MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON WEDNESDAY 9 TH AUGUST 2017 (pages 2 to 7)

Transcription

1 MEMBERS ARE ADVISED THAT A MEETING OF THE RIVERINA AND MURRAY REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS (RAMROC) WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 8 TH NOVEMBER 2017 IN THE IAN GILBERT ROOM AT THE JERILDERIE ADMINISTRATION CENTRE OF MURRUMBIDGEE COUNCIL IN JERILDERIE, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE RAMROC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MAYORS AND DELEGATE Councillors Kevin Mack (Albury), Leigh Byron (Balranald), Peter Laird (Carrathool), Heather Wilton (Greater Hume), Bill Sheaffe (Hay), Matthew Hannan (Berrigan), Susan Nichols (Wentworth), John Dal Broi (Griffith), Norm Brennan (Edward River), Chris Bilkey (Murray River), Patrick Bourke (Federation), Ruth McRae (Murrumbidgee), Paul Maytom (Leeton) and Neville Kschenka (Narrandera) GENERAL MANAGERS Rowan Perkins (Berrigan), Aaron Drenovski (Balranald), Frank Zaknich (Albury), Chris Gillard (Federation), Des Bilske (Murray River), Steven Pinnuck (Greater Hume), Kirstyn Thronder (Hay), Craig Moffitt (Murrumbidgee), Adam McSwain (Edward River), Peter Kozlowski (Wentworth), Jackie Kruger (Leeton), Brett Stonestreet (Griffith), George Cowan (Narrandera) and Joanne Treacy (Carrathool) MEETING AGENDA ITEMS MRRR 1 MRRR 2 MRRR 3 WELCOME APOLOGIES MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON WEDNESDAY 9 TH AUGUST 2017 (pages 2 to 7) MRRR 4 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 9 TH AUGUST 2017 MEETING (page 7) Local Government Procurement Group Rebate Agreement see EOs Report item 6.4 LED Street Lighting and Smart Controls EO to verbally update Energy Savings Certificates Electricity Efficiency - EO to verbally update Joint Organisations Status EO to verbally update on JO status RMS LG representation of RMCC Committee EO to verbally update MRRR PRESENTATION AT AM BY BRENTON WOOLSTON MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ALMONDCO AUSTRALIA LTD IN RELATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ALMOND INDUSTRY IN THE SOUTHERN MURRAY DARLING BASIN AND THE NSW RIVERINA REGION (page 7) 5.2 AUSTIN EVANS MEMBER FOR MURRAY AND STEPHANIE COOKE MEMBER FOR COOTAMUNDRA (page 8) 5.3 CROSS BORDER COMMISSIONER JAMES McTAVISH PROGRESS UPDATE (page 8) MRRR 6 EXECUTIVE OFFICER S REPORT (pages 8 to 16) MRRR 7 RAMROC QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 TH SEPTEMBER 2017 (page 16) see separate attached Financial Statements MRRR 8 WORKING GROUP MINUTES AS FOLLOWS (pages 16 to 31) 8.1 Murray Waste Group Meeting 2 nd August Riverina Waste Group Meeting - 20 th September RAMROC Planners Group Meeting 31 st August RAMROC Engineers Group Meeting 19 th October RAMROC General Managers Group Meeting 20 th October 2017 MRRR 9 GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS (page 31) End of Agenda Items 1

2 ITEM MRRR 3 - MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE RIVERINA AND MURRAY REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS (RAMROC), HELD IN THE IAN GILBERT ROOM OF THE MURRUMBIDGEE COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION CENTRE AT JERILDERIE ON WEDNESDAY 9 TH AUGUST 2017 AT AM PRESENT Albury City: Balranald: Berrigan: Carrathool: Edward River: Federation: Greater Hume: Cr Kevin Mack (RAMROC Chairperson) Mr Frank Zaknich Cr Leigh Byron Mr Aaron Drenovski Cr Daryll Morris Mr Rowan Perkins Cr Darryl Jardine Ms Joanne Treacy Mr Ashley Hall (Administrator) Mr Adam McSwain Apology Apology Griffith City: Hay: Leeton: Murray River: Murrumbidgee: Narrandera: Wentworth: Cr John Dal Broi Mr Brett Stonestreet Cr Bill Sheaffe Ms Kirstyn Thronder Cr Paul Maytom Ms Jackie Kruger Apology Mr Austin Evans (Administrator) Mrs Ruth McRae (Chair Local Representation Committee) Mr Andrew Crakanthorp Cr Neville Kschenka Ms Judy Charlton Apology RAMROC Mr Ray Stubbs (Executive Officer) MEETING GUESTS: Mr Gary White Chief Planner NSW Department of Planning Ms Penny Measham PhD Fruit Fly Control and Queensland Management Horticulture Innovation Cr Tammy Galvin - Riverina LLS Fruit Fly Communication Officer Transport for NSW Officials - as follows:- Mr Raphael Miller Acting Principal Manager Freight Strategy and Investment Mr Kirk Bendall Manager Freight, Port and Precinct Strategies 2

