Fair and equal employment

Transcription

1 Fair and equal employment Council s Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan provides a range of strategies to ensure that Council operates within the principles of fairness and equity. The Plan builds on Council s previous efforts to develop a culture that supports and promotes an equitable and diverse workforce. It requires that all our employees adopt fair practices, make unbiased decisions and recognise and respect the social, personal and cultural attributes of fellow staff. Council implemented several strategies during 2012/2013 to support these objectives: Reviewed policies and engaged the Anti-Discrimination Board to provide educational sessions to staff on employment practices Provided 17 female staff the opportunity to participate in the Springboard Women s Development Program with an emphasis on gaining skills, developing self confidence and managing their home/work balance Implemented an e-recruitment system with competencybased recruitment practices, allowing candidates to demonstrate their competency in practical assessments and interviews relevant to their position Revised our existing Works Assistance Scheme to provide clearer career paths, greater equity and clarity on fundamental responsibilities and skill requirements for each position Exhibited at the Lake Macquarie Jobs and Skills Expo and the Newcastle Lake Macquarie Career and Training Expo to promote Council as a great place to work and encourage people from all backgrounds to consider a career with us 138

2 Upskilled 40 staff by supporting them to complete their Certificate 3 Horticulture (Landscape Construction) trade certificate Hosted high school students as part of their work experience program, with about 40 students from six high schools taking part over a four-month period Introduced a capability framework to: Provide greater role clarity and understanding of the requirements and skills needed in positions and therefore better targeted recruitment practices Improve performance management conversations, providing a basis for timely and meaningful feedback Re-align training and development activities with the framework, to ensure staff are able to achieve in their role Enhance Council s ability to identify skills gaps, resulting in improved workforce planning to ensure the right capabilities are in place for the future Recognising Carers Council recognises the added responsibilities of the carers within the community and our workplace. Extensive carers leave provisions are contained with Council s Enterprise Agreement. In addition, Council continues to promote: Key provisions within our flexible workplace agreements Access to long service leave at half pay Ability to purchase additional annual leave Flexibility in the ability to access time in lieu provisions Proposed for 2013/2014 is the establishment of a carers support group that will provide an internal support network for carers who work within Council and serve to further promote Council s workplace practices that support carers. Council will seek to directly involve the carer support group in exploring new initiatives and policies of Council that recognise carers, and assist in meeting our requirements under the Carers Recognition Act (2010). 139

3 Work, health and safety The safety and wellbeing of our workers and the broader community is our number one priority. Council has developed strategies aimed at continually improving the organisation s Work, Health and Safety (WHS) performance. This year, we achieved a number of milestones. WHS management system In January 2012, legislation governing health and safety changed. Council has made good progress in revising its WHS management system in line with the release of supporting codes of practice for the new legislation. Safety culture Council has worked continuously over the past year to bring safety information to our workforce that is personal, current, relevant and timely. To achieve this, we have used innovative approaches including: broadcasting safety messages and weather alerts via an LED billboard at our Works Depot screening in-house safety education videos in staff lunchrooms and other strategic locations under the SafeTV initiative Safe Work Australia week Council staff participated in a series of activities for Safe Work Week including: establishing an awards program recognising best safe team and safety initiative running ergonomic training workshops sharing a message from WorkCover Paralympian, Shannon Dallas launching the 2013 Safety Calendar 140

4 Safety Management Plan Council has completed the first 12 months of its biennial Safety Management Plan and is achieving positive results across most indicators. WHS performance Council saw significant reductions in all injury types during the year, achieving a 50 per cent reduction in Lost Time Injuries compared to 2011/2012, outperforming our annual target of a 10 per cent reduction for 2012/2013. The following graph shows the 12-month rolling average of Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) against Council s target rate over the past two years. In 2012/2013 we: Delivered Initiatives to reduce risks for hazardous manual tasks and decrease the number of motor vehicle incidents that have yielded positive results, but remain a focus area for 2013/2014 Implemented our internal WHS auditing program consistently across the whole organisation, achieving a compliance rate of 75 per cent Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate comparison with target 40! 35! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! LTIFR! LMCC Target! 5! 0! 141

5 Companion animals Our City rangers are responsible for enforcing companion animal laws, as well as educating the community about responsible pet ownership. Council spent $1,063,416 on companion animal activities, and received $117,457 in companion animal funds in 2012/2013. Animals taken to the pound When our rangers have been unable to identify the owners of stray animals, cats and dogs are taken to the RSPCA pound. During the year, this totalled: Cats: 257 Dogs: 389 Dog attacks Over the past year, rangers received 117 reports of alleged dog attacks. Fifty-six of these were minor attacks and 61 were considered major. Responsible pet ownership education City rangers conduct annual programs to educate people about responsible pet ownership. Media campaigns are conducted throughout the year to promote Council s education programs as well as important messages about pet ownership Puppy preschool is held at Hillsborough Dog Club. This class covers topics from pet training to responsible pet ownership Microchipping days are held throughout the year to allow owners of companion animals to get their animals microchipped free of charge Online information at also educates people about their responsibilities as a pet owner 142

6 Promoting the desexing of dogs and cats To promote the importance of desexing pets and assisting owners in paying for the procedure, Council participates in National Desexing Month held in July each year. By working with Hunter Animal Watch and subsidising the cost of the procedure, City rangers promote the importance of desexing pets through media and communication campaigns. Alternatives to euthanasia for unclaimed animals Council rangers continue with education programs, media campaigns and free microchipping days to increase responsible dog and cat ownership. Through these programs, Council emphasises the importance of microchipping as it can increase the chance of owners being reunited with their pet. If a ranger collects an animal, it is checked for identification and returned to the owner as the first option. If the owner cannot be identified, the Ranger will take it to the RSPCA pound where it is held pending being claimed by the owner. If the animal is not claimed then the RSPCA will assess the animal for its suitability for rehoming. Dog off-leash areas Council provides the following off-leash areas for dogs: Barnsley Belmont North Buttaba Blackalls Park Blacksmiths Bolton Point Bonnells Bay Booragul Cardiff Caves Beach Charlestown Coal Point Croudace Bay Dora Creek Gateshead Marks Point Morisset Rathmines Redhead Beach Redhead Speers Point Swansea Toronto Valentine For details of off-leash areas visit 143

7 External bodies exercising Council functions Hunter Resource Recovery Pty Ltd Hunter Resource Recovery Pty Ltd provides Council s kerbside recycling service and is jointly owned and operated by Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton councils. Hunter Resource Recovery manages the kerbside recycling collection services contract with Solo Resource Recovery and subsequent recyclables processing by Visy Recycling, as well as services to allow residents to properly dispose of e-waste and other household items. Hunter Integrated Resources Pty Ltd Hunter Integrated Resources Pty Ltd (HIR), was established to administer the Hunter Region Waste Project on behalf of the member councils - Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland and Newcastle. The Waste Project was terminated in 2009; however, the HIR company structure is being retained as a potential vehicle for other activities in the future. Delegated authority to external bodies Council delegates authority to external groups to manage and operate public facilities. This arrangement is more efficient for Council and gives the community greater ownership of public facilities, such as sporting and recreation facilities and community halls and centres. 144

