Upper Lachlan Shire · The vacant position of Plant Operator - Prime Mover & Low Loader/Trailer, based at Crookwell was advertised internally on Thursday, 19 August 2011, with interviews

REPORTS TABLED AT THE ORDINARY MEETING OF UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL HELDTHURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2011 IN GUNNING

SECTION D

REPORTS FROM THE

GENERAL MANAGER

Staffing Matters. D2-D32. Digital Television Switchover D4-D73. Disclosure of Interest Returns under Section 449 of the Local D8

Government Act, 19934. Staff Christmas Function D95. Promoting Better Practice Review D10-D136. Code of Meeting Practice D147. Conduct of Local Government Elections in 2012 D15-D378. OH&S and Consultative Committee Minutes D389. NSW Budget 2011-2012 D39-D47

10. Destination 2036 Outcomes Report D48 - D50

11. Action Summary D51-D54

^?$ ^^P NewhamActing General Manager


Author: General Manager

Subject: Staffing Matters

File: F10/14

Precis: Providing details in relation to current staffing matters forCouncillors' information.

Budget: Nil impact

1. STAFFING MATTERS

The vacant position of Plant Operator - Parks and Gardens, based at Crookwell wasadvertised externally with interviews held on Wednesday, 14 September 2011.Richard Stephenson was offered and has accepted the position as Plant Operator -Parks and Gardens and commenced duties on Tuesday, 4 October 2011.

The vacant position of Noxious Weeds Officer, based at Gunning was advertisedinternally on Thursday, 19 August 2011, with interviews held on Tuesday, 6September 2011. Simon Bill was offered and has accepted the position as NoxiousWeeds Officer and commenced duties on Tuesday, 4 October 2011.

The vacant position of Skilled Labourer/Swimming Pool Attendant, based at Gunningwas readvertised the week commencing Monday, 3 October 2011. Council will beadvised of the results of the applications in due course.

The vacant position of Casual Swimming Pool Attendant, based at Gunning wasadvertised externally with no suitable applications received. Council will readvertisethe vacant position the week commencing Monday, 3 October 2011. Council will beadvised of the results of the applications in due course.

The vacant position of Plant Operator - Prime Mover & Low Loader/Trailer, based atCrookwell was advertised internally on Thursday, 19 August 2011, with interviewsheld on Tuesday, 6 September 2011. Russell Chapman was offered and has acceptedthe position as Plant Operator - Prime Mover & Low Loader/Trailer and commencedduties on Monday, 19 September 2011.

Council have advertised internally and externally for the vacant Plant OperatorGrader position, based at Gunning, with applications closing on Friday, 23 September2011. Council will be advised the results of the applications in due course.

Council have advertised internally for the vacant Roadside Maintenance Gang -Ganger position, based at Crookwell, with applications closing on Friday, 30September 2011. Council will be advised the results of the applications in due course.

Council have advertised internally for the vacant Plant Operator/Truck Driver - WaterCart position, based at Crookwell, with applications closing on Friday, 23 September2011. Council will be advised the results of the applications in due course.

Council have advertised internally for the vacant Maternity Relief - ExpenditureOfficers position, based at Gunning, with applications closing on Friday, 28 October

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Mayor General Manager


2011. Council will be advised the results of the applications in due course.

Council have advertised externally for the vacant Maternity Relief - Health &Building Surveyor position, based at Crookwell, with applications closing on Friday,28 October 2011. Council will be advised the results of the applications in duecourse.

Council appointed Shaun Daniel to a Casual Skilled Labourer's position, based atGunning, to commence on Monday, 26 September 2011.

Council's Development Assessment Officer, Courtney Atkins, resigned from Councileffective from Monday, 10 October 2011. The vacant position of DevelopmentAssessment Officer will be advertised externally with applications closing on Friday,28 October 2011. Council will be advised of the results of the applications andinterviews in due course.

Performance reviews for all staff members for 2010/2011 have commenced with100% of staff completed as at 7 October 2011.

There are no other significant staffing matters.

Recommendation: That Council receive and note the report as information.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

-@>^^-^-f John Bell

General Manager

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Subject: Digital Television Switchover

File No: Fll/188

Precis: Providing details regarding the upcoming digital televisionswitchover and the broadcasters' offer to upgrade the self-helptelevision retransmission site in Gunning from analog to digital.

Budget: Nil Effect.

2. DIGITAL TELEVISION SWITCHOVER

Council received correspondence on 1 September 2011 from Ms Nerida O'Loughlin,Executive Director of the Digital Switchover Taskforce with respect to thebroadcasters' offer to upgrade self-help television retransmission sites from analog todigital.

On 30 March 2010, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the DigitalEconomy wrote to all licensees of self-help retransmission sites to advise them oftheir options for moving to digital television. As southern regional New South Waleswill be switching to digital-only broadcasting on 5 June 2012, Ms O'Loughlin wroteto Council to update the information provided by the Minister, and to provide Councilwith additional information about the process for moving to digital television.

Under an agreement between the Australian government and commercial televisionbroadcasters across Australia, broadcasters will upgrade a number of existing regionalanalog self-help retransmission sites to operate in digital.

The self-help site that serves the Gunning area has been identified by broadcasters asa candidate for upgrading from analog to digital. A representative of the broadcasterswill contact self-help licensees in the near future to formally discuss fheir proposaland the terms of an agreement.

It is important that Council understand that this is an offer by the broadcasters. Thegovernment has strongly encouraged broadcasters to ensure that sites to be upgradedwill be converted in a timely fashion. Broadcasters would like to upgrade self-helpsites by the end of December 2011. However, the final decision about whether and, ifso, when sites will be converted is a matter for negotiation between the currentlicensees and the broadcasters.

Council has been recently advised by telephone that the upgrade of the self-help sitein Gunning would be commenced on 14 September 2011 and is to be completed by 24November 2011.

People living in areas served by self-help sites that are not being upgraded bybroadcasters and are not served by another terrestrial transmitter will receive theirdigital television services through the new government funded direct-to-home ViewerAccess Satellite Television (VAST) service.

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These viewers will also be eligible for assistance to move to VAST under thegovernment's Satellite Subsidy Scheme. Information about the VAST service and theSatellite Subsidy Scheme is available at the Digital Ready website atwww. digitalready.gov. au

The most up-to-date information about local digital television services, including theexpected coverage of transmitters sendng local areas, the frequencies services aretransmitted on, and information about switchover dates for specific areas is availablefrom mySwitch on the Digital Ready website.

mySmtch is a web-based tool which has been developed by the Digital SwitchoverTaskforce to provide a wide range of information to viewers to help them prepare forswitchover in their area. myS-witch may be accessed by going to the Digital Readywebsite and entering an address in the mySwitch box on the front page.

Process for converting sites

Three areas in Australia have now switched to digital-only broadcasting:Mildura/Sunraysia on 30 June 2010, regional South Australia on 15 December 2010,and regional Victoria on 5 May 2011. Regional Queensland will switch to digital-only broadcasting on 6 December 2011 and southern regional NSW will switch on 5June 2012.

In general, and as far as is reasonably practicable, it is the Federal Government's andthe broadcasters' intention to provide for 'simulcasting' (that is, the broadcasting ofboth analog and digital services) in a switchover area for about six months beforeanalog switch-off. This allows viewers a reasonable period of time over which tomake the transition to digital.

However, for many upgrades of self-help sites, this is not possible. This is oftenbecause of the lack of available channels to allow both analog and digital services tobe broadcast at the same time, physical limitations on the site (such as the size of thebuildings housing equipment), and the cost of running two sets of equipment. In thesecases, the switchover to digital will often occur overnight with no simulcast, in whatis known as a 'hot swap'.

The broadcasters will advise operators of sites about the processes and timetable forconversion of each self-help site. Clearly, where hot-swap transitions occur it will benecessary for broadcasters, local authorities and businesses, and the government towork together to ensure that viewers living in areas where early switchover will takeplace are well informed about early digital switchover in their area. The DigitalSwitchover Taskforce has developed a range of communications activities which willtarget people living in the relevant areas.

These activities will include:

visits by Taskforce officers to early switchover areas to conduct public.

information and technical assistance sessions around the time of theswitchover;contact with established stakeholders such as councils, real estate agents,.

retailers, antenna installers and accommodation providers about earlyswitchover;

D5Mayor General Manager


mail-outs to residents and businesses informing them about early switchover;.

and

communication with federal and state members about early switchover in their.

areas.

In addition to these local activities, the Digital Ready website will be updated toprovide information about conversion of early switchover sites as it is made availableby broadcasters, and mySwitch will be updated to include predicted coverage for earlyswitchover sites.

Household Assistance Scheme

Some of the most vulnerable members of the community, such as the elderly, andpeople with disabilities and their carers, may require practical assistance to switchover. This will be particularly important in areas which switch to digital television inadvance of the general switchover date for the switchover region as a whole.

To assist these people to switch to digital television, the federal government hasestablished the Household Assistance Scheme. The Scheme will, at no cost to eligiblehouseholds, supply, install and demonstrate a high definition (HD) set-top boxspecifically chosen to meet the needs of the elderly or those with a disability, andcarry out any cabling and antenna work where necessary. Households eligible forassistance under the Household Assistance Scheme located in areas unable to receiveterrestrial digital television signals will receive satellite reception equipment.

A person may be eligible for assistance under the Scheme if they live in a switchoverarea that is due to switch to digital, own a functioning television, do not already haveaccess to digital television on any of the televisions they own and they receive themaximum rate of one of the following payments:

Age Pension;.

Disability Support Pension;.

Carer Payment;.

Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) service pension; or.

the DVA income support supplement payment.

Eligible customers for the Household Assistance Scheme in southern regional NSWwill receive a letter from Centrelink inviting them to participate in the Scheme aboutsix months before their region is due to switch over.

Ms O'Loughlin has advised that eligible customers for the Household AssistanceScheme in southern regional NSW, who live in areas which will switch to digital onlybroadcasting earlier than the general switchover date for the region, due to the need tohot swap self-help sites, will be advised of this and provided with information aboutwhat they need to do before switchover takes place in their area.

Other Taskforce activities

As it has done in switchover areas to date, the Digital Switchover Taskforce will beundertaking significant communications activities in the southern regional NSWregion closer to the switchover date. This will include providing comprehensiveinformation for local communities and on the ground assistance and support.



The Taskforce has recognised the central role of local councils in keeping theircommunities informed and Ms O'Loughlin that hopes that Council and the Taskforcecan work in partnership on switchover issues. Council will be advised again in thecoming months of the Taskforce's activities and opportunities for Council and theTaskforce to work together.

Further information about the transition to digital-only broadcasting in southernregional NSW will be published on the Digital Ready website and on mySwitch as itbecomes available.

Information about di^tal switchover is also available from the Digital ReadyInformation Line on free call number 1800 20 10 13. The Information Line isavailable seven days a week from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm (AEST).


ATTACHMENTS

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^4»- John Bell

General Manager

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Subject: Disclosure of Interest Returns under Section 449 of the LocalGovernment Act, 1993.

File: Fl 0/611

Precis: Providing for the tabling of the Disclosures of Interest Returnsof Councillors.

