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Bland Shire Council

Business Paper

Ordinary Council Meeting

18 April 2017

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ETHICAL DECISION MAKING AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

A guiding checklist for Councillors, Officers and Advisory Committees Ethical Decision Making

• Is the decision or conduct legal? • Is it consistent with Government policy, Council’s objectives and Code of Conduct? • What will the outcome be for you, your colleagues, the Council, anyone else? • Does it raise a conflict of interest? • Could your possible conflict of interest lead to private gain or loss at public expense? • Can the decision be justified in terms of public interest? • Would it withstand public scrutiny?

Conflict of Interest

• A conflict of interest is a clash between private interest and public duty. There are two types of conflict: Pecuniary – regulated by the Local Government Act and Office of Local Government and, Non-pecuniary – regulated by Codes of Conduct and policy. ICAC, Ombudsman, Office of Local Government (advice only).

The test for conflict of interest

• Is it likely I could be influenced by personal interest in carrying out my public duty? • Would a fair and reasonable person believe I could be so influenced? • Conflict of interest is closely tied to the layperson’s definition of “corruption” – using public office for

private gain. • Important to consider public perceptions of whether you have a conflict of interest

Identifying Problems 1st - Do I have private interest affected by a matter I am officially involved in? 2nd - Is my official role one of influence or perceived influence over the matter? 3rd - Do my private interests conflict with my official role? Whilst seeking advice is generally useful, the ultimate decision rests with the person concerned. Agency Advice Officers of the following agencies are available during office hours to discuss the obligations placed on Councillors, Officers and Advisory Committee members by various pieces of legislation, regulation and Codes. Contact Phone Email Website Bland Shire Council

6972 2266 [email protected] www.blandshire.nsw.gov.au

ICAC 8281 5999 Toll Free: 1800 463 909

[email protected] www.icac.nsw.gov.au

Office of Local Government

4428 4100 [email protected] www.dlg.nsw.gov.au

NSW Ombudsman 9286 1000 Toll Free: 1800 451 524

[email protected] www.ombo.nsw.gov.au

mailto:[email protected]�

http://www.blandshire.nsw.gov.au/�


http://www.icac.nsw.gov.au/�


http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/�


http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/�

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Common Acronyms Used in Bland Shire Council Reports and Documents

ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics ACAT Aged Care Assessment Team AFZ Alcohol Free Zone AGM Annual General Meeting ALIA Australian Library and Information Association AMP Asset Management Plan AMRC NSW Association of Mining Related Councils BCA Building Code of Australia BDCP Bland Development Control Plan BEC Business Enterprise Centre BFMC Bush Fire Management Committee BFMP Bush Fire Management Plan BSC Bland Shire Council BWW Business West Wyalong CASA Civil Aviation Safety Authority CBD Central Business District CDAT Community Drug Action Team CDO Community Development Officer CENTROC Central West Regional Group of Councils CEO Chief Executive Officer CIV Capital Improved Value CLRS Councillors CPD Continuing Professional Development CPI Consumer Price Index CPP Cowal Partnering Program Cr Councillor CRO Community Relations Officer CSP Community Strategic Plan CSU Childrens Services Unit CT Community Technology CWA Country Women’s Association DA Development Application DAES Director Asset & Engineering Services DCCDS Director Corporate, Community & Development Services DCP Development Control Plan DEMO District Emergency Management Officer

DEOCON District Emergency Controller DIAP Disability Inclusion Action Plan DisPlan Disaster Plan (Local DisPlan, District DisPlan, State DisPlan) DP Delivery Program DPI Department of Primary Industries EA Executive Assistant EAP Employee Assistance Program ED Economic Development EDVETACW

Economic Development, Visitor Economy & Tourism Advisory Committee of the Whole

EEO Equal Employment Opportunity EFO Electoral Funding Authority EOI Expression of Interest EPAA Environmental Planning & Assessment Act ERA Eastern Riverina Arts EWSA Educator Workplace Safety Audit EWW Events West Wyalong EYLF Early Years Learning Framework FAG Financial Assistance Grant FDC Family Day Care FFTF Fit for the Future FRRR Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal FYI For your information GHMS Grain Harvest Management Scheme GIPA Government Information (Public Access) Act GM General Manager GTAN Government Training & Assistance Network GWCC Goldenfields Water County Council HACC Home and Community Care HR Human Resources ICAC Independent Commission Against Corruption IPART Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal IPR or IP&R

Integrated Planning and Reporting

ITAV It Takes A Village Program JO Joint Organisation

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K&G Kerb and gutter KPI Key Performance Indicator LALC Local Aboriginal Lands Council LBDC Little Bangs Discovery Club LCGMCAC Lake Cowal Gold Mine Closure Advisory Committee LEMC Local Emergency Management Committee LEMO Local Emergency Management Officer LEOC Local Emergency Operations Centre LEOCON Local Emergency Operations Controller LEP Local Environmental Plan LG Local Government LGA Local Government Act or Local Government Area LGNSW Local Government New South Wales LIAC Legal Information Access Centre LTFP Long Term Financial Plan M Million Manex Management Executive MHDA Mental Health Drug & Alcohol MLC Member of the Legislative Council MML Murrumbidgee Medicare Local MOW Meals on Wheels MoU Memorandum of Understanding MP Member of Parliament MPHN Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network MPR Multi Purpose Room MR Main Road MRU Mobile Resource Unit NAIDOC National Aboriginal & Islander Observance Committee NFAR No further action required NGO Non-Government Organisation NQF National Quality Framework NSRF National Stronger Regions Fund NSWEC New South Wales Electoral Commission NSWPLA New South Wales Public Libraries Association NSWRFS NSW Rural Fire Service OGM Office of the General Manager OLG Office of Local Government OP Operational Plan

P&G Parks & Gardens PA Per Annum PC Personal Computer PCBU Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking PHaMs Personal Helpers and Mentors PLA Public Library Association POEO Protection of the Environment Operations Act & Regulations PSITAB NSW Public Sector Industry Advisory Board PSSA NSW Primary Schools Sports Association QBRS Quarterly Budget Review Statement R2R Roads to Recovery Rd Road RDA Regional Development Australia RDO Rostered Day Off Rec Recreation REROC Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils RFBI Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution RFS Rural Fire Service RMAP Risk Management Action Plan RMS Roads & Maritime Services RRL Riverina Regional Library RTO Registered Training Organisation RV Recreational Vehicle SEDTA Senior Economic Development & Tourism Advisor SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy SES State Emergency Service SH State Highway SLA Service-level agreement SLNSW State Library New South Wales SRC Summer Reading Club SRV Special Rate Variation St Street STW Sewerage Treatment Works TASAC Tourist Attraction Signposting Assessment Committee TCORP Treasury Corporation TSR Travelling stock route TVET TAFE Delivered Vocational Education & Training USU United Services Union

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UV Unimproved Value VC Victoria Cross VIC Visitor Information Centre VPA Voluntary Planning Agreement WAPS Workforce Assessment Plan & Strategy

WHS Work Health & Safety WWBC West Wyalong Bowling Club WWFHG West Wyalong Family History Group WWRL West Wyalong Rugby League

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Council Meeting Agenda

18 April 2017

commencing at 6:30PM

1.0 ATTENDANCE 1.1 Councillors

Cr Bruce Baker

Cr Rodney Crowe

Cr Penny English

Cr Kerry Keatley

Cr Tony Lord

Cr Liz McGlynn

Cr Brian Monaghan

Cr Murray Thomas

Cr Jan Wyse

1.2 Staff

General Manager – Ray Smith

Executive Assistant – Julie Sharpe

1.3 Apologies

Director Asset & Engineering Services – Will Marsh

Director Corporate, Community & Development Services – Adele Casey

2.0 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES 2.1 Ordinary Meeting held on 21 March 2017

Confirmation That the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held on 21 March 2017 be confirmed as a correct record of proceedings.

Corrections

Business Arising

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3.0 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST A pecuniary interest is an interest that a person has in a matter because of a reasonable likelihood or expectation of appreciable financial gain or loss the person or another person with whom the person is associated. A person does not have a pecuniary interest in a matter if the interest is so remote or insignificant that it could not reasonably be regarded as likely to influence any decision a person might make in relation to a matter. Councillor/Officer Item Nature of

Interest 4.0 PUBLIC FORUM 4.1 Evolution Mining Presentation 5.0 MAYORAL MINUTE 6.0 NOTICES OF MOTION

7.0 DELEGATES & ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORTS Section 1 – Delegates & Advisory Committee Reports & Minutes (for information)

8.0 STAFF REPORTS That the Council receive the staff reports.

Section 2 – Office of the General Manager (reports for decision)

8.1 Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Framework – Adoption of Draft Documents ………………………………………………………………………………… 34

Section 3 – Corporate, Community & Development Services (reports for decision)

8.2 Financial Statements – March 2017 ……………………………………………………. 36

8.3 Making of Waste Management Charges 2017/2018 ………………………………….. 41

8.4 Making of Sewer Special Rate Charges 2017/18 ……………………………………... 43

8.5 Strengthening Communities – Wyalong Family History Group ……………………… 44

8.6 Strengthening Communities – West Wyalong Harness Racing Club ……………….. 45

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Section 4 – Asset & Engineering Services (reports for decision)

8.7 Speed Limit - Unsealed Roads Within The Bland Shire ………………………...……. 47

Section 5 – Reports for Information

8.8 Asset & Engineering Services Report …………………………………………………... 49

8.9 Community Services Report ……………………………………………………………… 50

8.10 Bland Shire Library Monthly Update …………………………………………………….. 52

8.11 Children Services Monthly Update ………………………………………………………. 55

8.12 Bland HACC Services Update …………………………………………………………… 57

8.13 Development Services Activity Report ………………………………………………….. 59

8.14 Economic Development & Tourism Report – March 2017 ……………………………. 61

9.0 URGENT BUSINESS WITHOUT NOTICE 10.0 QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS

Matters to be dealt with arising out of the proceedings of former meetings of the Council

Other Matters 11.0 CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO DISCUSS CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS

UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 10A(2) OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT

11.1 Seek Fitness Club Pty Ltd – Application For Business Assistance Funding Local Government Act 1993 (section 10A (2) (d) (i) The matters and information are commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.

12.0 RESUMPTION OF THE MEETING AND CONSIDERATION OF

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CLOSED SECTION OF THE MEETING 13.0 CLOSE OF THE MEETING

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF BLAND HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS WEST WYALONG ON TUESDAY 18 APRIL 2017

SECTION 1 – DELEGATES & ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORTS DP15.2 Working in partnership with community groups, advisory committees, Government Departments, businesses and Council staff Section 1 – Delegates & Advisory Committee Reports & Minutes (for information)

Committee Date/s Minutes attached

Access Advisory Committee

Australia Day Awards Committee of the Whole (Whole Council)

Australian Rural Roads Group Inc (Mayor Lord, Cr McGlynn - alternate, Cr Thomas - alternate)

Bland Rural Fire District Zone Liaison Committee (Cr Keatley)

Bland – Temora RFS Zone Bushfire Management Committee (Cr Baker)

Country Mayors Association of NSW (Mayor Lord)

24th March 2017 16th June 2017

Cowal Gold Project Community Environmental Monitoring & Consultative Committee (CEMCC) (Mayor Lord)

7th June 2017

Cultural Advisory Committee Goldenfields Water County Council Board (Cr McGlynn)

27th April 2017 22nd June 2017

Heritage Advisory Committee Internal Audit Committee Lachlan Valley Noxious Plants Advisory Committee (Cr Crowe)

Local Traffic Advisory Committee Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network Board (Cr Monaghan)

13th October 2016

Museums Advisory Committee

Our leadership Setting a benchmark for community standards

Vision: A well run council acting as the voice of the community


Newell Highway Taskforce (Mayor Lord)

14th December 2016 1st March 2017 7th June 2017

NSW Association of Mining Related Councils (Cr McGlynn, Cr Thomas - alternate)

2nd March 2017 12th May 2017

NSW Public Libraries Association (Cr Wyse)

27th April 2017

Plant Committee

Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) (Mayor Lord)

2nd February 2017 4th April 2017 1st June 2017

Riverina Regional Library Advisory Committee (Cr Wyse)

29th March 2017 8th November 2017

Riverina Regional Tourism (Cr English)

15th December 2016 4th April 2017

Recommendation: That the Council receive and note the delegate and advisory committee reports from Councillors and Advisory Committee meeting minutes as presented.

