Minutes of Community Services and Planning Committee - 9

Gwydir Shire Council

Community Services and Planning Committee - 9 July 2015

This is page number 1 of the minutes of the Community Services and Planning Committee held on Thursday 9 July 2015 Chairman ……………………………………………………………………………………

MINUTES COMMUNITY SERVICES AND PLANNING

COMMITTEE

GWYDIR SHIRE COUNCIL

THURSDAY 9 JULY 2015

COMMENCING AT 10.30AM

BINGARA OFFICE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ______________________________________________________________ Present: Councillors: Cr. John Coulton (Mayor), Cr. Catherine

Egan (Deputy Mayor), Cr. Stuart Dick, Cr. Kerry McDonald, Cr. Jim Moore, and Cr. Peter Pankhurst.

Staff: Max Eastcott (General Manager), Richard Jane (Director Technical Services), Ron Wood (Chief Financial Officer) and Glen Pereira (Director Development and Environmental Services)

Public: Ms L Carroll (Warialda Standard) Visitor: Nil




DISCLAIMER No responsibility whatsoever is implied or accepted by the Gwydir Shire Council for any act, omission or statement or intimation occurring during any Council or Committee meetings. The Council disclaims any liability for any loss whatsoever and howsoever caused arising out of reliance by any person or legal entity on any such act, omission or statement or intimation occurring during Council or Committee meetings. Any person or legal entity who acts or fails to act in reliance upon any statement, act or omission made in a Council or Committee meeting does so at that person’s or legal entity’s own risk. In particular and without derogating in any way from the broad disclaimer above, in any discussion regarding any planning application or application for a licence, any statement or intimation of approval made by any member or officer of the Council during the course of any meeting is not intended to be and is not taken as notice of approval from the Council. Gwydir Shire Council wishes to advise that any plans or documents contained within this agenda may be subject to copyright law provisions and that the express permission of the copyright owner(s) should be sought prior to their reproduction. Members of the public should note that no action should be taken on any item discussed at a Council or Committee meeting prior to written advice on the resolution of council being received. Agendas are removed once the minutes become available on the Council’s website http://www.gwydirshire.com/




OFFICIAL OPENING AND WELCOME – MAYOR APOLOGIES Cr Angela Doering, Cr Marilyn Dixon and Cr Geoff Smith COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

THAT the apologies of Crs. Doering, Dixon and Smith are accepted. FURTHER that the absence of Mrs Leeah Daley on annual leave is noted. (Moved Cr Egan, seconded Cr McDonald)

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

THAT the Minutes of the previous Community Services and Planning Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 10 June 2015 as circulated be taken as read and CONFIRMED. (Moved Cr Dick, seconded Cr Moore)

PRESENTATION - Nil CALL FOR THE DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee resolve into Confidential Session, Committee of the Whole and that in the public interest and in accordance with Section 10A(2)(a) of the Local Government Act, 1993, the public and press be excluded from the meeting to consider the item listed on the agenda. (Moved Cr Pankhurst, seconded Cr Egan)




ADOPTION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONFIDENTIAL SESSION COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

THAT the recommendations of the Confidential Session, namely: Monthly Organisation and Community Development Report (Confidential Meeting) THAT the Monthly Organisation and Community Development Report (Confidential Meeting) report be received and noted. are adopted. (Moved Cr Pankhurst, seconded Cr Egan)




Item 1 Monthly Organisation and Community Development Report

FILE REFERENCE

AUTHOR Organisation Development Director

DATE 2/07/2015

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION The monthly Organisation and Community Development report details the activities carried out by the Department during the month of June 2015. BACKGROUND The monthly Organisation and Community Development report forms part of a regular reporting regime. The purpose of the report is to inform Council of the activities carried out monthly within the Department.

ISSUES AND COMMENT

1 RISK

1.1 Risk Management Major tasks or work currently being undertaken:

• Risk officer attended Port Stephens Council to review auditing systems, training support, Safety Management policies and procedures, insurance, Return to Work practices

• Risk officer delivered internal First Aid/CPR training to Naroo and Social Services staff

• Completion of internal safety audits for all departments • Risk officer attended five (5) day WorkCover Heath Safety Representative training

in Tamworth The draft Statewide Mutual Contractor Insurance Management System (CIMS) Policy has been sent to all managers for comment. A revised policy will be developed for submission to the General Manager and Council.

Contractors are generally embracing Council’s requirement to register their insurances with the CIMS Program.

Gwydir Shire Managers have approved centralising the Council Test and Tag procedures with the Risk Department. This will involve utilising the team of staff who hold test and tag qualifications to routinely test all electrical appliances throughout the Shire buildings and facilities.