3 Ms Pat Chalacheva- Acting Manager Freight Infrastructure Funding Ms Trudi McDonald Regional Co-ordinator NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet Mr Gary Saliba CEO RDA Murray MRRR 3 MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON WEDNESDAY 10 TH MAY 2017 RESOLVED that the Minutes of the RAMROC Meeting held at Jerilderie on Wednesday 10 th May 2017 be confirmed (Moved Griffith and seconded Leeton) MRRR 4 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 10 TH MAY 2017 MEETING There were no other matters arising from the Minutes of the 10 th May 2017 meeting. MRRR 5 PRESENTATIONS Item Queensland Fruit Fly Control and Management Penny Measham, PhD Queensland Management Co-ordinator Horticulture Innovation Australia, together with Cr Tammy Galvin Communications Officer Riverina Land Services Tammy Galvin and Penny Measham addressed the meeting in relation to current development in relation to the area wide control and management of Queensland Fruit Fly and sterile insect techniques. A copy of the Powerpoint Presentation delivered by Penny has been distributed to RAMROC Councils. Item Transport NSW introduction and briefing on meetings with Councils regarding their draft Fixing Country Roads Applications Raphael Millar and Pat Chalacheva from Transport for NSW addressed the meeting and advised that the team will be meeting with Council representatives during the afternoon to discuss the Councils draft applications under the Fixing Country Roads Program Item Gary White Chief Planner NSW Department of Planning - agricultural opportunities for future planning, growth and efficiencies Gary delivered a comprehensive Powerpoint presentation in relation to the global influences of megatrends that are impacting on all aspects of the economy and how in the Riverina Murray Regional Plan these megatrend influences will provide opportunities for the region s agriculture, manufacturing and tourism industries. A copy of Gary s Powerpoint Presentation has been distributed to all Member Councils. MRRR 6 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT RESOLVED at am that Items 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 be dealt with in Confidential Session for reasons of commercial in confidence Item 6.1 Local Government Procurement Group Rebate Offer Agreements for ROCs and Member Councils Consideration was given to the Executive Officer s written report and follow up verbal reports by the Chair and Executive Officer, including the intended courses of action proposed. RESOLVED that the Chair and EO s reports be received and noted and that the actions taken and as now proposed be endorsed (Moved Griffith and seconded Narrandera) 3

4 Item 6.2 LED Street Lighting and Smart Controls Implementation and Management The Executive Officer reported on the current status of Business Case preparation and stakeholder negotiations in relation to the potential for improved control and management of street lighting across southern NSW, being undertaken in collaboration with REROC, CENTROC and CBRJO RESOLVED that the EO s report be received and noted and that the actions taken to date and as now proposed by the ROCs be endorsed (Moved Murrumbidgee and seconded Hay) Item 6.3 Creation of Energy Savings Certificates Street Lighting Upgrades Consideration was given to the EO s report in relation to the potential benefits to Member Councils through the earning of Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs), in relation to the upgrading of street lighting and other energy systems, in accordance with the NSW Energy Savings Scheme RESOLVED that RAMROC proceed to with a Request for Proposal process for the creation of Energy savings Certificates on behalf of interested participating Member Councils (Moved Murrumbidgee and seconded Edward River) RESOLVED at am that the meeting move out of Confidential for the remaining RAMROC Agenda items Item 6.4 Joint Organisations Current Status The Executive Officer reported on the current status in relation to the State Government s intentions regarding the establishment of Joint Organisations across regional and rural NSW. At this stage there has been no further action or indication by the State Government as to what course of action may eventuate. RESOLVED that the EO s report be received and noted (Moved Murrumbidgee and seconded Narrandera) FURTHER RESOLVED that the Executive Officer pursue representations already made to the Minister for Local Government in relation to the availability of TCorp reduced loan interest rates for Councils which were previously deemed to be financially sound under the Fit for the Future criteria, but which were ruled on an overall basis as FFT unfit because of lack of Scale and Capacity. (Moved Berrigan and seconded Narrandera) Item 6.5 Department of Planning Riverina Murray Regional Plan Delivery, Co-ordination and Monitoring Committee (DCMC) The Department of Planning has revised its criteria for ROC membership of the DCMC and the Minister has now requested that RAMROC formally appoint one of the region s General Managers as the RAMROC representative. RESOLVED that Jackie Kruger General Manager of Leeton Shire Council be appointed as the RAMROC representative on the Delivery, Co-ordination and Monitoring Committee responsible for implementation of actions identified in the Riverina Murray Regional Plan (Moved Albury and seconded Griffith) Item 6.6 Staff Matters Murray Waste Group and the Contaminated Land Management Program The Executive Officer reported on the resignation of Nigel Taylor as the Murray Waste Group Co-ordinator after 10 years of service and also that Jessica Conner will be leaving at the end of August, being the finalisation date of the CLM Program funded by EPA RESOLVED that RAMROC note the resignation of Nigel Taylor and commend him on his excellent service as the Murray Waste Group Co-ordinator for the past 10.8 years and that it also be noted that Jessica Conner s contract will terminate on 31 st August and that she also be commended on her service. (Moved Leeton and seconded Albury) 4

