Berri Barmera Council Annual Report

2006 – 2007

C O N T E N T S MAYOR’S REPORT: … … … … … … … … … 1 TRIBUTE TO MAYOR MARGARET EVANS: … … … … … … 2 - 3 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT: … … … … … … 4 - 5 EXECUTIVE SERVICES: … … … … … … … … 6 - 56 Governance Compliance Financial Management Economic Development Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare / Risk Management CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY: … … … … … … … 57 - 88 Corporate Services Community Services

Projects - Capital

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: … … … … … … … 89 - 97

Operations - General

Projects - Operational

- Capital INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES: … … … … … … … 98 - 104

Operations - General

Projects - Operational

- Capital FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2006 – 2007: … … … … 105 - 145 REGIONAL SUBSIDIARY REPORTS: … … … … … … … 146 - 192

Murray and Mallee Local Government Association Provincial Cities Association

MAYOR’S REPORT It is with great pleasure that I present my first Mayoral Annual Report of the Berri Barmera Council for 2006/07, albeit only a part of due to Council Elections taking place in November. After an outstanding thirty-one years in Local Government, twenty seven of those as Mayor, Margaret Evans OAM decided it was her time to retire and did not seek re-election. On behalf of Council, Margaret, we wish you a happy retirement and thank-you from the community that you served for so long. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Councillors Sondra McGinlay and Baldev Dhaliwal who did not seek re-election and also to Councillors Josie Nelsson and Kevin Dunstone who were unsuccessful; for the contributions made by them to the community during their terms of office. My congratulations go to Councillors Rhonda Centofanti, Barry Fletcher, Bill Kanakaris, Les Hill and Bruce Casey on being re-elected for another term; and to also welcome new Councillors Geoff Higgs, Vicki Beech, Bruce Richardson, Trevor Chapple and Jim Rolfe to Local Government. It’s gratifying to see our Elected Members coming from a diverse range of industries and businesses. There is no doubt that the year has been one of the most difficult times that I have seen for our communities in many years. I can assure you that it will be one that I will always remember. Who would have believed that just twelve months ago we would have been in the situation we are now in? Unfortunately we are; and it’s at these times when we all need to work together, reach out to one another and stay positive. On a brighter note however our Council has remained positive and will continue in our endeavour of “Building a Better Community”. During the year we have seen one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by Council with the realization and signing of an agreement between the Berri Barmera Council, United Utilities Australia and the BRL Hardy Wine Company in a Waste Water Re-Use venture. This project will not only see a saving of some several hundred megalitres of water not taken from the River Murray, but will also see a guaranteed supply of waste water being used on both the Barmera and Berri Golf Courses, the Riverland Field Days Site and Council’s parks and gardens. Other notable projects and events to take place over the year included the sale of land as part of the third stage of the Anderson Street Housing Development in Barmera, the Amalgamation of the Berriview Lawn Tennis and Berri Netball Clubs, the Barmera Stormwater Drainage Upgrade, Opening of the Barmera Skate & BMX Park, the Bruno Bay Boat-Ramp and Landing Development in Cobdogla and the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1956 Flood. Although I have only touched on a small amount of Council achievements and activities this past year, I would sincerely recommend and endorse that the Annual Report be read in its entirety. In conclusion, I would like to pass on my sincere appreciation to my fellow Elected Members, CEO Stephen Rufus, Executive Officers, Staff and all Volunteers for their continued dedication they have shown in serving the Berri Barmera Council area during 2006/07. PETER R. HUNT MAYOR

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TRIBUTE TO MAYOR MARGARET EVANS, OAM SERVING HER COMMUNITY FROM 1975 - 2006

The November 2006 Council Elections saw the end of an era for former Mayor Margaret Evans OAM. Margaret’s first introduction to Council was as an Elected Member of the District Council of Berri in 1975, followed by her election as Mayor of the district in 1979. From that time forward Margaret served her community in an exemplary manner that has earned her the reputation of being one of Local Government’s most admired and respected personalities. Celebrations in her honour were held with an “open house” event drawing people from the local community as well as dignitaries from throughout Australia travelling to Berri to honour her service to Local Government. A final formal Dinner hosted by the Council, included the presence of The Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency

Marjorie Jackson-Nelsson AC CVO MBE as well as Federal and State Politicians and personnel representing the SA Local Government fraternity. Messages of congratulations acknowledging her achievements were received from the Prime Minister, the Australian Local Government Association, the Australian Women’s Local Government Association and numerous other Departments. At the time of her retirement, Margaret was the longest serving lady Mayor in Australia. In acknowledging her outstanding achievements, the Berri Barmera Council named the Council Chamber the “Margaret Evans Chamber”. A leather bound book was presented to Margaret that depicted Margaret’s life in Local Government. The Foreword contained in the book written by the Chief Executive Officer of the Berri Barmera Council, Mr Stephen Rufus is typical of the admiration of her peers, and is quoted below: Margaret McLean Evans, OAM is an inspiration to any person wishing or just thinking of pursuing the role of Councillor and/or Mayor of their respective local Council. From a humble background to serve the Berri and Barmera communities over a period of 27 years as Mayor and 31 years in total as an Elected Member is simply an outstanding achievement. To the local community she is simply "Margaret", who is the popular Mayor of the Council, but to the Local Government community Margaret is seen and held in high esteem as a figure that symbolises commitment, passion and leadership. Recently Margaret was described as "the Queen Mother of Local Government" by one of her peers, a statement that without question demonstrates her contribution and summarises the respect of the industry and the Local Government family

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Though after 31 years Margaret has chosen to call it a day, Margaret will be long remembered and respected by all people who had the pleasure of meeting and working with her. The longest serving lady Mayor in the history of Local Government in Australia is in itself an honour and a mark of the popularity and social standing Margaret holds in the Community. To conclude, I speak for those before me by saying it has been a pleasure to work with someone so passionate about her Community and Region, and who has the gift and ability to articulate that passion so gracefully. Margaret Evans, serving Local Government from 1975 to 2006 - that says it all. What an effort. What an achievement. What a lady!

In her last term as Mayor, Margaret represented Council on the following Committees: COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: (2005 - 2006)

Cemetery Advisory Committee (Ex officio) Riverfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee (Ex officio) District Bushfire Prevention Committee (Ex officio) Riverland Community Transport Scheme (Ex officio)

COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 41: Ex Officio: Lake Bonney Redevelopment Advisory Committee Berri Barmera Waste Water Re-Use Project Com. Corporate Service Committee Community Service Committee Works & Technical Services Committee Governance Committee Environment and Inspectorial Service Committee Economic Development Committee Planning Policy Committee

REPRESENTATIVE AND DELEGATE ON EXTERNAL COMMITTEES: (2005 - 2006) Local Government Association Riverland Development Corporation Murray and Mallee Local Government Association Tri-State Local Government Association Provincial Cities Association Riverland Local Government Forum Development Assessment Panel

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT The Annual Report for the 2006 / 2007 year is provided not just to satisfy legislative requirements but more as an information document. The Annual Report provides the community and other stakeholders with information on the activities of the council over the year and in particular how these projects will impact on the community in the future and drive towards Council’s vision of “building a better community”. With significant changes occurring within the Local Government industry, both from a legislative perspective and self-management, which is mainly being driven by the Financial Sustainability Enquiry into Local Government in South Australia, Councils are beginning to review their practices and are becoming more business-like in their approach. The Berri Barmera Council, with the adoption if its new Strategic Plan, is forging a new direction in managing its activities, providing services to the community and the control of community assets. This direction is based on more of a business-like approach, but balancing this approach to ensure that the community is still provided with the basic services and facilities to meet its’ need and create that community atmosphere. The concern I have is that as Councils proceed down the path of financial sustainability, that the balance of Council’s decisions will be weighted more in favour of economic rationalism instead of the basic principles of providing services and facilities to the community. It must be remembered that Council does have a responsibility to manage its environment and with the strategic approach being adopted by Council, there was a considerable commitment to ensuring that all projects are balanced between economic, social and environmental considerations. The 2006 / 2007 year has seen a number of wonderful community partnerships being formed by Council for the upgrade of facilities being both sporting and general recreational facilities, along with the provision of key infrastructure and services that go beyond the normal activities of Council. One project that has been a pleasure to be involved with is the provision of a vehicle for the transportation of patients, primarily needing transport to Adelaide for cancer treatment. The provision of the “Cancer Bus” operating under the Riverland Community Transport Scheme in co-operation with the Cancer Council of SA is a service that unfortunately is needed. The service is proving to be a valuable asset to the community and one that is receiving considerable financial support by community organisations through fund-raising, sponsorship from key businesses and support from both the Loxton Waikerie and Renmark Paringa Councils. With legislative compliance still being a major issue and one that needs to be considered in balance by Council, the restructure of the organisation and continued reviews of resources availability, is being undertaken to ensure Council continues to meet its basic legislative compliance requirements. It is proving to be a continued burden, particularly on smaller Councils, who have limited resources but are required to meet the same legislative compliance as the larger Councils within metropolitan Adelaide. The restructure of Council’s Organisation will see the ability to meet the basic legislative requirements while ensuring the community is provided with key infrastructure and services to meet its’ needs and again, achieve Council’s Strategic Vision and Corporate Objectives. The balance of legislative compliance and the provision of services and infrastructure will mean that Council in the future, will need to make hard decisions while preparing long-term Financial and Asset Management Plans. These decisions need to be made in balance to ensure long-term sustainability not just financially, but socially and environmentally. The partnership arrangements in which Council is participating and negotiating with both large corporate entities such as United Utilities for the provision of the Waste Water Re-Use Scheme, and smaller organisations that have seen the upgrade of community facilities, is proving to be a sustainable and alternative approach for Council to meet its long-term vision and objectives. These partnership arrangements are seeing the provision of infrastructure and facilities that would normally have been beyond the capacity of Council in its individual state and also smaller community organisations. The partnership arrangement that Council has negotiated with United Utilities is proving to be a blue-print to be utilised by other Councils within the State wanting to achieve the same results with re-use of waste water. The Project in itself is also providing significant spin-offs in

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economic development and sustainability for existing industrial operations such as the Hardy’s Winery at Glossop. These spin-offs will see Council participate and negotiate future partnership arrangements again for substantial economic development and growth primarily within the industrial area as the project itself provides key infrastructure to support the disposal and re-use of waste water. It is considered to be ground breaking to participate in such arrangements within local government, and it is a project that both Council and the Community need to embrace and promote within the wider community as a showcase for upgrading of key infrastructure. With the Council Elections held in late 2006, I must pay tribute to those Councillors (Cr Josie Nelsson, Cr Sondra McGinlay, Cr Baldev Dhaliwal and Cr Kevin Dunstone) who both retired and who were defeated during the election process. The service that Elected Members provide to the Community is invaluable in providing leadership and decision making that inevitably have a future impact. It is at times a thankless job and one that is taken on passionately by those who wish to hold such public office, and the efforts of those past Councillors I wish to acknowledge and thank. In particular, I wish to pay tribute to the past Mayor of the Berri Barmera Council, Mayor Margaret Evans. Her service to Local Government over 31 years with 27 years as Mayor is nothing short of extraordinary and one that has seen considerable change and achievements over that time. Margaret was a person who represented the Community and its’ people and could articulate a message to whoever it might be, from the Prime Minister or Premier of South Australia right down to the people in the street. Her ability to represent the Community and be passionate about, not just the Council but the Riverland Region, has provided proven results during her time as Mayor. The tribute that was provided and the number of people who attended the various functions to honour Margaret’s service to both the Community and Local Government, was a humbling experience for both Council and Margaret herself. The legacy that Margaret has left both Local Government and the Council will be remembered for a long time in the future. Looking towards the future, the existing Council will be reviewing and developing long-term Financial and Asset Management Plans and ensuring services provided to the Community are sustainable, efficient and effective in meeting the community needs. The Berri Barmera Council, though placed in a region that is beginning to experience an economic downturn because of the drought situation, is investing considerable time and effort into planning for the future. The planning will ensure the community is provided with long-term leadership, facilities and services that continue to meet the community needs and will ensure that the Riverland community as a whole continued to enjoy a quality of life equal to, or if not better, than our metropolitan cousins. The vision of the Council in building a better community is a vision that the Council is promoting and one that is beginning to be embraced particularly by Community Organisations, as partnerships are being explored and entered into to ensure that everyone works together for the betterment of our community and the region’s sustainability. In closing, I wish to thank the staff of the Council during the year particularly in the processes of organisational restructures and changes to how the organisation operates, as at times these processes can be and are, very disruptive. To the Senior Managers and in particular the Executive Assistant, Elaine Braunack, I wish to thank for their assistance in implementing Council’s decisions and formulating Council’s Strategic direction. The operations of any organisation of which Council is no exception, is based on its effectiveness for the Senior Executive Team to move forward and provide sound advice so that the Council can make informed decisions in driving its strategic direction and vision. STEPHEN RUFUS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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EXECUTIVE SERVICES

J. Rolfe, Cr BBack: L-R: Cr B. Richardson, Cr T Chapple, Cr. G Higgs, Cr L. Hill, Cr.

Casey Front: L-R: Cr V Kanakaris, Cr R. Centofanti (Deputy Mayor) , Mayor P. H

Mr S. Rufus, Chief Executive Officer

GOVERNANCE

. Fletcher, Cr. B

unt, Cr V. Beech and

:

Senior Executive H

Strategic Plan Inte ration

Annual Business Plan Implementation Strategic Plan Review

Community Consultation

Council Profile General Information Corporate Structure

Organisational Structure Regional Involvement - MMLG A / Provincial Cities

Officers – Register of Salaries uman Resource Management – OHS / Equal Employment Opportunity

Decision Making Structure of Council Council / Committee Meetings

g with Annual Business Plans

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COMPLIANCE:

Registers, Codes, Policies and Procedures

Competitive Tendering / Cost Effective Delivery of Service Delegations of Powe

Grievance Pro Council and Committee Meetings / Matters Considered in Confidence

Freedom of Information Statement National Competition Policy

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Members Allowances Elector Representation Review

r

cedures

: Barmera / Anderson Street Subdivision

Lake Bonney Youth Camp Land

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Financial Statements for the year 2006 / 2007

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GOVERNANCE: The Executive Services Department is headed by the Chief Executive Officer.

Chief Executive Officer

Mr Stephen Rufus

The Executive Services Department is responsible for the following functions of Council:

Elected Members Strategic Plan Political Relations Public Relations Policies and Procedures Accountability Legislative Compliance Council / Committee Meetings By Law Administration Human Resource Management

To effectively implement the management and operations of the Department the following Staffing Structure applies:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Manager Special Projects

Executive Assistant Chief Finance Officer

Human Resource / Risk Manager

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

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COUNCIL PROFILE: COUNCIL MEMBERS – NOVEMBER 2006 - 2010

Mayor Peter Hunt PO Box 367 BERRI SA 5343 Phone: 8582 2212

Standing Committees of Council: Executive Services Committee Corporate and Community Services Committee Infrastructure Services Committee Environmental Services Committee Specific Purposes Committees of Council: Berri Riverfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee Lake Bonney Redevelopment Advisory Committee Waste Water Re-Use Project Committee Other: Berri Barmera Development Assessment Panel (Chair) Murray Mallee Local Government Association TriState Local Government Association Provincial Cities Association LGA of SA Riverland Development Corporation Riverland Local Government Forum

Cr Rhonda Centofanti (Deputy Mayor) PO Box 182 WINKIE SA 5343 Phone: 8583 7216

Standing Committees of Council: Presiding Member - Executive Services Committee Corporate and Community Services Committee Environmental Services Committee Specific Purposes Committees of Council: Berri Riverfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee Cemetery Advisory Committee Other: Murray Mallee Local Government Association TriState Local Government Association Provincial Cities Association LGA of SA Berri Barmera Development Assessment Panel Upper Murray Garden Of Memory (Cemetery) Committee Riverland Local Government Forum

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Cr. Bill Kanakaris 74 Nookamka Terrace BARMERA SA 5345 Phone: 8588 1558

Standing Committees of Council: Presiding Member - Corporate and Community Services Committee Executive Services Committee Specific Purposes Committees of Council: Lake Bonney Redevelopment Advisory Committee Cemetery Advisory Committee Other: Berri Barmera Development Assessment Panel

Standing Committees of Council: Infrastructure Services Committee Specific Purposes Committees of Council: Other: Riverland Youth Theatre Berri Barmera Development Assessment Panel

r Bruce Casey O Box 3 ERRI SA 5343

Phone: 8582 1543

CPB

Cr Bruce Richardson

RRI SA 5343

mmunity Services Committee ve Services Committee

Other: Regional Steering Committee - Riverland Recreation & Sports Project 2007-2010

artnership Proposal Box 509

EBPhone: 8583 2187

Standing Committees of Council: Corporate and CoExecuti Specific Purposes Committees of Council: Audit Committee

P

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Cr Barry Fletcher PO Box 546 BARMERA SA 5345 Phone: 8588 2861

e Services Committee

Purposes Committees of Council:

ther: armera District War Memorial Community Centre iverland Community Road Safety Group Inc.

Standing Committees of Council: Presiding Member - Infrastructur SpecificLake Bonney Redevelopment Advisory Committee Cemetery Advisory Committee

OBR

Cr Geoff Higgs

3

Infrastructure Services Committee Specific Purposes Committees of Council: Waste Water Re-Use Project Committee

ther: one Gum & Monash Community Association inc.

PO Box 31 534BERRI SA

Phone: 8582 2608

Standing Committees of Council:

OL

Cr Jim Rolfe PO Box 170 BARMERA SA 5345 Phone: 8588 1204

g Committees of Council:

pecific Purposes Committees of Council: ry Committee

StandinInfrastructure Services Committee Environmental Services Committee SLake Bonney Redevelopment AdvisoWaste Water Re-Use Project Committee Other: Cobdogla Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee

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Cr Les Hill Unit 26 Cottage Hom

cGilton Road es

ERRI SA 5343 Phone: 8582 1531

Standing Committees of Council: Presiding Member - Environmental Services Committee Specific Purposes Committees of Council:

erri Riverfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee aste Water Re-Use Project Committee udit Committee

Management Scheme (CWMS) MB

BWA Other:

aterMMLGA Regional Community Wurray Darling Association M

Cr Trevor Chapple PO Box 567 BERRI SA 5343 Phone: 8583 2057

Standing Committees of Council:

xecutive Services Committee E Specific Purposes Committees of Council: Berri Traders Association

urray Darling Association M

Cr Vicki Beech 11 Rosenthal Drive BERRI SA 5343 Phone: 8582 1293

Standing Committees of Council: Corporate and Community Services Committee Environmental Services Committee Specific Purposes Committees of Council: Berri Riverfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee Waste Water Re-Use Project Committee Other: Berri Barmera Development Assessment Panel

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FORMER ELECTED MEMBERS (PRIOR TO 2006 ELECTIONS) Prior to the November 2006 Elections, Crs Josephine Nelsson, Sondra Noonan, Baldev Dhaliwal and Kevin Dustone had all completed various terms of office as Councillors of the Berri Barmera district. Their Term of Office and Committee Membership from July to November 2006 is listed below: CR JOSEPHINE NELSSON May 1993 – November 2006

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: (2005 - 2006) Riverfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee Riverland Food & Wine Festival Committee COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 41: Lake Bonney Redevelopment Advisory Committee Corporate Services Committee Governance Committee Economic Development Committee REPRESENTATIVE AND DELEGATE ON EXTERNAL COMMITTEES: (2005 - 2006) Local Government Association Riverland Development Corporation (Proxy) Riverland Animal & Plant Control Board Berri War Memorial Community Centre Murray and Mallee Local Government Association Tri-State Local Government Association Monash and Lone Gum Community Association Riverland Local Government Forum Berri and District Traders Association

CR SONDRA McGINLAY May 1997 – November 2006

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: (2005 - 2006) Riverfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee Riverland Food & Wine Festival Committee COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 41: Community Services Committee Economic Development Committee REPRESENTATIVE AND DELEGATE ON EXTERNAL COMMITTEES: (2005 - 2006) Glossop High School

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CR BALDEV DHALIWAL May 2003 – November 2006

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: (2005 - 2006) Cemetery Advisory Committee Riverland Community Transport Scheme COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 41: Community Services Committee Works & Technical Services Committee Environment & Inspectorial Services Committee Planning Policy Committee REPRESENTATIVE AND DELEGATE ON EXTERNAL COMMITTEES: (2005 - 2006) Murray Darling Association (Region 5) Riverland Community Transport Advisory Committee (June/August) Development Assessment Panel

CR KEVIN DUNSTONE May 2003 – November 2006

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: (2005 - 2006) COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SECTION 41: Lake Bonney Redevelopment Advisory Committee Works & Technical Services Committee Environment & Inspectorial Services Committee Berri Barmera Waste Water Re-Use Committee - (Chairman) REPRESENTATIVE AND DELEGATE ON EXTERNAL COMMITTEES: (2005 - 2006) Riverland Animal & Plant Control Board (Proxy) Barmera War Memorial Community Centre

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COUNCIL GENERAL INFORMATION: COUNCIL AREA The Berri Barmera Council area incorporates the Berri, Barmera, Cobdogla, Loveday, Monash, Glossop, Winkie and Overland Corner districts. There are no Wards, with all ten elected members (and the Mayor) representing the interests of the entire community and district.

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CORPORATE STRUCTURE: During the 2006 -2007 financial year Council implemented a new Corporate and Functional Structure to reflect areas of responsibility within Council’s various Departments/Functions. The changes are reflected in the following structure:

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To compliment the Corporate and Functional Structure further, four main Committees have been appointed to enhance decision making and accountability of the Department/Functional areas. The Committees are: • Executive Services • Corporate and Community Services • Infrastructure Services • Environmental Services Additional information on the roles and functions of the Council is included in the “Decision Making Structure of the Council” section of the report. The Council also has a number of Standing and Specific Purpose Committees. They include: Standing Committees of Council: - Executive Services Committee - Corporate and Community Services Committee - Environmental Services Committee - Infrastructure Services Committee Specific Purposes Committees: - Cemetery Advisory Committee - Audit Committee - Berri Riverfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee - Lake Bonney Redevelopment Advisory Committee - Waste Water Re Use Committee Other: - Berri Barmera Council Building Fire Safety Committee - Berri Barmera Bushfire Prevention Committee - Riverland Community Transport Scheme - Berri Barmera Development Assessment Panel

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ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE: The following Organisational Structure was adopted by Council to integrate with Council’s Corporate Structure.

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REGIONAL INVOLVEMENT: Murray and Mallee Local Government Association Council is a member of the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association which is a Regional Subsidiary established pursuant to the Schedule 2, Schedule 28 of the Local Government Act, 1999. The membership of the Association includes the following Councils: • Berri Barmera Council • Coorong District Council • District Council of Karoonda East Murray • District Council of Loxton Waikerie • Mid Murray Council • The Rural City of Murray Bridge • Renmark Paringa Council, and • Southern Mallee District Council A requirement of Schedule 2 (Section 28) is that the Annual Report of the Regional Subsidiary should form part of this Council's Annual Report. The Annual Report of the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association is included in this report at pages 146 – 186. Provincial Cities Association The Berri Barmera Council is also a member of the Provincial Cities Association, with membership shared on a one-third basis with the Loxton Waikerie and Renmark Paringa Councils to form the Riverland Membership. The Association is constituted as a Regional Subsidiary pursuant to Sch. 2 Section 28 the Local Government Act 1999. The Membership of the Association includes: • City of Port Augusta • City of Mount Gambier • City of Port Lincoln • City of Whyalla • City of Victor Harbor • Port Pirie Regional Council • Rural City of Murray Bridge • The Riverland The Annual Report and Financial Statement prepared by the Provincial Cities Association is included in this report at Pages 187 – 192. Riverland Local Government Association The Berri Barmera Council, along with the Loxton Waikerie and Renmark Paringa Councils form the Riverland Local Government Forum. Though the Forum is not constituted under the Local Government Act, the Forum does provide an opportunity for the Riverland Councils to meet and discuss issues affecting the Region.

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SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS: Register Of Salaries:

TITLE OF POSITION CLASSIFICATION NO. OF EMP.

OTHER BENEFITS OR PACKAGES PROVIDED ETC.

Chief Executive Officer

ASU Award Senior Officer Level 6 Inc. 2

1

3/2 yr. package Agreement. Novated Lease Allowance $20,000 Civic Allowance $4,000 Telephone allowance $3,500 No payment for overtime etc. Annual salary increase 2.5% or CPI - whichever is higher as per contract.

Manager Corporate & Community Services

ASU Award Senior Officer Level 3 Inc. 1 Includes E.B. 6 Continued

1

Novated Lease Allowance $12,000 Civic Allowance $2,000 Telephone Allowance $3,000 No payment of overtime etc.

Manager Infrastructure Services

ASU Award Senior Officer Level 2 Inc. 3 Includes E.B. 6 Continued

1

Full private use of motor vehicle Telephone Rental

Manager Environmental Services

ASU Award Senior Officer Level 2 Inc. 3 Includes E.B. 6 Continued

1

Novated Lease Allowance $17,000 All telephone rental & calls incl. Mobile (excl. o/seas calls) Municipal allowance $2,000 pa 5 yr Contract to 1/1/2010

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HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – OHS / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Human Resources, people management, within Council is continually evolving with a strong focus of shift from Human Resource Management (HRM) to Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM). SHRM places more emphasis on the formulation of HR plans and strategies within the context of councils overall strategies and objectives. HR Plans and strategies are currently being developed on a long-term basis, taking into account likely changes in the society, industrial relations systems, economic conditions, legislation, technology and the new directions of council. Key areas of focus in the HR Plan and Strategy are; - recruiting and retaining skilled employees - increasing customer satisfaction - sustainability - managing change and corporate culture Staffing Profile For the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007 council employed 89 staff. Council develops and supports a flexible workforce and management structure committed to the continued improvement and success of the Berri Barmera Council. With a variety of worksites with varying needs, a flexible workforce enables Council to provide and deliver a high level of service to our community and visitors to our region. Training Council currently undertakes a training and skills improvement programme which is aimed to increase individual expertise of employees with a view to improve excellence within the Council through the provision of defined career paths for employees. Training needs analysis primarily occurs through a staff development review process, through the evolution and expansion of positions, and as part of legislative compliance. Funds are allocated to training in the annual budget and are managed by departments.

HR Initiatives Employee Assistance Programme Council engages within its management the need to focus on a holistic work life balance, assisting in creating greater vitality and enthusiasm in the pursuit of both personal and working endeavours. Increasing life demands have, for many created difficulties in remaining focused on work requirements, contributing to higher levels of reported stress and workplace issues such as absenteeism. Council is currently investigating the introduction of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Available through the EAP will be a variety of services for employees initially with the implementation of a provision for counselling. Emotional Intelligence Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a tool increasingly used to assist organizations with people management strategies in recruiting and selection, performance assessment and professional development. Components of EI are; - Self awareness - Social awareness - Self management - Relationship management EI is an innovative concept that Council believes has a number of benefits and therefore have recommended the use of an EI tool to further assist with the HR Plan and Strategy. Employment Opportunities Council is currently exploring the introduction of a Career Development Programme (CDP). The CDP would see the introduction of positions allocated to a rotational appointment of trainees within the various departments in Council. This is an opportunity for Council to further actively participate in the growth of the community by providing training opportunities to begin or further enhance career paths within the region.

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In an innovative approach in regards to the skills shortage faced by Council’s in South Australia with recruitment and retention of skilled workers, Local Government Association (LGA) developed and launched the promotional strategy ‘Shape Your World’ to create public awareness about careers in Local Government. Some roles within Local Government that can ‘Shape Your World’ are; - Environmental Services: Town Planning, Building Assessment, Food Safety, Waste Management - Engineering and Technical Services: Infrastructure and Property Management, Parks and Gardens, Roads and Traffic, Stores, Automotive and Metal Fabrication Trades - Human Services: Library Services, Tourism, Youth Services, Recreation and Sport - Corporate Services: Customer Service, Finance, Records Management, General Inspection A career in Local Government is a chance to make a real difference to world you live in.

To view a full list of career opportunities within local government and to view current vacancies visit www.shapeyourworld.com.au Injury And Rehabiliation Management The Local Government Association (LGA), which operates for and on behalf of Council is part of a registered group of exempt employers to conduct and manage a Local Government Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Scheme. The LGA established the Local Government Association Workers Compensation Scheme (LGAWCS) to provide a scheme for self insurance and provides Council with competitive rates and delivers unique programmes to assist Council, being the; Healthy Lifestyle Programme which provides a detailed health assessment to participating staff members; and the access to the services of a Regional Risk Coordinator RRC) to assist Council in the management and delivery of safety and risk to meet Performance Standards Effective and efficient injury management is crucial to the rehabilitation of an injured employee. Council assists the employee to return to work and achieve the best practicable level of physical and mental recovery through our Injury and Rehabilitation Management (IRM) Procedure. Further to Councils IRM Procedures, the LGAWCS provides Injury and Rehabilitation Management by; - Pro Active Claims Management - In House Rehabilitation - Training and Education - Professional advice and Business Planning in OHSW and IRM Risk Management Council endeavours through planning, implementation and completion stages to minimize risk of the potential losses against employees, assets, liabilities and the community. Council’s civil liabilities are protected by the Local Government Association Mutual Liability Scheme (LGAMLS), a self managed fund in agreement between LGA and CPA. The LGAMLS conducts an annual review of all Local Governments into the areas of; - Risk / Emergency Management / Professional Indemnity

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Committee and Non Employment Management - Contract Management - Legislative Requirements – Land - Asset Management Programs and Systems – Land - Land Use (Lease / License / Permit Activities) - Road Management Programs and Systems Occupational Health, Safety And Welfare (OHSW) Council aims to minimise the risk of injury and ill health to its employees by adopting a planned and systematic approach to the management of OHSW and developing strategies for its successful implementation. Council will achieve its OHSW aim by developing and implementing appropriate policies and procedures which document standards and guide managers and employees in performing their responsibilities. OHSW Management Plan The objectives of the OHSW Management Plan is to ensure that the Performance Standards for Self Insurers are met and for facilitating continuous improvement of the OHSW System. When appropriate, responsibilities, key performance indicators and time frames have been included to assess against the targets as determined by the OHSW Committee. The OHSW Management Plan and OHSW System addresses strategies on issues such as; - Training - Safety culture - Performance Measurement - Equating safety to sustainability OHSW Committee The current structure of the OHSW Committee consists of three employers and four employees, with at least one member representing each worksite. The OHSW Committee is governed by the constitution and rules as developed and endorsed by the committee, and by various legislation. The prime objective of the OHSW committee is to continually monitor and review the OHSW Management Plan and OHSW System by addressing areas of non compliance, to either rectify the issue or improve performance. Health and Safety Representatives Two designated workgroups, being Infrastructure Services and Corporate Services have been identified and a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) has been appointed for each workgroup by their relevant peers. The HSR’s have been appointed in accordance with the provisions under the OHSW Act.

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DECISION MAKING STRUCTURE OF COUNCIL: The Council has adopted the following decision making structure to facilitate sound governance and to ensure that decision making processes are carried out in the most efficient manner. The structure of Council and its major committees are as follows which integrates with Council’s Corporate Structure.

COUNCIL

Development Assessment Panel

Corporate and Community Services Committee

Infrastructure Services Committee

Executive Services Committee

Environmental Services Committee

• DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT PANEL

The Development Act 1993 and the Development Regulations 1993 provide for the Council to be responsible for the management of most development within its area.

The Council, pursuant to Section 56A of the Development Act 1993, has established a Development Assessment Panel to assist it to exercise or perform its functions in relation to development assessment matters in accordance with the delegations that the Council has conferred upon it. Membership • Mr P. Hunt (Chairperson)

• Mrs R. Centofanti • Mrs V Beech • Mr V. (Bill) Kanakaris • Mr B Casey • Mr S. Rufus - Non Voting / Advisory Capacity • Mr S. Kubasiewicz - Non Voting / Advisory Capacity The following Committees have been formed pursuant to Section 41 of the Local Government Act 1999. Information is provided on the purpose of the Committee, with information on the Committee’s roles etc. contained in the Terms of Reference. • CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE The purpose of the Committee is to oversee the Management of the Corporate and Community Services Department of the Council in conjunction with the Manager, via the development, monitoring, review and implementation of Department Management Plans, Strategic Direction, Budgets, Annual Business Plans, Service Standards, Policies and Procedures, to ensure integration with Council’s overall strategic direction. The areas of responsibility of the Committee are in accordance with the Department functions as per the Functional Structure of the Council and detailed as follows:- Policies and Procedures, Legislative Compliance, Council / Committee Meetings, By-law Administration, Rates & Property, Insurance, Tourism, Cemeteries Administration, Open Space Administration, Debtors / Creditors, Payroll,

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Information Technology, Records Management, Library, Community Transport, Youth, Emergency Services, Culture & Heritage, Community / Social Development, Sport & Recreation Administration, Aged Persons, Medical & Health Services, Council Properties Administration, Customer Service, Council Support / Administration, Contracts, Leases, Licences and Permits.

