Community Annual Report

CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL

27 JUNE 2009 - 25 JUNE 2010

27 JUNE 2009 - 25 JUNE 2010 3

A message from CEO Lyn RussellI am delighted to present the community

version of the Cairns Regional Council

Annual Report 2009–10.

It has been a year where we have again endeavoured to serve our

diverse community and balance the demands of our rapidly growing

region with the need to ensure our vibrant communities are supported

and our natural environment is preserved and enhanced. In a tough

economic climate, this has posed particular challenges.

This report sets out the achievements of Council during 2009-2010,

which include the opening of the new Cairns International Tennis

Centre, Stage 1 of Cattana Wetlands and the completion of the Local

Disaster Coordination Centre which will provide life saving information

and assistance during disasters.

Council is working hard to achieve excellence in the performance

of its functions and in the delivery of services. Many changes and

improvements have been brought about in the past year and this

process will continue.

Reflecting on the past year, I can report that Council has responded

to its tasks with commitment and energy. We have continued to focus

on building a strong foundation for our region’s future through our five

key corporate strategies:

• Planning and delivering integrated community infrastructure

• Fostering vibrant communities

• Creating prosperity through economic growth and local employment

• Achieving organisational excellence and financial responsibility

• Striving for economic and environmental sustainability

Your Council is fortunate to have a team of very dedicated employees,

and I express my great appreciation to them all for their hard work

and commitment during 2009-10. We look forward to continuing to

provide excellent service to the Cairns community in the year ahead.

A message from Mayor Val Schier It is with great pleasure that I present the 2009-10

Cairns Regional Council Annual Report to the

community. 2009-10 has been another year of

growth and achievements for Cairns Regional

Council and our region.

Council has responded to the tough economic climate of the past year by

creating jobs and continuing to provide key infrastructure and services.

For example, this year saw the construction of the Cairns International

Tennis Centre which hosted two international tournaments within its first

month of operation. The past year has also seen the completion of our

Regional Events Strategy which will ensure that we continue to attract

high level sporting and cultural events.

Last year also saw the completion of the $188 million Cleaner Seas

project to upgrade our wastewater treatment plants on time and under

budget. Council also spent over $25 million on transport infrastructure

such as roads, footpaths and cycleways to upgrade, repair and create

new linkages.

These are just some of the many initiatives that Council has delivered

for the community this year. Council has also begun working on our

Community Plan, new Planning Scheme and Regional Economic

Development Plan to ensure we continue to provide an ever growing

range of services and deliver key infrastructure for the region.

Cairns Regional Council

is pleased to provide the

community with this concise

overview of Council’s functions,

major achievements and

financial management.

This report is presented in

a format designed to provide

easy-access information to

the community.

The Community Annual Report

provides a snapshot of the

performance and financial

position of Cairns Regional

Council over the 2009-10

financial year.

A comprehensive statutory

version of the Annual Report

has been produced for

State Government and key

stakeholders, and is available

on request or from Council’s

website: www.cairns.qld.gov.au.

About this report Contents

Page 2

About this report.

Mayor’s message.

Page 3

CEO’s message.

Page 4

The region at a glance.

Elected representatives.

Page 6

Where do your rates go?

Page 7

Council’s corporate goals:

• Caring for our environment.

Page 8

• Fostering vibrant

communities.

Page 11

• Delivering integrated

planning.

Page 12

• Delivering services

and infrastructure.

Page 13

• Creating a prosperous

region.

Page 14

• Striving for organisational

excellence.

Page 15

Community financial report.

2 COMMUNITY ANNUAL REPORT

4 COMMUNITY ANNUAL REPORT 27 JUNE 2009 - 25 JUNE 2010 5

ThE REgiOn AT A gLAnCEPopulation: 164,000

Area: 4,135km2

World Heritage listed sites:

• Wet Tropics Rainforest

• Great Barrier Reef

Divisions: An elected Mayor and 10 Councillors

Council employees: 1,470

Revenue: $332.5 million

Assets on the balance sheet:

$3 billion

A summary of Council’s achievements aligned with the Corporate

Plan appear in the following pages. Copies of these plans may be

obtained by accessing Council’s website at www.cairns.qld.gov.au.

DaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintreeDaintree

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Cairns Region and Council Divisions

LEGEND

MayorCr Val Schier

Chairperson, Planning & Environment Committee

Division 1Cr Paul Gregory

Chairperson, Water & Waste Committee and Works & Services Committee

Division 2 Cr Nancy Lanskey

Division 3 Cr Robert Pyne

Division 4 Cr Kirsten Lesina

Division 5 Cr Alan Blake

Division 6Cr Linda Cooper

Chairperson, Finance & Administration Committee

Division 7 Cr Diane Forsyth

Division 8Cr Margaret Cochrane

Division 9 Cr Sno Bonneau

Division 10 Cr Julia Leu

Deputy Mayor, Chairperson, Sports, Art,Culture & Community Services Committee

27 JUNE 2009 - 25 JUNE 2010 7

Environment, water and waste management

$25.74

Transport, drainage and city maintenance

$16.64

Planning and building

$1.78

Administration and governance

$7.06

Parks and recreational facilities

$6.51

Communications and customer services

$0.95

Economic development

$0.57

Capital works projects

$31.45

Community, health and safety services

$5.28

Where do your rates go?For every $100 in expenditure, Council delivers the following services:

Corporate goal 1: Caring for our environmentTo ensure that the natural and built environments are managed and protected in a sustainable manner.

1.1 Deliver improved management of the region’s natural resources and biological diversity for sustainability and ecosystem health.

• Cattana Wetlands – Stage 1. Officially opened on December 6, 2009.

• Green Choice program - recruitment, induction and project plans completed for Douglas, Stratford, Gordonvale, Cattana and Red Arrow realignment.

1.2 Achieve greater recognition of the natural environment as an integral part of the region’s identity and fundamental to quality of life.

• Work was undertaken on the Daintree Vegetation Preservation Area proposal.

1.3 Provide strong community leadership through the adoption, maintenance and promotion of coordinated environmental frameworks with stakeholders.

• Energy emissions audit and draft action plan completed.

• Reef Guardian Council Action Plan completed as part of Memorandum of Understanding with Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

• Council has continued involvement with energywise schools program.

1.4 Further improve the treatment, recycling and disposal of household and commercial waste.

• Waste Management Strategy was adopted by Council December 9, 2009.

1.5 Further improve the treatment of wastewater to minimise its impact on the environment.

• Construction for the four treatment plants being upgraded under the Cleaner Seas project was completed and commissioning commenced.

• Planning for Mossman treatment plant upgrade underway.

1.6 Further improve the management of stormwater to reduce disruption and damage to the community and natural environment caused by polluted stormwater and flooding.

• Lake Placid / Caravonica / Kamerunga Flood Mitigation Scheme completed and stage one of CBD Flood Mitigation Scheme became operational.

• Improved flood immunity was achieved for the areas of Edge Hill, Manunda and Manoora.

1.7 Deliver more environmentally sustainable Council operations and facilities.

• Project plan was developed, a consultancy awarded, and internal workshops conducted for the Sustainability Scorecard project.

• Council’s paper smart strategy was adopted.

• 2010-11 Departmental Capital Works submissions process was modified to achieve alignment with Council’s sustainability targets.

1.8 Actively reduce Council’s greenhouse gas emissions.

• Greenhouse gas emissions inventory was completed and Council adopted a carbon reduction policy.

• Energy emissions goals were adopted to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020 with a 50% emissions reduction on 2007-08 levels by 2020.

• Planning commenced on the closure plan for Portsmith landfill and an energy emissions data management project.

Council’s corporate goals

6 COMMUNITY ANNUAL REPORT

Culture, arts events and civic centres

$2.43

Libraries

$1.59

8 COMMUNITY ANNUAL REPORT 27 JUNE 2009 - 25 JUNE 2010 9

Corporate goal 2: Fostering vibrant communitiesTo build more creative, innovative and self reliant communities where participation in community life is enabled and encouraged.

2.1 Implement a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to community health and safety.

• Further extensions to Council’s CCTV network, including installations at the City Library.

• A community safety patrol program was implemented for the West Cairns area.

