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ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014
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TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 3
ABOUT SEROC 4
ORGANISATION AND STRUCTURE 4
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK 9
GENERAL MANAGERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT 11
MAJOR ACTIVITIES 2013/14 13
PROJECTS
SUBMISSIONS
REPRESENTATION, NETWORKS & ADVOCACY
SUPPORT LETTERS
13
14
15
16
WORKING GROUP REPORTS 17
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
INFRASTRUCTURE
ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PROCUREMENT
RESOURCE RECOVERY
RISK MANAGEMENT
17
18
19
21
21
22
23
FINANCE REPORT 26
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ANNUAL REPORT
13th OCTOBER 2013 TO 31st OCTOBER 2014
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
It is with pleasure that I present the 4th Annual Report of the South East Regional Organisation of Councils (SEROC) for the period 13th October 2013 to 31st October 2014.
The past year has seen SEROC continue to develop and gain wider recognition by the State Government. In particular, as a conduit for regional consultation on a range of matters including NSW Premier and Cabinet’s Regional Action Plan and the implementation of recommendations to emerge from the Independent Local Government Review Panel.
With 17 ROCs representing approximately 145 Councils across NSW, government agencies are increasingly engaging with ROCs for regional consultation and participation on State working groups. It is important that we have collective regional input to ensure that theses reviews provide a positive outcome for our region and local government as a whole.
SEROC’s outgoing Executive Officer, Don Cooper, retired at the end of 2013, and was replaced by Dr Helen Swan. Dr Swan has provided SEROC with a strong grounding in integrated regional strategic planning and governance.
In 2013/2014 SEROC has not shied away from the real challenges facing SEROC and local government in general. The year has seen significant work undertaken to support the operations for members as well as to meet the introduction of the State Government’s local government reform agenda.
In December 2013, SEROC launched the Capital Region Living Website. This portal provides a marketing resource for individual Councils and the NSW South East region as a whole.
Early in 2014, SEROC embarked on the development of its first comprehensive Integrated Regional Strategic Plan (IRSP). This has involved careful planning and consultation with SEROC’s key stakeholders. The development of the IRSP sits within a broader context of the political and governance environments:
SEROC is the youngest ROC in NSW and is still in its infancy of development, particularly with regard to having the ACT as part of its footprint.
Changes in SEROC’s administration management have resulted in a revision of the way in which SEROC operates and where it is heading.
Recommendations arising from the Independent Local Government Review provide SEROC with the capability to seize opportunities that present.
SEROC has an addition to its family this year with Bega Valley Shire Council becoming a member. On behalf of SEROC, I would like to formally welcome Bega and we look forward to a having them part of the team.
The format of SEROC Board Meetings has undergone review for greater efficiency and effectiveness. These are now structured to focus on the key strategic directions of the region.
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I would like to draw attention to the historic first meeting of the SEROC Board at Parliament House in Sydney, sponsored by Andrew Constance, the Federal Member for Bega. SEROC members also attended the National General Assembly and the Annual Conference of Local Government NSW. Members used the opportunity to advocate for our priorities.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members for their commitment to SEROC’s vision – a strong and cohesive region. We will continue to work with the NSW Government in meeting the Fit for the Future reforms.
In particular, I would like to thank Clr Fergus Thomson from Eurobodalla Shire Council and a member of the SEROC Executive in his capacity as the immediate past SEROC Chair. Clr Thomson has resigned from the Executive due to other commitments and his contribution to SEROC over the past four years has been immeasurable.
I would also like to acknowledge the assistance and cooperation of the Executive Officers, Don Cooper and Dr Helen Swan throughout the year. I am sure SEROC will continue to build on its achievements next year.
I commend this Annual Report to you all.
Cr John Shaw Chairman
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ABOUT SEROC
ORGANISATION AND STRUCTURE
SEROC comprises the ACT Government and the NSW Local Government Authorities of Bega Valley, Bombala, Boorowa, Cooma-Monaro, Eurobodalla, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Harden, Palerang, Queanbeyan, Snowy River, Upper Lachlan, Yass Valley and Young. A map of the region is presented below.