5 Item 6.7 NSW Community Cabinet Griffith 17 th August 2017 The NSW Premier and Cabinet Ministers will be visiting Griffith on 17 August for its scheduled Cabinet Meeting and to undertake engagement with local Councils and communities. It was noted that Mayors and General Managers across the region have been invited to attend. The Chair and EO had planned to attend and to meet with the Minister for Resources, Energy and Utilities the Hon Don Harwin MLC regarding renewable energy programs. However circumstances now prevent that attendance and alternative arrangements to meet with the Minister at a future time will be taken up with his officials. RESOLVED that the EOs report be received and noted (Moved Griffith and seconded Narrandera) Item 6.8 LGNSW Engagement with RMS Road Maintenance Council Contracts RAMROC has proposed to LGNSW and RMS that a Council General Manager or Senior Director be appointed to the RMCC Steering Committee. This was agreed to by RMS at the June 2017 RMCC meeting and an Expression of Interest process is intended to be undertaken in the near future. RESOLVED that the Executive Officer s report be received and noted and that RAMROC press for the EOI process to be undertaken as soon as possible (Moved Murrumbidgee and seconded Berrigan) Item 6.9 Cobar, Central Darling and Balranald Shire Councils- Request for Support for sealing of the Wool Track Road between Cobar and Balranald The Cobar, Central Darling and Balranald Shire Councils have submitted an application for $ 55 million under the Fixing Country Roads Program to complete the all weather construction of the Wool Track freight road. The upgrading will save travel time and operating expenses for freight vehicles travelling through Balranald and Cobar via Ivanhoe and to Queensland. The route has been identified in the RAMROC Regional Freight Transport Plan. The meeting also discussed the importance of other freight transport routes through the region, including Carrathool Road as an important route. RESOLVED that RAMROC provide support to the joint application being made by Cobar, Balranald and Central Darling Shire Councils for funding towards improvements to road freight transport routes under the Fixing Country Roads Program (Moved Balranald and seconded Murrumbidgee) FURTHER RESOLVED that as a matter of policy RAMROC be prepared to support other worthy funding applications for upgrading of freight transport routes through the region that have been identified in the RAMROC Regional Freight Transport Plan (Moved Murrumbidgee and seconded Carrathool) Item 6.10 Inland Rail Stakeholder Engagement Workshop held at Narrandera on 4 th July 2017 Narrandera Shire recently hosted a regional stakeholder workshop in relation to road and rail freight transport needs across the Western Riverina and Goulburn Valley transport networks, with a particular focus on the requirement for rail infrastructure upgrading. The Narrandera Council Mayor and General Manager provided further verbal reports and sought RAMROC s support for the actions being taken by the Council. RESOLVED that RAMROC lend support to the actions being taken by the Narrandera Shire Council arising out of the 4 th July road and rail transport workshop (Moved Narrandera and seconded Berrigan) Item 6.11 Murray Darling Basin Plan Issues The Executive Officer submitted a status report in relation to recent issues concerning the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan and actions taken by MDBA to provide a regional presence outside of the Canberra Head Office. He also reported on the recent ABC 4 Corners report on water practices being 5

6 taken by large irrigators in the Barwon-Darling River systems, which are adversely impacting on the availability of water for downstream agriculture and communities. RESOLVED that the Executive Officer s report on Murray Darling Basin issues be received and noted (Moved Murrumbidgee and seconded Griffith) MRRR 7 RAMROC BUDGET AND MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS FOR Consideration was given to the draft Budget and proposed Membership Contributions as presented by the Executive Officer, together with the EO s comments on the Budget s proposed small deficit for the year. The General Managers Group has recommended the adoption of the Budget and the Contributions Schedule. RESOLVED that RAMROC formally adopt the proposed Budget and Membership Contributions, and that the Executive Officer make arrangements for the issuing of Tax Invoices for the Member Councils contributions for the year FURTHER RESOLVED that RAMROC receive and note the formal notification from Greater Hume Shire Council of its withdrawal from RAMROC as from 31 st December 2017 (Moved Balranald and seconded Leeton) MRRR 8 RAMROC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 30 TH JUNE 2017 Consideration was given to the interim and unaudited Annual Financial Statements of RAMROC s activities for the financial year and noting the Executive Officer s report thereon. RESOLVED that the interim Financial Statements be adopted, noting that the final Financial Statements will be submitted for audit in the near future (Moved Albury and seconded Hay) MRRR 9 RAMROC WORKING GROUP MINUTES Consideration was given to the Minutes of the following RAMROC Working Group Minutes: Planners Group 1 st June Riverina Waste Group 21 st June Contaminated Land Management Committee 30 th June Records Management Group 4 th July General Managers Group 21 st July 2017 RESOLVED that the Minutes of the RAMROC Working Groups be received and that the actions taken therein be endorsed (Moved Edward River and seconded Murrumbidgee) MRRR 10 GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS Item Trudi McDonald Regional Co-ordinator Department of Premier and Cabinet Trudi addressed the meeting relation to the following matters:- Regional Growth Fund Stronger Country Communities Fund and the Regional Cultural Fund Regional Economic Development Strategies assisting 16 sub-regional areas across the state focus on the Griffith Functional Region Strategy Item 10.2 Executive Officer Employment Contract Working Party The Chairman informed the meeting that the current Employment Contract for the Executive Officer is due to end on 1 st October 2017 and that an appropriate extension of the Employment Contract has been recommended by the General Managers Group at its 21 st July meeting. 6