• Street lighting was significantly improved throughout the CBD and through City Place.

• Lighting improvements were installed at McLeod Street, Shields Street, City Place, Grafton Street and Hartley Street East.

• City Safe Security Patrol tenders were awarded and lighting has also been improved at Dillon Street and Glenoma Park.

• Council continued to support the cross-Government and agency efforts to resolve homelessness issues in the local government area.

• Council was successful in securing funding and construction commenced on the Cairns Local Disaster Coordination Centre at Woree.

2.2 Improve the quality and opportunities for use of public space across the region.

• Council completed a Parks and Recreation Strategy to guide developments over the next five years.

• Cattana Wetlands development was officially opened to the public.

• The Port Douglas Waterfront Masterplan was completed.

• Cairns Cultural Precinct project received funding endorsements from Federal and State Governments and will deliver greater opportunities for open space in the Cairns CBD when completed.

• More than 43 public events were delivered at the Cairns Esplanade including fitness programs and markets with more than 8000 participants.

• Discussion paper including a business case for the Cairns City Centre Master Plan was endorsed by Council.

• Council actively supported the State Government’s planning for a new Cairns Transit Network including a redesign of Lake Street and City Place in the CBD.

Corporate goal 1: Caring for our environment (continued)

1.9 Implement relevant legislation and local laws.

• Micro-chipping program for dogs undertaken in conjunction with the RSPCA and local veterinarian.

• Program commenced to implement new requirements under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008.

• Work commenced to address Unlicensed Programs - Flammable and Combustible Liquids Licensing (DGSM Act).

• Environmentally Relevant Activities (EP Act) in Cairns and Mossman.

• High Risk Audit Program was undertaken for Environmentally Relevant Activities (EP Act) and compliance inspections were undertaken.

• Food safety accreditation programs for caterers, private hospitals and vulnerable populations under the Food Act 2006 were conducted.

• Officers have continued to prepare for the introduction of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009.

2.3 Deliver equitable provision of a diverse range of sport and recreation opportunities.

• Cairns International Tennis Centre at North Cairns, with 12 plexi-cushion courts, was substantially completed.

• Council approved a $1.1m grant to Cairns Hockey Association as a 50% contribution towards the construction of a second synthetic pitch.

• Council’s Grant Funding Policy was reviewed and readopted and grants dispersed to a large number of community organisations to support their activities.

• The Edmonton Indoor Multipurpose Feasibility Study was finalised and will inform construction of the centre in the next financial year.

2.4 Provide enhanced arts and cultural activities that add value to the life of residents and visitors alike.

• Council secured Federal and State Government funding commitments towards the Cairns Cultural Precinct project, conditional on the completion of further planning.

• Council delivered and supported a vast range of festivals across the region including:

• Cairns Festival

• Carnivale

• Cairns and Mossman Shows

• Gordonvale Pyramid Race and Fun Weekend

• Babinda Harvest Festival

• Extensive arts and cultural programs were delivered across the year at the Tanks Arts Centre, Civic Theatre, Cairns Libraries and Cairns Botanic Gardens.

• Significant operating support was again provided to Cairns Regional Art Gallery.

• Gordonvale Community Hall was transformed into the “Gordonvale Hub” over the course of the year, becoming a focal point for community, art and cultural activities.

• Beautiful Art Spaces project in partnership with Cairns Chamber of Commerce saw the placement of artists in empty shops in CBD, enabling them to develop viable long term businesses. A similar program is planned for Port Douglas in partnership with Marina Mirage Centre Management.

2.5 Improve library services and facilities to build social capital, increase community capacity and literacy, encourage lifelong learning and support cultural diversity.

• Activity through the new Stratford Library grew to levels well surpassing the activity levels of the old library.

• Port Douglas “Kiosk” library service has proved to be a very successful replacement for the old mobile service.

• Usage of the overall library network across the year was generally very strong with positive customer feedback.

10 COMMUNITY ANNUAL REPORT 27 JUNE 2009 - 25 JUNE 2010 11

Corporate goal 3: Delivering integrated planningTo take an integrated planning approach to development that creates a sustainable region reflective of our uniqueness and tropical lifestyle.