Membership

Voting Members: • Presiding Member • Mayor (ex-Officio) • Three (3) Elected Members Non-Voting Members • Manager of Corporate and Community Services • Chief Executive Officer

• INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES COMMITTEE The purpose of the Committee is to oversee the Management of the Infrastructure Services Department of the Council in conjunction with the Manager, via the development, monitoring, review and implementation of Department Management Plans, Strategic Direction, Budgets, Annual Business Plans, Service Standards, Policies and Procedures, to ensure integration with Councils overall strategic direction. The areas of responsibility of the Committee are in accordance with the Department functions as per the Functional Structure of the Council and detailed as follows:- Road Construction / Maintenance, Parks & Gardens Development / Maintenance, Depot Maintenance, Plant & Machinery, Street Cleaning, Street Lighting, Cemeteries Development / Maintenance, Public Conveniences, Property Maintenance, Vandalism, Quarries, Boat Ramps, Sport & Recreation Maintenance, Private Works, Waste Management.

Membership

Voting Members • Presiding Member • Mayor (ex-Officio) • Three (3) Elected Members Non-Voting Members • Manager Infrastructure Services • Chief Executive Officer

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• EXECUTIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE The purpose of the Committee is to manage and provide direction to Council on matters of Governance and the Executive Services Function of the Council in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer. The roles and functions of the Committee shall be undertaken via the development, monitoring, implementing and review of Management Plans, Strategic Plans, Budgets, Annual Business Plans, Service Standards, Policies and Procedures, while ensuring continual integration with Council’s overall strategic direction. The areas of responsibility of the Committee are in accordance with the Functional Structure of the Council and detailed as follows:- Governance, Human Resources, Policy Development, Accountability, Community Participation and Consultation, Economic Development, Financial Management, Strategic Planning, Political and Public Relations, Elected Members, Grants Commission, Business Development, Risk Management and OHS&W.

Membership

Voting Members • Presiding Member • Mayor (ex-Officio) • Three (3) Elected Members Non-Voting Members • Chief Executive Officer • Executive Assistant • Chief Finance Officer • Human Resource Manager

• ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES COMMITTEE The purpose of the Committee is to oversee the Management of the Environmental Services Department of the Council in conjunction with the Manager, via the development, monitoring, review and implementation of Department Management Plans, Strategic Direction, Budgets, Annual Business Plans, Service Standards and Policies and Procedures, to ensure integration with Councils overall strategic direction.

The areas of responsibility of the Committee are in accordance with the Department functions as per the Functional Structure of the Council and detailed as follows:- Planning & Building Assessment, Development Planning/Policy, Environmental Health, Dog and Cat Management, Parking Control, Bushfire Prevention, Livestock Control, Riverfront/Foreshore, Waste Management (Planning), Animal & Plant Control, General Inspections, Effluent Drainage - Management, Planning & Maintenance, By-Law Enforcement, Property Management/Maintenance, Open Space Planning, Plan Amendment Report Review/Process, Natural Resources and Environmental Management, Waste Water Re-use.

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Membership Voting Members

• Presiding Member • Mayor (ex-Officio) • Three (3) Elected Members Non-Voting Members • Manager of Environmental Services • Chief Executive Officer

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COUNCIL / COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Council meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month commencing at 6.00 p.m. These meetings are maintained in a public forum with the exception of items that Council considers for reasons pursuant to Section 90 of the Local Government Act, need to be discussed in confidence. However, though meetings are held in a public forum, members of the public attending are not permitted to speak, though individuals are provided with an opportunity to make representation and address Council on specific issues that are raised. In addition, the Council maintains a wide distribution of its Council and committee agendas to the local community through different outlets e.g. the Berri Library and Information Centre and the Barmera Library and Customer Service Centre, and provides copies to the local media to ensure that coverage of Council issues are disseminated to the wider community. In addition, the Council and committee agendas are also placed on public display within the Council office at least three days prior to the Council and committee meetings in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999. In addition to the above mentioned Committees, the Council also has formed a number of other committees that normally incorporate either full Council representation or a mixture of Council and community representation and perform various tasks or manage Council facilities. These committees include the following:

• Cemetery Advisory Committee • Berri Riverfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee • Lake Bonney Redevelopment Advisory Committee • Waste Water Re Use Committee • Audit Committee

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STRATEGIC PLAN The Council adopted a new Strategic Plan 2006-2016 in July of 2006 which adopts a new method and approach towards Strategic Planning for the Council, which is based on the principles of the Balanced Scorecard Approach. The Balanced Scorecard Approach to Strategic Planning integrates with key drivers or perspectives and the quadruple bottom line. This approach provides the basis for measuring the implementation of Corporate Objectives developed for the Council via all projects and business activities. The Corporate Objectives developed integrate with 8 principles, being Governance and Finance, Social and Community, Environment and Heritage, Economic Development, Customer Satisfaction, Internal Processes, Infrastructure and Learning and Growth. The development of the Strategic Plan incorporates greater integration of Council’s Corporate Objectives and the achievement of the Vision and mission of the Council with all Council reporting, annual reports and assessment of future projects. The purpose of the Strategic Plan is to provide greater accountability on Council’s Vision for the future and is supported by a Strategic Planning framework that will see the development of a vision and management plan along with operational plans and implementation strategies. The Strategic Plan 2006-2016 establishes the following Vision and Mission for the Council: VISION: Building a better community The Vision of the council is underpinned by the basic principle that everything the council does affects the quality of life of the community and therefore everything that is done in the future must enhance the quality of life, thus “Building a Better Community”. MISSION: Enhance the quality of life, the natural character and economic potential of our district through sustainable management, service delivery and development opportunities. The mission underpins the vision and also addresses the quadruple bottom line as follows: Social:- quality of life Environment:- natural character Economic:- economic potential and sustainable development opportunities, which also leads into our

planning framework Governance:- sustainable management and service delivery The Plan also recognises and adopts a number of definitions as to the approach to financial sustainability, business activities and community service obligations.

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FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY: A council’s long-term financial management performance and position is sustainable where planned long-term service and infrastructure levels and standards are met without unplanned increases in rates or disruptive cuts to services. BUSINESS ACTIVITIES: To be efficient, effective and sustainable in our approach to all responsibilities, services and activities, while continuing to measure, question, review and develop methodologies and partnerships to ensure our approach utilises best practice methods and up to date technologies and equipment. COMMUNITY SERVICE OBLIGATION: Community Service Obligations (CSO’s) are those services provided by council at a subsidised cost by legislative requirement or agreement in order to meet social, equity, governance or environmental goals associated with the council’s delivery of services. Further, the Plan establishes the Governance and Management framework to be sustained by the Council along with the Functional and Organisational Structure that integrates with Council’s key department areas. The Plan also refers to the Organisational Culture of the Council that has been developed around the primary principle of Employer of First Choice and creates an environment that forms a basis for sustainability and encourages innovation. The culture is based on the following set of guiding principles: (1) Worthwhile work (2) Taking control of achieving goals (3) Encouraging each other (4) Be involved and innovative In closing, the Strategic Plan integrates a number of Council’s Objectives with those of both the State Strategic Plan and the State Infrastructure Plan. This is an important component of the Strategic Plan to ensure that Council’s direction is aligned with that of the State and maximises future opportunities for the obtaining of Grant Funding for specific projects to implement Council’s vision and direction. In conclusion, the Strategic Plan is a critical document in ensuring that Council’s and the Communities vision for the future is both shared and implemented. The Strategic Plan is designed to keep the whole organisation focussed on the big issues and the wider vision, which enables the day to day issues to be managed in an environment based on the principles of accountability and freedom while maintaining the focus. “You’ve got to think about big things while doing small things, so that all the small things go in the right direction” – Alvin Toffler The Council, through a strategic approach, encourages everyone within its community and all stakeholders to be involved and “come along for the ride” in achieving our ling-term sustainability and above all, our vision Building a Better Community.

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ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN IMPLEMENTATION The Annual Business Plan, which is prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1999, provides details as to the projects and activities of the Council for the year and how these projects and activities integrate with the Measures and Corporate Objectives contained in the Strategic Plan. The projects that were contained specifically within the Annual Business Plan are listed below, which also advises as to the status of the projects as at 30th June 2007. The status refers to whether the project was completed, deferred for future completion or carried forward for inclusion within the 2007 / 2008 year. It is noted from the table below that there are a number of projects that have been carried forward to the 2007 / 2008 year, primarily due to the fact that either the projects are very large and planning stages are still proceeding or in fact, the project was being undertaken but had not been finalised by the reporting date. Overall, the assessment of the performance of the Council for the year is satisfactory as a majority of the projects committed to by Council were completed during the year and within their financial constraints.

CORPORATE SERVICES STATUS Sundry Computer Software (upgrade, etc) Completed Mapping Software - Supply and installation of MAPINFO program Year 1 Completed Asset Management Software - Supply and installation Stage 1 towards establishment of Conquest Solutions Data Base in future years

Completed

Information Technology – Plant and Equipment Completed Records Storage Facilities - towards Legislative Compliance Deferred Council Office – Land and Buildings Alterations and Upgrades Completed COMMUNITY SERVICES Senior Citizens Complex – upgrade of air conditioning Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Barmera Library - Furniture and Fittings - Plant and Equipment

Completed

Berri Library- Plant and Equipment, IT - Furniture and Fittings

Completed

Berri Swimming Pool - Additions/ Upgrades (Plant and Structures)

Completed

Demolition – Buildings at Berri Bowling Club Completed WORKS AND TECHNICAL SERVICES Supply & Installation of Furniture within the Berri and Barmera Cemeteries Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Installation of Plaques and Memorial Crosses Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Demolition of Barmera Oval Toilets Completed

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Regional Waste Management Studies Completed Lake Bonney Foreshore Future Planning Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Replacement of Oleander Trees in council area Completed Continue improvement of School Safe Routes Completed Design and Development Works Pascoe Terrace Barmera Deferred Stormwater Drainage Study – Berri Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Investigation of Stormwater Drainage – Glossop Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Traffic Management works for Denny Street Car park Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Implementation of Road Construction Works Program Completed Scott Avenue Stage 3 Upgrade Completed McKay Road – Realignment Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Plant Operations Completed Construction of Gopher routes Berri, Barmera and Cobdogla (R2R)

Completed Barmera Carried Forward 2007/2008

Public Conveniences – Monash Adventure Park Disabled Toilet Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Public Conveniences – Capital Upgrade, Vaughan Tce Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Upgrade of Bruno Bay Boat Ramp Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Lake Bonney Foreshore Development Works Completed Replacement Program of Playground Equipment Completed Berri Court House Car Park Construction Completed Replacement of Berri Works Depot Security Fence Completed Verran Terrace – Kerb and Verge Construction Completed Foot Avenue kerbing and verge sealing works Completed ENVIRONMENTAL AND INSPECTORIAL SERVICES Riverland Tourism Association, Tourism Plan Amendment Report. Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Berri West Residential Infrastructure study Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Berri Eastern Approach - Urban Design and Infrastructure study. Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Major Council Buildings Assessment Completed Re-use scheme irrigation trial Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Land procurement investigations Completed Land Procurement investigations Completed Section 48 Prudential Report Completed Preparation of Funding Submission Completed Finalise Commercial Arrangements with 3rd Party water users Completed GOVERNANCE Strategic Management Plan Completed Financial Management Plan and Asset Management Plan Carried Forward 2007 / 2008 Preparation of Management Plans Completed Functional and Organisational Restructure Completed ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT District Entrance Signage Strategy Carried Forward 2007 / 2008

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STRATEGIC PLANNING FRAMEWORK The following Strategic Planning framework ensures integration of Council’s Strategic Direction with the day to day operations of the Council.

MANAGEMENT PLANS

STRATEGIC PLAN

FUTURE DIRECTION PLAN

COMMUNITY SERVICE OBLIGATIONS - STANDARDS

OPERATIONAL/DEPARTMENT PLANS

ANNUAL BUSINESS PLANS – ANNUAL BUDGET

IMPLEMENTATION, REPORTING, MEASURING AND REVIEW PLAN

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SCORECARDS / MEASURES: To implement the balance scorecard approach in strategic planning, the following scorecard areas provide the basis to council’s corporate objectives and which also provide the basis for performance measurement. The scorecards and corporate objectives also reach across the department boundaries of the council, with the departments being:

• Executive Services • Governance and Corporate Services • Community and Economic Services • Environmental and Inspectorial Services • Works and Technical Services

The eight scorecards areas are listed below with an explanatory statement. Social and Community: How our decisions contribute to and affect the community’s quality of life through

effective management of community facilities and how we manage social and community consultation, participation and inclusion.

Environment and Heritage: How we manage and preserve the natural character, environment and heritage. Economic Development: How we manage and encourage development opportunities while ensuring

sustainable development principles are implemented. Governance and Finance: How we manage the governance and financial affairs of the council to ensure

accountability, sustainability, compliance and transparency. Infrastructure: How we manage our infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable access to

services, facilities and property to meet community needs. Learning and Growth: How we manage training, learning, personal development and innovation to

encourage organisational growth. Customer Satisfaction: How we manage customer satisfaction in relation to service delivery,

communication and public relations. Internal Processes: How we manage and review internal processes to ensure efficient, effective and

sustainable service delivery methods through the use of up to date technology and procedures.

The above scorecards are integrated with the corporate objectives that further reach across all department areas and which provide a basis for all Management Plans, Policies, Procedures, Operational Plans, Annual Business Plans, Annual Budgets, and importantly how we measure and report our performance.

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CORPORATE OBJECTIVES: To build on the eight scorecards, the following are corporate objectives that integrate with the scorecards and drive the vision and mission of the council. The objectives will form the basis of everything the council does from management to day-to-day operations. SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY: SC1 Encourage community participation and active inclusion in council decisions and activities SC2 Enhance lifestyle, quality of life and social development SC3 Ensure effective management of community facilities to meet community needs that includes rationalisation, accessibility and fit for purpose SC4 Encourage youth to be involved in council decision making processes and future planning for youth facilities and activities via the YACU Committee ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE: EH1 Encourage the efficient and effective management and use of energy, water and other natural resources in the community and council operations through district wide strategies and council policies EH2 Implement strategies and establish facilities and services that ensure effective waste management, recycling and minimisation practices that align with Regional and State Strategies and principles EH3 Ensure development principles are established and implemented to enhance the preservation of our environment and heritage to achieve ecologically sustainable development EH4 Implement strategies and practices for the reuse of waste including water, green waste and other reusable waste streams ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: ED1 Encourage, facilitate and secure private and public funding and investment in the establishment of infrastructure to support development opportunities ED2 Encourage and facilitate economic and sustainable development by promoting opportunities and securing alliances or partnerships with the private and public sector and Regional Development Corporation ED3 To be involved and assist with the promotion and development of tourism activities within the district and region, via the Visitor Information Centre and sponsorship of major events and icons, and which involves integration with local businesses and tourism operators GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL: GF1 Ensure transparent, accountable, compliant and sustainable governance through open measurement and performance reporting against established criteria GF2 Ensure long term financial management through the development of key management goals, principles, measures, ratios and performance indicators that integrate with long term asset management planning, community service obligations, service delivery and core business activities GF3 Implement training and development programs for Elected Members, Executive and Management employees to ensure best practice governance and financial principles are implemented and adhered to GF4 Ensure the continued development and implementation of OHS&W policies, programs, actions and training to provide for a safe working environment GF5 Ensure the continued development and implementation of Risk Management Plans, programs and actions to mitigate against risks in the community

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INFRASTRUCTURE: IN1 Establish and implement long term infrastructure maintenance, replacement, rehabilitation and development principles, priority criteria and programs to meet community needs and expansion IN2 Develop strategies that integrate with economic development objectives that assist with supporting the development of new and existing opportunities IN3 Explore and secure funding opportunities that assist with the development and replacement of infrastructure and implementation of developed programs and forward plans IN4 Ensure that infrastructure programs and forward plans integrate with and adhere to developed Financial Management principles LEARNING AND GROWTH: LG1 Maintain and enhance a positive culture that is based on the “Employer of First Choice” principle that contributes to achieving organisational growth LG2 Maintain and enhance employees’ skills, knowledge, personal development and work satisfaction LG3 Maintain and enhanced information management and flow, while encouraging innovation CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: CS1 Maintain and enhance presence, open communication, civic leadership, advocacy and involve stakeholders to achieve sound public relations CS2 Ensure efficient and effective service delivery and customer service to meet community needs that integrates with the community service obligations INTERNAL PROCESSES: IP1 Develop and implement community service obligations and service standards for council services to ensure effective, efficient and sustainable delivery methods IP2 Develop and implement a services review program to ensure that up to date technology and procedures are utilised, and that integrates with employee training and development programs IP3 Improve productivity, processes and increase infrastructure and resource capacity

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COMMUNITY CONSULTATION: Council continues to review and implement innovative approaches to consulting with its’ Community and in particular, engaging the community to assist in decisions that are made for the future as part of its’ Strategic Management Planning framework. The consultation method utilised by Council include both in written form, i.e. documentation that is forwarded to the Community, and in a more personal face-to-face form at either arranged Forums or Council’s initiative of “Council on the Couch”. The various forms of Community Consultation are continually used to consult with the community on the preparation of its’ Budget and Annual Business Plan, review of Strategic Plan, development of Key Management Plans under the Strategic Planning framework, and various Policies that either require consultation under the Local Government Act 1999 or are consulted on due to their impact on the community. The most widely used consultation format is “Council on the Couch” which is operated within the Riverland Plaza, that provides an opportunity for key Senior Staff and Elected Members to speak freely with the community on any particular issues of concern or strategic matters of consultation that is being undertaken at that point in time. The “Council on the Couch” concept is also operated once a year at the Riverland Field Days which is proving a growing success with the accessibility of the Council to the community. In addition to the above, Council continues to produce a Newsletter that informs the community of some of the more intricate operations and details of Council and to continue to provide general information on matters of importance particularly at certain times of the year regarding matters such as dog control, bushfire prevention etc. In summary, the Council makes a concerted effort to continue to consult and engage its’ community and is continuing to broaden the consultation processes. This also includes involvement of more community people on Committees of Council that are dealing with specific issues where persons in the community have particular interests. This assists in ensuring that the community is also involved in making decisions particularly on key projects or the management / maintenance of key infrastructure such as cemeteries.

“Council on the Couch” Public Consultation conducted at the Riverland Plaza

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COMPLIANCE: REGISTERS, CODES, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: (REQUIRED TO BE KEPT UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT AND/OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS ACT 1999) REGISTERS: The Common Seal Register (Sec. 38) Register of Interests - Members (Section 64) Register of Allowances and Benefits (Section 79) Delegations Register (Section 103) Register of Remuneration, Salaries and Benefits (Employees) (Section 105) Register of Interest (Staff) (Section 111-119) Register of Community Land (Section 207) Register of Public Roads (Section 231) Register of Approvals for Use of Community Land (Section 242) Register of By-laws Register of Gifts Register of Fees and Charges Freedom of Information Declarations by Elected Members LIST OF THE CODES OF CONDUCT / PRACTICE: (Note: These Codes etc. are available on Council’s Website) Access to Meetings - Code of Practice (Policy A10) Code of Conduct for Council Employees (Policy C17) Code of Conduct for Council Members (Policy C18) Confidentiality Provisions - Code of Practice (Policy C19.5) Consultation Policy (Policy C20) Contracting and Tendering Policy (Policy C22) Council Decisions Procedure - Review of (Policy C62) Order Making Policy (Policy O20) Rating Policy (Policy R22)

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COUNCIL POLICIES AND BYLAWS Policies are guidelines which Elected Members and Staff refer to when making decisions on certain issues. The Berri Barmera Council has developed a Policy Manual which is continually updated to reflect changes in circumstances or if a new issue arises. Council's Policies and Bylaws are divided into two groups - General Polices and Bylaws, and Staff Policies - details of which are listed hereunder: General Policies and Bylaws ABANDONED VEHICLES (Refer L.G. Act Sec. 748) ACCESS TO MEETINGS - Code of Practice A10 ACCOUNTING POLICIES A15 ADVERTISING ON FOOTPATHS A20 AGENDAS - COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETING A25 BADGE DAYS, & DOOR KNOCK APPEALS B10 BY-LAWS: No. 1 - PERMITS & PENALTIES B30 No. 2 - DOGS B35 No. 6 - COUNCIL LAND B55 BY-LAWS - PENALTIES B65 CEMETERIES C10 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER C11 CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES C15 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COUNCIL EMPLOYEES C17 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS C18 COMPETITION PRINCIPLES - Complaints Process C19 CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS - Code of Practice C19.5 CONSULTATION POLICY C20 CONTRACTING AND TENDERING POLICY C22 CONTRACTORS C25 CONTRACTS - CURRENT C30 COUNCIL COMMITTEES C60 COUNCIL DECISIONS PROCEDURE, REVIEW OF C62 COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES & DELEGATES C65 COUNCIL WORKS’ VEHICLES - Identification C75 COUNTRY FIRES ACT - BBQ Areas C80 COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE - Council Employees C90 COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE - Use of Council Plant C95 CROSSING PLACES C100 DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY - Council Officers D15 DEPUTY MAYOR D20 DOG CONTROL D25 DWELLINGS - Secondhand Transportable D50 ELECTED MEMBERS - Allowances & Support Policy E10 ELECTION SIGNS E20 ELECTIONS - CASUAL VACANCIES E30 FLAMMABLE UNDERGROWTH F20 FOOTPATH - Construction F25

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General Polices and ByLaws Cont’d. HOUSE NUMBERING H15 IMMUNISATIONS - Service Policy I12 IMMUNISATIONS - Standing Drug Orders I15 MEDIA STATEMENTS M10 NAMING OF ROADS N10 NOVATED LEASING OF MOTOR VEHICLES N20 OHS & W - Health & Safety Policy O10 OHS & W - Consultation Policy O15 ORDER MAKING POLICY O20 PERMIT PARKING POLICY P10 PLANT & MACHINERY - Emergency Use Of P20 PLANT & MACHINERY - Community Use Of P25 PURCHASING, HIRING & LEASE OF EQUIPMENT P35 PURCHASING - Local Preference P40 PURCHASING - Orders P45 RATE REBATE POLICY R21 RATING POLICY STATEMENT R22 REFUSE COLLECTION - Domestic 240 Litre Bins R31 RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY R43 ROADS - Installation of Pipes, etc. R45 ROADS - Sealing Properties R51 ROADSIDE TRADING POLICY R55 SPORT & RECREATION GRANTS S12 SPORTING GROUNDS - USE OF S15 STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE - Council Employees S25 STREET TREES S30 TRAINING - Council Members Training & Development T10 TREES - Rural Areas - Road Intersections T30 VOLUNTEER POLICY V10 WORKS CONTRACT W10 Staff Policies EMERGENCY PROCEDURES E25 EMPLOYEES - Accident Reporting & Investigation E30 EMPLOYEES - Alcohol & Drugs in the Workplace E35 EMPLOYEES - Annual Leave E40 EMPLOYEES - Asbestos Policy E45 EMPLOYEES - Breach of Health & Safety Rules E50 EMPLOYEES - Christmas Closure E55 EMPLOYEES - Confined Spaces E60 EMPLOYEES - Electrical Safety E65 EMPLOYEES - First Aid E70 EMPLOYEES - Hazard Control E75 EMPLOYEES - Inclement Weather E80 EMPLOYEES - Induction Procedures E85 EMPLOYEES - Interim Benefits E90 EMPLOYEES - Internal Rehabilitation E95

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Staff Policies – Continued EMPLOYEES - Isolated Work Location E100 EMPLOYEES - Long Service Leave E105 EMPLOYEES - Loss of Driver’s Licence E110 EMPLOYEES - Management of Workplace Substances E111 EMPLOYEES - Manual Handling E115 EMPLOYEES - Meetings & Seminars E120 EMPLOYEES - Mobile Phones & 2-Way Radios E121 EMPLOYEES - Needles/Sharps Injuries E125 EMPLOYEES - Pre-Employment Medical E135 EMPLOYEES - Salaries & Wages Advance E145 EMPLOYEES - Sexual Harassment E155 EMPLOYEES - Sun Protection E160 EMPLOYEES - Traffic Offences E170 EMPLOYEES - Training Needs Analysis E175 EMPLOYEES - Uniforms E180 EMPLOYEES - Union Representatives E181 EMPLOYEES - VDU Policy E185 EMPLOYEES - Video Surveillance E190 EMPLOYEES - Workplace Substances E195 EMPLOYMENT OF SENIOR STAFF E200 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY E205

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MEMBERS ALLOWANCES: Prior the Council Elections, e.g. July to November 2006 the following allowances were paid to Elected Members:

Mayor $13,500 plus full private use of Motor Vehicle Deputy Mayor $ 7,000 Councillors $ 6,000 (Note: By Motion of Council, no Presiding Officers had been appointed prior to the November elections) Travelling Allowances, where applicable, are paid in accordance with regulations. After the November 2006 Elections the following allowances were paid:

Mayor $25, 000 Deputy Mayor $ 8,000 Councillors $ 6,000 Presiding Members of Standing Committees $ 7,000

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ELECTOR REPRESENTATION REVIEW: Under the requirements of the Local Government Act 1999, Councils representation must comply with a specified quota tolerance. The Berri Barmera Council is represented by a Mayor and 10 Councillors. The total number of electors in the district of The Berri Barmera Council is as follows:

House of Assembly as provided by the State Electoral Commission 7472 Council’s Supplementary Roll 749 Total: 8221

Councils’ representation quota is therefore 747 electors per elected member. Pursuant to section 12(13)(a) of the Act, the Electoral Commissioner has certified that the most recent review undertaken by Council satisfies the requirements of Section 12. The representation arrangements are as follows:

• Retain the status quo of a Mayor and 10 Councillors; and • The Council area will not be divided into wards, thereby requiring all members to represent the council area as a whole. Also, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999, it is necessary for The Berri Barmera Council to undertake a periodical review of its composition and elector representation arrangements. During the process for conducting the review, all electors will have the opportunity to make submissions on the representation and ward boundary structure of the Council. The first phase of consultation will be conducted with the preparation of a public consultation report that outlines the current status of Councils ward boundary structure and representation. This report will also provide details on options under the Local Government Act that can be considered during the process. For example these include the option of the review of numbers of elected members. Any person making a written submission can make a verbal presentation to a committee of Council appointed for the purposes of overseeing the review process. The second phase of consultation involves the preparation of options based on consideration of submissions received during the first phase of consultation and Council discussion. The report prepared as part of the second phase of consultation will be specific to the options provided for consideration and provide relevant details. Again, any person forwarding a written submission will be afforded the opportunity to present that submission to the appointed committee. The elector representation with respect to the Council area is detailed in the following table. LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATION: RATIOS SA 2006-07 (Information supplied by the Local Government Association)

COUNCIL ELECTED MEMBERS Including Mayor ELECTORS RATIO

Alexandrina 12 21,737 1811 Barossa Council 14 16,821 1201 Berri Barmera 11 8,166 742 Copper Coast 11 12,082 1098 Light Regional 11 10,049 913 Loxton Waikerie 13 9,058 696 Murray Bridge 10 14,203 1420 Port Pirie 11 12,956 1177 Victor Harbor 11 13,139 1194 Wattle Range 12 10,341 861 Yorke Peninsula 12 14,343 1195

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COMPETITIVE TENDERING / COST EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF SERVICE:

The Council utilises Contractors to provide specific services. During the year Council's Waste Management operations continued with a private contractor carrying out the solid waste pick-up and waste depot operations. Bitumen laying on roads was tendered and contractors were used for kerb laying, carting of materials, channel digging and tree pruning and removal. Council will continue to look at improving service delivery options into the future to ascertain the best options available and the standards of services provided. In relation to local purchase, Council has decided on a weighting of 10% for local purchases (i.e. throughout the Riverland). Contracts are awarded on a tender / quotation basis as Councils commitment towards providing cost effective services to its community and providing the opportunity for competitive tendering. Resulting from this approach by Council, significant amounts of Council’s operations are contracted out to minimise Council’s requirement to provide expensive plant and equipment and to maintain a relatively small workforce to reduce overheads. The table below outlines the contract work awarded through tendering / quotation processes for specific projects and functions of the Council. CONTRACTORS 2005/2006 $ Audit Contract (External) 9,936.00 Barmera Recreation Building Maintenance 7,035.00 Barmera Recreation Centre Management 44,400.00 Berri Library Maintenance 3,320.00 Building Service Contract 36,900.00 Council Office Building Maintenance 9,305.00 Debt Collection Costs 1,726.00 Effluent Drainage Maintenance 97,098.00 Footpath Construction 8,430.00 Garbage Collection 258,366.00 Garbage Disposal 81,087.00 Halls Building Maintenance 29,206.00 Immunization Maintenance 2,050.00 Information Technology 66,625.00 Riverland Animal and Plant Control Board 92,364.00 Public Convenience Management 19,200.00 Riverland Wine Festival Co-ordinator Contract 19,000.00 Sealed Road Construction 115,264.00 Sport Recreation Maintenance 8,910.00 Swimming Pool Management 73,600.00 Town Planning Consultants Fees 3,514.00 Town Planning Legal Fees 10,461.00 TOTAL 997,797.00

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DELEGATIONS OF POWER: To assist in the decision making process of Council, the Council has delegated responsibilities and powers to the Chief Executive Officer and/or specific committees of Council. These delegations are reviewed on an annual basis and are available for public inspection free of charge at the Council Office.

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GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES: In relation to grievance procedures and review of Council’s decisions, the Council has formally adopted a procedure for internal review of Council decisions as per the requirements of Section 270 of the Local Government Act. The procedure provides a mechanism for persons grieved by a Council decision or a decision made by an officer and sets out the procedures for application for the review of the decision. Further, the procedure states the following as its primary principles: When a complaint is received it shall be referred to the Chief Executive Officer for internal investigation in the first instance. In the event that the Chief Executive Officer is of the opinion that the complaint requires an independent investigation then the Chief Executive Officer shall refer the complaint to the independent panel established by the Local Government Association. Action: Within five working days from receipt of the complaint: * record the complaint in the complaints register * acknowledge the complaint * advise the complainant who will be dealing with the complaint * provide the complainant with a copy of the policy * provide the complainant with a copy of the complaints process

Within twenty working days from receipt of the complaint: * investigate the complaint * advise the complainant of the result of the investigation and any corrective action taken * record the outcome in the complaints register In the event that the complaint does or is likely to take longer than twenty days to resolve, a deadline for resolution of the complaint will be set with the complainant. If the complainant is not satisfied with the advice given and requests a review of the outcome and the complaint was originally handled internally the complaint will be referred to a person from the panel established by the Local Government Association. Where a complaint has been addressed through the Local Government process the complainant may refer the complaint to the Competition Commissioner.

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COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS / MATTERS CONSIDERED IN CONFIDENCE: Further to Councils decision making structure, there were a number of occasions during the financial year that Council considered matters in confidence pursuant to Section 90 of the Local Government Act 1999. During the year there were 12 Ordinary and 2 Special Meetings of Council and 22 Committee Meetings. The following table contains details of the Council / Committee Meetings.

Particulars No. of Meetings

Total Resolutions Passed

Confidential Resolutions Reason for Confidentiality

Council Meetings 14 407 13 Pursuant to Sections: 90(3)(k) - Tenders 90(3)(b)(i) / 90(3)(d)(i) - Commercial in Confidence 90(2), (3)(b)(d)(h) - Commercial and Legal 90(3)(h) - Unreasonable disclosure of info contrary to public interest / legal advice

Executive Services Committee

1 5 Nil N/A

Economic Development Committee

1 6 Nil

Community Services Committee

1 5 Nil N/A

Corporate & Community Services Committee

1 4 Nil N/A

Works & Technical Services Committee

2 15 Nil N/A

Environment & Inspectorial Services Committee

1 4 Nil N/A

Development Assessment Panel

8 62 Nil N/A

Waste Water Re-Use Project Committee

6 30 3 Pursuant to Section 90(2) & 91(7) – Tenders

Lake Bonney Redevelopment Committee

1 9 Nil N/A

At the time Council resolves to consider a matter in confidence, Council complies with its access to Council Meetings, Council Committees and Council Documents Code. Also, Council specifies a time for the item to remain confidential with delegated power provided to the Chief Executive Officer to remove the confidentiality provision provided the item has satisfactorily been completed or the need for the item to remain confidential has been reviewed.