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Country Mayors Association of NEW SOUTH WALES

Chairperson: Cr Katrina Humphries

PO Box 420 Moree NSW 2400 02 6757 3222

ABN 92 803 490 533

MINUTES GENERAL MEETING FRIDAY, 24 MARCH 2017, JUBILEE ROOM, PARLIAMENT HOUSE, SYDNEY The meeting opened at 9.30 a.m. 1. ATTENDANCE:

Armidale Regional Council, Mr Peter Dennis, Acting General Manager Bega Valley Shire Council, Cr Kristy McBain, Mayor Bellingen Shire Council, Cr Dominic King, Mayor Berrigan Shire Council, Cr Matthew Hannan, Mayor Bland Shire Council, Cr Tony Lord, Mayor Bland Shire Council, Mr Ray Smith, General Manager Blayney Shire Council, Cr Scott Ferguson, Mayor Blayney Shire Council, Ms Rebecca Ryan, General Manager Carrathool Shire Council, Cr Peter Laird, Mayor Carrathool Shire Council, Mr Ken Murphy, Acting General Manager Coffs Harbour City Council, Cr Denise Knight, Mayor Coolamon Shire Council, Cr John Seymour, Mayor Coolamon Shire Council, Mr Tony Donoghue, General Manager Coonamble Shire Council, Cr Michael Webb, Mayor Eurobodalla Shire Council, Ms Cath Dale, General Manager Federation Council, Mr Chris Gillard, Acting General Manager Forbes Shire Council, Cr Graeme Miller, Mayor Forbes Shire Council, Mr Danny Green, General Manager Gilgandra Shire Council, Cr Doug Batten, Mayor Gilgandra Shire Council, Mr David Neeves, General Manager Griffith City Council, Cr John Dal Broi, Mayor Griffith City Council, Mr Max Turner, Acting General Manager Gwydir Shire Council, Cr John Coulton, Mayor Gwydir Shire Council, Mr Max Eastcott, General Manager Hilltops Council, Ms Wendy Tuckerman, Administrator Inverell Shire Council, Cr Paul Harmon, Mayor Kempsey Shire Council, Cr Liz Campbell, Mayor Kempsey Shire Council, Mr David Rawlings, General Manager Leeton Shire Council, Cr Paul Maytom , Mayor

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Leeton Shire Council, Ms Jackie Kruger, General Manager Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Cr Andrew Hope, Mayor Lockhart Shire Council, Cr Roger Schirmer, Mayor Lockhart Shire Council, Mr Peter Veneris, General Manager Mid Western/Mudgee Regional Council, Cr Des Kennedy, Mayor Mid Western/Mudgee Regional Council, Mr Brad Cam, General Manager Moree Plains Shire Council, Cr Katrina Humphries, Mayor Moree Plains Shire Council, Mr Lester Rogers, General Manager Moree Plains Shire Council, Ms Alice Cobran, Governance Project Officer Murrumbidgee Council, Mr Andrew Crakanthorp, Acting General Manager Narrabri Shire Council, Cr Catherine Redding, Mayor Oberon Shire Council, Cr Kathy Sajowitz, Mayor Oberon Shire Council, Ms Lynette Safranek, Acting General Manager Parkes Shire Council, Cr Barbara Newton, Deputy Mayor Shoalhaven City Council, Cr Amanda Findley, Mayor Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Mr Joe Vescio, Acting General Manager Temora Shire Council, Cr Rick Firman, Mayor Temora Shire Council, Mr Gary Lavelle, General Manager Tenterfield Shire Council, Cr Peter Petty, Mayor Upper Lachlan Shire Council, Cr Brian McCormack, Mayor Upper Lachlan Shire Council, Mr John Bell, General Manager Uralla Shire Council, Cr Michael Pearce, Mayor Walcha Council, Cr Eric Noakes, Mayor Warrumbungle Shire Council, Cr Peter Shinton, Mayor Warrumbungle Shire Council, Mr Steve Loane, General Manager Yass Valley Council, Cr Rowena Abbey, Mayor Yass Valley Council, Mr David Rowe, General Manager LGNSW, Cr Keith Rhoades, President LGNSW, Cr Lindsay Brown, Vice President Premier and Cabinet, Mr Ken Gillespie, Regional Infrastructure Coordinator

APOLOGIES:

As submitted

SPECIAL GUESTS: Mr Ian Dinham, President, Floodplain Management Australia Hon Melinda Pavey MP, Minister for Roads, and Maritime and Freight Mr Gary White, Chief Planner, Department of Planning

Hon Gabrielle Upton MP, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Local Government, and Minister for Heritage

2. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting: RESOLVED that the minutes of the General Meeting held on 4 November 2016 be accepted as a true and accurate record (Inverell Shire Council / Tenterfield Shire Council).

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3. Matters Arising from the Minutes NIL 4. Mr Ian Dinham, President, Floodplain Management Australia

Floodplain management Australia has been the peak body since 1961 and is the national network in every state in Australia. The Flood Management Plan is being reviewed by the Floodplain Risk Management Committee. Current issues are very long process, reduction in staff, grant funding not being spent due to staff shortages, and inadequate funding. Flood damage in Australia is estimated to be $560 million per annum estimated to increase to $33billion by 2050. Ninety percent is spent on restoration and ten percent on mitigation. Many things are not eligible for funding a major one being reimbursement of Council staff costs are not eligible for work undertaken during normal working hours. Currently Commonwealth Assistance for the States is based on • 50% up to first threshold $73.3 million to individuals • 50 % between 1st and 2nd threshold $164.9 million for essential public assets • 75% above second threshold $288.6 Million Funding thresholds for individuals and Councils needs to be made simplier and that is what the review is doing. The new agreement between the Commonwealth and States needs to make it more favourable for Councils

RESOLVED That the Country Mayors Association support the review of the NDRRA to both Minister Keenan, appropriate State Government Departments and ALGA particularily in respect to having State guidelines match Commonwealth guidelines (Warrumbungle Shire Council/ Yass Valley Council)

5. Membership

RESOLVED ThatGoulburn Mulwaree Council be admitted as a member of the Association (Warrumbungle Shire Council/Yass Valley Council)

6. CORRESPONDENCE

Outward (a) Mr Justin Bear, Bluemont Pty Ltd, thanking him for his presentation at the 4

November meeting (b) Mr Gary White, Chief Planner, NSW Department of Planning and

Environment, thanking him for his presentation at the 4 November meeting (c) To member Mayors, urging members to write to the Premier, Treasurer,

Minister for Local Government and IPART expressing complete dissatisfaction of the 2017-18 rate peg increase

(d) The Hon Mike Baird MP, Premier, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, Treasurer, The Hon Paul Toole MP, Minister for Local Government, Independent Pricing and Regulation Tribunal, expressing complete dissatisfaction of the 2017-18 rate peg increase

(e) To country Members of Parliament advising the election of Chairman 2017 and the Executive and inviting close working relations ships between country MP’s and the Country Mayors Association

Inward (a) Darryl Maguire MP, member for Wagga Wagga, passing on congratulations

to the Executive

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(b) Chris Gulaptis MP, member for Clarence, looking forward to working with Country Mayors in the future

(c) Shelly Hankock MP, member for South Coast suggesting a meeting with our Chairperson in the new year

(d) Robert Brown MLC, (Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party) looking forward to assisting Country Mayors

(e) Hon Mark Speakman MP, Minister for Environment, Re Flying Fox Camp Management

(f) Hon John Barilaro MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Skills, and Minister for Small Business, advising he is looking forward to working with the Association

NOTED

7. FINANCIAL REPORT RESOLVED That the financial reports for the last quarter were tabled and accepted (Moree Plains Shire Council / Temora Shire Council)

8. MR KEN GILLESPIE, REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE COORDINATOR, NSW PREMIER AND

CABINET Mr Gillespie recently appointed to the position outlined his background and explained that he was looking at ways of enhancing the outflow for infrastructure in Rural NSW. The approvals process currently is not fast enough and his unit was trying to free this up

9. Hon Melinda Pavey MP, Minister for Roads, and Maritime and Freight The Government is endeavouring to work together and listen to Regional NSW. Currently the Government is playing catchup and planning for the future. Current programs include Fixing Country Roads $500 million, Fixing Country Rail $400 million, Bridges for the Bush $200 million, Regional Road Projects $250 million, Fixing Country Truck Wash Program $10 million, and NSW Boating Now Projects $21 million. In 2016 the road toll was 384 killed. The road safety challenges in Rural NSW are higher than in the city that is why the Government is endeavouring to have shared safety goals with Local Government through the Councils Roads Safety Program. It is up to stakeholders to work with the State Government to produce solutions.

10. General Business (a) Appointment of External Auditors for Council by Auditor General

Appears to be a done deal. Local; Government may need to request a review if problems over costs continue. LGNSW has agreed to highlight any problems and inconsistencies in their weekly newsletter.

(b) Business Relocation Incentives

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RESOLVED That the Country Mayors Association write a letter to Minister of Regional Development, The Hon. John Barilaro strongly supporting a Business Relocation Incentive policy for those businesses based in the Sydney basin that have to relocate their business to Regional NSW because of development pressures in Sydney (Bega Valley Shire Council/ Yass Valley Council)

(c) Disaster Welfare Assistance

Asbestos is a significant risk to public health particularly when fibers get released by other factors such as fire. Warrumbungle Shire Council to submit a motion to the next meeting

(d) Sir Ivan Fire

NOTED 11. Mr Gary White, Chief Planner, Department of Planning

Megatrends is a major shift in environment, social and economic conditions. Megatrends will drive the world and have impacts on locations and communities. Megatrends in Australia include More for Less, Protection of Biodiversity, Economic Growth, An Aging Population, Digital Technology, Rise of the Individual Consumer and Technological Advancement Smart Technology is the new Green but to be smart Councils must still consider the employment and housing of citizens. Megatrends influence Technological change and are determinants for government decisions. Multiple Megatrends means changes are occurring at a faster rate than previously predicted and we are moving from a Linear Economy where you loose value to a Circular Economy where you retain value Opportunities bought about by Megatrends include new information technology, consumers becoming empowered with choice, increases in efficiency and productivity, connectivity and entrepreneurism. General Principles for successful towns and regions include organization structure, distinctive identity, continuity and connectivity, convenience, comfort and universal access and quality Develop a competitive edge in agriculture, freight and logistics, tourism and health and education.

12. Hon Gabrielle Upton MP, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Local

Government, and Minister for Heritage The Minister thanked Councils for the work they undertake as they make a difference on the ground. Thirty percent of gross product comes from the Regions. Recent discussions have been on the creation of new councils and the decision not to proceed with proposed mergers. Councils not now affected by mergers now have certainty and can carry on governing. Under Fit For the Future there have been changes and the Office of Local Government is working through the other reforms. The Office of Local Government is working with non fit Councils (based on scale and capacity).

13. Duncan Gay

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RESOLVED That the Country Mayors Association write to the former Minister for Roads expressing its appreciation for his assistance, cooperation and close working relationship with Local Government during his tenure as Minister for Roads (Upper Lachlan Shire Council/ Moree Plains Shire Council)

There being no further business the meeting closed at 1.25pm.

Cr Katrina Humphries Chair – Country Mayor’s Association of NSW

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MINUTES OF THE NSW ASSOCIATION OF MINING RELATED COUNCILS ORDINARY MEETING HELD AT RYDGES SYDNEY CENTRAL, SURRY ROOM, ON 2nd MARCH

2017 Present Cr Peter Shinton Warrumbungle Shire Council (Chair) Cr Chris Connor Wollongong City Council (Deputy Chair) Steve Loane Warrumbungle Shire Council Mr Ron Zwicker Wollongong City Council Cr Liz McGlynn Bland Shire Council Cr Owen Hasler Gunnedah Shire Council Cr Col Hamilton Narromine Shire Council Cr Jay Suvaal Cessnock City Council Cr Melanie Dagg Cessnock City Council M/S Rebecca Ryan Blayney Shire Council Cr Scott Ferguson Blayney Shire Council Cr Michael Banasik Wollondilly Shire Council Cr Robert Khan Wollondilly Shire Council Cr Hollee Jenkins (entered at 10.15am) Singleton Shire Council Cr Dan Thompson Singleton Shire Council Mr Jason Linnane Singleton Shire Council Cr Alan Ward Parkes Shire Council Cr Mark Hall Lachlan Shire Council Mr Glen Wilcox (Life Member) Lachlan Shire Council Staff Mr Greg Lamont Executive Officer Guests Mr Adam Searle, MLC, Shadow Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy and Industrial Relations. Apologies Cr John Davis Orange City Council Cr Lilliane Brady OAM Cobar Shire Council Mr Peter Vlatko Cobar Shire Council Cr Gordon Bradbery OAM Wollongong City Council Mr David Henry Wollondilly Shire Council Cr Nuatali Nelmes Newcastle City Council Cr Jim Nolan Broken Hill City Council Mr Brad Cam Mid Western Regional Council Cr Des Kennedy Mid Western Regional Council Cr Gae Swain Gunnedah Shire Council Cr Sharon Wilcox Cabonne Shire Council M/S Heather Nicholls Cabonne Shire Council Cr Melissa Hedrics Wentworth Shire Council Mr Peter Kozlowski Wentworth Shire Council Mr Robert Hunt Lachlan Shire Council

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Welcome The Chair, Councillor Peter Shinton welcomed members to the meeting and declared the meeting open at 9.35am and requested the Association suspend standing orders to have a minute’s silence as a mark of respect to the family of Mr Don Tydd, former Executive Officer of Association Mining Related Councils, who passed away recently after a short illness. Suspension of Standing Orders OM/1/2017 Resolved (Cr Connor/Cr Hasler) that the Association suspend standing orders to allow a minute’s silence as a mark of respect to the family of the late Mr Don Tydd, former Executive Officer of Association Mining Related Councils. 1. Apologies OM 2/2017 Resolved (Cr McGlynn/Steve Loane) that the apologies of delegates listed be received and noted. 2. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Mr Ron Zwicker declared his interest as a shareholder in AGL Gas Investments. Prior to dealing with items on the Agenda, the Chair asked each delegate present to stand and individually state their name, Council and to outline the mining activity in their Local Government Area in order to familiarise new delegates with those present. 3. Minutes of the Previous Ordinary Meeting OM 3/2017 Resolved (Cr Banasik/Cr Khan) that the minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on 4th November 2016 be received and noted.