Budget: Nil impact

3. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST RETURNS UNDER SECTION 449 OFTHE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT. 1993

In accordance with the Section 449 of the Local Government Act, 1993, UpperLachlan Shire Council has received updated Disclosure of Interest Returns from thefollowing Councillors:

. Councillor John Shaw;

. Councillor James Wheelwright;

. Councillor Sandra Bill;

. Councillor Brian McCormack;

. Councillor Brian Moloney;

. Councillor Malcolm Barlow;

. Councillor Michael Coley;

. Councillor Paul Culhane; and

. Councillor Mick Mayoh.

The Disclosure of Interest Rehmis of Councillors are available for inspection onrequest and will be tabled at the Council Meeting on 20 October 2011 in accordancewith the requirements of Section 450A (2) of the Local Government Act, 1993.


ATTACHMENTS

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^ John BellGeneral Manager

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Subject: Staff Christmas Function & Christinas Closure

File: Fll/233

Precis: Providing details in relation to the Upper Lachlan Council staffChristinas function and the dates for the Christmas Closure asper Council policy.

Budget: Nil Effect.

4. STAFF CHRISTMAS FUNCTION & CHRISTMAS CLOSURE

With respect to arrangements for the Christmas/New Year period, it is advised that asper Council policy, the Works Depots and Administration Offices will be closed frommidday on Thursday, 22 December 2011 and will reopen on Tuesday, 3 January 2012.

It is Council's policy to grant staff a half-day off to hold the Council Christmas partyand to provide some refreshments for the party. This year, that day falls on Thursday,22 December 2011.

A combined staff function will be held at the Crookwell Services Club from middayon Thursday, 22 December 201 1 commencing at 1.00pm. A coach will be utilised totransfer staff from Gunning to the function and return afterwards.

Arrangements have been put in place to ensure that in the event of emergencysituations arising over the Christmas/New Year period, nominated staff will beavailable to work as required to rectify any emergency.

Recommendation: Council resolve that the staff Christmas function be held onThursday, 22 December 2011 commencing at 1.00 pm at theCrookwell Services Club.

ATTACHMENTS

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^ John Bell^

General Manaser

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Subject: Promoting Better Practice Review

FHe: Fll/231

Precis: Providing details regarding a Promoting Better Practice reviewby the Division of Local Government.

Budget: Nil Effect.

5. PROMOTING BETTER PRACTICE REVIEW

Council received email correspondence on 7 September 2011 from Ms Lyn Brown,Manager of the Investigations and Review Branch firom the Division of LocalGovernment within the Department of Premier and Cabinet regarding a PromotingBetter Practice review for the Upper Lachlan Shire Council.

Promoting better practice in Local Government is a review process undertaken by theDivision of Local Government with the stated aim of the program to improve theviability and sustainability of councils.

Promoting Better Practice is designed to:

ensure good governance of Council,.

encourage improvement in the way Council conducts its activities, and.

monitor the overall performance of Council..

Reviews also have a wider role in the development of local government practicesacross the state. For example, reviews have and will continue to identify the need forthe Division of Local Government to respond with appropriate policies or legislativechange.

A review aims to give the council confidence about what is being done well and helpto focus attention on key priorities requiring improvement.

Upper Lachlan Shire Council was provided with a comprehensive checklist that wasrequired to be completed and returned to the Division by 7 October 2011. Copies ofthe documents requested were sent to the Division prior to 7 October 2011.

The Councillor survey undertaken by Councillors is to assist the review team to gaugeCouncillors views on Council. A copy of the survey was provided to all Councillors atthe Council Meeting held on 15 September 2011. At the completion of the surveyform, Councillors are asked if they would like to meet with the review team. If theywould like to, subject to time constraints, the review team will contact Councillors toarrange a suitable time during the review period to meet.

Please note, that completing the survey and the option of a follow up meeting wereentirely voluntary for Councillors. As Councillors are aware, completed survey formswere also required to be returned by 7 October 2011.



The Division will review the documents, Council's responses to the checklist and thesurvey forms prior to the on-site visit.

The review team, comprising Katrina Annis-Brown and Dean Austin, who is an internfrom the University of Wollongong undertaking a placement with the Division, willvisit Council in the week commencing 24 October 2011.

During the visit, the review team will meet with the Mayor, General Manager,Directors and other Council staff and Councillors. The will examine a range ofCouncil documents and processes.

Review program process

The review process closely evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of key aspectsof Council operations.

Specifically, it involves:

examining the Council's overall strategic direction;.

checking compliance and relevant practices;.

ensuring that the Council has frameworks in place to monitor its performance;.

providing council with feedback..

The process is collaborative. Councils are asked to complete a self-assessment of theirstrategic management and operating practices.

This assessment assists to appropriately target the review. A review may focus onspecific areas of Council activities that have been identified as a result of an analysisof Council's information and data.

A reviewer or review team visit the council to gather further information and gain apractical view of a range of council operations.

The Council will receive a report on the key issues identified during the review. Thereport will include what is working well at Council as well as recommendations fora

improvement.

There are five stages in the review process:

1. Preparing - Council self-assessment;2. Assessing - understanding local circumstances;3. Checking - reality check of Council operations;4. Analysing - how well set is the Council to improve?5. Reporting - feedback and program of action.

Preparing

Council is asked to undertake a self-assessment of its strategic management andoperating practices by completing a checklist provided by fhe Division.

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The first section of the checklist is designed to explore the Council's strategic intentand how it has involved its communities and other stakeholders in developing longterm strategic plans. It also seeks to explore Council's progress toward putting inplace the new planning and reporting framework for NSW local government.

The remaining five (5) sections assist the Council to assess its ability to meetminimum practice standards in its efforts to deliver services to the community. Theseare Governance; Regulatory Functions; Asset and Financial Management;Community and Consultation; and Workforce Relations.

Assessing

The review involves analysis of performance data and local circumstances. The typesof information considered by reviewers before going on-site include:

the demographics of the council area;.

community and social issues;.

development constraints or pressures;.

the types of activities council is involved in - strategic and management plans;.

the results of council's self-assessment;.

council's organisational structure and staffing;.

comparative information;.

council's financial position; and.

seriousness and number of complaints..

The information that is collected and analysed before going on-site will help decidewhere the reviewers spend their time while on-site. The focus of the review may varyaccording to the nature of the Council's work and local circumstances. A goodunderstanding of local circumstances may help to explain why a Council manages itswork in a particular way.

Checking

Fieldwork provides the opportunity to gather valuable documentary evidence tosupport the Division's analysis of Council's performance. Discussing these aspectswith staff gives the reviewers an opportunity to "test" what they are seeing or finding.

During the review a range of activities will be undertaken such as meeting with seniorofficers, talking with individual staff and Councillors, observing Council orCommittee meetings, following a Council process and reviewing policies andprocedures.

Analysing

As the review progresses, hypotheses or preliminary conclusions will be tested.

Conclusions are based on evidence - either what the reviewers have seen, discussedor concluded from data or documents. They are based on more than someone tellingthe reviewer this is so - they are supported by data, documents or other reports.

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Conclusions are based on an assessment of the scale of the problem (or betterpractice). For example, how prevalent is the problem? How great is the risk to theorganisation? Is the issue one that occurs across the organisation or is it isolated toone department or section?

Reviewers will aim to base conclusions on themes that cut across individual fanctionsin the organisation. While there may be issues that are specific to individual areas ofCouncil and these may need to be commented upon, the reviewers will be looking forthemes that are common to a number of areas of Council.

Reporting

The on-site component of the review ends with an exit interview with the GeneralManager and Mayor. This should inform Council of the emerging trends and areaslikely to be the subject of comment in the report.

A draft report is prepared following the on-site review and this is sent to Council as aconfidential draft for comment. Council's comments are incorporated into the finalreport, which is issued to Council, the Minister and the Director General. Councilmust then table the report at a Council Meeting so that it becomes a public document.

Recommendations made in the report will be assessed by the Division according torisk and be given a priority ranking.

Council may be required to draw up an action plan in response to therecommendations in the final report. The Division will monitor the implementation ofthe action plan.

Recommendation: That Council receives and notes the report as information.

ATTACHMENTS

Nil

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f

^ John Bell

General Manaeer




Subject: Code of Meeting Practice

FUe: F10/618

Precis: Providing details regarding a review of the Code of MeetingPractice.

Budget: Nil Effect.

6. CODE OF MEETING PRACTICE

Under s361 (1) of the Local Government Act 1993, before adopting a code of meetingpractice, a council must prepare a draft code.

As per s361 (2) and (3) of the Local Government Act 1993, Council gave publicnotice of the draft code for 28 days which closed on Wednesday, 19 October 2011 ofits intention to adopt the reviewed Upper Lachlan Shire Council Code of MeetingPractice.

Upper Lachlan Shire Council advertised its objective to adopt the Upper LachlanShire Council Code of Meeting Practice and as per s3 61 (5) of the Local GovernmentAct 1993, Council publically exhibited the draft code in accordance with the required

.

notice.

Council requested that persons wishing to make a formal submission to Councilregarding the intention to adopt the Upper Lachlan Shire Council Code of MeetingPractice, do so within the statutory 28 days from the publication of the notice onTuesday, 20 September 2011, that is, by 4.00pm on Wednesday, 19 October 2011.

At the time of writing this report nil submissions were received (this will be updatedat the 20 October 201 1 Council Meeting), as such, there is no requirement for Councilto amend the draft Upper Lachlan Shire Council Code of Meeting Practice. It is nowappropriate that Council formally resolves to adopt the Upper Lachlan Shire CouncilCode of Meeting Practice under s3 62 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Recommendation: That under s3 62 of the Local Government Act 1993, Counciladopts the Upper Lachlan Shire Council Code of MeetingPractice.

ATTACHMENTS

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^ John BellGeneral Manager

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Subject: Conduct of Local Government Elections in 2012

FUe: Fll/187

Precis: Providing details regarding arrangements for the conduct of theLocal Government elections in September 2012 followingamendments to the Local Government Act 1993.

Budget: Nil impact.

7. CONDUCT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN 2012

The NSW Parliament has passed the Local Government (Amendment) Elections Act2011, which now provides that Council elections are to be administered by theGeneral Manager of the Council.

Council may however, make arrangements with the Electoral Commissioner of theNSW Electoral Commission to administer the Council election or may engage anotherprovider to assist Council.

Council staff members have previously conducted Council elections, with the supportof the NSW Electoral Commission. However, in a marked departure from previousarrangements, Council would now be required to conduct the election entirely withintheir own resources with no support provided by the NSW Electoral Commission.

This would require Council to appoint an independent returning officer, a substitutereturning officer, appoint polling places, develop training packages, developprocedures, develop policies, develop all stationary including stationary for the visionimpaired, and absolutely no access would be provided to the specialised software toelectronically analyse the election data.

Additionally, and importantly, impartiality must be assured at all times.

By circular dated 29 June 2011, the Chief Executive Officer of the Division of LocalGovernment advised the NSW Parliament passed the Local Government (Amendment)Elections Act 2011, which now provides that Council elections are to be administeredby the General Manager of the Council. A copy of the circular is attached forCouncillors information at attachment - GM1.