1.2 Incidents to 30 June 2015 There have been 134 incidents to date this financial year:

• 133 incidents were internal with 1 occurring externally • 17 incidents occurred in April – 6 in Bingara, 10 in Warialda, 1 in North Star • 7 incidents occurred in May - 1 in Bingara, 6 in Warialda • 6 incidents occurred in June – 4 in Bingara, 1 in Warialda, 1 in Tharawonga

Council’s Incident/Accident report form defines the injury/accident into five categories:




The nature of incidents reported has been broken down into 11 categories:

2 TOURISM

2.1 Visitor Information Centres

April May June

Opening hrs Opening hrs Opening hrs

W = 186 B = 166 W = 182 B = 154 W = 205 B = 175

Volunteer hrs Volunteer hrs Volunteer hrs

W = 32 B = 32 W = 35 B = 24 W = 40 B = 34.5

Visitation to VICs April May June

Warialda (V= Visitors; C = Cafe) V = 518 C = 863 V = 508 C = 666 V = 637 C = 774

Bingara 855 561 526

Comment The increase in June Warialda VIC figures could be contributed to the Back to Warialda weekend.




2.2 Caravan Parks - Income

April May June

Warialda $7,922

Bingara $22,228

Warialda $5,126

Bingara $16,343

Warialda $4,657

Bingara $18,158

2.2.1 Bingara Caravan Park Upgrade

The upgrade of the Bingara Caravan Park is almost complete and the park is looking much better. Elements completed include:

• Installation of new retractable clothes lines • Removal of large Silky Oak trees • Relocation of office facility to new office site • Relocation of existing cabin to new office site for conversion to caretaker and

storage facility • Upgrade of men’s amenities which included demolition of old showers and

removal of asbestos sheeting, fit and install new shower recesses, upgrade of plumbing, installation of new vanities and mirrors, and painting

• Connect, fit out and convert transferred cabin line with office building, new linoleum, plumbing and access stairs, plumbing and wiring

• Plan and install new entry signs with accompanying garden • Add new driveway exit for cabins users.

New Office at Riverside Caravan Park, Bingara




There has also been a general clean up around the park which included the addressing of a number of risk factors that had been identified, including the removal of trees, removal of the old phone box and fixing some traffic issues.

The upgrade has been delivered at around $25,000 to $30,000 under budget. An additional upgrade of the ladies’ amenities is proposed if funds remaining can be rolled into a work in progress depending on the cash position at year end.

2.3 Cranky Rock

Cranky Rock Sites April May June Powered sites 26 28 22

Unpowered sites 13 38 18

Camping sites 2 3 3

Total 41 69 43

3 GLR and RECREATION

3.1 Gwydir Learning Region The first community Learn to Weld course is complete and plans are underway for the second course to begin in late July, early August.

3.1.1 Heavy Vehicle Training

Currently there is one (1) external client in training for a Light Rigid bus licence.

The RTO operations for heavy vehicle training have slowed to a trickle. The competency based Heavy Vehicle licensing system has been through some major

Signage to be designed and erected




changes throughout Australia. The same system is in place across most States and Territories with various authorities from different States overseeing the system. In NSW, the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has the responsibility. Gwydir Shire Council previously operated successfully and provided a much needed service to an established local clientele. Since then, other operators have started up in the surrounding areas, requirements that were once met were no longer acceptable, and the GLR was required to become a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Legal requirements, financial costs and time constraints have greatly increased, reflecting the current charge rates and subsequent low external clientele numbers.

To battle these obstacles and to enable a pricing drop, strategies are presently being prepared. These include changes to the way the compulsory theory element is delivered and tested. Another strategy was to make changes to the training routine and route. By adopting these ideas, fees will drop dramatically. The student however, will need to be self-motivated and be prepared to study in their own time to benefit from the new pricing rates.

The training truck has been upgraded at no cost by replacing it with an internal truck that was intended for sale.

The heavy vehicle driver section of GLR RTO was audited by the RMS on 29 June 2015 with two (2) minor non-conformances that will be promptly addressed.

3.1.2 Learn to Drive (car) Training

During June, four (4) driver students have participated in training. One student has completed six (6) lessons in total. Another student has completed two (2) lessons with the others completing one lesson each.

Some students have indicated their desire for regular ongoing lessons.

Three of the four students are attending school, with two (2) from Warialda High School and one attending Bingara Central School. The fourth driver student is mature aged and living in Warialda.

A visit to the schools to publicise and promote the scheme is planned. The RTO, with approval from the schools, is hoping to encourage interested students in Years 11 and 12 (with free periods) during school hours to use this time for driver training lessons. Availability for driving lessons during the free school time will alleviate the current 3.30 to 4.30pm peak time.

A visit to Bingara Central School is planned to inform prospective students and the local community of planned driver training visits to Bingara.

Both Warialda and Bingara Schools will be contacted to ask if they would add details of driver training information to their electronic mailout list to students and families.




3.2 Warialda Fitness Centre

3.3 Bingara Fitness Centre Wall mirrors and floor matting have been installed in the weights room and the multi station machine previously used in the WOW gym, Warialda, has been set up in the middle of this area.