8 The care, control and management of community halls and centres Facility Dudley Senior Citizens Centre Holmesville Community Hall John Young Community Hall Marks Point Community Hall Rathmines Community Hall Redhead Community Library Ulinga Park Community Hall Windale Community Hall Wyee Community Hall External body Dudley Combined Pensioners and Senior Citizens Inc Holmesville Hall Community Operating Committee John Young Hall Community Operating Committee Marks Point Community Hall Operating Committee Bayswater/Rathmines Community Hall Operating Committee Redhead Community Library Operating Committee Ulinga Youth Centre Inc Windale Hall Community Operating Committee Wyee Hall Community Operating Committee 145

9 The care, control and management of child care centres Facility Birralee Longday Care Centre Whitebridge Bolton Point Child Care Centre Cardiff Early Education and Care Centre Charlestown Child Care and Early Learning Centre Eastlake Community Child Care Centre Edgeworth Child Care Centre Glendale Early Education Centre KU Kahibah Road Child Care Centre Mt Hutton Child Care Centre Peter Pan Kindergarten, Wangi Wangi Redhead Community Preschool Toronto Community Preschool Warners Bay Early Learning and Care Centre Woodrising Community Preschool and Child Care Centre External body Birralee Longday Care Centre Elected Management Committee Bolton Point Child Care Elected Committee Cardiff Early Education and Care Elected Committee Charlestown Child Care and Early Learning Elected Committee Belmont Community Child Care Elected Committee Edgeworth Child Care Elected Committee Glendale Early Education Elected Committee KU Children s Services Mt Hutton Child Care Elected Committee Peter Pan Kindergarten Elected Committee Redhead Community Preschool Elected Committee Toronto Community Preschool Elected Committee Warners Bay Early Learning and Care elected Committee Woodrising Community Preschool Elected Committee 146

10 The care, control and management of sporting and recreation facilities Facility Aitchison Reserve Alan Davis Field (Gateshead Ovals) Andy Bird Field Auston Oval and Bernie Goodwin Reserve Awaba Oval Bahloo Reserve Balcomb Field Barton Field (Belmont Ovals) Baxter Field Belmont Macquarie Tennis Courts Belmont North Netball Courts Bill Bower Oval Blacksmiths Oval Blacksmiths Tennis Courts Bolton Point Tennis Courts Bonnells Bay Netball Courts Cahill Oval (Belmont Ovals) Cardiff No.1 Oval (Cardiff Ovals) Cardiff No.2 Oval (Cardiff Ovals) Cardiff No.3 Oval (Cardiff Ovals) Cardiff Park Tennis Courts Caves Beach Netball Courts Caves Beach Tennis Courts Chapman Oval Charlestown Oval Cooranbong Recreation and Equestrian Reserve Croft Oval (Blackalls Park Ovals) Croudace Bay Sports Complex Dora Creek Ovals (Douglass Street) Edgeworth Ovals Eleebana Oval External body Belmont Swansea Junior Soccer Club Inc Gateshead Ovals Community Operating Committee Kahibah Ovals Community Operating Committee Morisset United Football Club Inc Awaba Oval Community Operating Committee Bahloo Reserve Community Operating Committee John Balcomb Field Community Operating Committee Belmont Ovals Community Operating Committee Baxter Field Community Operating Committee Belmont Macquarie Tennis Club Inc Belmont North Netball Club Inc Glendale Ovals Community Operating Committee Belmont Swansea United Football Club Inc Blacksmiths Tennis Club Inc Bolton Point Tennis Club Inc Morisset Netball Club Inc Belmont Ovals Community Operating Committee Cardiff Ovals Community Operating Committee Cardiff Ovals Community Operating Committee Cardiff Ovals Community Operating Committee Cardiff Park Tennis Club Inc Caves Beach Netball Inc Caves Beach Tennis Club Inc Swansea Football Club Inc Charlestown City Blues Football Club Inc Cooranbong Recreation and Equestrian Reserve Community Operating Committee Blackalls Park Ovals Community Operating Committee Valentine Eleebana Netball Inc Valentine Eleebana JRLFC Inc Valentine Eleebana Football Club Inc Valentine Tennis Club Inc Dora Creek Ovals Community Operating Committee Edgeworth Ovals Community Operating Committee Valentine Eleebana Football Club Inc 147

11 Facility Eleebana Tennis Courts Ernie Calland Fields (Gateshead Ovals) Evans Park Fassifern Oval Feighan Oval Finnan Oval (Water Board Oval) (Blackalls Park Ovals) Fred Wright Oval Gibson Field Gregory Park (Les Wakeman Field) Harold Knight Oval Hillsborough Oval Hillsborough Tennis Courts Holford Oval Holmesville Oval Holmesville Tennis Courts Hunter Barnett Fields (Windale Ovals) Jack Neave Fields (Ulinga Sporting Complex) Jack Stewart Netball Courts John Street Field Johnston Park Keith Barry Oval Kindyerra Reserve (Jack Edwards Fields) Lake Macquarie City Petanque Lakelands Oval Lakelands Tennis Courts Lance York Field Lenaghan Oval Liles Oval Lisle Carr Field Lumsdon Field (Belmont Ovals) Lydon Field Macquarie Field Marks Oval Marks Oval Tennis Courts External body Eleebana Tennis Club Inc Gateshead Ovals Community Operating Committee Cardiff Junior Football Club Inc Westlakes Archers Inc Feighan Oval Community Operating Committee Blackalls Park Ovals Community Operating Committee Kahibah Football Club Inc Southern Lakes Rugby Union Club Inc Gregory Park Community Operating Committee Charlestown City Blues Football Club Inc Cardiff Junior Australian Football Club Inc Hillsborough Tennis Club Inc Valentine Eleebana Football Club Inc Hunter Christian Churches Football Inc Holmesville Tennis Community Operating Committee Windale Ovals Community Operating Committee South Cardiff Football Club Inc Charlestown Netball Association Inc Warners Bay Soccer Club Inc West Wallsend Senior Soccer Club Ltd Keith Barry Ovals Community Operating Committee Argenton United Junior Soccer Club Inc Lake Macquarie City Petanque Club Inc Warners Bay Soccer Club Inc Lakelands Tennis Club Inc Garden Suburb Soccer Club Inc Belmont North Junior Rugby League Club Inc Liles Ovals Community Operating Committee Charlestown City Blues Football Club Inc Belmont Ovals Community Operating Committee Dudley Redhead United Soccer Club Inc Lake Macquarie City Football Club Inc Belmont Football Club Ltd Marks Oval Tennis Community Operating Committee 148