Please note. Council may however, make arrangements with the ElectoralCommissioner for the NSW Electoral Commission to administer the Council election.

These legislative changes will allow Councils to again conduct their own elections ifthey so choose. However, Council has been advised that to ensure quality control theElectoral Commissioner will not "partially assist" council to run elections, as was thesituation in the past.

The Electoral Commission cite this quality assurance conflict as the primary reasonthey sought to take control of the Local Government electoral process.

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If councils wish to run their own elections they must now do so entirely of their ownresources. Under such circumstances Council would face the following issues:

1. There is the possibility that the community may perceive a lack of impartialityif Council conducts its own election.

Comment: Council has conducted elections in the past and this has not beenan issue but since 1987 Returning Officers have been appointed by the NSWElectoral Commission whereas for 2012 Council would appoint the ReturningOfficer. Prior to 1987 the Shire Clerk was the Returning Officer for a Councilelection. Under the new arrangements the General Manager or another CouncilOfficer cannot be appointed Returning Officer for their own Council but couldbe appointed for another Council.

2. An independent Returning Officer will need to be selected and appointed.

Comment: Council would need to identify a suitably qualified ReturningOfficer and ensure that they receive suitable training and support. The NSWElectoral Commission have advised that if a Council chooses to run theelection itself any Council appointed Returning OfGcer will not be able toaccess the NSW Electoral Commission training and support service.

3. A Substitute Returning Officer will need to be selected and appointment.

Comment: Again, Council would need to identify a suitably qualifiedSubstitute Returning Officer and ensure that they receive suitable training andsupport. The NSW Electoral Commission have advised that if a Councilchooses to run the election itself their Substitute Returning Officer will not beable to access the NSW Electoral Commission training and support service.

4. Returning Officers would need to work remote from Council offices andsupport staff.

Comment: Prior to 2008 Council's were able to locate the Returning Officerat the Council offices. As there is now the requirement that Returning Officersto be located remotely from the Council offices, there can only be furtherexpenditure involved for Council.

5. Polling places will need to be appointed.

Comment: Prior to 2008 Council arranged the polling places, so this is nodifferent to the situation which existed previously. A change which wouldapply if Council chose to conduct the election in house would be that theCouncil Chambers could be appointed as the principal polling place but thiswould mean that it would not be available for possibly a period of at least fourweeks and would need to be made secure for the safe keeping of ballot boxesand other election materials. It is doubtful that the saving in hiring a remoteprincipal polling place would be significant, compared to any costs to Councilof ensuring the Council Chambers met the requirements for a principal pollingplace.

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6. Training packages will need to be developed.

Comment: In the past all training material has been provided by the NSWElectoral Commission but under the new arrangements it will be necessary forCouncil's to prepare any and all training materials for Returning Officers,Substitute Returning Officer and Election OfGcials. This could be an area thatthe Shires Association takes a lead in and develop the training materials forthose Councils deciding to conduct their own elections, but it is expected thatthe provision of such training materials would be on a shared cost basis forthose Councils utilising the service.

7 Policies and Procedures will need to be developed.

Comment: In the past all Policies and Procedures have been provided by theNSW Electoral Commission but under the new arrangements it will benecessary for Council's to prepare any and all Policies and Procedures forReturning Officers, Substitute Rehiming Officer and Election Officials. Thiscould be an area that the Shires Association takes a lead in and develop thePolicies and Procedures for those Councils deciding to conduct their ownelections, but it is expected that the provision of such Policies and Procedureswould be on a shared cost basis for those Councils utilising the service.

8. All stationary and other electoral materials such as handbooks, ballot papersetc including stationary for the vision impaired will need to be developed

Comment: In the past all electoral materials have been provided by the NSWElectoral Commission but under the new arrangements it will be necessary forCouncil's to prepare any and all electoral materials for Returning Officers,Substitute Returning Officer and Election Officials. This could be an area thatthe Shires Association takes a lead in and develop the electoral materials forthose Councils deciding to conduct their own elections, but it is expected thatthe provision of such electoral materials would be on a shared cost basis forthose Councils utilising the service.

9 There would be no access to the NSW Electoral Commissions specialisedsoftware to electronically analyse the election data.

Comment: In the past the software for local government elections has beenprovided by the NSW Electoral Commission but under the new arrangementsit will be necessary for Council to obtain its own software. The NSW ElectoralCommission has advised that they will only provide specifications for thesoftware for any Council's deciding to conduct their own elections. It is notknown what election software is available or the cost but this again should bean area that the Shires Association could take the lead in and sourceappropriate software for affected Councils.

10. Postal voting is legislated to close at 6.00pm on the Monday following theelection, thus distribution of preferences cannot commence until Tuesday aflterthe election at the earliest.

Comment: Given this timeframe it is impossible that the declaration of theelection could occur any earlier than during the last election. There would beno time savings for Council's conducting their own elections.

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11. Council would need to identify and retain a legal expert to provide support tothe returning officer.

Comment: In the past the Electoral Commission has provided a legal advisoryservice to Council. To ensure that Council supports the Returning Officerappropriately, a legal firm would need to be engaged to provide appropriateadvice as and where necessary. With respect to this issue, for Council toconduct an election, without the legal support of the NSW ElectoralCommission, it would be a highly risky endeavour.

12. Council staff cannot be a Returning Officer or a Substitute Reh-iming Officer(for their own Council).

Comment: Since 1987 Returning Officers and Substitute Returning Officershave been appointed by the NSW Electoral Commission whereas for the 2012Council would need to appoint the Returning Officers and SubstituteReturning Officers. Under the new arrangements the General Manager oranother Council Officer cannot be appointed Returning Officer or a SubstituteReturning Officer for their own Council but could be appointed for anotherCouncil.

13. If there are problems with the conduct of the election Council (not theReturning Officer) would need to be able to vigorously defend its policies,procedures, practices etc, in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Comment: Council may recall that in 2004 a number of elections weredeclared invalid and it was necessary for another election to be held. It isunderstood that it was found that certain procedures did not comply. The costsof the subsequent elections were in the main funded by the NSW ElectoralCommission. Should a similar issue arise if Council were to conduct theelection and the Tribunal declared the election invalid, Council would bear thefull cost of the subsequent election.

As a consequence of the above changes, elections cannot be conducted as they werepreviously, that is, without the support and guidance of the NSW ElectoralCommission. As can be established from the abovementioned issues and commentary,were Council to consider conducting the election under the new arrangements, itwould be prohibitive on both a cost and risk basis.

Notwithstanding the apparent necessity to use the NSW Electoral Commission toconduct the election, there are benefits in their engagement, these are listed in theattached documentation Electoral Commission ofNSW - Service Charter - GM2 andinclude:

Impartiality;.

Operational Expertise;.

Legal Expertise;.

Access to training manuals, forms, etc;.

Access to electronic voting for the aged and vision impaired;.

Electoral Commissioner manages any tribunal matters; and.

Sophisticated software is used to analyse all votes received - votes are "triple".

entered to ensure complete integrity of data entry.

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Alternatively Council could engage a private company to undertake the election on itsbehalf. The Australian Electoral Company (AEC) provides election services and theirweb site provides the following information about the company:

"Richard Kidd, the principal of Australian Election Company, has extensiveexperience covering 34 years in the conduct of parliamentary, public and privatesector Ballots and Elections. Richard privately funded, resourced, organised andmanaged Queensland's first ever totally outsourced Local Government Election. Hehas successfully managed and conducted the 2001, 2003 & 2005 NRMA Motoring &Services Board of Directors' Elections and, together -with his team, has conducted orsupervised numerous Ballots or Elections for large and moderate scale Australianfinancial institutions. Commonwealth Government Departments, Corporations, Clubsand Societies.

The team has also successfully conducted a number of Queensland Local AuthorityElections and By-Elections including supervision of all 2004 Aboriginal and TorresStrait Island Council Elections.

Most members of our team possess Australian Electoral Commission careerReturning Officer election experience. We are experts in our field. Ourprofessionalism, integrity, accuracy and approaches are absolutely second to noneand we provide only the optimum standard of service.

Australian Election Company offers a cost effective, proven and tested specialistservice in the conduct of Collective/Certified Agreement Ballots and ourBallot/Election Reporting definitely sets the standard.

No Ballot or Election project is either too large or too small for Australian ElectionCompany. We operate Australia-wide and -we possess the specialist knowledge,resources and scalability to conduct Ballots and Elections, Referendums orPlebiscites from say 20 voters to over 2 million voters, by Attendance, Postal orElectronic Voting means, or a combination of these. And we can accommodate a fullgamut of Voting Systems. Further, we are able to apply electronic scanningtechnologies to expedite vote validation processing and counting. In addition, we alsospecialize in the conduct of Elections or By-Elections for Queensland LocalGovernment Authorities including Aboriginal Shire Councils and for Torres StraitIsland Community Councils.

Other Australian Election Company services include the provision of consultancyassistance to clients to review election related governance requirements, AGMReturning Officer Services, we offer training in Returning Officer functions, \veprovide a professional Ballot/ Election systems appraisal /compliance service and wehave Election equipment/materials including Votins Privacy Screens and BallotBoxes available for sale or hire. We invite you to contact us for advice on yourspecific needs or requirements. "

A number of CENTROC and SEROC Councils have approached AEC regardingservices they could provide for Councils. The Shires Association has also met withAEC and advised that they would meet with the Premier to discuss concerns regardingthe current situation. The Shires Association suggested that Councils not make adecision on the arrangements for the election prior to that meeting which was held on19 September 2011.

D19...... ........



In 2008 Council shared a returning officer with Goulbum Mulwaree Council whichdefrayed the cost of the Returning Officer and Substitute Returning Officer. Aconcern with the new arrangements is that if Goulbum Mulwaree were to adopt adifferent approach to Upper Lachlan it may not be possible to defray these costs andCouncil will bear the total cost of the Returning Officer and Substitute ReturningOfficer.

Given past experience, the NSW Electoral Commission has the operational expertise,access to trained returning officers, the procedures, the legal expertise and all othermatters required to administer the Council election. Importantly they would beentirely indqaendent of Council and impartial in all regards. Further, the NSWElectoral Commission would be responsible if a defence needs to be conducted withthe Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

It will be necessary for the AEC to convince Council that it also has comparableexpertise to the NSW Electoral Commission.

Against this any recommendation for the NSW Electoral Commission to administerthe Council 2012 election may be construed as contra to the successful politicallobbying which has resulted in this legislative change, which now allows Councils toconduct their own elections.

However, as Council last managed a Local Government election in 2004 and thelegislative arrangements, as well as the operational arrangements have extensivelychange, it is considered that Council will have no choice but engage either the NSWElectoral Commission or AEC to conduct the election on Council's behalf.

Impact on Council Budget

The 2008 election cost through the NSW Electoral Commission was $48,300 (seeattachment - GM3). Council have been advised that the cost for the 2012 electionwould be the pre^-ious cost (excluding wages) incremented by CPI plus salariesincremented by approximately 12 percent. Adequate provisions have been included inthe future budget to cover these costs. The NSW Electoral Commission purports torun the elections on an "at cost, not for profit" basis.