3.1 Implement an integrated approach to planning by Council and stakeholders.

• Council adopted the Port Douglas Waterfront Master Plan and amendments were prepared for the Douglas Shire Planning Scheme.

3.2 Deliver integrated provision of physical and social infrastructure in existing and future parts of the region.

• Priority Infrastructure Plans for Cairns and Douglas were progressed to finalisation to enable state agency review.

3.3 Effectively plan and respond to significant changes in the demographic profile of the region.

• Council purchased sophisticated community demographic profiling software available on Council’s website.

3.4 Protect and manage the heritage and culture of the region.

• First phase of the Cairns Heritage Study was completed and a consultant was appointed to commence the second stage which will incorporate fieldwork and historical research.

3.5 Plan for the impacts of climate change, including mitigation and adaptation measures.

• Works were completed on a range of programs including the Lake Placid Flood Mitigation, the Local Adaptation Pathways, construction of Lake St/ Hartley St underground pump station and associated inlet and outlet pipe work, and stage one of CBD Flood Mitigation Scheme operational. Flood immunity for residents in Edge Hill, Manunda and Manoora was improved.

• Climate Change strategy developed and adopted by Council.

3.6 Prepare integrated local area plans across the region using a place based planning approach.

• A framework for options with place based planning model was developed and will now be used as a template for local plans.

• Business cases were endorsed for the Daintree Gateway Master Plan, the Cairns City Centre Master Plan and new planning scheme with associated budget allocations.

3.7 Promote good urban design outcomes which are responsive to the region’s tropical environment and unique character.

• The Cairns Style Guide has been reviewed and a revised document prepared.Corporate goal 2: Fostering vibrant communities (continued)

2.6 Improve the capacity and wellbeing of valued areas of the community that traditionally have difficulty being heard.

• A range of activities such as the Mooroobool community safety “Walk with Me” project, Disability Action Week Annual Local Awards, the “Think the Drink” program targeting school leavers, an International Human Rights Day at Tanks and the “Reach for the Stars My Darling” exhibition at Tanks were successfully completed during the year.

• Council adopted an Access and Equity action plan and the Community Halls at Edmonton and Gordonvale were converted to be fully accessible by wheelchairs.

• Council launched the Indigenous Employment Strategy and work continued on the reconciliation action plan.

• Council facilitated performance events for young emerging musicians and used these as opportunities to involve young people so they could learn to stage music events.

• Council facilitated youth bands’ involvement in the Cairns Blues Festival and the QMusic workshops provided training on starting a professional career in music.

• Programs such as the West Cairns safety patrol and walking bus and homework programs have been implemented and planning is progressing to re-invigorate the West Cairns Community Centre and the Manoora Community Centre.

12 COMMUNITY ANNUAL REPORT 27 JUNE 2009 - 25 JUNE 2010 13

Corporate goal 4: Delivering services and infrastructureTo plan, deliver and maintain the region’s infrastructure such as roads and drainage and flood mitigation, and to provide a sustainable high quality water supply to meet current and future needs of the community.

4.1 Provide a robust, secure, high quality water supply to meet the growing needs of the community.

• Work was completed on the Barron River Water Supply Scheme water quality monitoring and geotechnical investigations and the Douglas water supply planning report.

4.2 Encourage wiser use of water by all members of the regional community.

• Council’s Water Demand Management Strategy was endorsed and implementation has commenced.

• Queensland Government Regional Queensland Business Water Efficiency program was completed.

4.3 Deliver a transport network, including footpaths and cycleways, that better matches service level expectations and future growth.

• Projects such as Meleele Bridge replacement, MacDonnell St Closure (Botanic Gardens), Tanks Access and Staff Car Park, the re-fit, refurbish and enhancement of community halls across the region, sports facility upgrades and widening of Stager Road Babinda were completed.

• Following public consultation, detailed design has commenced on the CBD to Aeroglen cycleway and the review of the Pedestrian and Cycleway Strategy for Cairns region has commenced.

• Footpath renewal and cleaning in the CBD has occurred and the upgrade/ replacement of bridges are underway at Cooper Creek, Cape Tribulation, Alice River, Bramston Beach, and Mason Creek, Cape Tribulation.