The almost complete new Bingara Fitness Centre




The 2015 Fun Run was conducted prior to the opening of the Orange Festival on 27 June. Numbers were up slightly on last year and a concerted effort will now be made to grow this event and revive the ‘Bingara Buster’.

3.4 Swimming Pools Two applications were received for the Manager of Bingara Swimming Pool complex and will be processed by 31 July 2015.

A repairs and maintenance priority schedule for both pools will be determined early in the new financial year. 3.4 Medical Centres As Lessor of both Warialda and Bingara Medical Centres, it has become apparent that an Asset Management plan is necessary for the upkeep of these two valuable facilities. A meeting will be held with Council’s Building Services Manager to develop this Plan.

4 HOME and COMMUNITY CARE (HACC)

• An extension of Contracted Funding Arrangements has been received from Transport for NSW for Bingara Community Transport. These transport services will be provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), and other NSW funded Transport Programs. The extension period is from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016, subject to continuing to meet all contractual obligations. The Major Change form has been signed and returned to Transport for NSW. Updated Schedules of Service have also been received.

• Changeover of HACC vehicles to two Mitsubishi ASX has been completed for Warialda/Delungra HACC and Bingara HACC services.

• My Aged Care portal will be operational for new client referrals from 1 July 2015. • Service name of HACC will change to CHSP from 1 July 2015 • National Fees Policy – 15 June 2015 Media release received from Assistant

Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield, announcing that the mandatory fees policy will not be put into place; but rather a principles-based fees policy. It is noteworthy that the Minister had particularly taken on board the views of the Volunteers and Providers of Meals on Wheels, Community Transport and Social Support services. A principles-based fees policy is now expected to be released in July 2015.

• Meals on Wheels – 14 Bingara clients received 206 meals and 8 Warialda clients received 123 meals (in home) during June. Delungra do not have any clients currently receiving this service.

• Minor refurbishment work will be carried out at the two vacant Holden Aged Accommodation Units in Holden Street, Warialda, during July.

• Warialda/Delungra currently has 121 active clients registered, with 56 receiving a service in June. Bingara has 229 active clients registered, with 64 receiving a service in June.




• Bingara HACC staff, volunteers and clients participated in the Bingara Orange Festival on 27 June. The parade theme depicted remembering 100 years of the Anzac Spirit. The HACC bus was decorated with red poppies for remembrance and copies of The Ode were placed on the sides of the vehicle. Clients onboard highlighted the importance of acknowledging the great value of the elderly in our community

Bingara HACC bus in the Orange Festival Parade

• Warialda HACC had an enjoyable day trip to the National Transport Museum in

Inverell on 23 June. There were many surprises in store, including one client discovering a vehicle that she had previously owned. What a wonderful trip down memory lane!

5 SOCIAL SERVICES

5.1 Bingara Neighbourhood Centre Funding body – Family and Community Services

There have been 38 points of contact for the Neighbourhood Centre this month. Counselling and advocacy have been the main areas covered by the centre this month with only a few calls from the salvos connect line.




5.2 Bingara Toy Library Funding body – Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate NSW Department of Education and Communities

Gwydir Toy Libraries were successful in receiving $6,190 in grant funding for purchase of specialised equipment to enhance inclusion of children with a disability. These funds will go towards equipment that can be used by the whole community and it will include mobile access ramps and educational equipment. There will be a session with an Occupational Therapist on how to use the equipment and it will be made available as soon as possible.

Bubz Biz Centrelink Talk

An officer from the Inverell Centrelink office attended and talked about benefits available to families. She also answered questions about specific family’s needs and made families aware of the apps for Centrelink, Medicare and myGov, which will be how these services will be accessed in the future. Five (5) children and three (3) parents attended.

Telstra talk

Offices travelled from Telstra Inverell to our service to inform families what is available that may be of benefit. They spoke of all of the ways to connect to the internet, how to link services together and how to bundle services. They also spoke about mobiles and how there are now more uses for them and how they can be contracted, and what sorts of mobile plans are available. They will visit Bingara again in the future to help families with services and how families can get a better deal. Eight (8) children and five (5) parents attended.

Particulars Attendance

Apr May Jun

Toy Library Members (children utilising the service)

41 67 72

Parents 28 51 56

Total membership at Bingara Toy Library 53 52 42

Toys returned 14 31 27

Toys borrowed 19 26 23

Children/Group using toys (members) 8 + FDC & Preschool

19 + FDC & 3 Preschool

16 + FDC x 4

Lodge

Free play 35 children 22 adults

33 children 22 adults

55 children 36 adults




Orange Picking Day

Two (2) Family Day Care Carers with their children joined the toy library coordinator at the Orange Picking Ceremony. Some members from the toy library also attended. Five (5) children and two (2) adults attended.

5.3 Supported Playgroup Development Worker Funding body – Families NSW

Warialda Toy Library

Warialda Toy Library will be closed until the end of July, 2015 due to availability of staff and extended maternity leave. The Toy Library will reopen in August.