7 RESOLVED that a Committee of 4 be established with delegated authority to negotiate the employment contract arrangements in respect of the Executive Officer position, noting that the current contract is due to terminate on 1 st October 2017 FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee comprise Chairman Cr Kevin Mack, Councillor John Dal Broi, Administrator Ashley Hall and General Manager Rowan Perkins and that the Committee report back on the matter to the November RAMROC Meeting (Moved Griffith and seconded Leeton) Item 10.3 Policing Numbers and Services for the Narrandera Region Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Cr Neville Kschenka raised the issue of an inadequate police presence in Narrandera and surrounding region generally. RESOLVED that RAMROC make representations to the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Regional Policing, requesting a greater presence of police numbers and station hours for the Narrandera Shire area and surrounding region (Moved Narrandera and seconded Leeton) There being no further business, the RAMROC meeting concluded at 1.00 pm AGENDA ITEM MRRR 4 - MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING 9 TH AUGUST 2017 Local Government Procurement Group Rebate Agreement see EO s report item 6.4 LED Street Lighting and Smart Controls EO to verbally update Energy Savings Certificates Electricity Efficiency - EO to verbally update Joint Organisations Status EO to verbally update on JO status RMS LG representation of RMCC Committee EO to verbally update Other AGENDA ITEM MRRR 5 - PRESENTATIONS 5.1 PRESENTATION BY BRENTON WOOLSTON MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ALMONDCO AUSTRALIA LTD IN RELATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ALMOND INDUSTRY IN THE SOUTHERN MURRAY DARLING BASIN AND THE NSW RIVERINA REGION Brenton Woolston is the Managing Director of Almondco Australia Limited. His CV is separately attached to these agenda papers. Almondco is one of Australia s largest almond processors and the Company anticipates that plantings in the Riverina will more than double in the next five years. There are already some 1.8 million trees in the Riverina region alone, which represents about 15% of all national plantings. Almondco has recently built a $25 million shelling and hulling facility on the outskirts of Griffith, which was officially opened by Premier Gladys Berejiklian on 28 th June This plant is a major new industry for the region and will provide local almond growers with significant savings in transport costs. The Company plans to roll out Stage 2 of the development from 2020, expected to cost another 5 to 10 million dollars. Brenton will provide an overview of the Australian almond industry, Almondco s history and position within the industry and why almond growing in the NSW Riverina is expanding and the economic and social benefits that the industry brings to the region. 7

8 5.2 AUSTIN EVANS MEMBER FOR MURRAY AND STEPHANIE COOKE MEMBER FOR COOTAMUNDRA The Nationals Austin Evans and Stephanie Cooke were elected to the NSW State Parliament on 14 th October 2017 at bi-elections for the Electorates of Murray and Cootamundra respectively, replacing the previous State Members Adrian Piccoli and Katrina Hodgkinson. Austin and Stephanie have been invited to attend the meeting and to briefly address the RAMROC Mayors, Councillors and General Managers. 5.3 CROSS BORDER COMMISSIONER JAMES McTAVISH NSW Cross Border Commissioner James McTavish will provide the meeting with an update of current activities. He has provided some information attachments for background purposes (as separately attached) AGENDA ITEM MRRR 6 EXECUTIVE OFFICER S REPORT Independent Review of the Regional Development Australia Program An independent review of the effectiveness of the RDA Program was commissioned by the Commonwealth Minister for Regional Development Senator the Hon Fiona Nash in September The review was undertaken by the Hon Warwick Smith AM, LLB, who was required to examine the effectiveness of the RDA program and to make recommendations regarding its future scope, structure and delivery model. Mr Smith submitted his report to Government in December 2016, although the Government s response was not announced by Senator Nash until August The essence of that response is that it refocuses the RDA program and requires RDA Committees to adopt a more active and facilitative role, effectively being brokers for regional investment, so as to help drive economic growth and create jobs. Senator Nash has indicated that the new role and charter of RDAs will be as follows:- 1. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to identify economic opportunities and leverage private sector and public sector investment to the regions; 2. Connect regional businesses, councils and industry sectors with international trade partners, financial markets and potential investors; 3. Promote and disseminate information on Australian Government policies and grant programs to state and local governments and industry, business and community sectors; 4. Support community stakeholders to develop project proposals to access funding; 5. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the local government bodies in their regions; 6. Facilitate public and private sector decentralisation; 7. Assist in the delivery of Australian Government programs, where relevant and where requested by the Minister; 8. Engage with regional entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders to explore new opportunities to grow local jobs in their regions; 9. Provide information on their region s activities and competitive advantage to all levels of government, industry, business and community sectors; and 10. Provide evidence based advice to the Australian government on critical regional development issues positively and negatively affecting their regions The current Chair appointments expire at the end of December 2017 and the Government is undertaking an application process for the appointment of RDA Chairs responsible for supporting the new Charter. These applications close on 3 rd November 2017 and the Chair positions will be the only ones appointed by the Government. These Chair appointments are proposed to be in place before the end of December. The current Deputy Chairs and other current Board Members will have their terms extended through to June The intention is that the RDA Chairs will then lead the process for appointing new Board Members, proposed to be fully in place by the end of June. The RDA structure also provides for a new role of Director of Regional Development for each RDA Committee, with direct responsibility for delivering the objectives and outcomes required under the new Charter. The current Executive Officers will be eligible to apply for these new Director positions, with 8

