Agenda of Ordinary Council Meeting

MINUTES

Ordinary Council Meeting

19 December 2017

MINUTES OF narrabri council
Ordinary Council Meeting
HELD AT THE Narrabri Shire Council Chambers, 46-48 Maitland Street, Narrabri
ON Tuesday, 19 December 2017 AT 1.00pm

PRESENT: Cr Catherine Redding (Mayor), Cr Cameron Staines (Deputy Mayor), Cr Ron Campbell, Cr Ron Campey, Cr Lloyd Finlay, Cr Robert Kneale, Cr Ann Loder, Cr Annie McMahon

IN ATTENDANCE: Stewart Todd (General Manager), Lindsay Mason (Director Corporate Services), Darren Raeck (Director Infrastructure Delivery), Daniel Boyce (Acting Director Development and Economic Growth), Delece Hartnett (Personal Assistant to the Mayor & General Manager)

The Mayor opened the meeting at 1:02 pm.

1 Opening Prayer by a Member of the Narrabri Minister’s Fraternal

Councillors and Council staff were upstanding for the opening prayer read by the Mayor, Cr Catherine Redding.

2 Acknowledgement of Country

The Mayor acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Council met.

3 Apologies/Granting of Leave of Absences

Minute 264/2017

Moved: Cr Ron Campbell Seconded: Cr Annie McMahon

That the apology for Cr Booby be received and noted.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

4 Declaration of Pecuniary and Non- Pecuniary Interests

COUNCILLOR

ITEM NUMBER

PECUNIARY/

NON-PECUNIARY

REASON

Cr Ann Loder

13.4

Non-Pecuniary, significant interest.

Involved in legal proceedings with one of the applicants.

5 Public Forum and Presentations

Public Forum:

Nil.

Presentations:

1. Whitehaven Coal – Mr Peter Wilkinson, General Manager & Mr Darren Swain, External Relations Superintendent - presenting a briefing on the updates/progress of the Maules Creek Mine site.

2. Dane Consulting – Mr Niel Jacobsen, Director – presenting a briefing/update on the Regional Training Centre (North West) Business Case.

At 2:35 pm, Cr Annie McMahon left the meeting.

Suspension of Standing Orders

Minute 265/2017

Moved: Cr Lloyd Finlay Seconded: Cr Ann Loder

A motion was moved that Council suspend standing orders at 2.35pm for a 15 minute recess.

Carried

At 2:51 pm, Cr Annie McMahon returned to the meeting.

Resumption of Standing Orders

Minute 266/2017

Moved: Cr Ann Loder Seconded: Cr Lloyd Finlay

A motion was moved that Council resume standing orders at 2.51pm.

Carried

Minute 267/2017

Moved: Cr Catherine Redding Seconded: Cr Robert Kneale

That Council, moving forward, record in its minutes voting at Council Meetings with the names of the Councillors who voted for or against a motion or amendment.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

6 Items to be Considered in the Confidential (Public Excluded) Meeting

Minute 268/2017

Moved: Cr Ron Campbell Seconded: Cr Lloyd Finlay

That the following matters will be considered in the Closed (Public Excluded) Meeting:

13.1 Purchase of land in Wee Waa for CBD improvements

13.2 Sale of Land for Unpaid Rates

13.3 Contract 2017-18/04 - Design and Construction of Replacement Bridges at Eulah Creek and Bullawa Creek

13.4 Appointment of Audit and Risk Committee Chair and Members

13.5 Nominations for the 2018 Australia Day Awards

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

7 Confirmation of Minutes

Minute 269/2017

Moved: Cr Ron Campbell Seconded: Cr Ann Loder

That the minutes of Ordinary Meeting of the Narrabri Shire Council held on 28 November 2017 comprising Minute Nos 228/2017 to 263/2017 as circularised be confirmed and signed as a correct record by the Mayor.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

8 Mayoral Minute

8.1 Mayoral Appointments for November/December 2017

Minute 270/2017

Moved: Cr Catherine Redding Seconded: Cr Cameron Staines

That Council note the Mayoral Appointments for the period November/December 2017.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

8.2 Easy to do Business Partnership with Service NSW

Minute 271/2017

Moved: Cr Catherine Redding Seconded: Cr Ron Campbell

That Council delegates:

1. The relevant customer service functions related to the administration of the Easy to do Business initiative to the Chief Executive Officer, Service NSW in accordance with the Service Partnership Agreement as required under the Service NSW (One-stop Access to Government Services) Act 2013.

2. The General Manager to execute any partnership documents and to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

8.3 Namoi Unlimited Joint Organisation - Engagement Project, China

Minute 272/2017

Moved: Cr Catherine Redding Seconded: Cr Cameron Staines

That Council:

1. Endorse the Mayor (or her alternate) as Council’s representative to travel as a member of the Namoi Unlimited International Mission to China.

2. Endorse a second Council representative to travel as a member of the Namoi Unlimited International Mission to China; with associated costs being covered by Council and addressed in the December Quarterly Budget Review Statement.

3. Endorse as an investment proposal (but not be limited to) the Inland Rail associated Narrabri Logistics and Industrial Hub.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

9 Our Society

9.1 Report on Attendance at CNRL AGM and Ordinary Meeting on 8 November 2017

Minute 273/2017

Moved: Cr Catherine Redding Seconded: Cr Ron Campbell

That Council:

1. Note the report on the CNRL Annual General and Ordinary Meetings on 8 November 2017.

2. Accept the draft budget for 2018-2019.

3. Respond in writing to Tamworth Regional Council prior to 15 January 2018 if they have any questions regarding the draft budget.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

9.2 Road Dedication and Road Closure at 181 Clarendon Lane, Bulyeroi

Minute 274/2017

Moved: Cr Ron Campbell Seconded: Cr Lloyd Finlay

That Council:

1. Approve the proposal to swap land with the owner of Lot 47 in DP 810558 at 181 Clarendon Lane, Bulyeroi to accommodate the deviation of the northern section of Clarendon Lane, subject to:

a. The owner of 181 Clarendon Lane, Bulyeroi dedicate the necessary area of land through a plan of subdivision as public road to accommodate the actual deviation of Clarendon Lane;

b. Upon registration of the subdivision plan, Council undertake the required process to close the current road reserve and transfer its ownership to the owner of 181 Clarendon Lane, Bulyeroi for consolidation with the proposed lot 2 of the subdivision as approved in DA 7/2018;

c. Council meet all reasonable road closure application, survey and legal costs associated with this land swap proposal.

2. Apply the Seal of Council to any necessary documents relating to this matter.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

9.3 Regional Training Centre North West Project Report and Business Case

Minute 275/2017

Moved: Cr Ron Campbell Seconded: Cr Annie McMahon

That Council continue to pursue the current strategy of the establishment of a Country Universities Centre in Narrabri Shire.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

10 Our Environment

10.1 Report of the Narrabri Shire Floodplain Risk Management Committee

Minute 276/2017

Moved: Cr Robert Kneale Seconded: Cr Lloyd Finlay

That Council:

1. Note the minutes of the Narrabri Shire Floodplain Risk Management Committee meeting held at the Narrabri Shire Council Administration Building, Narrabri, on Tuesday 14 November 2017.

2. Accept Lyall & Associates request to vary the scope of works, timeframe and total cost of completing the Wee Waa Levee Risk Management Plan and Study.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

10.2 Proposed Primary Production and Rural Development planning reforms

Minute 277/2017

Moved: Cr Ann Loder Seconded: Cr Lloyd Finlay

That Council make a submission to the NSW Government on the proposed planning reforms generally in accordance with this report.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

10.3 Murray Darling Basin Authority Basin Plan Amendments Update

Minute 278/2017

Moved: Cr Robert Kneale Seconded: Cr Annie McMahon

That Council:

1. Write to the Murray Darling Basin Authority and highlight Council’s original recommendations and request that the Namoi Instream requirements be reviewed by the Murray Darling Basin Authority as per the motion passed at the Wee Waa public meeting held on 3 December 2016.

2. Write to the Minister and/or Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources and highlight Council’s original recommendations and request that the Murray Darling Basin Authority amendments as currently proposed be rejected and be sent back to the Murray Darling Basin Authority for further review.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

11 Our Economy

11.1 Environmental Impact Statement for the Narrabri to North Star Project

Minute 279/2017

Moved: Cr Cameron Staines Seconded: Cr Robert Kneale

That Council make a submission to the NSW Government on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Narrabri to North Star Project generally in accordance with this report.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

11.2 Planning Proposal 1/2018

Minute 280/2017

Moved: Cr Lloyd Finlay Seconded: Cr Ron Campbell

That Council:

1. Endorse the Planning Proposal to amend the provisions of the Narrabri Local Environmental Plan 2012 relating to rezone land identified as Lot 383 DP 754944 (139 Kaptur Road, Narrabri) from RU1 Primary Production to R5 Large Lot Residential and reduce its applicable minimum lot size from 100 hectares to 2 hectares and forward the Planning Proposal to the Department of Planning and Environment with a request for a Gateway Determination.