Aside from all other aspects mentioned in this report it would require expertise in thelegal interpretation of the recently amended Electoral and Local Government Acts andtherefore it would be prudent that legal counsel be retained for that purpose and thiswill be an additional cost not factored into the calculation of the amount providedeach year to amortise the cost of the election over the four year term of Council.

Impact on Access and Equity

It is vitally important for the Council's access and equity that all ratepayers andelectors have the opportunity to vote in the 2012 Local Government Election in themost cost effective way. This will ensure their right and give them an opportunity toparticipate in the election of the next Council.

Legislative or Policy Implications

For Council to conduct an election without the support of the Electoral Commissionwould be highly risky. Aside from all other aspects mentioned in this report it would

D20. . a



require expertise in the legal interpretation of the recently amended Electoral andLocal Government Acts and therefore it would be prudent that legal counsel beretained for that purpose.

The recommendation provided in this report for the NSW Electoral Commission toadminister the Council 2012 election ensures impartiality and proficient delivery as itis supported by the expertise of the NSW Electoral Commission.

Recommendation: That Council retain the NSW Electoral Commissioner toadminister its elections, constitutional referendums and pollsuntil the conclusion of the 2012 ordinary election ofCouncillors.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Division of Local Government, Circular 11-11, Conduct of Elections ByCouncils - Amendments To The Local Government Act 1993 - GM1.

2. Electoral Commission ofNSW - Service Charter- GM2.3. 2008 Local Government Election Costs - GM3.

>% ^^^ John Bell

General Manager

D21. .

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REPORTS TABLED AT THE ORDINARY MEETING OF UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL HELDTHURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2011 IN GUNNING GM1

<fttPremier & CabinetNSW Circular to Councils

60V6RNMENT Division of Local Government

Circular No. 11-11 Contact Helen DamaschinData 29 June 2011 02442B4212Doc ID. A249154 (A) [email protected]

COND.UCT.OF..ELECTIONS BY COUNCILS - AMENDMENTS TO THELOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1993

Ilê-J^S-w<-r^,m/ln-t .h?s_i?ass?d.t>l? L.oca/ government (Amendment)£S^^l.%e^KS,^d^±a^^provisions commenced on that date. Thepurpose.of-thiscircular isto.advise counci1^ ^ the resulting changes-to theLocal Government Act 1993 (the Act) concerning the conduct "of "counciielections.

ôpyof,the=Amending.Actcanbe found on the Nsw Parliamentary Counsel'sOffice legislation website at www.leaislation.nswêy.au.

?fi?=i?r 2,9n6 ^th^-Aciôw-proY'des th^council elections (and, by operation ofsection^ _of the Act, constitutional ,referendums and polls) a^to beadministered by the general manager of the council concerned.

However, a council may, within 12 months after an ordinary election ofcouncillors for the area, resolve that the council is to enter into a contract ormake arrangements with the Electoral Commissioner for the NSW'ElectoralCommission to administer all elections for the council (other than elections ofmayors and deputy mayors by councillors). If such a contract is entered into orsuch arrangements made, the Electoral Commissioner is to administer alFtheTLe_c!!c:>n!s'_ c?!!stitJJt,i.on^1 referendums and polls of the council until theconclusion of the following ordinary election for councillors.

Section 55(3) of the Act now provides that a council need not invite tendereS!,J^'ln^ln-to--a.-^QLWith the ..Sectoral Commissioner for "theadministration of the council's elections, constitutional referendums and poils.

Where a council decides to conduct its own elections, constitutionalrefe^dums^nd^ action 296_ofthe Act makes it dear that the generalmanager is responsible for their conduct.

^!L0^.2i^.^?^^:^LPT^'!:?^.tha_t.t1?^ l.esp?nsibili.ties of the 9eneraimanager.indude aPPOintin9.a suitably qualified_ independent returning" officerand a substitute returning officer for the council's area, appointing the pollingplaces and_determining the fees payable to the returning officer, substitutereturning officer and electoral officials. The returning officer Is to appoint one ormore electoral officials.

Division of Local Government5 O'Keefe Avenue NOWRA NSW 2541Locked Bag 3015 NOWRA NSW 2541T 02 4428 4100 F 02 4428 4199 TTY 02 4428 [email protected] Wwww.dlg.nsw.gov.au ABN 99 567 863 195

D22......*.



2

Importantly, section 296A provides that an employee of a council for an areacannot_be appointed as a returning officer or substitute returning officerforlhatarea. However, an electoral officialmay be an employee of the counciL

Section 296A also provides that a general manager cannot be appointed as areturning officer, substitute returning officer or electoral official for any area.

The general manager will also be responsible for managing the relevantelection costs and preparing a report for the Minister for Local Government'on!.h-e-jc?-^2t-?Le.£l^-^?.io^_"-T!?e.rep.ort..must.di?clo?e' among other things, fulland transparent costings for that election. It is already the practiceaof theElectoral Commissioner to report to the NSW Government on the outcome ofcouncil ordinary elections.

While the latter requirement is not included in the Act, it is intended that it willform part of the new regulation and guidelines to be released by the Division ofLocal Government.

The guidelines will_ assist councils in understanding the level of service andaccountability required of them so that they can make an informed choicewhether to conduct their elections.

It is vitally important that councils do not make a final decision on who isto conduct their 2012 ordinary elections until they have considered thenew regulation and guidelines.

For the purposes of the conduct of the September 2012 ordinary elections,Schedule 8 of the Act provides that a council may resolve, before 31 October2011 (or such later date as may be prescribed by the regulation), to retain theElectoral Commissioner to administer its elections (other than elections ofmayors and deputy mayore by councillors), constitutional referendums and pollsuntil the conclusion of the 2012 ordinary election for councillors.

If a later date is prescribed, the Division will advise councils forthwith.

The Division is presently developing_the necessary regulation and guidelines tocomplement these amendments. Councils will be notified as soon as theregulation and guidelines have been issued.

Section 434B of the Act provides that the Director General of the Department ofPremier and Cabinet may recover the reasonable expenses incurred by theDirector General in, or in respect of, the preparation of a Departmentalrepresentative's report under Division 1 (Inquiries and reviews) of Part 5(Inquiries, reviews and surcharging) of Chapter 13 (How are councils madeaccountable for their actions?) of the Act that relates to the administration of anelection by a general manager, including investigation expenses of the DirectorGeneral or the Departmental representative.



3

lL!^lS-be/,10t^dLthaLthe.conduct of the Wollongong City Council ands.he"harbour city council fresh elections on 3 September 20Hare not affectedby these changes.

Rna"Lthe-Amendmg_Act.has also made certain chan9^ affecting councilsconstitutional arrangements. Details of these changes are provided In'Circularto Councils No 11-12.

(^/.1/rrti^Ross WoodwardChief Executive, Local GovernmentA Division of the Department of Premier and Cabinet

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REPORTS TABLED AT THE ORDINARY MEETING OF UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL HELDTHURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2011 IN GUNNING GM2

D25. . . .. at

..



A^

Contents

1. A Message from the NSW Electoral Commissioner 32. Service Standards fur the 2012 Local

Government Elections5

The Legislative Context for Local Government Electtons 2012 5Service Charter Principles 5Councils' Rlgrts 5Communication with Councils

6

3. NSWEC Proposed Service Standards forCouncil Elections 7Results Service Standards 7Budget Sarvice Standards 7Servica targets 8

4. Service Standards for Electors 9Service targets 9

5- serv'".St°"da"tsforCandidatesand RegisteredPolitical Parties

10Service targets 10

6. Council enquiries, feedback and complaints 11Contact details for the NSWEC 11

D26. . » . . . » . . .......... . . . . ». . . . . . .



1. A Message from the NSW ElectoralCommissioner

Impartial, well conducted electfons . recognises the Interests of .rf

build a stronger Local QovBmment aach in the elactionssector and contribute to building . sets out the NSWEC'sstronger communities. The NSW accountability In providingElectoral Commission aims to election services for councilsmate the 2012 Local Government and areas where councils'Elections, which it has been assistance Is soughtengaged by councils to conduct, . outlines the targets forthe best in NSWs history. efficiency, effectiveness and

co-ordination of elections forLocal government Is an elected which we are accountablesystem of government directly promotes transparency and.accountable to the local

customer service commitmentcommunity. With each council to successful elections In 2012being an Independent, statutoiycorporation responsible for I undertake that the NSWEC will??-Ti?is^r!%J!'?.local, 90v®rnm8nt provide impartialI and qualityarea over which it has jurisdiction, election services for those councilsthe proper election of councillors who are utilising the NSWEC'swho oversee the functioning of the services in 2012.1 underetandcouncil, is important. Maximising how Important proper electoralthe participation of local processes are to safeguarding thecommunitiss in Local Government standing of Local Government inelections is a goal that both NSW.councils and the NSW ElectoralCommission (NSWEC) share. For those councils that select the

NSWEC to conduct their elections,The NSWEC's objectives for the the following key components will2012 Local Government Becflons be provkJed:which it is engaged to conduct,are to: consuBation with councils on.

election services and timelyProtect the Institution of Local provision of budgets.

Government by conducting fair » single point of contact Clientand impartial elections Service Officers assigned to

. Conduct elections In be the councils' dedicatedaccordance with the law contact within the NSWEC onEnsure community confidence alt aspects of their elections.

In the election of local Retum'mg Officers recrufted.

representatives to councils on expertise and capacity toWork with councils to deliver successful elections.

maximise the participation for the NSWEC and councilsof the local community in the . well publicised informationelections on election services for

electors, candidates, groupsThe Service Charter:

promotes open and timely.

communication andconsultation between councilsand the NSWEC on electionservices

D27. . a ..

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REPORTS TABLED AT THE ORDINARY MEETING OF_UPPERj-ACH^LAN SHIRE COUNCIL HELDTHURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2011 IN GUNNING

^

of candidates and registeredpolitical partiesaccurate vote counting«

results on election night from.

polling places as soon as theybecome available and timelypublication of provisional andfinal resultspublic accountability by.

reporting to theNSWParliament and councUs on theconduct of the elections.

The detail of election services andspecific service level targets areoutlined In the Charter.

At our initial meeting with eachcouncil I propose we discuss theCharter as part of our dialogue onthe elections. Councils now have achoice as to who has responsibilityfor the conduct crf the elections. f

I encourage all councils toseriously consider selectingthe NSWEC,

<e>

£^3l£i^' Ba^ryColin BarryNSW Electoral Commissioner

D28 f .

General ManagerMayor


2. Service Standards for the 2012 LocalGovernment Elections

The NSWEC has established then the Electoral Commission Is regular and timely updates of.

service standards against which responsible for the elections. progress on the preparation forits performance can be measured the electionsIbr'the Local Government Elections Elections whether Federal, Statein 2012. Service standards also or Local Government must be dedicated Client Service.

applied to the NSWEC for the 2011 conducted at arms length from the Officers for all councils whoNSW State General Election. elected representatives. This Is a will consider councils-requests

key pillar on which to build public and advice seriously andThe Service Charter covers tha confidence in the Impartiality of courteouslyservices to be provided and the election processes and thethe standards to be applied in outcome. The NSWEC is well Returning Officers equipped.

providing these services. The placed to ensure that councils to undertake the complexprinciples underpinning these are elections are conducted with responsibility of conducting

Local Governmsnt electionsset out below as are the specific absolute Impartiality.standards for budget delivery, . enquiries and correspondenceelection services for electors and answered within a reasonablefor candldate/registered political Service Charter Principles timeframe and Interimparty stakeholders. responses where a delay IsBoth ths NSWEC and the councils

in NSW have the right to: anticipatedThto Lefiialative Cont.'ixt for informaUon on how to prepare.

undertake their respective the non-residents' rolls1.