5.4 Gwydir Playgroups

Attendance:

During June, playgroup focused on fine motor skills. Activities included pasta threading, glitter pinching, finger painting, and colouring. Music sessions were also carried out which saw the children using multiple developmental areas.

5.5 Youth Services (Youth Week) Funding body – Family and Community Services

On Thursday 25 June six (6) students from Gwydir Shire and six (6) students from Willoughby City met at the Living Classroom as part of the annual youth exchange program. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the program and it was celebrated in style.

Throughout the weekend the Willoughby students were given the opportunity to experience what it is like to live in a rural area and see how different it is compared to city life.

Gwydir students showed off their Shire and what it has to offer. In return, they enjoyed learning about the lives of the students from Willoughby and their diverse backgrounds. Friendships were formed and they are already counting down the days until Gwydir students make the journey to Sydney for the Willoughby Spring Fair in September.

This year’s program was full and activities included visits to Myall Creek, Cranky Rock, Gravesend, Mayor Coulton’s farm, a trail ride along the Gwydir River, orange picking, feeding kangaroos, attending the Orange Festival, the Military Ball and a very informative tour of The Living Classroom conducted by Development and

Particulars New Families Attendance

April May Jun April May Jun

Warialda 2 1 0 28 39 15

Gravesend 0 0 0 11 12 3

Bingara 0 0 0 17 18 10




Environmental Services Director, Glen Pereira, which included tree planting on the site.

The exchange concluded with the annual bonfire and BBQ at Cr. Pankhurst’s property, Bora. The young people from both council areas thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the program and would encourage all young people to apply for next year’s event.

5.6 Bingara Preschool

Funding body – Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate NSW Department of Education and Communities

Bingara Preschool has been successful in receiving over $16,000 in grant funding to redevelop the entrance area of the Preschool through Brighter Access Inclusion grants.

The Orange Festival was a huge success for the fundraising committee which raised close to $1,500 from the event.

6 EVENTS

6.1 The Orange Festival

This year’s theme was 100 Years of ANZAC and the celebrations began on Friday 26 June with the annual Orange Picking at 11.30am followed by a Military Ball at 7pm in the Roxy Theatre. Entertainment was provided by the Royal Australian Navy Band and the crowning of the festival Queen and Princess.

Back row L to R: Ben Johns, Tom Southwell, Hao Wei Sun, Rusttin Tubig, Jacob Hodge, Mitchell Bell, Callum Baillie (Supervisor), Lachlan Butler Front row L to R: Bradley Weber, Lucy Myers (Supervisor), Anna Wu, Farhanah Fauni, Christine Wong, Naomi Tsui




The festivities continued on Saturday 27th with the annual street festival. Activities included a photographic exhibition of the works of Sir Charles Ryan entitled ‘A Camera on Gallipoli’, a special screening of the Gallipoli re-enactment ‘With the Dardanelles Expedition’, Australian War Memorial’s Commemorative Crosses project display, street markets and kid’s entertainment. The CWA held a long lunch in Cunningham Street, with 100 participating. There was a model railway display, as well as the official parade at 2pm. The 2015 Orange Festival Parade featured the Royal Australian Navy Band, the Moree District Band and the Glen Innes Pipe Band, with a highlight being a flyover of RAAF planes from Williamtown base.

The crowds lined the streets of Bingara for the 2015 Orange Festival parade.

2015 Orange Festival parade




7 GOVERNANCE

7.1 Customer Service Requests

Number of Open Requests as at 30.06.15

Current Requests (received by Council between 01.06.2015 and 30.06.2015)

Outstanding Requests

Technical Services 10 5 5

Water & Sewerage 6 3 3

Executive 0 0 0

Organisation and Community Development Services

0 0 0

Corporate Services 3 1 2

Environmental and Building Services 69 21 48

Total 88 30 58

7.2 Requests for Council information by Statutory Authorities Nil

7.3 Application/s made to Council under the Government Information Public Access (GIPA) Act, 2009

Nil

7.4 Policy Reviews Nil

7.5 Declarations of Interest by Councillors at the June Committee and Ordinary Council Meetings Nil

7.6 Declarations of Gifts by Councillors/Staff and Council Volunteers

Council’s General Manager won a prize at the ALGA June 2015 Conference. The value of this prize is less than $50 and has been donated to Council.

8 FINANCIAL Attachment 1 - Organisation and Community Development June 2015 financial summary.




CONCLUSION: The activities carried out by the Organisation and Community Development Department are in line with the 2014/2015 Management Plan and otherwise as directed.

CONSULTATION: Consultation has occurred within the Organisation and Community Development Directorate.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Policy implications are those relating to the 2014/2015 Operational Plan and the Policies of Gwydir Shire Council.

FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC and RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (Including Asset Management): The activities carried out by the Organisation and Community Development Department are in line with the 2014/2015 Operational Plan.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS (Social and Environment):

The activities undertaken by the Organisation and Community Development Department regarding social and environmental factors are targeted in line with the 2014/2015 Operational Plan.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the report be received and noted. ATTACHMENTS AT-1 Organisation and Community Development June 2015

financial summary 2 Pages

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: THAT the report be received and noted. FURTHER that the Special Events Committee, Bingara Central School and other organisers of the Orange Festival are congratulated on the outstanding event. NOTE: The Committee requested an update as to the reasons for the protracted closure of the Warialda Toy Library (Moved Cr McDonald, seconded Cr Egan)










Item 2 Monthly Development & Environmental Services Report including Development Approvals

FILE REFERENCE

AUTHOR Director Development and Environmental Services

DATE 2 July 2015

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION A Report by the Director Development and Environmental Services on the activities of the Department including Development Applications, Construction and Complying Development Certificates issued by Council for the month of June 2015. COMMENT 1. DEVELOPMENT The Department continues to receive enquiries and provide advice on a range of planning and building matters including • Subdivision • Dwelling entitlements • Minor structure construction e.g. sheds • Commercial opportunities & construction • Basix (Building Sustainability Index) • Bushfire requirements • Building construction standards and requirements • Stormwater • Licensing and Owner Builder requirements • Fees and charges • Planning Certificates The following Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) and Construction Certificate (C/C) applications have been approved for the month. No. Property

Description Development/

Work $ D/A C/C CDC

13/2015 Lot 15 DP751087

3604 Croppa Moree Road Croppa Creek

2 Lot Rural Subdivision

$1,000 - -

17/2015 Lot 325 DP 751137 15 Apollo Avenue Warialda

2 Lot Urban Subdivision

$1,000 - -




19/2015 Lot 8 DP 1172841 3533 Copeton Dam Road

Copeton

Replace Water Treatment Plant

$600,000 - -

The following Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) or Construction Certificate (C/C) applications approved, but not previously reported to Council. No. Property


Work $ D/A C/C CDC

01/2013 Lot 7001 DP1057987

Whitlow Rd Myall Creek Educational & Cultural

Centre $6,600,000 - -

The following Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) and Construction Certificate (C/C) applications remain outstanding for the month.

D/A, C/C & CDC

Property Description & Description of Work

Reason D/A C/C CDC

27/2013 Park Lane Bingara - Garage

Current - -

28/2013 530 Gil Gil Creek Rd Pallamallawa Increase Quarry’s Annual Production

Limit

Supplementary Report to Joint Regional Planning

Panel – Meeting 9/06/2015

- -

10/2015 13 Apollo Avenue Warialda - Additions & Alterations to Garage to

create a granny flat

Current -

11/2015 556 Onus Road Copeton - Continued Operation of dog breeding

facility, continued use of dwellings & 2 Lot Rural Subdivision

Report to Council - -

15/2015 13 Salter Street Bingara - Shed for Honey Extraction & Storage

Current - -

16/2015 Warialda Road Warialda - 2 Lot Industrial Subdivision

Current - -

18/2015 161 Ashton Road Yallaroi - Continued Operation of a Quarry

Current - -

01/2015 Park Lane Bingara - Shed

Current - -

There were no Development (D/A)/Complying Development (CDC) and Construction Certificate (C/C) applications were refused(R)/ withdrawn (W) in the month of June. The following Complying Development (CDC) and Construction Certificate (C/C) applications were approved by a Private Certifier and then lodged with Council in the month of June. No. Property


Work $ C/C CDC

14/2013 Lot 3 DP28059

8 Narrabri Road Bingara Dwelling $187,867 -




There were no Development (D/A) and Complying Development (CDC) applications determined where there has been a variation in standards under SEPP 1 for June 2015. The following Development Certificates have been issued for June which has been compared to the previous 8 months.

The following Conveyancing Certificates have been issued for the month which has been compared to the previous 8 months.




The following shows the number of Conveyancing Certificates issued up to June 2015 compared with the same period in 2014.

The table below shows a comparison between Applications lodged for the month compared to the last two years (excluding Private Certifier lodged applications).




The table below shows a comparison between the values of Applications lodged for the month compared to the last two years (excluding Private Certifier lodged applications).