Map 1: The geographical area covered by SEROC
Source: www.seroc.nsw.gov.au
The region is a diverse geographic area which stretches from the south-western slopes, Alpine and Snowy Mountains to the vast wilderness of the far south coast including the Sapphire Coast. It is strategically located providing easy access to Sydney, Melbourne and the national
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capital of Canberra. It is diverse with a rich natural environment and high quality coastal, urban, city and rural lifestyles.
The region produces and supports a wide range of primary industries to support food based production, high quality meats, fine wool, dairy, horticulture, fishing and forestry, cool climate wines and historic towns and villages (Department of Premier and Cabinet, 2012: 4; Corbell in Foreword, ACT Government Environment and Sustainable Directorate, 2012:1).
Other attributes include a strong tourism industry, a major centre for the renewable energy sector and the Port of Eden providing significant import and export capacity (Department of Premier and Cabinet, 2012:4).
Canberra is at the centre of the region and intrinsically connected to the South East Region of NSW through transport hubs, education institutions, tertiary health services, retailing, research and knowledge-based institutions (ACT Government Economic Development Directorate, 2012).
Canberra’s role as the hub of the region and the future growth of its economy is inexorably linked to the development of many important issues, including the delivery of health and education services, transport, water and energy. It is crucial to view the region’s issues holistically, as the relevance of most extend across the border. To support this view, in 2011 the ACT and NSW Governments established a MoU on Regional Collaboration. This aims to strengthen collaboration between the two jurisdictions to optimise regional outcomes and service delivery to the people of the ACT and surrounding South East Region of NSW. Closer collaboration would allow for a regional approach in the areas of health, education, transport, emergency services, justice, tourism, planning and economic development (ACT and NSW Governments, 2011). The MoU is under review and due for completion by the end of 2014. The review is jointly undertaken by ACT Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate and NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet South East Region.
The structure of SEROC is presented in the following figure.
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Figure 1: SEROC’s current structure comprises:
The SEROC Board comprises all General Managers and Mayors of each council as well as the
ACT Chief Minister and an appropriate Senior Executive within the ACT Public Service.
The General Managers Advisory Committee comprises all General Managers of each local
government authority and a senior officer within the ACT Government.
The Executive and Chairs of the Board and GMAC are elected at the SEROC’s Annual General
Meeting.
The Executive comprises the elected representative and General Manager/Senior Executive
of the Chair of SEROC/GMAC, three1 other members comprising elected representatives and
their associated General Managers/Senior Executive and the immediate past Chair of SEROC
(elected representative only).
The following provides a list of the key office bearers of SEROC.
1 In May 2014, an additional member was appointed to the Executive changing the number from 2 to 3.
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SEROC Chairman Cr John Shaw
Mayor Upper Lachlan Shire Council
GMAC Chair John Bell
General Manager Upper Lachlan Shire Council
SEROC Executive
Cr John Shaw Mayor, Upper Lachlan Shire Council
John Bell
General Manager, Upper Lachlan Shire Council
Clr Wendy Tuckerman Mayor, Boorowa Council
Anthony McMahon
General Manager, Boorowa Council
Clr Geoff Kettle Mayor, Goulburn-Mulwaree Council
Warwick Bennett
General Manager, Goulburn-Mulwaree Council
Clr Fergus Thomson Immediate Past Chair, Eurobodalla Shire Council
Ms Katy Gallagher ACT Chief Minister
Sara Burns
Senior Manager, ACT Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
Currently, SEROC comprises seven Working Groups (WGs):
Economic Development
Information Technology
Infrastructure
Organisational Development
Procurement
Resource Recovery
Risk Management.
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SEROC, GMAC and WGs meet on a quarterly basis. The Executive meets on an as-needs basis, usually also at least four times during the year. However, there is regular communication via email and telephone between members of the Executive.