Lij.i; Cicvftn.mc-n"- '":lect!0i'i; roles and responsibilities fory

electors and those seeking.

''012 these elections as set out election. Informed ofIn relevant legislation andThe parameters for the conduct of arrangements for the elections,administrative instruments

the Local Government elections the electoral services beingare set down in legislation (the receive services, facilities provided and how to utilise.

theseLocal Government Act 1993), and and Information which meetthe Local Government (General) their respective needs and options for electors with.

Regulation 2005 and policy responsibilities in a timely particular needs on how theydecisions that have given affect to manner participate In the electionsthese provisions. surveys seeking feedback

access relevant, current and on the conduct of the.

The election of persons to civic timely information about the election reported to the NSWoffice at a Local Government elections Parliament, Minister for Locallevel Is set down in Chapter 10 of . raise issues and have these Government and councils.the Local Government Act 1993, considered courteously and The assistance of councils IsIn the conduct of elections the corrfidentially. sought for:NSW Electoral Commissioneris accountable to the Governor, . advising the NSWEC in a timelyPremier and Parliament by Councils' Rights manner of any ward boundarysection 21AB of the Parliamentary changesCc'jnc'ls can expect£fectora(es and Sections Act 1912.The Electoral Commissioner is also their elections to be conducted providing Information.

.

on accessible, availableoversighted by the Joint Standing tmpartially, effsctlvely, and cost effective officeCommittee on Sectoral Matters of BfflclenUy and according to lawthe NSW Parliament. accommodation and suitable

consultation on key aspects polling place venues.

Recent legislative change has of the elections includingmade councils responsible for the their budget, polling places, commenting on proposed pra-.

conduct of their elections. Councils timatable for the counts and poll and polling place locationscan now choose to conduct their results . placing advertisements inelections themselves using their . access to infonnation on local newspapers about the

electionsown resources or by engaging the the planning, progress andNSWEC. If the NSWEC Is selected, timetable for the elections

^N-svyêG^,ralc°m-mtesl°n'.s resP°nslbnltles are different for the Council of the City of Sydney. For this council the NSWElactoial Commission prepares the non-resMents' mils.

D29.. .. . .


REPORTS TABLED AT THE ORDINARY MEETING OF UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL HELDt

THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2011 IN GUNNING

In certain locations, accepting.

candidates' nominations anddeposits

responding to requests for.

information by the NSWECaccurately, thoroughly and In atimely manner

. abiding by any legalrequirements and otherobligations regarding paymentfor electoral services

treating NSWEC election staff.

courteously.

Communication withCouncils

In mid 2011 the NSWEC willcommence meetings with councilsparticipating In the 2012 LocalGovernment Elections.2

The purpose Of these meetings willbeta:

. dlscusg the timetable forcouncils to select the NSWEC

.- to conduct their elections. assist councils make an

informed decision whether toconduct their own elections orto contract the NSWEC

* outline the election servicesthe NSWEC can provide andtha expertise and experiencehddbytheNSWEC.

Z Both Wollongong and Shellharbour Counolla will not be holding elections In 2012.

D30....»..*................ . .. . . .



3. NSWEC Proposed Service Standardsfor Council Elections

The NSWEC undertakes to services for electors fromprovide: indigenous and remote

communitiescapable. Informed and.

competent Returning Officers . services for electors withand election officials disabilities

useful, accessible and timely . accurate anrolment details forinformation on electoral electorsservices and the electoral

roll and ballot paper production.

system applying to LocalservicesGovernment elections

efficignt voting services election day voting options..

provided by trained and 9 clear advice on how to votecourteous election staff formallya range of voting options that, easy to understand information. .

within legislative parameters, on vote countingallows choice and greater

accessible, accurate and*convenience to electors

timely election resultsappropriate assistance with.

council, elector and candidate non-voter processing services..

enquiries

adequate numbers of well Service Standards.

located, accessible and specifically for Results are:advertised polling places

Counting of votes on election night. services for electors from to equal or better the percentagecommunities with culturallyand linguistlcally diverse completion figures shown below:backgrounds

B'?Scm 7fm se» , S4%/^

i'ft '^' " » . ''. '-'s .'

ISlFlfipto a'w..,- 93% rm£ : s.''^

^ .?/ ^;I; . 1>..».,.}..., a .._ y. .Itlc

<

Byrmdrughl tt.3» iQB% 9T.%.j

D31t . .. . . . . ..


REPORTS TABLED AT THE ORDINARY MEETGOF UPPEF^LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL HELDTHURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2011 IN GUNNING

I

^.

Service Standards specifically for Elections figures of 83.8% andBudget delivery for councBs are: 82.0%

provision of payment General Managers' satisfaction*.

schedule to councils four with accuracy of the electoralweeks following councils' roll for their council equalsadvice that they choose the or exceeds the 2008 LocalNSWEC to conduct their Government Elections figure ofelections 63.1%

final budget and payment General Managers' satisfaction..

schedule to councils by date with the location and numberagreed with councils ofpre-poll and polling places

equate or exceeds the 2008final Invoice to councils by Local Government Bectlons.

31 January 2013 figures of pre-poll placesrefund of overpayments flf any) 81.1% (locaUon) and 83.2%.

(number), and polling placesby 28 February 2013.84.2% (location) and 81.0%(number)

Service targets are: General Managers' satisfactionGeneral Managers who with the efficiency of the 2012.

state that Local Government Local Government ElectionsElections of 2012 were significantly exceeds the 2008conducted impartially, fairly Local Government Electionsand in accordance with the law figure of 25.2%equal or exceed fhe 2008 Local General Managers' satisfaction.

Government Elections figure of with time taken to announce87.0% the results on the NSWECGeneral Managers' wabsite significantly exceeds.

satisfaction with the quality the 2008 Local Governmentof services provided by'and Elections figure of 38.2%.professtonallsm of ReturningOfficers equals or exceedsthe 2008 Local Government

D32 .I*

.. . .



I

4. Service Standards for Electors are:

Electors expect high quality . electors' satisfaction withelection services. The NSWEC Information provided bycommits to the following service the NSWEC's Call Centrestandards for electors In the improves upon the 200B Localelections It conducts; Government Elections figure

80% enrolment of eligible to approach that of the NSW.

citizens aged 17 - 25 years State Election 2011 (60%)

94% enrolment amongst electors' satisfaction with the..

eligible citizens aged 26 years NSWEC's website equals oror over exceeds that for the NSW

State Election 2011 (56%)4voter turnout equalling or.

exceeding the 2008 Local electors' satisfaction with the.

GovernmBnt Elections figure of length of time It took to vote83.4% at pre-poll and election day

equals ar exceads the 2008formality rate equalling or Local Government Electtons.

exceeding the rate for 2008 figures of 62% and 72.2%Local Government Elections of92.9% electors' satisfaction with

the accessibility of pre-polltimaly provision of results on and polling places equals.

election night as per 'Service or exceeds the 2008 LocalStandards for Results'. Government Elections figures

of 61.9% and 82.5%Service targets are: electors' satisfaction with the

electors satisfied with election postal vote application process.

equals or exceeds the 2006services equal or exceed9

Local Government Electionsthe 2008 Local Governmentfigure of 68.8%Elections figure of 72.2%electors' satisfaction with the.

. electors' confidence In themanner of NSWEC electionNSWEC's impartial and fair

conduct of the elections equals officials equals or exceedsor exceeds that for the NSW the 2008 Local Government

State Election 2011 of 81 %3 Elections figure of 80.7%electors' satisfaction with the.

the proportion of electors.

reporting that their enrolment speed o1 results provisiondetails are correct equals on election night equals or

exceeds that for the NSWor exceeds the 2008 LocalGovernment Elections figure of State Election 2011 (77.0%) '.96.596

3 No comparable figure exists for the 2008 Local Qovemment Elections4 No comparable figure exists forthe 2008 Local Government Elections5 No comparable figure exists for the 2008 Local Qovemment Bactions

D33. i . .

. . ..



1

5. Service Standards for Candidatesand Registered Political Parties are:

The NSWEC commits to the Service targets are: . 100% of Local Governmentfollowing election service areas complete the distribution. candidates' satisfaction withstandards for candidates, groups of preferences within 72 hoursof candidates and registered electoral services provided of all votes being availablepolitical parties In the elections it equals or exceeds the 2008 (6pm Wednesday after electionLocal Government Electionsconducts: day)figure of 76.7%

useful, accessible and timely for any vote recount, the. .

candidates who believe the.information on election difference between the count2012 Local Governmentservices and the electoral and the recount for anyElections were conductedsystem applying to Local candidate Is less than tenGovernment elections impartially, fcu'riy and In votes.

accordance with the law equaltimely, clear instructions on or exceed the 2008 Local These standards also apply for

.

the rules of the elections such Government Elections figure of registered political parties withas how to register electoral 91.4% the additional standard that thematerial

. candidates' satisfaction registration and re-registratlonservices conducted 12 monthsefficient electoral services with information provided.

before the 2012 Local Governmentprovided by trained and regarding elaction funding andcourteous election staff Elections are well communicateddisclosure requirements equals and conducted in a timely manner.or exceeds the 2008 Localappropriate assistance with.

enquiries Government Elections figure of84.7% .t

efficient nominations process.. candidates' satisfaction with

. refunding of candidates' information provided by thenomination deposits within 14 Candidates' Enquiry "anddays of the declaration of the Help Desk equals or exceedspoll the 2008 Local Government

advice as to how to appoint Elections figure of 80.6%.

scrutineers and receive candidates' satisfaction with.

Information specific to the role local result counts equalsof scrutineers or exceeds the 2008 Local

easy to grasp information on Government Elections figure of.

87.5%timetable and processes forvote counting . candidates' satisfaction with

timely response to complaints the NSWEC's website equals.

or exceeds the 2008 Localincluding allegations ofbreaches of electoral Government Elections figure of

72.2%requirements

timely infcrmation of status ability to confirm candidate..

details on the NSWEC websiteof counts, any recount anddeclaration of polls . candidate Information sheets

accessible, accurate and timely placed on the NSWEC website.

election results with provision . registration of electoralof results on election night material occurs within a shortas per 'Service Standards for time frame (usually 24 hours)Results'. and reasons are provided for

any refusal to register electoralmaterial

D34. . .. . .