2. Notify the Department of Planning and Environment of Council’s intention to use the plan making power delegated to it by the Department to make the proposed amendment to Narrabri Local Environmental Plan 2012.

3. Delegate to the Director of Development & Economic Growth any necessary amendments required to the Planning Proposal resulting from the Department of Planning and Environment’s Gateway Determination.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

12 Our Civic Leadership

12.1 Investment Report - November

Minute 281/2017

Moved: Cr Ann Loder Seconded: Cr Ron Campbell

That Council note the Investment Report – November 2017.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

12.2 Related Party Disclosures - Six Month Review

Minute 282/2017

Moved: Cr Robert Kneale Seconded: Cr Annie McMahon

That Council note the report on the six-monthly review of key management personnel and their related parties.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

12.3 Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics

Minute 283/2017

Moved: Cr Annie McMahon Seconded: Cr Lloyd Finlay

That Council:

1. Note the Code of Conduct Complaint Statistics for the period 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2017.

2. Forward the Code of Conduct Complaint Statistics to the Office of Local Government.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

13 Confidential (Closed Council) Meeting

Minute 284/2017

Moved: Cr Cameron Staines Seconded: Cr Ron Campbell

That at 3.57pm Council move into Closed (Public Excluded) Meeting of Council and that the press and members of the public be asked to leave the room whilst Council considers the following items:

13.1 Purchase of land in Wee Waa for CBD improvements

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - (c) of the Local Government Act, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

13.2 Sale of Land for Unpaid Rates

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - (b) of the Local Government Act, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with discussion in relation to the personal hardship of a resident or ratepayer.

13.3 Contract 2017-18/04 - Design and Construction of Replacement Bridges at Eulah Creek and Bullawa Creek

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - (d)(i) of the Local Government Act, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.

13.4 Appointment of Audit and Risk Committee Chair and Members

This matter is considered to be confidential under Section 10A(2) - (a) of the Local Government Act, and the Council is satisfied that discussion of this matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest as it deals with personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors).

13.5 Nominations for the 2018 Australia Day Awards

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

13.1 Purchase of land in Wee Waa for CBD improvements

Minute 285/2017

Moved: Cr Annie McMahon Seconded: Cr Ann Loder

That Council:

1. Purchase Lot 8 in DP 236643, 103 Rose Street, Wee Waa for the price $25,000 and make all necessary arrangements to classify the land as Operational Land in accordance with section 31 of the Local Government Act, 1993.

2. That the purchase of Lot 8 in DP 236643, 103 Rose Street, Wee Waa and all associated legal costs be funded from the Whitehaven Coal, Maules Creek Coal Project, Voluntary Planning Agreement.

3. Pay all reasonable legal costs associated with this purchase.

4. Apply Council’s common seal to all necessary documents relating to this matter.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

The Director Corporate Services tabled a replacement attachment for item 13.2.

13.2 Sale of Land for Unpaid Rates

Minute 286/2017

Moved: Cr Ron Campbell Seconded: Cr Lloyd Finlay

That Council:

1. Conduct a sale of land for unpaid rates and charges in accordance with Division 5 of the Local Government Act 1993, for the properties listed in the attachment.

2. Hold an auction at The Crossing Theatre on 28 April 2018 in order to facilitate the sale.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

13.3 Contract 2017-18/04 - Design and Construction of Replacement Bridges at Eulah Creek and Bullawa Creek

Minute 287/2017

Moved: Cr Cameron Staines Seconded: Cr Annie McMahon

That Council:

1. Note that after assessing the tenders submitted (in accordance with the criteria specified in the tender documents) and having regard to all the circumstances, the Tender Panel recommends that Council accept the tender from Bridge & Civil Pty Ltd in the GST exclusive amount of $1,593,000.00 for Contract No. 2017-18/04 – Design & Construction of Replacement Bridges at Eulah Creek and Bullawa Creek.

2. Accept the tender from Bridge & Civil Pty Ltd in the GST exclusive amount of $1,593,000.00 for Contract No. 2017-18/04, Design & Construction of Replacement Bridges at Eulah Creek and Bullawa Creek and authorise the General Manager or his delegate to sign the contract documents under Delegation.

3. Approve a contingency of $160,000 to enable the completion of Contract No. 2017-18/04 – Design & Construction of Replacement Bridges at Eulah Creek and Bullawa Creek.

4. Maintain the confidentiality of the documents and considerations in respect of Contract No. 2017-18/04 – Design & Construction of Replacement Bridges at Eulah Creek and Bullawa Creek.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

At 4:07 pm, Cr Ann Loder left the meeting.

Cr Ann Loder declared a non-pecuniary significant interest in relation to item 13.4, due to being involved in legal proceedings with one of the applicants and was not present at or in sight of the meeting during the consideration of item 13.4.

13.4 Appointment of Audit and Risk Committee Chair and Members

Minute 288/2017

Moved: Cr Cameron Staines Seconded: Cr Annie McMahon

That Council:

1. Appoint to the Internal Audit and Risk Committee as independent members Mr Grahame Marchant, Mr Conrad Bolton and Ms Sandra (Louise) Gett.

2. As required by the Internal Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference, appoint Mr Grahame Marchant as the independent Chairperson of the Internal Audit and Risk Committee.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale and Annie McMahon

Against: Cr Ron Campey

carried 6/1

At 4:16 pm, Cr Ann Loder returned to the meeting.

Cr Cameron Staines declared a non-pecuniary less than significant interest in relation to item 13.5, due to being a member of the Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce.

At 4:39 pm, Cr Annie McMahon left the meeting.

At 4:40 pm, Cr Annie McMahon returned to the meeting.

13.5 Nominations for the 2018 Australia Day Awards

Minute 289/2017

Moved: Cr Annie McMahon Seconded: Cr Robert Kneale

That Council:

1. Amalgamate the categories of Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year – Primary and Young Citizen of the Year – Secondary into one category, Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year.

2. Keep the outcome confidential until Australia Day and announce the winners at the Australia Day Ceremony held at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre.

3. Appoint Cr Ron Campbell, alternate being Cr Annie McMahon, as the Master of Ceremonies for the Australia Day 2018 Awards ceremony, to be conducted at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre on 26 January 2018.

4. Award the following 2018 Australia Day Awards:

a. Community Event of the Year: Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

b. Young Citizen of the Year: Hailey Trudgeon.

c. Citizen of the Year: Dawn Armstrong.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

Minute 290/2017

Moved: Cr Annie McMahon Seconded: Cr Lloyd Finlay

That at 4.48pm Council move out of Closed (Public Excluded) Meeting and that the resolutions from the Closed (Public Excluded) Meeting be read out aloud.

In Favour: Crs Catherine Redding, Cameron Staines, Ron Campbell, Ron Campey, Lloyd Finlay, Robert Kneale, Ann Loder and Annie McMahon

Against: Nil

carried 8/0

14 Meeting Closed

The Meeting closed at 4.49pm.

The minutes of this meeting were confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Tuesday 19 December 2017.

...................................................

Cr Catherine Redding, Mayor

CHAIRPERSON

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 27 February 2018

8 Mayoral Minute

8.1 Mayoral Appointments for December 2017 - February 2018

File Number: 404172

Responsible Officer: Catherine Redding, Mayor

Author: Delece Hartnett, Personal Assistant to GM & Mayor

Attachments: Nil

Recommendation

That Council note the Mayoral Appointments for the period December 2017 – February 2018

MAYORAL MINUTE

For the information of Councillors, I provide details of my Mayoral appointments and attendances between the dates (onwards from last Council Meeting) as follows:

Thursday 21 December 2017

· Attended the Narrabri & District Community Aid Service for the handover of the Narrabri Shire Council staff donations/Christmas Hamper to the Service.

Thursday 28 December 2017

· Undertook interview with ABC Radio regarding Air Quality Monitoring within the Narrabri Shire.

Monday 8 January 2018

· Attended Meeting with Yarrie Lake Trust Committee members regarding the possibility of a bore on site.

Tuesday 16 January 2018

· Attended Extraordinary Meeting (teleconference) of Namoi Unlimited (formerly Namoi JO), regarding the Chinese Mission finalisation.

Wednesday 17 January 2018

· Attended Namoi Unlimited Roads Working Group meeting at Gunnedah Shire Council with the General Manager and Director Infrastructure Delivery.

Thursday 25 January 2018

· Assisted in the judging of the ‘Shire Snapshot’ photo for the Australia Day announcement, at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre, with two other judges.

· Collected the Australia Day Ambassador, Ms Kath Koschel, from Moree Airport and brought her back to Narrabri in preparation for the Australia Day celebrations.