Development Applications Received by Type (Includes Private Certifier lodged applications)




Development Applications Received by Locality (Includes Private Certifier lodged applications)




Development Applications – 8 Months to June 2015

Construction Certificates – 8 Months to June 2015 (Excludes Private Certifier lodged and approved applications)




Complying Development Applications – 8 Months to June 2015 (Excludes Private Certifier lodged and approved applications)

Illegal Activity

ACTIVITY No

ACTION TAKEN Inspected Notice

Sent Application/ Certificate

Lodged

Penalty Notice

Legal Action

Refer to

Council Development Building/Plumbing/ Drainage

1 1

Health 8 Environment

2. HEALTH The Department continues to receive enquiries and provide advice on a range of health matters including • Design and installation of On-site sewerage management systems • Overgrown properties • Food premises design and fit-out • Food handling practices • Mobile Food Vendors • Licensing • Water Carting • Plumbing and Drainage - design and installation




2.1 Water Surveillance The Department continues to carry out routine weekly microbiological sampling of the water supply in the Villages of Warialda and Bingara, fortnightly sampling of Gravesend and monthly sampling at North Star. 2.2 Health Related Inspections June 2015

2.3 Swimming Pool Inspections The Department continues to carry out Swimming Pool Compliance Inspections. 2.4 Animal Control An inspection was carried out on the Dog Breeding Facility located at Onus Road Copeton to determine compliance with the Companion Animals Act,




1998, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 and Local Government Act, 1993. Council received complaints regarding roaming stock and dogs, noise, the keeping of animals and other complaints during the month. These are investigated and actioned as necessary and are detailed in the following table including year to date and actioned totals. Warialda pound was broke into and a dog stolen on the 19 June 2015. This incident was referred to the Warialda Police for investigation, but there was not enough evidence to take further action.

Council has available 4 cat and 2 dog cage traps for use by residents who are experiencing problems with stray feral and companion animals. Traps are normally kept by residents for a period of 4-7 days at a time. During this period the cages have been utilised by residents on the following number of occasions:

Cat Trap Dog Trap 0 0

2.5 Cemeteries Both Warialda & Bingara Cemeteries continued to be maintained.




Complaints have be received from the public regarding vehicular damage to a number of graves in the Warialda Lawn Cemetery. Council staff have carried out work to top dress and remediate the damaged areas 2.6 Food Premise Inspections/Re-inspections Inspections of all the food premises within the Gwydir Shire were completed during June 2015.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL The Department continues to receive enquiries and provide advice on a range of environmental matters including;

• Air & Water Pollution • Noise Pollution • Littering • Legislation

The following table shows the number of certificates issued in June 2015 compared to the preceding 8 months




3.1 Waste Services 3.1.1 Waste Collection Warialda Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during June 2015. There were no incidents or complaints for this period. Bingara Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during June 2015. There were no incidents or complaints for this period. Gravesend Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during June 2015. There were no incidents or complaints for this period. North Star Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during June 2015. There were no incidents or complaints for this period.




Warialda Rail Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during June 2015. There were no incidents or complaints for this period. Croppa Creek Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during June 2015. There were no incidents or complaints for this period. RMS Rest Area Bins Scheduled collections were carried out during June 2015. There were no issues reported. 3.1.2 Recycling Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during June 2015. There were no incidents/complaints for this period. Council continues to make available compost bins, aerators & worm farms for purchase by the members of the community. 3.1.3 All Waste Recovery Centres & Landfills Maintenance All Waste Recovery Centres in the Shire continue to be supervised/monitored and maintained. Staff continue to make changes to the site layout and signage to improve onsite operation and access for residents unloading waste and recyclable materials. 3.1.4 Green Waste Scheduled kerbside collection service was carried out during June 2015. There were no incidents/complaints for this period. There was no in house chipping for June 2015. Council is continuing to supply mulch from chipped green waste to residents. 3.1.5 Recycled Steel Steel continues to be stockpiled for collection at the Bingara and Warialda Waste Recovery Centre.




4. NOXIOUS WEEDS CONTROL Property Inspection Program Staff continue to assist Farmers and the Community with:

• Funding advice • Noxious weeds advice • Property Inspections • Spraying of Noxious Weeds

The following Noxious Weeds Certificates have been issued for the month of June 2015 compared with the previous 8 months.




The following shows the Noxious Weeds Inspections for the month of June 2015 compared with the previous 6 months.

4.1 Noxious Weeds - Properties Inspected during the month of June 2015

Areas Inspected No. Ha Rd km Weeds Present

Private Property High Risk areas 3 4976.24 - African Boxthorn, Mimosa Bush, Mother of Millions, Parthenium &

Tree Pear Private Property High Risk Reinspection 1 9.32 - Parthenium

Roadside Inspections High Risk Pathways - - - -

Waterways High Risk Pathways 1 5 - Green Cestrum

Private Property 2 2093 - African Boxthorn, Mimosa Bush, Mother of Millions & Tree Pear

Private Property Reinspections 2 1288.78 - Green Cestrum Private Property Waterways - - - -

Roadside Inspections 28 1774.16 887.08 African Boxthorn, Mimosa Bush, Mother of Millions, Parthenium, Paterson’s Curse & Tree Pear

Other Council Lands 2 30 - Paterson’s Curse Nurseries - - - - Rural Outlets - - - - ARTC - - - - Other Weekend Markets - - - -




