COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE FORUM

Transcription

1 CONSULTATIVE FORUM MAY 2013 COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE FORUM AGENDA Date: Tuesday 24 September 2013 Time: Location: 9:30am 12:00pm The Volunteer Room Hunter Region Botanic Gardens 2100 Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae Raymond Terrace Time 1. Welcome and introduce new members (pages 3-4) Overview of Agenda, conflicts of interest (page 4) Welcome to the Gardens 4. Presentations History of the Gardens, relationship to Hunter Water 9.40 Kevin Stokes, Chairman, Hunter Region Botanic Gardens a. Lower Hunter Water Plan 9.50 Cathy Cole, Metropolitan Water Directorate b. Tillegra Land Use and Management Plan Vince Berkhout, AECOM Morning Tea c. Hunter Water Community Reference Group Report: Burwood Beach Wastewater Treatment Works Upgrade Stage David Derkenne, Hunter Water 5. Acceptance of minutes from previous meeting (Appendix A, page 8) Matters arising from previous minutes (page 5) Questions on notice received at previous meeting (page 6) Managing Director s report a. Community Funding Programs 9. Members Reports and General Business (page 7) Next Meeting and key topics (page 7) 12noon Appendix A (page 8) Appendix B (page 11) Page 1 of 14

2 Hunter Water contact details: Street Address: 36 Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle West 2300 Postal Address: Hunter Water Corporation PO Box 5171 Hunter Regional Mail Centre 2310 Web Address: Main Switchboard/Customer Service Line: Hour Fault & Emergency Line: Phone Payments: Fax: Community Consultative Forum employee representative contact details: Kim Wood Managing Director Contact: Dale Brindley Tel: Jeremy Bath Government & Media Relations Manager Tel: Jennifer Pritchard Media and Community Officer Tel: Page 2 of 14

3 1. Welcome and New Member Introductions Apologies received: Hunter Wetland Centre New member: Hunter Business Chamber Anita Hugo Ms Hugo is the Policy and Public Affairs Manager with Hunter Business Chamber. Community Consultative Forum membership: Cessnock City Council Cr Rod Doherty Cr Campbell is a Councillor with Cessnock City Council and represents the interests of his constituents as a member of the Community Consultative Forum. City of Newcastle Cr David Compton Cr Compton is a Councillor with Newcastle City Council and represents the interests of his constituents as a member of the Community Consultative Forum. Dungog Shire Council Cr Harold Johnston Cr Johnston is the Mayor of Dungog Shire Council and represents the interests of his constituents as a member of the Community Consultative Forum. Hunter Region Botanic Gardens Mr Kevin McDonald Mr McDonald has a strong commitment to water conservation, recycling and sustainability. He has been a member of the Community Consultative Forum for a number of years and served as an environmental educator across a range of local programs. Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority Ms Ingrid Berthold Ms Berthold engages with the Lower Hunter community on a daily basis as a Catchment Officer at the CMA. A Community Consultative Forum member since 2008, Ms Berthold has a strong knowledge and interest in the link between catchments, communities and Hunter Water. Lake Macquarie City Council Cr Ken Paxinos Cr Paxinos is a Councillor with Lake Macquarie City Council and represents the interests of his constituents as a member of the Community Consultative Forum. Maitland Masonic Centre Mr William Lennox Mr Lennox is Secretary and District Grand Inspector of Working in Freemasonary, with an extensive background including international banking, research and community involvement through Scouts Australia. Newcastle Older Women s Network Inc Ms Barbara Smoothy Ms Smoothy provides important representation of older community members as a new member of the Community Consultative Forum. Page 3 of 14