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FREEDOM OF INFORMATION STATEMENT / INFORMATION STATEMENT: During the 2005/2006 financial year the Berri Barmera Council did not receive any applications under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. INFORMATION STATEMENT (GENERAL) The following information statement is published by the Berri Barmera Council in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 4 of the Local Government Act 1999. Council’s Role The Council’s role is to provide for the government and management of its area at the local level. Section 6 of the Local Government Act 1999, defines the role of Council as follows:

• To act as a representative, informed and responsible decision-maker in the interests of its community; and

• To provide and co-ordinate various public services and facilities and to develop its community and resources in a socially just and ecologically sustainable manner; and

• To encourage and develop initiatives within its community for improving the quality of life of the community; and

• To represent the interests of its community to the wider community; and • To exercise, perform and discharge the powers, functions and duties of local government under the

Local Government Act and other Acts in relation to the area for which it is constituted. The role of the Principal Member and Members of Council The role of the principal member (Mayor) and members of Council is defined in Sections 58 and 59 of the Local Government Act 1999. (1) The role of the principal member is:

(a) to preside at meetings of the Council; (b) if requested, to provide advice to the Chief Executive Officer between Council meetings on the

implementation of a decision of the Council; (c) to act as the principal spokesperson of the Council (d) to exercise other functions of the Council as the Council determines (e) to carry out the civic and ceremonial duties of the office of principal member

(2) The role of members of Council is (a) as a member of the governing body of the council -

(i) to participate in the deliberations and civic activities of the Council; (ii) to keep the Council’s objectives and policies under review to ensure that they are appropriate and effective; (iii) to keep Council’s resource allocation, expenditure and activities, and the efficiency and effectiveness of its service delivery under review; (b) as a person elected to the Council - to represent the interests of residents and ratepayers, to provide community leadership and guidance, and to facilitate communication between the community and the Council.

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Activities that Council provides or is associated with (financial or otherwise) The activities that Council provides or is associated with are:- public functions, donations to local organisations, dog control, fire prevention, animal and plant control, health inspections, immunisation program, cemetery, public toilets, garbage collection and disposal, District Halls, Community Library and Information Centre, parks and gardens, play equipment, boat ramps, ovals, building and development control, road maintenance and construction, footpaths, kerbs and guttering, storm water control, bike tracks, street lighting, tourism, private works, industrial estate, support re loans to sporting clubs, leasing of Council owned property to community organisations, etc. Agendas and Minutes Agendas for all Council and Committee meetings are placed on public display not less than three days prior to meetings, minutes being made available for perusal within five days of a meeting. Agendas and Minutes for Council and DAP Meetings are also available on Council’s website. The timeframes for the availability of Council agendas and minutes is in accordance with the Local Government Act and Regulations. Delegations To assist in the decision making process of Council, the Council has delegated responsibilities and powers to the Chief Executive Officer and or specific committees of Council. These delegations are reviewed on an annual basis. The delegations are available for public inspection free of charge at the Council Office. Public Participation Members of the public have a number of opportunities to put forward their views on particular issues before Council. These include:- Deputations - with the permission of the Mayor, a member of the public can address the Council or a Committee, personally or on behalf of a group of residents. Presentations to Council - with prior notification and arrangement with the Mayor, a member of the public can address the Council for a period of time determined by the Mayor on any issue relevant to Council. Petitions - written petitions can be addressed to the Council on any issue within the Council’s jurisdiction. Written Requests - a member of the public can write to the Council on any Council Policy, activity or service. Elected Members - members of the public can contact their Elected Members of Council to discuss any issue relevant to Council. Community Consultation The Council has adopted a Public Consultation Policy in accordance with Section 50 of the Local Government Act 1999. Though the Act specifics that Councils must have public consultation polices in place for mandatory consultation with the public on specific issues, the policy is also used for general consultation with the public on other issues at the Councils discretion.

In addition there are also opportunities for the public to attend public meetings or information forums on certain issues or to complete a survey on specific issues. The Council is also required to consult with the public on other matters as a requirement of relevant legislation. For example there are requirements within the Development Act, which require Council to advertise certain development applications comment.

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Access to Council Documents A list of documents available for inspection or copy are listed below, with the relevant fee per page or entry listed, should a copy be required. FEES AND CHARGES PARTICULARS

CURRENT AS AT 01/7/06 GST INCLUSIVE (Where applicable) $

COUNCIL DOCUMENTS ETC. Sale of Minutes / Agendas 3.00 Annual Financial Statements 11.00 Annual Report 11.00 Budget Report 20.00 Search Fees - Standard (8 days) 30.00 Search Fees – Urgent 40.00 Search Fees - Rates Only 10.00 Extract from Assessment Book 10.00 Council Development Plan 10.00 A comprehensive listing of Council’s Fees and Charges are available on the website. Documents are available for public inspection at the Principal Office of Council between 9.00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays). Members of the public may also purchase copies of these documents at Council’s Principal Office. The Council also readily provides information to the public, with Council Agendas and Minutes being circulated widely to the local media, and also available at the Berri Library and Information Centre, Barmera Library/Customer Service Centre and at the Council’s Principal Office. These documents are also available on Council’s website. Amendment of Council Records A member of the public may request a correction to any information relating to them that is incomplete, incorrect, misleading or out of date. To gain access to Council records a member of the public must indicate in writing the documents required to be inspected and complete a Freedom of Information Request Form. Other information requests Council readily provides information requested by the public. Requests for any other information will be considered in accordance with the Freedom of Information provisions of the Local Government Act. Under this legislation an application fee and a search fee must be forwarded with a completed request for access form as provided by Council that satisfies the requirements of Section 13 of the Freedom of Information Act, 1991, unless the applicant is granted an exemption.

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Should the applicant require copies of any documents inspected pursuant to a Freedom of Information request, legislative charges will apply. Freedom of Information Request Forms and other requests regarding the access to Council documents must be addressed to either of the following persons: Mr Stephen Rufus or Mrs Karyn Burton Freedom of Information Officer(s) at the Berri Barmera Council Office, 19 Wilson Street (or PO Box 229) BERRI SA 5343. Response to applications will be within the statutory thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the properly completed Freedom of Information Request Form, together with the application and appropriate fees.

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NATIONAL COMPETITION POLICY: Pursuant to the Government Business Enterprises (Competition) Act 1996 and the revised Clause 7 Statement published in September 2002, the following information is provided: 1: Significant Business Activities

Category One - Nil Category Two - Nil

2: Complaints Mechanism Council has adopted a entitled “Competition Principles - complaints Process” (Policy C19), which reads as follows:

When a complaint is received it shall be referred to the Chief Executive Officer for internal investigation in the first instance. In the event that the Chief Executive Officer is of the opinion that the complaint requires an independent investigation then the Chief Executive Officer shall refer the complaint to the independent panel established by the Local Government Association. Action : Within five working days from receipt of the complaint:

* record the complaint in the complaints register * acknowledge the complaint * advise the complainant who will be dealing with the complaint * provide the complainant with a copy of the policy * provide the complainant with a copy of the complaints process

Within twenty working days from receipt of the complaint:

* investigate the complaint * advise the complainant of the result of the investigation and any corrective action taken * record the outcome in the complaints register

In the event that the complaint does or is likely to take longer than twenty days to resolve a deadline for resolution of the complaint will be set with the complainant. If the complainant is not satisfied with the advice given and requests a review of the outcome and the complaint was originally handled internally the complaint will be referred to a person from the panel established by the Local Government Association. Where a complaint has been addressed through the Local Government process the complainant may refer the complaint to the Competition Commissioner.

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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: The State Government Financial Sustainability Inquiry highlighted the need for Councils to use financial indicators as a means of providing meaningful information to Elected Members, staff and the Community in order to ascertain the financial health and performance of Council. A great deal of work has been undertaken by the SA Local Government Financial Management Group developing and standardising a set number of indicators applicable to all Councils. The use of the financial indicators are effectively a roadmap to assist in the steering of Council’s financial performance and sustainability. The amendments to the Local Government Act 1999 that came into force on 25th January 2007 require Council to “state the measures (financial and non-financial) that are to be used to monitor and assess the performance of council over the relevant period.” Therefore the following financial indicators have been utilised to analyse the past performance and project the future impact of proposed budget allocations for the upcoming financial year. Indicator 1 – Operating Surplus (the difference between the day to day income and expenses for the period) An operating surplus (or deficit) arises when operating revenue exceeds (or is less than) operating expenses for a period. A Council’s long term financial sustainability is dependent upon ensuring that, on average, its expenses are less than its revenues. If a Council is not generating an operating surplus in most periods then it is effectively living beyond its means and is unsustainable. It will be inevitable the Council will be faced with a financial shock at some stage and be forced to either substantially raise its rates or not replace its assets and thus provide the community with a lower standard of service. Indicator 2 – Operating Surplus Ratio (by what percentage does the major controllable income source vary from day to day expenses) The operating surplus ratio is the operating surplus (or deficit) expressed as a percentage of general and other rates net of rate rebates and revenues from the NRM levy. A positive ratio indicates the percentage of rates available to fund capital expenditure. A negative ratio indicates the percentage increase required in rates to achieve a break-even operating result. If in the event of a positive ratio and that amount is not being required for that particular year, it can be held over for the future capital works or can be used to reduce existing debt. Indicator 3 – Net Financial Liabilities (what is owed to others less money you already have or is owed to you) Net financial liabilities is total liabilities less financial assets. Net financial liabilities is a broader and more appropriate measure of indebtedness than the level of borrowings as it includes all of Council’s financial assets and obligations including employee entitlements and creditors. Often too much focus is placed on the level of a Council’s borrowings without also considering the available financial assets (ie. money in the bank). However before considering an increase in its net debt a Council must recognise that interest associated with the debt will impact negatively on its operating result. A council’s indebtedness should be managed to ensure its liabilities and associated costs can be met comfortably from operating revenues.

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Indicator 4 – Net Financial Liabilities Ratio (how significant is the net amount owed compared with income) This ratio indicates the extent to which net financial liabilities of a council could be met by its operating revenue. Where the ratio is falling over time indicates that the council’s capacity to meet its financial obligations from operating revenue is strengthening. However a council with a healthy operating surplus may decide to allow its net liabilities ratio to increase in order to provide additional services to its community through the acquisition of additional assets without detracting from its financial sustainability. Indicator 5 – Interest Cover Ratio (how much income is used in paying interest on loans) This ratio indicates how much of Council’s operating revenues are committed to interest expense. There is no right or wrong ratio but a council must be aware to manage this ratio within a range it is comfortable with. Indicator 6 – Asset Sustainability Ratio (are assets being replaced at the rate they are wearing out?) This ratio indicates whether Council is renewing or replacing existing non-financial assets at the same rate the assets are wearing out. It is calculated by measuring capital expenditure on renewal or replacement of assets relative to the recorded rate of depreciation of assets for the same period. If capital expenditure on renewing or replacing existing assets is at least equal to depreciation on average over time then a Council is ensuring the value of its assets is maintained. If capital expenditure on existing assets is less than depreciation it is likely it is under spending on renewal and replacement of assets and will eventually be confronted with failed assets and significant renewal and replacement costs that cannot be accommodated for within a short period. Indicator 7 – Asset Consumption Ratio (the average proportion of ‘as new condition’ left in assets) This ratio shows the written down current value of Council’s depreciable assets relative to their ‘as new’ value in up to date prices. This ratio highlights the aged condition of Council’s assets. If a council is responsibly maintaining and renewing and replacing its assets then the ratio would be relatively high. However, it makes no sense financially to replace perfectly serviceable assets just because they are old. Providing a council is operating sustainably it will be in a strong financial position to be able to fund the future renewal or replacement of assets when necessary. FINANCIAL INDICATORS – THE BERRI BARMERA COUNCIL 2005/2006 Financial

Statements (audited) 2006/2007 Financial

Statements (audited) Indicator 1 Operating Surplus(Deficit)

(834,126)

(1,828,201)

Indicator 2 Operating Surplus Ratio

(14%)

(28%)

Indicator 3 Net Financial Liabilities

908,193

(1,740,977)

Indicator 4 Net Financial Liabilities Ratio

10%

(17%)

Indicator 5 Interest Cover Ratio

0%

.1%

Indicator 6 Asset Sustainability Ratio

120%

6%

Indicator 7 Asset Consumption Ratio

N/A

N/A

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INTERPRETATION Indicator 1 Operating Surplus(Deficit) and Indicator 2 Operating Surplus Ratio The operating deficit indicated in the 2006/2007 audited financial statements has increased substantially from the previous year due to an increase in depreciation expense, employee costs and the cost of materials and contracts. A review of several of Council’s asset registers resulted in depreciation expense for buildings and structures in particular being increased. Several employee terminations resulted in entitlements being paid out and thus increasing the annual employee expenditure. The scope to raise rates to offset some of the deficit is extremely limited in the current economic climate therefore much tighter controls over operating expenditure is required. A review of services offered to the community and how efficiently they are being delivered will also be an avenue explored to reduce councils operating expenditure. Indicator 3 Net Financial Liabilities and Indicator 4 Net Financial Liabilities Ratio Council has traditionally held an amount of cash in reserves to fund various projects as they arose. Council’s debt level has also been quite moderate with a number of loans being finalised over the past 12 months. For the 2006/2007 financial year 13% of rate revenue was used to service Council’s loans (excluding self servicing loans.) During the 2006/2007 there was considerable cash movement regarding the newly implemented Wastewater Reuse Scheme which has resulted in the vast improvement in the Net Financial Liabilities indicators. The 2007/2008 financial year will see this cash movement in reverse as payments out regarding the Wastewater Scheme will be realised. To keep in mind however is the aging of many of Council’s assets and need to address the backlog of asset replacement which may have some bearing on Council indebtedness. Indicator 5 Interest Cover Ratio A negligible proportion of Council’s operating revenue is committed to meeting net interest costs. Indicator 6 Asset Sustainability Ratio This ratio indicates for the 2006/2007 year Council reduced its replacement of existing assets. New legislation requires Councils to prepare an Infrastructure and Asset Management Plan. Work has commenced on preparing this Plan however significant work is still yet to be carried out in order to fully understand the extent of renewal and replacement required. Indicator 7 Asset Consumption Ratio At this time the ratio regarding asset consumption is unable to be calculated due to the lack of data relating to the condition of many of councils assets.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Barmera / Anderson Street Subdivision The Council commenced the development and sale of the second and final stage of the Anderson Street Subdivision at Barmera. The sub-division which is located on land previously purchased by Council provides valuable building allotments within the Township of Barmera that are in close proximity to sporting and community facilities and the Barmera Primary School. The success of the first stage has encouraged Council to continue with the final development of the 28 allotments with interest being expressed during the financial year for the purchasing of allotments within the sub-division. The development of the sub-division is further reassuring that there are sufficient development opportunities within the Township of Barmera and further interest within the community for the purchasing of allotments for residential living. With the conclusion of the second stage, Council will be looking at other opportunities for development within the Township to ensure its expansion as one of the more picturesque residential living Towns within the Region. Lake Bonney Youth Camp Land The Council proceeded to purchase a parcel of Crown Land on Queen Elizabeth Drive at Barmera that is currently occupied by the Lake Bonney Youth Camp. The purpose for Council purchasing the land was to again provide development opportunities for developers within the Township of Barmera while capitalising on the most valuable asset, being Lake Bonney. During the year Council invited expressions of interest from developers to join with Council for the development of the land with a preferred developer being selected. Negotiations will continue with the developer with an anticipated commencement of the development within the 2008 year. In relation to Council’s Economic Development activity and the development of residential allotments, the proceeds or profit derived by Council is allocated to a Land Development Reserve which is utilised for other economic development activity. In addition to economic activity, a number of community projects have also been funded by the proceeds of this development with such projects being ear-marked that include the upgrade to the Barmera Bowling Club greens, upgrades to the Berriview Lawn Tennis Complex, upgrades to Baseball / Softball facilities at Glassey Park, and other numerous projects that will either improve community facilities and/or generate economic benefit to the community and the Riverland Region as a whole. Right: Lake Bonney Youth Camp Land

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CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

CORPORATE:

Community Land Management Plans

Rating and Valuations - Rating Policy for the Year 2006 / 2007

COMMUNITY:

Youth Library

Transport Council Events (Australia Day / Senior Parties / 1956 Flood Commemoration Event

Berri Visitor Information Centre Riverland Sport and Recreation

Cemeteries Council Properties

Leases, Licences and Hire of Council Facilities

COMMUNITY PROJECTS:

Riverland Baseball League / Softball Association Berriview Lawn Tennis Complex

Barmera Bowling Club

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CORPORATE:

Mr Christopher Howell Manager Corporate & Community Services

The Corporate and Community Services Department is responsible for the management and operations of the following functions of Council: Policies and Procedures Legislative Compliance Council / Committee Meetings By Law Administration Rates and property Grants Commission Insurance Tourism Business Development Cemeteries Administration Open Space Administration Debtors / Creditors Payroll Information Technology Records Management Library Community Transport Youth Emergency Services Culture and Heritage Community / Social Development Sport & Recreation Administration Aged Persons Medical and Health Services Council Properties Administration Customer Service Council Support / Administration Risk Management Contracts, Leases, Licenses and Permits

To effectively implement the management and operations of the Department, the following Staffing Structure applies:

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Office Manager (1)

Property Manager (1)

Library / CSC Manager (1)

Community Development

Officer (1)

Visitor Information Centre Manager

(1)

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CORPORATE: COMMUNITY LAND MANAGEMENT PLANS: Pursuant to Section 196 of the Local Government Act 1999, the Council is required to prepare, adopt and maintain management plans for all of the land classified as community land. The preparation of these plans requires extensive community consultation and establishes the framework for which land and community facilities controlled by Council are managed in the future. The Council has satisfied the provisions of the Act with the preparation and adoption of key Community Land Management Plans and is now in the process of reviewing the relevance of the Management Plans to ensure that the Plans reflect the activities for which the Community Land facilities are utilised. This process will be conducted over a two year period which is being linked to a total review of Council’s land and community assets to ensure that these assets are being utilised and do not duplicate services being provided to the community.

Glassey Park, Berri

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RATING POLICY FOR THE YEAR 2006 / 2007: INTRODUCTION The Rating Policy is prepared in accordance with Section 171 of the Local Government Act 1999, referred to as the “Act”. The Policy is prepared and adopted each financial year in conjunction with the adoption of Council’s Annual Budget and Declaration of Rates. A copy of the Policy is made available to the community at the Council’s principal office and at the customer service outlets as listed below. This document sets out the policy of The Berri Barmera Council for setting and collecting rates from its community. The policy covers:

- Strategic focus - Method used to value land - Adoption of valuations - Notional Values - Business impact statement - Council’s revenue raising powers - Differential general rates - Minimum rate - Service charges - Natural Resources Management Levy - Rate concessions - Payment of rates - Late payment of rates - Remission and postponement of rates - Deferment of Rates – Primary Producers - Rebate of rates - Sale of land for non-payment of rates - Application of the Policy - Disclaimer

CONTACT DETAILS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION The Berri Barmera Council (Principal Office) Barmera Library Customer Service Centre 19 Wilson Street Barwell Avenue BERRI SA 5343 BARMERA SA 5345 Telephone (08) 85821922, fax (08) 85823029, email – bbc@berribarmera.sa.gov.auPostal address: PO Box 229, BERRI SA 5343

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STRATEGIC FOCUS In setting its rates for the 2006/2007 financial year the Council has considered the strategic direction of the Council as established within the draft Strategic Plan 2006 – 2016. The following scorecard areas when integrated with corporate objectives provided the basis for performance measurement and was considered foremost during all budget deliberations: 1) Social and Community

How our decisions contribute to and affect the community’s quality of life through effective management of community facilities and how we manage social and community consultation, participation and inclusion.

2) Environment and Heritage How we manage and preserve the natural character, environment and heritage.

3) Economic Development How we manage and encourage development opportunities while ensuring sustainable development principles are implemented.

4) Governance and Finance How we manage the governance and financial affairs of the council to ensure accountability, sustainability, compliance and transparency.

5) Infrastructure How we manage our infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable access to services, facilities and property to meet community needs.

6) Learning and Growth How we manage training, learning, personal development and innovation to encourage organizational growth.

7) Customer Satisfaction How we manage customer satisfaction in relation to service delivery, communication and public relations. 8) Internal Processes How we manage and review internal processes to ensure efficient, effective and sustainable service delivery methods through the use of up to date technology and procedures.

OBJECTIVE SCORECARD Encourage community participation and inclusion. Social and Community Enhance lifestyle, quality of life and social development. Social and Community Ensure effective management of community facilities. Social and Community Encourage youth to be involved in council decision making processes and future planning.

Social and Community

Encourage efficient and effective use of natural resources. Environment and Heritage Ensure effective waste management. Environment and Heritage Preserve and enhance our environment and heritage. Environment and Heritage Encourage and implement strategies and practices for the reuse of waste. Environment and Heritage Secure strategic alliances and service partners. Economic Development Encourage economic and sustainable development. Economic Development Be involved and assist with tourism within the region Economic Development

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Ensure accountable governance with open annual performance and financial reporting.

Governance and Financial

Implementation of training and development programs Governance and Financial Continue development of OHS&W policies and risk management plans. Governance and Financial Establish and implement long term infrastructure maintenance requirements. Infrastructure Support new development. Infrastructure Explore and secure funding opportunities towards implementation of development and required infrastructure.

Infrastructure

Ensure infrastructure programs and plans integrate with financial management principles.

Infrastructure

Maintain and enhance positive culture of “employer of first choice” contributing to organizational growth.

Learning and Growth

Maintain and enhance employees skills, personal development and work satisfaction.

Learning and Growth

Maintain and enhance information management and flow. Learning and Growth Maintain sound public relations. Customer Satisfaction Ensure efficient and effective service delivery and customer service. Customer Satisfaction Develop and implement community service obligations. Internal Processes Develop and implement a services review program. Internal Processes Improve productivity, processes and increase infrastructure and resource capacity.

Internal Processes

In setting its rates for the 2006/2007 financial year Council also considered : - The current economic climate in which the major factors are continued residential growth in the townships

of Berri and Barmera, affect of falling prices on the horticulture/viticulture industry/growers, increase in property valuations, relative low inflation and interest rates, tourism industry, and the affect of local economic factors on the business, commercial and retail sectors.

- The specific issues faced by our community are:

• maintaining and upgrading the existing rural and township infrastructure such as roads to meet the needs and demands of the horticulture/viticulture industry, residential growth and commercial and industrial expansion.

• The ongoing development and maintenance of open space, parks, gardens and reserves within the area.

• The planned revision of waste management practices, both collection and disposal. • Continued role in developing and promoting the area. • Continued involvement with the tourism industry, provision of tourism related infrastructure and support

of local events and festivals. • Provision of facilities and activities for youth within the community. • Maintaining and upgrading of existing footpath networks within the townships with the aim of improving

access for the aged and disabled. • The planning for future residential, commercial and industrial growth within the district and to ensure

that adequate infrastructure is planned to meet the expansion. • The continued need to ensure that Council meets relevant legislation compliance requirements. • To maintain services that meet the needs of the community.

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- The budget for the 2006/2007 financial year. - The impact of rates on the community, including

• Households, businesses and in particular primary producers. • The broad principle that the rate in the dollar should be the same for all properties except where

there is clearly a different level of services available to ratepayers or some other circumstances which warrants variation from the broad principle.

• Minimising the level of general rates required by levying fees and charges for goods and services on a user pays basis, where that is possible to recover the full cost of operating or providing the service or goods.

- For the 2006/2007 financial year Council has decided to increase the total income to be received from

rate revenue by 2.95% above that received in the 2005/2006 financial year. This has resulted in a decrease in the rates in the dollar for all differential rating areas as a direct result of general property valuation increases.

The draft Strategic Plan 2006-2016 and the Council’s budget are available for inspection at the contact locations as listed on page 1. The Council regularly conducts public consultation on a broad range of issues relating to the future directions of the area. These opportunities are always advertised in local papers. The Council encourages feedback from ratepayers and other interested parties at any time and such comments should be forwarded to the Council’s Chief Executive Officer. METHOD USED TO VALUE LAND The Council may adopt one of three valuation methodologies to value the properties in its area. They are: - Capital Value - the value of the land and all of the improvements on the land. - Site Value - the value of the land and any improvements which permanently affect the amenity or use

of the land, such as drainage works, but excluding the value of buildings and other improvements. - Annual Value - a valuation of the rental potential of the property. The Council has decided to continue to use Capital Value as the basis for valuing land within the Council area. The Council considers that this method of valuing land provides the fairest method of distributing the rate burden across all ratepayers on the following basis: - the equity principle of taxation requires that taxpayers of greater wealth pay more tax than those of

lesser wealth; - property value is a relatively good indicator of wealth and capital value, which closely approximates the

market value of a property and provides the best indicator of overall property value.

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ADOPTION OF VALUATIONS The Council has adopted the valuations made by the Valuer-General as provided to the Council for the financial year 2006/2007. If a ratepayer is dissatisfied with the valuation made by the Valuer-General then the ratepayer may object to the Valuer-General in writing, within 60 days of receiving the notice of the valuation, explaining the basis for the objection, provided they have not: (a) previously received a notice of this valuation under the Local Government Act, 1999, in which case the

objection period is sixty (60) days from the receipt of the first notice; or (b) previously had an objection to the valuation considered by the Valuer-General. Objections are to be forwarded to: State Valuation Office GPO Box 1354 ADELAIDE SA 5001 Email: lsg.objections@saugovsa.gov.au Telephone number is 1300 653 345. Please note that the Council has no role in this process. It is also important to note that the lodgement of an objection does not change the due date for the payment of rates. NOTIONAL VALUES Certain properties may be eligible for a notional value under the Valuation of Land Act 1971 where the property is the principal place of residence of a ratepayer. This can relate to certain primary production land or where there is State heritage recognition. A notional value is generally less than the capital value and this will result in reduced rates, unless the minimum rate already applies. Application for a notional value must be made to the Office of the Valuer-General. BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT The Council has considered the impact of rates on all classes of properties in its area, in particular primary producers. In considering the impact, the following observations were made: - It is the view of Council that benefits received by ratepayers are not uniform, particularly in regard to

rural ratepayers versus urban ratepayers. Examples of services not provided to some ratepayers are street lighting, kerbing and guttering, and footpaths to name a few. With this in mind Council has continued to use the differential rating system when calculating the current year’s rates.

- Primary producers, in particular the viticulture industry, have in recent years suffered poor returns and

lower incomes which has then resulted in Council’s consideration in setting a somewhat lower rate in the dollar in comparison to other properties within the district. Overall, there has been a reduction in property valuations for primary production properties which is reflective of the lower income returns for horticulture properties. This fact has also been reflected in the decrease in the rates in the dollar applied to such properties.

- From primary production properties Council has derived rate revenue of $1,229,716 for the 2006/2007

year.

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- The majority of Council’s ratepayers are classified as “town residential”. The total rate revenue raised from town residential properties for the 2006/2007 is $2,076,522 and represents 38% of its total rate revenue raised;

- Commercial and industrial properties of the Council area generally have the same services available to them and their employees as other ratepayers, however it is accepted that commercial and industrial users have a greater impact on the main services such as road maintenance and may derive a greater benefit from such services as improved public lighting, parking controls etc. This is the basis for Council setting a higher rate in the dollar for such properties.

- Council has raised rate revenue of $643,700 from commercial properties for the 2006/2007 financial year and $187,481 from industrial properties.

Council recognises its responsibility to stimulate and encourage economic growth in a diverse range of activities and to do so must provide adequate infrastructure. The following works and projects are included in the 2006/2007 estimates: Corporate Services Sundry Computer Software $ 6,000 Mapping Software 27,000 Asset Management Software, Stage 1 20,000 Computer Plant and Equipment 29,500 Council Office Alterations and Storage Area 20,000 Records Storage Facility 15,000 Community Services Youth Functions and Promotions $ 12,000 Funding towards RFDS Wings for Life Appeal 6,500 Demolition of Buildings at Berri Bowling Club 10,000 1956 Flood Commemoration Event 15,000 Senior Citizens Upgrade of Air Conditioning 30,000 Berri and Barmera Library Furniture, Fittings and Equipment 24,970 Storage Shed Sporting Groups 50,000 Swimming Pool Additions 25,000 Swimming Pool DECS Equipment Shed 2,000 Environmental and Inspectorial Services Maintenance Community Wastewater Management System $ 262,000 Household Desludging 145,000 Employment of Planning Officer 104,743 Town Planning – Berri Eastern Approach 40,000 Town Planning RTA Tourism PAR 5,000 Town Planning Berri West Infrastructure Study 30,000 Major Council Buildings Assessment 30,000 Wastewater Re-Use Project 80,000 Community Wastewater Management System 95,000 Works and Technical Services Cemeteries – Furniture $ 5,000 Cemeteries – Memorial Crosses 5,000

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Demolition Barmera Oval Toilet 2,500 Regional Waste Management Studies 20,000 Lake Bonney Foreshore Future Planning 10,000 Kay Avenue Median Strip Maintenance 13,000 Street Tree Development (Replace Oleanders) 5,000 Road Maintenance – School Safe Routes 10,000 Road Maintenance – Pascoe Terrace Median Strip Design and Works 12,000 Stormwater Drainage Study Berri 32,000 Stormwater Drainage Glossop 5,000 Denny Street Carpark 6,000 Toilets for Disabled – Monash Adventure Park 25,000 Vaughan Terrace Toilet Upgrade 115,000 Bruno Bay Boatramp 240,000 Lake Bonney Foreshore Development 44,000 Replacement Playground Equipment 20,000 Road Construction – Scott Avenue Stage 3 218,475 Road Construction - Reseals 100,000 Road Construction – Resheeting/Rerubbling 150,000 McKay Road Realignment 757,000 Kerbing and Verge Sealing – Foot Avenue 11,550 Kerbing and Verge Sealing – Verran Terrace 13,000 Road Construction – Service Road, Old Sturt Highway 20,000 Footpath Construction – Cobdogla, Gopher Routes 219,400 Courthouse Carpark Construction 27,000 Plant and Machinery Purchases 847,846 Small Plant Purchases 10,224 Works Depot Security Fencing 18,500 Motor Vehicle Purchases and Changeovers 18,000 Governance Strategic Planning $ 30,000 Motor Vehicle Purchases and Changeovers 5,000 Economic Development District Entrance Signage Strategy $ 20,000 COUNCIL’S REVENUE RAISING POWERS All land within a Council area, except for land specifically exempt (e.g. Crown Land, Council occupied land and other land prescribed in the Local Government Act 1999 – refer Section 147 of the Act), is rateable. The Local Government Act provides for a Council to raise revenue for the broad purposes of the Council through a general rate, which applies to all rateable properties, or through differential general rates, which apply to classes of properties. In addition, Council can raise separate rates for specific areas of the Council, or service rates or charges for specific services. The Council also raises revenue through fees and charges, which are set giving consideration to the cost of the service provided and any equity issues. The list of applicable fees and charges is available at Council’s contact locations listed on page 1.

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DIFFERENTIAL GENERAL RATES The Council has decided to impose differential general rates according to the locality of the land and its use, pursuant to Section 156 (1)(c) of the Local Government Act 1999. In applying Differential General Rates Council has considered and is satisfied that the rating system addresses the issue of consistency and comparability across all Council areas, particularly as it relates to the various sectors of the business and wider community. This satisfies the requirements of Section 153(2) of the Local Government Act 1999. The localities and uses are as follows:

1) Township of Barmera, Berri, Cobdogla, Glossop, Loveday and Monash as defined, with land use categories including residential, commercial, industrial and other.

2) Outside of aforesaid Townships as defined, with land use categories including residential, primary production, vacant rural dry, other, commercial and industrial.

At its meeting of 25th July 2006 the Council decided to raise rate revenue of $5,415,439 in a total revenue budget of $15,724,070. This resulted in a decision of Council to continue to use the differential rating method for the following properties: (1) Townships of Barmera, Berri, Cobdogla, Glossop, Loveday and Monash as defined:

(a) Residential 0.4855 cents in the dollar on the capital value of such rateable property

(b) Commercial 0.5834 “ “ (c) Industrial 0.6022 “ “ (d) Other 0.4376 “ “ (2) Outside the aforesaid Townships as defined:

(a) Residential 0.4780 cents in the dollar on the capital value of such rateable property (b) Primary Production 0.4350 “ “ (c) Vacant Rural Dry 0.4376 “ “ (d) Other 0.4376 “ “ (e) Commercial 0.5645 “ “ (f) Industrial 0.5834 “ “

Land use is used as the factor to apply differential rates. If a ratepayer believes that a particular property has been wrongly classified as to its land use, then they may object to that land use within 60 days of receiving notice. A ratepayer may discuss the matter with the Council’s Rates Officer in the first instance and Council will provide a copy of Section 156 of the Local Government Act 1999 which sets out the rights and obligations of ratepayers in respect of objections to a land use. MINIMUM RATE A Council may impose a minimum amount payable by way of rates, provided that it has not imposed a fixed charge. Where two or more adjoining properties have the same owner and are occupied by the same occupier, only one minimum rate is payable by the ratepayer. Where a Council imposes a minimum rate it must not apply to more than 35% of properties in the Council area.