Dept of Lands - - - - National Parks/ Nature Reserves - - - - LH&PA Reserves - - - - Gravel Quarries - - - - Machinery Dealers - - - - Grain Handling Sites - - - - Recreational Areas - - - - Saleyards - - - - Machinery wash down bays - - - - Truck Stops - - - - Other - - - - 4.2 Noxious Weeds Control Works for the month of June 2015

Road/Property Locality Weed Code Area - Ha

Road - km

High Risk

Roads Council Roads

Singapore Rd Gravesend Parthenium 6.34 3.17 1 Peates Rd North Star Harissia Cactus 57.52 28.76 1 Peates Rd North Star Harissia Cactus 57.52 28.76 1 Peates Rd North Star Harissia Cactus 57.52 28.76 1 Peates Rd North Star Harissia Cactus 57.52 28.76 1 Peates Rd North Star Harissia Cactus 57.52 28.76 1 Peates Rd North Star Harissia Cactus 57.52 28.76 1 Gravesend Rd Gravesend Paterson's Curse 31.38 15.69 1 Campbell Lane Gravesend Paterson’s Curse 8.7 4.35 1 Dunrobyn Rd Gravesend Paterson’s Curse 5.16 2.58 1 Floods Tank Rd Gravesend Paterson’s Curse 11.98 5.99 1 Eden Forest Rd Gravesend Paterson’s Curse 24.46 12.23 1 Yallaroi Road Yallaroi Mother of Millions 63 31.5 1 Blue Nobby Rd North Star Mother of Millions 45.86 22.93 1 Baroma Rd North Star Harissia Cactus 30.3 15.15 1 Croppa Creek Rd North Star Harissia Cactus 46.3 23.15 1 Munsies Rd Warialda Paterson’s Curse 25.1 12.55 1 Lachallan Road Warialda Paterson’s Curse 3.1 1.55 1 Scotts Rd North Star Harissia Cactus 13.54 6.77 1 Kirewa Rd North Star Harissia Cactus 21.48 10.74 1 Birrahlee Rd North Star Harissia Cactus 9.84 4.92 1




5. BUILDING MAINTENANCE The Department continues to receive requests to carry out minor maintenance and are generally dealt with in a timely manner. Otherwise the works are scheduled into maintenance staff building activities including new works for attention. The current and proposed works for this financial year are detailed in the attached Gantt chart. 5.1 Warialda Airstrip RFS Hut

Installation of Footings and Placement of Building

5.2 Bingara Caravan Park – Refurbishment of Male Amenities

New Shower Stalls




New Wash Stands Area

5.3 Bingara Caravan Park – New Caretakers Office

New Caretakers Office

5.4 Community Buildings See attached Gantt chart 6. PARKS AND URBAN SPACES 6.1 Parks & Playgrounds The parks and playgrounds continue to be maintained and inspection carried out to insure that the equipment and soft fall areas are maintained to current standards. A number of these facilities will need the installation of additional soft fall. Suitable material has been ordered and will be placed around play equipment when it arrives.




6.2 Gardens Council’s gardens continue to be maintained. The hot weather has impacted some plants. 6.3 Sports Grounds Council’s sports grounds continue to be maintained. 6.4 Town Street Council’s town streets continue to be maintained. 6.5 Public Place Bins Council’s public place bins continue to be emptied as needed and maintenance carried out as needed. 6.6 Living Classroom The grounds and gardens continue to be maintained. 6.6.1 Biolink – Vegetation Corridor The recent rain has continued to further seed germination. Staff continue to maintain weed levels between rows by slashing. The existing rows have been replanted with various native tub stock. 6.6.2 Aussie Dam Makeover Work has commenced on the removal of earth and placement of rocks to construct the crop cove. Plants are in the process of being ordered for spring planting.

Aussie Dam Makeover




6.6.3 Front Gardens Ground preparation works have commenced for the planting of bare-rooted fruit and nut tree for July/August.

Front Gardens

6.6.4 Family Tree Orchard Community members held a working bee to prune, stake, weed, re-plant compaion plants, and install the plaque and supporting wheels.

Family Tree Orchard




Family Tree Orchard Plaque

7 Departmental Financial Summary

The financial performance of the Department is shown in the following spreadsheets which have been broken into income and expenses from the General and Waste funds. It is worth noting that as June is end of financial year, these are interim results and could be subject to changes due to end of year processing and accruals. The results will be subject to change until annual statements are signed off. Development and Environmental Services Overall Revenue is in accordance with the original budget but down against the current budget. Other revenues appear to be low, this appears to be the result of changes rental properties including the sale of the 2 properties in Holden Street, Warialda and variances in rental availability and rental income. There has been savings in material purchases and other expenses as some projects have been deferred in lieu of other more labour intensive works. Waste Contract/or expenses is high year to date due in part to rise in fall in the contract and the timing of invoices from the contractor. There was also an issue with the contract calculations at budget preparation time. Staff again are making adjustments to accounts to better reflect operational activity. There are currently some issues with budget profiling which are being reviewed by staff at the present to ensure that the budget better reflects when income is received and expenses incurred.













