INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUE NO. 05/2010 17 March 2010
Information Bulletin Issue No. 05/2010
Inside this Issue
 Correspondence & WA Local Government Association (WALGA) News  Issue No.09.10 – 8 March 2010 ...... COR-1 Papers Issue No.10.10 – 15 March 2010 ...... COR-3 Pink Divider Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) News 5 March 2010...... COR-5 12 March 2010 ...... COR-20 Media Releases Media Statement: Paul Papalia - Castrilli’s $6million Amalgamation Shambles ...... COR-31
Employee Movements...... HR-1 Â Information from Human Resources Blue Divider
Information to Standing Committees
 Technical Services Outstanding Matters & Information Items Green Divider Report on Outstanding Matters – Technical Services Committee ...... T-1 Monthly / Quarterly Departmental Reports Technical Services Works Programme ...... T-2 Minutes of Occasional/Advisory Committees Bungendore Park Management Committee Meeting Feb 2010 ...... T-8 Miscellaneous Vandalism Statistics January 2010...... T-12 Local Water Quality Improvement Plan ...... T-15 3rd Victorian Sustainable Development Conference ...... T-23
 Community Outstanding Matters & Information Items Services Report on Outstanding Matters – Community Services Committee ...... C-1 Beige Divider Monthly / Quarterly Departmental Reports Library & Heritage Services General Monthly Report – Jan & Feb 2010 ...... C-2 Manager Ranger & Emergency Services Monthly Report – February 2010...... C-14 Minutes of Occasional/Advisory Committees South East Regional Recreation Advisory Group – 18 February 2010...... “CA-3”-C-21/32
Issue 5 – 17 March 2010 Information Bulletin Page Cor-1 Correspondence & Papers
W OTERN .... UStt ... U ... N Issue No. 09.10
LOCAL GOVE~NMENI AnOCIATION
HEADLINES T OV WALGA BREAKFAST - RECENT PLANNING Banner pote sites are slrlctly limited but WALGA CHANGES will endeavour to accommOdate all entries. Join an experienced legal panel from Minter To download the 2010 Banners in the Terrace Ellison as they look at recent planning changes brochure and registration form, please log into and the implications for Local Government the Members section 01 the WALGA website at Issues covered will include: the enforcement of www.watga asn av local planning schemes following a change In FOf lurther information, please contaCI PubliC land ownership in regard!; to the decision of the Relations Asslslant, Andrea Sutherland on g213 State Administrative Tribunal in Lafou Ply Ltd v 2085 or email [email protected] Town of Claremont, how recent Supreme Court decisions on planning may shape planning LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM - IDEAS practice going forward; and the main issues for FROM JAPAN Local Government arising from the State The Japanese Local Government Centre CLAIR Government's planning reform agenda. will be hosting a Iree forum to discuss Japan's A registration lorm for this event can be experiences with Local Government reform over downloaded from the WALGA website at the past decade. www.walga.asn.au Date: Wednesday, 10 March Date: Friday, 19 March Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm (morning tea Time. 7:30am - 9:00am and lunch provided) Venue: Hyatt Regency Perth Venue: City 01 Stirling Council Admin Cost: S72 (ex GST) Centre, 25 Cedric Street, Stirling For further information or 10 register, please RSVP: Although this is a free e\lent, contact Marketing and Events OffICer. Emily ptease register with Hiromi Ward on 9213 2097 or email Shimizu al [email protected],au eward@\Valga.asnau for ca tering 2010 BANNERS IN THE TERRACE As well as speakers from Japan with experience COMPETITlON in municipal amalgamation, guest speakers include: Director General of the Department for The annual Call lor Entries for the 2010 Banners local Government, Ms Jennifer Mathews; in the Terrace Competition is now open. Now is Director 01 the Australian Centre of Excellence the lime to start planning your Local for Local Government, Prof Graham Sansom; Government's banner by contacting your local Northam Shire President, Cr Steven Pollard; and schools, art groups andlor community groups to City Geraldlon-Greenough CEO, MrTony Brun. design and paint your banner. For fur1her information or 10 register, please Please note thai the deadline for applicalions is cOn/acl Hiromi Shimizu on (02) 9241 5033 or ThursdaY, 1 April, email hiromi@ilgr;.ora.@ PI&IlOO b)o h\¥t$I""AI.oII!IIiIn local GI!vermwrIAss Information Bulletin Page Cor-2 Correspondence & Papers RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT PRESENTATION SEMINAR FOR ELECTED MEMBERS CoZero, In conjunction With Landfill Gas and Power, will Date: Saturday, 13 March host a presentation on where energy markets are Time: 9:00am - 11: OOam heading in 2010, and what oppor1un lties are available to Local Governments under WALGA's Preferred Venue: WALGA Supplier conlr(lct level 1, Boardroom 15 Allona Street Date: Friday, 26 March West Perth TIme: 12:00pm-1:30pm - a light lunch will be RSVP. Please confirm anendance b, provided Wednesday, 10 March 10 Venue: WALGA Boardroom, 15 Altona Street, training@walga asn.au or call 9213 West Perth 2098 This is a complimentary event, however places are For further information, please con/ec/ Training limited. Coordinator, Me/Ike Aydin on 9213 2098 or email maydlf/@wa/ga.asn.au For further information or to secure your pIece, please contact Manager GreenPower and Voluntary Carbon BLESSING OF THE ROADS Markets, COZCfO, Ellen Braine at To assist local Governments in preparing for the ebraine@CQze ro.com.au BI!Jssing of the Roads Easter road safety campaign. the MANAGING ALCOHOL RoadWise Program has produced an event kit to assist locat Governments in part i cipa~ng . The kit contains· To assist Local Governments in managing issues background information: key messages: event Ideas: relating to alcohol management within the community, template speeches; media release templates; and Members (lre invited attend the following presentations: newsletter templates To download the event kit or to Why Manage Alcohol? The Roles and find out more about th e campaign, please visit Responsibilities of Alcohol Management hltp:llwww.roadwise.asn.au/resQurcesJresourceSIQleSSi Date: Wednesday, March ngofroadsfindex htm!. 17 Time: 9:00am - 12:30pm For furlher information, please contact Road Safety Venue: Reception Room, Cily of Rockin9ham Project OffICer, KyllfJ O'Dnscoll on 92132084 or email [email protected] Developing an Alcohol Policy Based in Planning Date: Thursday, 18 March LOCAL GOVERNMENT NRM POLICY STATEMENT Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm State Council has recently endorsed a Natural Resource Management (NRM) policy on behalf of Local Venue· Local Government House , 15 Altona Government. St, West Perth For further information, p/9ilS9 contact Atcohol and The policy sta tement was developed after consultation Crime Menagement Project Coordinator, Man·anne With (llmost 50 Local Governments and incorporation of Caray, on 92132071 or emait [email protected] other stakeholder feedback. To access the policy statement and corresponding discussion paper, please YOU'RE WELCOME WA visit hltp:llwww.walga.asn.aulabouVpolicv/environment was The Disability Services Commission in .... ites Local te/env sub docs/Currenl1ssuesJ Govemments to (lpply for amounts of up to 525,000 to support them 10 implement and extend You're Welcome For further information, please contact NRM Facilitator, WA inili(ltives. A total of 5250,000 has been allocated Jessica Sheppard, on 9213 2027 or email for this funding tender, with applications closing [email protected]!l:n.au Tuesday, 20 April. To dale 36 local Governments are You're Welcome WA partners, and have gathered NATIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS access information on more than 2300 facilities. Nominations have now opened for the 2010 National For further information, please visit Awards for Local Government. This year, the National www.accesswa.com.au Awards have been revamped to recognise Local Governments' efforts In delivering local infraslructure; TtDY TOWNS WANTED FOR 2010 COllaborating with neighbouring Councils: Improving their asset and financial management planning; and The Keep Australia Beautiful TIdy Towns Sustainable building their capacity to serve communities. Communities Competition for 2010 is now open. Competition categories include: appearance and The national winners will be judged by an independent community action: recyding and waste management: panel and announced at the third Australian Council of natural heritage conservation; enhancing cultural Local Government meeting at Parliament House in identity; and water conservation. Registrations close June. Award entries will close on WedneSday, 31 Wednesday, 31 March. March. For further information or copy of the registration For further information, please contact the Deparlmen/ a form, please call 6467 5131 or enter online at of Infrastructure, Tronsporl, Regional Development and htlD:llmvw.kabc.wB .qoV.8ulprogramSltidy Local Government on free call 1800 065 113, or visit tOWns/registor'Qnline, hlml www.infrasfryc/Ure,gov.eul/ocaVawards. Information Bulletin Page Cor-3 Correspondence & Papers WESTERN "USUAllAN ~o~:cA~E;:" ;:'0::" ';-)' l:SS ue No. 10 . 10 lOC"'l GOVERNI1EHl ASSOC y .and distribute to imere51ed readers 1 arc HEADLINES ~ NAflONAl G ENEAAL Assf:MlIl Y 201 0 .. NATIONA L LOCAL GoVE~NM E NT AWAROS MAILBAG 0( IIlVITAT10N TO PARTICIPATE IN C LIMATE 0( A RTCR.o\fT fLYER _ MARCH BEST B uvs CHANGE ADvISORY GROUPS 0( INfOPAGE _ ReGIONAl. TAAHSITION 0( WAlGA FUI NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2010 NATIONAL LOCAL GOVERN MENT AWARDS WA local Governments are encouraged to Nominations have now opened for the 2010 consider submitting a motion for debale at this National Awards for Local Government. These year's National General Assembly (NGA) to be prestigious awards, now in their 2Slh year, reward held in Canberra from Monday, 14 June - local Governments for the innovative and Thursday, 17 June. Important work they do In supporting local ALGA has identified three themes under which communities. This year, the National Awards motions should be submitted. These address key have been revamped to recognise local priority areas for the Federal Govemment 10 Governments' efforts In delivering local develop policy under, and are areas which Infrastructure; coliaboraUng with neighbouring complement and build on existing ALGA and Councils: improving their asset and financial Local Government positions. management planning; and building their capacity to serve communities. The national The themes lor motions in 2010 are: winners wm be judged by an independent panel Population; and announced at the third Australian Council 01 • Productivity, and local Government meeting in June. Award • Participation. entries close on Wednesday, 31 Marcil. To assist Councils In preparing motions. a For further information, please contact the discussion paper has been developed which Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional provides background information on the themes. Development and Local Government on frae call The paper is available to view online at 1800 065 113, or visit hup:llnga.alga.asn.au/eventl2Q1Q/motlons.html www.infraslructura.QOv.auAocaVawards. To be eligible for inclusion in the National INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN CLIMATE General Assembly, business papers' motions CHANGE ADVISORY GROUPS must: WAlGA is inviting Elected Members and Senior 1. Fall under one of the themes - population , Officers 10 participate in climate change focussed productivity, andlor participation; advisory gfOUpS to ensure that It is meeting the 2. Be relevant to the work of Local needs of Local Government Statc--wide in the Govemment nationally; and development of further resources and 3. Complement or build on the policy consideration of strategic advocacy. The groups objectives of State or Territory association. will assist the Association to identify current National, State and l ocal Government policy and Motions can be submitted online and must be program gaps and consider approprtate received by 5:00pm Friday, 9 April. responses to them. Invitation letters ooWning For further information, please contact ALGA each group are included in this week's mail bag. Director National Evenls. Clare Hogan on (02) 61229436. For further informalion, please contact Climale Changa Coordinator, Melanic Bainbn'dge on 9213 2039 or email [email protected] l'IIIIIshedb\'theWt$ttm~locaI ~~\O'I. PO Boo 15-I4.WfoIi'ttIh W116872 TtI.108l 9321 ~ 5 5. Fax; tDBl 9122 261 1 ltVl ~ 'OU$IUU. WtI:ISI1. 