9 appointments being a decision of the new Chair and Board. The Position Description and KPIs are currently being developed by the Government. In relation to RDA funding, the expectation is that the Commonwealth will develop a new funding arrangement to continue to finance the day to day operations of the RDA. Future funding by the NSW State Government for the Riverina and Murray RDAs will be on a competitive basis for specific RDA projects. It is very important that strong collaborative working relationships be established between all three levels of Government (i.e. Councils, ROCs, RDAs and Commonwealth / State Agencies, so as to ensure maximum transparency and co-operation are afforded to existing and new investors, industries and businesses. I see that the new RDA Charters provide the catalyst for the levels of collaboration that are essential for success. Recommendation That the EO s report be received and noted NSW Container Deposit Scheme Return and Earn - Background and Status The Government s Container Deposit Scheme is scheduled for implementation on 1 st December 2017, the start date having been moved back from the original scheduled date of 1 st July Under the CDS Scheme, eligible containers are entitled to a 10 cent refund payment. The Scheme Coordinator appointed by the Government is a financial and data clearing house Exchange for Change, which comprises a combination of Asahi, Carlton United, Coca Cola Amatil, Coopers and Lion Group, who collectively are responsible for some 85% of all beverage containers in NSW. The appointed Network Operator is a TOMRA Cleanaway partnership, which was selected establish Collection Points in all of the separate zones throughout the State. Broadly there will be 500 Collection Points, at which some 50% or 250 collection points will be serviced by approximately 800 Reverse Vending Machines. In regional and rural areas there will be smaller collection points, either at Council operated centres or recycling centres, or elsewhere at locations often co-located with retail centres and /or individual shops. Apart from the collection points, the general thrust is to maintain and encourage the use of the kerbside recycling system. Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are eligible to receive income from containers collected through these kerbside recycling contracts. There is a transitional approach for Councils with waste contracts with MRFs to share the income earned and there is a 12 month period in which those negotiations are required to be finalised. The purpose of these contact arrangements is for Councils to be able to share in the income and use those funds for waste management purposes or reductions in annual waste charges To assist Councils across the State to negotiate with MRFs, the Office of Local Government (OLG) and Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have selected two Pilot ROCs (WSROC in Sydney and RAMROC in regional /rural NSW) to assist in the development of contract negotiation guidelines. We have held two teleconferences with OLG/EPA and raised a number of matters that need to be addressed with the Scheme Co-ordinator and Network Operator, particularly in respect of some cross border issues. At this point of time, with only weeks before the scheme is set to commence, it appears that TOMRA Cleanaway do not appear to have made much progress (if any) on the establishment of collection points in regional and rural areas. In this regard, it would be helpful to receive feedback at the meeting as to whether collection points have to date been established across RAMROC LGAs and if so what arrangements have already been put in place. A public information media campaign is also proposed in coming weeks. We have made the point to OLG and EPA that as a key issue, residents primarily will need to know details of container collection points and how their cash refund will be able to be accessed. I would also welcome input from Councils.in relation to any negotiations that are taking place with MRFs in relation to waste management contracts and in particular agreements for the sharing of income for containers processed by MRFs under kerbside recycling arrangements. 9

10 A further important component of the CDS is that EPA has made legislative changes to classify low impact collection points as either exempt or complying development. These are particularly critical in retail shopping centres, where the CDS requires the use of a number of carparking spaces, as this may well impact on the circumstances of the original carparking requirement (either number of spaces or cash contributions in lieu) relating to the Development Consent. Recommendation That Councils provide feedback at the meeting to the Executive Officer in relation to the following:- Establishment of collection points within their Council areas; Negotiations with MRF contractors for sharing of income for containers processed through kerbside recycling contracts Issues encountered under the new EPA changes for establishment of collection points in retail centres where carparking spaces are designated for the CDS scheme Transport for New South Wales - Draft Strategy for Future Transport 2056 Future Transport 2056 is a new 40 year vision being developed by Transport for NSW that focuses on the transport decisions that are needed to prepare for major population and infrastructure changes across the State leading to the year By 2056, NSW is expected to have over 11 million residents. At present the transport system serves some 7.5 million resident, 800,000 businesses and 30 million visitors. Unprecedented advances in technology mean that the way people use transport is being transformed. The Draft 2056 Future Transport Strategy has three major components:- Draft Greater Sydney Services and Infrastructure Plan; and Draft Regional NSW Services and Infrastructure Plan; Supporting Plans Future Transport 2056 focuses on 6 key outcomes:- Customer focus Successful places Growing the Economy Safety and Performance Accessible Services Sustainable The Supporting Plans include:- Draft Freight and Ports Plan Draft Road Safety Plan Draft Maritime Safety Plan Draft Tourism and Transport Plan Draft Disability and inclusion Action Plan The draft Regional Service and Infrastructure Plan proposes that the most effective way of providing better transport to more customers is through a Regional Connectivity Network Model, which radiates out from Regional Cities as hubs for surrounding communities for employment and services. The Regional Plan will also recognise the importance of exiting national and state transport links that pass through the regions. It will also acknowledge cross border connectivity for communities along the Murray River that have strong links to metropolitan and regional centres in Victoria. The Government is inviting reactions, comments and formal submissions by Sunday 3 rd December To enable a RAMROC regional submission to be made I would welcome feedback at this meeting or subsequently, particularly on the following issues:- Existing freight transport arrangements to either NSW or Melbourne ports Suggestions for upgrading of existing rail networks for both passenger and freight services Suggestions for upgrading of air services, both passenger and freight Key infrastructure projects for transport, e.g. Murray River crossings Local and regional passenger services, e.g bus and train etc. Recommendation For meeting discussion and feedback 10