12 Facility Martinsville Oval Michael Bird Field (Windale Ovals) Mick Middleton Field Miller Field (Belmont Ovals) Molly Smith Netball Courts Mount Hutton Tennis Courts Nancy Dwyer and Ken Booth Netball Courts Neegulbah Park New Tredinnick Fields Old Tredinnick (Northlakes Ovals) Parbury Park Peacock Field (Toronto Ovals) Pendlebury Oval Pickering Oval Rathmines Oval Rathmines Tennis Courts Reay Park Redhead Tennis Courts Ron Hill Oval St John Oval Swansea Equestrian Ground Swansea South Tennis Courts Taylor Park Todd Street Oval (Blackalls Park Ovals) Tulkaba Park Ulinga Park Tennis and Netball Courts Walters Park Wangi Netball Courts Wangi Oval Warners Bay Netball Courts West Wallsend Tennis Courts Whitebridge Tennis Courts Windale Tennis Courts Windsor Park Wyee Community Tennis Courts External body Martinsville Oval Community Operating Committee Windale Ovals Community Operating Committee Kahibah Football Club Inc Belmont Ovals Community Operating Committee Lakeside Netball Association Inc Mount Hutton Tennis Club Inc Cardiff Netball Club Inc Cardiff and District Little Athletics Centre Inc Lake Macquarie Football Club Inc Macquarie Football Ltd Parbury Park Community Operating Committee Toronto Ovals Community Operating Committee Lakers Baseball Club Inc Pickering Oval Community Operating Committee Westlakes Wildcats Junior Football Club Inc Rathmines Tennis Club Inc Reay Park Community Operating Committee Redhead Tennis Club Inc Ron Hill Oval Community Operating Committee St John Oval Community Operating Committee Swansea Horse and Riders Club Inc Swansea South Tennis Club Inc Taylor Park Community Operating Committee Blackalls Park Ovals Community Operating Committee Lake Macquarie Australian Football Club Inc Ulinga Youth Centre Inc Lake Macquarie Rugby Club Inc Westlakes District Netball Association Inc Wangi Oval Community Operating Committee Warners Bay Netball Inc West Wallsend Tennis Club Inc Whitebridge Tennis Club Inc Windale Tennis Community Operating Committee Phoenix Charlestown Baseball Club Inc Wyee Community Hall Community Operating Committee 149

13 Partnerships, co-operatives and joint ventures Program name Lake Macquarie Family Day Care play session Better Boating Facilities Brighter Futures Early Intervention Program Bust Your Household Electricity Bills Carers Pamper Day Carols by Candlelight Chemical CleanOut Clean Up Australia Day Participants with Lake Macquarie Council Hunter TAFE, Glendale Children s Services NSW Roads and Maritime Samaritans - as lead agency Solar Power Warners Bay, The Star Newspaper Carers Action Network Newcastle Permanent, NBN, 2HD, The Star NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Clean Up Australia, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Description Hunter TAFE Glendale facilitates quality education and learning experiences for children in care with Lake Macquarie Family Day Care educators in a purpose-built environment A grant funding partnership which delivers improved recreational boating related infrastructure around the shores of Lake Macquarie, facilities include upgrade to boat ramps, car and trailer parking and jetties Led by the Samaritans, the Brighter Futures Program provides support for families to build strength and resilience for optimal long-term benefits This competition is part of a larger campaign to assist residents and businesses to save money on electricity, water, transport and consumption, and at the same time reduce impacts on the local environment A partnership to deliver an event to recognise and support carers. It included presentation of NSW Carers Awards to local recipients Delivery of annual Carols by Candlelight event in Speers Point Park, includes a movie on the big screen, local talent on stage, an evening carols program and fireworks finale Residents are encouraged to drop off their household chemical waste to Council s Teralba Worm Farm on a designated weekend in May each year Council participates in Clean Up Australia Day and works with communities to clean up, and conserve our environment 150

14 Program name Community Development activities Community facilities Councils Online Employer sponsored agreement - priority of access Environmental Upgrade Agreements Participants with Lake Macquarie Council Various community organisations and government departments/agencies Various community groups Wyong and Hornsby councils Hunter New England Area Health Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) Description Staff in Council's Social and Community Planning Team work with a range of community and government stakeholders to deliver policies and programs for the social services in our City. This includes service programs for young people, crime prevention, Aboriginal people, people with a disability, older people, children and families Community facilities managed on Council's behalf (under Delegated Authority), provide a broad range of services and activities in line with Council s vision for the local community. These include services, activities and events for young people, Aboriginal people, people with a disability, older people, children and families The participating Councils share a common platform of information systems, which includes the supply of computer hardware and software. These systems are hosted at an external data centre and are fully managed by CapGemini Lake Macquarie Family Day Care provides employer sponsored placement for children of Hunter New England Area Health employees under a priority of access program A program to assist commercial building owners enhance the environmental performance and operational costs of their building. OEH provided grant funds and ongoing coordination support to a group of councils attempting to promote the innovative finance product. CEFC partnered with Council to launch the availability of the finance in Lake Macquarie City and promote it to key industry stakeholders 151

15 Program name Graffiti Hotspot Program Harmony Day Participants with Lake Macquarie Council Department of Juvenile Justice Various community organisations and government departments/agencies Description This program involves engaging young offenders to remove graffiti from roads, parks and other public property around the City A partnership to deliver an event to celebrate Harmony Day House on Fire Tantrum Theatre Presentation of a Production House on Fire at Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre Hunter Cemeteries Taskforce Hunter Region Sports Centre International Day for People with a Disability Lake Macquarie Dune Ecosystem Enhancement Program Lake Macquarie Annual Seniors Program Lake Macquarie Festival Lake Macquarie Sports Field Improvement Project Hunter Councils, Wyong and Gosford councils Hunter Region Sports Centre Disability Network Hunter Newcastle City Council Hunter Water Corporation, Belmont Golf Club, Belmont Wetlands State Park Trust Uniting Care Ageing Hunter Maitland Mutual, Eraring Energy, Centennial Coal, NBN, The Star, KOFM Hunter Water Corporation Hunter region, Wyong and Gosford councils meet to share, support and discuss cemetery operational, procedural and business issues. A pilot Monumental Workshop was recently held at Lake Macquarie City Council, facilitated by Rookwood General Cemetery, and funded by NSW Cemeteries and Crematoria Association. The workshop was also attended by staff from Waverley, Shoalhaven, Orange, Pittwater councils and Sandgate Cemetery Trust The Hunter Region Sports Centre is owned by Council but controlled by a community-based committee involving Council representatives, representatives of regional state athletics and gymnastics bodies, as well as a number of community representatives Council is a partner in the coordination of a regional program for International Day for People with a Disability. The program included a fun day in the park and an exhibition of work by artists with a disability Council partners with other coastal land owners to undertake dune rehabilitation between Redhead and Blacksmiths This is a free program, sponsored by Uniting Care Ageing Hunter, for residents aged 55 years and over. It focuses on health, safety and wellbeing Delivery of the annual Lake Macquarie Festival on Australia Day event in Speers Point Park, includes a movie on the big screen, local talent on stage, an evening concert featuring a national artist and a fireworks finale Hunter Water provided funding assistance for sports field soil and irrigation assessments as part of the Lake Macquarie Sports Field Improvement Project 152