4.4 Deliver effective long-term maintenance and renewal of existing infrastructure and community assets.

• Tactical and strategic asset management plans are being developed across all Council assets.

• Work commenced on the preparation of a strategic land acquisition plan to implement the Priority Infrastructure Plans.

• Work has commenced on establishing an asset renewals annuity to provide for future asset replacement.

• Council’s ongoing operational commitments taking into account current and future maintenance requirements have been identified.

• Advancement of all core asset management plans in accordance with Department of Infrastructure and Planning requirements.

4.5 Effectively prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

• Construction of the Local Disaster Coordination Centre neared completion.

4.6 Ensure an efficient drainage network that minimises disruption and damage to infrastructure, the community and the environment.

• The projects such as O’Leary’s Creek and Hemming Creek Culverts, stage one of CBD Flood Mitigation Scheme and construction of Lake St/ Hartley St underground pump station and associated inlet and outlet pipe work were completed.

Corporate goal 5: Creating a prosperous regionTo increase the region’s capacity for longterm economic growth by supporting opportunities for local businesses and local employment.

5.1 Support more diverse urban and rural economies.

• A TNQ Regional Events Strategy was adopted by Council and will guide an increased level of support by Council for events of strategic value over the next five years.

5.2 Consolidate and strengthen existing and emerging regional industries.

• The Sports Tourism Strategy Development – Capability and Capacity Assessment was completed and work has commenced on a cost mitigation strategy.

5.3 Plan and make financial and capital decisions with the state of the local economy in mind.

• Guidelines for assessing the economic benefit funding requests were developed.

5.4 Encourage self containment of communities through the integration and co-location of employment opportunities with residential development and public transport.

• Mossman Link Bus Service launched.

• Mount Peter Structure Plan and Amendments to CairnsPlan submitted for first State Interest Check.

• Continued master planning for the Edmonton and Smithfield Town Centres.

14 COMMUNITY ANNUAL REPORT 27 JUNE 2009 - 25 JUNE 2010 15

Community financial report – summary of key statements This community financial report presents an easy-to-understand summary of the key financial statements which illustrate Council’s performance and financial position in the areas of revenue, expenditure, assets and liabilities.

This financial year saw the economy impacted by the Global Financial Crisis. Council was not immune and experienced a downturn in revenue in areas such as contributions, fees and charges and interest on investments. Council remains committed to sound financial management using continuous strategies like the operational plan and annual budget.

Where did the funds come from?• Council received $332.5 million in revenue during 2009-10.

• Net rates and utility charges accounted for 64 per cent of total revenue ($213.7 million).

• A further 17 per cent of revenue was sourced from capital grants, subsidies and contributions ($55.1 million) which are received solely for the purpose of funding current and future capital works in order for Council to continue to supply important infrastructure to the community.

How is the money spent?Council’s expenses represent the cost of providing Council services to the community.

• Council’s expenses totalled $315.6 million during 2009-10.

• Materials and Services ($94.2 million) and Employee Costs ($93.4 million) made up 59 per cent of the total expenditure of Council. Council has a strong labour workforce to provide maintenance, water and waste services, planning, community and cultural services and capital infrastructure for the community.

Corporate goal 6: Striving for organisational excellenceTo ensure that Council is open, accountable, ethical and financially responsible. Recognise that Council plays a leadership role for our immediate communities and for the wider region and will strive to represent our community’s needs and expectations.

6.1 Have excellent leadership throughout, all working together to create a great culture and to achieve our corporate goals.

• Monthly internal management meetings have focussed on leadership, strategy and planning.

6.2 Understand our business environment and effectively set strategy, deploy resources, monitor and report.

• Corporate Plan, Operational Plan and Budget were adopted within legislative timelines.

• The Annual Risk review was completed, Risk Management Plans updated and actions implemented.

• Established benchmarks and KPIs monitored and reported monthly.

6.3 Collect, interpret, manage and capture data and information to inform good decision making.

• Council Information System Stage 1 completed. Planning for Stage 2 commenced.