1iWW WlIIga.1SII.aU Information Bulletin Page Cor-4 Correspondence & Papers WALGA FUNCTIONS FOR MEMBERS DIPLOMA IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ELECTED Legal Breakfast Series - Recent Planning Changes MEMBER) BLOCK 1: GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP An experienced legal panel from Minter Ellison will look at recent plann ing changes and the implications for Councillor Roles & Responsibilities Local Government. Issues covered will Include: the Date: Tuesday, 30 March enforcement of local planning schemes fOllowing a Ethics & Conduct of an Elected Member Change in land ownership in regards to the decision of Date: Wednesday, 31 March the State Administrative Tribunal In La(ou Ply Ltd v Both sessions are from 9.00am - 4:30pm and held in Town of Claremont; how recent Supreme Court the Boardroom on Levell of local Government House, decisions on plannIng may shape planning practice 15 Altona Street, West Perth. going forward; and the main issues for Local Please conflrm attendance by Tuesday, 23 March to Governments arising from the State Government's [email protected] 9213 2098. planning reform agenda. For further Information, please contact Training Date: Friday, 19 March Coordinator, Melika Aydin on 9213 2098 or email Time: 7:30am - 9:00am maydin@walga,asn,au Venue: Hyatt Regency Perth Cost: S72 (ex GSn CREATING AGE·FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES Legal Breakfast Series - How to Manage The Department for Communities and the City of Employment Contracts in an Amalgamallon Melville are running a workshop to provide Local Governments wilh the tools 10 conduct research aimed Anthony Quahe from Civic l egal will discuss and clarify al creating age.friendly communities through effective some of the key employment law Issues regarding the strate9ic planning. The workshop will be run on position 01 employees in the event of an amalgamation. Wedne&day, 17 March from 9:00am to 12.30pm. Date: Wednesday, 14 April Time: 7:30am - 9:00am For further Information, contact Veronica Clarke, Community Development Coordinator at the City of Venue: Hyatt Regency Perth Melville on 9364 0801 or email Cost: $72 (exel GST) [email protected] A registration form for this event can be downloaded from the WALGA website at WWN.walga.asn.au BOLD IDEAS BETTER LIVES CHALLENGE Local Government Minister, Han John Castrllli MLA The Australian Centre for SOCial Innovation Is giving The Minister has been invited to update the sector on Members the chance to tum a big idea into a big the State Government's structural reform process. impact. The Centre is committed to supporting up to 10 Refreshments and canapes will be served. projects that showcase the best ;lind brightest ideas in Date: ThuJ'$day, 15 April social innovation across Australia . An idea could deal with anything from heallhcare to education, climate Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm change to the Internet, as long as it addresses a social Venue: Swan Room, Burswood Entertainment need faced by communities in Australia. Complex For further information or to apply onlinfJ, please visit Cost $70 (exel GST) http://www.tacsi.om.aulchaflcnge. or rontact Erin For further information on any of the events or to Green at challenqe@/acsi.oro.au register, please contact Marketing and Events Officer, Emify Ward on 9213 2097 or email 21 MARCH IS HARMONY DAY eward@walqa,asn,au Harmony Day (Sunday, 21 March) celebrates the 2010 BANNERS IN THE TERRACE COMPETITION cohesive nature of Australian society and promotes the benefits of our cultural diversity. To celebrate the event, The annual Call for Entries lor the 2010 Banners in the the Department of Immigration and Citizenship is Terrace Competition is now open. Now is the time to providing free promotional ilems which can be ordered start planning your local Government's banner by through http://www.harmonv.gov.au. contacllng your local schools, art groups and/or community groups to deSign and paint your banner. For further information, please call 1800 330 100 or email harmo()[email protected] Please note that the deadline for applications is Thursday,1 April. ACT·BELONG·COMMIT Banner pole sites are strictly limited but WAl GA will Find out how the Act·Belong·Commil campaign is endeavour to accommodate all entries. contributing to a wellnesslhappiness index for WA by To download the 2010 Banners in the Terrace brochure improving menial health across the State, and registration form, please log into the Members' ThiS event Is being held at Curtin Health Research section of the WAlGA website at www.walga.asn.au Campus, 10 Selby Street, Shenton Park on For further information, please contact Public Relations Wednesday, 24 March. Assistant, Andrea Sutherland on 9213 2085 or email For further information, please contact Amberlee Laws [email protected] on 9266 1709 or email [email protected] or visit http://www.actbelollqcommit.org.aul Information Bulletin Page Cor-5 Correspondence & Papers ALGA NEWS 5th March 2010 Call for Motions open for the 2010 National General Assembly The 2010 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will be held in Canberra from 14 to 17 June 2010. We encourage Councils to submit motions for the NGA as soon as possible. This year's NGA will occur against the backdrop of a federal election, the Henry review into taxation and the Prime Minister's repeated commitment to addressing the three main drivers of economic growth - workforce participation, population and productivity or "the 3 Ps". The Australian Government is increasingly engaging with local government as a partner in key policy areas. This was perhaps best demonstrated through the rollout of the Community Infrastructure Fund in local communities to reinvigorate the economy during the Global Financial Crisis. The coming years are a period of great opportunity for local government to build on this collaborative relationship and focus on a long term local-federal government partnership. The recently released Intergenerational Report 2010 (IGR3) focused on the 3 Ps and it emphasises the substantial challenges for economic growth and long-term fiscal sustainability in the coming decades. The macro-economic and policy settings identified in the IGR3 report highlights the challenges which will face all levels of government and the need to embrace a collaborative approach. This year's NGA is the perfect platform for local government to develop strategies at the local and regional levels to respond to the challenges highlighted in the IGR3 report to ensure that Australia's future prosperity is secured and shared equally. The NGA will feature a session with prominent political commentators discussing the election and the opportunities and risks for local government. The leaders of all main political parties will also address the NGA. It is important that your voice is heard. Australian cities performing well but not sustainably The Federal Government has released a major report into the state of Australian cities, which shows that the nation's 17 largest cities are doing reasonably well, compared with similar cities overseas, but also reveals that they face sustainability challenges in terms of congestion, affordability, water usage and energy. The Report, The State of Our Cities, was prepared by the Government's Major Cities Unit and launched by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional development and Local Government, The Hon. Anthony Albanese in Brisbane on Friday 5 March. The report can be accessed at www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/mcu.aspx The major findings of the report highlight the need for greater investment in public transport, strategies to improve the affordability of housing and a rethink on how we plan our cities. Re-engaging in the urban policy debate has been a priority of the Government, and cities planning is an issue that has now reached the COAG table, with all jurisdictions agreeing at the last COAG meeting in December 2009 that capital city plans would meet Information Bulletin Page Cor-6 Correspondence & Papers good planning guidelines by 1 January 2012. The Major Cities Unit has been busy for the past twelve months developing the Government's urban policy, expected to be released later this year, and this report provides the context for what is expected to be a significant policy initiative from Minister Albanese. Free Diversity Resource for Council Trainers From today, Local Government training officers can access a free resource to help them conduct cultural diversity training for staff and management. This morning, the Australian Multicultural Foundation launched Managing Cultural Diversity: A Training Program Resource Manual. Managing Cultural Diversity was funded under the Diverse Australia Program, which is managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Developed by the Australian Multicultural Foundation and Robert Bean Consulting, Managing Cultural Diversity is the first cultural diversity management training course of its type in a generation for small to medium businesses. However, local governments will find it particularly useful. It can help Councils to manage the cultural diversity in their workforces and customer bases and meet compliance obligations under anti-discrimination laws. It is a valuable tool for organisations wanting to compete for talent, overcome skill shortages and meet staff expectations about conditions and opportunities. The resource includes a comprehensive manual for trainers and a participant workbook. Modules can be run either as stand-alone short training sessions or as a full course over several days. Council trainers will find two modules particularly useful: Section 2 and Section 3. Section 2, Cross Cultural Communication, covers the basics of cross cultural communication, including understanding culture contexts, cultural diversity in Australia, cross cultural adaptation and developing organisational and personal 'cultural competence'. Section 3, Managing Culturally Diverse Teams, highlights how a culturally diverse workforce can be an advantage if properly managed. It covers competencies for managing culturally diverse