4 No Tillegra Dam Group Ms Carol Pasenow Ms Pasenow has strong links to the community and environmental groups through the No Tillegra Dam Group and will bring these voices to the table as a new member of the Community Consultative Forum. Port Stephens Shire Council Cr Geoff Dingle Cr Dingle is a Councillor with Port Stephens Shire Council and represents the interests of his constituents as a member of the Community Consultative Forum. Property Owners Association Mr Rick Banyard As a member of the Management Committee at the Property Owners Association of NSW, Mr Banyard advocates on a range of landlord and boarding house owner matters. Mr Banyard has been an active member of the Community Consultative Forum for several years and brings a strong background in rental housing and property management. Save the Williams Coalition Ms Linda Bowden Ms Bowden has an extensive background working in government as a senior policy officer and brings a keen interest in Lower Hunter Water management, as well as experience working with a range of community groups, as benefits to the Community Consultative Forum. Wetlands Environmental Education Centre Ms Carolyn Gillard Ms Gillard is an environmental educator with direct links to the Department of Education and Communities. Ms Gillard interacts with over 8000 local school students per year and brings a strong belief that water provision is something that should be respected and understood rather than taken for granted. Williams River Water Users Association Mr James Hopson Mr Hopson has regular contact with a number of stakeholders in the Williams River area and brings an extensive background in catchment management and interest in the Dungog area to the Community Consultative Forum. Page 4 of 14

5 5. Acceptance of Minutes from previous meeting To confirm minutes of the meeting held on 28 May 2013 (Appendix A). 6. Matters arising from previous Minutes 1. Hunter Water to circulate map of Throsby Creek ownership and post on its website. A draft map showing ownership of Throsby Creek has been prepared by Newcastle City Council. The map is currently being approved by the stakeholders (Newcastle City Council, TAFE, Newcastle Port Authority, Hunter Development Corporation, NSW Maritime Services, Hunter Water Corporation) 2. A presentation be delivered on the Throsby Creek clean up by Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority. Hunter Water proposes that this presentation will be delivered at the January 2014 meeting due to a full Agenda at the September 2013 meeting. Hunter Water has organised to inspect Throsby Creek with Rick Banyard. 3. Hunter Water to nominate and provide a new representative for the Koala Plan of Management Committee. John Peel - Teamleader Dams and Catchments, Hunter Water continues to be the representative on this Committee. 4. A follow up presentation be provided on the Tillegra Land Use and Management Plan. The Tillegra Land Use and Management Plan will be presented at the September 2013 meeting. 5. Hunter Water consider inserting an integrity clause using words suggested by the member for Save the Williams River Coalition. The following point has been included in Community Consultative Forum Charter under Hunter Water Commitments: Work together with members to create a forum based on openness, trust, cooperation, flexibility and honesty. See Appendix B Community Consultative Forum Charter. 6. The next meeting be held offsite at a location with relevance to Hunter Water s operations or programs. The September 2013 meeting will be held at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. Page 5 of 14

6 7. Questions on Notice received at the meeting on 28 May How many non-customers have accessed the HRNILS program? The Hunter Region No Interest Loans Program includes the Lower and Upper Hunter. Hunter Water s loan pool can only be used for purchases of washing machines by residents within our Area of Operations. Therefore there should be no people outside our Area of Operations who were provided a loan using our loan pool. Tenants are not directly a Hunter Water customer. 80% of our loan applicants last financial year were tenants. 2. Does Hunter Water use glycophosphate (Roundup), and if so in what circumstances? Round up Bi-active is a glyphosate based herbicide that has not had any surfactants (detergent) added so is considered more friendly to frogs and aquatic organisms. The makers of the product say that the herbicide, once sprayed is absorbed on to the surface of clay colloids in the soil and is therefore harmless from this point on. This suggests that it does not wash into waterways when sprayed on adjoining land. It is considered the least harmful knockdown chemically based herbicide. 3. Clarification to be provided as to what Hunter Water was spraying on Chichester Road, if not Roundup (follow up question from No Tillegra Dam Group being contacted by residents to say hunter Water was spraying Roundup on large areas along Chichester Road). Hunter Water has not authorised the use of Roundup on any part of Chichester Road. 4. How much potable water is used by industry in our region (percentage and quantity)? It is estimated that in 2010/11 52% of non-residential potable water was for industrial purposes. This equates to approximately 10GL per year. Hunter Water supplied 1.4GL of recycled water in 2011/12. (Hunter Water 2011/12 H250 Plan Annual Report to IPART) Page 6 of 14