The role of each WG is broadly to:
support the strategic directions of SEROC
develop and encouraging regional relationships and communications at the officer
level
identify and promote robust discussion on strategies relevant to the SEROC region,
and
share information on projects and operational issues including opportunities for
resource and cost sharing.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
The following diagram present SEROC’s strategic framework.
Further information can be found on SEROC’s website at www.seroc.nsw.gov.au.
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Strategic Plan
Objectives
Strategies
20 year Vision SEROC is the voice of a strong and cohesive region
Governance To determine the most appropriate governance model for SEROC to facilitate effective representation and outcomes for the region.
Social To identify and progress opportunities for regional collaboration to improve social outcomes for our communities.
Economic To capitalise on the strengths and opportunities to optimise our region’s economic capacity.
Environment To establish a regional approach to achieve a sustainable natural and built environment whilst delivering the economic and social imperatives of our communities.
Infrastructure To establish an Infrastructure Strategy for regional priorities to meet our communities’ needs for the short, medium and long term.
Mission SEROC, as the regional leader, facilitates opportunities and partnerships to create
vibrant communities
Cross-border SEROC to be an active partner with the ACT and NSW on regional collaboration for the benefit of the region.
Engage in regular meetings with the ACT and NSW Regional Coordination Program. Formally meet with NSW Premier and Cabinet to align and influence priorities for the region.
In partnership with our key stakeholders, develop a Regional Social Plan and priorities.
Develop a comprehensive Regional Economic Development Strategy. Progress the Brand Canberra theme and develop a “whole of region” comprehensive Tourism and Events Strategy. Investigate developing more sustainable opportunities and pathways for local people to study, undertake training and be employed in their communities.
Develop formal and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to enable: an integrated approach between the ACT and the south-east NSW region to natural resource and catchment management planning; and an alignment of strategic direction for renewable energy. Develop an integrated approach to waste management and include the ACT as part of SEROC’s Waste Management Strategy. Investigate the issues associated with data collection on waste management practices across the region and develop appropriate responses for improvement.
Establish a SEROC Infrastructure Working Group. Develop formal, collaborative relationships with relevant NSW and ACT Government stakeholders to research and develop a business case to obtain funding for implementation. Develop a Regional Road Infrastructure Planning Strategy, including associated costs for implementation.
Review the current organisational governance and operational functions and develop appropriate responses to move forward. Develop an options paper to allow a decision on the most appropriate model for SEROC to operate under, to influence the pending legislative changes. Investigate how SEROC can support individual members on leadership and governance issues.
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GENERAL MANAGERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE – CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The General Managers’ Advisory Committee (GMAC) advises the Board on a range of matters including policy, planning, administrative and any other matters referred from the Board, Working Groups and other levels of government.
Collaboration between councils is clearly part of the agenda of local government reform. The collaborative model of regional co-operation in SEROC is demonstrable over the past four years. This past year, SEROC has further strengthened its commitment to co-operation and adopted a sound strategic approach regarding its future directions.
GMAC has met on six occasions during the period of this report:
8 November 2013
7 February 2014
19 February 2014 (Extraordinary Meeting)
2 May 2014
4 July 2014, and
26 September 2014.
GMAC has been fortunate to have a number of presentations provided by various stakeholders in the past year which have been of interest to SEROC. Some of these include:
NSW TAFE, Illawarra: to explore the opportunities of working with SEROC.
Maddocks Lawyers: on Exploring governance models for Councils sharing service: navigating the constraints of the Local Government Act for collaborative procurement.
NSW Local Government Operational and Management Effectiveness Self-Assessment Survey.
Whispir: on the creation and implementation of communications management systems to develop customer-centric solutions that transform the way people and organisations engage with their world.
ArcBlue: on a Regional Procurement Roadmap Program.
Workible: on how Councils can connect to a portal around employment needs to enhance job opportunities for all members of the community.