teams, team management and trust building and communications skills. The Program would be particularly useful for Council officers who work with ratepayers and residents from different cultural backgrounds. Managing Cultural Diversity underscores that effective cross-cultural training can lead to fewer costly conflicts, complaints and grievances from staff or the public. Good training can also improve employees' opportunities, reduce staff turnover, increase productivity and lead to better teams. It can also help Councils to develop a reputation for being open and accessible. From the President From 14 to 17 June 2010 the National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will be held in Canberra. With key themes reflecting the Prime Minister's "three Ps" - workforce participation, population and productivity, and with the federal election looming, the importance of attending the NGA should not be underestimated. The Federal Government has more than once emphasised that it wants to work more closely with local government in key policy areas, and it has demonstrated its commitment through the Community Infrastructure Program in local communities. Councils are now invited to submit motions for consideration at the NGA. Information Bulletin Page Cor-7 Correspondence & Papers Many key note speakers have already confirmed their attendance at the NGA, including the Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, the new Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, Leader of the National Party, Warren Truss and Greens Leader, Bob Brown. The NGA is the forum through which local government can make its voice heard at the national level. This year we will have a very attentive audience as the major political parties shape their policies and priorities for the election. In launching his new National Health Plan this week, the Prime Minister has talked in terms of 'national funding and local delivery'. Now is the time to let everyone at the Federal level know that local delivery is at the core of what councils do and we have much experience to contribute to this and other key policy challenges. Cr Geoff Lake ALGA President National awards for Local Government - Entries Open Nominations have opened for the 2010 National Awards for Local Government. These prestigious awards, now in their 25th year, reward local governments for the innovative and important work they do in supporting local communities. The Rudd Labor Government recognises the critical role of local governments in making our communities more productive, liveable and sustainable. The National Awards are an important plank of the Government's partnership with local government. The revamped National Awards recognise local governments' efforts in delivering infrastructure, collaborating with neighbouring councils, improving their assets and building their capacity to serve communities. All elected councils are encouraged to submit entries that showcase best practice local projects and policies. The national winners will be judged by an independent panel and announced at the third Australian Council of Local Government meeting at Parliament House in June. Since their inception, thousands of projects have been recognised and have highlighted creative solutions to local and national challenges. Entries close on 31 March 2010. International Women's Day The 8th March is International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women. It is a day when women are recognised for their achievements, without regard for divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political. For events on and around the day near you, go to www.internationalwomensday.com and click on your town or city. The importance of planning 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,' as the old saying goes. Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University and a former NSW sustainability commissioner, thinks that the metropolitan transport plan for Sydney makes good sense. He regrets "how much we lost in the past 20 years due to the near-universal loss of belief in such planning. This was set in Information Bulletin Page Cor-8 Correspondence & Papers place by Thatcher and Reagan, based on Milton Friedman's idea that the market alone is needed to prioritise spending. Planning became a dirty word," he told the Sydney Morning Herald. "Former NSW public servants have told me that if any cabinet minute was to get through in this era it was never to use the word 'plan'. The result has been chaos, as the only transport of consequence to evolve during this time has been more than $10 billion worth of toll roads, many of which were not part of a bigger plan, so they are not well linked." He stated that public transport cannot be built under such plan-free conditions and that it wasn't, apart from the Epping-Chatswood line, planned years before. Peter Newman said that the market could function well in cities if there was a good plan showing how the infrastructure could be integrated into the city's economy. He pointed out that good planning has never been anti-market. It provides the context and the basis for confidence. Land development must also be linked to transport decisions, which is impossible without a plan. The Council of Australian Governments is developing national standards and criteria for urban strategic plans. In Newman's view this is resounding recognition that the old era of anti-planning is over. Councils back $2 billion railway link Local government leaders have applied further pressure on the NSW State Government to complete the Epping to Parramatta Rail Link, reports the Northern District Times. An independent report by former transport chief, Ron Christie, recommended that the work must begin on finishing the $2 billion Epping to Parramatta Rail Link. Mr Christie has won the support of the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils, which includes Lane Cove, Ryde and Hunters Hill. Its president and Hornsby Mayor, Nick Berman, said Mr Christie's inquiry "recognised our key priorities for public transport", that is, the Epping to Parramatta Rail Link and the North-West Rail Link, from Epping to Rouse Hill. Local Government Association president and North Sydney Mayor, Genia McCaffery, welcomed the Christie Report: "Extending the CityRail heavy rail lines to northwest and southwest Sydney and within the CBD is a much better option than that being considered by the government." Parramatta Lord Mayor, Paul Garrard, said the Government needed to move on its other transport priorities now that the M4 toll had been removed: "Improving the dismal state of public transport, particularly for commuters to both Parramatta and Sydney central business district, has to be a priority for the State Government." He stated that completing the Epping to Parramatta rail link was urgent. Work on the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link, originally called the Parramatta to Chatswood Rail Link, began in November 2002, and was completed in December 2008. Pape decision Constitutional experts predict that a High Court ruling reining in the spending power of the commonwealth government may be ignored. Last year, in the Pape decision, the High Court Information Bulletin Page Cor-9 Correspondence & Papers rejected the commonwealth's unrestrained view of its spending power and found that spending must be connected to a head of constitutional power. The validity of the Government's $900 bonus payments was upheld, reported Hannah Low in the Australian Financial Review last Friday, on the basis of the constitution's executive power and the incidental power in response to the national emergency, the global financial crisis. But the decision threw doubt on other funding, such as that for sport, the arts and local government, which also have dubious links to any head of constitutional power. Shadow Attorney-General, George Brandis said that the decision had serious implications for local government and that if the federal government returned to the system of special grants to the states, much of the money would be absorbed into state bureaucracy and not reach people in communities. In the opinion of Professor George Williams, from the University of NSW, the Pape case lends itself to a far less efficient and more bureaucratic form of administration. A spokesman for federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland insisted that the government "remains committed to supporting the role of local government and to delivering infrastructure programs which are fundamental to the process of nation-building." UN Commission on the Status of Women Two Indigenous women and a representative from the not-for-profit sector are among the Australian Government's delegation to the 54th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, which began in New York this week. Leanne Miller, Mary O'Reeri, and Carole Shaw are representing Australia at the 12 day event, which brings together representatives from around the world to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, and set new policies and standards to promote the advancement of women. Councils can't afford lights Sydney councils are threatening to switch off their street lights to cope with soaring electricity costs. The NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has recommended electricity price rises of up to 62 per cent between July this year and 2013, adding millions of dollars to council lighting bills. Councils are demanding that the State Government share the cost of street lighting. Lights, maintained by electricity companies, are paid for by councils, writes Carmel Melouney in the Sunday Telegraph. Camden council has discussed reducing street lighting in new suburbs, having fewer lights on straight roads and even turning off street lights at night. A council report last year said new subdivisions at Oran Park and Turner Road would add an extra $500,000 to the council's annual lighting bill. Cr Fred Anderson questioned whether lights needed to be on all night: "It's now possible to drive down a suburban street with high beams on." Camden Mayor Chris Patterson said the price hikes were "a huge concern. Not only is the cost of energy going up, but the cost of new poles and infrastructure is also going up," he said. "Obviously, we would have to meet the minimum standards with street lighting, but we're looking at every new development and whether there are extra lights that we could cut." Penrith Mayor, Kevin Crameri, said his council may also consider cutting down on street lights. Penrith council spent $3,722,304 on electricity last financial year, two-thirds for Information Bulletin Page Cor-10 Correspondence & Papers street lighting, and has banded together with 27 other councils as part of a competitive group tender for lighting. Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils president, Alison McLaren, said they were looking at joint purchasing of street lighting because the rising cost of electricity "is going to be a major problem." Local Government Association president and North Sydney Mayor, Genia McCaffery, said councils may be forced to sack staff to pay rising power bills. Cr McCaffery said 22 Sydney councils have lobbied Energy Australia for five years to adopt lower-cost, more energy- efficient lighting. Councils were angry that their electricity costs had soared when they had no control over Energy Australia's infrastructure, she said. Waverley, Woollahra, Willoughby, Kogarah and North Sydney are part of the Street Lighting Improvement Program, lobbying Energy Australia. Waverley council has entered into an agreement with other councils to buy electricity from Tasmania. Victoria's levy option The Victorian government is considering the use of expanded council-administered infrastructure levies on Melbourne's fringe to make up for the failure of it $2 billion growth areas tax legislation. The Australian Financial Review's Matthew Dunkley reported that the opposition and Greens combined to vote against legislation that would have moved Melbourne's Urban Growth Boundary, releasing thousands of hectares of land, and introducing a $95,000 per hectare Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC). John Brumby, Victoria's Premier, said the government was now considering a number of options but would not go into any detail about them. It is thought that the government favours the use of expanded state-run development contribution plans as an alternative, to replace the $2 billion it had hoped to raise. Councils have used the plans as a way of leveraging infrastructure development in new subdivisions, and the government could implement these without having to secure parliamentary approval. Victorian president of the Planning Institute of Australia, David Vorchheimer, thinks that if the government introduces a broader development contribution plan under its existing powers, it could raise the money it wants for infrastructure. It could be levied at the development stage. The government has now announced reforms to the Victorian Civil and Administrative tribunal aimed at speeding up planning appeals for major developments, which could result in major cases being resolved within 16 weeks. Centrelink's free Financial Information Service helps you get financially informed Centrelink's Financial Information Service (FIS) is an education and information service available to everyone in the community. FIS helps people to make informed decisions about investment and financial issues for their current and future financial needs. FIS is independent, free and confidential and provides services through seminars, and by phone and appointment. You don't need to be a Centrelink customer to access FIS. Information Bulletin Page Cor-11 Correspondence & Papers The importance of planning It' never too early to begin planning for your future and working out what you want, looking at the options available to you, and setting some goals. If you do plan now, you will have more choices in the future. The Financial Information Service can help you by providing free, independent and expert information on various financial and lifestyle options. This will assist you to take control of your future by helping you to better understand the options available to you and the consequences of various options. FIS seminar program The FIS seminar program has been designed to assist people with planning and preparation for their financial needs. It provides a range of topics aimed at people in the workforce as well as people who are about to retire or have already retired. The seminars are free, and held in city and rural and regional locations. You can attend as many seminars as you like. Families and groups are welcome at all seminars, but bookings are essential and can be made by calling 13 6357, or you can email [email protected]. FIS seminars cover diverse topics such as: • creating wealth - getting started • understanding superannuation • Age Pension and your choices • understanding retirement income streams • understanding your pension • accommodation options in retirement • financial planning and choosing a financial planner • salary sacrifice • succession planning • reducing your mortgage • retirement reality and investment choices • understanding shares / managed investments / property investment • home equity loans for older people, and • running your own super fund. For information about seminars in your region, phone 13 6357 Earth Hour coming soon Canberra led the nation for the second year running with 62 per cent of the population signing up for Earth Hour last year, writes Ewa Kretowicz, from The Canberra Times. The ACT Government encourages people to switch off lights for one hour from 8.30pm on 27 March to show their support for action on climate change. Environment Minister, Simon Corbell, said Earth Hour was more than a symbolic gesture. "There was disappointing news at Copenhagen but that's why individual action is so much more important," Mr Corbell said. "While we want as many people as possible to take part in this, we must also take heed of the theme for this year, Earth Hour, Every Hour. Turning off lights for one hour is an important symbolic gesture to help protect the world from the threats of climate change, but people need to adopt this habit more regularly both at home and in the workplace," he said. Information Bulletin Page Cor-12 Correspondence & Papers The launch, held at the Legislative Assembly, was attended by business and industry leaders who pledged to flick the switch and vote Earth. A key supporter of the event, ActewAGL's retail general manager, Ayesha Razzaq, said. There was a 9.3 per cent reduction in energy use last year. "That is a 27 tonne reduction in and the equivalent to taking eight cars off the road for an entire year," Ms Razzaq said. ActewAGL has again pledged to support Earth Hour by buying green energy for the hour to try to make Canberra electricity use carbon-neutral during the event. "That contribution for an hour was the equivalent of taking 60 cars off the road for an entire year," she said. The Canberra Times general manager Ken Nichols urged Canberrans to visit the Earth Hour website and sign up as registered participants. "The Canberra Times will again be supporting the Earth Hour initiative, ensuring our readers are well informed and know where and how they can get involved. We'll also be looking at the effects of climate change and what locals are doing to address them," Mr Nichols said. "We will continue to highlight environmental issues and look at green initiatives in our schools. And of course on March 27, our Fyshwick offices will be plunged into darkness." Queanbeyan clean-up Residents frequenting areas of Queanbeyan with large multi-unit properties may notice waste materials being placed on footpaths. A biannual clean up run by Queanbeyan City Council will be undertaken during March, one of two specific clean up days for larger unit developments this year. Residents in these properties are reminded that material should be placed out for collection only a day or two before the collection. Clean up services for premises which are not shared multi-unit premises are generally available through a book-in service. If you need further information about the clean up system, or would like assistance in arranging waste removal, please contact Queanbeyan City Council's environmental services on 6298 0268. Smart power capital The Hunter Region's efforts to use its world-leading expertise in coal and power as a lever to diversify into other energy technologies would be greatly helped if the region was chosen as a test-centre under the Federal Government's "smart grid, smart city" program. The scheme envisages highly efficient energy distribution networks integrated with digital communication and monitoring systems. A smart system would maximise the benefits of green power sources, like the wind and solar farm planned for Scone, and minimise waste and pollution from excessive coal-burning. It would give households and businesses greater awareness of, and control over, their energy use and costs. If successful, a Hunter smart-grid would be a model for similar efforts around Australia and overseas. The proposal is a perfect fit for the future of diversified energy expertise and technology that the Hunter is pursuing. Local community Safety grants Local community groups can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to make their communities safer under an NRMA Insurance program, according to a report in The Northern Star. Information Bulletin Page Cor-13 Correspondence & Papers State Lismore MP, Thomas George, said the grants, of between $500 and $5,000, supported groups with projects which aimed to make the community safer, whether it was crime prevention, road safety or emergency response. Environmental programs could also qualify for the grants. Mr George's office can be contacted on 6612 3624 for details. Hi-tech housing Tweed Shire Council has been selected to participate in an electronic housing code pilot project, which the Tweed Economic Development Corporation says could be a real opportunity for investment attraction and job generation for the Tweed. The NSW electronic housing code pilot project hopes to develop and demonstrate a top-class computer-based system for processing development applications, including lodgement, tracking, referrals and approvals. Car park saves Australia's dunes In an environmental first for Australia, Clarence City Council in Tasmania has designed, developed and managed the construction of a car park using a break-through recycled glass product. In partnership with Veolia Environmental Services, Hazell Brothers Group and the Packaging Stewardship Forum (PSF) of the Australian Food and Grocery Council, Clarence has constructed a new car park at the Rosny Park Tennis Club, using 45 tonnes of recycled sand. This application of recycled glass has avoided the mining of 53 tonnes of virgin sand from southern Tasmania's rapidly depleting natural sand reserves. Mayor Campbell said the City of Clarence was proud to lead the state and the nation in the use of the glass sand product. "It is valuable and a little shocking to remember that beneath the roads we use every day are thousands of tonnes of virgin sand mined from the country's dune systems," Mayor Campbell said. "This relatively humble car park has allowed Council and our partners to build a solid business case for the use of recycled glass sand in such applications." The recycled glass sand was used in the pipe bedding, concrete and asphalt in the project, with the glass used in the mix ground to a maximum of 2.36mm diameter. Mayor Campbell congratulated Veolia and Hazell Brothers for forming an alliance with the intention of developing markets that will use up to 20,000 tonnes of recycled glass per annum. Through Veolia's successful grant application to the National Packaging Covenant, Veolia will receive $170,000 in funding from the Covenant, which will help them to see their intentions come to fruition. Mayor Campbell also thanked the PSF for contributing $40,000 to the $88,000 project, noting that such cooperative projects between industry, local government and business are the key in building a culture of environmental stewardship. "Councils are well placed to bring together this kind of engineering and project management expertise and we hope other councils around Australia will find practical assistance from the Rosny Park project," Mayor Campbell said. Car pool invitation The public are invited to participate in an innovative car-pooling project. Northern Rivers Carpool (NRC), which encompasses six shires, was previously only open to students and local government and health employees, reports the Tweed/Border Mail. But a new website has Information Bulletin Page Cor-14 Correspondence & Papers been launched, and anyone in the community who would benefit from car pooling is free to join. The project aims to reduce cars on the road, therefore helping the environment, while also benefiting the hip pocket. NRC co-ordinator Gillian Edwards pointed out that most cars only have a single occupant, so it makes sense to share the journey: "It's also a great way to make new friends and even halve weekly fuel bills." Sean Daly, from Kingscliff TAFE, said students should approach the carpool service like internet dating. Mr Daly said there were mechanisms in place to protect their safety and encourage the students to meet a potential partner before jumping in their car. See www.nrcarpool.org Port plan certified The Port of Mackay's Environmental Management System has received an international certification. North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation CEO, Brad Fish, said that the certification recognised the port's methods of controlling the impacts of activities on the natural environment. "NQBP is one of the few regional port authorities across Australia to attain the certification," Mr Fish told the Daily Mercury. NQBP is also responsible for Hay Point and Abbot Point. Ballina favourite of over-65s In the Ballina Senior Citizens hall each week, a group gathers to play cards, and while there are enough players to fill plenty of tables, they are but a small sign of a much broader trend occurring in Ballina, and the Northern Rivers at large, writes Matt Meir of the Northern Star. Ballina has the highest proportion of retirees in Australia The population is ageing. Figures from the Bureau of Statistics show nearly one in five (20 per cent) Ballina local government area residents is aged 65 or older, the highest proportion on the Northern Rivers. Over-65s make up 18 per cent of residents in Richmond Valley and 16 per cent in Kyogle and Lismore. Byron has the lowest proportion of over- 65s at 12 per cent. Excluding Byron, the other local government areas on the Northern Rivers have a retired population greater than the rest of Australia. Nationwide 13 per cent of us are 65 or older. Talk to members of the Ballina Senior Citizens Club and they will tell you there are plenty of reasons why thousands of retirees call Ballina home. "The services are good. We have plenty of doctors, the hospital is close, and we have lots of chemists," member Clare Smith said. "The churches are local and most of the denominations are covered for. I believe we have everything we need to attract new people to the area. It speaks for itself." Beyond their Friday card game, Ballina Senior Citizens members take part in weekly line- dancing classes, tai chi and indoor bowls. And while members at the club have made the most of a burgeoning elderly population, there is a recognition our region must adapt to meet the changing demographics. Information Bulletin Page Cor-15 Correspondence & Papers The Northern Rivers Social Development Council's CEO, Tony Davies, said that the ageing population presented both challenges and opportunities. "It contributes to employment growth as people work to support elderly," he said. "The challenges include the need for medical services and transport infrastructure to maintain quality of life." Councils against new State planning laws Ballina's natural environment will be more poorly protected under a new environmental planning framework being imposed on councils by the State Government, councillors have warned. And the problem is not just in Ballina, with the Northern Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC) now also taking up the fight against the new planning requirements. Alex Easton of the Northern Star reports that in discussing work on a new shire-wide Local Environment Plan at last Thursday's council meeting, councillors unanimously voted to note the new plan would "not lead to adequate protection of areas of high conservation". One of the key problems was the slashing of the number of environmental zone categories from seven to two. This meant council had to mix areas that could have uses ranging from tourism to retail mixed in with the same category as environmentally sensitive areas, which would otherwise be marked as off-limits to developers. "I'm greatly concerned about these things happening in protected coastal areas and other areas of high conservation value," Cr Jeff Johnson told the council. Council's strategic land use planning executive planner, Steve Barnier, said similar concerns had been raised with staff in the lead-up to Thursday's council meeting. "The difficulty we have is ... trying to condense seven zones into two zones," he said. "We have to squeeze that range of uses into two new zones and it's not as simple as making them (those activities) prohibited (in a zone)." Mayor Phillip Silver said any problems in the new environment plan could be chalked up to the NSW Planning Department and Ballina was not alone in its concerns. "I'm getting the word from other mayors that there's considerable discontent at the moment," Cr Silver said. "It's one of the reasons councillors are bringing it to NOROC - to see if there's a regional response." He said that the environmental planning documents the new framework would replace had, in the case of many council areas, been honed and refined over many years to make sure they were suitable for their areas. The new framework would force councils to start that process again. Cr Silver urged all interested residents to inspect the new document, due to go on public display next month, and give their feedback to the council. Fighting the council Mosman pensioner, David Kelly, has been fined $20,000 and faces a $5,000 fine every month because he is refusing a council directive to pull down his garage, writes Carmel Melouney. David Kelly, 66, has been fighting Mosman Council in the Land and Environment Court, determined to keep the shed at the rear of his Ourimbah Road home. Information Bulletin Page Cor-16 Correspondence & Papers He has refused to demolish the garage despite court orders, claiming he tried to lodge plans with the council but they refused to receive them. Last week he was found guilty of contempt of court. Justice Biscoe stated: "In my opinion, the contempt is serious. The construction of the garage and the disobedience to demolition orders were a deliberate flouting of the planning regime." He said that Mr Kelly has attempted to "engage in a form of civil disobedience by erecting the garage as a protest against the council's failure to accept the plans he put forward". He did not accept the claim that Mr Kelly attempted to lodge plans and the council had refused to accept them, because there was no evidence of this. Mr Kelly built the shed in 2002, and was first taken to court in 2006. He was ordered by the court to demolish the illegal structure in February 2007, then again in July 2008, before being back in court in June 2009, and charged with contempt for refusing to demolish the shed. When The Sunday Telegraph spoke to Mr Kelly he said he felt as if the council had "declared war" on him. "No, I won't tear it down, I need a shed, we all need a shed!" Mr Kelly is appealing the court's decision. Sunday March 7 is Clean up Australia Day Did you know that people throw 7.2 billion cigarette butts a year into the landscape? Each butt contains 4,000 chemicals, including lead, arsenic and cadmium, which leach into water. Cigarette butts are washed into the seas via storm water drains, and they take up to five years to break down. And plastic bags are serial killers. When they get into the oceans, sea animals mistake them for food or get entangled, leading to painful injuries and death. When the animal decomposes the plastic bag floats up to kill yet another animal, and the cycle is repeated. The Premier of NSW, Ms Keneally, launched Clean up Australia recently in Sydney, and she believes that more needs to be done to keep NSW clean. "I encourage schools, businesses, community organisations and individuals to roll up their sleeves and volunteer for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, March 7. We still have some work to do." Clean up Australia activities are happening all over Australia. It's a great thing to do - extremely worthwhile, and yes, it can even be fun. Every little bit helps. Check your local council for details or go to www.cleanup.org.a u. MAV National Environment Conference: Transitioning to a climate resilient future Thursday 15 and Friday 16 April, 2010 The Municipal Association of Victoria's (MAV) inaugural National Environment Conference will consider climate change challenges and opportunities in the areas of mitigation, adaptation and adjustment for local government. Transitioning to a climate resilient future will provide an opportunity to explore climate change responses and case studies from across Australia in a range of areas including the built environment, natural resource management, water, energy, communities, health, coastal planning and agriculture. Information Bulletin Page Cor-17 Correspondence & Papers The conference encourages nation-wide participation from the local government sector, state and federal governments, the private sector and not for profit groups to build a shared understanding of the climate change challenges and opportunities for local government. Register Online: www.mav.asn.au/enviro2010 Venue: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne Conference enquiries: Simone Stuckey, Policy Adviser-Environment, 03 9667 5582 or [email protected] Sponsorship enquiries: Ann Tok, Manager Events and Sponsorship, 03 9667 5557 or [email protected] Quote of the week "Leisure is essential to civilisation." - Bertrand Russell, 1932. International News High winds and driving rain battered Western Europe earlier this week, leaving more than 50 people dead and more than a million households without power. The foul weather stretched from Portugal to The Netherlands and inland as far as Germany. Most of the casualties were in France, where 150 km per hour gusts of wind and eight metre waves battered the coast. CIRCADIAN AUSTRALIA presents its two-day flagship seminar Fatigue Risk Management 2010 Reducing the Costs, Risks, and Liabilities of Human Error in Today's Workforce Sofitel Melbourne on Collins Melbourne, Australia April 13-14, 2010 AT THIS SEMINAR YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO: • Assess the risks and costs of fatigue in your business • Design and implement a cost-effective Fatigue Risk Management System for your organisation • Determine safe staffing levels and optional shift patterns for your operation • Train employees and supervisors to mitigate fatigue risk • Improve employee health, safety and quality of life Don't miss out. REGISTER NOW! Our CIRCADIAN seminar leaders from Boston are world leading fatigue experts and presenters: Bill Sirois and Todd Dawson COST: A$975.00 + GST includes working breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, lunch, and Networking Reception at the conclusion of each day Information Bulletin Page Cor-18 Correspondence & Papers Local Government Risk Management Summit * AGENDA NOW AVAILABLE * • Wednesday 28th - Thursday 29th April • Novotel Brighton Beach, Sydney • Agenda now available on summit website www.halledit.com.au/rm2010/agenda A wide range of case studies will be delivered by Australia's leading local government risk management practitioners at the