4. Minutes of the Special Executive Committee Meeting held on 8th December

2016 OM 3/2017 Resolved (Cr Hasler/Cr Shinton) that the minutes of the Special Executive Committee meeting held on 8th December 2016 be received and noted. 5. Business Arising (from either meeting on 4th November and 8th December 2016) Nil

6. Executive Officer’s Report 6.1 Information

For the benefit of delegates, the Executive Officer elaborated on Item 6.1 relating to submissions to the Department of Planning (re Voluntary Planning Agreements, Social Impact Assessment Guidelines and proposed changes to the Environmental Planning Assessment Act and the use of one of our panel of consultants to assist the Association – Warwick Giblin), speakers and correspondence items.

Delegates spoke about the utilisation of an external consultant such as Warwick Giblin being of huge benefit to some individual members and the Association generally and the potential for membership growth. It was agreed that opportunities for attracting new members had never been greater with the changing political environment in NSW and upcoming election

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schedules and the need to take our issues to the leader in government and all political parties given the heavy lobbying by the NSW Minerals Council.

OM 4/2017 Resolved (Cr Hasler/Cr Connor) that the information be noted. Suspension of Standing Orders at 10.30am OM 5/2017 Resolved (Cr Dagg/Cr Hall) that standing orders be suspended to allow delegates to have morning tea and thereafter to have Adam Searle, MLC, Shadow Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy and Industrial Relation to address delegates. Address by Adam Searle Deputy Chair–Coal, Cr Connor introduced, Adam Searle, MLC, Shadow Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy and Industrial Relations and thanked him for rearranging his busy parliamentary schedule to attend the meeting of the Association in lieu of the arranged speakers to provide an address to delegates. Adam Searle thanked delegates for the opportunity to address the Association and outlined his background: born on NSW North Coast, has been a Local Government Councillor, works as a barrister, is a member of the NSW Legislative Council (Upper House) and a member of the Shadow Labor government. He then spoke about the recent changes to portfolios in the NSW Coalition government and his many Shadow roles that he has been allocated and stated that he was still catching up with the issues within them and apologised if he could not answer questions that may be posed by delegates. He spoke about recent energy issues and the amount of money mining contributes towards the NSW State government $70billion budget ($1billion) and that coal contributes to the production of 80% of the electricity produced in NSW. With the sale of generators, poles and wires the recurrent maintenance costs and lack of Federal government direction with power and renewable energy are leaving it all to the market place. Australia is now at the crossroads with what to do with energy for business and the community. Adam said the time is right for the Association to be a louder voice for their communities on energy sources and programs such as Resources for Regions and need to meet with relevant leaders to do so. When asked by delegates was he aware the Association had been meeting with the NSW Minerals Council on VPA’S and what was Labor’s position on VPA’S, Social Impact Assessment Guidelines, changes to the EPA Act and Resources for Regions, Adam indicated he was not in a position to speak on the Labor Party’s policy stance on these areas as some of the issues were in the Shadow Treasurer’s portfolio (Resources for Regions). He indicated that until fully briefed on all of the issues in his respective portfolios, he couldn’t comment but indicated he would be prepared to take the issues on board and travel to meet with Association members and their communities in the future, if requested. The Chair thanked Adam Searle for his supportive address and attendance. Resumption of Standing Orders at 11.00am OM 6/2017 Resolved (Cr Suvaal/Cr Ward) that standing orders be resumed. 6.2 Recommendations from the Executive Committee

(a) Correspondence

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The Executive Officer pointed out that Executive Committee recommended that the correspondence format be minimised with only those items of correspondence that are relevant for decision making or information for delegates to be presented in a table format in future.

The Executive Committee also recommended that a copy of all future minutes and the monthly Newsletter be forwarded to all member councils to assist with the distribution of information to all councillors that are part of the Associations’ membership.

An approach for financial assistance was submitted by Ms Dayjil Fincham for a Masters in Water Management overseas study to Lusatia in Germany and the Hunter Valley after having spoken to member councils in the Hunter Valley. The Executive Committee felt it more appropriate that she approach the NSW Minerals Council for assistance as the project has more relevance to their members as the miner.

OM 7/2017 Resolved (Cr Jenkins/Cr Connor) that: (a) The correspondence be received and noted; (b) All future minutes and Newsletter be forwarded to all member councils as

information; (c) Ms Dayjil Fincham be advised to approach NSW Minerals Council for assistance as

the project has more relevance and benefit to them; (d) The Executive Officer present future correspondence in a table format only outlining

relevant key items of correspondence. (b)

VPA Working Party

The Executive Officer, Councillor Hasler, Cr Jenkins and Steve Loane provided an update on the progress with the VPA Working Party outlining recent discussions with the NSW Minerals Council senior executive and requested direction from the Association about whether to continue or not with the negotiations. Delegates discussed the need for the Working Party to continue, to not sign off until all issues have been agreed to and for the need for champions on all sides of the political sphere to step up and ensure the Association has a louder voice with the state government on mining related issues. Councillor Suvaal offered to facilitate a meeting with Country Labor parliament members. It was agreed that a meeting be held with the Joint Chairs, Executive and Working Party members of the Association and NSW Minerals Council in Orange as soon as practicable to clarify the issues. Further meetings be organised with the Deputy Premier and Leader of the National Party to outline the status on negotiations with the VPA Working Party and the regional and rural importance of them being addressed.

OM 8/2017 Resolved (Cr Hasler/Cr Connor) that: (a) Progress with the Joint VPA Working Party be noted and a meeting be arranged

between Chair and CEO NSW Minerals Council and Chair AMRC and Executive Officer plus VPA Working Party delegates in Orange in the near future;

(b) The AMRC not go to the Minister for a “sign–off” without having agreement on all aspects of the VPA negotiations being discussed by the NSW Minerals Council and the AMRC VPA Working Party such as the non-road social and economic impact calculator and involvement of IPART;

(c) A meeting be arranged between AMRC Executive and the Deputy Premier, the Hon John Barilaro, to provide an update on the status and importance of negotiations on

5

the VPA with the NSW Minerals Council and the Association in relation to regional and rural communities.

(c)

Financial Position Update

The Executive Officer provided an update to the Executive Committee on the financial position of AMRC since the financials were reported to the delegates on 8th December 2016. Several improvements to internal controls and transparency were discussed. OM 9/2017 Resolved (Cr Connor/Cr Jenkins) that: (a) The Financial Report for October 2016 to 31st December 2016 and amended budget

for 2016-17 be received and noted. (b) The AMRC engage a suitably qualified cost effective entity to undertake an Audit as

at 30th June 2017; (c) The Executive Officer present a Quarterly Financial Report in a format that includes

Estimate, Actual and balance of Income and Expenditure; (d) The Executive Officer be delegated authority to expend up to $5000 on any one

transaction, thereafter all expenditure to be authorised by one other being either Chair or any of the two Deputy Chairs;

(e) A list of transactions to be submitted to the Executive Committee Quarterly outlining expenditure and authorisations.

(d) Resources Advisory Forum (RAF

)

Cr Hasler, AMRC’s delegate to the RAF, provided an update on activities at the Resources Advisory Forum and indicated he had submitted a series of comments and questions to the Forum staff for response. A copy of his document will be forwarded to delegates shortly. The next meeting of RAF will be on 16th March 2017 whereby those responses from Department of Planning staff should be forthcoming. OM 10/2017 Resolved (Cr Hasler/Cr Connor) that the information be noted and a copy of the discussion paper to the Resources Advisory Forum by Cr Hasler be distributed to delegates by the Executive Officer.

(e)

Strategic Framework Review 2017–2020

The Executive Officer provided an update on the need to review the Strategic Framework 2013–2016, to establish an achievable Plan with Goals, Actions, Key Performance Indicators and to develop a Marketing Strategy to increase membership of the Association and recommended that the Executive Committee conduct a workshop to do this. The Executive Officer distributed a discussion paper for the delegates to consider prior to the workshop. The Executive Committee recommended that a working party be established, chaired by Cr Connor Deputy Chair-Coal, consisting of up to six delegates to review the Strategic Framework for 2017–2020 and submit a draft to the next meeting of the Association in August 2017. Cr Connor to contact the working party members and communicate with them on the issues in relation to the review and to update the Strategic Framework to meet the needs of the Association for the next three years.

6

OM 11/2017 Resolved (Cr Hasler/Cr Connor) that: (a) A working party, Chaired by Cr Connor, Deputy Chair-Coal, be formed consisting of

up to six delegates, to review the Strategic Framework 2013–2016 for the period 2017-2020;

(b) The Association appoint delegates to be part of the working party at its Ordinary meeting held on 2nd March 2017;

(c) The working party to submit a Draft Strategic Framework for 2017–2020 to the next meeting of the Association in August 2017.

(f)

VPA Working Party briefings

Cr Hasler requested that this item be listed for consideration, as the meetings with NSW Minerals Council and AMRC on VPA’s had been constructive however member councils may need to have private briefings on the details regarding contribution models and guidelines agreed to by the parties in order to assist them to better understand the process and in future negotiations with miners on VPA’s. It was agreed that the details are complex and this would be one way of assisting member and potential member Councils to comprehend the process undertaking and details agreed upon by the negotiating parties.

OM 12/2017 Resolved (Cr Hasler/Cr Jenkins) that the information be noted and a letter be forwarded to all member councils advising them of the availability of the VPA Working Party.

(g)

Resources for Regions Grant Funding

It was noted that the former Executive Officer of the Association was appointed as a delegate to the Resources for Regions Grant Funding body and permission is to be obtained for the Association to nominate a replacement delegate.

OM 13/2017 Resolved (Cr Connor/Cr Hasler) that the Association seek permission from the Resources for Regions Grant Funding body to nominate a replacement delegate to represent the Association.

(h)

Performance Management of Executive Officer

It was noted that the Performance Review for the Executive Officer will consist of a panel of Chair and two Deputies with Executive Officer submitting a report beforehand on achievements in relation the approved Key Performance Indicators.

OM 14/2017 Resolved (Cr Connor/Cr Hasler) that the information be noted

7. General Business

(a) Treasurer for Association

Delegate Steve Loane foreshadowed that a Notice of Motion will be put to the Executive Committee to conduct a Special Ordinary meeting to consider a change to the constitution for the appointment of a Treasurer to the Association.

OM 15/2017 Resolved (Steve Loane/Cr Jenkins) that the information be noted.

7

(b) Resources for Regions

Delegates discussed the need to take up the Resources for Regions issues (particularly obtaining a commitment to get a set percentage of royalties derived from local government areas to be put back into the communities from where they came) with the government, Opposition, minority party leaders, local members and relevant Ministers in view of the impending elections in NSW at State and Local Government levels in 2017. OM 16/2017 Resolved (Cr Hasler/Cr Banasik) that the Association Chair and Executive Officer make representations in writing and meet with appropriate Ministers and leaders of all parties on the Resources for Regions Program issues and invite them to future meetings of the Association to discuss the issues with delegates. (c) Mines Subsidence Board to be Wound Up

Cr Thompson is a current Mines Subsidence Board Hunter Valley member who has been informed that the Board is being phased out in 2017 and will be replaced by another entity within a government department within the Division of Resources and Energy, Trade and Investment, to focus on rehabilitation of mines not mines subsidence. This new body will only have industry representatives and it was indicated that the Association should be part of that new advisory group The concern is that a levy is currently placed on mining companies by the Mines Subsidence Board and the funds are used to rectify or acquire homes that have been affected by mines subsidence or for rehabilitation. This is now to be returned to miners to repay mining bonds imposed on mining projects by the State Government, to be overseen by a new Advisory Group within the government. This is to occur in 2018/19 and the quantum in the fund is in the vicinity of $20million. The fund has been in existence for over 40 years.

OM 17/2017 Resolved (Cr Thompson/Rebecca Ryan) that the Association write to the relevant Ministers for Industry, Trade, Planning, Resources and Energy requesting that funds from the Mines Subsidence Board Levy Fund not be returned to mining companies but the majority of it, in the vicinity of $14-18million be put into a rehabilitation fund to be administered by an Advisory Group consisting of representatives from Local Government, Industry and the relevant government agency in the Division of Resources and Energy, Trade and Investment departments for rehabilitation of mine site purposes.

(d) IPART Rating Review

Rebecca Ryan indicated that following the submission by the Association on separating mining rates from the General Rate calculation IPART has revealed its position - it should be part of the General Rate as a business rate not a mining rate and not separate. Rebecca requested the Association approach the Office of Local Government to consider the mining rate as a separate rate as outlined in the Association’s submission to the rating enquiry. Delegates agreed to maintain the Association’s position on a separate mining rate and to write to the Minister for Local Government requesting it legislate accordingly. OM 18/2017 Resolved (Cr Hasler/Cr Dagg) that the Association continue to maintain its rating position and write to the Minister for Local Government requesting the mining rate be legislated as a rate separate from the General Rate.

8

8. Next Meeting

It was resolved at the Ordinary Meeting in Picton on 4th November 2016 that the next Ordinary meeting of the Association be held in Broken Hill on 12th May 2017 commencing at 9.30am, preceded by the Executive Committee meeting on Thursday 11th May 2017 at 9am thereafter followed by a delegates’ mine site visit in the afternoon and networking dinner that night.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 12.20pm. The minutes (pages 1-8) were confirmed at a meeting of the Ordinary Committee held on the 12th May 2017 and are a concise and accurate record of proceedings of the Ordinary meeting held on 2nd March 2017. …………………………………………. Cr Peter Shinton Chairperson

REROC Board Minutes, 2 February 2017 1

RIVERINA EASTERN REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS

MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING HELD

Thursday 2 February 2017 Held in the RJ Hall Room, Commercial Club, Gurwood Street, Wagga Wagga. Meeting opened at 9.30am.