ACT Economic Development Directorate: on the Asian Cup (Soccer) and ICC World Cup (Cricket) and engagement opportunities for the Canberra region.
To prepare for, and support the implementation of the IRSP, three additional Working Groups have also been established: Infrastructure, Procurement and Economic Development.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all sponsoring General Managers in SEROC for their efforts in relation to the Working Groups. Staff from SEROC members across the region are becoming increasingly engaged in developing more effective and efficient approaches to regional activities.
Unfortunately, SEROC GMAC is losing one of its comrades. Max Kershaw, Harden Shire Council General Manager, has decided it is time to move to the retirement stage of his life.
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GMAC will sorely miss Max and his devotion to SEROC and its vision. On behalf of GMAC, I wish Max a happy and healthy future. The success of SEROC’s achievements relies heavily on SEROC’s Executive Officer. On behalf of the General Managers I would like to take this opportunity to thank Don Cooper and Dr Helen Swan for their valuable efforts.
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MAJOR ACTIVITIES
PROJECTS
Industry Investment Attraction Framework
The Industry Investment Attraction Framework (IIAF) is a component of the Greater Capital Region Initiative (GCRI). The GCRI is a cross- border regional development initiative to attract industry investment, business growth and employment opportunities to benefit communities across the region. The initiative was funded by the Department of Regional Australia. SEROC was a member of the Project Management Group.
The other two component of the GCRI included an economic scanning analysis project and a skills and training gaps strategy. Based on this analysis, and the collection of a range of data on the region, the skills and training needs of the region was prioritised in order to inform the development of high level strategies that educational institutions, employer and industry groups and other relevant stakeholders (including RDAs) can use to holistically address any gaps.
The IIAF examined the types of businesses that have the potential to grow in the region or be attracted to the region based on attributes and support mechanisms available. Outcomes of the broader GCRI will contribute to the Strategic Regional Direction Statement and Priority Actions outlined in the ACT-NSW Memorandum of Understanding for Regional Collaboration.
The objective of the IIAF was to provide a detailed profile of the attributes of the region relevant to people considering investing in the economic development of the GCR, including:
key industry sectors that currently exist in the region and/or have the potential to grow in the region or be attracted to the region;
recommendations for priority industry and business types to be targeted by an Industry Investment Attraction Strategy; and
recommendations to support a regional industry investment strategy that is co-ordinated with regional tourism development and marketing strategies.
Capital Region Living Website
The first stage of this project is the development of the “Capital Region Living” website which is about promoting affordable lifestyles that communities in South East region of NSW can offer. It also proposes to provide opportunities for LGA’s in the region to promote their potential for business, investment and tourism and attract employment to address skills shortages and service gaps across the region.
The website was launched in December 2013.
ePlanning Software
SEROC facilitated a joint ePlanning Software project which provides participating Councils with a regional online system of assessing and tracking Development Applications. The system enables Councils to share resources and provide their communities with a more efficient process for accessing information regarding development applications online.
Regional Waste Strategic Plan
SEROC secured a grant of $100,000 from the NSW Environmental Trust to complete the Regional Waste Strategic Plan. The Strategy was completed by the Resource Recovery Group
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and is a regional level strategy designed to support SEROC Councils in minimizing their waste through innovative waste stream management.
Australian Bureau of Statistics Regional Economic Data Directions Project
SEROC was invited to participate in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Regional
Economic Data Directions Project. The ABS was interested in SEROC participating in the
project due to the region’s cross-border environment.
The purpose of the project was to enhance the profile for the region with more detailed
economic and administrative data. It also contributed to the existing evidence base for the
region to inform future economic policies and decision making.
Evidence Base Report to support the development of SEROC’s IRSP
The evidence base report presents evidence to inform the development of SEROC’s future
strategic directions. The report comprised:
1. A summary of the key findings and possible ideas for consideration in progressing the next steps in developing SEROC’s Strategic Plan (vision, mission, objectives, strategies and actions).