inaugural national Local Government Risk Management Summit in April. Presentations will cover topics including: successfully implementing an Enterprise Risk Management framework in a local government organisation; incorporating risk management into organisational governance and culture; optimising internal auditing and audit committee procedures; and how councils need to address the risks posed by climate change. Speakers will include: • Peter Napier, Integrated Risk Management Coordinator at Ipswich City Council and Vice President of the Risk Management Institution of Australasia. • Donna Graham, Corporate Counsel, Glen Eira City Council • Ken Muir, Risk Management Coordinator, Penrith City Council • Geraldine Wood, Executive Manager Corporate Governance, Townsville City Council • Jeff Webb, Director Risk Services, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu • Ian Waters, Redland City Council's Risk & Liability Services Manager • Greg Hunt, Executive Officer, South East Councils Climate Change Alliance • And Wollongong City Council's former General Manager, Rod Oxley, who will provide insight into the Wollongong Council corruption scandal and detail the difficulties faced by councils to install a risk management framework that prevents corrupt activity. Summit attendance enquiries should be directed to: Denise McQueen, Hallmark Conferences + Events, Ph: (03) 8534 5021; Email: [email protected]. Summit sponsorship and exhibition enquiries should be directed to: Ben Hutchison, Summit Director, Ph: (03) 8534 5025; Email: [email protected]. Further information is available on the conference website www.halledit.com.au/rm2010 Information Bulletin Page Cor-19 Correspondence & Papers Road Engineering and Maintenance Conference • March 16-17, 2010 • The Sebel & Citigate Albert Park, Melbourne The 5th Australian Road Engineering & Maintenance Conference has been designed to alert road engineers from local government, councillors, managers, as well as consultants, contractors and suppliers, about the most important new developments and issues in roads and their environs. This two-day event will bring together councils, state government road managers, and the private sector. Speakers have been drawn from South Africa, The Netherlands, New Zealand and from throughout Australia and include speakers from Local Government, State Road Authorities, Consultants and Contractors. Over two hundred delegates are expected. Ian van Wijk, Technical Executive, Aurecon, South Africa, will present on Road Maintenance Management in South Africa - Experiences from Provincial and Local Road Authorities. For a full list of the speakers and their presentations please see www.halledit.com.au/roads10. Sustainable Practices and the Environment will feature strongly on the program and in many presentations. It includes major roads, local roads, traffic areas, residential streets, rural roads, footpaths and road reserves. All speakers are asked to present very practical presentations. Key conference topics include achieving Sustainability on Road Infrastructure Projects, Road Delivery Models & Contracts, Road Maintenance Practices & Management, Good Paving & Sealing Practices, Landscape Design and Cracks: Treatment & Prevention. Best practice Local Government case studies are a focus of this conference. A series of Workshops will be conducted parallel to the speaking stream and there will be an exhibition for opportunities to update on services, equipment and road materials. For more information, including registration, please see the website www.halledit.com.au/roads10 or contact Denise McQueen, Ph: (03) 8534 5021 (direct) or (03) 8534 5000 (switch), Fax: (03) 8534 5121, [email protected] Information Bulletin Page Cor-20 Correspondence & Papers ALGA NEWS 12th March 2010 President's Address to Urban Transport World The ALGA President, Geoff Lake, made a presentation to Urban Transport World international conference in Sydney on 23 February. His presentation focused on the forecast 60 per cent increase in Australia's population to 36 million by 2050, most of which will be accommodated in our cities. This increase poses planning and infrastructure development challenges if we are to maintain, or better still, improve, the amenity and economic functioning of our cities. The age structure of our population is also changing, with a significant increase in the numbers of the elderly, which will also have implications for our transport planning. In addition to the population challenge, we face uncertain access to oil and a need for our cities to reduce their carbon footprint. The President welcomed the increased involvement of the Federal Government in urban planning and infrastructure provision. He also called on local government to take a more coordinated approach using regional structures that give councils a stronger capacity to work with Federal and State governments on major infrastructure needs. He highlighted local government's role of ensuring that services and facilities are provided at the local community level, and this means dealing with people on a more personal level. He gave two specific examples of local government responding to the needs of urban communities: • By providing community transport; and • by creating and encouraging healthy spaces and places Councils giving communities a sporting chance With Harmony Day on 21 March, councils across the country are being urged to join sporting codes and clubs to encourage people from diverse cultural backgrounds to participate in local sport. The Australian Sports Commission recently released its All Cultures program to boost participation rates in sport by people from different cultural and language backgrounds. It offers information on coaches, trainers, volunteers and others who deliver sport and recreation programs or resources to people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. All Cultures is particularly significant to local governments because many councils manage sporting programs and facilities. People from migrant and refugee backgrounds are often enthusiastic about sport and recreation, and like Australians everywhere, they want to participate in a supported and structured way. However, cultural differences, lack of awareness and sometimes institutional attitudes of some sporting bodies mean they are under represented on the field and in the clubhouse. This means that some people are missing out on the opportunities to reap the lifelong health and social benefits of sport that others enjoy. At the same time, grassroots and elite sports are missing out on the skills and greater participation rates that involvement of people from diverse origins can bring. Information Bulletin Page Cor-21 Correspondence & Papers All Cultures is part of the Australian Sports Commission's approach to address this situation. It includes videos on multicultural sport programs and useful tips for clubs, coaches, sports administrators and venue operators. The website complements the All Cultures education and ambassador programs. Women ending poverty On 8 March we celebrated International Women's Day with women's breakfasts, speeches, activities and more, on and around that date. The celebrations continue. Check the internet for women's activities all through the year near you. In early November, a special International Women's Day Website will be launched. It will feature information about IWD Events, the theme, the project and much more. The theme is: "Empowering Women to End Poverty by 2015". In 2000, Government Leaders from around the world came together and agreed on a powerful agenda for a global partnership to fight poverty - the Millennium Development Goals. Central to the achievement of these goals is gender equality. Without progress towards the empowerment of women, none of the other goals can be achieved. One of the goals concerning empowering women to end poverty is to take action to promote greater involvement of women in public life. This goal aligns with Australia's Year of Women in Local Government. From the President Last year, councils agreed to the temporary suspension of town planning procedures in order to fast-track major projects, such as public housing. The local government sector did agree to waive the normal processes because we understood the government's urgency to get that stimulus package going, for the good of the national economy. But the suspension of procedure was meant to be temporary. As I told the Australian recently, it is not acceptable that some states are behaving as if the suspension of process is permanent. The government's increased contributions to infrastructure was welcomed by local government. But the commonwealth should not overstretch its powers into town planning, which is what is happening now. The ability of state governments to override local councils and fast-track public housing projects funded by the stimulus package is unfair to communities, who need to have a say in projects which have potential detrimental impacts on the places they live. While there will continue to be pressure by the commonwealth and to some extent the state governments to reform planning processes, it is my intention to continue to strongly advocate the importance of appropriate planning processes and procedures in the interests of the broader community. Cr Geoff Lake ALGA President Report calls for more women in the transport workforce A paper published by Women in Supply Chain (WISC) has called on the transport industry to adopt a culture which accepts women in the workforce. WISC is a voluntary group working to Information Bulletin Page Cor-22 Correspondence & Papers establish a networking environment for women in transport and logistics and to encourage integration of women in the industry. Making women visible - the unseen gender in transport and logistics aims to promote discussion in the industry of the contribution women make. The paper looks at the training of women in the sector, attracting more women to the industry and impediments to their entry. It also examines issues such as women's lower share of discretionary payments, occupational segregation, family-friendly workplaces and discrimination. The paper reports that while inequity and career barriers continue to be an issue within the industry, all workplaces should have diversity plans that address recruitment, promotion and retention of women. WISC makes 14 recommendations for companies to ensure that women are able to compete equally for employment, promotion and training and to boost their retention of skilled women. At the launch of the report, WISC Chair, Nola Bransgrove, said she hopes businesses will use the report to review equality in their workplaces. "We hope our recommendations will challenge individuals, the industry and government to be part of positive change for the better, both for women and the industry," Nola said, "But at the very least we hope the report will promote real discussion followed by decisions for positive change to take place. "Sometimes you just have to give things a good shake for others to consider change." Legal equality for women Substantive equality requires vigilance, determination and hard work, reports The Chronicle . The Women's Legal Centre (ACT and region) Inc was one of the first organisations in the ACT to opt into the ACT Human Rights Act compliance provisions. These women understand that formal equality ignores historical, cultural, economic