2011.

Meaningful business and job opportunities close to home.

MODERN LOCAL ECONOMY

Quality of Life Indicators

OUR SHIRE aTTRaCTS NEW BUSINESSES aND vISITORS

2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Town Centre and Village Atmosphere

74.6 74.6 72.8

Q - Business Entries - Employing Businesses 1,707 1,779 1,718

Q - Business Exits - Employing Businesses 1,532 1,339 1,447

I CaN WORK CLOSE TO HOME 2008/2009 2009/2010 TREND FROM PRIOR yEaR

2010/2011

Q - Community Satisfaction - Commercial Building Development 74.8 74.8 72.4

Q - Community Satisfaction With Generation of Local Employment Opportunities

68.2 68.2 64.8

Q - Number Of Small Businesses In The Shire (1 - 4 Employees) N/A 5,562 N/A *Q - Percentage of Population Living and Working in the Shire 45.8 45.8 45.8 Q - Proportion of Population with Bachelor or Higher Degree Qualifications

24.1 24.1 24.1

*Data not available yet.

Challenges for Tomorrow

• Retaining and attracting business investment to provide a range of jobs.

• Providing opportunities for people at all stages of life.

• Utilising our geographic position within the Sydney metropolitan region to secure national and international business investment.

THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011 36

37 THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL COMMUNITY REPORT 2010 - 2011

www.thehills.nsw.gov.au

ThE hILLs shIRE COUNCILANNUAL REPORT 2010 - 2011Email: [email protected]: (02) 9843 0555The Hills Shire Council PO Box 75 Castle Hill NSW 1765www.thehills.nsw.gov.au