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At its meeting of 25th July 2006 Council decided to set a minimum rate of $500 which shall be applied to all rateable properties within the townships of Barmera, Berri, Cobdogla, Glossop, Loveday and Monash. It will affect 17.4% of rateable properties and will raise $507,000 of rate revenue for the 2006/2007 financial year. The reasons for imposing a minimum rate are:

- The Council considers it appropriate that all rateable properties make a base level contribution to the cost of administering the Council’s activities;

- The cost of creating and maintaining the physical infrastructure that supports each property. SERVICE CHARGE The Council provides a community wastewater management system to properties in the townships of Barmera, Berri, Cobdogla, Glossop, Monash and Loveday. The full cost of operating and maintaining the service for the financial year 2006/2007 is budgeted to be $1,459,822. This includes capital expenditure of $95,000 put aside for construction and $712,363 for future asset replacement employed in providing the service. As per the declaration of the service charge relating to Effluent Drainage Schemes, the Council will recover the operating cost through the imposition of a service charge of $155 for each unoccupied property unit and $310 for each occupied property unit. The occupied property unit includes an amount of $25 per unit for septic tank desludging. NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT LEVY The Natural Resources Management Act 2004 requires that the Berri Barmera Council collect on behalf of the SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board a levy on all rateable properties within its Council area. The levy funds ongoing NRM projects that are vital to the region to protect and manage precious natural resources such as water and soil and control pest plants and animals. For the financial year 2006/2007 the Berri Barmera Council are required to make payable to the SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board an amount of $74,381. In order to recover this amount a separate rate of .0066 cents in the dollar has been declared, based on the capital value of all rateable land within the Council area. A minimum separate rate of $7.50 has also been declared for such rateable land. RATE CONCESSIONS The State Government, in providing equity across SA in this area, funds a range of concessions on Council rates. The concessions are administered by various State Agencies who determine eligibility and pay the concession directly to Council on behalf of the ratepayer. Concessions are available only on the principal place of residence. Ratepayers who believe they are entitled to a concession should not withhold payment of rates pending assessment of an application by the State Government as penalties apply to overdue rates. A refund will be paid to an eligible person if Council is advised that a concession applies and the rates have already been paid.

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State Seniors Card Ratepayer (Self Funded Retirees) This concession is administered by Revenue SA. If you are a self-funded retiree and currently hold a State Seniors Card you may be eligible for a concession toward Council rates. In the case of couples, both must qualify, or if only one holds a State Senior’s Card, the other must not be in paid employment for more than 20 hours per week. If you have not received a concession on your rate notice or would like further information please contact the Revenue SA Call Centre on 1300 366 150. Pension Concession If you are an eligible pensioner you may be entitled to a remission on your rates. Application forms (including information on the concessions) are available from the Council office or by phoning the DFC Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 or Council on 8582 1922. An eligible pensioner must hold a Pension Card, State Concession Card or be a T.P.I. Pensioner. They must also be responsible for the payment of rates on the property for which they are claiming a concession. The State Government administers the applications. It is important to note that seeking a remission does not change the due date for payment of rates. Unemployed Persons Concessions The Department for Families and Communities (DFC) Department of Human Services (DHS) may assist with the payment of Council rates for your principal place of residence (remissions are not available on vacant land or rental premises). Please contact the Concessions Hotline on 1800 307 758 or your nearest DHS office for details. PAYMENT OF RATES The Local Government Act 1999 requires that Council must provide an opportunity for all ratepayers to pay rates by quarterly instalments. These instalments are to be payable in the months of September, December, March and June. It is not mandatory for ratepayers to pay by quarterly instalments, however it is an option that Council must make available to all ratepayers. The due dates for the quarterly instalments of Council rates for 2006/2007 are: 15th September, 2006 15th December, 2006 16th March, 2007 155h June, 2007 Council rates may be paid: - by mail (cheque or money order) - by telephone, using a debit or credit card, phone (08) 8582 1922 - by Bpay facility as detailed on the rate notice - by internet as detailed on the rate notice - in person at the Council Office locations - EFTPOS facilities are available for payments. - by BillExpress facility as detailed on the rate notice - by Australia Post billpay facility as detailed on the rate notice

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Any ratepayer who may, or is likely to, experience difficulties with meeting the standard payment arrangements should contact the Rates Officer on (08) 8582 1922 to discuss alternative payment arrangements. Such enquiries are treated confidentially. LATE PAYMENT OF RATES The Local Government Act provides that Councils impose a penalty of a 2% fine on any payment for rates, whether instalment or otherwise, that is not paid on or before the due date as from 1 July 2006. A payment that continues to be late is then charged a prescribed interest rate, set each year according to a formula in the Act, for each month it continues to be late. The purpose of this penalty is to act as a deterrent to ratepayers who might otherwise fail to pay their rates on time, to allow Councils to recover the administrative cost of following up unpaid rates and to cover any interest cost the Council may meet because it has not received the rates on time. For the 2006/2007 financial year this rate is 0.8125% per month. When the Council receives a payment in respect of overdue rates the Council applies the money received as follows:

- first – to satisfy any costs awarded in connection with court proceedings; - second – to satisfy any interest costs; - third – in payment of any fines imposed; - fourth – in payment of rates, in chronological order (starting with the oldest account first).

REMISSION AND POSTPONEMENT OF RATES Section 182 of the Local Government Act permits the Council, on the application of the ratepayer, to partially or wholly remit rates or to postpone rates, on the basis of hardship. Where a ratepayer is suffering hardship in paying rates, it is recommended to contact the Rates Officer on (08) 85821922 to discuss the matter. A ratepayer may be required to submit evidence of the hardship being suffered to benefit from the application of Section 182. Such enquiries are treated confidentially by the Council. DEFERMENT OF RATES – PRIMARY PRODUCERS Section 182 of the Local Government Act permits the Council to partially or wholly remit or postpone rates on the basis of hardship. It has been the decision of Council that due to the economic downturn and hardship being faced by the horticulture industry, ratepayers, upon application to the Council, may request to defer payment of Council rates. Such applications will be referred to the Rural Counselling Service for assessment prior to Council granting such deferment Property assessments with the differential rate of Primary Production only are eligible to apply on such basis.

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REBATE OF RATES The Local Government Act requires Councils to rebate the rates payable on some land. Specific provisions are made for land used for health services, community services, religious purposes, public cemeteries and educational institutions. Discretionary rebates may be applied by the Council under Section 166 of the Act, upon receipt of applications in accordance with Council’s Rate Rebate Policy that deem to satisfy the criteria specified within this section. The Council under the discretionary rebate of rates, may grant a rebate in any of the following purposes and cases: • Where the rebate is desirable for the purpose of securing the proper development of the area (or a part of

the area). • Where the rebate is desirable for the purpose of assisting or supporting a business in its area. • Where the rebate will conduce to the preservation of buildings or places of historic significance. • Where the land is being used for educational purposes. • Where the land is being used for agricultural, horticultural or floriculturual exhibitions. • Where the land is being used for hospital or health centre. • Where the land is being used to provide facilities or services for children or young persons. • Where the land is being used to provide accommodation for the aged or disabled. • Where the land is being used for a residential aged care facility that is approved for Commonwealth

funding under the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cwlth) or a day therapy centre. • Where the land is being used by an organisation which, in the opinion of the council, provides a benefit or

service to the local community. • Where the rebate relates to common property or land vested in a community corporation under the

Community Titles Act 1996 over which the public has a free and unrestricted right of access and enjoyment.

• Where the rebate is considered by the council to be appropriate to provide relief against what would otherwise amount to a substantial change in rates payable by a ratepayer due to – • A redistribution of the rates burden within the community arising from a change to the basis or structure

of the council’s rates, or • A change to the basis on which land is valued for the purpose of rating, rapid changes in valuation, or

anomalies in valuations. • Any rebate over and above the legislated percentage provided by the Act, for mandatory rebates or

discretionary rebates, will need to be considered by Council upon written application and in conjunction with the Rate Rebate Policy adopted by Council on 26th July 2005. Applications for such additional rebates are required on an annual basis.

SALE OF LAND FOR NON-PAYMENT OF RATES The Local Government Act provides that a Council may sell any property where the rates have been in arrears for three years or more. The Council is required to notify the owner of the land of its intention to sell the land, provide the owner with details of the outstanding amounts, and advise the owner of its intention to sell the land if payment of the outstanding amount is not received within one month.

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APPLICATION OF THE POLICY Where a ratepayer believes that the Council has failed to properly apply this policy it should raise the matter with the Council. In the first instance contact to be made with the Officer Manager or Manager of Corporate and Community Services on (08) 8582 1922 to discuss the matter. If after the initial contact a ratepayer is still dissatisfied they should write to the Chief Executive Officer, Berri Barmera Council, PO Box 229, Berri SA 5343. DISCLAIMER A rate cannot be challenged on the basis of non-compliance with the rating policy and must be paid in accordance with the required payment provisions. ADOPTION AND REVIEW This policy was adopted at the Council meeting held on the 25th day of July, 2006, being resolution number 836/06 of the Council meeting. The policy will be reviewed annually in May or June to coincide with Council adopting its annual budget and declaring the annual rates.

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COMMUNITY: YOUTH:

The 2006/2007 financial year was jam packed with events and programs for youth! There were many opportunities for young people to develop skills, attend events and generally have fun. The YACU Committee had regular monthly meetings throughout this time, to ensure that the projects ran efficiently and to address any issues that arose. Finding My Place (July-Oct 2006) ‘Finding My Place’ was a collaborative project between Berri Library, Council and Glossop High School. The program was run once a week for two hours at the Berri Library through the school. A group of 17 girls in year 9, 10 and 11 that were at risk of dropping out of the education system were invited to participate in the program, which was designed to develop life skills needed if they disengaged from the system in the near future. The program had great attendance and feedback from the girls. It was suggested that the program be offered next year. Riverland Field Days (Sept 2006) Riverland Field Days was a great way to promote the YACU Committee to the public. We had a site situated close to the Council site where the raffle for the Skate Park opening was stationed and face painting was carried out to raise money for the Relay for Life Team. This was a great way to get the committee out and about, and over the two days we had 20 youth consisting of YACU members, Skate Park Accountability Group members and Relay for Life team members involved. Relay For Life (Oct 2006) The YACU committee entered two teams in Relay For Life. One team was made up of YACU members and the other was youth, encouraged by committee members, to participate in community events. The two teams worked together for approximately 6 months prior to the event raising funds for the cause. This enabled the participants to build skills in planning, promoting and team work. The event was also helpful to the youth by instilling the desire and encouraging the motivation to be involved in community based activities. Food Safety Week Workshop (Nov 2006) Food safety workshops were organized by Rebecca Atze and Michelle Baden to educate youth on food safety during ‘Food Safety Week.’ Three workshops were offered in the Glossop High Middle Campus, where students prepared a meal and were assessed by Rebecca on their food handling abilities. Rebecca also presented the food safety basics to the classes prior to the workshops. The workshop was due to a successful application of funds. Bluelight Driver Eduction Pilot Program (18 Nov 2006) Six YACU members participated in the Blue Light Driver Education Pilot Program. Unfortunately the golf buggies were not working at the time but they completed the theory component and offered constructive and positive feedback. The members found the information interesting and especially enjoyed the challenge of controlling a remote control car whilst wearing “Beer Goggles” (goggles that impaired a persons vision as though they had consumed alcohol).

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‘Talk Out Loud’ Peer Education Training (Dec 2006) Three YACU members and myself travelled to Adelaide to attend a pilot workshop called “Talk Out Loud” which focused on youth mental health and drugs and alcohol misuse. The opportunity to network and share ideas on current and future projects was a real eye opener and increased the confidence and drive of the members whom attended. The workshop was a great start to the ‘Drug and Alcohol Awareness Campaign.’ Barmera Skate Park Opening Competition (Dec 2006) The Skate Park opening was a fantastic event. We had approximately 30 participants in the competition and approximately 100 spectators. The Skate Park Committee did a great job of organizing the event and it was great to see YACU members helping out with entertainment and on the food and drink stall. The event was well received by the community and another competition will definitely be considered in the near future. Barmera Skate Park YACU End Of Year Fun (16 Dec 2006) To start their end of year break-up party the YACU Committee travelled by bus to Mildura The members had lunch, followed by Putt Putt Golf and Dodgem cars. The committee then travelled back to the Riverland, where a formal dinner was held followed by a trip to Bowland. The outcome of this trip was not only to reward the committee with a day of fun, but to recognise their hard work throughout the year and appreciate the growth of the group. The membership has steadily increased and the dynamics of the group have changed. There are clear leaders and each member has a speciality that the other members identify with. There is now an instant network that members can call upon for information or resources. The trip was a great way to start the group working as a team, and they are working on youth issues in a positive atmosphere. It’s great to see a group of young people lead by example. UltraWorld 2007 (13 Jan 2007) UltraWorld sent sound waves through the Riverland with 350+ young people enjoying the entertainment on offer into the early hours of the morning. The local DJ’s had the attention of the crowd, especially when Deebo hit the stage. YACU are already planning next years event, so keep January 2008 free! Who knows what red hot acts we’ll have blowing into town. ‘YACU Bootcamp’ National Youth Week Event (14 April 2007) YACU ran a Boot Camp for young people featuring skills based workshops for the 2007 National Youth Week Event. The workshops offered included DJ, dance & mechanics skills. The camp was held over 2 days and one night. In total 17 young people attended the camp, with the highlight being the ‘Drug and Alcohol Information Session’ ran by DASSA representative Jill Eustice. On both days Local DJ’s White D and Dr Daff ran the DJ session and Emma Schilling from Mint Studios in Adelaide, along with the help of two instructors, ran the dance workshops. The mechanics workshop was run by a couple of petrol head YACU members on the Sunday. The overall vibe of the camp was relaxed, with unscheduled sessions of physical recreation mixed with structured sessions. The participant’s feedback concluded that the camp was an awesome way to spend a weekend.

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‘Are We There Yet’ National Youth Conference (1 May 2007) Six YACU members were ecstatic to attend the three-day National Youth Conference held in Melbourne, the first in 8 years. The conference consisted of a series of workshops including skill development, issue based

discussions and successful programs. The conference ran parallel programs for people under 25 and Youth Workers.

YACU members’ chose a range of workshops that they identified as a need/issue for the Riverland area. The workshops equipped the members with the knowledge to address issues that have or possibly will arise in the future. The conference gave these six young leaders valuable skills and an experience of a lifetime that they will never forget! Can’t wait for the next one!!!

LIBRARY SERVICES:

The last year has been a busy and productive time for library staff working at the Berri Library and Information Centre and the Barmera Library and Council Customer Service Centre, with implementation of new services and improvements to existing ones. We are grateful to our many volunteers for their help, and thank the Council and the community for their support. We look forward to meeting the challenges of the next financial year with enthusiasm and commitment to the community.

Here are some of the ways we have been helping to “build a better community”: -

Free Wireless Internet Hotspots Both Berri and Barmera Libraries now have free wireless access to the Internet for their customers. Wireless was installed at the Berri Library & Information Centre in June 2006, as part of phase 1 of the S.A. Public Libraries Services pilot project that included more than 26 libraries across the State. The Barmera Library, as part of the phase 2 rollout, had wireless installed in May 2007. Since installation, the wireless internet service has been extremely popular at both libraries, with locals and travellers alike taking advantage of the free service. If you would like to test out our wireless Internet service on your laptop you will need: - To register to use the wireless access and obtain your login and password - A wireless network interface card, 802.11b or 802.11g - To configure your laptop or PDA to use the Library's Internet connection - Compatible headphones if you plan to use audio files

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Australian Library Week And History Week In May 2007 both libraries celebrated Australian Library and Information Week and History Week. At Barmera Library, The National Trust’s soldier settler photos from World War I were bought in by Corrie Spronk and Garth Gow, and displayed in the Library, along with local history books and maps. The accompanying afternoon tea attracted more than 60 people, with some of the original World War II soldier settlers attending as special guests. All who attended were pleased with the display and it was a pleasure to see some of our home-grown “living legends” and hear their stories of our early history.

Mrs Peg Mortimer at the Barmera Library History Week celebrations

Berri Library held an all day morning tea to celebrate Library & Information Week on May 23rd. The event was enthusiastically supported by all including staff from TAFE and Glossop High, students and the public. There was food, fun and music for everyone. Many took part in the competitions with a number of copies of Rachel Treasure's latest book Rouseabout going to winners in the draw. Morning tea packs were sent to other local TAFE campuses so staff could celebrate library week in style with gourmet tea, coffee and biscuits. These were well received and provided an opportunity to promote our library and services. To celebrate History Week a collection of advertisements, photographs and memorabilia pertaining to the commercial history of Berri were displayed in the foyer providing a snapshot look at how our traders have changed over the years. Your Tutor Homework Help South Australian students will not have to struggle with their homework, assignments or exam revision again. Students in years 4 through 12 can visit Berri or Barmera Libraries (in fact any public library in the State) or log onto the library’s website to get immediate help from qualified tutors. Coordinated and funded by Public Library Services, the libraries are connected to a unique and innovative Online Tutoring Service from Tutoring Australasia that connects students to expert tutors in mathematics, science, English, research-based subjects and study skills via the Internet. This free service allows anyone to come to one of the libraries or log on from home, Monday-Friday, from 4pm to 8pm and receive expert help from real tutors via the Internet. Students enter their year level and the subject they need help in and are immediately connected to an expert tutor in an Online Classroom for help. To find out more about this fantastic new service contact Berri Library and Information Centre or Barmera Library and Council Customer Service Centre. Libraries board of S.A. Riverland visit Library staff experienced a very uplifting visit from The Libraries Board of South Australia on Thursday 2nd March. The Board aims to visit every library in the state over a five year period, which is as you can imagine, quite a difficult task. Board members, although clearly exhausted from a day of visits, were visibly excited to hear what our key stakeholders (representatives from TAFE SA, Glossop High School and Council) had to say about the services provided by our unique tripartite joint use facility at Berri and the Barmera Library and Council Customer Service Centre. The Public Libraries Board of SA visit Berri Library

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This visit was a great success with the Board leaving Berri very impressed with what the Berri Barmera Council and its partners have achieved in providing quality library services to the district. RSL “Australia At War” Special Collection Expanding On March 14th 2007 the Korea & South East Asia Forces Association of Australia Riverland Sub Branch donated a number of books covering Australia’s involvement in the Korean War. Also donated were two framed pictures for display in the reading room. Glossop High School Head Prefects took part in the official handover and Library Manager Peter Ison officially accepted the items on behalf of the library, to be included in the RSL Australia at War collection. The collection of 550 catalogued items has now been made available for loan and new titles are being added each year via donations and a budget supplied by Berri Barmera Council. Display cases have some unique items which were donated by a local family. These include Japanese books, a water purifying kit, maps, backpack, a sewing kit and pieces of shrapnel. Author Visits Two top Australian authors visited the Berri Barmera District in 2006. On Friday 18th August 2006 the Barmera Library coordinated a visit by author and illustrator Roland Harvey as part of the Books Alive and Advertiser Big Book Club promotion. Five schools were invited to two sessions in the Bonney Theatre (as there was not enough space in the Library!) A total of 500 children and teachers attended. The Barmera Library also organised a competition for the children, and a luncheon for 30 adults to hear Roland Harvey and another author, Peter Brune, speak about their books. Library staff worked hard to make the day a huge success. Author, Roland Harvey with the winners of the “In the Bush” competition at the Bonney Theatre

On Friday evening the Berri Library hosted a combined Big Book Club and Books Alive event with bestselling author Peter Brune. More than 40 people from all over the Riverland came to share supper and drinks with Peter Brune and listen to him speak about his latest book A bastard of a place, about the Kododa campaign during WWII.

Author, Peter Brune promotes his new book “A bastard of place” at the Berri Library In October 2006, local author Hallett Shueard visited the Barmera Library to speak to the community about his recent thriller Nemesis which has proved quite popular. Children’s Funtime Our children’s weekly storytelling and activity sessions are still proving popular with local parents with children less than 5 years of age. At Barmera there has been a marked increase in the number of children participating which is particularly pleasing. Parents interested in attending the weekly activities are invited to bring their children to Berri Library on Thursdays starting at 10.30am and to Barmera Library on Tuesdays at 11am.

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Our regular school holiday activities cater for older children up to about 12 years of age and attendances are increasing every holiday. At Barmera Library in 2007 there have been a number of special guest artists appearing at the school holiday activities. Artists have included Lois Campbell (crafty cut out collages), Mollie Sando (original storyteller), and Barney Lindsay, (Aboriginal author, storyteller and artist). Contact either the Berri Library or Barmera Library for times and dates before the next school holidays if you would like to participate. A happy Tayne Ward, aged 4, displays his platypus made at the Barmera Library holiday activities, 28th October 2006 Finding My Place Program In April 2006, Judy Strachan, the Berri Library & Information Centre Teacher Librarian applied for and received a $4,000 grant from the Libraries Board of S.A. to run a program called Finding My Place; one of ten pilot programs operating during 2006. This program was one that had been run successfully in Western Australia for a period of 2 years, and was being trialled in South Australia. The idea behind the program was to bring targeted students from local high schools into their public library, introducing them to an environment that was more flexible for their learning , and one that was less threatening for them. The targeted students were to be students who were dealing with a variety of issues and who didn’t see the relevance of staying at school. Judy Strachan, worked in conjunction with Michelle Baden (Council Youth Officer), the Glossop High School Counsellor and a TAFE SA project officer to finalise an interesting and valuable program that ran for 10 weeks in term 3 and 4, 2006. A mixture of 15 girls from both Glossop High School middle and senior campus came to the Berri Library to participate in motivational workshops with a variety of topics being covered including:

• Fitness & Diet • Budgeting, finance • Relationships, friendships, conflict resolution • Interview skills, presentation • Sexual health • Consequences of drugs & alcohol abuse • Volunteering • Legal matters – Police, Centrelink and Legal Service. • Makeup matters

The program was a great success with the students responding very positively to the planned activities. “Great, fun, heaps good, great opportunity to learn new things, enjoyable, good leaning time” were some of the comments about the program from the students. Multimedia Room Opening The multimedia room in the Berri Library & Information Centre was officially opened by Aileen O’Connell, Chairperson of the library Joint Use Management Committee on Thursday 15th November 2006. Work on the multimedia room began in 2004 and has largely been completed by Glossop High School students participating in the “Doorways to Construction” programme. The room is a multifunction room that combines a digital editing suite, computers for training purposes and a theatrette for viewing videos and DVDs.

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The multimedia room is a fantastic resource for community groups, Glossop High School and TAFE SA Berri Campus and its construction was been jointly funded by the Berri Barmera Council and Glossop High School.

Attending the multimedia room opening (from left to right): Back row: Peter Ison (Library Manager, Berri Barmera Council), Aileen O’Connell (Chairperson, Joint Use Library Management Committee), Jim Rolfe (Technical Studies Teacher, GHS), Neville MacPherson (Deputy Principal, GHS), Len Warren & Tony Sait (Construction Industry Training Board) Front row: Steven Smith & Cassandra Jury (School Prefects, GHS)

STATISTICS FROM YOUR LIBRARY SERVICE BERRI BARMERA COUNCIL LIBRARY STATISTICS 2006/2007 LOANS BERRI BARMERA 2005-2006 2006-2007 2005-2006 2006-2007 2006-2007 TOTALS Adult Fiction 12,590 11,303 6,279 6,592 17,895 Adult Non-Fiction 8,309 6,705 4,028 3,871 10,576 Large Print 4,616 5,868 6,218 6,412 12,230 Sub Total Adult 25,516 23,876 16,525 16,875 40,751 Children 12,439 13,227 4,882 5,499 18,726 Paperbacks - Adult 7,709 6,544 9,946 8,730 15,274 Paperbacks - Children 4,930 1,956 1,549 1,975 3,931 Periodicals 4,671 5,245 4,600 4,503 9,748 CDs 2,803 2,561 1,561 1,511 6,633 CD-ROMs 1,575 1,791 571 585 2,376 Videos 6,971 4,985 2,733 2,578 7,563 DVDs 7,983 10,770 7,366 9,373 20,143 Hear-A- Books 888 828 476 534 1,362 LOTE 106 103 169 189 292 School Resources 4,493 6,465 NA NA 6,465 TAFE Resources 3,568 3,427 NA NA 3,427 ILLs & Other 1,673 1,049 1,154 821 1,870 AV Equipment 875 896 NA NA 896 TOTALS 86,200 83,723 51,532 53,173 136,896

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USAGE BERRI BARMERA 2005-2006 2006-2007 2005-2006 2006-2007 2006-2007 TOTALS Door Count 120,221 119,903 71,465 64,700 184,603 Internet Bookings 7,234 6,886 4,512 5,366 12,252 Holiday Activities 281 219 267 264 483 Weekly children’s Activities

546 608 669 690 1,298

SA Network Inter Library Loans

5,377 6,118 3,425 3,554 9,672

Visits per capita (Berri 7,025, Barmera 4,188)

17.1 17.0 17.0 15.4 16.4

Loans per capita 12.2 11.9 12.3 12.6 12.2 Open hours per annum

2,750 2,750 1,950 1,950 4,700

Web Catalogue Searches

22,759 28,715 combined statistics 28,715

RIVERLAND COMMUNITY TRANSPORT SCHEME: The Riverland Community Transport Scheme is a joint venture with the Berri Barmera Council, Passenger Transport Board and Home & Community Care and is administered by the Berri Barmera Council. This service is available for the transport of disadvantaged including, the frail, elderly, disabled or isolated persons residing permanently in the Berri-Barmera, Loxton-Waikerie and Renmark Paringa Council areas. It allows them to access medical appointments, job interviews, training/volunteer work, government agency appointments, shopping trips and visiting. Donations from the clients of the Riverland Community Transport Scheme are appreciated and assist to offset the operational expenditure of the service, particularly vehicle replacement, fuel and insurance costs. The Scheme has a fleet of three vehicles operating throughout the Riverland Region driven on a rostered basis by volunteer drivers. Currently the Scheme has 16 volunteer drivers who between them have done approximately 3,500 trips with each vehicle travelling approximately 60,000 kms/yr. On 1 January, 2007 a new service commenced running under the banner of the Riverland Community Transport Scheme. A 10 seater Toyota Hiace Bus was purchased by the Council, with sponsorship and donations helping to cover the running costs. This vehicle also driven by volunteers, transports patients to and from Adelaide for cancer treatment and other medical appointments several times a week.

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SPECIAL EVENTS: Riverland Field Days - 14th - 15th September 2006 The Riverland Field Days celebrated their 49th Field Days at the Exhibition Site on the Sturt Highway Barmera. The two-day event hosts a vast forum of entertainment and information to over 18,000 people .The Berri Barmera Council, together with Berri Visitor Information Centre, Berri Barmera Public Libraries provided showbags filled with information and up coming events. Seniors Citizens Christmas Dinners The annual Seniors Christmas Dinners were held on 29th November, 2006 at the Berri Town Hall and 6th December 2006 at the Bonney Theatre, Barmera. The Council had pleasure in extending an invitation to all residential Seniors Citizens over the age of 60 years and living within the boundary of the Berri Barmera Council area, to attend one of the two annual Christmas Dinners for a 2 course meal and refreshments. As part of the evening, Council Staff, Councillors and a local band acknowledged our Senior Citizens during the evening with light -hearted entertainment. Almost 600 of our community members attended the enjoyable evening helped along with the support of local service clubs and helpers. Australia Day - 26th January 2007 Council held a successful Australia Day Event in Barmera on Dean Drive overlooking Lake Bonney . The day commenced with breakfast from 7.00am, followed by a flag raising ceremony, Citizenship Ceremonies, and presentations of Citizen, Young Citizen and Community Event of the Year Awards. Entertainment was provided throughout the course of celebrations from local community members. Approx 400 people attended the successful event and saw the following presentations be made - Citizen of the Year - Wendy Gambling Young Citizen of the Year - Steven Smith Community Event of the Year - 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Flood Committee FUNDRAISERS: Relay for Life - 29th October 2006 An unforgettable experience ~ Staff member of the Berri Barmera Council Rebecca Atze along with friends and colleagues took part in a exciting event held on the Berri Oval to participate in the team event to fight cancer. The experience and fun lasted for 20 hours. With the support of dedicated staff and local businesses the Berri Barmera Council Team raised $5,992.45 for the Cancer Council of South Australia.

Stephen Rufus, Donna Rufus, Jacque Zagotsis, Cheryle Pedler, Rebecca Atze and Jayne Wishart participating in Relay for Life.

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The Big Shave - 6th October 2006

Out of the several fundraising events that took place during the year, the highlight was ‘The Big Shave’ in which staff members Trevor Gray (Building Inspector) lost all of his hair and beard, and Steven Kubasiewicz (Manager Environmental and Inspectorial Services) lost his beloved moustache. This hair-raising event was held in the Riverland Plaza and proceeds of over $600.00 was donated to Research for Cancer.

Trevor Grey, Steven Kubasiewicz with Johnny the Barber after the “Big Shave” Red Shield Day - May 2007 The theme was to wear something red to raise funds for the Salvation Army for their Red Shield appeal. Morning tea organized by Marcia. Hairlarious Day - 2nd June 2007 The Berri Council Office had a “shabby chic” morning tea, organised by Jesse and Jayne to raise funds for childhood cancer. The morning tea was pretty and pink and fun was had by all by showing off their crazy “dos”.

Berri Council Office celebrating “Hairlarious Day”

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BERRI VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE: The 2006-2007 financial year has been an exciting and productive year for the staff and volunteers at the Berri Visitor Information Centre. We have spent a great deal of time and effort servicing the needs of the local community, as well as the many visitors to the region, of which we have enjoyed becoming part of their travelling experience. Services We Offer During the past year, the Berri Visitor Information Centre has introduced a number of new services including becoming an agent for the Greyhound bus service for ticket sales enabling bus travel throughout most of Australia, the introduction of UBD/Gregory’s maps, atlas’ and street directories and also the sale of locally made lavender products. We have also continued to expand our souvenir range to include a lot more Australian Made products including ‘Berri’ t-shirts, hat pins, postcards and calendars. The staff and volunteers of the Berri Visitor Information Centre have also endeavoured to improve the current services we offer, to ensure we are catering to the needs of all whom walk through our doors. Our range of information including local, intrastate and interstate information continues to grow, with more information on interstate areas. Internet access is still available, and we will be implementing an accommodation booking service in the near future to cater to demand of locals and visitors. Visitor NumbersAlthough visitor numbers to the Berri Visitor Information Centre showed a slight decrease of .11%, staff and volunteers were still kept quite busy. It was great to see an increase of 15% by local residents to the Visitor Centre and to know that local community members are utilising the services of the centre. Intrastate (within South Australia) visitors showed an increase of 27%, while a 5% increase in interstate visitor numbers was recorded. The number of overseas visitors recorded saw a decrease of 13.7% Volunteers The number of volunteers now dedicating their time at the Berri Visitor Information Centre has increased from 12 during 2005-2006 to 19 during 2006-2007. Volunteers play an important part in the running of the Berri Visitor Information Centre and provide valuable knowledge to those who come through the door. Staff and volunteers are kept up-to-date with familiarisation visits to local operators and places of interest. During the past year, staff and volunteers have gone to see local accommodation providers, attractions, National Parks and local events to ensure that they have all the knowledge to answer any questions they may receive. These familiarisations are also used as a social get together to enable the volunteers to socialise with their fellow peers.

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MAJOR EVENTS Berri VIC Open Night On Wednesday 25th October 2006, the Berri Visitor Information Centre held an Open Night as part of the South Australian Tourism Association accreditation process. This evening was used as a way for us to showcase what goes on at the centre and for many of the business operators to get together and for some to meet for the first time. We were pleased with the great turnout by operators and volunteers and received many positive comments about the night and the services we provide. Volunteer BBQ As a thank you to our volunteers, a Christmas BBQ is held at Martin Bend each year. Last years event still went ahead despite the rain, and it was fantastic to see many of the newly elected Berri Barmera Council Councilors in attendance. The evening is another opportunity for staff and volunteers to interact with each other and our elected members. Riverland Tourism Awards The Berri Visitor Information Centre entered the Renmark Club 2007 Tourism Awards and was fortunate enough to win the “General Tourism Services and Media” Award. It is because of the dedicated staff and volunteers that we were able to take out this award for the second time, with our friendly, relaxed atmosphere and services offered at the visitor centre impressing the judges greatly.