2. Background of SEROC and its current structure and operations. 3. A socio-economic profile of the region reflecting some key population
characteristics and population projections. 4. A literature review of existing policies, initiatives and mandates that reflect the
key cross-border, social, economic, environment (natural and built) aspects of the region and governance considerations of SEROC.
5. Concluding statements.
This report was disseminated to all key stakeholders of SEROC to support them in providing accurate feedback during the consultation process on the Draft IRSP.
SUBMISSIONS
SEROC has made the following submissions for the year 2013/14:
ACT Government Standing Committee on Regional Development
NSW Legislative Council's Standing Committee on State Development’s Inquiry into Regional Aviation Services
Response to the Independent Local Government Review Panel Final Report
NSW Government Review of Crown Lands Legislation
Australian Government Discussion Paper on Mobile Coverage Programme
Response to Independent Panel Report on Local Government
Canberra Airport Draft Master Plan
NSW Government Waste Levy
Rebuild NSW
ACT Freight Strategy
Response to the proposal by Essential Energy on Street Lighting to the Australian Energy Regulator
Submission to be Pilot Joint Organisation
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REPRESENTATION, NETWORKS & ADVOCACY
SEROC’s Executive Officer has represented SEROC at a number of forums and developed the following networks:
ACT Southern NSW Medical Local Regional Leadership Group
NSW Premier and Cabinet South East NSW Regional Leadership Group
NSW Family and Community Services Human Services Management Group
NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Enabling Adaptation in the South East Steering Committee
ACT Environment and Planning Directorate, Enabling Adaptation in the ACT
Presentations to Regional Development Australia Southern Inland, ACT and Far South Coast on the future directions of SEROC
SERREE Industry Cluster Network meetings
Consultations forums regarding the Future Directions of SEROC comprising: o ACT Government Directorates o NSW Government Departments and Agencies o Chambers of Commerce in the region o SEROC Working Groups o Medicare Locals covering the region o Australian Government Department of Industry, Ausindustry Business Services o Regional Australia Institute o Australian Bureau of Statistics o University of Canberra’s Canberra and Urban Futures Research Centre o Group Training Organisations in the region o Business Enterprise Centres in the region
Meeting with Wingecarribee Shire Council (Councillors and General Manager) on the NSW Local Government Reforms
Attendance at the Australian Centre of Excellence in Local Government’s Research Advisory Committee
Meeting with the Hon Pru Goward MP, Minister for Planning, on the future directions of SEROC
Attendance at the ACT, Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Medicare Local Future Thinking Symposium on ‘whole of system’ working
Attendance at the SERREE Business Expo
Attendance at the launch of the SERREE Industry Cluster
SEROC has met with the following political representatives for advocacy and representation purposes:
The Hon Paul Toole MP, Minister for Local Government in June and September 2014
Mr John Barilaro, NSW Member for Monaro, in June 2014
ACT Senator Zed Seselja in June 2014
Dr Peter Hendy, Federal Member for Eden-Monaro in May and June 2014
Mr Angus Taylor, Federal Member for Hume in February and June 2014
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SUPPORT LETTERS
SEROC provided the following letters of support:
Canberra Business Council’s submission to deliver Austrade’s Tradestart Services in the Canberra region
South East Region of Renewable Energy Excellence’s (SERREE) submission for funding to establish a Renewable Energy Cluster Southern NSW Medicare Local continuation as opposed to the Australian Government’s proposed Primary Health Care Networks (letters to Mr Angus Taylor MP and Dr Peter Hendy MP)
Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s funding application to Water Security for Regions 2013-14.
Eurobodalla Shire Council’s expression of concern regarding the application of Planning for Bush Fire Protection Guidelines 2006
Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s proposal for funding under the National Stronger Regions Fund
Goulburn-Crookwell Rail Trail proposal for funding under the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund
Goulburn-Mulwaree Council in its bid for Round 1 of the National Stronger Regions Funds: Southern Tablelands Water Reuse Infrastructure Scheme Stage 1.