PRESENT

Cr John Seymour Coolamon Shire Council Tony Donoghue Coolamon Shire Council Paul Braybrooks OAM Cootamundra-Gundagai Council Ken Trethewey Cootamundra-Gundagai Council Christine Ferguson Steve Pinnuck Cr Doug Meyers

Cootamundra-Gundagai Council Observer Greater Hume Shire Council Greater Hume Shire Council Alternate

Cr Neil Smith James Davis

Junee Shire Council Junee Shire Council

Kay Whitehead Snowy Valleys Council Paul Sullivan Cr Tony Lord Ray Smith

Snowy Valleys Council Bland Shire Council Bland Shire Council

Cr Greg Verdon Graeme Haley Gary Lavelle Cr Rick Firman OAM Cr Greg Conkey Alan Eldridge Cr Chris Manchester Cr Rodger Schirmer Peter Veneris

Riverina Water County Council Riverina Water County Council Temora Shire Council Temora Shire Council Wagga Wagga City Council Wagga Wagga City Council Goldenfields Water County Council Lockhart Shire Council Lockhart Shire Council

Trudi McDonald Julie Briggs Tracey Cornell

Department Premier & Cabinet REROC REROC

APOLOGIES

Apologies for non-attendance were received from Rachel Whiting, Cr Heather Wilton and Phil Rudd. Moved Cr R Schirmer, seconded Cr G Conkey that the apologies be accepted.

CARRIED


CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Moved Cr J Seymour, seconded Cr N Smith that the minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2016 be confirmed.

CARRIED BUSINESS ARISING

Dealt with in Reports.

CORRESPONDENCE The Correspondence report was tabled. IPWEA – advising that they want to encourage engagement with ROCs and JOs and offered to make a presentation to GMs, Finance, Risk and Infrastructure Managers within the region on IPWEA’s work on Special Schedule 7, asset management, regional benchmarking and other research work. Members suggested that the IPWEA run two sessions – one for General Managers and Councillors and a separate one for Managers and Staff. J Briggs to follow up with IPWEA. Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP – responding to our letter about the NSW RFS and the ESPL, advising that at this time the Government does not intend changing the contribution made by local government to the costs of fire and emergency services. All other issues raised have been forwarded to the Minister for Emergency Services. Moved Cr J Seymour, seconded Cr C Manchester that REROC write to:

1. Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Local Government with copies to local members and LGNSW advocating that the Local Government Contribution to Emergency Services be included in the Emergency Services Property Levy

2. Premier, with copies to the Treasurer, Minister for Emergency, local members and LGNSW reiterating the issues with RFS especially in regards to the lack of budget constraint and local government’s capacity to pay.

CARRIED Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP – advising that she has made representations to the Treasurer in relation to our concerns about the sale of the Land Titles Office. Cr Lola Cummins OAM – Cr R Firman advised that Cr L Cummins was recently awarded an OAM. Moved Cr N Smith, seconded Cr R Schirmer that the REROC Board send a letter of congratulations to Cr Cummins on the awarding of the OAM.

CARRIED Moved J Davis, seconded S Pinnuck that the Correspondence be accepted.

CARRIED


EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT J Briggs spoke to the written report. Joint Organisations – J Briggs advised that the JO Boundaries were not released before Christmas as we were expecting. Due to the change of Premier and re-shuffle of Ministers we are unsure if the JO legislation will make the first sitting of Parliament as originally planned. J Briggs further advised that REROC wrote to the Minister requesting the JO Pilots receive $200,000 as resolved at the December Board meeting. RFS Funding and ESPL – dealt with in Correspondence. Announcement of the Rate Peg – we wrote to IPART about the Local Government Cost Index and they were very responsive wanting to meeting with REROC before Christmas however this didn’t happen. Cr R Firman and J Briggs will be meeting with IPART on 13 February in Sydney to talk about the rate peg and the LGCI. Review of the NSW Public Lighting Code – the Department of Industry is yet to set a date in February for the next meeting of the Advisory Group. Sale of the Lands Title Office – REROC wrote to Premier Baird advising our concerns about the sale. Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) for NSW – REROC has been contacted by two of the parties that are putting in a bid to be Network Operators for Zone 5. We have provided them with information and a no-commitment letter of support and now need to wait until the Network Operator is selected. *Alan Eldridge arrived to the meeting at 10.05am The meeting was adjourned to accommodate the arrival of the Guest Speaker, Hon Peter Primrose.

GUEST SPEAKER Hon Peter Primrose, MLC, Shadow Minister for Local Government addressed the meeting about his role as Shadow Minister and answered questions from members. He encouraged members to approach him at any time to raise concerns or to discuss issues pertaining to local government operations. *Cr Greg Conkey left the meeting at 10.30am

EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT The meeting re-commenced at 10.30am.


Riverina-Murray Regional Plan – DPE have advised that the release of the Plan is imminent. Roll out of LED Lighting by Essential Energy – Essential Energy were able to obtain the 51% of the agreement needed from the negotiating councils to finalise a price for the LED. REROC, CENTROC and CBRJO were not part of the 51% as we wanted to hold-out to negotiate some other issues beyond the pricing. We are however happy with the final price that was negotiated. National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme – REROC has written to Peter Brisbane, the Director of Stewardship and Waste at the Federal Department of Environment about the need for a regional target for e-waste. Regional application for Funding to Repair Rain affected Roads – REROC is currently collating the updated information. Parliamentary Secretary’s attendance at Board Meetings – we have written to Parliamentary Secretary, Hon Bronnie Taylor MLC to invite her to meet with the Executive and to attend two meetings a year with the REROC Board, including our AGM. Regional Development issues – J Briggs advised that the Economic Enablers’ Project Report prepared by the NSW Centre for Economic Development has been removed from the Department of Industry’s website after meetings with Daryl Maguire where we raised serious concerns about the quality and accuracy of the information it contained. J Briggs advised that the document is an important one as the Report as it is part of the Framework for Regional Development and is used to inform all State Government investment in the regions. Therefore it is essential that it contains accurate and up-to-date information. Professional Development for Mayors and Councillors – the OLG is seeking submissions, which close on 3 February 2017, on the s232 of the LG Act requirements that councillors are “to make all reasonable efforts to acquire and maintain the skills necessary to perform the role of a councillor”. Moved S Pinnuck, seconded Cr R Schirmer, that REROC respond to the OLG reiterating its previous stance and comments on training for councillors.

CARRIED CSP and State Government Data – J Briggs and Trudi McDonald are working on developing a spreadsheet that councils will be able to use to advise what data/information they need from which State agency for CSP and other planning. Trudi will be co-ordinating responses from the State agencies. Meeting with Southern NSW ROCs – the next meeting of the Executive Officers will be held in Young on 27 February.


Moved Cr C Manchester, seconded P Veneris that the Executive Officer report be accepted.

CARRIED

RESOURCE SHARING REPORT J Briggs spoke to the written report. Riverina Spatial Information Group – the next meeting of the Group will be on 1 March in Wagga Wagga. Planning has already commenced on this year’s Mapped Out Conference which will be held on Thursday 9 November. Fixing Country Roads – the project is continuing and should be completed by March. Connectivity Project with RMS – waiting on RMS to call the next meeting. Water and Waste Water Technical Group – the group will next meet on 9 February. Water and Waste Water Revaluation Project – this project is continuing. Planning Technical Group – will meet next on 14 February. One of the issues that the Group is now discussing is Independent Planning Panels and their role in a regional context. Councillor Induction Training – J Briggs to email around two date options and the course content. Energy Efficiency Project – J Briggs attended meetings at the Office of Environment and Hertiage with Jenny Bennett from CENTROC on 20 February in Sydney in regards to Energy Efficiency initiatives. Building Better Regions Fund – the Executive met and agreed that the best outcome for the member councils would be a project in the youth leadership area. This is one of the areas that the funding has targeted. We would like to do more work on Take Charge and Volunteer and this funding would assist in this. REROC will apply for the funding in its own right so that there can be no confusion with regard to whether councils are part of the application. Moved Cr R Schirmer, seconded P. Braybrooks that REROC submit an application for Building Better Regions funding for a project in Youth Leadership and that the cash contribution required for the funding be drawn from REROC reserves, the amount to be approved by the Executive.

CARRIED REROC Scholarship with CSU – REROC set up a scholarship with CSU a number of years ago by investing $10,000 with the University with the interest generated being used to fund annual scholarship of $1,000. The Executive reviewed the criteria and added eligible


course areas, the value of the scholarship to be $1,000 and that CSU shortlist 3 applicants who are interviewed by REROC with REROC selecting the successful applicant. Moved P Braybrooks, seconded Cr C Manchester that REROC provide additional funds, to be taken from reserves, to increase the scholarship to $2,000 per year until the investment at CSU is exhausted at which time the Scholarship will be reviewed, all other criteria to be adopted.

CARRIED Innovative Solutions to Telecommunications Forum – we are working with DPC and Department of Industry on developing this Forum. It will showcase some of the ways people have overcome telecommunications problems, particularly in rural and regional areas. At this stage, we are looking at late April. Moved A Eldridge, seconded P Braybrooks that the Resource Sharing report be accepted.

CARRIED

*Alan Eldridge left the meeting at 10.55am.

THEME GROUP REPORTS

Workforce Development – S Pinnuck advised that LGNSW is offering training in Workforce Planning on 14 February in Sydney for $660 per person. The Group is interested in offering the training in Wagga Wagga and we hope to be able to offer the training for around $400 per person. J Briggs is waiting for a quote from LGNSW and will advise member councils as soon as possible if the training will go ahead.

FINANCE REPORT T Donoghue spoke to the written report. Moved T Donoghue, seconded S Pinnuck that the Finance report be accepted.

CARRIED

WASTE FORUM REPORT

T Cornell spoke to the written report.

Community Recycling Centres – promotion of the CRCs has continued. We have been asked to provide some additional information to the Environmental Trust about the CRCs and the final EPA sign-off on the facilities. We hope to have this sorted in the next few weeks and we don’t expect it to cause any issues. Signage on the mobile trailer is currently being organised.


Container Deposit Scheme – bin audits are due to commence week beginning 13 March. The audits will provide us with important information that will allow REROC and the member councils to benchmark the impact of CDS on kerbside collections. We will also be collecting data on contamination in the recycling bins. J Briggs advised that some member councils have been approached by individual providers asking councils to sign exclusive contracts. As we are trying to negotiate as a group and no-one knows who the final provider will be for our Zone, we advise councils not to sign anything at this stage. E-Waste – we undertook an extensive TV campaign over Christmas/New year period so we are about to start commencing collections from member councils. Kindy Kits – 2,500 library bags to Kindergarten students are currently being delivered to all schools. Illegal Dumping Project – the draft of the Illegal Dumping Strategy 2017-2020 has been completed and emailed to Board members. Recycling Education Campaign – work is continuing on the Recycle Night? Recycle Right! project which targets contamination in household recycling bins. Safe Sharps – the latest update to Apple app has been completed and we expect it to be available any day. Litter Grant – we are now focused on implementing this project in order to have it completed by 30 June. Household CleanOut – the event will be held from Wednesday 29 March to Saturday 1 April and Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 April. We are looking at Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra and Tumut having full day collections due to their higher tonnages collected in the past and the remaining councils half days. We hope to finalise the schedule at next week’s Waste Forum meeting. Moved Cr N Smith, seconded P Veneris that the Waste Forum report be accepted.

CARRIED

YOUTH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK REPORT

T Cornell spoke to the written report. Take Charge Regional Leadership Forum – this year’s Forum will be held on Thursday 31 August at Joyes Hall, CSU. We have started to discuss speakers and workshop topics for the Forum.


Building Better Regions Fund – as previously reported, the Network would like to develop a toolkit for both young people and council staff around Youth Councils and to also provide training for young people around event management. Take Charge & Volunteer Program – we are continuing to promote the site through our Facebook page and look to find opportunities to engage with volunteer organisations. Moved S Pinnuck, seconded P Braybrooks that the Youth & Community Development Network report be accepted.

CARRIED

CONTAMINATED LAND PROJECT REPORT

J Briggs spoke to the written report. Jessica has spent time visiting all 21 councils participating in the Project. Workshops on Interpreting Consultant Reports and Contaminated Land Registers will be held in Deniliquin, Griffith and in Wagga Wagga on 3 March. Moved R. Smith, seconded Cr D Meyers that the Contaminated Land Project report be accepted.

CARRIED *Trudi McDonald and Cr Tony Lord left the meeting at 11.30am

GUEST SPEAKER

Kevin Pugh from NSW Treasury addressed the Board and answered questions about the introduction of the ESPL.

GENERAL BUSINESS

None.

NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held on Thursday 6 April 2017 at the Wagga Wagga Commercial Club, Gurwood St, Wagga Wagga.

CLOSURE Meeting closed at 12.15pm.