6. Council enquiries, feedback andcomplaints

TTie NSWEC welcomes feedback, Contact details for thewhether this is in the form of NSWEC:complaints, compliments or

Locally:suggestions.The NSWEC will establish

The NSWEC has established Returning Officers' offices acrossan on-line complaint facility NSW. The location, hours oflocated on the website www. opening and contact details forBlBctions.nsw.aov.au under aaoh of the Returning Officers will'About Us'. The NSW Election be provided to councils In 2012.Funding Authority's (EFA) enquiryemail Is ^nquInssQefa.nsw.gQV.ai Sydney:

The names and contact details forIf correspondence is preferred, Council Client Service Officers willthe postal address for theNSWEC is GPO Box 832, Sydney be provided for those Councils that

choose to contract the services2001. Correspondence shouldof the NSWEC. These offlcere willbe marked to the Attention: Ms

Helen Robinson. NSW Electoral provide dedicated enquiry supportto councils.Commission.

Councils can request a review of The permanent office of thea decision and lodge a complaint NSWEC is Level 25, 201 Kentwith the NSWEC via its formal Streat, Sydney. The office is open

.from 9am to 5pm Monday tocomplaint process.Friday.

The NSWEC records data onContact with the NSWEC can bacomplaints, compliments and

suggestions and this Is used to made outside of these hours usingthe website www.el8ctlons.nsw.help improve services.gov.au.I

The NSWEC will also beundertaking postelectlons surveys The.NSW EFA provides an emailto obtain feedback from councils facility [email protected] will assist the planning of The NSW Electoral Commission'stuture elections. postal address Is GPO Box 832,

Sydney 2001.

The general reception number forthe NSWEG Is 9290 5999.

For callers with speech or hearingdisabilities, the NSWEC can becontacted via the National RelayService. The details are:

Speech and Listen users: phone1300 555 727 and then ask for1300135 736

Internet relay users: connect to theNational Relay Service and thenask for 1300135 736

D35 ........ » .. .



Final Expenses for Parkes Shire CouncilLocal Government Election

Item Description Amount

Local Government Elections Programme ManagementProject Management 370Performance Evaluation & Reporting, 670Candidate Support, Legal

NSWEC Administration Fee 5,400Programme Management Total 6,440

Finance ServicesBudget Management 60Payroll Processing 690Payables Processing 220Mail Services 280

Finance Services Total 1,2SO

Election ServicesCouncil Visits 70Candidate Info Sessions 170De-brief Programme for Returning Officers 20Centralised Vote CountingVoting Centres (Incl. pre-poll, Dls & polling places) 3,060Election Materials 3,820Training Programme 660Returning Officer Support Centre 610Wages - Returning Officers 5,310Wages - Office Assistants 12,060Wages - Election Officials 15,760Returning Officer Accommodation 5,000Registration of How-to-Vote Material 10Printing Ballot Papers 2.08Q

Election Services Total 48,630

Election Information ServicesEqual Access to Democracy 330Elector Info Campaign - NSWEC Campaign 1,670Elector Info Campaign - BrochureElector Information 200

Info Kit

LG ProfilingElector Enquiry Centre 760Website & Education Services 560

Election Information Services Total 3,520

Information TechnologySystems; Support 1,000IT Setup 2,170Webslte (dynamic) 200Rolls 860IT Personnel 460Results 300

Information Technology Total 4,990

Total Expenses 64,800/ess August 2008 Invoice 64,600

Remaining Amount to be Paid 200

Note: All amounts listed are GST Exclusive

. I ^

D36. .

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REPORTS TABLED AT THE ORDINARY MEETING OF UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL HELDTHURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2011 IN GUNNIIs^ GM3

^ * ^0.I '^ /^ ^./ /- <..I

r

<v

llji'i')fr-

Final Expenses for Upper Lachlan Shire CouncilLocal Government Election

Item Description Amount

Local Government Elections Programme ManagementProject Management 200Performance Evaluation & Reporting, 370Candidate Support, Legal

NSWEC Administration Fee 2,910Programme Management Total 3.480

Finance ServicesBudget Management 30Payroll Processing 380Payables Processing 120Mail Services 150

Finance Services Total 680

Election ServicesCouncil Visits 40Candidate Info Sessions 90

De-brlef Programme for Returning Officers 10Centralised Vote CountingVoting Centres (Ind. pre-poll, Dls & polling places) 1.530Election Materials 2.080Training Programme 360Returning Officer Support Centre 330Wages - Returning Officers 4,780Wages - Office Assistants 5,220Wages - Election Officials 15,340Returning Officer AccommodaUon 4,150Registration of How-to-Vote Material 10Printing Ballot Papers 2,380

Election Services Total 36,320

Election Information Services

Equal Access to Democracy 180Elector Info Campaign - NSWEC Campaign 910Elector Info Campaign - Brochure 3.050Elector Information 110

Info Kit

LG ProfilingElector Enquiry Centre 410Website & Educatron Services 310

Election Information Services Total 4.970

Information TechnologySystems Support 540IT Setup 1,180Website (dynamic) noRolls 470IT Personnel 250Results 160

Information Technology Total 2,710

Total Expenses 48,200toss August 2008 Invoice 48,500

Amount to be Credited 300

Note: All amounts listed are GST Exclusive

25/07/2011D37»..............

. . .




Subject: OH&S and Consultative Committee Minutes

File: Fl 0/645

Precis: Minutes from the meetings of the OH&S Committee and theConsultative Committee.

Budget: Nil impact.

8. OHS & CONSULTATFVE MINUTES

Attached for Councillors only are the Minutes from the OHS & ConsultativeCommittee meetings that were held on 10 October 2011.

Recommendation: That Council receives and notes the OHS & ConsultativeCommittee Meeting Minutes as information and adopts thefollowing recommendations contained within the ConsultativeCommittee Meeting Minutes:

1. That the reviewed Staff Training Policy be adopted.2. That the reviewed Human Resources Training Plan3. That the reviewed Mobile Telephone Policy be adopted4. That the reviewed Pre Employment Medical Assessment

Policy be adopted.

ATTACHMENTS

1. OH&S Committee Minutes from 10 October 2011 meeting (under separatecover) - GM4.

2. Consultative Committee Minutes from 10 October 2011 meeting (underseparate cover) - GM5.

.rf^Â,?^>^ John Bell

General Manager

D38. .. ..

. . . .




Subject: NSW Budget 2011-2012

FUe: F 10/505

Precis: Providing details of the recently released NSW State Budget for2011-2012.

Budget: Nil impact.

9. NSW BUDGET 2011-12

The NSW Budget 2011/12 continues on the path of major infrastructure spending.Existing programs affecting Local Government have largely been maintained.

The following information focuses on budget measures affecting Local Government.

Local Government Focus - Overview

Funding for programs directly affecting Local Government has generally beenmaintained, but not increased.

The budget establishes the Local Government Renewal Scheme to pay half of theinterest on significant loans that councils take out specifically to pay for largeinfrastructure projects. The scheme is valued at $70 million over five years. No newfunding has been made available to implement the Division of Local Government'sintegrated planning and reporting reform or fund the infrastructure backlog.

The budget does not appear to contain any new taxes or other financial impositions onLocal Government.

Local Government Focus - Existing and New Programs

Integrated plannine and reDortine - caoacitv buildme

LGSA State Budget priority:> Provide $6 million to improve Local Government's capacity to undertake

community strategic planning under the Integrated Planning and ReportingFramework with an initial immediate commitment of $6 million, over andabove the one-off funding provided by the Australian Government under theLocal Government Reform Fund.

Comment: The budget makes no specific allocation for this purpose.

Local Government Infrastructure - Local Government Renewal Scheme

LGSA State Budget priority:> Create a_ $1 billion Local Government Infrastructure Fund to provide

additional funding to support councils' investment in local infrastructure.

D39........



Comment: The budget establishes the Local Government Renewal Scheme to payhalf of the interest (i.e. provision of interest subsidies to help cover borrowing cost)on significant loans that councils take out specifically to pay for large infrastructureprojects such as roads, community halls, libraries, parks, sports facilities and waterfacilities. The scheme is valued at $70 million over five years. An Assessment Panelwill be established to assess councils' applications for borrowing assistance under thescheme. $3.5 million is budgeted for 2011/12.

While it is positive that the NSW Government has acknowledged the LocalGovernment infrastructure renewal backlog and the scheme is welcomed, the $70million loan interest subsidy over five years is not sufficient to make significantinroads into the problem. The LGSA will be calling for the expansion of the schemein next year's budget.

Transport

LGSA State Budget priority;^ Increase investment in freight rail infrastructure and facilitate the expansion

of freight rail services in NSW.> Commit to a long term strategic plan and increased investment in public and

active transport across NSW.

Comment: Total NSW_ Government spending for the transport (excluding roads)portfolio in 2011/12 has been budgeted at $10.2 billion, an increase of about 8.5% onthe 2010/11 budget. Capital expenditure has been increased by about $31 million to$366.4 million, an increase of around 9.6% on the 2010-11 budget.

Key components of the transport budget include:$600 million for the North West Rail Link and South West Rail Link..

$51 million to start building the Wynyard Walk, a direct pedestrian link.

between the new Barangaroo development and Wynyard Station.$103 million to expand light rail, with the funding to go towards the inner west.

light rail extension and to examine the feasibility of running light rail throughthe CBD and from the CBD to both the University ofNSW and University ofSydney.$110 million for electronic ticketing which will start with ferries in late 2012..

$12 million over four years for community transport services and to set up an.

accreditation scheme for the sector.

$13.4 million to improve ferry wharves, and $11.8 million over four years to.

expand ferry services.$76 million to deliver commuter car parks and public transport interchanges..

$152 million to for rolling stock, including $130 million toward 99 new.

carriages for outer suburban services.$159 million for the Country Regional Network, including $57.5 million for.

new sleepers on tracks, $10.3 million to renew bridges and $3.7 million toconvert jointed rail to continuous welded track.$197.9 million for reliability improvements under the Rail Clearways Programto continue construction works for the Liverpool tumback, the Kingsgrove toRevesby quadruplication, the Richmond line duplication and a new platform atMacarthur.

261 new buses worth $118.8 million including 95 buses for State Transit and.

166 for private operators.

D40. .



$8.6 million in 2011-12 for NightRide bus services to ensure people can get.

home safely at night, including $1.8 million out of an additional $7.6 millionto be provided over four years to increase services. The electorates ofLondonderry, Macquarie Fields, Parramatta and Riverstone are among those tobenefit from this initiative.

$3 million will be spent to investigate the possibility of providing a bus rapid.

transit systemfor the northern beaches.

Roads

LGSA State Budget priority:> Improve road funding assistance to Local Government, -with special emphasis

on regional roads and timber bridges.> Increase the Regional Road Block Grant funding to address the $60 million

per year funding gap on regional roads, including a factor to address theinadequacy of the Block Grant funding formulae to reflect the annualincreases in road construction and maintenance costs shown by the AustralianBureau of Statistics Local Road Construction Cost Index, or at least the LocalGovernment Cost Index as developed by IPART, compared to the normalConsumer Price Index currently used for annual funding increases.

> Continue the existing $60 million Timber Bridge Partnership program foranother four years and extend the program to include local roads.Commit to ongoing council involvement in existing RMCC arrangements on^

the state road network.

Comment: The total roads program for 2011/12 is $6.3 billion, an increase of about$596 million or 10.4% on the 2010/11 budget. Capital expenditure has been increasedby about $402 million to $3.2 billion, an increase of about 14.6% on the 2010/11budget.