Friday 26 January 2018

· Attended the Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri Australia Day Celebrations during the day, commencing at 8am, hosting the Narrabri Ceremony, including three Citizenship Ceremonies, then moving to Wee Waa for the ‘lunch time’ event, then moving on to Boggabri for the early afternoon event. I then drove Ms Koschel (ambassador) back to the Moree Airport for her flight back the same evening.

Monday 29 January 2018

· Attended the Narrabri Education Foundation Presentation evening at the Council Chambers.

Tuesday 30 January 2018

· Hosted the Chinese Trade & Investment Commissioner, Mr Tony Zhang at Council Chambers during the afternoon.

· Hosted evening Mayoral Reception, at The Crossing Theatre for Narrabri Shire industry representatives dealing in import/export commodities, and prospective investment for the Shire, for Chinese Trade & Investment Commissioner, Mr Tony Zhang.

Wednesday 31 January 2018

· Attended monthly update meeting with Kevin Humphries MP and the General Manager.

Thursday 1 February 2018

· Attended Namoi Unlimited scheduled Board Meeting at Uralla.

Monday 5 February 2018

· Attended Fremantle Media filming session at the Narrabri Airport, for an international TV series, welcoming the attendees to the Shire.

Tuesday 6 February 2018

· Attended February Councillor Briefing/Workshop.

· Attended meeting with Sydney University/IA Watson staff regarding site development.

· Attended Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize Committee Meeting.

Thursday 8 February 2018

· Meeting hosted for Mr Geoff Crowe, Port of Newcastle, on their current day to day activities, and also their potential development opportunities including containerisation expansion, that may be of interest to Narrabri Shire.

Monday 12 February 2018

· Attended Lillian Hulbert Memorial Prize Committee ‘Panel Interviews’ for applicants of the Award, in addition to other panel members.

Tuesday 13 February 2018

· (Introduction) Meeting with Mr David Banks, new Vice President of Santos, with General Manager.

· Meeting with Whitehaven Coal executives to discuss future operational proposal(s).

· Meeting to discuss Country Universities Campus application with Council co-ordination staff, to progress application to next stage.

Wednesday 14 February 2018

· Prime News interview to discuss current local news items/update on Shire.

Friday 16 February 2018

· Hosted telephone conference with our General Manager and Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor, Steve Toms and General Manager Hein Basson to provide an update with Council’s activities.

Tuesday 20 February 2018

· Attended meeting with Kevin Humphries regarding ‘Stronger Country Community’ grant opportunities, in preparation for the second round of grants.

· Attended (second) meeting with Kevin Humphries regarding a Wee Waa property.

· Invited to attend the Narrabri Fire Brigade Centenary Celebration service at the Narrabri Fire Station.

Friday 23 February 2018

· Invited to attend and speak at the ‘International Family Drug Support & Action Day’ at the Council Chambers, hosted by CentreCare and Challenge Services.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 27 February 2018

9.1 Report on the Annual NSWPLA Conference 2017

File Number: 404297

Responsible Officer: Lindsay Mason, Director Corporate Services

Author: Jenny Campbell, Library Manager

Attachments: Nil

Delivery Program Alignment

1. Society
Objective	1.3 Our communities will be provided with facilities and services to increase social connectivity and accessibility
Strategy	1.3.2 Strengthen access to services through enhanced use of technology

Executive Summary

This report provides a summary of the presentations at the Annual NSWPLA Conference 2017.

Recommendation

That Council note the report on the Annual NSWPLA Conference 2017.

Background

NSW Public Libraries Association hosts an annual conference to highlight trends, ideas and innovative programs which have occurred during the year or that may occur in the upcoming year. The conference is normally attended by Library Delegate, Mayor Redding and the Library Manager. This year, the alternate Library Delegate Cr Booby also attended.

Current Situation

Conference theme – Switch your thinking! Looking from a different perspective.

A summary of the conference is presented below. Speaker biographies and some presentations can be found via:

http://nswpla.org.au/switch2017/

Day One

The SWITCH 2017 Library Conference was opened by Dr Vallance, the new State Librarian, who had much to say to in support of public Libraries and staff. The audience was updated on the reinstatement of the multicultural loan service. Dr Vallance also acknowledged Libraries are about personal enrichment for readers and visitors. There was also discussion on the State Library refurbishment and plans to put previously hidden items on display. According to Dr Vallance, the digital revolution continues to be a driving forcing in the Library arena.

Russel Howcroft, well known for his appearances on the television program Gruen, discussed how Libraries do not “sell” themselves enough. Russel talked about the power of ideas to increase usage and connection, and libraries as idea places. These ideas supported discussion at REACH OUT Symposium 2017, held the day before the conference commenced about creating a culture of creativity and discovery – supporting and growing this within our communities, and, thereby, growing the individual. Russel theorised that libraries need to foster creative, persuasive writers, and creatively, and consistently, spread the message about what Libraries do.

After morning tea, Dr Nathaniel Bavinton, Smart City Coordinator, City of Newcastle, also affirmed the importance of ideas, in his talk on libraries powering smart cities. Dr Bavinton purported that the library is a sacred space, that brings everyone in and presents them with new ideas. They contribute to liveability, sustainability and equity within our communities, and have a significant part to play in terms of digital inclusion. Libraries need to be creative, supportive and exploratory spaces in the community; to provide strategic programs that are linked to other programs and to work in partnership with other organisations.

Sue McKerracher, EO of the Australian Library and Information Association discussed the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals . This is a long term, global project, and now is a great time for Libraries to become leaders in this space, and to include the goals in strategic plans, share that with councils, and encourage them to make a broader statement about their support of the Sustainable Development Goals. Libraries can start talking about how they can help deliver the targets, many of which are a natural fit to existing goals, to help report against the goals with existing data, and to engage the public. There are wonderful stories about individual successes in terms of literacy, digital inclusion, culture and heritage. Libraries were encouraged to share those stories with Sue, along with any instances each Library may have about embedding the sustainable development goals within the local Council strategic plans.

After lunch, Ben Conyers from the State Library of Victoria, spoke of their redesign project. The theme of this discussion was to step back, and try to see buildings for the first time, as Library visitors see them. To consider how signage, security and spaces, help or hinder visitors in accessing Libraries, and to let visitors lead service design. Libraries need to make the most of what they have, putting people at the heart, removing barriers, so that we are open and inviting, now and into the future.

Maggie Patton, from the State Library of New South Wales, then showed the audience beautiful images from digitised State Library collections, and the content that has been created from them, since they have been available online. Historical walks, pieces of theatre, art, poetry, textiles and the blending of past and present.

Not all collections are within the scope of the State Library, but the items that are included are special to each community.

William McInnes, actor and author, through childhood reminiscence shared with the audience what wonderful, quirky, treasure chests Libraries are in communities. Places where people have a home, a haven, and opportunity; a universe of goodness.

Day Two

Matina Jewell, author and change agent, detailed her extraordinary life which was a moving journey of learning and leadership. The parallels between her time both in and after the armed forces highlighted that both environments are always changing. What matters, is an individual’s perspective, the ability to see challenges as the opportunities for learning, that they are, and the ability to adapt, to be flexible in leadership style, thinking outside the box to create a culture of decision making.

By focusing on a purpose, individuals can build resilience in change-weary teams, and bring about a culture change, with persistence. People are who they are because of what has happened to them, and individuals can choose a positive perspective to achieve the extraordinary in their communities.

Kevin Henna, Library Retail Consultant and Trainer, took the microphone, but the message remained consistent. Change is inevitable, and maintaining relevance is the Library’s choice. Libraries need to drive informed change, so that ill-informed change is not forced upon them.

Kevin used humour to highlight that there is no single-lane road to relevance. Technology in Libraries is important, fostering a culture of creativity and discovery. While makerspace is also important, Libraries must nurture the core business, the point of difference, the print collection. The quality of presentation, not the quantity of stock, should be the focus. According to Kevin declining loans are not inevitable, so he recommends Libraries seriously weed, face covers out, put non-fiction and fiction in genre-based sections, and create exciting spaces with a sense of theatre, such as is seen in retail. Libraries need spaces for collaboration, presentation and to promote what visitors want.

“People may resist change, that’s what people do. Libraries need to expose people to change, that’s what Libraries do.”

Jukka Relander, President of EBLIDA, from Finland, took the audience on a virtual tour of Europe’s Libraries, and how they are responding to increasing numbers of refugees. Europe’s Libraries are making clear statements that confirm that Libraries are places of welcome for everyone, that they are the only non-commercial, public spaces that ask what people want, and how Libraries can serve them, and that exist to support literacy in all its forms. While Libraries are not be able to provide resources in every language that refugees speak, Libraries do work to support their needs, which include jobs, lifelong learning opportunities, and literacy

Timothy Ungaro, told the audience about the study tour he took as a result of winning the Colin Mills Scholarship in 2015. He investigated Storycorps , an organisation that records, preserves and shares the stories of Americans from all backgrounds and beliefs.