7 5. What is the message to the community regarding Hunter Water s stance on drawing water from Campvale Drain? Campvale Water Pump Station has four pumps with a combined capacity of 455 ML/d. Hunter Water is obliged under Clause 7 of the Water Supply Work and Water Use Approval for the Newcastle Water Source (20CA211019) that is administered by the NSW Office of Water to operate the pump station to minimise localised flooding. Thus Hunter Water must accept water from Campvale Drain irrespective of water quality. Hunter Water undertakes regular monitoring of water quality in Campvale Drain and Grahamstown Dam, and works proactively with Port Stephens Council to protect the water quality that enters Campvale Drain and thus Grahamstown Dam. 9. MEMBERS REPORT AND GENERAL BUSINESS Members to report on their activities and general business. 10. Next meeting Tuesday 28 th January Key items Presentation by Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority on clean up of Throsby Creek (Matters Arising from meeting 28 May 2013). Hunter Water s Catchment Improvement Program Hunter Water s Hunter River Tunnel Page 7 of 14

8 APPENDIX A MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE FORUM HUNTER WATER HEAD OFFICE 9:30AM 28 MAY 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr Kim Wood Chair (Managing Director Hunter Water Corporation) Cr Ken Paxinos Lake Macquarie City Council Cr Harold Johnston Dungog Shire Council Mr Kevin McDonald Hunter Region Botanic Gardens Cr David Compton City of Newcastle Ms Linda Bowden Save the Williams Coalition Mr William Lennox Maitland Masonic Centre Cr Geoff Dingle Port Stephens Shire Council Mr Owen Nicolson Williams River Water Users Association Ms Carol Pasenow No Tillegra Dam Group Mr Rick Banyard Property Owners Association Ms Carolyn Gillard Wetlands Environmental Education Centre Ms Ingrid Berthold Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority IN ATTENDANCE: Mr Jeremy Bath Hunter Water Corporation Mr Nick Kaiser Hunter Water Corporation ITEM 1 - Welcome New member, Cr Geoff Dingle, Port Stephens Shire Council Item 2 Apologies Ms Barbara Smoothy, Newcastle Older Women s Network Cr Morgan Campbell, Cessnock City Council Hunter Business Chamber ITEM 3 Minutes The Minutes of the Community Consultative Forum held 29 January 2013 were confirmed. ITEM 4 Matters arising from previous minutes The following matters arising from the meeting 29 January 2013 were addressed and resolved. 1. A copy of the Drought Management Plan be provided at the next meeting. 2. Details on key metrics relating to the Hunter Region No Interest Loans Scheme (HRNILS) be provided at the next meeting. 3. A presentation on Hunter Water s Account Assistance Program be provided at a future meeting. 4. Further amendments to the Forum Charter be considered by the Board of Hunter Water Corporation to reflect that members will strongly advocate for the organisation that they represent. 5. Clarification on the administrative process for members sitting fees be provided at the next meeting. 6. A further presentation be provided to the Forum on the Lower Hunter Water Plan (LHWP) by the Metropolitan Water Directorate (MWD). 7. A further update be provided to the Forum on the Tillegra Land Use and Management Plan by Hunter Water. 8. An overview of Hunter Water s capital works program be provided at the next meeting. Page 8 of 14

9 9. Details on the number of tenants that have participated in the Showerhead Exchange Program be provided at the next meeting. 10. An overview of Hunter Water s litter management program (large marine debris in stormwater areas) be provided at the next meeting. ITEM 5 Questions on notice 1. How many non-customers have accessed the HRNILS program? 2. Does Hunter Water use glycophosphate (Roundup), and if so in what circumstances? 3. Clarification be provided as to what Hunter Water was spraying on Chichester Road, if not Roundup (follow up question from No Tillegra Dam Group being contacted by residents to say Hunter Water was spraying Roundup on large areas along Chichester Road). 4. How much potable water is used by industry in our region (percentage and quantity)? 5. What is the message to the community regarding Hunter Water s stance on drawing water from Campvale drain? Answers to be provided prior to next meeting. ITEM 6 Managing Director s update The Managing Director provided an update on Hunter Water s pricing submission to IPART, the draft determination on pricing and the likely outcome due on 11 June The Managing Director also provided an overview of Hunter Water s price path, noting customer affordability as a key concern. The information be received. ITEM 7 For your information: presentations to forum Presentations were delivered to the forum on Hunter Water s infrastructure investment, Credit and Hardship program, Tillegra Land Use and Management Plan, and the Lower Hunter Water Plan. The information be received. ITEM 8 Community Reference Group reports A report was delivered on the Burwood Beach Waste Water Treatment Works stage 3 upgrade. Another report be delivered to the group at a future meeting. ITEM 9 Members reports and general business The member from Port Stephens Council raised questions regarding Hunter Water appointing a replacement representative on the Koala Plan of Management Committee. The member also sought clarification on Hunter Water s stance on pumping water from Campvale Drain to Grahamstown Dam. The member for the Catchment Management Authority sought clarification on when Hunter Water s Community Funding Program would again be open for applicants. Questions were either answered in the meeting or taken on notice as a matter arising for the 24 September 2013 meeting. Page 9 of 14