• The requirements of the Right to Information and Privacy Act were implemented across the organisation.

6.4 Operate effectively and efficiently with engaged and committed people who are safe, capable and motivated to work together to identify and implement ways of doing things better.

• Council has embarked on a leadership program incorporating Covey’s principles.

• Employee opinion survey undertaken.

• Development of “Your Voice” strategy as a feedback mechanism for staff.

• Introduction of KPIs into the Occupational Health and Safety strategy has resulted in increased rectification of identified hazards and a significant reduction in serious injuries.

• Enhancement of Workplace Bullying and Harassment program with the introduction of increased number of contact officers.

6.5 Work to constantly improve knowledge of community needs and inform the community of what Council can provide and how decisions about this are made.

• A survey for commercial waste operations in the Douglas area and a community survey for the Waste Management Strategy were completed.

• Commencement of a Community Planning process to engage community members to shape the vision of our region for the next 20 years.

6.6 Be innovative and work in collaboration with key stakeholders, suppliers, partners and in collaboration with Council Boards and Reference Groups.

• Regular meetings of the Douglas Community Water Reference Group focused on discussions on water quality issues.

• The Urban Design Advisory Board meet bimonthly.

• Education and awareness programs were undertaken on the Building and Construction Industry (EP Act).

• Health and Local Laws (including the PetPEP Education Program - School Visits).

6.7 Consistently perform better, deliver on our objectives and operate sustainably.

• A strategy for the reduction of ongoing computer replacement costs was developed. This strategy will see the life span of PCs move to four years, then five years with a resultant decrease in asset replacement costs. The strategy will involve a furthering of current virtualisation strategy from servers to desktops.

• Implementation of ‘Connecting’ service quality strategy to enhance Council’s customer service delivery and responsiveness to customers.

What was Council’s net result and operating position?

• Council’s net result for the 12 month financial period

is a surplus of $16.8 million and an operating surplus

of $710,114.

What assets does Council own?

• Council assets as at 5 June 2010 totalled $3.072 billion.

This included $178.7 million of current assets (liquid assets

or amounts due to be received within twelve months) and

$2.893 billion of noncurrent assets (of which property, plant

and equipment account for 4 per cent).

What does Council owe?

• Council’s liabilities included loans, amounts owing

to suppliers and amounts owing to employees for

leave entitlements.

• Total liabilities at the end of 2009-10 were $189.7 million.

Interest bearing liabilities represent the largest component

within Council’s liabilities and consist of loans from

Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC).

The loan balance at year end is $101.6 million.

• Council’s debt per rateable property is $1,291.

Expense Categories Employee Benefits $93.4m

Materials and Services $94.2m

Finance Costs $7.4m

Depreciation and Amortisation $81.6m

Capital Expenses $39m

TOTAL ExpEnSES: $315,649,545

Sources of Revenue Rates and Levies $213.7m

Fees and Charges $21.1m

Interest Received $8m

Sale of Contract and Recoverable Works $8.9m

Other Recurrent Income $5.5m

Operating – Grants, Subsidies, Contributions and Donations $20.1m

Capital – Grants, Subsidies, Contributions and Donations $55.1m

TOTAL REVEnUE: $332,467,736

How to contact Council

If you would like to contact Council or would like more

information on any aspect of the Community Annual

Report or Council’s services you can contact us:

Online at www.cairns.qld.gov.au

Email us at council@cairns.qld.gov.au

Call us on 4044 3044 (Cairns), 4099 9444 (Mossman)

or 1800 070 444 (toll free)

Come in to Cairns 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns, Qld 4870

or to Mossman 64-66 Front Street, Mossman, Qld 4873

Mail us at PO Box 359, Cairns, Qld 4870

Small steps can make a world of difference. Recycled paper.

2009-10 Annual Report

The community version of

the 2009-10 Annual Report is

available on Council’s website

www.cairns.qld.gov.au. Copies

of the report are available from

Council’s Customer Service

Centres or any branch of Cairns

Libraries. If you would like a copy

of the report mailed to you please

contact Council on 4044 3044

(Cairns), 4099 9444 (Mossman) or

1800 070 444 (STD callers only).