and social realities and can lead to unequal outcomes. As a specialist, women-only service, they are doing their part to tackle gender discrimination and to promote women's equal enjoyment of human rights. This is achieved through their wonderful female volunteers, staff and with help from the ACT Government and the Commonwealth Attorney Generals Department. For more information call 6257 4377. Leadership for women In Lyn Russell's opinion, more women need to take on leadership roles in councils and other male-dominated professions. As Cairns Regional Council chief executive officer, Ms Russell was guest speaker at the Cairns Business Women's Club lunch in honour of International Women's Day on Monday. Ms Russell told the Cairns Post, which sponsored the lunch, that just 5 per cent of the CEOs of councils in Australia were women. "That figure hasn't changed a lot in the last 15 years. The numbers have remained very low. It's lower in Queensland," Ms Russell said. Out of 73 councils in Queensland, 14 women occupied the position of CEO. Ms Russell said that women had a different leadership style to men. "It's a more inclusive style and more intuitive and more people-focused," she said. With 2010 being the Year of Local Women in Government, Ms Russell said she would like to see more women in leadership roles and entering non-traditional professions. Ms Russell, Information Bulletin Page Cor-23 Correspondence & Papers who has three daughters, also encouraged businesses to adopt "family friendly" and flexible working conditions. Congestion charging Passenger transport groups and academics have called for congestion charging to be part of the solution to the growing problem of urban congestion in our cities. The Bus Industry Confederation (BIC) and International Public Transport Association (UITP) issued the call after the State of Australian Cities report from the Government found that the avoidable annual cost of congestion will double to more than $20 billion by 2020, from $10 billion in 2010, and that the rate of car dependency in cities has increased faster than population growth. Michael Apps, Executive Director of the BIC, and Peter Moore, Executive Director of the UITP, said that unless immediate and decisive action was taken by all Governments, our cities are in danger of grinding to a halt. "With business as usual it's only a matter of time before Sydney becomes Australia's Bangkok, a giant car park where moving a few kilometres can take hours," Apps said. The report forecasts that Australia's population will grow to 36 million by 2050, and transport related emissions will grow by more than 20 per cent between 2007 and 2020. Professor John Stanley from the University of Sydney's Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies says that congestion charging should feature prominently as part of an overhaul of the road pricing and taxation system in Australia. "We need a more accurate road pricing system which reflects the real costs of road travel, including congestion, health costs, air and noise pollution. This cannot be done overnight, but there is growing international experience on which we can draw. It is now time for a full investigation into how we can most effectively bring in congestion charging in our cities," he said. For more information, please contact Professor John Stanley: 0418 992 227 Peter Moore, Executive Director, International Public Transport Association: 0404 052 635 Michael Apps, Executive Director, Bus Industry Confederation: 0418 487 930 Monitoring water use and carbon emissions Penrith City Council has begun using software to help monitor, measure and report on its carbon emissions and water usage, reports Julia Talevksi in the Sydney Morning Herald. The council adopted the software to help meet its commitment to programs such as the International Council for Local Environmental Initiative's Water Campaign and the Cities for Climate Protection program. It also has obligations under the NSW state government's statutory Water and Energy Savings Action Plans. The sustainability co-ordinator at Penrith City Council, Carmel Hamilton, says council staff had endured a lengthy data-entry process to record, format, monitor and report on carbon emissions and water usage. They can now capture the consumption data while the invoice for the water or energy bill is being processed. The council chose to adapt its existing TechnologyOne Financials system to carry out the environmental reporting tasks. The council estimates it is saving at least three weeks each year in data collection. The executive chairman of TechnologyOne, Adrian Di Marco, says identifying an organisation's Information Bulletin Page Cor-24 Correspondence & Papers environmental impact does not have to be difficult or expensive. "Every organisation should start this tracking now because it is inevitable environmental reporting will soon be as common as the need to comply with HR and financial regulations," Di Marco says. Tweed land zoning needs review A rethink of the council's land zoning is needed to ensure Tweed Shire can create the jobs needed to prevent the region lagging further behind the rest of the nation. That was the message from Tweed Economic Development Corporation CEO, Tom Senti, at a public forum held by the Northern Rivers board of Regional Development Australia. Andrew MacDonald from the Gold Coast Sun wrote that Mr Senti presented research commissioned by his organisation, which suggested an additional 25,000 jobs were needed in the shire by 2031 to ensure a workplace participation rate of 50 per cent. This figure is above the current Tweed WPR of 42 per cent but still well below NSW (62 per cent) and Australian (65 per cent) averages. Mr Senti attributed the low workplace participation rate to a combination of above-average unemployment and a high proportion of elderly residents living in the area. To achieve the necessary jobs growth, the council needed to move away from simply rezoning land as residential to accommodate the growing population, which was expected to double in size to 160,000 by 2031. "There is a need to embrace planning approaches which encourage the broadening and diversification of local economies adopting a master-planned approach to encourage new investments across a broad base, including the accommodation of commercial office developments," he said. By doing so, the region has the potential to encourage larger companies to set up operations and bring jobs to the shire, he said. Mr Senti's suggestion was one of many which will be passed to the NSW Minister for State and Regional Development, Ian McDonald, by the Regional Development Australia board during a meeting next month. Gosford lighting Gosford Council will install LED car park lighting at its administration building in an attempt to reduce its carbon footprint, according to the Central Coast Express. Councillor Peter Freewater congratulated staff on energy efficiency improvements already made, which have reduced the council's annual energy cost by $12,000 and greenhouse gas emissions by 254 tonnes since 2007/08. Over the past six years the council has introduced lighting and IT up-grades, improvements to lift technology, changes to the heating/cooling systems and the reduction of incoming heat through windows. The car park project has the potential to reduce electricity consumption by 78 per cent. Councillors gagged? Gympie Regional councillors are preparing for a brave new world of enforced silence and complex new rules, which in some cases may make council unworkable, writes Arthur Gorrie in the Gympie Times. The new Local Government Act, coming into force from July 1, will ban councillors from expressing dissenting views other than at public council meetings, a process which itself has been seriously eroded under the Dyne council's new system of private rehearsal meetings where consensus is developed before public meetings are held. Information Bulletin Page Cor-25 Correspondence & Papers Several Gympie councillors are believed to be concerned that the combination of the two could mean that voters will not know where councillors stand on issues, with councillors virtually subject to a "cone of silence" on any public comment outside the meeting room. Others are worried that extended conflict of interest rules may prevent them voting on issues affecting the interests even of relatives they do not know and whose interests they are not aware of. Councillors spent yesterday being educated on the new rules at a special session at the pavilion, organised by the Local Government Association of Queensland. LGAQ lecturer, Tony Goode, said that the association, which represents councils across Queensland, was working to educate councillors before the changes come in. Goode said that there would also be new rules affecting the powers of Mayors. Government partnerships SA Councils' innovative work on financial sustainability and asset management has contributed to an announcement of $1.65m in Commonwealth funding, according to SA's Local Government Association. The LGA today welcomed the announcement by Federal Local Government Minister Anthony Albanese of the funding to further boost financial and infrastructure management support to SA Councils. The funding proposal was jointly submitted to the Commonwealth by the SA Government and the LGA and builds on the LGA's $1.4m Financial Sustainability Program over the past five years. "I believe this is a recognition by the Commonwealth of the leading work being done by SA Councils surrounding infrastructure and asset management and financial sustainability," LGA President, Mayor Felicity-Ann Lewis said today. "This once again demonstrates the benefits of stronger partnership between State and Local government and will now bring the Commonwealth into this particular partnership." Mayor Lewis said the program would see comprehensive audits of Councils, further work on joint service partnerships between Councils to achieve economies of scale and on the ground assistance. Mayor Lewis said that the LGA would seek added funding from the next State Government to support other aspects of the work. "This is the first investment of serious funding by Commonwealth or State government directly to support Local Government reform for more than 10 years and adds value to the Commonwealth funding for infrastructure projects provided by the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program." Managing population explosion Managing the population explosion expected in the next 15 years is one of the big challenges facing the Bundaberg Regional Council, according to the News Mail. Deputy Mayor, Tony Ricciardi, said projections predicated a population growth of 50 per cent in the region in the next 15 years. "Where Gladstone has the mining industry propping it up, we rely heavily on the rural sector, with sugarcane and horticulture, such as macadamias, the major players - we've got the biggest tomato industry in Queensland," he said. "That gives employment to a lot of the backpackers and labour in the Bundaberg region." Information Bulletin Page Cor-26 Correspondence & Papers Cr Ricciardi said the other major growth sector was the ageing population. "We have to be mindful of that and plan ahead in areas such as aged care," he said. The region was also a growing tourism market, and all these factors would contribute to the growth economy. "The council has started a new