As a result of what he learnt, and with a Liveable Communities grant, he was able to run a pilot program, Blacktown Memories . The audience was told the value of oral history projects, not only for Libraries, but also for the participants, their families, and communities. Sharing stories is a powerful thing.

Storycorps has been consistent over a number of years, and has assembled an extraordinary collection of stories in human voices, as a result

Monica Galassi and Marika Duczynski from the State Library’s Indigenous Services team, gave the audience an update on the Indigenous Spaces in Library Places strategy, and what they have been doing over the past year. Indigenous people have not always felt welcome in Libraries, so Libraries have a vital job in transforming Libraries into welcoming spaces for Indigenous people.

It has been an exciting year for the Indigenous Services team; they lead a group of public library staff in a cultural competence course, they held an Unconference, ‘Connecting Culture: Tracing Ancestors’ family history workshops for staff and community members, a ‘Transcribathon’ during NAIDOC Week, focussing on Indigenous language material, consultations with public Libraries, and at the conference, launched the Indigenous Spaces in Library Places online toolkit . This toolkit has a wealth of information about the strategy, as well as downloadable resources, such as spine labels, a Tindale Map poster, welcome sign, and key dates to help with planning. These resources make it easy to take basic steps that will help to make Libraries more welcoming.

Masheila Pillay then gave the audience an insight into the cultural landscape of Australia, sharing statistics that indicate the importance of understanding cultural behaviour within communities, and acting to ensure that as many people as possible feel welcome, and have access to resources and services. Libraries can be conduits to connect migrants to their communities, and showcase diversity for everyone. Libraries may need to form partnerships to reach certain members of communities who don’t have great connections to the wider community. Census data can be used to understand communities, so that messages can be tailored for an audience.

Christine Anu, singer and songwriter reminded the audience that change happens when individuals and Libraries SWITCH up their thinking, and move out of their comfort zone to where growth happens. She encouraged the audience to celebrate the power of stories and the power to change.

Financial Implications

Nil.

Statutory and Policy Implications

Nil.

Consultation

External Consultation

Nil.

Internal Consultation

Nil.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 27 February 2018

9.3 Narrabri Swimming Pools Fees and Charges Review

File Number: 405448

Responsible Officer: Tony Meppem, Director Development and Economic Growth

Author: Evan Harris, Community Facilities Manager

Attachments: Nil

Delivery Program Alignment

1. Society
Objective	1.3 Our communities will be provided with facilities and services to increase social connectivity and accessibility
Strategy	1.3.4 Continually improve access to community facilities and services across the Shire

Executive Summary

Council has evaluated the potential for increased patronage through the reduction in multi entry pass costs. The proposed changes nominated in this report would align Narrabri Shire Aquatic centres multi entry pass costs with the surrounding regional council facilities. This reduction would focus on encouraging pool patronage and potentially see a positive financial outcome.

The proposed changes are also beneficial in minimising cash handling transactions through facilitating more customers onto the cashless pass system. This would improve customer service as the pass system has greater efficiency with the ease of flow for patrons through the entry gates.

It is proposed that renewal of all multi entry passes occurring between the date these proposed reduced fees and charges are endorsed and the new financial year (2108/2019) would be charged at the new lower cost to avoid customers waiting until the first week in July when the new fees would normally begin to renew multi entry passes, through the application of a discount. Failure to allow this concession would result in potential and existing pass holders choosing to delay purchases thereby negatively impacting cash flow for the remainder of this financial year.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Endorses the proposed 2018/2019 Schedule of Fees and Charges for all new and renewed Narrabri Shire aquatic centre passes to be placed on exhibition with the 2018/2019 Operational Plan.

PROPOSED 2018/2019 FEES AND CHARGES

2018/2019 Fees and Charges	Boggabri Pool And Wee Waa Pools	Decrease	Narrabri-Aquatic Centre	Decrease
Family Pass	$350.00 Summer Months	$38.00	$550.00 12 Months	$700.00
Half Season Family Pass	$200.00 3 Months	$8.00	$350.00 6 Months	$275.00
Adult Pass	$140.00 Summer Months	$6.00	$300.00 12 Months	$120.00
Half Season Adult Pass	$70.00 3 Months	$3.00	$180.00 6 Months	$30.00
Child/Concession Full Season Pass	$80.00 Summer Months	$3.00	$190.00 12 Months	$60.00
Child/Concession Half Season Pass	$40.00 3 Months	$2.00	$115.00 6 months	$10.00
Learn to Swim Classes	$3.00 Entry fee plus $12.50 lesson-fee (one parent/guardian entry included)	$1.00	$3.00 Entry fee plus $12.50 lesson-fee (one parent/guardian entry included)	$1.00
Narrabri Aquatic Centres Event Fee	No current fee. Lane hire and out of hours’ charges currently applied.		$500 per pool Per day Plus-entry-Minimum 50 participant’s	Minimum $1,060

2. Grant a discount equal to the value of the proposed decrease identified in the endorsed Fees and Charges Schedule in item 1, when new and renewed passes are purchased until 30 June 2018.

Background

The Narrabri Aquatic Centre has now been in operation over a number of years which has allowed actual operating costs to be defined, hours of operation adapted to usage patterns resulting in reduced opening hours and wage costs and it is now an opportune time to review the multi entry pass fees for all Council aquatic facilities.

Over the past few years’ aquatic centres have experienced a decline in patrons utilising the pool facilities, a number of barriers have been identified as potential reasons for this trend. Council believes that the first barrier is financial; currently the charges for multi entry passes and other activities are well above the industry standard for the local region and in some cases well above the average for the state. Reduction in the fees for multi entry passes and other activities would be the first strategy aimed at addressing the decline in patronage. Further expansion of “in pool” activities can also be planned subject to staff availability.

Table 1: Existing fees and Charges 2017/2018

2017/2018 Fees and Charges	Boggabri Pool And Wee Waa Pools	Member Numbers	Narrabri-Aquatic Centre	Member Numbers
Family Pass	$388.00 Summer Months	77	$1,250.00 12 Months	1
Half Season Family Pass	$208.00 3 Months	6	$625.00 6 Months	13
Adult Pass	$146.00 Summer Months	52	$420.00 12 Months	2
Half Season Adult Pass	$73.00 3 Months	5	$210.00 6 Months	48
Child/Concession Full Season Pass	$83.00 Summer Months	109	$250.00 12 Months	6
Child/Concession Half Season Pass	$42.00 3 Months	9	$125.00 6 Months	73
Learn to Swim	$3 entry +11.50 LTS + $2.00 spectator fee	Variable	$3 entry +11.50 LTS + $2.00 spectator fee	Variable

Current Situation

In Table 2 below is a revised and proposed schedule of fees and charges for Narrabri Shire aquatic centres.

Table 2: PROPOSED NEW fees and Charges 2018/2019

2018/2019 Fees and Charges	Boggabri Pool And Wee Waa Pools	Decrease	Narrabri-Aquatic Centre	Decrease
Family Pass	$350.00 Summer Months	$38.00	$550.00 12 Months	$700.00
Half Season Family Pass	$200.00 3 Months	$8.00	$350.00 6 Months	$275.00
Adult Pass	$140.00 Summer Months	$6.00	$300.00 12 Months	$120.00
Half Season Adult Pass	$70.00 3 Months	$3.00	$180.00 6 Months	$30.00
Child/Concession Full Season Pass	$80.00 Summer Months	$3.00	$190.00 12 Months	$60.00
Child/Concession Half Season Pass	$40.00 3 Months	$2.00	$115.00 6 months	$10.00
Learn to Swim Classes	$3.00 Entry fee plus $12.50 lesson-fee (parent/guardian entry included)	$1.00	$3.00 Entry fee plus $12.50 lesson-fee (parent/guardian entry included )	$1.00
Narrabri Aquatic Centres Event fee	No current fee. Lane hire and out of hours’ charges currently applied.		$500 per pool Per day Plus-entry-Minimum 50 participant’s	Minimum $1,060

The rationale used to align the Boggabri and Wee Waa facilities fee is:

· Narrabri centre is open 12 months of the year compared to Boggabri and Wee Waa being opened for summer months only.

· Narrabri multi entry 12 month passes can be used in any Shire aquatic facility.

· Boggabri and Wee Waa passes are not able to be used to access Narrabri facility without an additional fee due to extra cost of providing the heated pool.

· Boggabri and Wee Waa pass holders may purchase a Narrabri Aquatic Centre six monthly pass to access the indoor pool during their pools off season.

· Boggabri and Wee Waa passes are able to be used to access either of those facilities.

The rationale used to amend Learn to Swim fees:

· Learn to swim fee as seen in Table 2 now includes entry for one parent/guardian reducing overall cost by $1.00.