16 Program name Lake Macquarie Tourism marketing program MobileMuster NAIDOC Week National Youth Week Official Openings Save Watts Second Hand Saturdays and e-waste collection Seniors Week Sharps collection service Showerhead Exchange Program Participants with Lake Macquarie Council Lake Macquarie Tourism Association Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association Various community organisations and government departments/agencies Various community organisations Various sports facility management boards Business Growth Centre, and Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Hunter Resource Recovery (HRR) University of the Third Age (U3A), Sing Australia, Theatre Royal, and The Festivalist Young At Heart Film Festival Various pharmacies Hunter Water Corporation Description Lake Macquarie Tourism works in partnership with the Lake Macquarie Tourism Association Board and members to build the City's tourism profile, generate visitor enquiries and grow visitation to the area. Examples of collaborative work include promotion of Lake Macquarie at Sydney consumer shows and participation in online and print advertising campaigns Recycling of unused mobile phones and accessories is available to residents at Council s Administration Building and Toronto, Morisset and Swansea libraries Various community members, organisations, and government departments and agencies in both the Eastlake and Westlake areas collaborated to deliver events to celebrate NAIDOC Week Council provided funding to, and worked with, various community organisations to deliver events and activities to celebrate National Youth Week Working with sporting facility management boards to coordinate official opening events for any upgraded and/or new facilities Through this program, Council and the Business Growth Centre work in partnership to provide useful energy efficiency information and advice to businesses. The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency provided the funds to enable the two-year program to take place HRR provides a permanent e-waste drop off location, as well as collections on specified Second Hand Saturdays. All electrical items, with the exception of whitegoods, are accepted and household items are recycled through the life-cycle program included in the Second Hand Saturday events A partnership to deliver concerts and a movie day for older people to celebrate Seniors Week Council installed and services three public sharps disposal bins (initially provided by NSW Hunter New England Health) and participating local pharmacies collect sharps, which Council disposes of safely Hunter Water and Council host a range of activities to encourage and assist residents to reduce their water usage by exchanging their existing showerheads for water efficient versions 153

17 Program name Speers Point Regional Football Facility Sports Recreation Facilities Sustainability Advantage The Place: Charlestown Community Centre Online Exit Survey for Libraries Participants with Lake Macquarie Council Northern NSW Football Various sporting and recreation groups Office of Environment and Heritage The GPT Group University of Wollongong, and Hurstville, Marrickville, Penrith, Auburn, Waverly and Fairfield libraries Description Development of regional football facility at Speers Point Park Many clubs not only manage facilities on Council's behalf, but contribute club funds to the upkeep and running of facilities to ensure that they are operated efficiently and economically Council works with OEH to assist a small group of large Lake Macquarie businesses to become more sustainable through their Sustainability Advantage Program The Place: Charlestown Community Centre is a positive investment in the community's future, particularly for Charlestown and surrounding areas. The governing committee and management model for the facility consists of a partnership between Lake Macquarie City Council, GPT Group and the community A joint study capturing the experiences of library users through an online exit survey. Outcomes from this survey will help with future planning on collections, promotions and program delivery BaRK Program Delta Society Pet Partners The Society trains and selects dogs and partners suitable for Lake Macquarie City Library s reading program Get Reading Program Get Reading Get Reading is an Australian Government initiative assisting Lake Macquarie City Library to bring Australian authors to the City 154

18 Controlling interests and service charges Controlling interest in companies Council holds no controlling interests in companies. Stormwater management charge Council does not administer an annual charge for stormwater management services. Coastal protection services charge Council does not administer an annual charge for coastal protection services. Private works Council has business units that carry out various private works on a cost recovery or commercial basis, both in and outside of Lake Macquarie City. Some of this work is carried out on private land. The prices for this work are based on unit rates set by Council and incorporated in Council s Fees and Charges. The Fees and Charges Document is available at 155

19 Contributions and donations Annual donations program Lake Macquarie City Council supports community groups and organisations that contribute to the wellbeing and lifestyle of our residents. Each year, Council provides financial assistance to these groups to boost their ability to make a difference in their local community. Group Cash and Council Services Bill Turner Cup (Northern NSW Schools Football Inc) $ Coon Island Management Board $1, Hunter Animal Rescue $ Hunter Academy of Sport $2, Hunter Carers $ Hunter Institute of TAFE $5, Hunter Valley Research Foundation $12, Lake Macquarie Paddlefest 2012 (Rotary Club of Toronto Sunrise) $1, Lake Macquarie U3A $1, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Dementia Advisory Service (Hunter New England $ Local Health District) Plan-it Youth $40.00 Redhead Community Library $1, Resident of Galgabba St, Swansea $74.00 Southlakes Carers Inc $1, Star Struck Program $5, Sugarloaf and Districts Action Group Inc. (West Wallsend Cemetery Sub-Committee) $1, Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Advancement Group $ TAD Disability Services Hunter Region $1, Toronto Bridge Club $ Valentine Community Service Organisation $2, Valentine Hydrotherapy Pools Inc $10, Wangi Ridge Preservation Board $1, West Wallsend Heritage Group Inc $1, Windale Anglican Church $ TOTAL $51,

20 Donations and financial assistance program Group Funds Cancer Council NSW $ Hunter Valley Research Foundation $1, Lions Club of Eleebana $99.00 Lions Club of Valentine Inc $ Mums Cottage $1, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Dementia Advisory Service (Charlestown Carers Support Group) $ Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Dementia Advisory Service (Belmont Carers Support Group) $ Rathmines Catalina Memorial Park Trust $ Redhead Landcare Group $ The Sunflower Centre Hunter Region $ Toronto Bridge Club $ Toronto and District Minister s Fellowship $ Toronto Men s Shed Inc $ TOTAL $6,

21 Rent subsidies Lake Macquarie City Council subsidises for community groups and organisations that use or rent Council-owned facilities. Group Subsidy Clubs $238, Community groups $ 912, Aged and disability services and groups $ 55, Child care centres $ 829, Scouts and guides $ 40, TOTAL $ 2,076,

22 Community, cultural and sporting assistance program The community, sporting, and cultural assistance program provides financial and in-kind support to not-for-profit organisations so they can then build a vibrant, cultural and community life in Lake Macquarie. Organisation Event Cash and Council Services Athletic NSW Fernleigh 15 $ Art Lovers Movement Annual Art Exhibition $1, Australian Fife Fancy Club of NSW Annual Bird Display $ Bahtabah Local Aboriginal Land Council NAIDOC Eastlakes $2, Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Awareness Walk $ Filipino Australian Society of the Hunter Valley Celebration Evening $ Hunter Arts Network Autumn Art Bazzar $2, Juvenile Diabetes Awareness Walk $1, Lake Macquarie BMX Club State Titles $1, Lake Macquarie Classic Boatfest Boatfest $6, Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue Gala Day $1, Lake Macquarie Music Society Lake Macquarie Philharmonic $5, Orchestra Performance Lake Macquarie Music Society Production $4, Lions Club of Wangi Dobell Festival $1, Morisset Community Festival Morisset Community Festival $1, Na Ya Boo Larng NAIDOC Westlakes $3, Newcastle Roller Derby 2013 Bout Program (6 events) $3, Northern Settlement Services Harmony Day $2, Olympic Parade Wangi Sailing Club Sailing Gold Medallists $5, homecoming parade Powerhouse Christian Ministries Wangi Carols $ Rathmines Catalina Festival Inc Catalina Festival $6, Redhead SLSC Goldie Classic $ Southlakes Business Chamber Carols By Candlelight $1, Swansea Chamber of Commerce Carols by Candlelight $ Swansea Chamber of Commerce Swansea Springtime $1, Toronto Chamber of Commerce Carols by the Lake $2, Variety Variety Splash $ Vedic Samti Newcastle Inc Cultural Concert $ TOTAL $62,