11 6.4 - Local Government Procurement and LGNSW Negotiations re LGP Group Rebate Scheme At the 9 th August RAMROC Meeting, I submitted a report in relation to negotiations that the Chair Cr Kevin Mack, Procurement Group Chair Peter Hanes and I held on 4 th August with the Chairperson and CEO of Local Government Procurement, which is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Local Government NSW. Briefly for background information, the key points made in that report are as follows:- In April 2015 RAMROC entered into a Group Rebate Offer Agreement with Local Government Procurement Pty Ltd, which it and a number of other ROCs throughout the State entered into the same or similar agreements with LGP around the same time. Local Government Procurement (LGP) is a business arm and wholly owned subsidiary company of LGNSW and it provides a fully integrated procurement service to councils. Through LGP s bulk purchasing arrangements and managed contracts, councils are able to access goods and services at competitive LGP contract rates without the need to tender. Under the April 2015 Group Rebate Offer, LGP pays to RAMROC a rebate amount based on the purchases made by the participating RAMROC councils through LGP Contracts. The RAMROC Councils have agreed for the rebate funds to be paid to RAMROC for use in improving governance relating to procurement policies and practices, as well as for training of staff and encouraging increased utilisation of LGP contracts within the regional network In December 2016 and May 2017, the LGP Chairperson Cr Paul Braybrooks wrote to all ROCs involved in the Group Rebate Offer scheme, advising that the LGP Board had ordered a review of the scheme, which LGP deemed to be now financially unsustainable for its ongoing business operations. The results of the review are proposed to be considered by the LGP Board at its meeting on 1st August A retrospective cut for the year is considered to be completely contrary to Clause 14 of the legal agreement and this has also been conveyed most strongly to both LGP and LGNSW by all of the affected ROCs. All ROCs are of the view that LGP certainly has no legal right to retrospectively reduce the rebate payments that are due for the six monthly periods July to December 2016 and January to June Because of the importance of this matter, RAMROC commissioned legal advice from Kell Moore Lawyers of Albury and that legal opinion supported RAMROC s position that the Group Rebate Offer Agreement is a legally binding contract and that any retrospective reduction would be illegal. Subsequently on 28 th August 2017, the Chair and I met with the LGNSW President Cr Keith Rhoades and Chief Executive Donna Rygate in Wagga to canvass the outcomes of the earlier discussions with LGP, particularly to clarify as far as possible a number of aspects relating to the governance and financial relationships that are impacting on the return to ROCs. As a result of that 28 th August meeting, the following specific requests were put to LGNSW and LGP:- 1. That the LGNSW and LGP Executives convene a roundtable meeting with the impacted ROC /JO Chairs and Executive Officers in Sydney in the near future to fully canvass the Group Rebate Scheme issues; 2. That LGNSW urgently clarify the respective decision making responsibilities and powers of the LGNSW and LGP Boards, in relation to the final determination of the Group Rebate Scheme rebates; 3. That LGNSW and LGP clearly delineate the basis / formula that applied to the retrospective determination of the payments to ROCs/JOs/Councils, and agree to review the rebate payments in accordance with the LGP /ROC Agreements entered into in good faith by both parties in April/May 2015; 4. That LGNSW and LGP agree to enter into negotiations with a ROC/JO Working Group to formulate a draft new Group Rebate Scheme for the apportionment and distribution of LGP Management Fee income, the suggestion being for a 3 year period through ; 5. That LGNSW agree to make available all relevant financial LGP information to provide transparency and to facilitate negotiations towards a fair and equitable Group Rebate Scheme Agreement. At this point of time, despite follow up s to LGNSW and LGP, no meaningful responses have been forthcoming. LGNSW has simply indicated that it is working with LGP on the matters raised by RAMROC. 11

12 LGP has recently written to all of the ROC Groups, announcing a small supplementary payment as a result of its operating surplus for However, the total retrospective adjustment rebate for remains well short of what RAMROC and other ROCs had anticipated would have been received under the 2015 Agreement purchases based method. LGP has also advised that it is developing a new one year Agreement which ROCs will be required to sign up to. This draft Agreement will be based on its new formula calculation tied to LGP annual operating surplus, with 50% to LGNSW, 40% to ROCs/Councils and 10% for LGP carry over funds. This formula provides no incentive at all for ROCs to encourage greater use of LGP contracts by its member Councils. It is assumed therefore that neither LGNSW nor LGP have any intention to engage with ROCs and Councils in the matter. It is clear that the new one year LGP Agreement will represent a take it or leave it situation for ROCs to consider. Under these circumstances, RAMROC has lost confidence in LGNSW and LGP in this matter and is therefore exploring a number of other procurement options (with other interested ROCs). Recommendation That the Executive Officer s report be noted and that the actions taken and proposed be endorsed LGNSW Conference Motions Proposed Independent Value Proposition Audit of LGNSW Performance and Costs and LGP Group Rebate Agreement For some time, Councils in the RAMROC region and elsewhere in the State have been concerned about the inadequate levels of performance and services provided by LGNSW as the major representative of Local Government Councils and their communities across the State, as well as the high cost of LGNSW membership subscriptions. As reported in Item 6.4 above, RAMROC has been most dissatisfied with the actions of both LGNSW and Local Government Procurement (LGP), which is a business arm company of LGNSW, in relation to the LGP Group Rebate Scheme. Other areas of concern have included:- Advocacy Fit for the Future and Council Mergers and Joint Organisations, Commonwealth and State Grants and Long Term Funding of Local Government, Indexation Freeze on Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants, RMS Maintenance Contracts, Cost Shifting Legal Services Industrial Relations Services LG State Award Negotiations on behalf of employer Councils High cost of Membership Subscriptions High cost of Executive Recruitment and Performance Appraisal services, High cost of LGNSW training programs and workshops Under these circumstances, some Councils are considering the question of ongoing LGNSW membership. RAMROC as an entity is not a Member of LGNSW and therefore cannot submit motions to LGNSW Annual Conferences. However, Albury City Council has resolved to submit the following motion to the forthcoming December Conference:- FROM ALBURY CITY That this Conference express its strong concerns regarding the high membership contributions and general Councils dissatisfaction with the quality of services and overall performance of LGNSW as the peak body representing New South Wales metropolitan, regional and rural Councils. That this Conference therefore calls for an urgent Independent Value Proposition Audit in relation to the purpose, role, responsibilities, services and overall performance and value for money of LGNSW, with all Member Councils and Councillors having the opportunity to provide confidential input to the Audit. Mayor Cr Mack has made contact with a number of other Mayors both metropolitan and regional and it is understood that other same or similar motions will be submitted to the Conference. 12