Regional Road Block Grant and REPAIR fimding for Local Government appear to behave been maintained in real terms for 2011-12.

Other key components of the roads budget include:More than $80 million this year on upgrades to the Princes Highway including.

projects at Gerringong, South Nowra, Victoria Creek and Bega.$1 billion this year to upgrade the Pacific Highway, including completing the.

Ballina bypass and Glenugie upgrade and progressing bypasses ofBuladelah,Kempsey and Woogoolga.$250 million to duplicate the Hume Highway including funding construction.

oftheHolbrook, Woomargama and Tarcutta bypasses, which are key links inproviding a four lane divided highway between Sydney and Melbourne.$570 million for continuing work on the $1.7 billion Hunter Expressway, a.

new 40 kilometre four lane freeway between Newcastle and the Hunter.$38 million to widen the Central Coast Highway to four lanes between Erina.

and Wamberal, improving accessibility between the F3 Sydney Newcastlefreeway and beach suburbs on the Central Coast.$119 million towards upgrading the Great Western Highway across the Blue.

Mountains.

$25 million to complete widening the F5 between Brooks Road and Narellan.

Road improving access for south western Sydney motorists.

D41. . .» .



$23 million to complete widening the Oxley Highway to four lanes from.

Wrights Road, Port Macquarie to the Pacific Highway. (Total project cost$115 million).

Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program CTWSSP

LGSA State Budget priority:> Continue to provide capital funding for council owned and operated local

water and sewerage utilities (LWUs) in regional NSW, including a remotecommunities -water and sewerage program.

1

^ Provide additional funding to the current Country Town Water Supply andSewerage Program to provide subsidies for the remaining 123 unfundedcouncil projects.

> Reverse the decision taken in the 2008 NSW Government Mini Budget to delaysignificant expenditure under the Country Town Water Supply and SewerageProgram.

> Provide an ongoing capital funding program for council owned and operatedlocal water and sewerage utilities (LWUs) in regional NSW, including fundingfor remote communities and funding to support infrastructure investmentnecessary as a result of climate change.

Comment: The budget allocation for 2011-12 is $84 million including emergencydrought funding. The allocation does not appear to reverse the deferrals in the 2008mini-budget, nor does it include any funding for additional projects.

Aboriginals Communities Water Supply and Sewerage Program (ACWSP)

LGSA State Budget priority:> Continue the Aboriginal Communities Water and Sewerage Program and

widen the program by adding adequate funding for capital works required toupgrade water supply and sewerage systems in Aboriginal communities.

Comment: The LGSA welcome the budget allocation of over $11 million to continuethe program. This program commenced in 2008-09 and is actively supported by theassociations and participating councils. The ACWSP aims to obtain support from andprovide funding for councils/local water utilities to provide operational, maintenanceand monitoring services of water supply and sewerage systems in selected Aboriginal

. t

communities.

Regional Development

LGSA State Budget priority:^

^ Strengthen programs to support population growth and economic developmentin regional and rural NSW (including programs such as or similar to Evocitiesand PORTS).

Comment:

State Investment Attraction Scheme and the Resional Industries Investment Fund

$130 million has been allocated to attract industry and develop businesses through theState Investment Attraction Scheme and the Regional Industries Investment Fund,which will help to improve the state economy's performance, drive economic growthin regional areas and complement the Jobs Action Plan.



Resional Kick-Start Prosram

The budget provides funding for the Regional Kick-Start program:30% of Restart NSW infrastructure fund reserved for regional NSW..

40% of Jobs Action Plan earmarked for regional NSW giving businesses in.

regional NSW seeking to put on new staff access to payroll rebates for up to40,000 extra positions.$47 million in regional relocation grants..

Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund

$350 million over four years from 2011-12 for infrastructure upgrades (roads, healthinfrastruchire). This includes $12.5 million in 2011-12 (a total of $62.5 million overfour years) for grants to Local Government in the Hunter region for roadimprovements, including Nelson Bay Road Widening, New England Highwayupgrade and Hunter Wine Region Roads upgrades.

Mining Royalties

LGSA State Budget priority:> Allocate a share of mining royalties to Local Government through a system

that provides funding to all councils with additional funding for councilsimpacted by the mining industry.

>> Create a "Royalties for Regions " scheme (incorporating the Resources for theRegions program) with two funding pools, the first for Local Governmentgenerally, to help address the identified infrastructure renewal backlogs andthe second to help address the major impacts that mining has on thecommunities surrounding the mine sites (e.g. damage to roads and theenvironment, and increased demands for infrastructure and services.)

Comment: During the election the government promised to implement the Resourcesfor the Regions program as an alternative to Royalties for Regions. It was to be a $160million fund.

The NSW Government has not commenced the Resources for the Regions initiative inthis budget. The budget papers indicate it will be introduced in future.

Disability and Ageing

LGSA State Budget priority:> Stronger support for communities through increased funding for ageing,

disability and home care.

Comment: The 2011-12 Budget has allocated a total of $2.8 billion to Ageing,Disability and Home Care, Department of Family and Community Services NSW(ADHC) - an increase of $342 million (12%) on 2010-2011.

Older people

This includes an increase of $42.2 million in growth (6.4%) for Home andCommunity Care services for frail older Australians living in communities acrossNSW.



In 2011-12, $6 million will go to the NSW Ageing Grants Program to support servicesand projects that meet the needs of older people, such as the Seniors InformationService, Seniors Week events, and Dementia Advisory Services.

People with a disability

As part of the second phase of the Stronger Together program (2011-12 to 2015-16),the Dqpartment will spend an additional $137.6 million in 2011-12 to support peoplewith a disability, including:

$41.3 million to improve the range of accommodation facilities..

$22.6 million on an extra 300 supported accommodation places for flexible,.

independent living.

Other items of interest to Local Government include:

$5.2 million on community engagement for an exb-a 260 places for age-.

appropriate, daytime activities and support for adults with a disability.$3.4 million on flexible respite for an extra 840 places for short-term breaks.

for families and other voluntary caregivers.$3.1 million for peak organisations (which rqn-esent the service delivery non-.

government organisations) to provide advocacy and information.The NSW Government announced in May 2011 that, through Stronger.

Together 2, it will provide $2 billion for disability services over the next fiveyears. The fimding initiatives announced in the budget are part of the StrongerTogether 2 plan.

Health

LGSA State Budget priority:> Provide a $ 10m increase to NSW recurrent funding for those councils

presently involved in preventative health initiatives.

Comment: For 2010-11, total spending in health services is budgeted at $16.4 billion;i.e. an increase of $1.3 billion or 8.6% on last year's budget. $4.92 billion or 30% ofspending has been allocated for services in regional and rural NSW representing asignificant increase of $800 million or 19.4% compared with the previous budget.

The health budget includes increased spending on mental health services of over $1.2billion as well as new funding of $448 million for upgrades to hospital infrastructure.

The LGSA welcome the increased expenditure in health services, particularly for ruraland regional communities that experience significant health and social inequities, asdo people with mental illness and those experiencing other mental health problems.

Public Libraries

LGSA State Budget priority:^

^ Increase funding for public libraries by $5.2 million each year for five years toreach a new recurrent target of $51.5 million per year by 2015-16.

Comment: Funding to local libraries through the State Library increased to $26.5million; i.e. a 3.9% increase compared with $25.5 million budgeted for and spent in2010-11.

D44......

. . .. .



In addition, the NSW Government has announced $1 million a year for four years torevitalize regional libraries.

Aboriginal Affairs

Comment: The 2011-12 Budget provides $21.9 million in the Office of AboriginalAffairs (AANSW).

This Budget provides for an enhanced role for AANSW in co-ordinating andbrokering relationships between Aboriginal communities, non-Govemmentorganisations (NGOs) and the NSW Government.

The budget a $9 million allocation for regional services and jobs. This funding is alsopart of assisting AANSW meet its target of 55% of regional positions being filled byAboriginal people.

$2.9 million has also been allocated to assist project ofBcers continue their work inbuilding relationships with Aboriginal communities and an additional $260,000 hasbeen allocated to support the work of 10 specialist Economic Development Officersthroughout NSW.

Other measures include:

$1.5 million for the Safe Families program with an additional $352,000 to.

support focus communities.$787,000 for the Solutions Fund to support Aboriginal language projects,.

significant cultural events and NAIDOC celebrations.$900,000 to operate the Of6ce of the Registrar of the Aboriginal Land Rights.

Act.

$211,000 to fund the State Reconciliation Council..

Arts and Culture

LGSA State Budget priority:Create a Local Government arts and cultural development fund, with a key^

objective being to improve arts infrastructure outside the Sydney CBD (i.e.five year, $5 million per year. Regional and Rural Arts Strategy.

Comment: The Local Government arts and cultural development fund has not beensupported.

The overall arts and cultural budget has increased from $308.6 million in 2010-11 to$345 million in the 2011-12 budget. This increase is mainly attributed to furtherallocations to metropolitan areas. The 2011 budget increases the inequity of fundingbetween Sydney and rural/regional NSW. Sydney-based state cuhural institutionshave been allocated $272 million, up from $239.1 million in the 2010/11 budget.

Arts and cultural grants for which councils may apply, have been allocated $58.2million in the 2011-12 budget, an increase of 2.8%. on the $56.6 million allocated inthe 2010-11 budget. This maintains the budget in real terms.

D45..................a



Environment and Urban Sustainability

LGSA State Budget priority:> Fund a "City and Country 2" Environment Restoration Program or

equivalent, including a significant allocation to Local Government.

Noxious Weeds Funding

LGSA State Budget priority:>

>" Increase funding allocated to -weed management to $20 million per annum andcommit to the ongoing role of Local Government in weed management.

Comment: The budget allocation for the control of noxious weeds is $11 million anincrease in noxious weed control funding (as per election commitment) of$1.5million.

Noxious weeds are costing the state over $1.2 billion in lost production and controlcosts every year.

Climate Change

LGSA State Budget priority:> Develop a NSW Climate Change Action Plan and provide resources to

councils to address the significant environmental, economic and socialimpacts of climate change.

Comment: The budget includes:. $19 million to help councils conduct estuary, coastal and food plain

management planning and mitigation, with a new focus on preparing for morecoastal storms and sea level rises.

Waste Levy

LGSA State Budget priority:> Fully hypothecate the local government contribution to the waste and

Stistainability levy so councils can fund environmental programs and developinnovative waste solutions, and undertake joint ventures and education toreduce the waste stream.

Comment: The commitment to Local Government for Waste and SustainabilityImprovement Payments ($35 million during 2011-2012) needs to be seen in thecontext of a total income for the levy of$433million during 2011-2012. If we assumethat councils are providing 25% of that $433 million (i.e. around $108 million), then$35 million represents a hypothecation rate of only 32%. This is disappointing. LocalGovernment continues to be a tax collector for the State Government, and the steadyclimb of levy revenues to Treasury over the next few years ($433 - $465 - $490)shows that the NSW Government is not genuine about the levy being a tool to reallyreduce waste tonnages. Rather, it remains a Treasury-driven source of revenue, withthe convenient use of Local Government as a collector. The LGSA will be seeking tohave this addressed in Government's promised Waste Levy Review

D46. .