23 Legal proceedings Matter Court Costs paid Costs awarded Status Anderson (Class 1) Anderson (Class 2) Anderson (Costs Hearing) Durand Heaton Land and Environment Court Land and Environment Court Land and Environment Court Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal Land and Environment Court $ Applicant ordered to reconstruct deck to comply with exempt development $133 - Council unsuccessful because of need for Ministerial approval, otherwise upheld on all other merits $12,211 $19,057 Council successful. Court dismissed Applicant's motion for costs and ordered Applicant to pay Council's costs - - Council successful. Tribunal found it had no jurisdiction and the application was dismissed - - Parties reached agreement McNaughton Local Court - - Council successful. Defendant agreed to pay damages claimed by Council prior to hearing Mitchell Local Court $236 - Council successful in obtaining applicant agreement to Court-imposed Control Orders Morrison Land and Environment Court $41,408 - Ongoing matter Quick Local Court $14,450 - Applicant's appeal upheld and Council ordered to pay Applicant's costs Rogers (1) Local Court $3613 $2319 Council successful. Defendant ordered to pay Council's costs 160

24 Matter Court Costs paid Costs awarded Status Rogers (2) Local Court $2081 $4104 Council successful. Defendant ordered to pay Council's costs Simmons Local Court $3819 $3832 Council successful, Council awarded costs Tappouras Tolson & Henry Wayne Roberts Concrete Constructions Pty Ltd Land and Environment Court Land and Environment Court Land and Environment Court $ Parties reached agreement on modification of consent previously issued by Court - - Council successful. Refusal of development application for foreshore development upheld - - Ongoing matter Williamson Local Court $ Council successful in obtaining applicant agreement to Court - imposed Control Orders Wilson Local Court $4000 $5000 Council successful. Council awarded costs 161

25 Overseas visits Position Destination Purpose Notes Date Cost Project Officer - Preparation of Adaptation Plans Singapore Funded by the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, this trip was to meet with the Singaporean Coastal and Project Management Department, Building and Construction Authority, the Mitigation and Resilience Policy and Planning department within the National Climate Change Secretariat and the Singapore National University to discuss how the Singaporean Government is addressing the risk of sea level rise and to discuss coastal adaptation options SEI Award of $ /05/2013 to 12/05/2013 $ Development Assessment and Compliance Manager Landscape Architect 162 Goroka, Papua New Guinea Auckland, New Zealand Capacity Building Program. The program generated many new ideas and suggestions from an outside group, boosted morale and created enthusiasm for change at Goroka Council. Communication within the organisation, between different levels of government and with other sections of the local community was significantly improved. Discussions and capacity building also took place in relation to a range of technical, governance and administrative issues. Outcomes have been detailed in a full report to Hunter Councils and AusAid Attendance at the International Federation of Landscape Architects World Congress AusAid 16/11/12 to 05/12/12 The employee was registered as an employee of LMCC but the trip was self funded 21/02/13 to 12/03/13 10/04/13 to 12/04/13 Nil to Council Nil to Council

26 Senior staff Lake Macquarie City Council employs four senior staff. The total amount of money payable in respect to the employment of those senior staff members, including money payable for salary, the provision of fringe benefits, and for all other costs associated with their employment was $1,149,375. Contract employment conditions for senior staff are in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, Section 338. Position Amount General Manager $339,814 Director City Strategy $241,069 Director Community Development $241,069 Director Operations $230,713 Director Corporate Services* $96,710 * This position was vacated on 30 November

27 Public access to information The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (the GIPA Act) commenced on 1 July The GIPA Act replaces the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (FOI Act) and Section 12 of the Local Government Act The main purpose of the GIPA Act is to provide the public with access to as much information held by local government agencies as is possible in the circumstances of each request. The benefit of this legislation is to provide a more open, accountable and transparent government. Lake Macquarie City Council provides information to the community in three key ways: Open access to information that is readily available Access to information can be disclosed to the public by informal release, for example where no third party personal information is involved Access to information that requires a formal access application, for example where consultation with a third party is required Proactive release of information Council proactively releases a wide variety of information for open access through its website, including policies, planning documents, development application information, business papers and council minutes. This year, Council also used social media including Facebook, Twitter and You Tube to distribute information to the community. Each year, Council conducts a review, as required under Section 7 of the GIPA Act, to identify further information it will proactively release through its website, social media and other publications. In addition, Council continuously reviews the content available on its website to ensure it is transparent, accurate and informative. Council s program for proactive release of information involves reviewing formal and informal access applications received to determine the kinds of information the community is seeking. Council s Customer Service Centre staff are also consulted about the types requests they receive through telephone calls and the service counter. Council has determined that the types of new enquiries received generally relate to a program or initiative that Council is undertaking at that time. 164

28 Throughout the 2012/2013 financial year, Council updated its website to release information on our new green waste service, new State Government legal requirements for pool owners and our work with the community in planning for future flood risks. All of these topics attracted interest during the year. The following documents were new to Council s website in 2012/2013: Changes to NSW swimming pool legislation The State Government has introduced new swimming pool safety compliance laws. The purpose of the new legislation is to promote the need for regular checks and maintenance of pool safety barriers, such as fencing. Council created a new section on its website to address the changes to the legislation and to promote and advise pool owners of the new responsibilities and requirements. Heritage information Following a customer survey, Council developed a new page about heritage buildings. The new page provides information for the community and business owners regarding evidence of historical sites, buildings and unspoilt natural environments, and includes links to Council s Local Environmental Plan. Planning for future flood risks Areas within the City of Lake Macquarie have been identified as likely to be affected by flood and tidal sea level rise by Council developed a series of specific webpages to provide the community and affected residents with information on the Lake Macquarie Waterway Flood Study 2012 and Lake Macquarie Waterway Flood Risk Management Study and Plan 2012, and on the community engagement process for local adaptation planning. 165

29 Public access requests In addition to the proactive release of information, Council provides information to the community in response to formal information requests under the GIPA Act. Number of access to information requests received: 67 applications (including withdrawn applications, but not invalid applications) Outcome of applications received Number received Access granted in full Media 1 Private sector business 5 Not for profit organisations or community groups 1 Members of the public (application by legal representative) 7 Members of the public (other) 19 Access granted in part Members of the public (application by legal representative) 4 Members of the public (other) 18 Access refused in full Members of the public (other) 6 Information not held Members of the public (other) 4 Application withdrawn Members of the public (other) 2 TOTAL

30 Number of access to information requests declared invalid: 2 applications were invalid as they did not comply with the formal requirements of the Act Timeliness of (valid) applications: 65 applications were decided within the statutory timeframe (20 days plus any extensions) Number of applications in which access to information was refused or granted only in part: 28 applications, comprising 22 applications that were granted in part and six that were refused Reasons information was not disclosed: More than one public interest consideration may apply in relation to a particular application. The reasons recorded for the 28 applications refused or granted only in part are as follows Reasons against disclosure (public interest considerations) Number Law enforcement and security 21 Individual rights, judicial processes and natural justice 6 Business interests of agencies and other persons 3 Number of applications reviewed: 2 applications were reviewed Applications reviewed Number Outcome Internal review 1 Decision upheld Review by the Information Commissioner 1 Decision upheld 167

31 Special rate variation In 2012, Council received approval for a seven-year special rate variation to increase its general income in order to secure its long-term financial sustainability and maintain the assets and levels of service needed for our growing City. IPART approved the variation in accordance with Council s Funding Option 2 Maintain Services. Under this option, Council services would stay largely the same, with minimal improvements or upgrades, the condition of assets would be maintained at current rates, and an operating deficit would remain until 2016/2017. For the 2012/2013 financial year, this special rate variation raised $5.7 million of revenue, which Council used to maintain levels of service and invest in community infrastructure renewal and maintenance. Council remains on track to return to the projected surplus in 2016/2017 as outlined the approved variation. However, as a result of various factors, Council ended the 2012/2013 financial year with an operating surplus, rather than a deficit as originally projected in the special rate variation application. Factors contributing to the surplus included the budget being prepared prior to the special rate variation approval, the timing of grants received, and changes in depreciation charges. Program of expenditure The program of expenditure for the seven-year rate variation is outlined in Council s Long Term Financial Plan and detailed annually in the Operational Plan and Budget. Outcomes achieved Key outcomes achieved as a result of the variation are reported on pages of this report. 168