· The removal of the $2.00 spectator fee for the learn to swim program will encourage the parent/guardian to remain pool side to assist in the child’s participation throughout the lesson.

· Multi entry passes can be used to cover the child entry price.

· Learn to swim can be paid in full, improving customer service with the removal of the $2.00 spectator fee not being required at the entry gate for each lesson.

The rationale for the Events fee:

· Currently to book an event at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre the fee is derived from the lane hire fee and out of hours fee this cost can range between $1,560 to $2,880 plus entry fees.

· This cost has negatively impacted attracting events and overall usage of the pool.

· The introduction of an event fee (Table 2) would increase the ability to attract events to the Shire.

Financial Implications

The risks to the operational income:

· Should the multi pass patron numbers remain static this would result in a loss of approximately $10,000.

Potential areas where revenue can be increased

· Increased numbers in multi pass system.

· Retail purchases – increased revenue through retail area coinciding with patronage usage.

· Customer service – increased staff availability at kiosk /retail area.

Statutory and Policy Implications

Nil.

Consultation

External Consultation

A comparison of regional and selected state aquatic centres fees and charges was completed.

Internal Consultation

· Aquatic Facilities Manager.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 27 February 2018

11.2 Use of Taggle Systems Meter Reading System to Support Farming Businesses

File Number: 405286

Responsible Officer: Stewart Todd, General Manager

Author: Darren Raeck, Director Infrastructure Delivery

Attachments: 1. Example of Taggle Rain Gauge ⇩

2. NCEA Taggle RainGauge Network GE App for Smart Irrigation ⇩

3. Taggle IrriMATE Irrigation Advance Sensor for Smart Irrigation ⇩

4. Taggle Rain Gauge Brochure ⇩

Delivery Program Alignment

3. Economy
Objective	3.3 Value adding and industry innovation will drive employment
Strategy	3.3.2 Industry innovation trends will be determined, monitored and referenced to identify opportunities

Executive Summary

In 2017, Council replaced its water meter fleet with automatic meter reading devices. Automatic meter reading devices communicate by low powered radio into the Taggle Internet of Things (“IoT”) Low Power Wide Area network (“LPWAN”). The Taggle system can easily integrate with various sensors for other remote applications (Internet of Things - Smart Cities) using low powered devices.

In parallel, the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture at the University of South Queensland has been trialling novel sensor technologies to fully support autonomous furrow irrigation control trials. The trials have been conducted at Waverley Ag, approximately 30 km north west of Wee Waa and utilise the Taggle Systems radio network ideology.

The systems were developed separately however combined they have established a large radio network across the Narrabri Shire. Advancement in product reliability and availability of low cost measuring devices now make it possible for irrigators, dry land farmers and others to purchase measuring devices which connect to the Taggle network, providing low cost irrigation technology and opportunity to improve one’s quality of life, if managed correctly.

Rainfall data and mapping of rainfall distribution is important to farmers as it has the advantage of being able to better forecast crop production. For Council, it could provide a useful tool to predict road conditions and subsequently access for the travelling public.

Recommendation

That Council support in principle the use of Taggle Systems radio receivers installed on Council infrastructure for environmental, monitoring, farming and demand management purposes within the Shire.

Background

In February 2018, Council was approached by Dr Joseph Foley of the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture at the University of Southern Queensland regarding opportunities for farming businesses in the Narrabri Shire to utilise radio receivers installed as part of the meter and automatic meter reading device installation program. The use of the receivers by private business will help to improve the efficiency of farming businesses and provide access to rainfall patterns across the Shire. This technology will enable the optimisation of irrigation water by being able to identify when water has reached the end of its furrow irrigation run and how much has been applied.

Current Situation

Presently there is no agreement between Council and Taggle Systems regarding the use of Council water towers and access to Taggle Systems radio receivers as the system has been installed on Council’s assets for the purposes of meter reading. The current arrangement is underpinned by an annual licence for the data feed (agreement to provide reliable data in accordance with systems capability). The price of the licences is indexed by CPI each year.

Taggle transmitters have the capacity to transmit data between 2 – 5 kilometres in an urban environment and 5- 50 kilometres in a rural environment. During the implementation phase of the meter replacement program, automatic meter reading devices installed in Gwabegar were transmitting data to the Wee Waa receiver which is over 60 kilometres away.

The attached pamphlets prepared by National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture, shows the reliability (Figure 2) of the Taggle receiver unit across the Shire. Whilst this represents a significant proportion of the Shire it does highlight that the system will not be available to everyone and that each connection to the Taggle System needs to be considered on a case by case basis.

The advantage of the Taggle system is that communications systems can be improved by changing the power of the transmitter or the height of the receiving tower. Narrabri Shire’s automatic meter reading system have been installed on assets which command a large geographical area around the towns, generally on water towers and already cover 100% of customer potable water meters.

Taggle currently provide comprehensive maintenance and servicing of the radio network which includes maintenance of the communication tower receiver system, transmission of data from the tower via secure data systems, data cleansing and validation, transmittal to and coordination of the MiWater portals.

The following diagram provides a graphical representation of how Council’s automatic meter reading systems works.

The radio receivers currently have the capacity to receive 5,000 input points. The Narrabri Township currently has 2,374 tags which are supported by 3 radio receivers. There are sufficient data points to provide this additional service without impacting on Narrabri Shire’s meter reading program. This proposal does not change this arrangement other than to add additional Taggle Transmitters to the system.

As part of the meter reading program, Council has already procured 8 rainfall gauges (one in each of the towns and villages), these rainfall gauges will be used to identify water use patterns during rainfall events and demand forecasting.

In addition to rainfall gauges and meter reading devices Taggle can provide telemetry for:

· Water (both urban and rural), electricity & gas consumption.

· leakages, overflows, aquifer’s level.

· pump’s operation monitoring.

· sewer operation monitoring, pressures, reverse flows detection.

· water’s quality: PH, salinity, turbidity.

· temperature, humidity, rain fall.

Allowing others to utilise the existing radio network is low risk for Council and reduces the entry level capital cost of any project for users that adopt this technology.

Financial Implications

There are no immediate financial implications, should there be a greater take up of the Taggle technology in the region there would be a good argument for reduced data management fees for Council in the future.

Statutory and Policy Implications

Nil.

Consultation

External Consultation

· Taggle Systems.

· University of Southern Queensland.

Internal Consultation

· Water Services Manager.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 27 February 2018

12.7 Consultation Draft - Model Code of Meeting Practice

File Number: 403320

Responsible Officer: Stewart Todd, General Manager

Author: Sandra Smith, Administration Officer - Corporate Services

Attachments: 1. Consultation Draft - Model Code of Meeting Practice ⇩

Delivery Program Alignment

4. Leadership
Objective	4.4 Our strategic goals will be achieved through transparent and accountable planning and reporting
Strategy	4.4.2 Ensure effective and sound local governance practice

Executive Summary

Amendments have been made to the Local Government Act 1993 (“the LG Act”) that provide for a model code of meeting practice.

Consultation currently being undertaken by the Office of Local Government (“OLG”) is intended to establish a Model Code that all NSW councils will have to adopt as a minimum standard of procedure for council meetings.

Recommendation

That Council provide a submission to the Office of Local Government on the draft Model Code of Meeting Practice, containing the following issues:

1. Notice of Meetings.

2. “Emergency” remains undefined.

3. Business considered at extra-ordinary meetings.

4. Leave of Absence vs. Apology.

5. Reasonableness on accepting a leave of absence.

6. Optional webcasting is supported.

7. Clarity of the future validity of the DLG Meeting Practice Note No.16.

Background

Amendments made to the Local Government Act 1993 (“the LG Act”) in August last year by the Local Government Amendment (Governance and Planning) Act 2016 provide for a model code of meeting practice to be prescribed by regulation.

The draft Model Meeting Code has two elements:

· It contains mandatory provisions (indicated in black font) that reflect the existing meetings provisions of the LG Act and adapt those currently contained in the Regulation. The existing meetings provisions of the Regulation have been updated and supplemented to reflect contemporary meetings practice by councils and to address ambiguities and areas of confusion in the existing provisions based on feedback from councils.

· It contains non-mandatory provisions (indicated in red font) that cover areas of meetings practice that are common to most councils but where there may be a need for some variation in practice between councils based on local circumstances. The non-mandatory provisions will also operate to set a benchmark based on what OLG sees as being best practice for the relevant area of practice.

The Model Meeting Code has been designed to achieve a range of outcomes, namely:

· promoting, as the principal object of meetings, the making of decisions by the governing bodies of councils that are in the best interests of the council and the community as a whole

· promoting more accessible, orderly, effective and efficient meetings and to provide councils with the tools to achieve these outcomes

· prescribing principles to inform the way in which meetings are conducted and to prescribe meeting rules that are consistent with these principles

· codifying areas of common practice across councils in a way that is clear, efficient, leads to better informed and more effective decision making and that is consistent with the requirements of the LG Act.