Berri Visitor Information Centre - Statistics Description 2005 - 2006 2006 - 2007 Local Visitors 2069 2397 Intrastate Visitors 3855 4834 Interstate Visitors 2919 3068 Overseas Visitors 1832 1237 Unknown Visitors 6748 5931 Bus Enquiries 6837 6765 TOTAL VISITORS 24,260 24,232

Information Requested 2005 - 2006 2006 - 2007 Directions/Maps 5321 4773 Attractions 3088 3320 Cruises/Tours 637 1150 Food Outlets 624 914 Restaurants/Café’s 92* 426 Shops 596 747 Hotels/Motels 454 415 Caravan Parks 469 534 Self Contained Accommodation

177 256

Bed & Breakfasts 95 122 Houseboats 278 208 Backpackers 194 205 Camping 324 311

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Events 595 1081 Walks 308 479 National Parks 377 446 Internet 353 206 Employment Agencies 307 278 Centrelink 43* 186 Motor Registration 35* 45 Quarantine 103 40 Churches 10* 32 Library 29* 137 Souvenirs 1121 1363 Toilets 1952 2903 Just Looking 5230 6400 Other 789 511 TOTAL 23601 27488 * Figures for these sections only April - June 06. Previously not recorded separately.

Phone Enquiries 2005 - 2006 2006 - 2007 Bus Information 598 769 Administration 941 1160 Accommodation 337 299 Attractions 115 207 Events 126 156 Other 235 113 TOTAL 2352 2704 Mail outs 161 166

RIVERLAND SPORT AND RECREATION: 2006-2007 has been highlighted by the commencement of a number of major projects that have taken a number of years to develop and secure funding, these include the ‘Bluearth in the regions’ and the ‘Team Effort’ projects. The achievements and developments of the Riverland’s Active Community Field Officer (ACFO) Programme continue to link strongly to the Office for Recreation and Sport objectives and actions required to implement the Riverland Region’s Sport and Recreation Strategy. The Major highlights include: 1. The Riverland Physical Activity Network, whose members are primarily regional stakeholders and local

service providers, held a major workshop attended by 45 individuals from across the state. A key project (‘Bluearth in the Regions’) proposed at this workshop has since been initiated though a community and schools partnership that will see 9 instructors complete a 36 week training course delivered right here in the Riverland. The process of training also delivered some 90 physical activity sessions to over 400 kids from 4 schools. This pilot project should lead to more schools being involved next year but has also created the opportunity for these same activity sessions to be delivered as community fitness classes that will benefit community members of any age. Significant participation rates and changes in perception of physical activity have already been noted by the schools participating.

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2. The Riverland Sport and Recreation Network (RACN) has continued to be a powerful tool for linking regional stakeholders with active recreation providers and promoting new training opportunities/ programmes to individuals and clubs. Through the Network: • Regular Sport and Recreation information has been distributed to over 350 members, including 7

E-letters, 1 postal Newsletter and several specific notifications. • A number of members have been key drivers in planning and implementing components of the

‘Team Effort’ Project, a holistic program which aims to engage and support more indigenous families to live healthy lifestyles. The project has secured some $420,000 over 3 years and will help strengthen the pathways for disadvantaged members of the community to be involved in a number of Riverland Sport and recreation pursuits.

• The Riverland region has been successful in at least 25 applications for ORS grants as a result of promotion through the network and direct grant writing support from the ACFO. These successful grants have brought over $350 000 to assist sport and recreation development over the last 2 years. A further $800,000 worth of projects have also been completed using alternative funding options developed after consultation with the ACFO.

3. The Riverland Sport and Recreation Management Group has continued the implementation of the

Regional Recreation, Sport and Open space strategy, meeting 6 times during the year and produced a report on the status of actions completed during the three years since the strategy was adopted.

4. Working with Riverland Netball Association in 2007 has been refreshing and motivating, with their keen

interest in developing a new governance structure and their success in aligning the majority of their games to coincide with the same teams playing in the football competition. The aim of this project was to lessen the travel and logistics issues for families with parents and children playing across the sports, there have been some difficulties for clubs surrounding court hire and umpiring, but the sport has taken a proactive role in addressing these and has more plans to come, including developing child minding activities, so that parents can return to playing their sport of choice.

CEMETERIES: The Cemetery Committee is currently working on a Draft of Cemetery Operating Guidelines, and hopes to have this implemented in the New Year. The cemetery maintenance team have worked towards identifying risks and hazards associated with the day to day management of the cemeteries located within the Council area, and our aim is to establish clear and concise regulations. We are working towards having all unmarked graves in the Barmera Cemetery identified, and will be aiming to enhance the appearance of the grounds by the way of seating and trees.

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COUNCIL PROPERTIES: Working towards the update of Asset Registers, Community Land Management Plans and review of property maintenance is an ongoing process. To effectively manage our facilities Council needs to ascertain the future maintenance of our assets, addressing such issues as age and community benefit. We are in the process of updating our Asset Register and Community Land Management Plans, and developing reports on each property.

Monash Playground

LEASES, LICENCES AND HIRE OF COUNCIL FACILITIES The challenge this past financial year has been to identify the status of Council facilities that are leased or licensed to groups throughout the Council Area. Council has been working towards establishing a consistent and up to date policy for the lease and licensing of Council facilities. New ‘Lease and Licence’ documents will be implemented in the 2007-2008 financial year. All facilities that are used exclusively by a user group outside of Council that has been identified as not having a formal arrangement in place will be required to formalise their agreement. We have been working towards one form that is required for the occasional and shared hire of Council facilities, such as the Town Hall and Bonney Theatre, this will ensure that guidelines, responsibility and risk management is outlined. COMMUNITY PROJECTS During the year the Council along with various Community Organisations participated in Projects for the upgrading of key sporting and community infrastructure within the area. These Projects, which are detailed, include the upgrade of Baseball and Softball facilities at Glassey Park, upgrade of the Tennis facility at Berri and provision of new greens at the Barmera Bowling Club. Riverland Baseball League / Softball Association The Council assisted the Riverland Baseball League and Softball Association to upgrade the regional facilities located at Glassey Park, Berri. The Project that included the installation of permanent fencing and general upgrading to facilities was supported by Council in conjunction with a Grant received though the Office of Recreation and Sport. The financial support provided to the Baseball League and Softball Association by Council included a $10,000 direct cash contribution and a loan of $35,000 at a 5% interest rate to be repaid to Council over a 10 year period. This contribution by Council and working in partnership with the League and the Association has achieved the improvement of these facilities and reinforced Glassey Park as a Regional Sporting hub. The facilities now can cater for substantial events to be held for both Baseball and Softball within the Region and with future upgrades planned in the future for the upgrading of lighting etc., it is envisaged that high-standard games and event tournaments can be held at the facility.

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With the upgrade of the Baseball and Softball facilities at Glassey Park, in conjunction with the previous upgrade of Hockey facilities, as stated the Glassey Park Recreation area is now a regional hub for these sports. Berriview Lawn Tennis Complex Upgrade The Council formed a partnership with the Berriview Lawn Tennis Club and the Berri Netball Club to amalgamate the Netball and Tennis facilities at the current location of the Berriview Lawn Tennis Centre. The Project included the replacement of existing synthetic courts with plexi-pave courts that will cater for both tennis and netball. This project is a substantial step in the right direction in achieving Council’s Corporate Objective of rationalising community and sporting facilities within the Council area. The project was achieved through negotiating arrangements with the Tennis Club, Netball Club and additional support to be provided via the repayment of loans by the Berri War Memorial Community Centre and the Berri Resort Hotel. Without the contributions made by the Community Centre and the Hotel, the project would not have been able to be achieved. The only disappointment with the project is that Council and the Tennis / Netball Club were unsuccessful in obtaining grant funding through the Office of Recreation and Sport, though the rationalisation of the facilities now sees the Berriview Lawn Tennis Centre as a regional facility for both netball and tennis. The Tennis Centre upgrade was estimated at $450,000 of which Council is contributing in excess of $200,000 with $150,000 being repaid by loans on an equal proportion between the Tennis Club, Netball Club, Berri War Memorial Community Centre and Berri Resort Hotel. It is hoped that with future upgrades to lighting over the lawned tennis court that Council and the Tennis Club are successful in obtaining financial assistance through the Office of Recreation and Sport and also through Tennis SA. Barmera Bowling Club The Council formed a partnership with the Barmera Bowling Club for the replacement of the existing lawned greens with synthetic greens. Again, this project was successful on the basis of the financial information being provided to Council by the Barmera Bowling Club and the demonstration that with the project being undertaken the Club will be in a substantial position to service a loan to the Council. To this end, Council contributed $50,000 towards the total cost estimated at $320,000, with the Bowling Club contributing $10,000 and agreeing to service a 10 year loan with the Council of $260,000. The Project will provide significant advantages to the Barmera Bowling Club through the saving of paying wages to greenkeepers for the maintenance of the greens, not to mention considerable savings with water. The Club considers that this will ensure their long-term sustainability well into the future. The community projects for which Council has made considerable arrangements with the various Clubs and Organisations, demonstrates Council’s approach to forming partnerships with these Organisations to achieve the upgrade of key facilities within the Community. With the Clubs taking on part of the financial burden to service loans to Council demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the sustainability of their Clubs and provides greater ownership of the facility itself. The Organisations involved need to be commended because without their effort these projects would not have been achievable.

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ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Berri Barmera Waste Water Re-Use Scheme – July 2006

Planning and Building Assessment Environmental Health

Dog and Cat Management Parking Control

Bushfire Prevention Riverfront /Foreshore

Animal and Plant Control Effluent Drainage /Management/Planning/Maintenance

Berri Barmera Wastewater Re-Use Project – Under Construction

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INTRODUCTION:

Steven Kubasiewicz Manager Environmental

Services

Department Membership: Standing Committees: Environmental Services Services Committee Specific Purposes Committees: Non-Voting Member: Berri Riverfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee Lake Bonney Redevelopment Advisory Committee Waste Water Re-Use Project Committee The Environment Services Department is responsible for the management and operations of the following functions of Council, as summarised in the Functional and Corporate structure. Planning and Building Assessment Development Planning Environmental Health Dog and Cat Management Parking Control Bushfire Prevention Riverfront / Foreshore Animal and Plant Control General Inspections Effluent Drainage Management / Planning / Maintenance By Law Enforcement Property Management / Maintenance Open Space Planning

To effectively implement the management and operations of the Department the following Staffing Structure applies:

Manager Environmental Services

Personal Admin. Assistant (1)

Environmental Health Officer

(1)

Development – Town Planning

Officer (1)

Development – Building Officer

(1)

General Inspector (1)

Effluent / Waste Water

Contractors

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PLANNING AND BUILDING ASSESSMENT:

TT

here are statutory timeframes in place within which the Council must assess such development applications. he Council has de t to both staff and Development

Assessment Panel ( his time period 6 re considered by the DAP. Two appeals were lodged howevand approvals grant During the past 12 m llowing number of applications by category.

gs & dwelling extensions/renovations

legated its authority under the Development Ac9 applications assessed over t

theDAP). Of the 29 2 we

er following the compulsory conference stage the matters were resolved ed to the relevant applications.

onths, Council has assessed the fo

Dwellin 51Land Divisions 13Commercial & Commercial extensions and renovations 28Health Services 4 Verandahs/Carports & extensions 89 Garages/Sheds & extensions 75 Swimming/Spa Pools 13 Signs 6 Churches 1 Special 5 Demolition 11

Due to recent changes in the Development Act 1993, all Council were required to established Council Development Assessment Panel (CDAP). With the approval of the Minister the Council is still operating a DAP

hose 5 members are all electedw members of the Council. The exemption has been granted by the Minister to cil of Loxton Waikerie and the Renmark Paringa Council to establish a

cil’s to

opers in the area through

e is to ose other than for domestic purposes) to determine its

allow this Council, the District CounRegional Development Assessment Panel (RDAP). The exemption which allows this and the other Counoperate the DAP extends to Feb 2008. The Council see this as being an important means of promoting acommon approach to both assessment and policy development in the region.

ouncil has continued to provide a periodical information update to builders and develCan electronic information sheet. Building Fire Safety Committee

he Building Fire Safety Committee met on 6 occasions during 2006/07. The role of the committeTundertake inspections of public use buildings (thadequacy in terms of fire safety. In conjunction with the other three Riverland Councils the opportunities to establish a Regional Building Fire Safety Committee were commenced and continue.

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DEVELOPMENT PLANNING: Council undertook a number of projects in relation to development planning of the Council area.

ncil to manner

erri Eastern Approach Urban Design and Infrastructure Study hway,

kin Road and Kay Avenue. This land is primarily zoned for industrial and commercial uses. The urpose of this was to identify the infrastructure requirements to allow this area and adjoining land to be

tion treatments as well as ntry statements for the township of Berri. The entry statement concepts are to form the basis of new entry

s of Berri and Barmera.

ENV O

Berri West Residential Infrastructure Study Specifically it undertook an infrastructure study of the residentially zoned areas to the west of Berri that are currently in horticultural production. The objective of this study was to analyse the existing and required infrastructure requirement to allow future development in this area. The study is to be used to enable Couapproach the various landowners with a view to coordinating the development of this area in a strategicso that costs of development can be minimised and the most efficient means of establishing the required infrastructure can be achieved. BCouncil also undertook an infrastructure study for an area of the township of Berri along the Old Sturt Higbetween Hospdeveloped to full potential. In conjunction with the infrastructure study there was also an urban design component, which looked at the provision of service roads, landscaping and intersecestatements to the principle town Both these projects have involved extensive consultation with relevant landowners and others within the community. Council has also been involved in the development of land in the township of Barmera. This involved the provision of infrastructure to approximately thirty allotments of Council owned land.

IR NMENTAL HEALTH: Cou il ing Group. This is a partnership etween the three Riverland Councils, The Department of Health and the Riverland Regional Health Service.

in the

s – attendance and manning of exhibitor site.

r a d advise on buying, handling and cooking of food, what to do when you

ave a complaint or the food is unsafe/contaminated and what to do if you have food poisoning. In addition a uce the students to appropriate methods of food handling in the home

nvironment. The sessions were well received by both students and staff with a request that similar programs

ouncil has obligations under the Food Act to conduct regular inspections of food premises within its jurisdiction fes, bakeries, motels, takeaway food

utlets and charitable organisations.

nc is an active participant in the Riverland Arbovirus Prevention WorkbThe group aims to identify, develop, implement and evaluate community based initiatives that assistprevention of spread of mosquito borne disease for those visiting or living in the Riverland and to implement health initiatives in the Riverland as it relates to the prevention of mosquito borne disease. During the 2006/07 period the groups initiatives included:

• School programs, specifically awareness programs • ABC radio – community service announcements • Riverland Field Day

The Berri Barmera Council was the recipient of a $1,000.00 grant for Food Safety Week. Council’s Environmental Health Officer and Youth Development Officer held sessions for local high school students ove3-week period. Topics covered includehcooking challenge was held to introdebe continued in the future. CInspections were undertaken of 60 premises including supermarkets, cao

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DOG AND CAT MANAGEMENT:

y for dog and cat management in accordance with the Cat and Dog Management Act 995. Over the 06/07 period there were 2522 dogs registered within the council area.

nce works were undertaken on the Council dog pound.

ARKING CONTROL

Council has responsibilit1 Minor maintena Council continues to support a de-sexing scheme for dogs and cats. P : Council maintained a process of enforcement of its parking controls. In total some 259 parking expiation notices were issued. During the 2006/07 year Council initiated a Permit Only Parking Policy. This resulted in the establishment of two permit only car-parking areas to allow for the business community within the town of Berri to have access to all day car-parking spaces in close proximity to the places of business.

rmit Only Park

eneral statistics with respect to Inspectorial Services during 2006/07

Dog Expiations 65

Ahern Street Pe Car

G

Dog Complaints 291 Dog Impounds 178 Dog attack reports 53 Parking offences 259 Vehicle impounds 6

BUSHFIRE PREVENTION: As required Council have an established Bushfire Prevention Committee that includes members of the various fire authorities. This meets three times a year. An inspection of the district was undertaken by members of this committee to view the potential fire hazards. As a result of this firebreaks were established around a reserve

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area where it adjoins a residential development. In support of this a process of public consultation was undertaken with the adjoining landowners giving advice on means of mitigating fire hazards. Inspections were also carried out before the fire danger season in all residential areas and through the rural areas of the Council. In response to these inspections a total of 123 notices were forwarded to the relevant land wners to address hazardous fire conditions. A total of 85 permits were issued for various activities during the re danger season. Likewise Council undertook a program of addressing hazardous conditions on land under its are and control.

ofic RIVERFRONT /FORESHORE:

Berri Riverfront

bjective of this study is to integrate the foreshore area with the township nd to improve the facilities and general amenity of the area. This project will be carried over into the 2007/08 ear. This project includes a process of public consultation to enable the broader community to have an input

Barmera Lakefront Council has two foreshore committees. Consultants have been engaged to undertake a study of the foreshore area of Barmera /Lake Bonney. The oayinto the redevelopment of this area. ANIMAL AND PLANT CONTROL: In conjunction with the Natural Resource Management Board, Council was involved in a rabbit control program on land surrounding Lake Bonney.

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EFFLUENT DRAINAGE /MANAGEMENT/PLANNING/MAINTENANCE:

Effluent Disposal System, and employs contractor to undertake regular de-sludging services for households connected to the STEDS network.

C ible fo approval of all septic disposal units within the Council area. During 2006/07, the following applications, inspections and complaints were received.

stem umber of applications mber of routine inspections mber of complaints

Council is responsible for the care and maintenance of the Septic Tanka

ouncil is also respons r the

Type of Sy N Nu NuSeptic Tank – STEDS 41 82 Aerobic System 8 15 Soakage 19 27 2 Defective 4 1 Total 68 128 2

BERRI BARMERA WASTEWATER RE-USE PROJECT – UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

Berri Barmera Council and United Utilities Australia sign a 25 year Build Own Operate Transfer agreement for the Berri Barmera Waste Water Re-Use Project. Left to right: Stephen Rufus, Mayor Peter Hunt, Berri Barmera Council and Graham Dooly, United Utilities Australia.

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Above: Wastewater Re-Use Scheme ponds at Barmera In March 2007 Council signed a series of historic agreements that saw the commencement of 12 months of onstruction works to build a new wastewater treatment and re-use scheme to service the district into the future.

esign life and, like all governments, local government has been caught short in putting funds aside to keep

a first

the Riverland Water filtration plants, and the Berri Courthouse to name a few.

Litres per annum of town effluent treated across the district for re-use on the

reby

he Berri and Barmera golf courses and the Riverland Field Days site will have a secure supply of water during ater restrictions, as effluent flows do not stop during a drought. Once we return to normal watering regimes, ey will still be able to source approximately half of their water demands from treated effluent in favour of

c Septic Tank Effluent Disposal Schemes have been the preferred method of wastewater disposal in much of country SA since the mid-1960’s. Many of the schemes, not just in this district, are nearing the end of their dtheir schemes in good condition. This council has taken an innovative step in looking beyond each individual town scheme and taking a whole of district view, not only of its own waste water problem, but opening up the solution to other industries. Also for a country local authority, this council has followed the lead of the City of Onkaparinga in taking on a partnership with United Utilities as a water partner for a long-term BOOT arrangement. State and Federal Governments have utilised BOOT agreements for high value projects for some time. Examples locally include the Berri Bridge, This project will see 550 Megavarious parks and reserves as well as a further 50 megalitres per annum of treated winery water used on experimental crops. In the longer term, as the wine industry recovers and continues to grow, winery flows nearing 200ML per annum are catered for in this project. The irrigation of Alan Glassey Park in Berri will allow the Council to water with treated effluent at night, thereducing the direct draw on the River Murray from their pump at the nearby marina on the banks of the Murray. Twthprecious CIT supplies. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE There are approximately 80 buildings located on land that is either owned by the Council or under its care and ontrol. These buildings are used for a variety of purposes and by a number of community and sporting groups. c

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Major Council Buildings Assessment During 2006/07 Council undertook a Major Council Building Study involving four of Councils major building assets, being the Bonney Theatre and Hawdon Chambers, the Berri Council offices and Town Hall, Rocky’s Hall of Fame and the Barmera Recreation Centre. The Study identified the current deficiencies in the relevant buildings with regard to their condition, building code classifications and Building Fire Safety requirements and provided a schedule of works and approximate costings to undertake these works. These works are to be undertaken in the 2007/08 financial year. Further studies will be undertaken on other Council built assets in the coming years. Asbestos Register Review Council also undertook a major review of its Asbestos Register to comply with its Occupational Health and Safety obligations. This affected not only buildings that Council owns but also those that are located on its land or on land under its care and control. The review process resulted in a significant number of these buildings being inspected and tested for any asbestos containing materials. A copy of the register has since been circulated to all occupants of these buildings. There are a small number of additional buildings and pump stations that will need assessments before the register is complete, expected to be undertaken in the 2007/08 year. OPEN SPACE PLANNING The Berri West infrastructure study includes plans for the consolidation and integration of open spaces within the defined residential areas.

In conjunction with the Lions Club of Berri, Council have been involved with the re-development of the Martins Bend area with work including the replacement of fencing and the repainting of existing shelters together with landscaping, providing additional seating and improving the existing walking tracks. This work will continue into the 2007/08 year.

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INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

Bruno Bay Boat Ramp

Bruno Bay Boat Ramp

Construction Works Footpath Construction

Gopher Routes Car Parks

Cemeteries Playgrounds

Regional Waste Management

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INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

Mr Tom King Manager Infrastructure

Services

Department Committees: Standing Committees: Infrastructure Services Committee Specific Purposes Committees: Berri Riverfront Redevelopment Advisory Committee Lake Bonney Redevelopment Advisory Committee Waste Water Re-Use Project Committee Cemetery Advisory Committee The Infrastructure Services Department is responsible for the management and operations of the following functions of Council: ● Cemeteries ● Public Conveniences ● Waste Management ● Street Cleaning ● Public Lighting ● Foreshore Protection ● Parks & Gardens ● Sport & Recreation ● Quarries ● Road Maintenance ● Stormwater Drainage ● Parking Off Street ● Plant Operations ● Depot & Overhead ● Vandalism ● Private Works

To effectively implement the management and operations of the Department the following Staffing Structure applies:

Manager Infrastructure Services

Asset Management Officer (1)

Infrastructure Contractors Personal Admin. Assistant (1)

Parks & Gardens Team - Barmera

Parks & GardensTeam - Berri

Infrastructure Maintenance Team

Infrastructure Construction Team

Workshop / Depot Team

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BRUNO BAY BOAT RAMP: Council has been supportive of the upgrading of the Bruno Bay Boat Ramp due to its age, poor condition and strong community demand for upgrade. Council applied for and received Recreational Boating Facilities Levy Funding to construct a new concrete two-lane ramp, adjacent floating pontoons for temporary moorings, a sealed vehicle maneuvering and parking area, along with an additional rubbled car park area and sealed entrance road. The Bruno Bay Committee has been actively involved with this project, undertaking the landscaping of the river front and installing bollards to delineate all parking areas. Installation of lighting and construction of a gazebo with BBQ facilities by students from Glossop High School compliments the works carried out by the Council and the Committee. CONSTRUCTION WORKS: As with previous years, Council has completed several major road construction / upgrade projects in 2006/07 Scott Avenue Barmera – Stage 3 Having completed stages 1 & 2 of the Scott Avenue Upgrade in the 2005/06 financial year, Stage 3 became one of Councils major projects for 2006/07. The construction of Stage 3 has seen the development of car parking facilities in front of Bruce Oval and the Barmera Kindergarten. Tree planting and landscaping of the centre median for the entire length of the project (from Maple Street to Sturt Street), as well as storm water drainage works, provision of turning lanes, installation of kerbing and verge sealing along with construction of pedestrian walkways and ramps at critical locations has contributed to the uplifting of the physical appearance and improved traffic management of this section of road. Total cost to complete Stage 3 was $199,000 of which, $148,000 was provided for by the Roads to Recovery Commonwealth Grant funding. Verran Terrace – Kerb and Verge Sealing Along Verran Terrace in Berri, adjoining Our Lady of the River School verge sealing works has been carried out by Council in order to provide a sealed car parking facility for approximately 20 vehicles. Construction of pram ramps, kerbing and storm water drainage works has helped to delineate this parking area. Recent line marking of angular car parking spaces has seen an improvement of road safety in this area.

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Foot Avenue – Verge Sealing Council also undertook the widening of Foot Avenue in Barmera to tidy up the area adjacent to the fauna park. McKay Road Realignment Council successfully lodged a funding application in 2006/07 through the Murray Mallee Local Government Association, seeking funds under the Special Local Roads Programme for the realignment of McKay Road. This project will incorporate realignment of the road away from its present frontage with National Foods and Visy Board. The road will be constructed on a new alignment using the old railway corridor together with the upgrade of the Jury Road / Tooravale Road intersection for increased safety. Once upgraded, it will become a part of a regional freight route, providing access to local industries. During the year, Council approved the final design and will call tenders to undertake construction in 2007/08 once land acquisition issues have been settled. Road Maintenance Works Roads are the most expensive (and most used) asset of the Council and the Community, with expenditure on road maintenance increased during the 2006/07 year. Council’s road maintenance (which includes pot hole repairs, patching, signs etc.) was in the vicinity of $560,00. $100,000 was allocated for resealing Council’s roads (both Town and District). This work is allocated based on asset condition but generally roads will be resealed every 10 – 14 years. A further $150,000 was allocated for the resheeting / rerubbling of unsealed roads. This work being allocated based on a priority list identified by engineering staff using a detailed set of criteria as approved by Council. FOOTPATHS CONSTRUCTION: Council has in the past, predominantly constructed concrete paved footpaths within the Central Business District of the major towns. In response to popular Community demand, Council has decided to speed up the upgrade of Council footpaths. All works will be carried out in accordance to a long term footpath upgrade program as developed by engineering staff in 2005/06 and will integrate with Council’s long term gopher route program. Where a footpath also acts as a gopher route, Council has decided to construct these paths in ‘hot mix’. This type of surface is neater and does not leave a lot of loose stones that are a pedestrian hazard. The footpaths are smoother which are therefore far easier for people with some form of disability or restricted mobility to negotiate.

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GOPHER ROUTES: In accordance with the gopher route program, developed and endorsed by Council, the following sections of footpaths have been upgraded to gopher friendly standards (2metre wide hot mix path). Berri

- Worman Street – Lean Street to Vaughan Terrace - Maddern Street – Worman Street to Hospital carpark - Vaughan Terrace – Worman Street to Fiedler Street - Fiedler Street – Vaughan Terrace to Childcare Centre entrance

Barmera

- Nookamka Terrace – Sturt Street to Lake Avenue Footpaths The following 1.5metre paved footpaths were constructed in 2006/07 Berri

- Loader Street – Kay Avenue to Special School entrance Barmera

- Nookamka Terrace – Bottle shop driveway to Sturt Street (full width paved)

Cobdogla

- Rowe Street – Payne Street to Amy Street - Shueard Street – McLeod Street to Cobby Trading Post

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CAR PARKS: Council is supportive of permit parking facilities in order to assist businesses with a dedicated parking area. To this end, permit parking areas have been established in the existing Denny Street car park and the recently completed Ahern Street car park (old courthouse land).

CEMETERIES: In order to fulfil Community expectations towards maintaining the local cemeteries in pristine condition, Council allocated $10,000 to provide for suitable and appropriate furniture and memorial plaques. Extra bench seating has been installed in both the Berri and Barmera cemeteries for the convenience of visitors. PLAYGROUNDS:

The ongoing replacement of playground equipment is aimed at ensuring Council provides the latest, safest and most innovative play equipment. A new playground was installed in the Manifold Crescent Reserve for the enjoyment of the children in this area at a cost of $20,800. REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT: The Council is part of both the Murray Mallee Local Government Association Regional Waste Management Strategy and the Sub Regional Plan for the Riverland Councils to establish a blueprint for waste management within the region and at a council level for the future. The draft Murray and Mallee Regional Waste Management Plan, as prepared by Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd has been discussed at Council level, followed by further discussions within the Works and Technical Services Committee and consultation on various components of the report with key waste management contractors / recyclers operating within the Berri Barmera Council area. This report has stimulated debate and given rise to the following identified priorities for waste management within this Council area.

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• Construction of a Transfer station at the current Monash Landfill site. • Realise residual life of Monash Landfill site. • Stormwater management of landfill site • Rehabilitation of closed landfill sites • Development of post closure management plan for closed landfill sites • Selection of future landfill site on a Sub Regional basis • Explore recycling options.

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THE BERRI BARMERA COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2006 / 2007

Page … 105

Berri Barmera Council

General Purpose Financial Reportsfor the year ended 30 June 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTSPage

Principal Financial Statements

Income Statement 1 Balance Sheet 2 Statement of Changes in Equity 3 Cash Flow Statement 4

Notes to, and forming part of, the Principal Financial Statements

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies N1Note 2 - Functions N8Note 3 - Revenues N10Note 4 - Expenses N13Note 5 - Gain or Loss on Disposal of Assets N15Note 6 - Current Assets N16Note 7 - Non-Current Assets N17Note 8 - Investment Property & Property, Plant & Equipment N18Note 9 - Liabilities N21Note 10 - Reserves N22Note 11 - Assets Subject to Restrictions N23Note 12 - Statement of Cash Flows Reconciliation N24Note 13 - Financial Instruments N25Note 14 - Expenditure Commitments N28Note 15 - Financial Indicators N29Note 16 - Uniform Presentation of Finances N30Note 17 - Operating Leases N31Note 18 - Superannuation N32Note 19 - Joint Ventures & Associated Entities N33Note 20 - Assets & Liabilities not Recognised N34

CEO StatementAudit Report

Page … 106

2007 2006Notes $ $

INCOMERates 3 6,616,086 6,148,266 Statutory charges 3 162,384 150,340 User charges 3 261,375 101,857 Grants, subsidies and contributions 3 2,884,849 2,004,373 Investment income 3 159,935 145,623 Reimbursements 3 265,356 268,674 Other revenues 3 258,541 344,244 Total Revenues 10,608,526 9,163,377

EXPENSESEmployee costs 4 4,267,742 3,625,042 Materials, contracts & other expenses 4 4,763,249 3,591,980 Finance costs 4 168,570 143,274 Depreciation, amortisation & impairment 4 3,237,166 2,637,207 Total Expenses 12,436,727 9,997,503

OPERATING SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) BEFORE CAPITAL AMOUNTS AND BEFORE SIGNIFICANT ITEM (1,828,201) (834,126)

Net gain (loss) on disposal or revaluation of assets 5 272,155 276,859 SIGNIFICANT ITEM - Grants and Contributions Received for Wastewater Re-use Scheme

3 & 3(a) 3,936,166 700,902

NET SURPLUS (DEFICIT) 2,380,120 143,635

This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes.

Berri Barmera Council

INCOME STATEMENTfor the year ended 30 June 2007

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2007 2006ASSETS Notes $ $Current AssetsCash and cash equivalents 6 2,558,681 3,111,993 Trade & other receivables 6 4,010,504 916,975 Inventories 6 403,967 227,524

Total Current Assets 6,973,152 4,256,492

Non-current AssetsFinancial Assets 7 203,434 231,256 Infrastructure, Property, Plant & Equipment 8 55,386,904 54,539,270 Other Non-current Assets 7 - 140,810

Total Non-current Assets 55,590,338 54,911,336 Total Assets 62,563,490 59,167,828

LIABILITIESCurrent LiabilitiesTrade & Other Payables 9 1,172,900 2,419,895 Borrowings 9 734,897 1,024,930 Short-term Provisions 9 33,162 60,000

Total Current Liabilities 1,940,959 3,504,825

Non-current LiabilitiesTrade & Other Payables 9 - - Long-term Borrowings 9 2,790,071 1,428,014 Long-term Provisions 9 300,612 235,578

Total Non-current Liabilities 3,090,683 1,663,592 Total Liabilities 5,031,642 5,168,417 NET ASSETS 57,531,848 53,999,411

EQUITYAccumulated Surplus 20,171,492 21,612,020 Asset Revaluation Reserve 10 30,932,408 29,780,091 Other Reserves 10 6,427,948 2,607,300 TOTAL EQUITY 57,531,848 53,999,411

This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes.