Minutes of the 2016 AGM of Riverina Regional Tourism Inc. 1

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF RIVERINA REGIONAL TOURISM INC. Held at Mates Gully, 38 Morrow St, Wagga Wagga On Thursday, 15 December 2016 at 4pm PRESENT: RRT Board:

Greg Lawrence (Griffith City Council; RRT Chair) Jennifer Connor (Lockhart Shire Council) Neil Druce (Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory) Dion Harris (Narrandera Motor Inn) Belinda King (King Events) Ruth McRae (Murrumbidgee Council) Jamie Pascoe (Best Western Plus Charles Sturt Suites and Apartments) Craig Sinclair (Temora Shire Council) Jeff Stien (Bland Shire Council) Members and industry: Kellie Dissegna (Narrandera Shire Council) Cr Bob Callow (Junee Shire Council) Lisa Cameron (Coolamon Shire Council) Gerrie Carr-McFie (Murrumbidgee Council) Craig Moffitt (GM, Murrumbidgee Council) Fiona Hamilton (Wagga Wagga City Council) Linda Wiles (Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council) Michael Harper (BizScaping) Jane Barnes (NSW Trade and Investment) Nicola James (Leeton Shire Council) RRT Staff: Sonia Casanova (RRT Executive Officer) Yannika Hendess (RRT Marketing Officer)

APOLOGIES: Ross McDonnell (National Parks and Wildlife Service) Cr Rick Firman (Mayor, Temora Shire Council) Cr Nigel Judd (Temora Shire Council) Judy Charlton (GM, Narrandera Shire Council) Robert Rayner (Carrathool Shire Council) Deanna McNaughton (Knights Meats and Deli) Lani Houston (RDA Riverina) Marg Couch (RDA Riverina) Michelle Sleep (Narrandera Shire Council) Mayor and all Councillors (Narrandera Shire Council) Tony Lord (Mayor, Bland Shire Council) Ray Smith (GM, Bland Shire Council) Madeleine Scully (Wagga Wagga City Council) Paige Campbell (Griffith City Council) James Davis (GM, Junee Shire Council) Tony Donoghue (GM, Coolamon Shire Council) Rod Shaw (GM, Lockhart Shire Council) Jackie Kruger (GM, Leeton Shire Council)


ITEM 1 – Opening and welcome The Chair of the meeting noted that a quorum was present, and opened the meeting at 4.05pm. The Chair welcomed everyone and thanked them for taking the time to attend the AGM. He also thanked Michael Harper from BizScaping for facilitating the RRT Board strategic planning day earlier on the day. The Chair reminded all present that, as per the Constitution, all attendees may express views at the AGM but only voting delegates from each member Council may propose and vote on motions. ITEM 2 – Apologies IT WAS RESOLVED that the apologies, as shown above, be accepted. Moved: Jeff Stien Seconded: Cr Bob Callow ITEM 3 – Minutes of previous AGM held on 12 November 2015 Minutes of the previous AGM held on 12 November 2015 were circulated prior to the meeting. IT WAS RESOLVED that the minutes from the 2015 RRT AGM be accepted. Moved: Dion Harris Seconded: Cr Bob Callow ITEM 4 – Matters arising from the previous AGM held on 12 November 2015 There were no matters arising from the previous AGM. ITEM 5 – Chair’s Report The Chair gave his report, and a copy can be found in the RRT 2015/16 Annual Report. The Chair acknowledged and welcomed the following Directors who joined the board in 2015 - Jennifer Connor from Lockhart Council; Dion Harris from Narrandera; Belinda King from Wagga Wagga; Jamie Pascoe from Wagga Wagga and Craig Sinclair from Temora Shire Council. He also thanked the full board for all the hard work that they have put in, and thanked Sonia and Yannika from The Articulate Pear for delivering the project. RRT has been extremely focused and had another successful and busy year raising the profile of the Riverina with $1.1 million delivered in marketing campaigns over the last three years. Destination NSW recently undertook a review of regional tourism in NSW, which resulted in the announcement of six new Destination Networks across NSW. Under the new structure, the Riverina region will become part of the larger Riverina Murray Destination Network. Destination NSW is about to announce the new Board who will then appoint the CEO and project team, which might not be completed until March 2017 or later. More than 600 applicants had applied for the 36 board positions. New funding streams are available from Destination NSW including funding for marketing, flagship events and event development. The Chair thanked the member Councils and the following sponsors who supported the Riverina Agritourism Project and Taste Riverina Festival in 2016 – National Parks and Wildlife Service, SunRice, Australian Beer Company, Wine Grapes Marketing Board, RDA Riverina and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, and also acknowledged Candace Torres from Destination NSW for her support. The Chair announced that he will step down from this position and thanked everyone for their support. IT WAS RESOLVED that the Chair’s Report be accepted. Moved: Ruth McRae Seconded: Craig Sinclair ITEM 6 – Project Report Sonia Casanova, Executive Officer for RRT, provided a detailed Project Report with the following activities highlighted:


• ‘Inside the Riverina’ digital magazine continued throughout the past year and it has become a useful tool for media and locals. As a digital publication, it’s easily shared and each edition is supported with PR activity and paid digital advertising. During the first nine months of the project, three editions of Inside the Riverina were published, with a combined total reach of 420,000 people.

• Riverina Localist now has almost 1,400 people signed up to the program and almost 70 exclusive offers by operators. New Localists receive a welcome pack by post and regular e-newsletters thereafter. Over $15,000 was generated through offer redemptions this year. Riverina Localist is important for the VFR market and is modelled on a similar Southern Highland campaign.

• A four-week campaign was undertaken through Expedia/Wotif to build destination awareness and increase overnight stays. The campaign included digital ads on the Wotif site, a dedicated landing page, e-newsletter placement and a social media post. Results show over 1 million impressions, over 1,000 clicks throughs and a reach of 69,000 people on social media. More than 9,000 people generated over $550,000 worth of bookings during the entire campaign period.

• The 2016 Taste Riverina Festival included 72 events and was promoted through intensive in-region and out-of-region advertising in the Albury/Wodonga and ACT markets. The Festival was again supported by Destination NSW’s Flagship Events Funding, which was used to promote the Festival in the ACT, including a partnership with HerCanberra.com.au. The paid social media advertising campaign reached more than 500,000 on Facebook alone and surveys results showed that the Festival this year attracted more than 35,000 visitors who generated over $1.3 Million revenue at the events. The results also showed that a lower percentage of visitors came from within the Riverina, and a higher percentage from other NSW, Victoria and the ACT. The Weekend Sunrise program broadcast live from the Riverina for a weekend in early September, and showcased the best of the Taste Riverina Festival and other regional attractions to a national audience of over 300,000 people. The feedback from involved operators and viewers who had seen the segments on TV was very positive. This campaign was only made possible through additional funding supplied by six member Councils – with thanks to Cootamundra, Griffith, Lockhart, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera and Temora. Taste Riverina was named a Finalist in the ‘Festivals and Events’ category at the recent NSW Tourism Awards.

• RRT’s digital assets continue to be a focus for the project team. Facebook engagement has increased by 155% for the RRT page to 3,250 followers, and 145% for the Taste Riverina page to 3,200 followers.

ITEM 7 – Finance Report As the RRT Treasurer was an apology for the AGM, the Chair read the Finance Report in his absence. IT WAS RESOLVED that the Finance Report be accepted. Moved: Ruth McRae Seconded: Cr Bob Callow ITEM 8 – Appointment of Auditor The Chair advised the meeting that RRT’s existing auditor is Bush & Campbell Partners, based in Wagga Wagga. IT WAS RESOLVED that Bush & Campbell of Wagga Wagga be appointed as auditor of Riverina Regional Tourism Inc. for the 2016/17 financial year. Moved: Jeff Stien Seconded: Jamie Pascoe


ITEM 9 – Confirmation of Public Officer The Chair advised the meeting that Sonia Casanova is currently registered with the Department of Fair Trading as RRT’s Public Officer. IT WAS RESOLVED that the meeting confirm Sonia Casanova as the Public Officer for Riverina Regional Tourism Inc. Moved: Craig Sinclair Seconded: Jeff Stien ITEM 10 - Appointment of Office Bearers Greg Lawrence vacated the chair for the process of appointing office bearers. Sonia Casanova, RRT Executive Officer, acted as returning officer in regard to the election and appointment of officer bearers. Craig Sinclair was nominated for the position of Chair. Craig accepted the nomination and no other nominations were received. IT WAS RESOLVED that Craig Sinclair be appointed as Chair of Riverina Regional Tourism. Moved: Belinda King Seconded: Jamie Pascoe Ross McDonnell was nominated for the position of Deputy Chair. Ross accepted the nomination and no other nominations were received. IT WAS RESOLVED that Ross McDonnell be appointed as Deputy Chair of Riverina Regional Tourism. Moved: Craig Sinclair Seconded: Greg Lawrence Ruth McRae was nominated for the position of Secretary. Ruth accepted the nomination and no other nominations were received. IT WAS RESOLVED that Ruth McRae be appointed as Secretary of Riverina Regional Tourism. Moved: Jennifer Connor Seconded: Belinda King Greg Lawrence was nominated for the position of Treasurer. Greg accepted the nomination and no other nominations were received. IT WAS RESOLVED that Greg Lawrence be appointed as Treasurer of Riverina Regional Tourism. Moved: Neil Druce Seconded: Craig Sinclair ITEM 11 – General Business As the newly elected Chair, Craig Sinclair provided a summary of the RRT Board strategic planning session held earlier in the day where the Board developed strategies and four main pillars that will be RRT’s focus over the coming 12-18 months:

• Funding (including updating the Destination Management Plan) • Advocacy/Leadership to new Destination Network • Relationship/Facilitation with member Councils, operators and other stakeholders • Change Management

The Chair also advised the members that RRT has approached Destination NSW to request funding to assist with the transition period between February and June 2017. The amount requested totals $126,000 and a decision is expected to be made by early 2017. The Chair also gave an update that approximately half of RRT’s member Councils have responded with mostly positive feedback regarding funding of RRT post June 2017. Craig Moffitt introduced Gerrie Carr-McFie as Murrumbidgee Council’s newly appointed Economic, Tourism and Community Development Manager and emphasised that his Council is committed to tourism and economic development in the Riverina.


Meeting close The Chair thanked everyone again for their attendance at the AGM and also thanked Greg Lawrence for all his work as RRT Chair over the past three years. There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 4.45pm. Signed as a correct record. _________________________________ ______________________ Chair Date Craig Sinclair

Minutes of meeting of members of Riverina Regional Tourism Inc. – 04 April 2017 1

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF MEMBERS of RIVERINA REGIONAL TOURISM INC. Held at Museum of the Riverina, Cnr Morrow and Baylis Sts, Wagga Wagga On Tuesday, 04 April 2017 at 10.30am PRESENT: RRT Board:

Craig Sinclair (Temora Shire Council) – Chair of RRT Jennifer Connor (Lockhart Shire Council) Greg Lawrence (Griffith City Council) Ruth McRae (Murrumbidgee Council) Jeff Stien (Bland Shire Council) Members and industry: Cr Bob Callow (Junee Shire Council) Kellie Dissegna (Narrandera Shire Council) Brent Lawrence (Leeton Shire Council) John Randall (Carrathool Shire Council) Madeleine Scully (Wagga Wagga City Council) Tracey Valenzisi (Leeton Tourism Network Group) RRT Staff: Sonia Casanova (RRT Executive Officer)

APOLOGIES: James Davis (Junee Shire Council) Tony Donaghue (Coolamon Shire Council) Fiona Hamilton (Wagga Wagga City Council) Jackie Kruger (Leeton Shire Council) Cr Tony Lord (Bland Shire Council) Ross McDonnell (RRT Board) Craig Moffitt (Murrumbidgee Council) Jamie Pascoe (RRT Board) Robert Rayner (Carrathool Shire Council) Ray Smith (Bland Shire Council) Brett Stonestreet (Griffith City Council) Peter Veneris (Lockhart Shire Council) Linda Wiles (Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council)

ITEM 1 – Welcome and apologies The Chair of the meeting noted that a quorum was present, and opened the meeting at 10.35am. A representative from each Council signed a register for voting purposes, a summary of which is included below.


Council Voting representative Bland Jeff Stien Carrathool John Randall Griffith Greg Lawrence Junee Cr Bob Callow Leeton Brent Lawrence Lockhart Jennifer Connor Murrumbidgee Ruth McRae Narrandera Kellie Dissegna Temora Craig Sinclair Wagga Wagga Madeleine Scully

ITEM 2 – Key outcomes of RRT members meeting with Destination Riverina Murray The Chair confirmed that the key outcomes from the RRT members meeting with Destination Riverina Murray were: 1. Keep the budget as low as possible. How members’ money was being spent is a key concern for the RRT board and the board is taking it very seriously. The operational budget will be kept to a bare minimum and administration costs will be reduced due to the narrower scope of operations. A draft operations budget was prepared and presented to members, which is very lean and the RRT board will look for cost savings wherever possible. A potential surplus of $27,000 was indicated being the difference between revenue and basic expenditure. The members as a group can decide on how best to spend that money. It will be spent in consultation with member for the purpose of increasing tourism numbers in the Riverina. It was suggested that we wait until the new Destination Management Plan is completed to ensure the funds are spent in the right areas and to reduce the possibility of duplication. 2. Provide a mechanism to represent collective members interests to Destination Riverina Murray and

Destination NSW. At a member meeting earlier this year, the option to wind-up RRT and access transition funding from Destination NSW was suggested. However, members voiced some concern about this approach because transition funding was not guaranteed. An advisory group structure was considered as an alternative. RRT may apply for transition funding after the outcome of today’s meeting is known, and this will be done as soon as possible. A review will be undertaken in December 2017, as previously advised to members, to determine progress of the new structure and how RRT fits in to that new structure. All members will be invited to contribute to the review. RRT will keep its independent board and there was some discussion about reducing the size of the board. The current constitution provides for 6 LGA representative directors, plus up to 4 industry directors. A number of current RRT directors will be retiring at this year’s AGM so new directors from participating LGAs will be required. 3. Remove duplication wherever possible. It was agreed that there is a need to remove duplication in areas where RRT, DRM, RDA and Councils overlap in their activities. RRT will continue to have conversations with potential partners, especially RDA Riverina, regarding sharing of resources to remove duplication. Both RRT and RDA Riverina have a similar focus in progressing the economy in the region. However, as RDA is also under review, the structure of this partnership is important. That is, a partnership model would be appropriate but a full merger would not. A suggestion was also made to talk to the JO as an option because they are LGA focused and strategic. 4. Ensure Taste Riverina festival continues. There was strong support for this point from all stakeholders. Members were advised that contributions would be required to participate, as previously advised. A draft of potential revenue sources was prepared and presented to members, for the purpose of today’s discussion.