· promoting greater consistency between councils across the state in key areas of meetings practice without losing the ability to allow some variation in practice to meet local needs or expectations.

· allowing greater flexibility in the conduct of meetings to accommodate a range of potential scenarios that are not addressed by the current meeting rules.

· simplifying the language currently used to make the prescribed meeting rules more accessible and easier to understand.

· modernising the rules to accommodate current and emerging technologies (e.g. electronic notice, electronic voting systems and webcasting).

Analysis of the draft Model

1. Notice of Meetings (cl3.6)

The inclusion of clause 3.6 b) (ii) is a potential cost saving for councils, it is recommended that Council supports this.

2. “Emergency” is undefined (cl 3.10)

The Division of Local Government (“DLG“) (now known as OLG) issued Meeting Practice Note No.16 currently provides guidance on the definition of an emergency. If the intention of the OLG is to supersede this practice note with the draft Model, then guidance on an “emergency” should be considered for inclusion in the Model.

3. Business considered at extra-ordinary meetings (cl 3.30)

It is recommended to suggest swapping the order of clause 3.30(a) and 3.30(b).

Reversing the order places the chairpersons declaration of great urgency before a motion being considered. The order change would also provide for a smoother procedural flow.

4. Apology (cl 5.3)

Clarification on a leave of absence and an apology is a welcome inclusion.

5. Reasonableness on accepting a leave of absence (cl 5.5)

It is recommended to that the inclusion of clause 5.5 is supported.

6. Mandatory webcasting opposed (cl 5.18 – 5.20)

Regional and rural councils, but more accurately residents, do not have the required access to internet speeds required to support such an initiative. When available internet speeds are contrasted with the considerable costs of establishing webcasting it would have to be, at this point in time, considered a misplaced investment in infrastructure (webcasting).

If the State Government mandate webcasting, the State Government must financially underwrite the infrastructure investment of councils to establish webcasting; especially in the recent and continuing environment of the State Government heavily scrutinising Local Government spending.

It is recommended that Council supports these proposed clauses as optional, not mandatory.

7. Clarity of the validity of the DLG Meeting Practice Note No.16

It is recommended to request that the OLG provide clarity on whether or not the Meeting Practice Note No.16 remains a relevant and referable document after the enacting of a Model Code of Meeting Practice (and other previous issued advice by the DLG/OLG).

Submissions are to be made by close of business Friday 16 March 2018.

Financial Implications

Nil.

Statutory and Policy Implications

The process being currently undertaken by the OLG is intended to establish a Model Code that all NSW councils will have to adopt as a minimum standard of procedure for council meetings.

Submissions close Friday 16 March 2018.

Consultation

External Consultation

· Office Local Government.

Internal Consultation

· Councillors.

· Executive Staff.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 27 February 2018

12.9 December Quarterly Budget Review

File Number: 405452

Responsible Officer: Lindsay Mason, Director Corporate Services

Author: Tim McClellan, Financial Services Manager

Attachments: 1. December 2017 Quarterly Budget Review Statement ⇩

Delivery Program Alignment

4. Leadership
Objective	4.2 Decision making will ensure Council remains financially sustainable
Strategy	4.4.2 Ensure effective and sound local governance practice

Executive Summary

This report is presented to Council quarterly to revise estimates of income and expenditure in accordance with clause 203 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005.

Recommendation

That Council adopt the Quarterly Budget Review Statement for the period ended 31 December 2017 as the revised Budget estimates for the year ended 30 June 2018 and the Operational Plan and Capital Works Plan be amended accordingly.

Background

The budget review statement is provided in two formats, the first being by type and reflective of how the end of year Income Statement is reported. The second being by activity as per Note 2a of the Annual Financial Statements.

Council’s Note 2a reflects the individual service plans that have been established as an additional reporting layer to the community. Pages 3 to 6 of the attachment provide an additional level of the information from the summary that appears on page 2.

A capital budget review is also included on page 7 of the Quarterly Budget Review Statement attached, to also reflect individual service plan capital expenditure.

Current Situation

This review is for the quarter ending 31 December 2017 and is attached for Council’s consideration.

At the September Review, Council’s budgeted Operating Result before Capital Items forecast a deficit of $1,733,000. The December Quarterly Budget Review, as presented, reflects an improvement of $917,000 in the forecasted operating result (effectively reducing the September quarter deficit), resulting in a budgeted deficit of $816,000. This compares unfavourably to the originally adopted budget surplus of $1,356,000, mainly due to Council only expecting to receive half of its Financial Assistance Grant allocation in 2017/2018 (refer to September Quarterly Budget Review presented to Council in October 2017).

The major variations to the result as listed on page 2 of the attached Quarterly Budget Review Statement are summarised below:

Type of Activity	Variation	Budget Implication
Rates & Annual Charges	$5,000	Increase in Income
User Charges & Fees	$4,202,000	Increase in Income
Interest & Investment Revenues	($2,000)	Decrease in Income
Other Revenues	($17,000)	Decrease in Income
Grants & Contributions – Operating	$389,000	Increase in Income
Grants & Contributions – Capital	$812,000	Increase in Income
Employee Costs	($23,000)	Decrease in Expenditure
Materials & Contracts	$3,504,000	Increase in Expenditure
Depreciation	$120,000	Increase in Expenditure
Legal Costs	$20,000	Increase in Expenditure
Consultants	$30,000	Increase in Expenditure
Other Expenses	$9,000	Increase in Expenditure

The capital budget on page 7 of Quarterly Budget Review Statement shows a net increase in Capital Works of $1,243,000.

Financial Implications

The major variations to the result are detailed below:

User Charges & Fees (net increase in income of $4,202,000)

· An increase in contracted State Roads Maintenance Works of $4,135,000.

· An increase in Airport Usage Fees of $55,000.

· A decrease in Financial Services User Fees of $15,675 mainly due to the Fire & Emergency Services Levy not going ahead.

· An increase in Swimming Pools Fees of $27,500.

Other Revenues (net decrease in income of $17,000)

· An increase in Library Income of $2,300.

· A decrease in Animals Sundry Income of $5,000.

· An increase in Boggabri and Wee Waa Pools Sundry Sales of $12,000 ($6,000 each).

· A reduction of anticipated sales of bulk water of $36,900.

· A reduction of anticipated Saleyards Fees of $20,000.

· Council received an insurance recovery of $30,670 for emulsion tanks damages at Boggabri Depot.

Grants & Contributions – Operating (net increase in income of $389,000)

· Council has been granted $7,500 for minor Library programs.

· Council has been granted a $44,554 Town Planning Grant for Wee Waa Levee Risk Management Study and Planning.

· A decrease in the budgeted Noxious Weeds grant of $13,200.

· A decrease in the forecasted Domestic Waste Pensioner Rates Subsidy of $2,840.

· $300,000 grant for the Logistics and Industrial Hub project.

· Catch-up of an under-claim for the Narrabri Pool Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme interest subsidy of $25,958 due to a change in the interest rate after the loan was renegotiated in June 2016.

· $27,500 for the Drovers Campfire, being the second year of a three-year commitment.

Grants & Contributions – Capital (net increase in income of $812,000)

· Capital contribution from Narrabri West Development Committee for the Narrabri Lake Recreation Precinct project of $25,000.

· Additional grant funding of $287,000 has been added to the Barney Creek Bridge replacement project, bringing the total budget to $600,000. This project is fully funded under the Government’s Restart program.

· Grant funding of $400,000 has been added to a financial year budget of $800,000 for Bullawa Creek Bridge replacement (total project budget $1,653,000). This project is 50% funded from the Restart program and 50% from Council reserves.

· Grant funding of $100,000 has been added to fund the preliminary costs for the Culgoora Road construction. This is a 100% Government funded $5,514,000 project that will commence construction (for completion) in 2018/2019.

Employee Costs (net decrease in expenditure of $23,000)

· There are numerous employee cost adjustments across the Council that have resulted in a decreased anticipated cost of $22,944.

Materials and Contracts (incl. Legal Costs & Consultancies) (net increase in expenditure of $3,554,000)

· An increase of $2,744,000 is forecasted for the increased State Roads Maintenance Contract works – refer to increased User Fees previously noted.

· A $300,000 expenditure budget for the Inland Rail project, being funded by a grant.

· A $60,000 expenditure budget for Wee Waa Levee project, being partly funded by a grant ($44,554).

· Operational budgets for Town Planning operational costs ($35,000), Building Control Legal Costs ($20,000) and Building Control Consultancies ($30,000) have been created and funded from a corresponding reduction in Building Control Salaries.

· A $27,500 expenditure budget for the Drovers Campfire project, being funded by a grant.