10 ITEM 10 Next meeting and key topics The next meeting will take place at a location to be announced on 24 September Key topics will include the IPART determination, Lower Hunter Water Plan, Tillegra Land Use and Management Strategy and Burwood stage 3 Upgrade. MATTERS ARISING 1. Hunter Water to circulate map of Throsby Creek ownership and post on its website. 2. A presentation be delivered on the Throsby Creek clean up by Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority. 3. Hunter Water to nominate and provide new representative for the Koala Plan of Management Committee. 4. A follow up presentation be provided on the Tillegra Land Use and Management Plan. 5. Hunter Water consider inserting an integrity clause in Charter using words suggested by the member for Save the Williams River Coalition. 6. The next meeting be held offsite at a location with relevance to Hunter Water s operations or programs. There being no further business the meeting closed at 12.30pm. CONFIRMED, DAY MONTH YEAR Kim Wood CHAIRMAN COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE FORUM MANAGING DIRECTOR HUNTER WATER CORPORATION Page 10 of 14

11 APPENDIX B COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE FORUM - CHARTER - BACKGROUND Hunter Water Corporation (Hunter Water) has established a Community Consultative Forum (Forum) in accordance with its Operating Licence. The Forum comprises representatives from across the Lower Hunter community who are able to facilitate direct communications between Hunter Water and its customers. Hunter Water consults with the Forum on issues relevant to the performance of the organisation and its obligations arising under its Operating Licence. PURPOSE The Forum provides advice on the interests of customers and consumers of Hunter Water, the Customer Contract and other key issues related to Hunter Water s planning and operations as Hunter Water may determine. OBJECTIVES In fulfilling its purpose, the objectives of the Forum are: To seek wider consultation with the Lower Hunter community on emerging operational issues To disseminate information to the general public on Hunter s Water s efforts at improving water supply and wastewater service delivery To review consultation strategies, programs and activities being undertaken and/or proposed by Hunter Water To promote stakeholder engagement in decision making To make recommendations to management in relation to the above, as appropriate DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In order to fulfil its objectives, the Forum will: Consider and comment on a range of information that is presented to the Forum in relation to the performance objectives of Hunter Water Review the effectiveness of consultation approaches being considered and/or utilised by Hunter Water and be willing to participate in activities which may assist Hunter Water to meet consultation objectives Advise Hunter Water about current and emerging issues relating to the organisation from the community s perspective Identify, communicate, represent and consider the broad range of needs and interests of the local community and other stakeholders within Hunter Water s supply area Assist Hunter Water in keeping the local community and other stakeholders informed about the business by disseminating information via existing community networks Encourage all members of the Forum to present their views and respect their right to have different views Respond within agreed timeframes to requests for information Protect and preserve confidentiality. Page 11 of 14

12 MEMBERSHIP OF THE FORUM The Forum will, to the extent practicable, include a person representing each of the following interests: Business and consumer groups Organisations representing low income households People living in rural and urban fringe areas Residential consumers Environmental groups Local government Older people People with disabilities Aboriginal people People from non-english speaking backgrounds Members of the Forum may represent one or more of the above interests or be representatives of an organisation which does so. The Forum will also include senior management representatives of Hunter Water. The overall number of members will be limited to an amount that ensures the Forum remains workable and effective. Members are appointed for a 2 year term. MEETINGS The Forum will hold at least 3 regular meetings per annum and such additional meetings as the Chair may decide in order to fulfil its duties. Meetings may be held in late January, May and September as a guide. The Managing Director of Hunter Water or his/her nominee shall Chair each meeting. Guest speakers or observers may be invited to attend any meeting by the Chair. A sitting fee will be paid to members of the Forum in accordance with the fees and charges set for Advisory Boards and Committees in the NSW Premier s Memorandum No.99-3, Guidelines for Government Boards and Committees, as amended from time to time. This includes reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by a member in fulfilling their duties to the Forum. QUORUM A quorum shall consist of 3 Forum members. FORUM PROTOCOL To assist members to fulfil their obligations as representatives of the community, the following protocols will apply. HUNTER WATER COMMITMENTS Hunter Water agrees to: Support the smooth operation of meetings by providing a Chairperson who is a representative of senior management Provide appropriate meeting facilities Liaise with members to assemble an agenda and distribute this in advance of meetings Page 12 of 14