ITEM 3 – Member decision on the future of RRT beyond 30 June 2017 A proposed motion was drafted for the purpose of commencing discussion. Members gave an update on their individual Council’s position on the future of RRT and there was much discussion between members on this topic. There was also some discussion about the wording of the motion and a more suitable motion was drafted with input from members present. The inclusion of the words “Local Tourism Organisation” was an important point for members to demonstrate RRT’s future focus, and this terminology is recognised by Destination NSW in their new structure for regional tourism, as per the diagram below.

IT WAS RESOLVED that Riverina Regional Tourism Inc. operates beyond 30 June 2017 as a new Local Tourism Organisation, working in conjunction with Destination Riverina Murray and Destination NSW, with a narrower scope in operations as agreed by members. Moved: Greg Lawrence Seconded: Ruth McRae Members requested that the voting of each Council be recorded.

Members For the motion Members Against the motion Members not present Carrathool

Griffith Junee

Lockhart Murrumbidgee

Temora

Bland Leeton

Narrandera Wagga Wagga

Coolamon Cootamundra-Gundagai

ITEM 4 – Other member decisions Following the outcome of agenda item 3, other member decisions were discussed, including the need for RRT to change its name to better reflect the focus and purpose of the organisation going forward.

Source:DestinationNetworks:DrivingGrowthoftheVisitorEconomyinRegionalNSW–DNSWJune2016


Four suggested names were displayed on the screen, including: • Brand Riverina Inc. • Discover Riverina Inc. • Grow Riverina Inc. • Taste Riverina Inc.

Members discussed these four options and feedback is outlined as follows:

• Taste Riverina makes sense because there is a trademark registered for those words. However, it was agreed that an organisation with that name has a very limited scope.

• Discover Riverina is understood in tourism but it’s probably too close to “destination”, and some confusion may result with Destination Riverina Murray. Perhaps consider “explore” as an alternative.

John Randall explained that in Queensland, LTOs and RTOs have a clear and defined hierarchy. LTOs act as a strong advisory and lobby group for their local area. IT WAS RESOLVED that members delegate the decision for the new name of RRT to the executive Board. Moved: Greg Lawrence Seconded: Ruth McRae (Wagga Wagga City Council abstained from the vote on this motion.) ITEM 5 – General Business Greg Lawrence drew members’ attention to a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald, which identified the Riverina as one of the regional areas in NSW with the best opportunity for growth. On behalf of the Board and members, Greg Lawrence also thanked the Chair for all the work he had done in recent months. Meeting close The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance. There being no further business, the Chair closed the meeting at 12.11pm. Signed as a correct record. _________________________________ ______________________ Chair Date Craig Sinclair


SECTION 2 – OFFICE OF THE GENERAL MANAGER

8.1 Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Framework – Adoption of Draft Documents

15 – To provide quality leadership, governance and management. Author: Director Corporate, Community and Development Services Introduction The Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Framework for NSW Local Government was implemented at Bland Shire Council in July 2012. In accordance with the legislative requirements the IPR documents are to be reviewed and endorsed by 30 June in the year following an election. The documents are also required to be placed on exhibition for 28 days prior to endorsement. The Community Strategic Plan was developed after extensive consultation across the Shire, the purpose of the Community Strategic Plan is to identify the community’s main priorities and aspirations for the future. The combined Delivery Program (four years) and Operational Plan (one year) detail the strategies and actions across the operational areas of Council that will be undertaken to achieve the community objectives as stated in the Community Strategic Plan. The Delivery Program identifies the principal activities that the Council will undertake over the life of the program and must be reviewed each year when preparing the Operational Plan. If a significant amendment is proposed to the Delivery Program, the program must be re-exhibited for public comment for a minimum of 28 days and the submissions received must be considered before the final program is adopted. The Operational Plan, including the draft budget and statement of Revenue Policy, is an annual plan that must be adopted before the beginning of each financial year. It outlines the activities to be undertaken that year as part of the Delivery Program. The draft Operational Plan must be publicly exhibited for public comment for a minimum of 28 days and the submission received must be considered before the final program is adopted. The Resourcing Strategy includes information on the time, the people, the money and the assets required by Council to progress the strategies within the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. It includes the Asset Management Strategy, Long Term Financial Plan and Workforce Management Plan. Conclusion Councillors will have further opportunity to comment on the draft documents during the public exhibition period up until Wednesday 17 May 2017, although Councillors are encouraged to put forward their comments well prior to this deadline.




A copy of each document is provided under separate cover. Financial Implications The draft documents detail the financial implications to be considered by Council. Recommendation: That the following DRAFT documentation be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, commencing 19 April 2017, in accordance with the legislative requirements of the Local Government Act 1993:

• Community Strategic Plan • Combined Delivery Program and Operational Plan • Resourcing Strategy (10 years) including Asset Management Strategy, Long

Term Financial Plan and Workforce Management Plan Recommendation: That all public comments, submissions and input from staff and Councillors to the DRAFT IPR documents be provided to the Ordinary Council meeting held on 20 June 2017 commencing at 6.30pm. Recommendation: That all staff involved in the preparation of the IPR documents be congratulated for a job “well done”.


SECTION 3 – CORPORATE, COMMUNITY & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

8.2 Financial Statements – March 2017 DP14.4 Ensure the long term financial sustainability of Council through effective and prudent financial management. Author: Director Corporate, Community & Development Services STATEMENT OF BANK BALANCES, RATES COLLECTIONS AND INVESTMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2017.

BANK BALANCES AS AT 31st MARCH, 2017

ACCOUNT BALANCE

General Fund $ 85,257.03 BCard $15,990.00 $101,247.03

Invested Funds

Fixed Deposits $ 18,235,770.00 Deposits at Call $ 3,220,325.34 $21,456,095.34

Net Balance $21,557,342.37 Percentage of investment to Net Balance 99.50%




STATEMENT OF BANK BALANCES AS AT 31.03.17

SUBMITTED TO THE ORDINARY MEETING APRIL 18TH, 2017

Balance as at 01.03.17 $2,134,169.47 Add Receipts For month of March 2017 $ 890,778.72

Includes

Receipt Date.

Receipt Name Received Total

17/3/17 Evolution Mining – Rates Lake Cowal $ 222,832.07 Less Payments For month of March 2017 $ 2,939,691.16

Includes

Cash Balance $85,257.03 Limit of Overdraft Arranged with Bank $ 350,000.00

Payment Date.

Payee Name Payment Total

16/3/17 Westpac Markets Deposit $ 1,000,000.00


ACCOUNTS SUMMARY The following is a summary of accounts paid for the period March 01, 2017 to March 31, 2017.

I CERTIFY, That the accounts included in the accounts summary and totalling as detailed under:-

Fund Voucher No.s

Total Cheques 025143 - 025173 $85,170.17 Auto-pay Creditors E010447 – E010767 $2,434,889.38

Auto-pay Payroll 5/3-26/3 $ 409,573.92

March Bank Charges & Commission etc $1,774.79 Direct Debits Repayments &

Vehicle Lease $ 8,282.90

$ 2,939,691.16 1. Are fully supported by vouchers and invoices and have been fully registered. 2. The responsible officer concerned has certified that the goods for which respective

accounts are submitted have been rendered to order and/or that the services for which respective accounts are submitted have been rendered according to order.

3. Official orders have been issued for the supply of such goods and services. The goods for

which respective accounts are submitted have been checked with the entries in the goods order book.

4. The prices and computations of every account are correct. 5. The prices for the goods supplied or services rendered under the contract or quotation in

accordance therewith and in all cases the prices charged are according to order and as far as I am able to ascertain fair and reasonable.

6. The provisions of the Local Government Act, 1993 and Regulations in connection

therewith have been complied with. Further I also certify that the Ledger has been reconciled with the bank statements for the last preceding monthly period. ……………………………………….. Director of Corporate, Community & Development Services


CERTIFICATE OF GENERAL MANAGER

This accounts summary, a copy of which was submitted to each member of Council on the 18th April 2017, has been checked and is fully supported by vouchers and invoices. These vouchers have been duly certified as to receipt of goods, the rendition of services, to prices and computations, and to costings. …………………………… General Manager

CERTIFICATE OF CHAIRMAN OF ORDINARY MEETING I certify that this accounts summary, covering amounts totalling $2,939,691.16 was submitted to the Ordinary Meeting on the 18th April 2017 and that the amounts are presented to Council for confirmation of payment. …………………………………… Chairman of Ordinary Meeting RATES REPORT Below is a summary of outstanding rates Total rates income levied (2016/17) $9,383,913.55 Rates received as at 28/02/2017 $7,077,210.54 % of rates received to date 75.42% The total rates income includes rates in arrears and accumulated interest. Recommendation 1. That Council receive and note the statement of Bank Balances, Rates

Collections and Investments for the month of March, 2017 2. That Council confirms the payment of accounts, for the period 01 March to 31

March 2017, summarised in the accounts summary totalling $2,939,691.16



8.3 Making of Waste Management Charges 2017/2018

15 – To provide quality leadership, governance and management.

Author: Director Corporate, Community and Development Services Recommendation: That the Council makes the Waste Management charges for the year 2017/2018 for inclusion in the 2017/2018 Operational Plan. DOMESTIC WASTE MANGEMENT CHARGE That a Domestic Waste Management Charge be now made in respect of Residential premises within the area of the Council of Bland where a domestic waste management services is available, as follows: (a) Land, which is occupied and/or built upon- Standard 240L domestic service: Barmedman $364.00 Ungarie $364.00 West Wyalong/Wyalong $364.00 Weethalle $364.00 plus $344 per extra collection. Standard 120L Domestic Service West Wyalong/Wyalong $296.00 Ungarie $296.00 Barmedman $296.00 Weethalle $296.00 plus $280 per extra collection. (b) Vacant Land able to be built upon $29.00




TRADE WASTE SERVICE CHARGE That an annual charge be made on land categorised as Business Land within the area of the Council of Bland and which is provided by Council with a trade waste removal service as follows: Standard 240L Collections: West Wyalong/Wyalong $370.00 Ungarie $370.00 Barmedman $370.00 Weethalle $370.00 plus $350.00 per extra collection Standard 120L Collections: West Wyalong/Wyalong $302.00 Ungarie $302.00 Barmedman $302.00 Weethalle $302.00 plus $286.00 per extra collection. Annual Waste Management Charge A charge of $29.00 per property will apply to all properties not within a serviced area for the DWMS, under Section 501 of the Local Government Act.


8.4 Making of Sewer Special Rate Charges 2017/18

15 – To provide quality leadership, governance and management. Author: Director Corporate, Community and Development Services Pursuant to Section 535 of the Local Government Act 1993 Council must make rates and charges by resolution. Accordingly Council must make the following charges as included within the Draft 2017/18 Operational Plan. Recommendation: That the Council makes the Sewer Special Rate charges for the year 2017/2018 for inclusion in the 2017/2018 Draft Operational Plan. Recommendation: SEWER SPECIAL RATE It is hereby RECOMMENDED that a Sewerage Special Rate be now made for the year commencing on 1 July 2017 subject to a minimum amount of seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00) excepting any assessment in respect of the land not built upon nor connected to sewer mains in which case the minimum amount shall be, one hundred and seventy dollars ($170.00) and that the charge to be made for non-rateable land provided with sewerage services shall be: (a) Land defined in Clause 184(1) of former Ordinance 46 under the Local Government

Act 1919- $151.00 for each water closet on the premises and $75.00 per annum for each cistern serving any urinal on the premises.

(b) Land defined in Clause 184(2) of former Ordinance 46 under the Local Government

Act 1919- $151.00 for each water closet on the premises and $75.00 per annum for each cistern serving any urinal on the premises.