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WORKING GROUP REPORTS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GM Sponsor
Peter Vlatko, Young Shire Council
Chair/s
Rebecca Gowen
Economic Development Manager, Yass Valley Council
Secretary/Minute Takers
Debbie Evans
Economic Development Officer, Young Shire Council
Meetings held
The EDWG has met on four occasions during the period of this report:
12 December 2013
9 April 2014
25 June 2014
14 September 2014
Presentations to the group
Regional Development Australia, Southern Inland
Brand Canberra, ACT Government Economic Development Directorate
Australian Bureau of Statistics: Training on how to access to the ABS Website Regional Database and Table Builder
Key activities the group has undertaken including achievements
The Economic Development WG identified the challenge of balancing planning processes and requirements with the goal of encouraging business and industry development across the region. While Economic Development Officers recognise that Planners are working under strict legislative requirements a common observation was that internal processes and communication could be improved to achieve every council’s goal of increased new business and jobs.
A sub-working group was formed to review current processes and tools and provide recommendations to GMAC on improvements across the region. The working group is composed of the economic development officers from Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Goulburn-Mulwaree and Yass Valley councils.
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The project title: Planning: An Integrated Approach supports the NSW Economic Development Framework Top 2014 Priorities which include: Making it easier to do Business; and Collaborate to drive innovation and competitiveness
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
GM Sponsor
Chris Berry, Goulburn-Mulwaree Council
Peter Bascomb, Palerang Council
Chair/s
Stephen Bool, Goulburn-Mulwaree Council
Secretary/Minute Takers
Stephen Bool, Goulburn-Mulwaree Council
Meetings held
The ITWG has meet on four occasions during the period of this report:
3 December 2013
18 March 2014
17 June 0214
9 September 2014
Presentations to the group
NSW GovDC presented to the IT Working Group at its meeting in September 2014. GovDC is a NSW Government initiative which requires all NSW government agencies to move into, or migrate their ICT into GovDC by August 2017. The group agreed that there were two main areas that could assist all councils:
o if councils processed all information the same way (ie Rates, DA’s, etc) we could all use the one system and it would only need to be configured to one set of rules.
o the cost of high speed data links limits connectivity between councils.
NSW GovDC will present to GMAC early in 2015.
Key activities the group has undertaken including achievements
A major challenge faced by all member councils is that of affordable access to high quality communications. The IT The Group has established a Data Link Project which involves Telstra examining costs associated with deploying optical fibre data infrastructure and supplying data services for each member nominated site/s.
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The second project that the group is working on is investigating a Common IT Platform across the region.
INFRASTRUCTURE
(Note: the Infrastructure Working Group had its inaugural meeting on 11 September 2014)
GM Sponsor
Anthony McMahon, Boorowa Council
Chair/s
Anthony McMahon, Boorowa Council
Secretary/Minute Takers
Phil Hansen, Queanbeyan City Council
Key activities the group has undertaken including achievements
Commencement of the scoping to develop a SEROC Regional Roads Strategy
ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
GM Sponsor
Joe Vescio, Snowy River Shire Council
Chair/s
Lesley Smith
Manager, People and Organisational Efficiency
Queanbeyan City Council
Kerry Evans
Human Resources Officer - Learning and Development, Organisation Development
Eurobodalla Shire Council
Secretary/Minute Takers
February 2013 to January 2014 Queanbeyan City Council
February 2014 to January 2015 rotated through attending Councils
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Meetings held
The ODWG has meet on five occasions during the period of this report:
14 November 2014
13 February 2014
8 May 2014
19 June 2014 (workshop to identify and establish priorities to meet SEROC future directions)
21 August 2014
Presentations to the group
Brian Bourne (QCC) facilitated a discussion on records management practices
New initiatives are presented to the group on an ad hoc basis
Key activities the group has undertaken including achievements
YAHOO Group Website was established to improve communications at the group level
Input provided to the new Award
A number of Policies & Procedures have been shared across the group to reduce re-work or in some cases council’s having to start from scratch to a design a policy
Leveraged group’s knowledge of the various training providers.
o Getting feedback from each other’s RTO has helped in decision making in terms of value for money and learning outcomes.
o Training providers and course details are being shared across the group has been translated into savings for L&D training budgets.
o Combining as a group for some training events has reduced effort and afforded the group quality training opportunities that may not have been on offer due to minimum number requirements of some RTOs.