32 Asset renewal and maintenance expenditure During 2012/2013 Council spent $29,114,355 on capital renewal works to restore existing assets to their original condition, and a further $22,452,161 on regular ongoing maintenance to keep assets operating so they provide the required levels of service. A full report on the state of Council s infrastructure assets is provided on pages of this report. Productivity savings achieved In making its determination for the seven-year special rate variation, IPART commended Council for addressing financial sustainability and managing the City s infrastructure backlog. IPART also acknowledged that Council is efficient and has a culture of continuous improvement. In resolving to apply for the special rate variation, Councillors made a commitment to operational efficiency and an ongoing culture of productivity improvement. Productivity savings achieved during 2012/2013 are provided on pages of this report. Addressing financial hardship There was no significant change in the percentage of rates and charges outstanding. The outstanding rates and annual charges for 2012/2013 was 3.7 per cent, compared to 3.33 per cent for 2011/2012. To assist any ratepayers facing difficulty paying their rates, satisfactory arrangements can usually be made to tailor payments to more manageable amounts. Council also offers the option to pay via monthly direct debit. Residents of rateable properties who hold a Pensioner Concession card are generally entitled to a rebate on their rates. 169

33 Productivity improvements Area of operation Asset Management CiviLake Organisational improvement 1. Electricity supply contracts Asset Management, in consultation with Sustainability and other Council departments, tested the market and secured two-year contracts for the supply of electricity to Council-owned sites and for street lighting. This was arranged through Regional Procurement and its energy broker. Through a combination of reverse auctioning and traditional tendering processes, Council was able to achieve highly competitive rates and estimated savings of approximately $153,000 a year, when compared with the current arrangements. The secured rates have also been made available to community committees that operate Council facilities, which will allow them to save 15 per cent on the current standard retail rates 2. Haulage contribution for roads Asset Management, in consultation with City Projects and Community Planning staff, negotiated a haulage levy which is to be sought as a contribution for a proposed expansion of an existing mine in Teralba. The haulage levy, is expected to raise approximately $300,000 a year, or approximately $9 million over the life of the mine extension. The final amount is subject to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure issuing consent with the proposed haulage condition. The methodology developed by Council staff to determine the levy is comprehensive and incorporates the total lifecycle costs of associated road works including rehabilitation and maintenance costs. The methodology will be incorporated into future section 94 developer contribution plans Extension of the Lake Macquarie-specific exemption for Excavated Natural Materials was obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency during the year. This will allow waste to be used as fill at Council s Sustainable Resource Centre until December 2014 and enable waste from works to be disposed at minimal cost A review of training practices for CiviLake staff found significant cost savings, which have been redirected for development of specific in-house training courses. Delivery of these specialised training courses for operators of plant and equipment has enabled relief operators to be trained, and provided additional budget for workforce succession planning within CiviLake 170

34 Area of operation Development Assessment and Compliance (DAC) Human Resources LakeMac Print Library, Leisure and Culture Mechanical, Depot and Supply Property - Holiday Parks Revenue Section Sustainability Organisational improvement DAC has continued with its efforts to enhance its services over the last quarter. Works have continued on projects such as electronic lodgement of applications and a noticeable increase of the uptake of this service has occurred. Other services that DAC has enhanced over this quarter are: changes to the notification process review of the application acceptance checklist provision of official documents through electronic means DAC will continue to develop its services in an effort to achieve greater efficiencies in time and resources in the future Council launched an e-recruitment system. Feedback from candidates on the overall recruitment process has been positive. The system enables a greater level of candidate contact, with the ability to provide regular updates by and text on the progress of an application. For recruitment panel members, the system provides enhanced short-listing functionality and notification of applications received LakeMac Print has formed external printing relationships with the following clients: Cessnock City Council, Maitland City Council, Hornsby City Council, Ryde City Council, Dungog Shire Council, Gloucester Shire Council, Great Lakes Council, Port Stephens Council, Solo Resource Recovery and Hunter Resource Recovery A library staffing restructure was approved and internal recruitment commenced for new positions, giving further opportunities for staff growth and development An example of the use of a Material Requirement Planning (MRP) system within the Depot Supply Store, in partnership with the Workshop, for the supply of engine oil, fuel and air filters has been successfully implemented. The system works where the requester is able to plan or schedule their inventory requirements and these are passed to the supplier, who supplies the goods just in time, thereby avoiding the need to hold the inventory in the Store warehouse. The benefits from this initiative include: reducing Automotive and Plant category inventory value by approximately 8 per cent, or $11,000 contributing to the improvement of inventory turnover rates in the Automotive and Plant category creating storage space for additional inventory to further increase turnover and support operational requirements improving customer satisfaction through collaborative planning A solar hot water system was installed at Wangi Point Lakeside Holiday Park. Cost recovery on this investment is expected to be three years. In addition, Council obtained $6000 credits for trade-in of a diesel boiler A review of staffing within the Rates area provided an opportunity to save the costs of a full time position ($65,000 a year). The Customer Service Centre took on some duties, while the remaining duties were absorbed by the Rates Team. The current system is now working well with no adverse impact on staff or service levels Productivity improvements include savings of: $14,563 through energy efficiency initiatives $83,235 through water efficiency initiatives $8606 through diversion of waste from landfill 171

35 Sustainability and environmental levy In 2009, the Minister for Local Government approved a special rate variation to increase general rates income for sustainability and environmental project. For the 20012/2013 financial year the variation generated $2,240,030 for sustainability and environmental projects. This funding helped Council to: Carry out on-ground works to protect and improve the health of Lake Macquarie and its catchment Raise community awareness about the importance of improving the environment Improve environmental sustainability of the City, focusing on water, energy, transport, waste, ecosystem enhancement, climate change adaptation, natural disaster risk minimisation, monitoring and reporting of environmental performance, and community engagement The table below gives an overview of the work fully or partly funded by the special variation in 2012/2013. Some of the allocated funds for 2011/2012 not spent in that year, due to commencement delays affecting some projects, were held over for expenditure in 2012/2013. This accounts for the expenditure figure being greater than income received in the 2012/2013 year. Project area (CC) Funds received Funds received Activities Ecosystem enhancement works $932,220 $1,347,822 Constructed a stormwater treatment device Undertook creek stabilisation and riparian vegetation works on 10 priority streams Undertook seven foreshore stabilisation and littoral vegetation works Undertook seven saltmarsh and wetland improvement works Undertook dune rehabilitation at three sites Prepared conservation plans and guidelines for the Lake Macquarie coastline, estuary and Swansea Channel Undertook monitoring and research projects on aquatic ecosystem health and stormwater device effectiveness Undertook management works for important threatened species (migratory wader birds, large forest owls, Grevillia parviflora, and Tetratheca juncea) 172