· $40,000 for the production of new Tourism Booklets.

· An increase in the Wee Waa Waste Transfer Station operational budget of $50,000 based on current expenditure forecast.

· An increase in the Narrabri Parks & Gardens operational budget of $20,000 based on current expenditure forecast.

· $70,827 of the Regional Roads Block Grant was unspent last year and is now added to this year’s budget for completion, funded from unspent grants reserve.

· An increase in the Quarries Repair & Maintenance budget of $40,000 due to increased gravel winning operations being undertaken.

· An increase in the Boggabri Water Repair & Maintenance budget of $45,000 due to maintenance works being undertaken.

· Approximately another $70,000 of net increases across numerous Materials & Contracts budgets across Council.

Depreciation (net increase in expenditure of $120,000)

· A number of depreciation adjustments have been made following capitalisation of new assets during 2016/2017. The most significant was an increase in Airport Infrastructure depreciation of $107,273 as a result of the upgrade works.

Capital Expenditure Budget (net increase of $1,243,000)

The major variations to the result are detailed below:

· Replacement of the Wee Waa Depot Office Building has been deferred to 2018/2019. Concept designs have been completed. The remaining budget of $148,900 (of the original budget of $150,000) will be deferred.

· $48,586 has been added to the rehabilitation of Clarke Street, Narrabri (now $65,000) due to additional stormwater provisions over and above the original project budget.

· $11,212 has been added to the Footpath project in Brent Street, Wee Waa (now $35,000). This was originally a carry-over budget that has been revised due to there being insufficient funds to complete the full scope of works.

· $287,000 has been added to the Barney Creek Bridge replacement project, bringing the total budget to $600,000.

· The original budget for Horse Arm Creek Bridge replacement of $195,000 has been reduced by $169,560 to meet current expenditure.

· A financial year budget of $800,000 has been included for the Bullawa Creek Bridge replacement (total project budget $1,653,000). Tender was awarded in December, 2017 and construction is due to commence in April, 2018.

· A financial year budget of $100,000 has been included for the Culgoora Road Construction for preliminary costs (total project budget $5,514,000). Construction to commence in 2018/2019.

· The Bellata Bore – PH, chlorine, turbidity monitoring equipment and shed relocation project has been reduced by $60,000 (from $120,000) as this project is part of the Bellata Bore replacement and budgets are to be consolidated.

· $288,322 has been added to the Bellata Bore replacement (now $519,340). The connecting pipework costs (to the distribution scheme) were not included in the original budget. This has been partly offset by the Bellata Replace Reservoir Tower Deck and Access Ladder, etc. project being withdrawn ($120,000) and the reduction of the Bellata project immediately above ($60,000).

· $301,740 has been added to the Gwabegar Bore replacement (now $442,676). The connecting pipework costs (to the distribution scheme) were not included in the original budget. This has been partly offset by the Gwabegar Install Chlorine Scales, etc. project being withdrawn ($27,000).

· $197,813 has been added to the Narrabri Water Meter and Service Connection renewal (now $560,000).

· $97,063 has been added to the Mains Replacement in Wee Waa (Charles & James Streets) (now $100,000). This was originally a carry-over budget that has been revised due to there being insufficient funds to complete the full scope of works.

· The carry-over budget for a Roof and Access Steps at the Wee Waa Reservoir of $251,650 has been reduced by $231,650 as the remaining works will not be completed this financial year.

· The carry-over budget for the Baan Baa Water Supply of $875,569 has been reduced by $210,569, bringing the project in under budget.

· A budget of $20,000 is recommended to install water meters at all Council properties.

· $25,000 has been added to the Narrabri Lake Recreation Precinct project (now $135,301) due to a contribution being received from the Narrabri West Development Committee, allowing addition irrigation works to be undertaken.

· $20,000 has been added to the Tourism Technology (iProximity) project (now $80,000).

A number of other minor variances (under $10,000) have also been actioned.

Statutory and Policy Implications

A quarterly budget review is required under the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, clause 203.

Consultation

External Consultation

Nil.

Internal Consultation

· Executive and senior management.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 27 February 2018

12.10 Maules Creek Mine VPA - Maules Creek Community Component

File Number: 405325

Responsible Officer: Stewart Todd, General Manager

Author: Stewart Todd, General Manager

Attachments: 1. Maules Creek Community Meeting Minutes - 18 December 2018 ⇩

Delivery Program Alignment

4. Leadership
Objective	4.1 We will proactively engage and partner with the community and government to achieve our strategic goals
Strategy	4.1.2 Ensure the community is informed and involved in Council activities through implementing quality consultation

Executive Summary

The Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) for the Maules Creek Mine contains an allocation of $275,000; which is to be distributed within the Maules Creek Community.

A considerable consultative process has been undertaken, led by the Maules Creek community partnering with Council. This consultation process culminated in December 2017 with a list of 15 proposed projects being prioritised by public ballot.

Council is required to consider the priority project list and forward that list to Whitehaven Coal for endorsement.

It is proposed to adapt Council’s current grant acquittal processes to ensure probity around the expenditure of the VPA funding.

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Adopt the following priority list of projects (in order):

a. Amenities block – toilet and showers block.

b. Structural repairs to Hall & storage for tables etc.

c. New Septic System.

d. Kitchen Upgrade.

e. Cool room for Hall.

f. War Memorial.

g. Painting of the Hall.

h. Air Condition Hall.

i. Tennis Court posts replaced / toilet (tennis) upgraded & one court marked for other sports.

j. Multimedia Projector.

Skillion curtain on Hall.

k. Children’s playground.

l. Safe fire place at Hall.

m. Solar panels and battery for Hall.

n. Water filtration system for residents that own their property plus filters for 30 years.

2. Fund the projects in order from the available Voluntary Planning Agreement associated with Maules Creek Mine.

3. Utilise its grant funding procedure and processes to acquit the expenditure available through the Voluntary Planning Agreement associated with Maules Creek Mine.

Background

As part of the Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) for the Maules Creek Mine an allocation of $275,000 was made to the Maules Creek Community.

The allocation of funding was to be distributed in consultation with Council and the Maules Creek Community.

Representatives, including Councillor Finlay; from the Maules Creek Community have assisted Council in consulting with the Community on the expenditure of the VPA funds. Public community meetings and an open public ballot process have been undertaken over the past 12 months to establish a list of priority projects to expend the VPA funding.

During the past 12 months a list of nominated projects was able to be established; projects nominated had to meet the nominated criteria and satisfy the requirements of the VPA. The December 2017 public meeting was held to prioritise the nominated projects.

At the December 2017 community meeting the Mayor and General Manager were in attendance. The Maules Creek Community sought an independent chair for the meeting, the General Manager undertook this role. The minutes of the public meeting held on 18 December 2017 and results of the public ballot are attached to this report for information, Attachment 1.

The public ballot was open for a period of time prior to the 18 December 2017 public meeting. The ballot was declared closed as part of the meeting on the 18 December.

Current Situation

A public community meeting was held at the Maules Creek Hall on the evening of Monday 18 December 2017, where 16 attendees were present, including the Mayor, Cr Finlay and the General Manager. Several apologies were received from persons that could not attend the evening, however wanted to register their interest in the decision making process for the expenditure of the available VPA funding.

A public ballot was conducted within the Maules Creek Community to gauge the priorities for the expenditure of the VPA funds.

As a result of the public ballot the following list of projects was declared, in order of priority/preference:

1. Amenities block – toilet and showers block.

2. Structural repairs to Hall & storage for tables etc.

3. New Septic System.

4. Kitchen Upgrade.

5. Cool room for Hall.

6. War Memorial.

7. Painting of the Hall.

8. Air Condition Hall.

9. Tennis Court posts replaced / toilet (tennis) upgraded & one court marked for other sports.

10. Multimedia Projector. (equal 10^th)

11. Skillion curtain on Hall. (equal 10^th)

12. Children’s playground.

13. Safe fire place at Hall.

14. Solar panels and battery for Hall.

15. Water filtration system for residents that own their property plus filters for 30 years.

The next steps are, if Council was to adopt the list of projects:

1. Forward the list of projects to Whitehaven Coal seeking their endorsement. Council has informally discussed the project listing with Whitehaven Coal staff.

2. Communicate to the Maules Creek Community the results of both Council’s and Whitehaven’s consideration.

3. Utilise Council’s grants acquittal processes to acquit the VPA funds for each project in priority order. There may be some ability to undertake a number of projects simultaneously; based on an assessment of the VPA funds available/remaining. Maules Creek community representatives will be required to complete the necessary paperwork to release the funds as per the adopted process for grant acquittals.

Financial Implications

Council and Whitehaven Coal are party to a VPA for the Maules Creek Mine. This VPA has an allocation of $275,000 for expenditure within the Maules Creek Community.

To date no expenditure has occurred from the allocated $275,000.