The Group’s Terms of Reference reviewed and provided to GMAC
A project to deliver a combined training calendar was initiated with a view of going to market for a preferred providers list of RTOs. The expectation of delivering savings across the group.
Strategic planning meeting to workshop Organisation Development training needs & priorities, facilitated by Dr Swan
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PROCUREMENT
(Note: the Procurement Working Group had its inaugural meeting on 20 August 2014 with a second meeting held on 8 October 2014 via teleconference)
GM Sponsor
Warwick Bennett, Goulburn Mulwaree Council
Chair/s
Warwick Bennett, Goulburn Mulwaree Council
Secretary/Minute Takers
Helen Swan, SEROC Executive Officer
Meetings held
The PWG has meet on four occasions during the period of this report:
16 April 2014
20 August 2014
28 August 2014 (teleconference)
8 October 2014 (teleconference
Presentations to the group
NSW Local Government Procurement on VendorPanel
ArcBlue on the Procurement Roadmap Program
Key activities the group has undertaken including achievements
Development of a proposal for SEROC to participate in ArcBlue’s Regional Development Procurement Program
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RESOURCE RECOVERY2
GM Sponsor
Since May 2014, Max Kershaw, General Manager of Harden Shire Council
Chair/s
Clr Stuart Freudenstein, Mayor, Young Shire Council until May 2014
Max Kershaw, GM Sponsor
Secretary/Minute Takers
Resource Recovery Working Group Coordinator
Meetings held
The RRWG has meet on four occasions during the period of this report:
29 November 2013
28 March 2014
27 June 2014
12 September 2014
Presentations to the group
Subjects covered include:
Compost tour and Organics site visit
Bin Trim forum – Business waste management
Infrastructure needs research project for all Councils
Illegal dumping
Resource Recovery Australia – Industrial Ecology and employment in landfill
operations
Education program reports.
Key activities the group has undertaken including achievements
The RRWG provide opportunities to network, learn about waste stream issues of operational concern, provide for an exchange of views about how issues have been, or might be,
2 The Resource Recovery WG initially commenced as a voluntary waste management group in 2007 under the
NSW Government’s Renew Program. In 2012, this group was officially endorsed as a formal WG of SEROC. The chairing arrangements continued and there was no GM Sponsor allocated until 2014. The NSW EPA has recently provided another three years of funding to enable the continuation of the group.
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addressed, where members are kept abreast of sectoral developments and trends, identify common issues to be raised in response to, or as an opportunity for, Government initiated policy proposals and to oversee and participate in (sometimes comparatively small) projects of common interest eg Education program, Hazardous Household Chemical Waste, litter campaigns, e-waste etc. The action mostly occurs at the Council level undertaken by Council staff. Specific activities included
The SERRG Education program covering the Queanbeyan Sustainability Expo - 650 students present, Grants to schools for waste education projects – 5 projects completed and evaluated, A unit of work for curriculum relevance based on waste stream issues commenced; trials of a project to assist Teachers improve knowledge & understanding of how to effectively teach waste management issues; Waste Excursion guide under development ; Waste Channel program underway with successful trials completed, Production on a monthly basis except for school holidays of the e-zine with very good feedback from evaluations, Web site use and twitter account use significantly increased
Transformation of waste stream materials advanced by completion of a comprehensive
report carried out for Greater Capital Region Initiative, with SEROC and SERRG financial
report, and researching business opportunities in transforming waste stream materials.
E-waste whereby DHL collects e-waste. This initial arrangement has been working well
although issues emerging.