13 Ensure that minutes of the meeting are recorded and made available to members at each meeting Promote the existence and objectives of the Forum to the community and employees of Hunter Water Give consideration to suggestions made by members as to how the operation of the Forum may be improved Undertake a review of the Forum and its Charter in accordance with its Operating Licence Work within the framework of the Forum Charter and meeting procedures Work together with members to create a forum based on openness, trust, cooperation, flexibility and honesty. FORUM MEMBER COMMITMENTS Members of the Forum agree to: Attend meetings and actively participate in discussions Report on the views of the interest areas and disseminate information on behalf of Hunter Water Suggest agenda items for upcoming meetings where possible Members should represent the views of Hunter Water fairly and accurately Act in a way that demonstrates respect for each other, including their individual needs; interests and responsibilities Be willing to think laterally and non-traditionally in tackling issues Work together with openness, trust, cooperation, flexibility and honesty Work within the framework of the Forum Charter and meeting procedures. AUTHORITY The Forum is an advisory committee and does not have any formal decision-making role or any responsibility for the management of Hunter Water. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Committee members must declare their interest, whether perceived, pecuniary or otherwise, in the exercise of their duties. To avoid potential conflict of interest, employees of organisations receiving grants or sponsorships from Hunter Water or are a significant provider of goods and services to Hunter Water, are not eligible to join the Forum. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITES Forum activities will be reported by Hunter Water in accordance with the following: Publishing the minutes of Forum meetings on Hunter Water s website Publishing a summary of the Forum s work each year in Hunter Water s Annual Report Publishing Forum activities in newsletters to Hunter Water employees throughout the year. Additionally, a copy of the Forum Charter will be placed on Hunter Water s website and made available in printed form to the public upon request. Page 13 of 14

14 SELECTION CRITERIA A key aim of establishing the Forum is to represent a diversity of viewpoints and community concerns. To best facilitate this representation the following criteria have been developed for the evaluation of applications: Interest in water utilities and/or water-related matters Willingness to contribute constructively to the purpose and objectives of the Forum Experience and ability to communicate community and other stakeholder views Experience and ability to provide feedback to members of the community and other stakeholders Currently residing within the Lower Hunter area and have an awareness of local issues. Hunter Water is seeking a Forum that is reflective of the delivery of the Lower Hunter Community with a blend of social, economic and environmental interests and a range of professional expertise on the Forum. Applicants do not need to be a representative of a community group or other organisation to be considered for membership. Preference will be given to applicants who can represent the concerns of a variety of interest groups. However, where a community group or other organisation nominates a representative, the community group or organisation must be able to demonstrate that they: Have a formally constituted entity, with a reasonably-sized membership base Have appropriate mechanisms in place to report on the views of the community and to disseminate information from Hunter Water to their respective community members Have primary objectives that are directed toward the interests of one or more of the areas nominated as requirements for membership to the Forum with direct-linkages in place Are not a lobby group and/or is non-political in its purpose or character. If a member s position should become vacant mid-term, the Chair may choose to seek further nominations to fill this position. Any such decision including membership selection will be at the discretion of the Chair. SELECTION PROCESS Hunter Water will invite applications from the community via public advertisements and in writing to its customers. Hunter Water may also invite expressions-of-interest from identified stakeholder organisations representing business and community groups. A selection panel will be formed in accordance with Hunter Water s recruitment policies and procedures. Reviewed and endorsed by the Board of Hunter Water Corporation on 27 July 2012 Updated by the Board of Hunter Water Corporation on 27 June Page 14 of 14