It is planned to expend the funds based on the priority project listing. Based on “rough” quotes submitted with each of the identified projects (by the community project proposer) it may be possible to complete the entire project list. It is the intention to complete as many projects as possible from the available funds.

If funding is exhausted prior to the completion of the all identified projects Council will not be contributing any further funding. However, the Maules Creek Community will still have available to them access to Council’s Community Grants Program, if projects not commenced satisfy the relevant criteria, as does the entire Narrabri Shire community.

Statutory and Policy Implications

Council and Whitehaven Coal are party to a VPA for the Maules Creek Mine. This VPA has an allocation of $275,000 for expenditure within the Maules Creek Community.

The VPA is available upon request.

Consultation

A considerable consultative process has been undertaken lead by the Maules Creek community partnering with Council to establish firstly, a list projects and secondly, applying priority to the projects suggested.

External Consultation

· Maules Creek Community.

· Whitehaven Coal.

Internal Consultation

Nil.

Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda 27 February 2018

12.15 Narrabri CBD Maitland Street Road Works

File Number: 406054

Responsible Officer: Darren Raeck, Director Infrastructure Delivery

Author: Darren Raeck, Director Infrastructure Delivery

Attachments: Nil

Delivery Program Alignment

4. Leadership
Objective	4.2 Decision making will ensure Council remains financially sustainable
Strategy	4.2.2 Proposed expansions in Council services are evaluated after consideration of asset renewal and operational costs

Executive Summary

The Main Street Lighting Project is now complete enabling the rehabilitation of the road surface works to commence. A number of options have been investigated taking into consideration the design life, design standards, available information, condition of the existing infrastructure, Fit for the Future, impact on shop owners and users of the main street.

The preferred option providing the best long term value for money is to replace the existing sealed surface between Bowen Street and Lloyd Street immediately, at an estimated cost of $200,000. The works will be completed within the initial budget, utilising the remaining budget from the funding sources available.

Stage 2 works involve the development and validation of stormwater models, confirming stormwater capacities are in accordance with the Australian Standards. Design and replace the existing roundabouts at an estimated cost of $120,000 per roundabout. These works will be funded from road replacement fund in accordance with existing replacement profiles (already scheduled in existing budgets) and completed within the 2018/2019 budget cycle once design works are completed.

Recommendation

That Council:

1. Endorse Option 1 (stabilisation and spray seal) for the rehabilitation of the existing road surface.

2. Note the schedule for roundabout construction along Maitland Street between Bowen Street and Lloyd Street, Narrabri.

3. With the intent of ensuring financial resources are available; include in the 2018/2019 budget deliberations and review of the Long Term Financial Plan consideration to complete the identified stormwater and roundabout works.

Background

In February 2017, Council entered into contract to construct the main street lighting system and centre median. Extensive consultation was carried out regarding the options considered and implementation of the works program.

Council’s primary works objective at the time was to complete works associated with the main street lighting system and reduce the impact on businesses during the Christmas shopping period. Shop owners, businesses and the Chamber of Commerce were advised that all efforts would be made to avoid the peak Christmas shopping period.

Resurfacing of the existing road surface was also scheduled at the completion of the above work once all trenching and construction works associated with the main street lighting project had been completed. An options assessment and proposed remaining works have now been finalised.

Current Situation

One year has passed since the decision to construct the lighting system and centre median was approved. The current road condition has been highlighted as having a poor condition rating for some time. It was always intended to complete pavement works following the installation lighting and centre median strip as part of Council’s road rehabilitation/renewal program. The full extent of this work could not be defined until a decision on the lighting system (footpath or in a centre median) was made.

During the last 12 months a series of geotechnical tests have been conducted to determine the current status of the subgrade between Bowen and Lloyd Street. Additional repair works were completed to remove garden beds and short sections of pipeline were replaced around tree stumps that have now been removed.

A localised flooding event in September 2017 identified stormwater issues that also require further investigation.

Since the awarding of the construction contract, Council’s Infrastructure Delivery staff have been investigating a number of options in order to determine the best value for money solution whilst looking to improve the overall long term outcomes. The current design and proposed works now takes into consideration:

1. Timing of the remaining works. Completion of the works whilst minimising impact to Maitland Street businesses.

2. The age and condition of the water supply pipeline in Maitland Street. A majority of businesses are currently supplied by a pipeline running down the western side of Maitland Street. The pipeline is asbestos cement and between 45 and 48 years of age. The pipeline has between 10 and 25 years of useful life remaining.

3. A review (development of a stormwater model) of the existing inlet structures and stormwater system has not yet been completed. Constructing significant works around the stormwater system may increase the costs of any proposed stormwater upgrade works.

4. The selection of a road surface solution, performance and aesthetics. The following options were considered:

Option 1 Stabilise the entire street with 1% hydrated lime and spray seal. Estimated cost $200,000, with an estimated design life of 10 years.

Option 2 Remove 70mm of existing material, stabilise 200mm underneath with 1% hydrated lime, pave with 70mm of asphalt (70mm of AC14). Estimated cost $670,000, with an estimated design life of 20 years.

Option 3 Remove on average 140mm of existing material, stabilise 200mm underneath with 1% hydrated lime, pave 150mm of asphalt (2x55mm of AC20, 40mm of AC10 or AC14). Estimated cost $1,300,000, with an estimated design life of 40 years

5. The repair of roundabouts, road surface solution, performance and aesthetics. The roundabouts are being considered separate to the road surface as models need to be developed to confirm the capacity of the existing stormwater system, ensuring that they meet future needs prior to rebuilding the road surface. Designs also need to be completed to ensure the structural integrity and reduce the probability of failure of the surface. Given the existing water supply pipeline does not have connections to properties within the roundabout it is suggested that these sections would be directional bored to avoid digging up the surface of the roundabout in the future. The estimated cost to rehabilitate each roundabout is $120,000.

Taking into consideration Council’s current Fit for the Future Improvement Plan, expected life of the road surfaces and age of the existing water supply pipeline, Option 1 provides the advantage of being the cheapest option that aligns to the water main replacement profile. Under Council’s current water pipeline asset management strategy, the water supply pipeline under the proposed road works would be scheduled for replacement in 10 years’ time, aligning with the life expectancy of the road surface proposed.

Also of note is the existing pipeline has in excess of 30 connections off the main which should also be replaced if any substantial works are to be constructed. This would add to the cost of work for option 2 and 3 in order to reduce the risk of repatching the asphalt surface should the tappings fail. Tappings generally has a life expectancy of 40 years and are often replaced once during the lifetime of a pipeline.

Financial Implications

To date a total of $1,669,117 has been spent on the Contract associated with the lighting system, construction of the centre median strip, laying of optic fibre conduit, installation of tree pods, watering system, repairs and reinstatement, traffic management and project management.

Roundabout works will be scheduled for the 2018/2019 budget period and the remaining funds this year will be used on tree planting and replacement of street furniture, fully utilising the available funding sources.

Funding Source
Existing 2016/2017 Budget allocation for Narrabri CBD	$534,000
Section 94A funding	$600,000
Section 94 (Local Roads)	$126,000
Narrabri Shire CBD VPA Funding	$651,000

Statutory and Policy Implications

Where applicable the relevant Australian Standards have been applied to the construction works.

Consultation

External Consultation

· Narrabri Chamber of Commerce

· Shop Owners and Operators

Internal Consultation

· Road Services Manager and section staff.

· Design Services Manager and section staff.

· Water Services Manager and section staff.

· Community Facilities Manager and section staff.

2. Environment
Objective	2.1 We will maintain our open spaces, natural environment and heritage for future generations
Strategy	2.1.3 Passive recreational open spaces are well maintained and accessible for public use

2. Environment
Objective	2.2 We will protect our environment through sustainable planning and well-resourced emergency services
Strategy	2.2.1 Community emergency service providers are well resourced to adequately prepare and respond to natural disasters and emergencies

2. Environment
Objective	2.2 We will protect our environment through sustainable planning and well-resourced emergency services
Strategy	2.2.1 Community emergency service providers are well resourced to adequately prepare and respond to natural disasters and emergencies

2. Environment
Objective	2.4 The impacts of extractive industries on the environment will be minimised
Strategy	2.4.1 The community is informed by real time regional dust monitoring data to inform personal decisions

2. Environment
Objective	2.2 We will protect our environment through sustainable planning and well-resourced emergency services
Strategy	2.2.1 Community emergency service providers are well resourced to adequately prepare and respond to natural disasters and emergencies

3. Economy
Objective	3.1 We will stimulate business and tourism by maximising our assets and attracting regional events
Strategy	3.1.4 Airport facilities and services provide connectivity to capital city markets

Leadership
Objective	4.4 Our strategic goals will be achieved through transparent and accountable planning and reporting
Strategy	4.4.2 Ensure effective and sound local governance practice