13 As set out above, the Motion simply calls for an Independent Value Proposition Audit and it is suggested that strong support from the Delegates from RAMROC Councils at the Conference would result in a completely independent evaluation of LGNSW. Advice has been received that Blacktown City Council (a member of WSROC) has resolved to support in principle the Albury City motion and has in fact submitted an almost identical motion to the Conference. Blacktown City has also submitted the following motion to Conference in relation to the LGP Group Rebate Agreement (see EO s Report Item 6.4 above). The Motion is as follows and should also be supported by Delegates at the Conference:- FROM BLACKTOWN CITY That Council call on Local Government NSW to continue the LGP Rebate Sharing Agreement established with ROCs and Joint Organisations in 2015, and that any future changes be negotiated and agreed with those organisations Finally, it is recommended that Member Council Delegates provide voting support at the Conference to the RAMROC Chair Cr Kevin Mack and other RAMROC Mayors or Councillors that have nominated for positions on the LGNSW Executive Recommendation 1. That RAMROC recommend to Councils Delegates to the 2017 LGNSW Conference in early December that they provide voting support to the Conference Motions set out in the Executive Officer s report, as have been submitted to Conference by Albury City and Blacktown City 2. That RAMROC recommend to Councils Delegates that they provide voting support to the RAMROC Chair and other Mayors or Councillors from Member Councils who have lodged nominations for positions on the LGNSW Executive. 6.6 RAMROCs Strategic Regional Focus During recent discussions associated with the extension of the Executive Officer employment contract, we talked about the importance of the RAMROC Board and the General Managers Group both ensuring that RAMROC adopts a strong regional strategic focus in the planning and implementation of its key activities. The purpose of this report is to encourage discussion by Mayors, Councillors and General Managers at the meeting about enhancing the strategic role of RAMROC and the ways in which this organisation can be more effective for the overall benefit of Councils and communities across the region as a whole. It is very important to position RAMROC regionally to take advantage of the current focus of the NSW Government s regional agenda, through its Regional Development Framework, the various Regional Growth Fund Programs, the establishment of Functional Economic Regions (FERs) and the development of Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS) for each of the four FERs. Details of these programs are covered in detail in the following report Agenda Item 6.7 In particular, it would be a productive step for the key features and priorities set out four completed REDS to be also brought together as a exercise, so as to compile a RAMROC region wide economic development framework and plan. As indicated in Item 6.1 above, the Commonwealth Government has recently announced that the Regional Development Australia Committees (RDAs) will be restructured, with new Boards and Regional Directors to be appointed, and with a specific focus on regional economic development and attracting investment. Again, RAMROC needs to be well positioned to work closely with the Riverina RDA and the Murray RDA and with Federal and State Agencies to ensure maximum collaboration, as this will deliver best possible outcomes for the region as a whole. RAMROC is also working closely with the NSW Department of Planning in relation to implementation of the Riverina Murray Regional Plan, and with the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Offices of Regional Development and Local Government. As Executive Officer, I represent the strategic interests of the Riverina Murray region through membership of the State Government s Riverina Murray Regional Leadership Executive (RLE) and its Economic Development Sub Committee (EDSC). The RLE is made up by the Regional Directors and Managers of 13

14 core Government Agencies (DPC, Planning, Transport, RMS, Health, Education, Police, Regional Development, Environment and Heritage, Primary Industries and Training Services), together with the RAMROC and REROC Executive Officers. Effectively, this ROC representation on the high level RLE and EDSC provides Local Government with a seat at the table and with priority access to the State Government s Ministers and Agencies. The RAMROC Strategic and Operational Plan (copy separately attached) sets out strategic policy directions for the following:- 1. Regional Leadership and Advocacy 2. Regional Strategic Planning 3. Regional Communications 4. Regional Infrastructure, Transport and Services 5. Regional Environmental Management 6. Health and Lifestyle 7. Education 8. Regional Economic Development, Regional Brand and Investment Attraction 9. Partnerships, Community Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement This meeting provides an opportunity for Mayors and General Managers to discuss and review the Strategic Plan and if needed to re-focus the future strategic direction and activities of RAMROC. Recommendation For Mayor and GM feedback regarding the strategic regional role and direction of RAMROC NSW Regional Development Framework and Regional Growth Fund Programs The purpose of this report is to provide a brief overview of the State Government s initiatives and funding programs, in accord with the 2016 Regional Development Framework. As mentioned in the previous report item 6.6, it is important that RAMROC and Member Councils be positioned to take maximum advantage of the opportunities that the State Government s regional focus and funding programs will provide. 1. The Regional Development Framework (RDF) Regional NSW is home to about 40% of total NSW population and produces 33% of gross state product The RDF provides a scaffold for better co-ordination, decision making and is the basis for strategic investment in regional NSW The RDF builds on the skills, natural resources and endowments in each region to address the issues that communities are facing. 2. Regional Growth Fund (RGF) The Government is investing an additional $1.3 billion in regional infrastructure to support regional centres, activate local economies and improve services in communities Plus an additional $300 million to drive regional tourism making a total State Government investment of $1.6 billion There are 6 separate programs under the RGF as follows:- $1 billion is for the following Economic Activation Funds:- a. Connecting Country Communities Fund this program opens late 2017 investment in communications infrastructure and to deliver regional voice and data connectivity mobile base stations connect businesses to global markets and schools with learning resources b. Growing Local Economies Fund this program opened July $500 million over 4 years minimum project size of $1 million a two step process and projects must have Business Case and achieve a BCR of >1. The Government can provide guidance on Business Case development approved projects will accord with the designated Functional Economic Regions (FERs) and the development of Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS) 14