36 Project area (CC) Funds received Funds received Activities Sustainable living Environmental security $556,127 $422,905 Delivered the Irrigation and Soil Assessments - Phase two Reports for 32 sports fields and four parks Managed installation of 60kW of solar photovoltaic panels at the Swansea Multipurpose Centre Implemented key water efficiency measures identified in water use audits at Council s six swim centres and two other sites Signed 25 small and medium businesses to the Grow Me the Money program, a free support program for Lake Macquarie businesses to reduce operational costs by improving energy, water, waste and consumption efficiencies Assisted the Business Growth Centre develop and launch the Save Watts program for small and medium businesses in industrial areas: 15 businesses registered and 36 electricians trained in the installation of real-time energy monitors Attracted an estimated 10,000 people to the third Living Smart Festival, held in September 2012, showcasing sustainability opportunities for homes and backyards Installed water efficient dual-flush toilets and fittings in Council s Customer Service Centre $244,930 $197,162 Completed Stage two of the air quality model for Lake Macquarie Local Government Area Completed the stage one and two contaminated lands assessments for selected illegal dumping sites within the City, in accordance with Council s Environmental Management Plan for Contaminated Land Coordinated asbestos removals in accordance with Council s Environmental Management Plan for Contaminated Land Completed study to assess the risk from rising groundwater from Swansea to Redhead Continued regular survey of beach profiles to monitor long term Coastal recession from Catherine Hill Bay to Redhead Initiated a project to assess the feasibility of a City-wide early flood warning system Initiated review of the Dora Creek Flood Study and Floodplain Risk Management Plan 173

37 Project area (CC) Funds received Funds received Activities Sustainability engagement and environmental monitoring and reporting $506,753 $428,681 Continued to involve the community to routinely monitor more than 50 ecosystem sites across the City Delivered 28 Community Sustainability Engagement programs across the four campaign areas of Waste, Resource Consumption, Natural Environment, Disaster Resilience 139 per cent increase in engagement across the schools sector Established three new Sustainable Neighbourhood groups bringing the total to 21 groups across the City 36 per cent increase in participation in Backyard Habitat for Wildlife program TOTALS $2,240,030 $2,396,570 NB: Expenditure figures include funds carried forward from the previous financial year. 174

38 Contracts awarded Contractor $ Amount Goods and services Farrow Wyatt Chartered Accountants Remondis Australia Pty Ltd Waeger Construction Pty Ltd Computer Systems Australia (CSA) Malman Constructions Pty Ltd $390,000 External auditing services $492,000 (inc GST) $1,087,783 Effluent removal services $1,196, (inc GST) $137,500 Supply and installation of town entry signs $151,250 (inc GST) $664,877 Replacement of IT infrastructure $731, (inc GST) $352,656 Fit out construction of Cardiff Library $387, (inc GST) GW Building Pty Ltd $933,240 Upgrade of amenities and kitchen facilities $1,026,564 (inc GST) Holmesville Community Hall Replacement of existing amenities building Belmont Pines Holiday Park Harris Wheeler Lawyers N/A* Legal services planning and environmental law, Administrative and local government law, industrial relations and employment law, property law Herbert Smith Freehills N/A* Legal services planning and environmental law, administrative and local government law, property law Hunter Councils Legal Services Ltd John C Palmieri Solicitor N/A* N/A* Legal services planning and environmental law, administrative and local government law, property law Legal services administrative and local government law, industrial relations and employment law Kells The Lawyers N/A* Legal services planning and environmental law, administrative and local government law, industrial relations and employment law, property law 175

39 Contractor $ Amount Goods and services McDonald Johnson Lawyers McCullough Robertson Lawyers N/A* N/A* Legal services planning and environmental law, administrative and local government law, industrial relations and employment law, property law Legal services planning and environmental law, administrative and local government law, industrial relations and employment law Marsdens Law Group N/A* Legal services planning and environmental law, administrative and local government law, industrial relations and employment law, property law Matthews Folbigg Pty Ltd Moray & Agnew Lawyers Schmidt-Liermann Pty Ltd N/A* N/A* N/A* Legal services planning and environmental law, administrative and local government law, industrial relations and employment law, property law Legal services planning and environmental law, administrative and local government law, industrial relations and employment law, property law Legal services administrative and local government law, property law Sloan Law Pty Ltd N/A* Legal services property law Wilshire Webb Staunton Beattie Lawyers N/A* Legal services planning and environmental law, administrative and local government law Benjen Pty Ltd (trading as First Splashes Swim School) Swim Oz (trading as Morisset Swim Centre) $1,702,499 Management of Toronto Swim Centre $1,872, (inc GST) $721,586 Management of Morisset Swim Centre $793, (inc GST) Blafal Pty Ltd ATF Robson Family Trust t/ as Robson Turf N/A* Turf supply services Daracon Quarries N/A* Natural gravel pavement supplies, Supply of igneous rock Metromix Pty Ltd N/A* Natural gravel pavement supplies Amos Ridley & Sons Pty Ltd Boral Resources NSW Pty Ltd Hanson Construction Materials N/A* N/A* N/A* Supply of igneous rock Supply of igneous rock Supply of igneous rock Hunter Quarries Pty Ltd N/A* Supply of igneous rock 176

40 Contractor $ Amount Goods and services SMEC Australia Pty Ltd $1,492,302 Design Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange $1,641, (inc GST) Kingston Building Australia Momentum Built Pty Ltd $419,600 Council depot amenities, lunch room and health centre $461,560 (inc GST) $1,267,258 First floor fit out of the Gatehouse Building, Council Depot $1,393, (inc GST) Q-Turf Machinery $189,600 Replacement of six winged mower attachments $208,560 (inc GST) Associated Services Enterprise ATF Lunn Family Trust Pty Destraz Pty Ltd trading as D and P Fencing Contractors N/A* N/A* Supply and install road safety barrier systems Supply and install road safety barrier systems SafetyBuild Pty Ltd $217,467 Amenities upgrade, Council Administration Building $239, (inc GST) Sand Queensland Pty Ltd trading as Pacific Pontoon & Pier $131,420 Design and construction of pontoon jetty in Swansea $144,562 (inc GST) * This contract has been engaged through a tender process for the provision of a service that may or may not exceed the tendering threshold of $150,000 over the period of the contract. 177

41 State of our infrastructure assets Providing infrastructure that meets community needs and expectations is fundamental to the economic, social and cultural vibrancy of Lake Macquarie City. The challenge in managing our assets is to maintain and enhance existing infrastructure while continuing to provide new infrastructure for our growing City. Council s infrastructure assets were valued at $2.35 billion at the end of the 2012/2013 financial year. This included roads, bridges, drains, footpaths, cycleways, parks, reserves, community buildings, childcare centres, libraries, swim centres and beach facilities. Asset management plans Through our Asset Management Plans (AMPs) Council takes a whole of life approach to managing infrastructure assets. Our AMPs identify the levels of service we currently provide, future demands on our assets, as well as planned improvements. Expenditure projections and funding requirements are identified for the next 20 years, allowing for projected cost increases and growth in assets. This includes planning, creation, operation, maintenance, renewal and disposal. The AMPs are closely aligned with the Long Term Financial Plan to ensure that funding is identified for the upkeep of our assets. Five AMPs cover Council s key infrastructure asset classes: Roads and Infrastructure Stormwater Parks and Reserves Buildings Traffic and Transportation Council has also commenced development of an AMP for the City s Natural Areas. Capital renewal Capital renewal is usually major work that restores an existing asset to its original condition. The total amount spent on infrastructure capital renewal for 2012/2013 was $29,114,355. A key performance indicator relating to asset management is the Capital Renewal Funding Gap. This is the difference between the required renewal expenditure (based on a range of factors, including asset condition and remaining life) and what is planned to be funded. The Capital Renewal Funding Gap for infrastructure was reported at $92,707,000 in Council s 2012/2013 financial statements. A primary reason for the current renewal funding gap is that infrastructure costs have been increasing faster than Council s income. Council has moved a long way towards addressing this funding shortfall through the IPART rate variation. 178