Berri Barmera Council

BALANCE SHEETas at 30 June 2007

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Berri Barmera Council

2007 2006$ $

Notes

ACCUMULATED SURPLUSBalance at end of previous reporting period 21,612,020 22,108,764 Net Result for Year 2,380,120 143,635 Transfers to Other Reserves (6,572,360) (1,375,364)Transfers from Other Reserves 2,751,712 734,985

Balance at end of period 20,171,492 21,612,020

ASSET REVALUATION RESERVE 10

Balance at end of previous reporting period 29,780,091 29,780,091 Gain on revaluation of infrastructure, property, plant & equipment 1,152,317 -

Transfer to Accumulated Surplus on sale of infrastructure, property, plant & equipment - -

Balance at end of period 30,932,408 29,780,091

OTHER RESERVES 10

Balance at end of previous reporting period 2,607,300 1,966,921 Transfers from Accumulated Surplus 6,572,360 1,375,364 Transfers to Accumulated Surplus (2,751,712) (734,985)Balance at end of period 6,427,948 2,607,300

TOTAL EQUITY AT END OF REPORTING PERIOD

57,531,848 53,999,411

Total of all revenues recognised directly in Equity 1,152,317 - Total of all expenses recognised directly in Equity - - NET CHANGE IN EQUITY 1,152,317 -

This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes

for the year ended 30 June 2007STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

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Berri Barmera Council

CASH FLOW STATEMENTfor the year ended 30 June 2007

2007 2006CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Notes $ $Receipts Operating receipts 6,852,928 10,911,390 Investment receipts 159,935 135,091 Payments Operating payments to suppliers & employees (9,741,912) (7,584,742) Finance payments (106,669) (143,515)

Net Cash provided by (or used in) Operating Activities (2,835,718) 3,318,224

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIESReceipts

Grants specifically for new or upgraded assets 3,936,166 Sale of replaced assets 465,232 651,613 Sale of surplus assets - Sale of real estate developments - Repayments of loans by community groups 40,222

PaymentsExpenditure on renewal/replacement of assets (643,772) (3,821,853) Expenditure on new/upgraded assets (2,481,788) Development of real estate for sale (95,678) Loans made to community groups (10,000)

Net Cash provided by (or used in) Investing Activities 1,210,382 (3,170,240)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIESReceipts Proceeds from Borrowings 1,489,000 1,176,323 Payments Repayments of Borrowings (660,244) (1,120,903)

Net Cash provided by (or used in) Financing Activities 828,756 55,420

Net Increase (Decrease) in cash held (796,580) 203,404

Cash & cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,111,993 2,908,589 Cash & cash equivalents at end of period 2,315,413 3,111,993

Please refer to Note 12 for reconciliation of cashflow

This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes

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BERRI BARMERA COUNCIL

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS fo

Note 1 - SIGNIFICAN

he principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial report are set out below. These years presented, unless otherwise stated.

alents to Standards (AIFRS) as they apply to not-for-profit entities, other authoritative

IGs) and

rical

quires management to exercise its judgement in applying Council’s accounting policies. The

ent or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are

place of usiness at 19 Wilson Street, Berri SA. These financial statements include the consolidated fund and all entities

ugh its functions. In the process of reporting on the Council as

hen e Council obtains control over the assets comprising the revenue, or when the amount due constitutes an

rs.

orting date, the amounts subject to those undischarged conditions

r the year ended 30 June 2007

T ACCOUNTING POLICIES Tpolicies have been consistently applied to all the 1: Basis of Preparation 1.1 Compliance with Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards

his general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with Australian equivTInternational Financial Reportingpronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, Urgent Issues Group Interpretations (Urelevant South Australian legislation. The financial report was authorised for issue by the Council by certificate under clause 11 of the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulation 1999. 1.2 Historical Cost Convention Except where stated below, these financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the histoost convention. c

1.3 Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with AIFRS requires the use of certain critical accountingstimates, and ree

areas involving a higher degree of judgemsignificant to the financial statements are specifically referred to in the relevant sections of this Note. 2: The Local Government Reporting Entity

erri Barmera Council is incorporated under the SA Local Government Act 1999 and has its principal Bbthro which Council controls resources to carry ona single unit, all transactions and balances between activity areas and controlled entities have been eliminated. Property held by Council but subject to the control of other persons have been excluded from these reports. 3: Revenue recognition

evenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Revenue is recognised wRthenforceable debt, whichever first occu Where grants, contributions and donations recognised as revenues during the reporting period were obtained on the condition that they be expended in a particular manner or used over a particular period, and those onditions were undischarged as at the repc

are disclosed in these notes. Also disclosed is the amount of grants, contributions and receivables recognised

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as revenues in a previous reporting period which were obtained in respect of the Council's operations for the current reporting period. 4: Cash, Cash Equivalents and other Financial Instruments

ash Assets include all amounts readily convertible to cash on hand at Council’s option with an insignificant risk te of acquisition.

terest at rates etermined in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999 (as amended). Other receivables are generally

reporting date and adequate allowance made for amounts the receipt of hich is considered doubtful.

cognised at fair value at the date of recognition. A detailed statement of the ccounting policies applied to financial instruments forms part of Note 13.

: Inventories ventories held in respect of stores have been valued by using the weighted average cost on a continual basis,

service potential. Inventories held in respect of business undertakings have been

eal Estate Assets developments have been classified as Inventory in accordance with AASB 102 and are lue. Cost includes the costs of acquisition, development,

y

nt when settlement is ompleted.

: Infrastructure, Property, Plant & Equipment .1 Transitional Provisions

accordance with the deferral arrangements available

ts purchased or constructed are capitalised as the expenditure is incurred and depreciated s soon as the asset is held “ready for use”.

ll assets are initially recognised at cost. Cost is determined as the fair value of the assets given as l to the acquisition, including architects' fees and engineering design fees and

d as fair

d

Cof changes in value with a maturity of three months or less from the da Receivables for rates and annual charges are secured over the subject land, and bear indunsecured and do not bear interest. All receivables are reviewed as at thew All financial instruments are rea 5Inafter adjustment for loss of valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 5.1 Real Estate Assets Developments Rvalued at the lower of cost or net realisable vaborrowing and other costs incurred on financing of that acquisition and up to the time of sale. Any amount bwhich cost exceeds the net realisable value has been recognised as an expense. Revenues arising from the sale of property are recognised in the operating statemec 66Council has elected not to recognise land under roads inunder AASB 1045. All non-current assea 6.2 Initial Recognition Aconsideration plus costs incidentaall other costs incurred. For assets acquired at no cost or for nominal consideration, cost is determinevalue at the date of acquisition. The cost of non-current assets constructed by the Council includes the cost of all materials used in construction, direct labour on the project and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixeoverhead.

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Capital works still in progress at balance date are recognised as other non-current assets and transferred to

.3 Materiality life in excess of one year are only capitalised where the cost of acquisition exceeds

)

to the

Office Furniture & Equipment $1,000

n/exte sions

.4

n a regular basis such that the carrying values are not materially different

iation e

.5 Depreciation of Non-Current Assets and equipment assets recognised are systematically

mbodied

epreciation is recognised on a straight-line basis. Major depreciation periods for each class of asset are ation

5 to 10 years

50 to 100 years

truc n

Roads – Surface 15 to 25 years

infrastructure, property, plant & equipment when completed ready for use. 6Assets with an economic materiality thresholds established by Council for each type of asset. In determining (and in annually reviewingsuch thresholds, regard is had to the nature of the asset and its estimated service life. Examples of capitalisation thresholds applied during the year are as follows. No capitalisation threshold is applied acquisition of land or interests in land.

Other Plant & Equipment $1,000 Buildings - new constructio n $10,000Park & Playground Furniture & Equipment $2,000 Road construction & reconstruction $10,000Paving & footpaths, Kerb & Gutter $2,000 Drains & Culverts $5,000 Reticulation extensions $5,000 Sidelines & household connections $5,000 Artworks $5,000

6 Subsequent Recognition Certain asset classes are revalued ofrom fair value. For infrastructure and other asset classes where no active market exists, fair value is determined to be the current replacement cost of an asset less, where applicable, accumulated depreccalculated on the basis of such cost to reflect the already consumed or expired future economic benefits of thasset. Further detail of existing valuations, methods and valuers are provided at Note 8. 6Other than land, all infrastructure, property, plantdepreciated over their useful lives in a manner which reflects the consumption of the service potential ein those assets. Dshown below. Depreciation periods for infrastructure assets have been estimated based on the best informavailable to Council, but appropriate records covering the entire life cycle of these assets are not available, and extreme care should be used in interpreting financial information based on these estimates.

Plant, Furniture & Equipment Office Equipment

Office Furniture 10 to 20 years Vehicles and Road-making Equip 5 to 8 years Other Plant & Equipment 5 to 15 years

Building & Other Structures Buildings – masonry

Buildings – other construction 20 to 40 years Park Structures – masonry 50 to 100 years Park Structures – other cons tio 20 to 40 years Playground equipment 5 to 15 years Benches, seats, etc 10 to 20 years

Infrastructure Sealed

Sealed Roads – Structure 20 to 50 years

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Unsealed Roads 10 to 20 years Bridges – Concrete 80 to 100 years Paving & Footpaths, Kerb & Gutter 80 to 100 years Drains 80 to 100 years Culverts 50 to 75 years Flood Control Structures 80 to 100 years Dams and Reservoirs 80 to 100 years Bores 20 to 40 years Reticulation Pipes – PVC 70 to 80 years Reticulation Pipes – other 25 to 75 years Pumps & Telemetry 15 to 25 years

Other Assets Library Books 10 to 15 years

.6 Impairment ite useful life are not subject to depreciation and are reviewed annually for

hanges in

or assets whose future economic benefits are not dependent on the ability to generate cash flows, and where

e that

.7 Borrowing Costs owi qualifying assets (net of offsetting investment revenue) have been capitalised in

: Payables es

itor external parties for the supply of goods and services and are recognised as f

.2 Payments Received in Advance & Deposits rvice delivery, and security deposits held against

: Borrowings incipal amounts which represent the present value of future cash flows associated

Artworks indefinite 6Assets that have an indefinimpairment. Assets that are subject to depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or ccircumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount (which is the higher of the present value of future cash outflows or value in use). Fthe future economic benefits would be replaced if Council were deprived thereof, the value in use is the depreciated replacement cost. In assessing impairment for these assets, a rebuttable assumption is madthe current replacement cost exceeds the original cost of acquisition. 6Borr ng costs in relation toaccordance with the allowed alternative treatment in AASB 1023 “Borrowing Costs”. The amounts of borrowingcosts recognised as an expense or as part of the carrying amount of qualifying assets are disclosed in Note 4, and the amount (if any) of interest revenue offset against borrowing costs in Note 3. 77.1 Goods & ServicCred s are amounts due toliabilities when the goods and services are received. Creditors are normally paid 30 days after the month oinvoice. No interest is payable on these amounts. 7Amounts received from external parties in advance of sepossible damage to Council assets, are recognised as liabilities until the service is delivered or damage reinstated, or the amount is refunded as the case may be. 8Loans are carried at their prwith servicing the debt. Interest is accrued over the period to which it relates, and is recorded as part of

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“Payables”. Interest free loans are carried at their nominal amounts; interest revenues foregone by the lender effectively being a reduction of interest expense in the period to which it relates. 9: Employee Benefits 9.1 Salaries, Wages & Compensated Absences Liabilities for employees’ entitlements to salaries, wages and compensated absences expected to be paid or settled within 12 months of reporting date are accrued at nominal amounts (including payroll based oncosts) measured in accordance with AASB 119. The methodology used to calculate employee’s Long Service Leave entitlements has been altered from the methodology used in previous years. Long Service Leave provision is now measured in accordance with AASB 119. Liabilities for employee benefits not expected to be paid or settled within 12 months are measured as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows (including payroll based oncosts) to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date. Present values are calculated using government guaranteed securities rates with similar maturity terms.

Weighted average discount rate 6.25% (2006, 5.875%)

No accrual is made for sick leave as Council experience indicates that, on average, sick leave taken in each reporting period is less than the entitlement accruing in that period, and this experience is expected to recur in future reporting periods. Council does not make payment for untaken sick leave. 9.2 Superannuation The Council makes employer superannuation contributions in respect of its employees to the Local Government Superannuation Scheme. The Scheme has two types of membership, each of which is funded differently. Accumulation Fund Members The accumulation fund receives both employer and employee contributions on a progressive basis. Employer contributions are normally based on a fixed percentage of employee earnings in accordance with Superannuation Guarantee Legislation (9% in 2006/07; 9% in 2005/06). Except where members are Defined Benefit Members then the Employer, in accordance with Superannuation Guarantee Legislation, contributes 3% to the Accumulation Fund and 6% to the Defined Benefit Fund. No further liability accrues to the employer as the superannuation benefits accruing to employees are represented by their share of the net assets of the Fund. Defined Benefit Members Council makes employer contributions to the defined benefits categories of the Scheme at rates determined by the Scheme's Trustee. The rate is currently 6% (6% in 2005/2006) of superannuation salary. Employees also make member contributions to the Fund. As such, assets accumulate in the Fund to meet the member's benefits, as defined in the Trust Deed, as they accrue. The Fund's Defined Benefit Plan is a multi-employer sponsored plan. As the Fund's assets and liabilities are pooled and are not allocated by employer, the Actuary is unable allocate benefit liabilities, assets and costs between employers. As provided by AASB 119.32(b), Council does not use defined benefit accounting for these contributions.

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10: Construction Contracts Construction works undertaken by Council for third parties are generally on an agency basis where the third party reimburses Council for actual costs incurred, and usually do not extend beyond the reporting period. As there is no profit component, such works are treated as 100% completed. Reimbursements not received are recognised as receivables and reimbursements received in advance are recognised as “payments received in advance”. 11: Joint Ventures and Associated Entities Council participates in cooperative arrangements with other Councils for the provision of services and facilities. 12: Leases Lease arrangements have been accounted for in accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 117. In respect of finance leases, where Council substantially carries all of the risks incident to ownership, the leased items are initially recognised as assets and liabilities equal in amount to the present value of the minimum lease payments. The assets are disclosed as assets under lease, and are amortised to expense over the period during which the Council is expected to benefit from the use of the leased assets. Lease payments are allocated between interest expense and reduction of the lease liability, according to the interest rate implicit in the lease. In respect of operating leases, where the lessor substantially retains all of the risks and benefits incident to ownership of the leased items, lease payments are charged to expense over the lease term. 13: GST Implications In accordance with UIG Abstract 1031 “Accounting for the Goods & Services Tax” Receivables and Creditors include GST receivable and payable. Except in relation to input taxed activities, revenues and operating expenditures exclude GST receivable and payable. Non-current assets and capital expenditures include GST net of any recoupment. Amounts included in the Statement of Cash Flows are disclosed on a gross basis. 14: Comparative Information Comparative information has been reclassified to be consistent with the current year disclosure of equivalent information in accordance with AIFRS. On 25 January 2007 the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 1999 were amended. Section 10 of those regulations now requires that Council’s financial statements be prepared in accordance with the Model Financial Statements as prescribed. Some comparative data for the 2006/2007 financial year have had to be restated to conform with the presentation requirements prescribed in the model statements. 15: New Accounting Standards Certain new accounting standards and UIG interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the 30 June 2007 reporting period.

AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures and AASB 2005-10 Amendments to AASB 132, AASB 101, AASB 114, AASB 117, AASB 133, AASB 139, AASB1, AASB4 AASB 1023 & AASB 1038

AASB 2006-1 Amendments to AASB 121 AASB 2006-3 Amendments to AASB 1045 AASB 2006-4 Amendments to AASB 134

Page … 116

AASB 2007-1 Amendments to AASB 2 arising from AASB Interpretation 11 AASB 2007-2 Amendments to AASB 1, AASB 117, AASB 118, AASB 120, AASB 121, AASB

127, AASB 131 & AASB 139 arising from AASB Interpretation 12 AASB 8 Operating Segments and AASB 2007-3 Amendments to AASB 5, AASB 6,

AASB 102, AASB 107, AASB 119, AASB 127, AASB 134, AASB 136, AASB 1023 & AASB 1038 arising from AASB 8

AASB 2007-4 Amendments to AASB 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 102, 107, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 1023 & 1038 arising from ED 151 and Other Amendments

Interpretation 10 Interim Financial Reporting and Impairment Interpretation 11 AASB 2 – Group and Treasury Share Transactions Interpretation 12 Service Concession Arrangements Interpretation 129 Disclosure – Service Concession Arrangements

Council is of the view that none of the above new standards or interpretations will affect any of the amounts recognised in the financial statements, but that they may impact certain information otherwise disclosed.

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Page … 118

BERRI BARMERA COUNCIL

NCTIONS The activities relating to Council functions are as follows: Public Order and Safety CFS Fire Protection, Dog Control, General Inspection, Other Public Order and Safety Services. Health Health Inspections, Immunisations, Septic Tank Inspections, Noxious Insect Control, Community Bus Service, Other Health Services. Social Security and Welfare Aged and Disabled Services, Families and Children Services, Youth Programs and Services, Other Social Security and Welfare Services. Housing and Community Amenities Council Housing, Town Planning, Land Development, Cemeteries, Sanitation and Garbage, Community Wastewater Management Systems, Public Conveniences, Urban Stormwater Drainage, Pollution Control, Protection Works, Street Cleaning, Public Lighting, Other Community Development and Amenity Services. Protection of the Environment Foreshore Protection, Jetty Maintenance, Flood Prevention, Natural Resource Management. Sport and Recreation Libraries, Community Information, Community Centres, Halls, Ovals, Parks and Gardens, Reserves, Sporting Facilities, Contribution to Regional Sporting Bodies, Swimming Centre, Recreation Centre, Other Sport and Recreation, Cultural Services, Museums. Mining, Manufacturing and Construction Building Act, Development Control, Quarries, Other Mining Manufacturing and Construction. Transport and Communication Road Construction and Maintenance, Bridges, Footpaths, Parking, Other Transport, Kerbing and Watertable, Stormwater Drainage, Passenger Transport and Cancer Patient Bus, Traffic Control. Economic Affairs Offstreet Parking, Land Development, Employment, Tourism, Community Festivals, Youth Camp, Regional Development Corporation. Other Purposes NEC Public Debt Transactions, Debenture Loans, Interest, Plant and Equipment, Council Depot and overheads, Vandalism, Other Property and Services Administration Governance, Elected Members, Office administration, Council Chambers, Organisational, Support Services, Accounting/Finance, Payroll, Human Resources, Information Technology, Communication, Rates Administration, Records, Occupancy, Contract Management, Customer Service, Other Support Services, Revenues, LGGC – General Purpose

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the year ended 30 June 2007 Note 2 (cont) - COMPONENTS OF FU

Page … 119

for the year ended 30 June 2007

2007 2006Notes $ $

RATES REVENUESGeneral Rates 5,400,140 5,257,490

Less: Discretionary rebates, remissions & write offs (103,691) (91,361)

5,296,449 5,166,129Other Rates (including service charges)

Natural Resource Management levy 75,656 -Community wastewater management schemes 1,193,823 949,795

1,269,479 949,795Other Charges

Penalties for late payment 50,158 32,342$ 6,616,086 $ 6,148,266

STATUTORY CHARGESDevelopment Act fees 35,405 32,136Town planning fees 55,599 42,637Animal registration fees & fines 62,228 63,572Parking fines / expiation fees 8,198 9,278Sundry 954 2,717

162,384 150,340

USER CHARGESCemetery/crematoria fees 42,418 32,383Tourist Centre 25,003 22,163Septic Tank Fees 17,592 16,645Parking feesSales - generalSubsidies received on behalf of usersSundry 176,362 30,666

261,375 101,857

INVESTMENT INCOMEInterest on investments

Local Government Finance Authority 134,056 104,409Banks & other 16,384 30,682Loans to community groups 9,495 10,532

159,935 145,623

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 3 - REVENUES

Page … 120

for the year ended 30 June 2007

NOTE 3 - REVENUES (continued)2007 2006

Notes $ $Conditions over grants & contributions

$ $

Unexpended at the close of the previous reporting period 0 0

0 0Subtotal 0 0

98,9913(a) 3,936,166

Subtotal 4,035,157 04,035,157 0

4,035,157 0

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Grants and contributions which were obtained on the condition that they be expended for specified purposes or in a future period, but which are not yet expended in accordance with those conditions, are as follows:

Net increase (decrease) in restricted assets in the current reporting period

Roads Infrastructure

Roads InfrastructureWastewater Reuse Scheme

Less: expended during the current period from revenues recognised in previous reporting periods

Plus: amounts recognised as revenues in this reporting period but not yet expended in accordance with the conditions

Unexpended at the close of this reporting period

Page … 121

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 4 - EXPENSES

2007 2006Notes $ $

EMPLOYEE COSTSSalaries and Wages 3,057,145 3,138,787 Employee leave expense 474,504 307,857 Superannuation - defined contribution plan contributions 20 164,502 159,389 Superannuation - defined benefit plan contributions 20 137,678 134,203 Workers' Compensation Insurance 89,935 98,749 Voluntary Separation Payments 610,686 - Less: Capitalised and distributed costs (266,708) (213,943) Total Operating Employee Costs 4,267,742 3,625,042

Total Number of Employees 71 78 (Full time equivalent at end of reporting period)

MATERIALS, CONTRACTS & OTHER EXPENSESPrescribed ExpensesAuditor's Remuneration - Auditing the financial reports 9,936 8,910 Elected members' expenses 137,496 106,369 Election expenses 32,577 2,380 Operating Lease Rentals - cancellable leasesOperating Lease Rentals - non-cancellable leases 17 - minimum lease payments 10,906 8,180 Subtotal - Prescribed Expenses 190,915 125,839

Other Materials, Contracts & ExpensesContractors 2,049,289 1,193,187 Materials 1,471,644 1,284,684 Legal Expenses 21,123 20,771 Levies paid to government - NRM levy 74,380 - Sundry 955,898 967,499 Subtotal - Other Materials, Contracts & Expenses 4,572,334 3,466,141

4,763,249 3,591,980

Page … 122

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 4 - EXPENSES (cont)2007 2006

Notes $ $FINANCE COSTSInterest on Loans 168,570 143,274

168,570 143,274

DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION & IMPAIRMENTDepreciationPlant & Machinery 586,312 528,909 Office Equipment 160,444 146,437 Buildings 636,839 876,750 Structures 382,143 105,022 Infrastructure 1,471,428 980,089 Less: Capitalised and distributed costs

3,237,166 2,637,207

Page … 123

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 5 - ASSET DISPOSAL & FAIR VALUE ADJUSTMENTS

2007 2006Notes $ $

INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENTProceeds from disposal 1,459,776 928,472 Less: Carrying amount of assets sold 1,187,621 651,613 Gain (Loss) on disposal 272,155 276,859

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT ASSETSProceeds from disposal - Less: Carrying amount of assets sold - Gain (Loss) on disposal - -

NET GAIN (LOSS) ON DISPOSAL OR REVALUATION OF ASSETS $ 272,155 $ 276,859

Page … 124

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 6 - CURRENT ASSETS2007 2006

CASH & EQUIVALENT ASSETS Notes $ $Cash on Hand and at Bank 2,200 631,190 Deposits at Call 2,556,481 2,480,803

2,558,681 3,111,993

TRADE & OTHER RECEIVABLESRates - General & Other 541,346 355,428 Accrued RevenuesDebtors - general 3,109,780 211,326 Other levels of Government 242,330 233,150 GST Recoupment 75,598 60,708 Prepayments 23,628 36,141 Loans to community organisations 17,822 20,222

4,010,504 916,975

INVENTORIESStores & Materials 34,692 94,737 Real Estate Developments 369,275 132,787

403,967 227,524

Real Estate Developments(Valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value)Residential 369,275 126,863 Industrial & Commercial 5,924 Total Real Estate for Resale 369,275 132,787

Represented by:Development Costs 369,275 132,787 Total Real Estate for Resale 369,275 132,787

Page … 125

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 7 - NON-CURRENT ASSETS2007 2006

FINANCIAL ASSETS Notes $ $ReceivablesLoans to community organisations 203,434 231,256

203,434 231,256

OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETSInventoriesReal Estate Developments - 140,810

- 140,810

Real Estate Developments(Valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value)Residential - 89,456 Industrial & Commercial - 51,354 Total Real Estate for Resale - 140,810

Represented by:Development Costs - 140,810

- 140,810 Less: Allowance for Under-RecoveryTotal Real Estate for Resale - 140,810

Page … 126

Page … 127

Page … 128

BERRI BARMERA COUNCIL

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 8 (cont) – INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT Valuation of Assets At 1 July 2004 upon the transition to AIFRS, Council elected pursuant to AASB 1.19 to retain a previously established deemed cost under GAAP as its deemed cost for the purposes of AIFRS. Plant, Furniture & Equipment Pursuant to Council’s election, these assets are recognised on the cost basis. Land & Land Improvements Pursuant to Council’s election, freehold land and land over which Council has control, but does not have title, is recognised on the cost basis. No capitalisation threshold is applied to the acquisition of land or interests in land. Land improvements, including bulk earthworks with an assessed unlimited useful life, are recognised on the cost basis, originally deriving from a valuation at 1July 2003 by Maloney Field Services. Additions are recognised at cost. Land is not a depreciable asset. Buildings & Other Structures Pursuant to Council’s election, buildings and other structures are recognised at fair value. Values were provided by property consultants and valuers Maloney Field Services as at 1 July 2003. Infrastructure Transportation assets were valued by Council officers and include the cost of all materials used in construction, direct labour, borrowing costs and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overhead. In addition values and depreciation are obtained from Council’s ALARMS and technical data software which are based on formula recognising the age and use of the asset. Similarly, stormwater drainage infrastructure was valued by Council officers utilising the cost of all materials used in construction, direct labour, borrowing costs and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overhead. Community wastewater management scheme infrastructure is recorded on the cost basis. All other assets Pursuant to Council’s election, these assets are recognised on the cost basis. Library books and other lending materials are capitalised in bulk, and written out when fully depreciated.

Page … 129

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Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 9 - LIABILITIES

2007 2006 $ $ TRADE & OTHER PAYABLES Notes Current Non-current Current Non-current Goods & Services 646,561 720,626 yments received in advance Pa 21,856 1,270,543 Accrued expenses - employee entitlements 414,445 400,589 Accrued expenses - other 90,038 28,137

1,172,900 - 2,419,895 -

RROWINGS BO nk Overdraft Ba 243,268 ans Lo 491,629 2,790,071 1,024,930 1,428,014

734,897 2,790,071 1,024,930 1,428,014

All interest bearing liabilities are s

OVISIONS PR ployee entitlements (including oncosts) Em 33,162 300,612 60,000 235,578

33,162 300,612 60,000 235,578

ecured over the future revenues of the Council.

Please refer to Note 1 Employee Benefits regarding change in methodology when calculating employee entitlements.

Page … 131

L TA EMENTS

ASSET REVALUATION RESERVE 1/07/2006 N ments (D ements)

ransfers on Sale /2007

Notes $Inf d Buildings 29,7 ,780,091TO 29,7 ,780,091

OT ER RESERVES 1/07/ serveansfRe rve

As ,930 )Lo ingLibCemeteryLo l Govt Housing 7,001 4,286 11,287Land Development 1,464,497 ,065,837 (1,882,888 ) 647,446Dis ict CWMS 995,968 ,213,951 (745,432 )Wo 113,462 280,000 (113,462 ) 280,000TO ESERVES 2,607,300 ,572,360 (2,751,712 )

PU POSES OF RESERVE

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING P RT OF THE FINANCIAA S Tfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 0 - RESERVES 1

et Increecr

T 30/06

$ $ $rastructure, Land an 80,091 29TAL 80,091 29

H 2006 Transfers to Re

Tr ers from 3se 0/06/2007

set Replacement. Disabled Hous

9,930 (9cal Govt

y8,286 8,286

rar 7,4419,001

7,4419,001

ca1

tr 5 5,464,487rk In ProgressTAL OTHER R 6 6,427,948

R S

Local Government Disabled Housing Reserve

Grants received for the purpose of upgrading and maintaining Council units specific for disabled accommodation.

Library ReserveFunding received and set aside in reserve for the purpose of upgrading of library facilities.

Asset Revaluation ReserveThe sset revaluation reserve is used to record increments and ecrem nts arising from in fair lue of non-current assets and available-for-sale financial assets. Asset Replacement ReserveFor funding the replacement of Council assets.

Land Development ReserveReserve created for the specific use of funding certain economic development projects throughout the district forexample the development of new residential allotments in the townships of Berri and/or Barmera

Cemetery ReserveFunds set aside for the upgrading of Council cemeteries.Local Government Community Housing ReserveSimilar reserve set aside for the purpose of maintaining Council community housing facilities

Reserve used to carry funds ove

a d e changes va

r from one year to the next for projects that are unfinished at year end and to becompleted in the following year.

District CWMS ReserveReserve set up for the express purpose of funding Council's Community Wastewater Management Scheme whichincludes the maintenance of the scheme and upgrades as required.Work In Progress Reserve

Page … 132

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

2007 2006CASH & FINANCIAL ASSETS Notes $ $ Unexpended Loans Developer Contributions Other unexpended amounts from other levels of Government STEDs scheme Other

0 0

RECEIVABLEShere describe type of asset; do not disclose if not applicable

0 0

INVENTORIES & OTHER ASSETShere describe type of asset; do not disclose if not applicable

0 0

INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENThere describe type of asset; do not disclose if not applicable

0 0

TOTAL ASSETS SUBJECT TO EXTERNALLY IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS

0 0

The following liabilities, included in Note 9, may be discharged from restricted assets in the first instance.

Bank Overdraft 9Payables 9Borrowings 9Provisions 9

0 0

Note 11 - ASSETS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

2007 2006CASH & FINANCIAL ASSETS Notes $ $ Unexpended Loans Developer Contributions Other unexpended amounts from other levels of Government STEDs scheme Other

0 0

RECEIVABLEShere describe type of asset; do not disclose if not applicable

0 0

INVENTORIES & OTHER ASSETShere describe type of asset; do not disclose if not applicable

0 0

INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENThere describe type of asset; do not disclose if not applicable

0 0

TOTAL ASSETS SUBJECT TO EXTERNALLY IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS

0 0

The following liabilities, included in Note 9, may be discharged from restricted assets in the first instance.

Bank Overdraft 9Payables 9Borrowings 9Provisions 9

0 0

Note 11 - ASSETS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONSThere are no assets belonging to Council which are restricted, wholly or partially, by legislation or other externallyimposed requirements. No assets belongingThere are no assets belonging to Council which are restricted, wholly or partially, by legislation or other externallyimposed requirements. No assets belonging to Council are required to be utilised for the purposes for which controlwas transferred to Council, or for which the revenues were originally obtained.

A narrative description providing a short summary of the nature of each restriction should be shownhere. See the explanatory comments for further information.

Page … 132

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 12 - RECONCILIATION TO CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(a) Reconciliation of Cash

2007 2006Notes $ $

Total cash & equivalent assets 6 2,558,681 3,111,993 Less: Short-term borrowings BS (243,268) - Balances per Cash Flow Statement 2,315,413 3,111,993

(b) Reconciliation of Change in Net Assets to Cash from Operating ActivitiesNet Surplus (Deficit) 2,380,120 143,635 Non-cash items in Income Statement Depreciation, amortisation & impairment 3,237,166 2,637,207 Net increase (decrease) in unpaid employee benefits 52,052 Premiums & discounts recognised & unwound - Grants for capital acquisitions treated as Investing Activity (3,936,166) Net (Gain) Loss on Disposals (272,155) (276,859)

1,461,017 2,503,983 Add (Less): Changes in Net Current Assets Net (increase) decrease in receivables (3,095,929) (37,510) Net (increase) decrease in inventories 60,045 (108,595) Net (increase) decrease in other current assets - 80,456 Net increase (decrease) in trade & other payables (1,260,851) 1,046,613 Net increase (decrease) in other provisions - (166,723) Net Cash provided by (or used in) operations (2,835,718) 3,318,224

(c) Financing Arrangements

Unrestricted access was available at balance date to the following lines of credit:Bank Overdrafts 45,000 45,000 Corporate Credit Cards 35,000 35,000

Cash Assets comprise highly liquid investments with short periods to maturity subject to insignificantrisk of changes of value. Cash at the end of the reporting period as shown in the Cash FlowStatement is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows:

The bank overdraft facilities may be drawn at any time and may be terminated by the bank withoutnotice.

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Page … 134

ies - Finance Leases

Accounting Policy: Carried at the principal amounts. Interest is charged as an expense as itaccrues.Terms & conditions: secured over future revenues, loans are repayable by equal 6 monthlyinstalments of principal & interest; interest is charged at fixed rates between 5% and 10.15%(2006: 5% and 9.75%)Carrying amount: approximates fair value.

Liabilities - Interest Bearing Loans

Carrying amount: approximates fair value for short tenancies; may be non-materially over-statedfor longer tenancies.

Terms & conditions: Pursuant to Commonwealth legislation certain intending residents arerequired to contribute amounts on an interest free basis. The amounts are subject to certaindeductions as prescribed by the legislation, the balance being repaid on termination of tenancy.

Accounting Policy: To avoid inconvenience when complying with the separate auditrequirements imposed by the relevant legislation, amounts are carried at nominal values.

Liabilities - Retirement HomeContributions

Accounting Policy: accounted for in accordance with AASB 117.

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Recognised Financial Instruments

Note 13 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Terms & conditions: Deposits are returning fixed interest rates between 5% and 7% (2006: 5%and 6%). Short term deposits have an average maturity of 365 days and an average interestrates of 6% (2006: 365 days, 6%).