15 c. Regional Sports Infrastructure this program opened July 2017 invests in new and existing venues to improve participation and performance in sports at all levels the fund targets investments over $1 million open to councils, and partnerships with state sporting organisations, educational institutions and private enterprise d. Resources for Regions - this program opened July to support job creation and economic growth in mining communities in regional NSW - $50 million available in open to LGAs that can demonstrate that their communities are significantly mining affected $300 million for the following Community Amenity Funds a. Regional Cultural Fund this program opened July $100 million over 4 years four categories (Small Scale, Medium Scale, Large Scale and Operational Grants) - EOIs closed 4 th September with final announcements of projects in February 2018 b. Stronger Country Communities Fund this program opened July $200 million over 2 years 3 tranches of Councils for submission of applications and councils must consult with their communities - results of applications will start rolling out in November /early December for Tranche A and in early 2018 for Tranches B and C 3. Functional Economic Regions (FERs) FERs have been identified across the state as part of the process for funding projects under the Growing Local Economies Fund. For the RAMROC region, LGAs have been placed in one of four FERs as follows:- Western Riverina FER Griffith, Leeton, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera and Carrathool Albury FER Albury, Federation and Greater Hume in NSW, with Wodonga and Indigo in Victoria Murray FER Berrigan, Edward River and Murray River in NSW, with Moira, Campaspe and Gannawarra in Victoria Far South West FER Balranald, Hay and Wentworth in NSW, with Swan Hill and Mildura in Victoria 4. Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS) To enable the Government to move away from a state wide approach, each FER will have a Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) prepared with the assistance of appointed Economic Consultants. These REDS will clearly articulate key economic priorities in each of the FERs. The key change is to move away from a rounds-based whole of State competitive process, so that there will be a notional allocation made to each FER area. This approach removes the current need to race to meet deadlines or to have to compete against other regional areas. This new process will enable a whole of region approach to growing the economies of communities. In collaboration with Infrastructure NSW, DPC will provide support and assistance to prepare Funding Applications and Business Cases. The intention is to have all of the REDS completed by the end of The appointed Consultants for the RAMROC region s FERs are:- Western Riverina FER - Corview Management Consultants this REDS is well advanced Albury FER - NERA Consultancy the initial workshop phase has been held and additional data gathering is being provided by Councils Murray FER - NERA Consultancy about to commence Far South West FER - Balmoral Group Consultancy about to commence 15

16 The Regional Director of NSW Office of Regional Development (Riverina Murray) Margaret O Dwyer is the Program Coordinator and key contact person. She is also the Chair of the Economic Development Sub Committee (EDSC) of the Regional Leadership Executive (RLE), referred to previously in Agenda item 6.5 and on which I represent the RAMROC region. The EDSC will have a role in assessing applications under the Growing Local Economies Fund and will be part of the assessment prior to the full Business Case phase. It will make recommendations on the strategic alignment and potential regional effect. There will be two other assessments of projects that relate to economic viability and potential BCR and there will also be input from the relevant Local State Member. When these assessments have been collated, the applications are sent to Infrastructure NSW. The applicants will then be asked to complete a full Business Case. The Stronger Country Communities, Regional Cultural and Sports Infrastructure programs will have separate assessment processes, details of which will be available in the near future. Recommendation For information and for Mayor and General Manager feedback (End of Executive Officer s Report) AGENDA ITEM 7 - RAMROC QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 30 TH SEPTEMBER 2017 Attached separately are the first quarter Financial Statements to the 30 th September 2017 in relation to each of the following RAMROC activities:- RAMROC General Account Murray Waste Group Account Riverina Waste Group Account RAMROC /REROC Contaminated Land Management Project Account Being for the first three months of the year only, the accounts are too early to show any trends away from the Budget, although at this stage any substantial variations for the remainder of the year are considered unlikely. In relation to the Contaminated Land Management Project which was finalised on 31 st August, the amount of unexpended grant funds as shown of $29, has been refunded to EPA in accordance with the terms of the Funding Agreement. The CLM project attracted grants of $450,000 over the three life of the project. Recommendation That the quarterly Financial Statements for the first quarter period to 30 th received and noted September 2017 be AGENDA ITEM MRRR 8 - WORKING GROUP MINUTES AS FOLLOWS (pages 16 to 31 ) The Working Group Minutes are set out on following pages and comprise the following:- 8.1 Murray Waste Group Meeting 2 nd August Riverina Waste Group Meeting - 20 th September RAMROC Planners Group Meeting 31 st August RAMROC Engineers Group Meeting 19 th October RAMROC General Managers Group Meeting 20 th October