42 Maintenance Asset maintenance is the regular ongoing work that is necessary to keep assets operating so they provide the required levels of service. Maintenance funding needs to keep pace with rising costs. Costs are rising in relation to the growing size and age of the infrastructure base, changing standards and increasing community expectations. The amount spent of infrastructure maintenance for 2012/2013 was: Roads, Bridges and Transport $6,524,270 Drainage $3,461,214 Natural Areas $2,614,680 Buildings $1,657,700 Park and Reserves $8,194,297 TOTAL $ 22,

43 Asset management improvements In 2012/2013, Council made significant progress was made in implementing its Asset Management Improvement Plan. The Asset Management Improvement Plan was developed using the findings of an Asset Management Maturity Audit conducted by an external specialist in The Plan identifies 42 key actions to ensure Council s asset management continues to advance. Target timeframes have been set for these actions based on the risk implications identified during the audit. Clear responsibilities for completing the actions within target timeframes have also been assigned. Council s Asset Management Steering Group monitors implementation of the Asset Management Improvement Plan. This Group formed in 2010 to oversee execution of the Asset Management Strategy. In accordance with our organisation-wide approach to asset management, it comprises representatives from eight Council departments. The Group meets bi-monthly and reports its progress to Council annually. The Steering Group oversaw numerous enhancements in Council s asset management practices in 2012/2013, including: Introduction of a mandatory Infrastructure Asset Implications section to Council s report template, ensuring asset management impacts are explicitly and consistently considered as part of every Council decision Review and revision of the Asset Management Strategy (version 3 endorsed by Council in June 2013), addressing recommendations of a Strategy Peer Review conducted by an external specialist in 2012 Completion of Asset Management Plans (version 4) for the City s infrastructure assets, and an Asset Management Plan (version 1) for natural areas assets Incorporation of capital works control checklists into Council s integrated project management system, ensuring a business case, realistic schedule, asset lifecycle costs, risk controls, financial controls and asset register updates are managed consistently for Council s capital works An upgrade of Council s forward capital works planning system, enabling inclusion of all the organisation s capital works projects 180

44 Elected members and Mayoral expenses Mayoral allowance $60,986 Councillors allowances $273,706 Provision of dedicated office equipment (leased laptop computers, IPADs, faxes, mobile phones and accessories) $27,787 Telephone calls and communications $31,745 Councillors attendance at conferences / seminars $29,277 Training of Councillors $9947 Overseas visits including transport and accommodation - Interstate visits including transport and accommodation - Meeting expenses $18,961 Motor vehicle for Mayor $20,762 Motor vehicle for Councillors $17,184 Mayoral secretarial services $86,560 Councillor support service $16,273 Mayoral office expenses $13,599 Councillors vehicle allowance (for use of their own private vehicles / taxis) $9949 TOTAL $616,

45 Financial position Operating result before capital Council has reported an operating surplus before capital revenue of $528,000. That is despite of ongoing pressure on financial resources as operational expenditures continue to rise. This is often due to factors beyond Council s control, while the ability to generate sufficient revenues to cover these expenditures is limited due to legislative requirements. The approval by IPART in the previous year of a special rate variation, however, provides financial sustainability moving forward and assists in overcoming the financial challenges facing Council. 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 $'000 4,000 2, ,000 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13-4,

46 Gross outstanding debt Although the trend is up, the amount of gross outstanding debt remains manageable with total outstanding debt currently just over $65.5 million. The level of new borrowings in 2013 was $11.5 million as compared to $8.9 million in Despite this increase, the level of debt remains affordable with Council s debt service ratio remaining strong. However, as a result of the restrictions placed on us by rate pegging and cost shifting, we are still experiencing increasing pressure to fund the majority of new capital works from loan borrowings. In an attempt to reduce the short term financial impact of our borrowings, we have increased the term of our loans in recent years so that they more readily match the lifecycle of the assets the funds are used to acquire or build. This action also supports the principle of inter-generational equity, which attempts to ensure that future ratepayers pay for the use of capital initiatives by way of future loan payments. 70,000 60,000 50,000 $'000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10, /04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 183

47 Debt service ratio The debt service ratio compares the net debt service cost (including principal repayments and interest) to operating revenue and is a relevant indicator of the affordability of an organisation s debt position. As can be seen from the graph below, the debt service ratio is in a downward trend, which indicates that current levels of debt remain manageable. Increasing demands placed on Council to borrow additional funds to provide various levels of works demanded by our community may well see this ratio increase further in the coming years % 9.00% 8.00% 7.00% 6.00% 5.00% 4.00% 3.00% 2.00% 1.00% 0.00% 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 LMCC Target Upper Limit LMCC Target Lower Limt LMCC NSW Group 5 Councils Average 184

48 Unrestricted current ratio The unrestricted current ratio is a measure of the ability to satisfy financial obligations in the short-term and is a ratio of current assets, less externally-restricted assets, divided by current liabilities, less specific purpose liabilities. The unrestricted current ratio for 2012/2013 was 2.93:1, which is considered satisfactory LMCC Target Upper Limit LMCC Target Lower Limit /04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 LMCC NSW Group 5 Councils Average 185

49 Building and infrastructure renewals ratio The building and infrastructure renewal ratio is determined by dividing total asset renewals (building and infrastructure) by the depreciation charge. A ratio of one or greater indicates that we are replacing our assets at a rate equal to or greater than the consumption of these assets. We are currently implementing sophisticated asset management plans to ensure we get an optimum return on each and every dollar we expend on asset maintenance and renewal. Over time, this strategy should see the trend of the graph below improve % % LMCC Target Ratio 80.00% 60.00% 40.00% 20.00% 0.00% 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 LMCC NSW Group 5 Councils Average 186

50 Internally restricted cash The graph below shows the amounts of internally restricted cash held by Council over the last 10 years. Internally restricted cash is funds held by Council for specific future purposes as determined by Council. Each balance of internally restricted cash supports a number of different projects that have been approved by Council, which are, for various reasons, awaiting commencement at some time in the future. 70,000 60,000 50,000 $'000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10, /04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 YEAR 187

51 Financial statements for the year ending 2012/2013 You can find the complete version of Council s Annual Financial Statements 2012/2013: online at by phoning Council s Customer Service Centre on

52 189

53 City of Lake Macquarie Annual Report 2012/2013 Lake Macquarie City Council Main Road, SPEERS POINT NSW 2284 Box 1906 Hunter Region Mail Centre NSW 2310 Tel: (02) Fax: (02) Website: Designed by Karlee Cain, Graphic Designer Printed December 2013 on recycled paper by Lakemac Print (02) Lake Macquarie City Council M&C 13082