Accounting Policy: Carried at lower of cost and net realiseable value; Interest is recognisedwhen earned.

Bank, Deposits at Call, Short TermDeposits

Carrying amount: approximates fair value due to the short term to maturity.Receivables - Rates & AssociatedCharges (including legals & penaltiesfor late payment)

Receivables - Fees & other charges

Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal values less any allowance for doubtful debts. Anallowance for doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed annually) when collection in full is nolonger probable.

Receivables - other levels ofgovernment

Carrying amount: approximates fair value.

Terms & conditions: Secured over the subject land, arrears attract interest of n/a (2006: n/a)Although Council is not materially exposed to any individual debtor, credit risk exposure isconcentrated within the Council's boundaries in the State.

Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal values less any allowance for doubtful debts. Anallowance for doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed annually) when collection in full is nolonger probable.

Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after deduction of any allowance).

Terms & conditions: Unsecured, and do not bear interest. Although Council is not materiallyexposed to any individual debtor, credit risk exposure is concentrated within the Council'sboundaries.

Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after deduction of any allowance).Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal value.Terms & conditions: Amounts due have been calculated in accordance with the terms andconditions of the respective programs following advice of approvals, and do not bear interest. Allamounts are due by Departments and Agencies of the Governments of the Commonwealth &State.

Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal values less any allowance for doubtful debts. Anallowance for doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed annually) when collection in full is nolonger probable.

Receivables - Retirement HomeContributions

Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after deduction of any allowance).

Terms & conditions: Amounts due have been calculated in accordance with the terms andconditions of the respective legislation.

Carrying amount: approximates fair value.Terms & conditions: Liabilities are normally settled on 30 day terms.

Accounting Policy: Liabilities are recognised for amounts to be paid in the future for goods andservices received, whether or not billed to the Council.

Liabilities - Creditors and Accruals

Liabilit

Note 13 (cont) - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTSLiquity Analysis

Floating Fixed interest maturing in Non-Interest < 1 year > 1 year > 5 years interest Total

Rate > 5 years bearingFinancial Assets $ $ $ $ $ $Fair Value through P&L

Cash Assets 2,558,681 - 2,558,681 Loans & Receivables

Receivables 17,822 223,656 3,948,832 4,190,310 Total 2,558,681 17,822 223,656 - 3,948,832 6,748,991

6.00% 7.00% 7.00%Financial Liabilities

Payables 668,417 668,417 Short-term Borrowings 243,268 243,268 Borrowings 491,629 2,810,293 (20,222) 3,281,700

Total 243,268 491,629 2,810,293 - 648,195 4,193,385 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%

2,315,413 (473,807) (2,586,637) - 3,300,637 2,555,606

Floating Fixed interest maturing in Non-Interest < 1 year > 1 year > 5 years interest Total

Rate > 5 years bearingFinancial Assets $ $ $ $ $ $Fair Value through P&L

Cash Assets 3,111,993 - 3,111,993 Loans & Receivables

Receivables 20,222 231,256 860,612 1,112,090 Total 3,111,993 20,222 231,256 - 860,612 4,224,083

5.00% 7.00% 7.00%Financial Liabilities

Payables 1,991,169 1,991,169 Short-term Borrowings - - Borrowings 1,024,930 1,428,014 - 2,452,944

Total - 1,024,930 1,428,014 - 1,991,169 4,444,113 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%

3,111,993 (1,004,708) (1,196,758) - (1,130,557) (220,030) NET FINANCIAL ASSETS

(LIABILITIES)

2006

Weighted Average Interest Rate

Weighted Average Interest Rate

NET FINANCIAL ASSETS (LIABILITIES)

2007

Weighted Average Interest Rate

Weighted Average Interest Rate

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Page … 135

Note 13 (cont) - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Reconciliation of Financial Assets & Liabilities2007 2006

$ $Net financial assets from above

Financial Assets 6,748,991 4,224,083Financial Liabilities 4,193,385 4,444,113

2,555,606 (220,030)Non-financial assets and liabilities

Accrued Revenues 0 0Prepayments 23,628 36,141Inventories 403,967 368,334Property, Plant & Equipment 55,386,904 54,539,270Accrued Expenses (504,483) (428,726)Provisions (333,774) (295,578)

54,976,242 54,219,441Net Assets per Balance Sheet 57,531,848 53,999,411

Net Fair Value

for the year ended 30 June 2007NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Berri Barmera Council

All carrying values approximate fair value for all recognised financial instruments. With the exception of investments,there is no recognised market for the financial assets of the Council.

Credit Risk ExposuresCredit risk represents the loss that would be recognised if counterparties fail to perform as contracted. The maximumcredit risk on financial assets of the Council is the carrying amount, net of any provision for doubtful debts. Except asdetailed in Notes 6 & 7 in relation to individual classes of financial assets, exposure is concentrated within the Council'sboundaries, and there is no material exposure to any individual debtor.

Page … 136

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

2007 2006Notes $ $

Capital Commitments

LandBuildingsPlant & Equipment

- - These expenditures are payable:Not later than one yearLater than one year and not later than 5 yearsLater than 5 years

- -

Other Expenditure Commitments

Audit Services 10,000 Waste Management Services -

Domestic Collection 20,745 Street Collection 13,390 Parks and Foreshore Collection 24,205 Dump Maintenance 79,310 Waste Depot Retainer 16,000

Weed Spray Contract 95,000 Household Desludging Contract 120,000 Wastewater Re-Use Scheme - Capital

Design and Construction 4,592,677 Wastewater Re-Use Scheme - Operating

Availability Charge 1,728,625 Volumetric Charge (based on average use) 108,631

6,808,583 -

These expenditures are payable:Not later than one year 6,808,583 Later than one year and not later than 5 yearsLater than 5 years

6,808,583 -

Note 14 - COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE

Capital expenditure committed for at the reporting date but not recognised in the financialstatements as liabilities:

Other expenditure committed for (excluding inventories) at the reporting date but not recognised inthe financial statements as liabilities:

Page … 137

Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 15 - FINANCIAL INDICATORS

2007 2006

Operating Surplus (1,828,201) (834,126)

Operating Surplus RatioOperating Surplus (28%) (14%)Rates - general & other less NRM levy

Net Financial Liabilities(1,740,977) 908,193

Net Financial Liabilities RatioNet Financial Liabilities -17% 10%Total Operating Revenue less NRM levy

Net Interest Expense 0.1% (0.0%)Total Operating Revenue less NRM levy less Investment Income

Asset Sustainability RatioNet Asset Renewals 6% 120%Depreciation Expense

Asset Consumption RatioCarrying value of depreciable assets N/A N/AGross value of depreciable assets

Interest Cover Ratio

Net Financial Liabilities are defined as total liabilities less financial assets (excluding equityaccounted investments in Council businesses.

Net asset renewals expenditure is defined as net capital expenditure on the renewal andreplacement of existing assets, and excludes new capital expenditure on the acquisition ofadditional assets.

Being the operating surplus (deficit) before capital amounts and before significant item (revenuereceived for Wastewater Reuse Scheme)

This ratio expresses the operating surplus as a percentage of general and other rates, net ofNRM levy.

Total carrying value of depreciable assets divided by total reported value of depreciable assetsbefore accumulated depreciation.

These Financial Indicators have been calculated in accordance with Information Paper 9 - Local Government Financial Indicators prepared as part of the LGA Financial Sustainability Program for the Local Government Association of South Australia. Detailed methods of calculation are set out in the SA Model Statements.

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Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

2007 2006$ $

Operating Revenues 10,608,526 9,163,377less Operating Expenses (12,436,727) (9,997,503)Operating Surplus / (Deficit) before Capital Amounts (1,828,201) (834,126)

less Net Outlays on Existing AssetsCapital Expenditure on renewal and replacement of Existing Assets 643,772 3,821,853

less Depreciation, Amortisation and Impairment (3,237,166) (2,637,207)less Proceeds from Sale of Replaced Assets (465,232) (651,613)

(3,058,626) 533,033

less Net Outlays on New and Upgraded AssetsCapital Expenditure on New and Upgraded Assets(including investment property & real estate developments) 2,577,466 -

less Amounts received specifically for New and Upgraded Assets (3,936,166) -

less Proceeds from Sale of Surplus Assets(including investment property and real estate developments)

- -

(1,358,700) -

Net Lending / (Borrowing) for Financial Year 2,589,125 (1,367,159)

Note 16 - UNIFORM PRESENTATION OF FINANCES

The Local Government Association’s General Meeting in March 2006 resolved that a high levelsummary of both operating and capital investment activities of each council be prepared on auniform and consistent basis, thereby enabling more meaningful comparisons between councils.

It also is intended that annual budgets and long-term financial plans be summarised on the samebasis.

A feature of the arrangement is that it facilitates the reporting of a standard set of key financialindicators of the Council’s financial sustainability – all of which are shown in Note 15 above.

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Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Leases providing revenue to the Council

Lease payment commitments of Council

2007 2006$ $

Not later than one year 10,906 10,906 Later than one year and not later than 5 years 32,718 43,624

43,624 54,530

Note 17 - OPERATING LEASES

Council owns various buildings, plant and other facilities that are available for hire orlease (on a non-cancellable basis whereever practicable) in accordance with thepublished revenue policy. Rentals received from such leases are disclosed as rent andhire of non-investment property in Note 3.

Council has entered into a non-cancellable operating leases for a photocopier. Leases in relation to computer and office equipment permit Council, at expiry of thelease, to elect to re-lease, return or acquire the equipment leased.No lease contains any escalation clause.Commitments under non-cancellable operating leases that have not been recognised inthe financial statements are as follows:

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BERRI BARMERA COUNCIL

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 18 – SUPERANNUATION

Council makes employer superannuation contributions in respect of its employees to the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (the Scheme) (9% required under Superannuation Guarantee Legislation). The Scheme has two categories of membership, each of which is funded differently. The Scheme's accumulation category, Local Super, receives both employer and employee contributions on a progressive basis. Employer contributions are normally based on a fixed percentage of employee earnings. No further liability accrues to the employer as the superannuation benefits accruing to employees are represented by their share of the net assets of the Scheme. The Scheme's Defined Benefit Plan is a multi-employer sponsored plan. As the Scheme's assets and liabilities are pooled and are not allocated by employer, the Actuary is unable allocate benefit liabilities, assets and costs between employers. As provided under AASB 119.32(b), Council does not use defined benefit accounting for these contributions. Council makes employer contributions to the defined benefit category of the Scheme at rates determined by the Trustee on the advice of the Scheme's Actuary. On the basis of the results of the most recent full actuarial investigation conducted by the Scheme's actuary, L C Brett, BSc., FIA, FIAA, of Brett and Watson Pty Ltd as at 30 June 2005, the Trustee has determined that the current funding arrangements are adequate for the expected Defined Benefit Plan liabilities. The amount of Superannuation contribution paid by Council: 2007 - $ 302,180 2006 - $ 293,592

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Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 19 - JOINT VENTURES & ASSOCIATED ENTITIES

Regional SubsidiaryCouncil is a member of the Murray Mallee Local Government Association (MMLGA) which was established pursuant toSection 43 of the Local Government Act, 1999.Contributions paid to the Association were (ex GST) 2007 - $ 11,642 2006 - $ 10,904

Joint Use LibraryCouncil is party to an agreement between the Murray Institute of TAFE, the Minister for Education and Children's Services and Council to provide "a dynamic library and information service responsive to Library clients in meeting their educational, cultural and lifelong learning needs."Primary Client Groups are:Staff and students of the Glossop High School Senior CampusStaff and students of the Murray Institute of TAFE Berri CampusCommunity of the Berri Barmera Council

Each party is responsible for its own costs however shared facilities are split between the partieson percentage basis being:Minister for Education and Children's Services - 5/19Murray Institute of TAFE - 5/19Berri Barmera Council - 9/19

Wastewater Re-Use SchemeA joint venture has been entered into between Council and United Utilities Australia Pty Ltd to build, operate and maintain a Wastewater Re-use Scheme as a solution to the treatment and reuse of septic tank effluent from the townships of Berri, Barmera, Glossop, Monash, Cobdogla and Loveday and winery wastewater from the Hardy Wine Company at Glossop.

Capital Expenditures payable in 2007/2008 are:Design and Construction at completion of 8kms pipeline $1,377,803at completion of 20kms pipeline $1,377,803at completion of 30kms pipeline $1,377,803At completion of all works $ 459,268

Operating Expenditures payable in 2007/2008 are:Availability Charge - Annual Charge $1,728,625Volumetric Charge - Average annual charge $108,631

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Berri Barmera Council

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 30 June 2007

Note 20 - CONTINGENCIES & ASSETS & LIABILITIES NOT RECOGNISEDIN THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

The following assets and liabilities do not qualify for recognition in the Statement of Financial Position butknowledge of those items is considered relevant to user of the financial report in making and evaluatingdecisions about the allocation of scarce resources.

BANK GUARANTEES Council has guaranteed certain loans and other banking facilities advanced to community organisations andsporting bodies, amounting to $469,452 (2006: $386,188) at reporting date.

Details being :-Berri War Memorial Community CentreTotal Borrowed $500,000Broken into 2 loans - $300,000 Fixed Term Loan, $200,000 Variable Rate Loan. PROVISION FOR FUTURE WASTE MANAGEMENT Council is part of both the Murray Mallee Local Government Association Regional Waste Management Strategy and the Sub Regional Plan for the Riverland Councils to establish a blueprint for waste management within the region and at a Council level for the future.Although not yet quantified in dollar terms, the implementation of the aforesaid strategy will in necessitate Council incurring significant financial liabilities associated with introducing the following:- Waste transfer station and development of waste transfer and recycle separation centre.- Introduction of kerbside recycling.- Closure of Monash landfill.- Waste disposal schemes for green waste and other recyclable materials that can be utilised for other purposes.

Page … 143

Page … 144

Page … 145

REGIONAL SUBSIDIARY REPORTS: MMLGA:

THE MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL REPORT 2006 – 2007 Comprising: Berri Barmera Council: (BBC) Coorong District Council: (CDC) District Council of Karoonda East Murray: (DCKEM) District Council of Loxton Waikerie: (DCLW) Mid Murray Council: (MMC) The Rural City of Murray Bridge: (RCMB) Renmark Paringa Council: (RPC), and the Southern Mallee District Council: (SMDC)

Page … 146

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT.

President, Cr. Leon Stasinowsky.

Since being elected President of the Association in December 2006, I have become conscious that the Association has been very busy in pursuing the required outcomes of the Association’s Strategic and Annual Business Plans during this past year. I wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the past President, Mayor Allan Arbon for his efforts and guidance provided to the Association over the past years. I am very pleased that he has continued on as an active Delegate. As a result of the Local Government periodical elections in December, 2006, I warmly welcome new Delegates and thank the past Delegates for their time and hard work in forwarding the goals of the Association. I will now summarise the main program of events and issues addressed over the past year, some of which have now been completed and others, ongoing. Projects completed: Legal Review of the Association’s Charter including Member Council’s endorsement and gazettal. The receiving of the Association’s Regional Waste Management Strategy Report as a basis of moving forward with reforms and the completion of a regional funding assistance application to Zero Waste SA. Expansion of the Association’s website providing greater information availability and transparency. Completion of submissions to Auslink and the Special Local Roads Program for road construction and improvements resulting in $2.89m funding assistance for the year. With partners, both intra and interstate, successfully lobbied for the shelving of the Hattah Lakes/Nowingi Toxic Waste Dump proposal. With partners, completion of the Irrigation Pathways Program. Completion and endorsement of the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association/Murray Darling Association River Murray Policy Document. Coordination of Motorhome waste dumping points throughout the region. Completion and adoption of an Assessment Tool to determine the value of undertaking various activities across the region.

Page … 147

With partners, determination of a preferred regional provider for broadband infrastructure and completion of a BDF Funding Application for assessment. Assistance provided and provision of local government representation on Regional Drought Committees including successful region wide Exceptional Circumstances Applications. Provision of facilitation services and comment provided to the review of the State Strategic Plan. Financial assistance provided for the completion of the Xtreme Leadership Program, now embraced state-wide by PIRSA. Projects forwarded: Rural Property Addressing Standard and implementation program. Provision of Local Government representation on the SA MDB NRM Board and recent consideration of a replacement nomination. Provision of representation on the Murray and Mallee Strategic Task Force including the potential transfer of operations to Regional Facilitation Groups or like organisations. Ongoing assistance provided to the region’s community transport schemes including the seeking of State Government Agency assistance to provide integrated services. Provision of input into the region’s Infrastructure Plan. The receiving of ongoing Native Title advice and the commencement of negotiations towards ILUA’s. The forwarding of River Murray environmental issues with the EPA. Determination of the program for electricity reticulation upgrades for the Tailem Bend to Pinnaroo line. Support provided to Member Councils on storm-water management issues. The review of the Impounding Act. Consideration and input provided to the Heavy Vehicle Access Framework Revised Draft. New Issues Addressed: Addressing the issue of Grain Transport from Silos. Revisitation on the re-naming of the B55 Highway. Provision of input into the Elected Members Allowances discussion paper. Provision of input into the draft Landfill Guidelines. Comment provided for the CFS Fire Danger Permit Policy. Addressing the funding maintenance for the Broomrape Eradication Program. Infrastructure Changes on the River Murray below Lock 1. Successful recommendations provided to the LGA through the SAROC Committee to reconvene a Native Vegetation Working Group to address the review of legislation and administration of the Native Vegetation Act 1991. I would like to thank our CEO, Peter Campbell for his efforts, commitment and support over the past year and I look forward to working with him into the future. Vice President, Mayor Ian Mann OAM deserves special mention for his assistance along with all other Member Council Mayors, Delegates and CEO’s. I would like to recognise the service and timely information provided by the Local Government Association of South Australia, especially from Barry Parsons and the Office of State/Local Government Relations. Many thanks. Over the past six months, I have enjoyed being your President. I thank you all for that opportunity.

Cr. Leon Stasinowsky. President, 2006 – 2007.

urray and Mallee Local Government Association. M

Page … 148

OVE The ocated in the Murraylands Statistical Region in eastern South Australia and is dissected by the River Murray. It covers a large area in excess of 60,000 km2 taking in the areas from the Riverland in the north, agriculture reas in the central, west, south and east along the Victorian border, and south westerly to the coast and lakes. Rural ased communities throughout the area share a common interest in agriculture/horticulture, with towns primarily

servicing the farming and horticultural communities and supporting a growing tourism sector. The Region has a population base of approximately 68,000 (approx. 4.6% of the State population). The Murray River, and its associated wetlands and wildlife, Lake Bonney and a number of National/Conservation Parks, support a range of rare and endangered plant and animal species, and are major tourist attractions throughout parts of the Riverland and Mallee. Towards the coast, the Coorong National Park, Lake Alexandrina and the shores of Lake Albert are all well known tourist attractions, particularly for recreational boating and fishing. Murray Bridge provides regional services to the lower parts of the Region and supports both an industrial and commercial base.

RVIEW OF THE REGION.

Region is l

ab

The Murray River travels from the north, and passing through seven of the member Councils, flows into Lake Alexandrina in the south. It supports a number of tourist and recreation activities, with a number of tourism vessels operating from centres along the river.

The Region is serviced by the South Eastern Freeway, Princes, Dukes, Sturt and Mallee Highways, with the Berri (Loxton) to Murray Bridge Road providing a direct link diagonally across the Region.

The Association works closely with its major regional partners - the Murray and Mallee Strategic Task Force, the Murraylands Regional Development Board and the Riverland Development Corporation.

Page … 149

ASSOCIATION PRESIDENCY.

ayor Allan Arbon, Rural City of Murray Bridge, was re-elected President at the Annual General Meeting held at Murray ridge on the 2nd June, 2006 and Mayor Rod Thomas, Renmark Paringa Council was re-elected Vice President. The rm of these positions, as per the provisions of the Association’s Charter, was until the periodical Local Government lections on the 11th November, 2006.

t the Association’s General Meeting held on the 8th December, 2006 at Tailem Bend, Cr. Leon Stasinowsky, District President and Mayor Ian Mann, Mid Murray Council elected as Vice President,

oth for a term until the Association’s Annual General Meeting on the 1st June, 2007.

t thre-e 2008. REP MayAss al Government Elections on the 11 Follo ing, Cr. Leon Stasinowsky and Mayor Ian Mann have served on the State Executive of the Local Government Association of South Australia, with Mayor Allan Arbon as proxy. . ASS The . In arevie s Plan and draft 2007-2008 Budget. In a TheCou The CON The 99 until er, 2001. To ensure legal compliance with the Local Government Act 1999, further statutory reviews of the Charter have taken place with a new Charter gazetted on the 8th February, 2007.

MBteE ACouncil of Loxton Waikerie was elected b A e Association’s Annual General Meeting held on the 1st June, 2007, both Cr. Stasinowsky and Mayor Mann were

lected to their respective positions until the Association’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for the 6th June,

RESENTATION: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA (LGA SA).

or Allan Arbon and Mayor Rod Thomas continued to serve on the State Executive of the Local Government ociation of South Australia, with Mayor Ian Mann, Mid Murray Council, as proxy until the periodical Loc

th November, 2006.

wing the 8th December, 2006 General Meet

OCIATION: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SERVICES.

Chief Executive Officer services of the Association for the year were again provided by Peter Campbell

ccordance with a resolution of Member Council Delegates the Chief Executive Officer underwent performance w process on 5th April, 2007, coinciding with the production of the Association’s draft 2007-2008 Annual Busines

ccordance with a Delegate’s resolution, this process is undertaken annually.

Review Panel consists of the President and Vice-President of the Association and Dean Gollan, CEO Mid Murray ncil and Peter Ackland, CEO of the District Council of Loxton Waikerie.

Association has noted that satisfactory Chief Executive Officer services have been provided.

STITUTIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE ASSOCIATION:

Association operated as a Regional Subsidiary under the transitional provisions of the Local Government Act 19 December, 2001 with a formal Charter, agreed to by Member Councils, becoming effective on the 13th Decemb

Page … 150

This Charter can be viewed on the Association’s website at www.mmlga.sa.gov.au THE As a s as its governing document, the new Charter gaze e Local Government Act 1999. The purpose for which the Ass

ls at a

elated to environment, economic and social development with the object of achieving continual

ent for the benefit of the communities of its constituent Councils.

r and maintain consultation and cooperation and to nt when dealing with other levels of

the community.

or the benefit of the communities

with the objective of securing the best outcomes for the communities in the region.

ASS Duri Meetings of the Association were convened on: 4th

6th October, 2006 at the Berri Resort Hotel, Berri – The Berri Barmera Council as host. 8th ay Terrace, Tailem Bend – The Coorong District Council as host. 2nd February, 2007 at the Karoonda Bowling Club - The District Council of Karoonda East Murray as host. 5th April, 2007 at the Council Chamber - The District Council of Loxton Waikerie with the same Council as host. 1st June, 2007 - Annual General Meeting - at the Mid Murray Council Offices, Cambrai - The Mid Murray Council as host.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION:

Regional Subsidiary of the Member Councils, the Association hatted on the 8th February, 2007 as provided for under th

ociation has been established is to:

Undertake coordinating, advocacy and representational roles for its constituent Counciregional level.

Facilitate and coordinate activities of local government at a regional level r

improvem

Develop, encourage, promote, fostestrengthen the representation and status of local governmegovernment, private enterprise and

Develop further cooperation between its constituent Councils f

in the region.

Develop and manage policies which guide the conduct of programs and projects in the region

Undertake projects that benefit the region and its communities.

OCIATION MEETINGS:

ng 2006 – 2007, the Association has met bi-monthly for General Meetings.

August, 2006 at the Lameroo Golf Club - The Southern Mallee District Council as host.

December, 2006 at the Tailem Bend Town Hall, Railw

Page … 151

A number of guest speakers have made presentations to the Association meetings throughout the year. They include:

Mayor Brian Hurn, Chair, Local Roads Advisory Committee.

Hon. Michael Pengilly MP.

– Murraylands Regional Development Board. Ray Najar – Murray Darling Association.

Representatives of both the LGA and the Office of Local Government attended each meeting and took the opportunity pport

egion and ensure that the LGA SA has had a presence at our meetings. The Association has also enjoyed a close working relationship with its State and

The President has continued the practice of giving each of our guests the opportunity to address our meetings briefly about matters and issues before them that may be of interest to the Association and Member Councils. The contribution from all of the speakers, presenters and guests has kept the Association and the Delegates abreast of a wide ranging number of issues that impact on Local Government and the communities in the Region.

MEMBER COUNCIL DELEGATES TO THE ASSOCIATION: The following are the current Delegates representing Member Councils as at the 30th June, 2007:

Berri Barmera Council (BBC): Mayor Peter Hunt, Deputy Mayor Rhonda Centofanti and Stephen Rufus, CEO (proxy). Coorong District Council (CDC): Mayor Keith Scobie, Deputy Mayor Roger Strother and Tim Drew, CEO (proxy). District Council of Karoonda East Murray (DCKEM): Mayor Kevin Burdett, Peter Smithson, CEO and Deputy Mayor Margaret Size (proxy). District Council of Loxton Waikerie (DCLW): Mayor Dean Maywald, Cr. Leon Stasinowsky and Peter Ackland, CEO (proxy). Mid Murray Council (MMC): Mayor Ian Mann, Deputy Mayor David Burgess, Cr. Kevin Myers (proxy) and Cr. Inez Bormann (proxy).

John Johnson, General Manager, SA MDB NRM Board. John Riggs and Luke Mosely, Environment Protection Agency. John Jarred and Silvio Vinsentin, Dept. Transport, Energy and Infrastructure. Mark Drew, PIRSA. Stephen Chapple, AusIndustry. Jim Hullick, OAM.

Hon. Karlene Maywald MP,Minister for the River Murray. Hon. Adrian Pederick MP. Hon. John Dawkins MLC Hon. Ivan Venning MP.

Hon.Mark Goldsworthy MP. Brenton Lewis

Peter Lewis – Past Member for Hammond.

to brief the Association of the relevant matters being addressed by their respective bodies. We acknowledge the suof Wendy Campana, Executive Director, LGA SA who has been ready to assist the R

Federal Members of Parliament, a number of whom have been regular attendees at our meetings.

Page … 152

The Rural City of Murray Bridge (RCMB): Mayor Allan Arbon, Cr. Barry Laubsch, Deputy Mayor Milton Weinert, (proxy) and David Altmann, CEO (proxy).

Southern Mallee District Council (SMDC): Mayor John Ramke, Deputy Mayor George Gum, Cr. Robert

he following are the current Association Committee Members as at the 30th June, 2007:

Association Committees:

iation Regional Waste Management Strategy Committee:

District Council of Renmark Paringa (RPC): Mayor Neil Martinson, Barry Hurst, CEO and Deputy Mayor Louis Dimou (proxy) and Robert Wood, Director Corporate and Community Services (proxy).

Sexton (proxy) and Trevor Gordon, Acting CEO (proxy). ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE AND WORKING PARTY MEMBERSHIPS: T

Murray and Mallee Local Government Assoc

ld) Bill Henderson, CDC (by virtue of position held)

Murray Bartsch, RPC. (by virtue of position held) Mayor Ian Mann, MMC. Jon Fry, Works Manager, MMC. (by virtue of position held)

Peter Broughill, Works Manager, SMDC. (by virtue of position held)

Tom King, Infrastructure Services Manager, BBC. (by virtue of position held)

tor, DCLW. (by virtue of position held) Cr. Les Maynard, SMDC.

Chris Lease, Zero Waste SA. (external appointment)

ointment) Marina Wagner, EPA. (external appointment)

Murray and Mallee Local Government Association Regional Community Water Management Scheme (CWMS)

President M&MLGA as Chair, Cr. Leon Stasinowsky. Cr. Barry Laubsch, RCMB. Barry Hurst, CEO, RPC. (by virtue of position he

Brenton Lewis, CEO Murraylands Regional Development Board. Cr. Roger Strother, CDC.

Peter Ackland, CEO, DCLW. (by virtue of position held)

Peter Smithson, CEO, DCKEM – proxy John Claydon. (by virtue of positions held)

Stephen Rufus, CEO, BBC. (by virtue of position held) Martin Waddington, Environmental Services Manager, RCMB. (by virtue of position held) Tom Avery, Infrastructure Direc

Cr. Trevor Kerley, DCKEM.

Fiona Jenkins, Zero Waste SA. (external appointment) Ken Coventry, Murraylands Regional Development Board. (external app

Ken Smith, CEO Riverland Development Corporation or nominee. (external appointment)

Committee: (previously termed STEDS Committee)

Cr. Trevor Kerley, DCKEM

Cr. Bob England, RCMB Cr. Kevin Dunstone, BBC Cr. Mark Ward, DCLW Cr. Ted Freak, CDC

Page … 153

Cr. Gordon Hancock, SMDC Bill Henderson, CDC (by virtue of position held) Kelvin Goldstone, MMC (by virtue of position held)

position held) Mayor Allan Arbon, RCMB

position held) eter Smithson, DCKEM (by virtue of position held)

Robert WooRichard Gayler, ppointment)

Murray and Mall

Martin Waddington, RCMB (by virtue of

Mike Stephenson, BBC (by virtue of position held) Neil Martinson, DCLW (by virtue of position held) Peter Broughill, SMDC (by virtue of P

d, RPC (by virtue of position held) LGA (external a

ee Local Government Association Regional Transport Strategy Committee:

ayor Ian Mann, MMC, Chair Cr. Leon StaPeter Campbell,Chair, MRDB (e

renton Lewis, MRDB (external appointment) Chair, RDC Ken Smith, RDC (external appointment)

ransport SA – 2 nominees (external appointments)

urray and Mallee Local Government Association Broadband Steering Committee:

Msinowsky, President (ex officio)

CEO xternal appointment)

B(external appointment)

T

M

nthony McCabe, SMDC (by virtue of position held) Craig Chadwick, MMC (by virtue of position held) Cr. Leon Stasinowsky, President (ex officio)

(by virtue of position held) Peter Ackland, DCLW (by virtue of position held)

Darryl Webb, MRDB (external appointment) )

Ken Smith, RDC (external appointment)

Working Parties:

&MLGA Transport Reference Group. – Community Transport:

A

Peter Smithson, DCKEM

Brenton Lewis, MRDB (external appointment)

Ken Coventry, MRDB (external appointment

Peter Triantafilou, DFEEST (external appointment)

M

Tom Avery, DCLW. (by virtue of position held)

Peter Smithson, CEO, DCKEM. (by virtue of position held)

Page … 154

ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATION – OTHER BODIES. Dur ments to other bodies, as at the 30th Jun

:

ing the year the Association has made and or continued the following appointe, 2007: SA MDB NRM Board

arry Hurst, CEO, RPC until 10th March, 2007). Vacant – (held by B Regional Fire Prevention Committee: Mayor Ian Mann, MMC and Cr. Jodi Flavell, DCLW.

mittee: SAMRIC Management Com

ee:

Neil Martinson, DCLW South Australian Fruit Fly Standing Committ

Cr. Les Hill, BBC.

SA MDB NRM Capacity Building Reference Group: CEO – Peter Campbell South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils (SAROC): President, Cr. Leon Stasinowsky (by virtue of position held). Vice President Mayor Ian Mann (by virtue of position held). Proxy for President and or Vice President, Mayor Allan Arbon.

CEO – Peter Campbell (by virtue of position held).

Murray and Mallee Strategic Task Force:

GA Native Vegetation Working Group:

CEO – Peter Campbell. L

ormann, MMC with Cr. Les Hill, BBC as proxy. EXE Thewere

Cr. Inez B

CUTIVE MEETINGS:

Executive Committee comprises of one Delegate from each Member Council. No Executive Committee meetings held during the year.

Page … 155

GEN The Association undertakes a coordinating role, in conjunction with Member Councils, on their issues and those raised by thinter Stat issu

ubmissions and briefings undertaken include:

e SA MDB NRM Board Strategic Plan.

g round.

o the LGA regarding Elected Members Allowances.

ement of the establishment of an LGA CWMS Management thority.

bmission for Regional Broadband Funding Assistance. ce to integrated Community Passenger

ervices.

on to the Minister for the Environment regarding financial cutbacks to the Broomrape

Regional Drought Committees for Exceptional

nal Waste Strategy Implementation funding assistance.

al Transport Strategy Plan Report.

o the Premier and the Minister for the River Murray regarding proposed infrastructure

increases in landfill levies.

nal Circumstances eligible farmers and businesses to receive annual rate subsidies in line with the Victorian

Submission to the SAROC Committee regarding Community Insurance provisions.

ERAL ACTIVITIES:

e Local Government Association of South Australia, the community, and other relevant parties’ concerns and ests.

e and Federal Members of Parliament representing our Region have been briefed and support has been sought fores raised.

S

Provision of Local Government perspective input into th

Submission for Special Local Roads applications for 2007-2008 fundin

Submission t

Submission to the LGA regarding the revised Heavy Vehicle Access Framework.