Organic waste diversion This year saw the opening of the Landtasia composting site near
Bungendore and where a SERRG quarterly meeting was held as a way to show processing
opportunities. This was followed by a very successful composting workshop with
participants from several SERRG Councils. Is an important subject. This year saw the
opening of the Landtasia composting site near Bungendore and where a SERRG quarterly
meeting was held as a way to show processing opportunities, followed by a very successful
composting workshop with participants from several SERRG Councils.
Household Chemical collection with support from the EPA, and the collection quantities
were substantially up from the previous year which led to a significant increase in financial
support, and a greater number of involved councils.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Background
The South East Regional Risk Management Group (SERRMG) was formed by Statewide Mutual in 1997 in order to foster communication, networking and assistance between member councils. As the risk management programs of member Council’s grew in maturity, the group evolved, moving from its initiation phase where the focus was on developing risk management programs, through to its current status of providing support for the risk management programs determined by each Council. From its inception, the key to this process has been the ability to share the experiences of other member Council’s, outside of the South East Region, through the involvement of Statewide Mutual, whose participation has also benefited the sharing and development of best practice guidance.
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For a period of years, attendance at meetings was encouraged through linking meeting attendance to the Statewide Mutual Incentive Bonus Scheme. However, the value of the meetings, as recognised by participants and their respective councils, was through the:
establishment of close relationships between councils;
identification and progression of common risk goals;
sharing of ideas and knowledge about risk management practices both within the group and the broader industry; and
the intrinsic support provided by Statewide Mutual. As a result, when the relationship between meeting attendance and the bonus was severed in 2012, concurrent with the introduction of Statewide Mutual’s Continuous Improvement Pathway Program, members voted to continue to meet three times a year, in line with the groups existing objectives and charter which is as follows: The evolution of the SEROC Risk Management Working Group
Early in 2014, the SERRMG began its transition into becoming an officially recognised working group of SEROC. Whilst this has created some new challenges with regard to balancing the extent of involvement of Statewide Mutual, the significant contribution of the Statewide Mutual Regional Risk Manager(s) in these meetings, and the benefits of an open forum allowing participation of other member Council’s, has been recognised by GMAC. Although in its early stages as a working group of SEROC, the group is committed to maintaining a valuable open risk management forum, in addition to embracing its new capacity in serving SEROC in areas of risk management.
Chair/s:
Current: Mathew Cross, Snowy River – Elected at the SERRMG meeting 23 May 2014.
Previous: Anita Cakalic, Young –27 May 2011 to 23 May 2014.
Secretary:
Will Allan, Queanbeyan
Treasurer:
Lorrae Stokes, Palerang
Meetings held:
29-30 August 2013 – Statewide Mutual Annual Risk Management Conference.
22 November 2013: General Meeting: Themes included: RMAP; CIP discussion - participation by other Council’s; JRS Profiler; water quality testing. Workshop Topic – JRS Risk Profiler Software.
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7 February 2014: Workshop – Risk Appetite and profiling
23 May 2014 – General Meeting: Discussion on the alignment between SERRMG and SEROC
GM Sponsor:
Anthony McMahon – Boorowa
Ngaire McCrindle – Bombala
Special Interest Workshops:
12 July 2013 – Small claims management
14th March 2014: Scoping for asbestos risk management
11th April 2014: Finalisation of Asbestos risk management.
11th April 2014: Special Interest Workshop, Project risk management.
(Note: Special Interest Workshops are held outside of the normal meeting schedule and attended by members who believe that the topic would be of value in progressing their current risk management priorities. Topics were identified as part of the SERRMG General Meetings.)
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FINANCE REPORT
The Annual Financial Statement for SEROC for the year 1st July 2013 to 30th June 2014 is presented below and on the following pages. The report shows a surplus of $586,570 carried forward. This represents $298,075 in unexpended grants (ie Resource Recovery) and $288,395 (ie $586,570-$298,075) to be carried forward to 2014/15 for SEROC projects.
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