8.5 Strengthening Communities – Wyalong Family History Group

DP15.3 Assist and/or foster community events and initiatives through Council sponsored grants/sponsorship opportunities Author: Community Relations Officer Introduction The Wyalong Family History Group is seeking a Strengthening Communities grant from Council towards an improvement project at the Yalgogrin Cemetery. The proposed Yalgogrin Cemetery Project will feature the erection of a memorial wall with plaques to commemorate people buried in the cemetery with no headstone. The Family History Group’s research so far indicates that there are 47 people buried in the cemetery who are not recognised by a headstone. The group has also received permission to clear and tidy the cemetery yard, clean neglected graves and mark portions in the cemetery as part of the project. They previously undertook a similar project at the Tallimba Cemetery which has attracted positive feedback from the local community and visitors. The Family History Group is seeking a grant of $3177 to fund the erection of the memorial wall and installation of 47 plaques. If funding is approved, work will commence within the next few weeks and is expected to be completed by October. Financial Implications Council has $22,372 available in its Strengthening Communities budget. Summary The project has significant historical value to the Bland Shire and Yalgogrin communities and aligns with the objectives set out in Council’s Community Strategic Plan. Recommendation: That Council approve a Strengthening Communities grant of $3177 to the Wyalong Family History Group towards the cost of erecting a Memorial Wall and memorial plaques at the Yalgogrin Cemetery.




8.6 Strengthening Communities – West Wyalong Harness Racing Club

DP15.3 Assist and/or foster community events and initiatives through Council sponsored grants/sponsorship opportunities Author: Community Relations Officer Introduction The West Wyalong Harness Racing Club has applied to Council for a Strengthening Communities grant towards the cost of an infrastructure upgrade at its facilities at the West Wyalong Showground. The club has been advised by Harness Racing New South Wales that the steward’s tower, outside running rail and stall area require upgrading. The club is seeking funding from Council towards a new stall and storage area which will be used on race days for veterinary reasons. The cost of the stall and storage area upgrade is $26,000 and the club has received a grant of $18,000 from Harness Racing New South Wales. The club is willing to contribute a further $4000 of its own funds and is seeking matching funding of $4000 from Council. The Harness Racing Club currently holds two meetings per year which draw large numbers of visitors to the Shire and provide national television exposure to West Wyalong. The club also conduct trials every Sunday. As well as club members, the project will also benefit other Showground users including the Pony Club and Campdraft Associations. Without undertaking the infrastructure improvements identified by Harness Racing NSW, the club may not be allowed to continue to race. Financial Implications Council has $22,372 available in its Strengthening Communities budget.




Summary The club has made a significant commitment to the project by contributing its own matching funds as well as successfully seeking funding from Harness Racing New South Wales. The project provides good value for money for Council and will deliver multiple economic, social and community benefits. It is consistent with the objectives outlined in Council’s Community Strategic Plan. Recommendation: That Council approve a Strengthening Communities grant of $4000 to the West Wyalong Harness Racing Club towards the cost of a new stall and storage area.


SECTION 4 – ASSET & ENGINEERING SERVICES

8.7 Speed Limit - Unsealed Roads Within The Bland Shire

11. Ensure that public places and facilities are well maintained and easily accessible to foster community pride in their infrastructure Author: Director Assets and Engineering Services Introduction The current speed restriction on all special purpose heavy vehicles (anything larger then a semitrailer in articulated and larger than a bus in rigid), is 80 km/hr. Our unsealed roads are still suffering damage partly because many trucks exceed this speed limit and there is little police presence on unsealed roads to control the speed restriction. Financial Implications If the truck speeds could be brought down to a better average then this would aid in the reduction of maintenance costs and allow council to better manage the overall maintenance of the network due to allowing the limited monies available to be spread across more roads. Summary It has been recommended to council that if the special purpose truck speed limit was reduced from the current 80km/hr to 60km/hr on unsealed roads then this would aid in reducing the average speed on the unsealed roads and in turn help in the overall maintenance costs. Recommendation: That Bland Shire Council approach the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to request a change of speed limit on all unsealed roads within the Bland Shire from 80km/hr to 60km/hr for all special purpose heavy vehicles.

Our infrastructure Reviewing, renewing & improving our core community assets

Vision: Maintaining and improving the Shire’s assets and infrastructure in a changing climate


SECTION 5 – REPORTS FOR INFORMATION Officer’s Recommendation: That the following reports, provided for information only, be received and noted: • 8.8 - Asset & Engineering Services Report • 8.9 - Community Services Report • 8.10 - Bland Shire Library Monthly Update • 8.11 - Children Services Monthly Update • 8.12 - Bland HACC Services Update • 8.13 - Development Services Activity Report • 8.14 - Economic Development & Tourism Report – March 2017


8.8 Asset & Engineering Services Report 13. Ensure that public places and facilities are well maintained and easily accessible. Author: Director Asset & Engineering Services Introduction The following work was carried out:- 1. NOXIOUS WEEDS/ENVIRONMENTAL

• Seven property inspections were carried out. • Fox baiting was carried out on Council land. • The following noxious weeds and other controls were undertaken:

o Euphorbia – Mary Gilmore Way, Goldfields Way, Newell Highway, Mid western Highway, Kolkilbertoo Road.

o Prickly Pear – Ungarie. o Spiny Burr Grass – Quandialla Road, Newell Highway, Gunn’s Road,

Bygoo Road, Cottingleys Lane, Clear Ridge Road, Wamboyne Road, Blow Clear Road, West Wyalong- Condobolin Road, Kikoira Road, Bygoo Road, Kolkilbertoo Road, Rankins Springs Road, Dundas Road, Collins Lane, Barmedman, Wargin Road, Lake Road, Bena Road, Beckom Road, McCartens Lane, Neilsons Lane, Buralyang Road, Sandy Creek Road,Youngs Lane, Wilsons Lane, Lonergans lane, McDermott’s Lane, Mid-Western Highway, Dalglieshs Lane, Bellarwi Road, Girral, Barmedman, Yalgogrin, Yiddah Road, Gunns Road, Flaggs Lane, Bashams Lane.

o Johnson Grass – Newell Highway. o Bathurst / Noogoora / Galvanised burr – Tallimba Road, Bygoo Road,

Kalms Lane, Bodels Lane, Blands Lane, Lake Cowal Road, Goldfields Way, Mandamah Road, Yiddah Road, Kellys Lane, Warbilla Road, Dundas Road, Lake Road.

o General weed control –West Wyalong, Wyalong, West Wyalong Memorial Cemetery.

o Tree sucker control – Bygoo Road, Dundas Road, Ariah Park Road.

Our infrastructure Reviewing, renewing & improving our core community assets

Vision: Maintaining and improving the Shire’s assets and infrastructure in a changing climate


8.9 Community Services Report DP3. Nurture a strong sense of community and enrich the cultural life for the residents of the Bland Shire Author: Community Relations Officer and Development Officer Weethalle Silo Public Art Project Following a short listing process which saw four artists develop concepts for the Weethalle Silo Public Art Project, a panel consisting of Council and Weethalle community representatives has selected Melbourne based artist Heesco Khosnaran to undertake the project. Heesco has vast experience completing high quality large scale murals and has previously worked with numerous organisations including Facebook Australia, Shepparton Art Museum, Victoria University, Tourism Victoria, St. George Bank and Mercedes Benz. The project is expected to be completed by the end of June and is set to deliver economic and tourism benefits to Weethalle and the Bland Shire. Below are images of some of Heesco’s recent public art works.

Bland Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan In accordance with new legislation, Bland Shire Council is required to develop a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) by 1 July 2017. The DIAP will assist Council to effectively plan for and deliver on the diverse needs of people with disability in our community. It is expected that the draft plan will go to the May Council meeting before going out on public exhibition for comment over a period of 28 days before being formally adopted by Council. The DIAP focuses on the following four areas: 1. Attitudes and behaviours 2. Employment 3. Liveable communities 4. Systems and processes

Our people Our greatest and most important asset

Vision: A strong, healthy, connected and cohesive community


The plan demonstrates Council’s commitment to people with a disability on improving access to services and facilities and is also designed to change perceptions about people with a disability. Youth Week Activities Youth Week activities commenced in the Bland Shire on Wednesday 12 April with over 50 young people taking part in the action packed Dartball, Sumosuits and Archery Tag activities held at the West Wyalong Stadium. A Skate workshop was also held at the West Wyalong Skate Park on Thursday 13 April with a number of young up and coming skaters getting the opportunity to gain new skills, learning from some of the best skaters in the business. Bland Shire Council was able to offer these high quality activities to our young residents free of charge, thanks to the generous support of the Australian Drug and Alcohol Foundation and National Youth Week funding. Free Tip Day Free Tip Day in the Bland Shire once again proved a tremendous success with large numbers of people taking the opportunity to clean up around their homes and yards and dump their rubbish for free at the West Wyalong landfill on Sunday 12 March. Tip staff recorded approximately 300 vehicles pass through the West Wyalong tip. The initiative also proved extremely popular at the Barmedman and Ungarie landfills and created significant goodwill for Council while also spreading a positive environmental message. Bland Shire website statistics – December 2016-March 2017

December January February March Pageviews 6927 7790 8141 8101 Visits 3740 3877 3866 3949 Visitors 2342 2334 2241 2314

10 most viewed pages on the Bland Shire website – February/March 2017

1. Preschool 2. Careers 3. Contact Us 4. Your Council 5. Tips 6. Upcoming Events 7. Things to see and do 8. Councillors 9. Library 10. Our Indigenous Culture


8.10 Bland Shire Library Monthly Update DP 3.4 Monitor and provide up to date and relevant resources and programs within the library DP 4.4 Provide and monitor quality library services to the aged, people with disability, young people and families Author: Senior Library Assistant Baby Bounce Baby Bounce recommenced in March. The 30 minute program, which is held every second Friday during school term at 10.30am, aims to promote literacy and the love of language to children 12 months and younger. Baby Bounce offers a wonderful relaxed time at the library for parents with their baby to explore the sound and rhythm of language through song, rhyme and books. Tech Savvy Seniors The library will launch a six week Tech Savvy Seniors program on Tuesday 23 May. The program which is aimed at senior members of the community will cover basic computer skills and the Internet. Law Week 15 – 21 May 2017 The library will have free handouts for patrons, courtesy of the Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC). Secondary students undertaking Legal Studies have been invited to attend an information /activity session highlighting the library’s LIAC collection (date to be confirmed). Library and Information Week 22 – 28 May 2017 The week aims to raise the profile of libraries and information service professionals in Australia. It gives libraries and information services the opportunity to showcase their resources, facilities, programs and services through different events to the community.




The theme this year is ‘Celebrate’ and the library has a number of events planned including:

• Tuesday 23 May at 10.00am – Tech Savvy Seniors - Basic Computer Training • Wednesday 24 May at 11.00am – National Simultaneous Storytime • Thursday 25 May at 10.30am – Biggest Morning Tea

Pals of the Pen The library’s resident writers’ group Pals of the Pen will attend the Royal Freemasons Benevolent Institute’s Biggest Morning Tea to be held Thursday afternoon 25 May. The group has been invited to read some of their own written work and other selected texts for the entertainment of residents and their guests. This year, with the support of library staff, members of the library’s resident writers’ group have participated in a number of writing competitions. In recent weeks, entries have been submitted for the Henry Lawson Festival Short Story Competition and also the Outback Writers’ Festival Short Story Competition. Children’s Book Week 18 – 25 August 2017 The library has again incorporated a competition into its Book Week celebrations to be held in August. This year the competition is based around the theme ‘Escape to Everywhere’ and has been divided into 5 categories: Preschool - Kinder, Year 1 - 2, Year 3 - 4, Year 5 - 6 and Secondary. The competition which has been distributed to all local schools within the Bland Shire will feature a digital component for older students. Volunteer Program Bland Shire Library is currently partnering with the West Wyalong High School in a volunteer program which is proving to be very successful. Pictured below are some of the Year 10 and 11 students with an interest in childcare and teaching assisting with Storytime on a Thursday morning. It should be noted that the library’s special needs student who currently attends the library every Tuesday for 2 hours during school term has volunteered their time in the library during school holidays – a testament to library staff’s work ethic where respect, empathy and flexibility are shown.


Statistics - March 2017

• 263 Information Requests • 359 Customer Service Requests – this figure includes 71 IT assists • 491 Computer Usage • 43 adults attended regular programs in the library during March • 347 children attended regular programs in the library – this figure includes 113 school

students in addition to 49 children from the Bland preschool • 192 Visitor Information Requests – this figure relates to normal library opening hours

only and includes 29 phone requests • 29 Programs were held in March

Meetings

• NSW Public Libraries Association South-West Zone Meeting to be held in Wagga Thursday 27 April 2017

• Riverina Regional Library Branch Meeting to be held in Wagga on Tuesday 9 May 2017


8.11 Children Services Monthly Update DP 4.5 - Provide quality and affordable Family Day Care, Mobile Resource Unit, Vacation Care and Preschool services Author: Children’s Services Coordinator Staffing Melanie Uys has been appointed to the position of Temporary, Maternity leave Early Childhood Teacher position at the preschool and commenced with the service in March. Carlie Iverach will commence her maternity leave at the end of term. We wish her all the best for her impending arrival. Bland Preschool Bland Preschool is just about to wrap up for term one, with term two commencing Monday 24 April with a staff development day. The children will commence term two on Wednesday 26 April. Term two will be a ten week term, finishing on Friday 30 June. A main focus for term one has been settling the children into the preschool routine and forming positive relationships with their peers and educators. Along with our busy settling in practices, we have also taken the time to thank all of our wonderful preschool families who come into the classroom to join in, cut fruit, assist on excursions or bring in great items from home. This month we were lucky enough to have one of our preschool dads make wonderful chicken feeders for our chook yard, which is also a part of bland preschool’s sustainability program. This month has also been busy with the children participating in library visits, Zoo-mobile, Drum Beats, Healthy Harold and Croc Encounters excursions. During the last week of term, Bland Preschool will be hosting West Wyalong High School’s Isabella Spackman as part of her work placement. Our very active Children’s services parent committee held a Ladies Night on Thursday 6 April. The main focus of this event was to discuss Healthy Families including Healthy Lunchbox Demonstrations Featuring - Tupperware and Thermomix as well as providing healthy recipes for families. The event also included Guest Speakers – Trescinda from WyFit personal training and Michelle from Everlasting Health & Fitness who will be discussing exercising recommendations, returning to exercise after kids (regarding core exercises and diastasis) and making it work for you, tips for healthy eating and keeping it simple.