Submission to the LGA and the endorsServices Au

Completion of a BDF Funding su Submission to the SAROC Committee with referen

Transport S

SubmissiEradication Program.

Provision of input into the Murraylands and Riverland

Circumstances status.

Submission to Zero Waste SA for Regio

Provision of input into the Association’s revised Region

Submission tchanges below Lock 1.

Submission to the Minister for the Environment regarding proposed

Submission to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries for Exceptio

Government model.

Page … 156

The CEO has also attended several Forums, Workshops and Briefings throughout the year regarding evolving Association. These have included:

ram Forum.

Road Prioritisation.

ions 5 and 6 Policy Development.

oards/Local Government Executives Forum.

Wallmans Solicitors on Legal and Financial matters pertaining to Local Government.

Regional Waste Strategy Forum.

al Chief Executive Officer’s Forum Meetings.

utlook Forum.

e Waste Strategy Forum.

SA MDB NRM/LG Mayoral Forum.

OF COUNCILS (SAROC).

ident Mayor Rod Thomas (Mayor Ian Mann as proxy on occasions) C meetings until the periodical Local Government Elections

tasinowsky, Vice President Mayor Ian Mann, with Mayor Allan Arbon ded the SAROC meetings.

preceding the meeting of the LGA State Executive.

AROC has a Memorandum of Understanding between Regional Local Government Associations and the Local ation of South Australia, which was completed in August, 2003.

that are relevant to all communities across the tate, some of which include:

ork (HVAF). Transport of Grain from Silos.

Integration of Community Passenger Transport Services.

CFS Fire Permit Policy.

issues and to make contribution on behalf of the

Zero Waste SA Regional Grants Prog LG Grants Commission regarding

Murray Darling Association – Reg

Joint Regional Development B

South Australian Strategic Plan Review Update Forum.

Zero Waste SA

Region

The Murraylands Economic O

Zero Waste SA Statewid

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL ORGANISATION The President, Mayor Allan Arbon, Vice Presand the Chief Executive Officer have attended SAROheld on the 11th November, 2006. Following that date, the President Cr. Leon Sas proxy and the Chief Executive Officer atten The meetings are usually held bi-monthly on the day SGovernment Associ The Association has provided our regional input into many topicsS

Heavy Vehicle Access Framew

Page … 157

Road Funding Allocations.

Drought Relief.

andfill Guidelines.

.

Licencing Arrangements.

Native Vegetation.

Revised Criteria of Reclassification of Roads.

eview of the NRM Act 2004.

e Special Local Roads Program (SLRP).

ing of Country Taxis.

and, Review of Regional Development Boards.

s report. Surplus cash flow funds have been

eposited with the Local Government Finance Authority and drawn on when and as required.

CITY BUILDING.

edges and thanks the Local Government Research and Development Fund Scheme for their annual 2006-2007 grant of $30,930 to the Association.

his grant has ensured that the Association has been able to undertake regional enhancement and capacity

INFORMING COUNCILS AND OTHER PARTIES.

LGA SA, the Office of Local Goverment, Politicians, other key stakeholders and the general public within and outside the Region. The Newsletter, the “Murray Mallee Briefs” has been prepared after each general meeting and is electronically widely distributed. Numerous media interviews have been undertaken as a result of the Newsletter’s circulation.

EPA L

Speed Limits on State Roads.

Regional Broadband.

Rural Property Addressing Standard

Changes to Water

R

Review of grant methodology for th

Licenc

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO 30TH JUNE, 2007.

The audited Financial Statements are included at the rear of thid

REGIONAL ENHANCEMENT AND CAPA The Association acknowl

Tbuilding projects throughout the year.

The Association recognises the importance of providing both topical and detailed information on its activities to Member Councils, the

Page … 158

The Association’s website www.mmlga.sa.gov.au contains a wealth of information on the Association’s activities,

NATIVE TITLE AND INDIGENOUS LAND USE AGREEMENTS.

iation has continued to engage Rosemary Craddock LLB, to assist Member Councils in Native Title negotiations in and adjacent to the Region.

The CEO provides executive support and a coordinating role, supporting Rosemary Craddock for the Member Councils an

ARTNERSHIP/STRATEGIC ACTIVITIES 2006 – 2007.

he Association has continued to pursue a number of strategic issues with the support of partners and other key stakeholders in the Region. Without these partners and stakeholders, the Association would not have been able to ingularly progress these initiatives.

trategic Focus – Telecommunications.

including all Agendas, Appendices and Minutes for General and Committee Meetings.

The Assoc

d other adjacent Council(s) that are involved in the claims impacting on this Region.

P

T

s

S The project The Riv

The Murraylands Regional Development Board, and DFEEST.

he Broadband Demand Aggregation Project has been continued by the partners, with the Project being managed by the Murr

uring the year, a Broadband Development Fund (BDF) funding submission was completed and forwarded to DFEEST fo

The funding Subsidy Program (BCSP) and the preferred ISP supplier capital funding. However, subsequent to the BDF funding application completion, the Federal Government ceased the operation of

e BCSP and replaced it with the Interim Broadband Guarantee Program (IBGP) until the 30th June, 2007 to be followed by

In addition, may provide bro

egionally identified and endorsed ISP’s have advised that their current business plans do not support the Federal Government’s changes for infrastructure subsidies and currently the Association’s Regional Broadband Program is n hold, once again, awaiting a Federal Government announcement on the coverage to be provided under the BIF rogram.

partners are: erland Development Corporation,

Taylands Regional Development Board.

Dr assessment.

requested was to supplement Federal Government assistance under the Broadband Connect

th the full Broadband Guarantee Program (BGP) to operate until the 30th June, 2008.

the Federal Government announced the Australian Broadband Infrastructure Program (ABIP) which

adband fibre opportunities through currently unknown portions of the region.

R

oP

Page … 159

Strategic Focus – Transport Infrastructure. Our Project Partners are: The The Murraylands Regional Development Board, and Tran

During 2006 Strategy Committee’s review f the Murray and Mallee Regional Transport Strategy Plan was undertaken. The Association, in conjunction with

the Committee has the opportunity to annually comment on the Plan to determine its currency and appropriateness the changing needs of the Region.

he Plan has provided the basis to enable the Association and its Member Councils, to determine and support

applications

Applications e Local Government Transport Advisory Panel t the end of April, 2006 resulting in $2.89m funding availability for identified road construction in the region.

Applications for funding in 2007-2008 were lodged with the Local Government Transport Advisory Panel at the end of April, 200 nel’s recommendation for the Special Local Roads omponent to the Local Government Grants Commission.

Strategic Fo

Riverland Development Corporation,

sport SA.

-2007, the process of Councils and the Association’s Regional Transport o

to

T for Special Local Roads and Auslink funding applications.

for funding in the 2006-2007 round were lodged with th

a

7, and the Association awaits the results of the Pac

cus – Community Transport. – Riverland Community Passenger Network and the Murray Mallee ommunity Passenger Network Schemes.

Our partners are:

The Local Government Association of SA,

the Association has pursued the issue of the integration of Community Passenger etwork (CPN) Schemes throughout the region.

or the purpose of providing further ansport solutions for the disadvantaged.

he SAROC Committee resolved to raise the matter with the Government Reform Commission (GRC) who is in the

to improve CPN services.

nt - Drought.

C

The South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils (SAROC),

The Riverland and Murray Mallee Community Passenger Transport Networks and Advisory Committees. Through the SAROC Committee, N Integration allows for the use of agency managed governmental vehicles ftr Tprocess of encouraging the State Government to provide an overarching policy, applicable to all governmental departments, to provide the availability of under-utilised assets to be made available Strategic Focus – Environme

Our partners The Riverland Development Corporation, The t Board,

rimary Industries and Resources SA, Murr

rigation Authorities and Associations.

are:

Murraylands Regional DevelopmenP

ay and Mallee Strategic Task Force, Ir

Page … 160

The Drought has severely affected environmental and economic stability and planned growth throughout the region. With partners, the Association provided representation and input into two successful Exceptional Circumstances (EC) applications covering both the dryland farming areas and the River Murray Irrigator’s corridor, effectively covering the entire Murray and Mallee Local Government region. Member Councils are to be congratulated on providing individual financial assistance to each EC Committee assisting with The Association, through the SAROC Committee is currently pursuing the State Government to provide annual rate subsidies for EC eligible farmers and businesses, based on the 50% annual rate subsidy in the Victorian Government On other environmental matters, the Association and Member Councils have:

the preparation of the EC Applications.

model.

al Waste Strategy Implementation funding application to Zero Waste SA. Provided an Association representative on the River Murray Water Quality Risk Assessment

Provided representation on the NRM Capacity Building Reference Group. cal Government non-voting Member to the SA MDB NRM Board.

Provided input into the Zero Waste SA Regional Implementation Program. cal Government on

Climate Change issues.

BEYOND 2007.

be held on the first Friday in the months of August, December, ebruary, April with the Annual General Meeting to be held in June. They will continue to be held throughout the

Region and will be hosted alphabetically within the respective Member Council areas.

t the Annual General Meeting held on the 1st June, 2007, the Association endorsed their revised Strategic Plan, 005-2008 and their Annual Business Plan 2007-2008, which was extracted from the revised Strategic Plan 2007-

loaded from the Association’s website.

lf l General Meeting as per the provisions of the

ssociation’s Charter.

Completed a Region

Committee.

Until March, 2007 provided a Lo

Provided information to Member Councils regarding Adaptation Actions for Lo

General Meetings of the Association will continue toF

A22008. These documents are available to be viewed and down The status of the objectives and actions in the Association’s Annual Business Plan 2007-2008 will be reviewed hayearly at the December General Meeting and the June AnnuaA

Page … 161

Contact details:

resident: P Chief Executive Officer:

O Box 409, 55 Excelsior Pde, Loxton. SA 5333 Hindmarsh Island.

SA 5214. Tel: 8589 7028

PO Box 1014, Goolwa. SA 5214.

Tel: 8555 3929 Fax: 8555 0451

Cr. Leon Stasinowsky. Peter Campbell P

Email: mandmlga@bigpond.com

Website: www.mmlga.sa.gov.au

Page … 162

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

S

0TH JU

COME STATEMENT

Note 2007 2006 $ $

7(a) 111,639.89 106,773.43

Other Expenses 7(b) ( 93,325.69

FINANCIAL STATEMENTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 3 NE 2007 MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION INFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

Revenues

) ( 89,305.06)

rofit from operations 6 18,314.20P 17,468.37

The accom

panying notes form part of this financial report.

Page … 163

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

S AT 30 JUNE 2007

urrent Assets

2,961.74

BALANCE SHEET A CCash 2(a) 33,155.02 60,649.79 Receivables 3 3,274.85 6,583.83 Money held in Trust 2,961.74 Total Current Assets 39,391.61 70,195.36

otal Assets 39,391.61 T 70,195.36 Current LiabilitPayables 4 70.00 UnexpendedNative Title Claim Moneys unexpended 2,961.74

ies 1,185.50 1,0

Project Funds 5 9,094.55 46,325.29 2,961.74

Total Current Liabilities 13,241.79 50,357.03 Net Assets 26,149.82 19,838.33

quity EAccumulated Surplus 6 26,149.82 19,838.33 Total Equity Surplus 26,149.82 19,838.33

The accompanying notes form part of this financial report.

Page … 164

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007 Retained Earnings

alance as at 1 July 2005 15,074.46

Profit/(Loss) attributable to association 17,468.37 0

B

Transfer to projects in progress (12,704.5 )

33 Balance as at 30 June 2006 19,838.

July 2006 19,838.33

Profit/(Loss) attributable to association 314.20 Transfer to projects in progress (12,002.71

Balance as at 1

18,)

Balance as at 30 June 2007 26,149.82

The accompanying notes form part of this financial report.

Page … 165

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

MENT

OR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

Note 2007 2006 $ $

ash Flow from Operations eceipts from Members 75,596.00 70,805.00 eceipts from others 30,930.00 30,000.00 terest received 5,500.87 5,824.28

(100,679.62)

- 55,522.74 ayments to Suppliers (49,233.45

CASH FLOW STATE F CRRInPayments to suppliers (90,288.19) Projects: Receipts from Grants P ) (118,545.45)

et Cash provided by (used in)

Net increase (decrease) in cash held (27,494.77) (57,073.05)

ash at the beginning of the year 60,649.79

NOperating Activities 2 b) (27,494.77) (57,073.05)

C 117,722.84

ash at the end of the year 2 a) 33,155.02 C 60,649.79

The accompanying notes form part of this financial report.

Page … 166

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT

D 30 JUNE 2007

ement of Significant Accounting Policies

pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the requirements of the

The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the Association in the preparation of the financial report.

f Preparation

l costs modified by the revaluation of selected non-current assets, and financial assets and financial liabilities for which the fair value basis of accounting has been applied.

a) Income Tax The activities of the Association are exempt from taxation under the Income Tax Assessment Act.

anks and on deposit.

c) Goods and Services Tax

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Tax Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense. Receivables and payables in the Balance Sheet are shown exclusive of GST.

d) Amounts

Amounts are presented in dollars and cents as per CEO instructions.

FOR THE YEAR ENDE Note 1: Stat

This financial report is a general purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with Accounting Standards, Urgent Issues Group Interpretations, Other authoritative

Associations Incorporations Act (SA).

Basis o Reporting Basis and Conventions The financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historica

b) Cash

For the purposes of the Cash Flow Statement, cash includes cash on hand, at b

Page … 167

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

ote 1: Statement of Significant Accounting Policies

Recognition Financial instruments are initially measured at cost on trade date, which includes transaction

ted contractual rights or obligations exist. Subsequent to initial ese instruments are measured as set out below.

A financial asset is classified in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short-term or if so designated by management. Derivatives are also categorised as held for trading unless they are designated as hedges. Realised and unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of these assets are included in the income

inancial assets

sale financial assets include any financial assets not included in the above categories. Available-for-sale financial assets are reflected at fair value. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are taken directly to equity. Financial liabilities Non-derivative financial liabilities are recognised at amortised cost, comprising original debt less principal payments and amortisation. Impairment At each reporting date, the association assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial instrument has been impaired. In the case of available-for-sale financial instruments, a prolonged decline in the value of the instrument is considered to determine whether an impairment has arisen. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

N e) Financial Instruments

costs, when the relarecognition th

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

statement in the period in which they arise.

Available-for-sale fAvailable-for-

Page … 168

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

f) Impairment of Assets At each reporting date, the association reviews the carrying values of its tangible and

of the asset’s fair value less costs to se and valu compare sset’s

expenses to the income statement.

ere it is not possible to estimate the ecoverable am nt of an in et, the h the asset

belongs.

When required by Accounting Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation for the current financial year.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments

evaluate estimates d judg rated cial report based on historical knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and

obtained both externally a ithin the . Key Estimates - Impairment The association assesses impairment at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the association that may lead to impairment of assets. Where an impairment trigger exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined. Value-in-use calculations performed in assessing recoverable amounts incorporate a number of key estimates.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL

Note 1: Statement of Significant Accounting Policies

intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher

ll e-in-use, is d to the acarrying value. Any excess of the asset’s carrying value over its recoverable amount is

Wh r ou dividual assassociation estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to whic

g) Comparative Figures

The committee members an ments incorpo into the finan

economic data, nd w association

Page … 169

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007 2007 2006 Note 2:

1,289.61 633.56 LGFA Investment 31,765.41

Cash Flow Information $ $ a) Reconciliation of Cash

Cash 100.00 100.00 Cash at Bank

59,916.23 33,155.02 60,649.79

t cash provided by o profit/(loss)

Profit/(Loss) from ordinary activities 18,314.20 17,468.37 Changes in Assets and Liabilities (Increase) Decrease in Debtors 386.98 (144.15) (Increase) Decrease in GST Rec/Pay 2,922.00 (11,174.56)

in Creditors 115.50 50.00 ease (Decrease) in Unexpended

Grant Funds (37,230.74) (50,568.21) Increase/(Decrease) in Retained

Transfers (12,002.71

b) Reconciliation of ne

operating activities tfrom ordinary activities

Increase (Decrease) Incr

Earnings from ) (12,704.50) CaOperating Activities (27,494.77

sh Flow provided by (used in) ) (57,073.05)

Note 3: Receivables

GST Refund 2,480.00 5,402.00 Accrued Interest 794.85 1,181.83

3,274.85 6,583.83 Note 4: Payables

Sundry Creditors 8.50 - Audit Fees 1,177.00 1,070.00 1,185.50 1,070.00

Page … 170

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

2007 2006 $ $ Note 5:

Grant Funds Unexpended may be refundable and are reflected as liabilities at balance date. that the balance of funds unexpended will be fully utilised on the no

2006 $ $ Transport Strateg Income

BalanContri

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

Unexpended Grant Funds

It is anticipatedminated project.

2007

y Project

ce brought forward - (204.50) bution - MMLGA - 204.50 Income Total - -

Projecat 30 J

t Funds not expended une 2007 - -

Water ManagemenIncomBalan 4,373.00

t Project e

ce brought forward 6,373.00 Total Income 4,373.00 6,373.00

Less Expenses Contri

bution - River Murray Salinity - - - Survey - (2,000.00)

Expenses - Total (2,000.00)

not expended at Project Funds30 June 2007 4,373.00 4,373.00 Mobile Base Station Provision Income Balance brought forward 2,500.00 2,500.00 Contribution - MMLGA - - Total Income 2,500.00 2,500.00 Project funds not expended at 30 June 2007 2,500.00 2,500.00

Page … 171

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007 2007 2006 $ $ Note 5:

TransIncomBalanContri

Unexpended Grant Funds (cont)

port Strategy Stage 2 e

ce brought forward 3,000.00 4,000.00 bution - MMLGA 7,000.00 2,000.00 Income Total 10,000.00 6,000.00

Less North Transport Strategy Review (10,000.00

Expenses South Transport Business case - (3,000.00)

) - otal Expenses (10,000.00) (3,000.00)

Projec30 Jun

T

t funds not expended at e 2007 - 3,000.00

port and Recreation

- ontribution - MMLGA -

SIncome Balance brought forward 1,363.64 C 2,500.00

1,363.64 2,500.00 Less Expenses Feasibility Study - (1,136.36) Contribution to regional demand assessment (1,250.00) - Transfer to Discretionary Projects ( 113.64

Total Income

) - Total Expenses (1,363.64) (1,136.36) Project funds not expended at 30 June 2007 - 1,363.64

Page … 172

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

2007 2006

Note 5: Unexpended Grant Funds (cont) WeIncome

e brought forward ution - MMLGA

-

$ $

b/Logo Design and Implementation

Balanc 175.91 - ontrib - 2,000.00 C

Transfer from Discretionary Project 585.00 To 175.91 2,585.00

eCoConstruction Costs - (2,272.73) WeTra

tal Income

L ss Expenses rporate Design (80.00) (136.36)

bsite Hosting (50.00) - nsfer to Discretionary Projects ( 45.91) -

To Pro30

tal Expenses (175.91) (2,409.09)

ject funds not expended at June 2007 - 175.91

Regional STEDS Audits Income Balance brought forward 28,022.74 - Southern Mallee District - 1,574.55

- 4,723.64 C Loxton Waikerie - 1,574.55

ouncil 17,000.91 Bridge

Coorong DC DMid Murray C - Rural City Murray - 3,149.09 Contribution - MMLGA 2.71 - Total Income 28,025.45 28,022.74 Less Expenses Regional STEDS Audit (28,025.45) -

otal Expenses (28,025.45) -

s not expended at 30 June 2007 -

T

Project fund 28,022.74

Page … 173

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

2007 2006 $ $

Note 5:

Income

ght forward Contribution - MMLGA - 6,000.00

gal Charter Review 172.00 - Transfer from Sport and Recreation 113.64 - Transfer from Regional Waste Strategy 725.00 -

esign and 45.91

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

Unexpended Grant Funds (cont) Discretionary Projects

Balance brou 6,165.00 1,000.00

Transfer from Le

Transfer from Web/Logo DImplementation - Total Income 7,221.55 7,000.00 Less Expenses Transfer to Sundr - y Expense (250.00)

ransfer to Web/Logo Project - (585.00) ransfer to Extreme Leadership Program (5,000.00

TT ) -

(835.00)

d at

Total Expenses (5,000.00) Project funds not expende30 June 2007 2,221.55 6,165.00

Page … 174

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

Note 5: nexpended Grant Funds (cont)

arter Review

2007 2006 $ $

U Legal ChIncome Contribution - MMLGA 5,000.00 - Total Income 5,000.00 -

(4,828.00) jects

Less Expenses Legal Charter Review - Transfer to Discretionary Pro ( 172.00) - (5,000.00) - Project funds not expended at 30 June 2007 - -

Leadership Program Income

ary Projects 0

Extreme

Transfer from Discretion 5,000.0 - Total Income 5,000.00 -

ip Contribution (5,000.00

Less Expenses Extreme Leadersh ) - Total Expenses (5,000.00) -

30 June 2007 - Project funds not expended at

-

Page … 175

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

Note 5: Unexpended Grant Funds (cont)

Regional Waste Strategy

Balance brought forward 725.00 83,225.00 Zero Waste SA -

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT

2007 2006 $ $

Income

27,500.00

nary Projects (725.00)

Total Income 725.00 110,725.00 Less Expenses Transfer to Discretio - Consultancy - (110,000.00) Total Expenses (725.00) (110,000.00)

-.

Project funds not expended at 30 June 2007 725.00

Total Unexpended Grant Funds t 30 June 2007 9,094.55a 46,325.29

Page … 176

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

The association’s exposure to interest rate risk, which is the risk that a financial instrument’s value in market interest rates and the effective weighted average

terest rates on those financial assets and financial liabilities, is as follows:

Note 6: Financial Instruments

(a) Interest Rate Risk

will fluctuate as a result of changes in Weighted

Average Effective Interest Rate

Floating Interest Rate

Non Interest Bearing Total

2007 2006 2007 202007 2006 2006 07 2006 % % $ $ $ $ $ $ Financial Assets LGFA Investment 6 - 3 ,766.0 5.5 31,765 59,91 - 1 5 59,916 Cash - - 100 100 100 100 Cash at Bank 1.60 1.65 1,290 634 - - 1,290 634 Total Financial Assets 33,055 60,550 100 100 33,155 60,650 Financial Liabilities - - - - - - (b) Credit Risk The maximum exposure to credit risk, excluding the value of any collateral or other security, at balance date to recognised financial assets is the carrying amount, net of any provisions for doubtful

ce Sheet and notes to the financial report.

The association does not have any material credit risk exposure to any single debtor or group of debtors under financial instruments entered into by the association. (c) Net Fair Values Methods and assumptions used in determining net fair value. For assets and liabilities the net fair value approximates their carrying value. Financial assets where the carrying amount exceeds net fair values have not been written down as the association intends to hold these assets to maturity. The aggregate net fair values and carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities are disclosed in the Balance Sheet and in the notes to and forming part of the financial report.

debts, as disclosed in the Balan

Page … 177

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

ENERAL ACCOUNT GINCOME STATEMENT

OR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007 F

2007 2006 $ $

Interest - Investment LGFA 4,635.50 5,502.11 - Bonus 326.70 235.98 - Bank 151.69 230.34 MBM LGA co

Berri Barmera Coun 11,642.00 10,903.97 Coorong D 7,711.00 22.11 DC of Karoonda East Murr 4,082.00 3,823.47 DC of Loxt n Waikerie 12,322.00 11,541.22 Mid Murray Council 9,222.00 8,638.21 The Rural C 15,422.00 4.22 DC of Ren 10,356.00 28 Southern M 4,838.00

Note 7: (a) INCOME

ntributions: cil

istrict Council 7,2ay

o

ity of Murray Bridge 14,44mark Paringa 9,700.allee DC 1.52 4,53

Total MBM LGRegional Enhancement Fund Grant 30,930.00 30,000.00 Other Income 1.00

A contributions 75,595.00 70,805.00

- TOTAL INCO 111,639. 10 (b) EXPENDITURE Audit Fees 1,070.00 1,070.00 Bank and Gov rnment Fees 152.50 127.80 Executive Offi 85,540.00 81,120.00 Insurance 992.00 936.00 Meeting Expe- Association 880 6- Working Par 1,018. 1,26Postage 84.01 60.33 Presidents Tr 635.00 600.00 Stationery 529 8Sundry ExpenTelecommuniTelephone 1,389.26

ME 89 6,773.43

ecer Contract Services

nses .00 1,168.3

ties 18 1.36

avelling Allowance .77 463.0

ses 252.83 419.95 ns 782.14 782.82 catio

1,295.36 TOTAL EXPE 93,325.6NDITURE 9 89,305.06 Profit/(Loss) at End of Year 18,314.20 17,468.37

Page … 178

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007 Note 8: Contingent Liabilities

thAt 30 June 2007, the Committee is unaware of any liability, contingent or otherwise, which has not this financial report.

Note 9: ments

ot already been recorded elsewhere in this financial report. Note 10: Events After the Balance Sheet Date

have been no events that would materially impact on the contents is report.

already been recorded elsewhere in

Capital CommitAt 30th June 2007, the Committee is unaware of any capital or leasing commitments which have n

Since the reporting date, there and result of th

Page … 179

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION STATEMENT BY THE COMMITTEE In the opinion of the members of the committee:

e Statement is drawn up so as to present fairly the surplus of Murray and ee ssociation for the financial year;

(b)

(c) e accounts of the association have been made out in accordance with Accounting Standards and

ther mandatory profe 2. The committee has reasonable grounds to believe that the association will be able to pay its debts as and

when they fall due. 3. No officer of the association, or a firm hich t r mb , or a cor rate in e

has a substantial financial interest, has received or become entitled to receive a benefit as a result of a contra office of which the officer is a member or a corporate in which the officer has a substantial financial interest and the associati

4. No officer of the association has received directly or indirectly from the association any payment or other

benefi This stateme for and on behalf of the Committee by:

1. (a) the accompanying Incom

Mall Local Government A

the accompanying Balance Sheet is drawn up so as to present fairly the state of affairs of Murray and Mallee Local Government Association as at the end of the financial year;

tho ssional reporting requirements.

of w he office is a me er po which th officer

ct between the r, a firmon.

t of a pecuniary value.

nt is made in accordance with the resolution of the Committee and is signed

President

CEO Dated this 10th day of August 2007.

Page … 180

INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF

Report on the Financial Report

e audited the accompanying financial report of Murray and Mallee Local Government Association (the association) which comprises the balance sheet as at 30 June 2007 and the income statement, statement of

iture and cash flow statement for the year ended on that date, a summary of ies and other explanatory notes and the statement by me

lity for the Financial Report Th ciation is responsible faccordance with Australian Accounting Standards the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the As (SA) 1985. This r d maintaining internal con paration and fair presen e from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying app p nting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in ith Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant

ements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable ssurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.

ing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the dures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the

he financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk

in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the pressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes

propriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates

MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

e havW

recognised income and expendsignificant accounting polic mbers of the committee. Committee’s Responsibi

e committee of the ass or the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in o (including

n Act sociations Incorporatio esponsibility includes establishing an pre tatrol relevant to the tion of the financial report that is fre

ro riate accou

Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express anaccordance wethical requira

volves performAn audit infinancial report. The procerisks of material misstatement of tassessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial reportpurpose of exevaluating the apmade by the committee, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

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ASSOCIATION ontinued)

dependence conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of Australian professional

uditor’s Opinion

our opinion:

cia allee Local Government Association is in accordance with the Associations Incorporation giving a true and fair view of the Association’s financial position as at 30 June 2007 and of their

performance for the year ended on that date; and

ii. complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and

WHK THOMSONS AUDIT SERVICES

INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF MURRAY AND MALLEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT(c

InInethical pronouncements.

A In The finan l report of Murray and M

Act (SA) 1985 including:

i.

the Associations Incorporations Act (SA) 1985.

Chris Campbell CA Dated this 10th day of August 2007.

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FileName: REPA4482

LE REF: FI 2407

ATE: D 22 October 2007

TO:

Provincial Cities Association Members FROM: Chairman Mayor Joy Baluch AM SUBJECT: Annual Report 2006/2007

Chairman of the Provincial Cities Association I have pleasure in submitting my Annual Report Association activities for 2006/2007.

submitting this report I feel it would be very remiss of me not to comment on the current drought which is seriously affecting not only South Australia, but many rural and regional communities across Australia. Whilst the mining boom may provide some financial relief in

untry is wounded and primary industry across Australia is suffering.

e impact of the drought on our rural economies, (including Association members), is already ing felt as rural and regional residents are forced to tighten already tight belts. As the money

s drying up, (like the River Murray), jobs are going at the farm gate and in regional and ral centres, and these job losses are already having an impact on our communities as the rger regional cities and centres in South Australia.

I have stated in other areas and publications the “State and Federal Governments have to dress not only the drought problem but also the issue of water supply. They need to address ith long term solutions, not just some politically expedient short term or bandaid solution”.

ur colleagues in the Riverland and at Murray Bridge are very well aware of the impact of the ought and the reduced water flow in the River Murray. Whilst we are facing and dealing with duced availability of water for our gardens and community facilities such as parks and ovals, u and your residents are having to face reduced availability of water for irrigation, and the

subsequent impact on major industries which underpin your economies. The result of your efforts will impact on us all in one way or another.

Membership City of Port Augusta City of Mount Gambier City of Port Lincoln City of Whyally City of Victor Harbor Port Pirie Regional Council Rural City of Murray Bridge The Riverland

Executive OfficerMr. Ian McSporran

PO Box 3106PORT AUGUSTA WEST SA 5700

Mobile: 0419 810 644

Ason In

certain areas, the co Thbeflow irula Asadit w Odrreyo

Thto

e Provincial Cities Association needs to continue to pursue the benefits of long term solutions our State’s water needs. We need to do so without fear or favour and to clearly enunciate r wish to be part of a process not mired in a political point scoring exercise.

e were informed at our first meeting for the year at Roxby Downs in July 2006, of the portance of water to the future development of our State. Without adequate and aranteed water supplies, the expansion of Roxby Downs by BHP Billiton, (with the resultant nefits to South Australia), cannot occur. The problems of the Company in endeavoring to dress the demands of the State bureaucracy as part of the feasibility process for the pansion program was well explained to us, and I believe the comments of BHP Billiton ecutives on the problems the Company was facing, gave us strength as we faced and dressed issues of concerns to the Association and Local Government in general.

Further meetings of the Association were held on the 19th October 2006, 8th December 2006, and 30th March 2007. All these meetings were held in Adelaide.

ese meetings have resulted in the Association continuing to pursue issues including:

• the failure of the 2004 Legislation adopted by Parliament to reduce Electronic Gaming Machines in South Australia by 3000 machines.

• the impact of decisions made by the Minister for Environment and Conservation and the Environment Protection Authority on:

• guidelines which will apply for new waste disposal sites • increased EPA licence fees and the use of a significant proportion of these fees as

a revenue raiser for the State Government.

• the development of desalination plants that take advantage of solar power and other factors, which result in minimal adverse environmental effects and community requirements.

• the need to review the water charging regime in South Australia to ensure that the real cost of water is known and recouped.

• the impact of the State Government’s Marine Parks Bill on coastal communities and business activities.

• submissions to the review of the State Level Sporting Facilities Strategic Plan for 2007 to 2017.

• TAFE regional staff reductions and the lack of consultation and provision of Regional Impact Statements for affected communities.

• the NRM levy and the apparent cost shifting exercise which is taking place through NRM Boards, with the imposts being funded by local communities through current and proposed NRM Levies imposed on Local Government Authorities to collect on behalf of NRM Boards.

e preceding list is a snap-shot of the issues addressed by the Association and its constituent embers. Whilst the final outcomes of many of the issues are still awaited, the Association’s deavours have kept our respective communities to the fore, particularly via local and regional edia outlets.

acknowledge the support provided by constituent members to the Association. Whilst various nstraints have impacted on the level of participation of some members, the role of all

ou WimgubeadexExad

Th

Thmenm I co

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mSo

embers in supporting the Association and particularly the Local Government Association of uth Australia, (who have managed many of the issues outlined), has been very important.

e unanimity of purpose which has been shown in the past will continue to be important in the esent and coming years. Whilst this involvement may vary in the way it occurs, it will be very portant for the State and our communities that we are united in one way or another in facing e many issues which will no doubt arise.

would like to thank the Chief Executive Officer, Ian McSporran for his continued diligence in aling with the Association issues. Many hours can be spent in dealing with issues which may timately have no real relevance to the activities of the Association. I am well aware of the anner in which he deals with these issues and so saves us all, many further hours of reading d discussions within our respective Councils, (or in many cases a duplication of effort).

commend

Thprimth I deulman I my report to the Association and recommend that Constituent Members receive

d note the Report. an

MAYOR JOY BALUCH AM

AIRMANCH

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