Environmental Trust

Comment: The reduction in funding for the Environmental Tmst (from $96.2 millionin 2010-2011 to $75.2 million in 2011-2012) is of concern. This is a reduction of21.9%.

The Tmst is a major source of funding for councils to undertake environmental»

improvement programs.

Emergency Services

Comment: The budgets for the emergency services CNSW Fire Brigades, Rural FireService, and State Emergency Services) have again increased significantly:

The NSW Fire Brigades budget is up from $636.2 million in the 2010-11.

budget to $691.8 million - an increase of 8.74%.The NSW State Emergency Service budget is up from $64.2 million in the.

2010-11 budget to $69.8 million in the 2011/12 budget - an increase of 8.72%.The Rural Fire Service budget for 2011/12 has also increased significantly..

The LGSA are reviewing and assessing this budget as there appear to beinconsistencies associated with last year's funding increase in response to theVictorian Bushfire Royal Commission. Further information will be provided.

These budget increases will translate into significant increases in the EmergencyServices Levy (ESL).


ATTACHMENTS

Nil.

John Bell

General Manager

D47» »




Subject: Destination 2036 Outcomes Report

FUe: Fll/106

Precis: Providing details with respect to the release of the Division ofLocal Government's Destination 2036 Outcomes Report.

Budget: Nil impact.

10. DESTINATION 2036 OUTCOMES REPORT

Council received correspondence from Ross Woodward, the Chief Executive, LocalGovernment - Division of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, stating that theDestination 2036 Outcomes Report has been released. Details of the process andtimeframe for consultation and preparation of the related Action Plan have also beenreleased.

Councillors and Council staff have been encouraged to consider the report and makecomments to help shape the subsequent Action Plan. General Managers have beenrequested to provide a printed copy of the report to all Councillors. A copy of theDestination 2036 Outcomes Report is attached for Councillors information.

The Report, which has been prepared by the independent workshop facilitator EltonConsulting, provides a comprehensive record of what transpired over the two days inDubbo, together with the preparatory work undertaken before the event. It alsodescribes the processes and techniques used at the workshop to identify issues, buildand assess consensus and identify areas for further discussion and consultation.

Section 4 of the Report contains the following draft Vision, which was developed atthe workshop:

Strong Communities through Partnerships

By 2036, all NSW communities -will be healthy and prosperous - led and served bystrong, effective and democratically elected Local Government.

Through leadership, local knowledge and partnerships with community, governmentand other sectors, we will plan our futures and deliver quality services andinfrastructure. We will be recognised, respected and responsible for .

Upholding the highest ethical standards..

Sound financial management..

Sensitive environmental stewardship..

Meaningful community engagement, advocacy and leadership..

Our adaptability, innovation and learning..

Developing the full potential of our people..

Responding to our diverse cultures and environments..

Creating places that people value..

D48. a

a . ..



Section 10 of the Report contains the suggested actions that were proposed byparticipants over the two days. It is important to note that the Report has not fried tocapture every idea proposed by every participant, but rather it focuses on actions thatwere presented multiple times during the process and/or fed back by one or moregroups to a joint session as a priority.

An Implementation Steering Committee (ISC) has been established to prepare anAction Plan, with a primary focus on the next four years. The Action Plan is to bebased on the outcomes from the Destination 2036 workshop. The ISC will alsocoordinate the implementation of that Action Plan.

Membership of the ISC consists of the Chief Executive of the Division (Chair), thePresidents of the LGSA and the President of Local Government Managers AustraliaNSW (LGMA NSW).

21 September 2011 Destination 2036 Outcomes Report released

21 September-4 Stakeholders to consider Destination 2036 Outcomes ReportNovember 2011 ISC to prepare first draft of the Action Plan

4 November 2011 comments on the draft Vision and priorities for the Action Planare due

7 November- 16 ISC to finalise draft Action PlanNovember 2011

21 November 2011 Draft Action Plan released for consultation

21 November-30 Consultation on draft Action PlanDecember 2011

30 December 2011 Submissions on the draft Action Plan are due

January 2012 ISC to finalise draft Action Plan

End January 2012 Draft Action Plan presented to the Minister

February 2012 Staged commencement of work on actions contained in theonwards Action Plan

In summary, the ISC will develop an initial draft Action Plan based on the materialcontained in the Outcomes Report, with input from stakeholders. That draft ActionPlan will then be released for detailed stakeholder consultation. Based on thisconsultation, the ISC will then finalise the Plan and submit it to the Minister for LocalGovernment for endorsement.

The ISC envisages that work on many of the actions contained in the Plan willcommence in February 2012. The ISC anticipates that many of the actions willrequire detailed examination and they will involve specific stakeholder consultation.

There will be a number of opportunities for stakeholders to contribute to thedevelopment of the Action Plan and to then comment on the direction of the agreedactions as work proceeds.



Comments on draft Vision, priorities and wocess

In accordance with the timeframes provided above, the ISC is now seeking views onthe following:

1. Do you support the draft Vision contained in the Outcomes Report?2. If not what changes would you suggest?3. What do you believe should be the priorities for the draft Action Plan ?

Comments can be sent to:

Project Manager - Destination 2036Division of Local GovernmentDepartment of Premier and CabinetLocked Bag 3 015NOWRANSW2541

Alternatively, comments can be emailed to Destination2036(%dle.nsw.eov.au.

The closing date for comments is close of business, Friday 4 November 2011.


ATTACHMENTS

1. Destination 2036 Outcomes Report (under separate cover) GM6.

'î^.^J- <^ 4^. -»

John BellGeneral Manaser

D50. . .. .




Subject: Action Summary - Council Decisions

FUe: F10/13

Precis: Details are provided of action taken with respect to Councildecisions. The report includes specific questions asked atCouncil Meetings, without notice, where no resolution wasmade.

Budget: Nil impact.

11. ACTION SUMMARY - COUNCIL DECISIONS

Summary sheet from the:

Council Meeting: 20 May 2010

176/10 Establish a construction estimate for a MOO Work in progress.'mini' transfer station on theremaining Collector Landfill site notsubject to settlement and drainageproblems.

Council Meeting: 21 October 2010

410/10 Council authorises the purchase of the DOW Work in ProgressCrown Road adjoining the eastern sideofCrookwell Cemetery.

Council Meeting: 16 June 2011

239/11 Council prepare a submission on the DEP Work in progress.review of minimum lot sizes in theKangaloolah - Limerick and the LostRiver areas in consultation wifhrelevant community groups to beforwarded to the Department ofPlanning following Council approval.

Council Meeting: 15 September 2011

337/11 Mayor - press release that Upper MO Press release forwarded toLachlan Shire Council is totally local newspapers on 19opposed to any amalgamation September 2011proposal with Goulbum MulwareeCouncil, Council can see no financialor any other benefit to this community.

D51. .

. . . ..



339/11 Council undertakes a weed risk NWM Correspondenceassessment and community forwarded on 19 Octoberconsultation with the view to making 2011.an application to have Coolatai Grass(Hyparrhenia Hirta) declared as aClass 3 Noxious Weed within UpperLachlan Shire Council.

341/11 Commercial Filming Policy. EA Placed in the PolicyRegister and on the website on 30 September2011.

342/11 Release of Subdivision Certificates EA Placed in the PolicyPolicy. Register and on the web

site on 30 September2011.

344/11 Street Numbering - Urban Areas EA Placed in the PolicyPolicy. Register and on the web

site on 30 September2011.

345/11 Proposed amendments to Upper DEP Notice given inLachlan Development Control Plan Crookwell Gazette on 222010 - Power Stations - public notice September 2011.of amendments.

346/11 Council provide a submission to the DEP CorrespondenceNSW Department of Planning and forwarded on 16Infrastructure regarding the Proposed September 2011.Dalton Power Project (subject to theDirector of Environment and Planningconsidering the late submissions andincluding any appropriate issuesraised) outlining the comments andrecommended conditions contained inthe Business Paper.

349/11 Development Bonding Policy. EA Placed in the PolicyRegister and on the website on 30 September2011.

352/11 Collector Water and Sewerage DOW Work in progress.Infrastructure Planning Study fundingapplication.

358/11 Pensioner Concession Policy. EA Placed in the PolicyRegister and on the website on 30 September2011.

359/11 Debt Recovery Policy. EA Placed in the PolicyRegister and on the website on 30 September2011.

D52. . . . ..



360/11 Rates and Hardship Assistance Policy. EA Placed in the PolicyRegister and on the website on 30 September2011.

361/11 Council to request the external DFA Correspondenceauditors. Morse Group completes their forwarded on 152010/2011 audit of Council's September 2011.Financial Statements.

361/11 The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and DFA Signed withGeneral Manager and the Manager of correspondenceFinance and Administration sign the forwarded on 16Financial Statements Council September 2011.Certificates for the General andSpecial Purpose Financial Statements.

363/11 Ordinary Council Meetings are to be EA Schedule of meetingheld on the third Thursday of every times and dates advertisedmonth with all meetings to commence in local newspapers on 5at 9.00am for the next 12 months. October 2011.

364/11 Adopts Schedule B as being EA Correspondenceappropriate for the various Committee forwarded on 22structures, current Committee September 2011.memberships and appointment ofrepresentations and delegates.

365/11 Council gives public notice of its EA Advertisement placed inintention to adopt and amend the Code local newspapers on 22of Meeting Practice allowing 28 days September 2011.for the making of public submissions.

366/11 Delegations - Mayor, Deputy Mayor GM Signed delegations placedand General Manager signed and into Delegations Registerplaced into the Delegations Register. 20 September 2011.

367/11 Council to write to the Federal GM CorrespondenceGovernment regarding the Roads to forwarded to the FederalRecovery Program. Government on 21

September 2011.372/11 Council endorses the selection ofVee NWM Correspondence

Dri (Aust) Pty Ltd for the supply of forwarded on 23Taskforce herbicide and Precision September 2011.Helicopters for the supply of anaircraft, in relation to the 2011 AerialWeed Spraying program.

373/11 Council provides an amount of DEP Correspondence$35,000.00 commifanent to the forwarded on 232012/2013 budget and further, September 2011.endorses the selection ofLyall andAssociates and allows the identifiedpanel members the authority to enterinto further negotiations with Lyalland Associates regarding the proposal.

D53. . .. .

. .



374/11 Council resolves with respect to DA DEP Correspondence30/2011 to refuse to allow the deferral forwarded on 20payment of the relevant contributions September 2011.in accordance with Clause 2.2.1 of theUpper Lachlan DevelopmentContributions Plan 2007.

376/11 Council accepts the tender submitted DOW Correspondence(re-advertised) by Denrith Pty Ltd for forwarded on 20the Winning & Cmshing of Road Base September 2011for the period 1 October 2011 to 30September 2013.


ATTACHMENTSNil

^/<-^'»

f

^ John Bell^

General Manager

D54.a .. ...... .........


Documents

Upper Lachlan Shire · The vacant position of Plant Operator - Prime Mover & Low Loader/Trailer, based at Crookwell was advertised internally on Thursday, 19 August 2011, with interviews