CONSULTATION: Internal Departmental Staff,

Management Team and Other Departments as needed.

External General Public, Trades Persons and Contractors, Representatives from Government Departments




STATUTORY ENVIRONMENT: Specific Legislation • Local Government Act,1993

• Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 • Food Act 2003 • Companion Animals Act 1999 • Commons Management Act 1989 • Noxious Weeds Act 1993 • Swimming Pools Act 1992 • Public Health Act 1991 • Recreation Vehicles Act 1993 • Roads Act 1993 • Impounding Act 1993 • Land Environment Court Act 1999 • Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 • Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001 • Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 • Rural Fires Act 1997

Specific detail is provided in the body of the report. Related Legislation • Regulations associated with the above legislation

• Crown Lands Act 1989 • Divided Fences Act 1991 Specific detail is provided in the body of the report.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Current Policies These matters have no specific policy implications for

Council. Operations are in accordance with Council’s adopted Management Plan and current Council Policies.

Proposed Policies No proposed policy implications for Council. FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (Including Asset management): Economic factors Is the proposal incorporated in the budget?

These activities and matters are included in Council’s adopted Budget

Are there human resources implications?

Carried out as normal duties

Cost Operations are currently in accordance with Council’s adopted Budget and Management Plan.

What are the longer term impacts on Council asset management strategies?

Council must maintain its assets. Works will be incorporated into asset management strategies which are being developed.




Life cycle costs There will only be ongoing maintenance costs for Council. Cost Recovery Some proposals such Caravan Parks as will provide

revenue raising opportunities or return on investment for Council.

Shire Assets The replacement of or maintenance on Council owned service and facilities will protect and enhance the value of the Council assets.

Key Business Sectors Infrastructure No impact on Council’s sewer, water, telecommunications

and transport infrastructure. STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS: Relationship to Management Plan

These matters have no specific strategic implications for Council.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS (Social and Environmental): These activities and matters are being undertaken in accordance with Council’s objective and Policy to make Council operations sustainable.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the report be received.

ATTACHMENTS There are no attachments for this report. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: THAT the Monthly Development & Environmental Services Report including Development Approvals be received. FURTHER that a policy position be developed on the treatment of any potential for fruit fly infestation at the Living Classroom. (Moved Cr McDonald, seconded Cr Egan)




Cr Peter Pankhurst

Proposed Reopening of the Bingara Rifle Range Cr Pankhurst advised the meeting that the current grazing licensee of the Crown Land proposed to be reused as the former Rifle Range is upset at the prospect of losing his grazing rights. The meeting was informed that it may be possible to have dual use and that this is being explored.

Cr Catherine Egan

Community involvement into the Fit for the Future process Cr Egan requested that the two most prominent community groups supporting the Council’s position of standing alone be kept informed of the current position. The meeting was informed that a meeting was scheduled for later this day to meet with representatives of Vision 2020 and that any interested Councillor may attend.

Technical Services Director

Roads to Recovery (R2R) Additional Funding Mr Jane advised the meeting that due to a last minute deal between the Federal Government and the Australian Labor Party that the fuel excise, which may had to be refunded to the petroleum companies, will now be distributed to local government authorities across Australia as additional funding under the R2R Programme. Gwydir Shire Council’s additional funding will be $2,799,564 spread over 2015/16 and 2016/17. To maintain access to this additional funding the Council must also reach its required reference rate of own source funding.




Technical Services Director

Fixing Country Roads' Programme Mr Jane also advised the meeting that Round 2 of this program will be announced shortly and that the Council will be submitting a proposal for the Warialda By-Pass. Cr Moore pointed out that the area controlled by the Local Land Services will need to be acquired.

Cr John Coulton

North West Freight Network The Mayor outlined the current attempts being made to seek funding for this project.

Development and Environmental Services Director

Quarry Development Proposal Mr Pereira advised the meeting of the outcome of the Regional Planning Panel’s meeting in Bingara with regard to the Johnstone’s Quarry DA, which was an approval with conditions.

Cr Kerry McDonald

Dog issues in Warialda Cr McDonald expressed her concern at the unauthorised ‘breaking out’ of impounded dogs at the Warialda Pound and what can be done to make it more difficult for this to occur. The range of options were outlined by the staff.

General Manager

LGNSW Annual Conference 11th to 13th October 2015 The General Manager encouraged all Councillors to consider attending this year’s Conference to be held at Rosehill Racecourse Function Centre in Parramatta.




Cr John Coulton

Circular Economy and Biogas Investigation The Mayor advised the meeting that he has been asked to speak at this years 'International Circular Economy Week' in Germany in November.

Cr Jim Moore

Potential New Industrial Opportunity Cr Moore advised the meeting that a producer of cattle feeders may be interested in developing a business within Warialda.

Meeting closed 12.02 pm

Documents

Minutes of Community Services and Planning Committee - 9