Mobile Resource Unit Playgroups- Term one playgroup sessions had steady attendance numbers in West Wyalong, Ungarie, Weethalle, Tallimba and Ariah Park. Educators attended the Budget Based Funding meeting in Sydney to discuss funding changes that are to occur in July 2018. Information from this meeting has been recorded and Mobile services accessing this funding body are waiting on future direction as to the next process. Ungarie Preschool- This month preschool children and educators participated in Crazy hair day to raise funds to support the leukaemia foundation. Children experienced their first excursion to West Wyalong Children’s Services Unit to enjoy a visit from the Zoo-mobile. Here they learnt about Australian animals and the aboriginal culture. Vacation Care – programs have been distributed and bookings are currently being taken for this session. It Takes a Village (ITAV) Both Mirrool and Tallimba sessions participated in the organised art class taught by local artist Clairre Cummings. Clairre assisted the women in painting a Giraffe at the Mirrool session and aboriginal art at the Tallimba session. The children were entertained by the ITAV staff during a playgroup session, consisting of imaginative play and creative learning. The Naradhan community have indicated an interest in gardening and to facilitate this we provided a ‘build your own’ terrarium. The children were also involved and planted some seedlings into their own pots to take home. To assist with the world’s greatest shave, in conjunction with the Naradhan school children, we hosted a crazy hair day with each family donating a gold coin and getting into the spirit with crazy hair fashions. Our next Naradhan visit will include a presentation by Mal Carnegie, Lake Cowal Foundation Projects Manager, educating the community on seed propagation. This months Corinella session commenced with a ‘Cheese and chat’ session where we discussed and shared some ideas of what the community would like the service to provide for the year. One topic of interest was sharing information on children’s development and milestones. Families also participated in the “Build your own Terrarium” experience.


8.12 Bland HACC Services Update DP 1 – Ensure health and support services and facilities address the physical, mental and general health needs of the community Author: Community Care Coordinator Seniors Week 2017 Bland Home and Community Care Service has had a very busy month. David Rees from Australian Department of Human Services spoke at an open morning held at Toppy Hall, providing information to help the community to understand the changes to the pension. Debbie Longhurst from Department of Human Services also spoke on a range of topics. Both David and Debbie took questions from the group on individual issues and concerns from those present. An opportunity was available following the session for one on one sessions. The morning was successful with Bland Home and Community Care service also providing the group with information about services we provide and showing the group some ideas to help support them at home. Attendance was from across the shire taking advantage of the transport option provided.

The Activity day continues to be busy with the Wednesday group being almost at capacity, while the Ungarie group has spaces to fill. Many of the clients who attend are both socially isolated and transport disadvantaged, the group also offers some respite for Carers. Bland Blokes and the Ladies coffee morning continue to have steady attendance. All clients in attendance have provided positive feedback and are thankful for the opportunity provided by the service.

Services in other areas such as domestic assistance continue to grow and people continue to seek information on services available in the community.




With the NDIS commencing on 1 July 2017, in our area there will be many changes in disability services and how people access services. Bland Home and Community Care Service will hold the Regional Activity Officers meeting on Thursday 6 April 2017. This will bring other Activity officers from both West Wyalong and other areas together to support each other and to promote the services we have.


8.13 Development Services Activity Report DP17 Lead the community by example with sustainable, effective, efficient and customer focused practices Author: Manager Development Services Planning and Building Activities Update Development Applications The Council has received the following Development Applications during March 2017: Application No

Address Development

DA2017/0069 64 Lone Pine Rd West Wyalong Dwelling Additions DA2017/0070 38 Court Street West Wyalong Single Residential Dwelling DA2017/0071 95 Operator St West Wyalong New Garage DA2017/0072 12 Shire Street West Wyalong Demolition of a Dwelling DA2017/0074 20 Boltes Rd, West Wyalong Carport DA2017/0075 35 Conway Street, Wyalong Single Residential Dwelling

DA2017/0076 150 Railway Rd, West Wyalong Subdivision – Creation of one (1) additional lot

DA2017/0077 4 Tower Street, West Wyalong New Pergola DA2017/0078 501 Clear Ridge Rd, West Wyalong Dwelling Additions DA2017/0079 1 Boundary St, West Wyalong Dwelling Additions - Verandah DA2017/0080 39 Victory Street, West Wyalong New Garage The following DA applications were approved during March 2017: Application No

Address Development Approval Date

DA2017/0054 221 Neeld Street West Wyalong

2 Storey Container Training Facility 22/3/2017

DA2017/0055 Sturt Street, West Wyalong Multi-Unit Residential Development (9 units) 27/3/2017

DA2017/0060 119 Main Street, West Wyalong Use of Footpath – A framed Advertising Sign 8/3/2017

DA2017/0061 39 Bellarwi Road West Wyalong

Subdivision – creation of two (2) additional lots 23/3/2017

DA2017/0063 155 Main Street, West Wyalong Change of Use – from retail to a gym 14/3/2017

DA2017/0064 Showground Road, West Wyalong

New Horse Stalls and a Shed 6/3/2017




DA2017/0065 9 Conway Street, Wyalong New Carport 20/3/2017

DA2017/0067 108 South Yalgogrin Road, Barellan

Subdivision – creation of two (2) additional lots 3/3/2017

DA2017/0070 38 Court Street, West Wyalong Residential Single Dwelling 20/3/2017 DA2017/0072 12 Shire Street, West Wyalong Demolition of a Dwelling 21/03/2017 Planning Certificates There were 21 Section 149 planning certificates issued during March 2017. Regulatory Activities Update Dog Attacks There were no dog attacks reported during March 2017. Companion Animal Seizure and Impound Activities March 2017 Seizure Activities: Dogs Cats Seized 0 0 Returned to Owner 0 0 Impounding Activities: Dogs Cats Animals in pound at start of month 8 6 Incoming Animals Transferred from Seizure Activities 4 4 Dumped at Pound 2 4 Surrendered 3 2 Total Animals in Pound 17 16 Outgoing Animals Released to Owner 3 1 Euthanased - - Rehoused 12 12 Sold - - Died at Pound - - Stolen - - Escaped - 1 Total Animals Leaving Pound 15 14 Animals in Pound at end of Month 2 2


8.14 Economic Development & Tourism Report – March 2017

DP15.0 The proportion of residents satisfied with the level of economic development support Council provides to the business community DP 16.0 Community satisfaction with the quantity and quality of tourist information and resources provided by Council 19.0 Visitors and tourists are welcomed and make a positive contribution to the community economy DP19.1 Work with business and property owners to rejuvenate their businesses and shop fronts and encourage the maintenance of buildings with character DP19.2 Work with the tourism industry to identify and develop products and services that appeal to visitors of the Shire DP19.3 Visitor information is kept relevant and up to date DP20.0 Plan for a range of industries that build on the strengths of the Bland Shire to stimulate investment and employment DP20.1 Encourage and actively seek out business and industry to relocate within the shire DP20.2 Have ongoing engagement and communication with the shire’s existing and prospective industry and business including diversification into alternate industries/businesses DP20.3 Actively promote the Business Development Assistance to new and existing businesses Author: Senior Economic Development & Tourism Advisor Introduction Bland Shire Council March 2017 Economic Development & Tourism Report Financial Implications Nil Summary Bland Shire Council March 2017 Economic Development & Tourism Report Newell Highway Website Analytics

January February March 2017 2017 2017 Pageviews 12,710 9,904 13,570 Visits 5,157 3,998 5,842 Visitors 4,046 3,228 4,687 Desktop 35.3% 39.2% 37.8% Mobile 45.7% 40.7% 42.8% Tablet 18.9% 20.1% 19.4%

Our prosperity Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future

Vision: Growing our population and jobs


BEC Business Boot Camp The BEC will be delivering their second Business Boot Camp to the businesses of the Bland Shire on Tuesday 4 April and the third on Tuesday 2 May. Tuesday 4th April 6pm – 8.30pm • Strategic Planning • Make the most of your Finances • Action Plan (with BEC Mentor Support)

Tuesday 2nd May 6pm – 8.30pm • Customer Service • Developing Safe Work Practices • Action Plan (with BEC Mentor Support)


Regional Development Australia Riverina Regional Development Australia Riverina held a successful Economic Development Forum in West Wyalong on Thursday 23 March at the West Wyalong TAFE. Travel OZ Filming in the Band Shire The Greg Grainger Travel OZ footage has been delivered to Channel 7 and it should be aired within the next month. NSW Regional Infrastructure Coordinator The Bland Shire Council hosted a successful visit by former Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie AC DSC CSM who has been appointed the NSW Government’s first Regional Infrastructure Coordinator, charged with accelerating the roll-out of infrastructure across the State.

L to R: Sara Macwilliam, Michael Jones, Ray Smith, Amalie Smith, Jamie Coad, Julie Briggs, Cr Tony Lord, Ken Gillespie, Tim Overland, Diana Gibbs, Don Murray, Cr Rick Firman.

Ken Gillespie and Don Murray on the Newell Highway between West Wyalong and Forbes


2017 Bland Shire Events

DATE JUNE EVENTS LOCATION Jun 3-5 NSW Free Flight West Wyalong Jun 3-5 West Wyalong Clay Target Shoot West Wyalong Jun 10 West Wyalong Markets West Wyalong Jun 10 West Wyalong Rugby Union Finals West Wyalong Jun 25 Clay Target Shooting Competition West Wyalong DATE JULY EVENTS LOCATION Jul 8 West Wyalong Markets West Wyalong Jul 23 Clay Target Shooting Competition West Wyalong Jul 30 Clay Target Shooting Competition West Wyalong DATE AUGUST EVENTS LOCATION Apr 30 Clay Target Shooting Competition West Wyalong Aug 5-6 Australian Yard Dog Championships West Wyalong Aug 12 West Wyalong Markets West Wyalong Aug 20 Weethalle Show Weethalle Aug 27 Clay Target Shooting Competition West Wyalong DATE SEPTEMBER EVENTS LOCATION Sept 6 West Wyalong Show West Wyalong Sept 9 Ungarie Show Ungarie Sept 9 West Wyalong Markets West Wyalong Sept 23-24 Clay Target Open Shoot West Wyalong DATE OCTOBER EVENTS LOCATION Oct 7 West Wyalong Rodeo West Wyalong Oct 7 Mirrool Silo Kick Mirrool Oct 7 West Wyalong Markets West Wyalong Oct 21-22 Wings of West Wyalong NSW Free Flight West Wyalong

DATE APRIL EVENTS LOCATION Apr 1 Weethalle Rodeo Weethalle Apr 1 – 9 Youth Week Activities West Wyalong Apr 3 -12 Seniors Week West Wyalong Apr 4 Seniors Week West Wyalong Apr 8 West Wyalong Rugby Union Competition Starts West Wyalong Apr 8 West Wyalong Markets West Wyalong Apr 14-16 Easter Bowls Carnival West Wyalong Apr 23 Harness Carnival of Cups West Wyalong Apr 23 Clay Target Shooting Competition West Wyalong Apr 23 Clay target Shooting Championships West Wyalong Apr 25 Anzac Day Parade Bland Shire Apr 28 – 29 Ladies Day Out West Wyalong Apr 30 Clay Target Shooting Competition West Wyalong

DATE MAY EVENTS LOCATION May 1-2 NSW Free Flight Southern Cross Cup West Wyalong May 13 West Wyalong Markets West Wyalong May 20-21 Landmark Gold Nugget Campdraft West Wyalong May 22 Phillip Judd Jumping day West Wyalong DATE MAY EVENTS LOCATION

May 24 National Simultaneous Storytime – Bland Shire Library West Wyalong

May 28 Clay Target Shooting Competition West Wyalong


Oct 22 Clay Target Shooting Competition West Wyalong Oct 27-29 In the West Festival West Wyalong Oct 30 Clay Target Shooting Competition West Wyalong DATE NOVEMBER EVENTS LOCATION Nov 11 West Wyalong Markets West Wyalong Nov 26 Clay Target Shooting Competition West Wyalong DATE DECEMBER EVENTS LOCATION Dec 1 Business West Wyalong Christmas Carnival West Wyalong Dec 8 West Wyalong Christmas Markets West Wyalong Dec 16 Carols by Candlelight West Wyalong Riverina Regional Tourism and the Destination Networks Discussions have been continuing regarding the continuation of Riverina Regional Tourism and the formation of the Destination Networks. The Destination Riverina Murray (DRM) General Managers position has been advertised as well as the Expressions of Interest for the hosting of the DRM Office. The Mayor and Senior Economic Development and Tourism Advisor will be attending a meeting with the DRM in Narrandera on Wednesday 12 April. Visitor Information Centre Statistics - March 2017


Other: include questions about Lake Cowal entry, town history, gold history and free camping