regional feasibility plan, but that will take two to three years to complete," Cr Ricciardi said. Willoughby favours solar Willoughby Council is urging residents to install solar panels to reduce their household carbon footprint and save on electricity bills, reports Alex Ward in the North Shore Times. To make a small-scale solar PV system affordable, the State Government has set up a "gross feed-in tariff" that pays the PV system owner about $1,500 a year for the power that is generated. The solar PV (photovoltaic) system is a grid panel that is mounted to the roof and transforms radiation from the sun into electricity that can power appliances or lighting in a house. North Shore residents can buy the system from climateclevershop.com.au at discounted rates, saving up to $5,110. By harnessing the sun's energy with a 1kw system costing about $8500, a household with solar PV panels not only saves money in the long run, but also can save about 1.5 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year, considerably reducing the household's carbon footprint. Willoughby residents can attend a free workshop in April about converting to solar energy. For information phone 9777 1000 Improving safety in WA Wanneroo residents who work to improve road safety can now be recognised in the 2010 Human Spirit Awards. The City of Wanneroo, in conjunction with the Western Australian Local Government Association and RoadWise, are calling for nominations. The awards recognise the efforts of individuals or groups who work towards saving the lives and reducing road trauma. Nominees could include school crossing attendants, parents involved in road safety issues, local police officers, cycling groups and community members. Award winners will be honoured by the City at the annual Blessing of the Roads ceremony of April 1. Nominations close on March 15. Application forms are available from the City's Civic Centre at 23 Dundebar Road in Wanneroo or by calling Karen Delves on 9405 5072. Fairfield recycling innovation Fairfield Council is trialling the use of mulched construction waste to patch up Delgarno Rd in Bonnyrigg Heights. If it works well, the council will use the mix at Lyell St, Bossley Park, and Garfield Rd, Horsley Park. Mayor Nick Lalich said the recycled mix could be used right across the Fairfield LGA if the trial was successful. "The trial on Delgarno Rd in Bonnyrigg Heights is the first in the area to use 93 per cent recycled construction and demolition waste rather than quarried rock," he said. "This is a great example of how waste materials can be recycled back in to the community rather than being dumped in to landfill." Information Bulletin Page Cor-27 Correspondence & Papers The road mix is blended at the Sustainable Resource Centre in Wetherill Park. The centre has previously mixed recycled materials for the construction of the Nalawala Sustainability Hub at Fairfield Showground. Minister for Climate Change, Frank Sartor, said almost half of all construction waste could be recycled. "By recycling these waste products in to roads, we are making a significant dent in the amount of dumped materials," he said. Watershed Workshops in Sydney Ever wanted to know how to live more sustainably but can't get past separating your rubbish bins? The Watershed has organised a series of workshops about skills allowing us to be kinder to the environment, held at Newtown Library except for the following: Learn to grow your own food in small containers with a No Dig Gardening workshop on March 13 at the Tom Foster Community Centre, Newtown. At the library, you can create your own cleaning products with a Natural Cleaning and Home Detox workshop on March 16 and 20. Renovate your home with less of a carbon footprint with an Eco Choices for Home Renovators: Session 1 & 2 on March 23 and 30. Baby Care can be done sustainably as well. Learn how on March 27. To book, and for more information please telephone The Watershed on 9519 6366 or email watershedworkshopsmarrickville.nsw.gov.au and include your name and daytime contact phone number. Skippy is our number-one icon Skippy has knocked out Matilda the Boxing Kangaroo, as well as Phar Lap and Fatso the Wombat, to be voted Australia's most iconic animal. A total of 836 people responded to an online VetShopAustralia survey, with Skippy the Bush Kangaroo attracting the most votes - 29 per cent. Legendary racehorse Phar Lap was second with 21 per cent of votes, while the dog that said "bugger" in a Toyota commercial came third with 15 per cent, ahead of Simpson's Donkey (12 per cent), Matilda the Boxing Kangaroo (9 per cent) and the Dog on the Tucker Box (4 per cent). Eight per cent voted for Mr Percival from the children's book and film Storm Boy, while Fatso the Wombat from the long-running drama series A Country Practice lagged the field, pulling just 2 per cent of votes. AAP Native seeds free A Free native plant and mulch giveaway will be held for those living in the Bankstown local government area on Saturday, March 20. The plants have been cultivated from seeds collected from local bushland. Residents will need to show proof of address upon entry at Bankstown Council's waste management facility at Bransgrove Road, Panania, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call (02) 9707 9999. Seniors' photography competition Residents have until Monday to register for Wollondilly Council's snappy seniors competition. People are invited to submit photos showing seniors out and about or being active in the community. To find out more or download an application form, visit www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au. Forms are also available at the council's customer service centre, Picton Library and Mobile Library or by phoning 4677 1199. Information Bulletin Page Cor-28 Correspondence & Papers Quote of the week "It would be a relief if climate change was not happening. Unfortunately, despite two errors by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in the thousands of pages it has released, the science has not altered, and the problem is continuing to worsen." - Al Gore, quoted in The New York Times, 2 March 2010 International news Politicians in India have voted to reserve a third of all state and national parliamentary seats for women, Amanda Hodge, the South Asia correspondent for the Australian, writes. The bill faced violent opposition by many: seven prominent MPs were carried out of the house by security before the debate, one day after opponents of the bill forced an adjournment of parliament. The bill was passed by 186 members of the 245-seat house, with only one vote cast against it. Several smaller parties boycotted the vote. While India claims to be the world's largest democracy, women make up only 10 per cent of national parliamentarians, fewer than in Afghanistan or Pakistan. The bill must still be passed with a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha and by 15 state legislatures before it can be enacted. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described the bill as a great step forward and reminded people that women face "discrimination at home... domestic violence, [and] unequal access to health and education." Sonia Ghandi, India's most powerful woman, had been pushing for acceptance of the bill and hailed it as a "great step forward". CIRCADIAN AUSTRALIA presents its two-day flagship seminar Fatigue Risk Management 2010 Reducing the Costs, Risks, and Liabilities of Human Error in Today's Workforce Sofitel Melbourne on Collins Melbourne, Australia April 13-14, 2010 AT THIS SEMINAR YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO: • Assess the risks and costs of fatigue in your business • Design and implement a cost-effective Fatigue Risk Management System for your organisation • Determine safe staffing levels and optional shift patterns for your operation • Train employees and supervisors to mitigate fatigue risk • Improve employee health, safety and quality of life Don't miss out. REGISTER NOW! Our CIRCADIAN seminar leaders from Boston are world leading fatigue experts and presenters: Bill Sirois and Todd Dawson COST: A$975.00 + GST includes working breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, lunch, and Networking Reception at the conclusion of each day Information Bulletin Page Cor-29 Correspondence & Papers Road Engineering and Maintenance Conference • March 16-17, 2010 • The Sebel & Citigate Albert Park, Melbourne The 5th Australian Road Engineering & Maintenance Conference has been designed to alert road engineers from local government, councillors, managers, as well as consultants, contractors and suppliers, about the most important new developments and issues in roads and their environs. This two-day event will bring together councils, state government road managers, and the private sector. Speakers have been drawn from South Africa, The Netherlands, New Zealand and from throughout Australia and include speakers from Local Government, State Road Authorities, Consultants and Contractors. Over two hundred delegates are expected. Ian van Wijk, Technical Executive, Aurecon, South Africa, will present on Road Maintenance Management in South Africa - Experiences from Provincial and Local Road Authorities. For a full list of the speakers and their presentations please see www.halledit.com.au/roads10. Sustainable Practices and the Environment will feature strongly on the program and in many presentations. It includes major roads, local roads, traffic areas, residential streets, rural roads, footpaths and road reserves. All speakers are asked to present very practical presentations. Key conference topics include achieving Sustainability on Road Infrastructure Projects, Road Delivery Models & Contracts, Road Maintenance Practices & Management, Good Paving & Sealing Practices, Landscape Design and Cracks: Treatment & Prevention. Best practice Local Government case studies are a focus of this conference. A series of Workshops will be conducted parallel to the speaking stream and there will be an exhibition for opportunities to update on services, equipment and road materials. For more information, including registration, please see the website www.halledit.com.au/roads10 or contact Denise McQueen, Ph: (03) 8534 5021 (direct) or (03) 8534 5000 (switch), Fax: (03) 8534 5121, [email protected] Information Bulletin Page Cor-30 Correspondence & Papers Local Government Risk Management Summit * AGENDA NOW AVAILABLE * • Wednesday 28th - Thursday 29th April • Novotel Brighton Beach, Sydney • Agenda now available on summit website www.halledit.com.au/rm2010/agenda A wide range of case studies will be delivered by Australia's leading local government risk management practitioners at the inaugural national Local Government Risk Management Summit in April. Presentations will cover topics including: successfully implementing an Enterprise Risk Management framework in a local government organisation; incorporating risk management into organisational governance and culture; optimising internal auditing and audit committee procedures; and how councils need to address the risks posed by climate change. Speakers will include: • Peter Napier, Integrated Risk Management Coordinator at Ipswich City Council and Vice President of the Risk Management Institution of Australasia. • Donna Graham, Corporate Counsel, Glen Eira City Council • Ken Muir, Risk Management Coordinator, Penrith City Council • Geraldine Wood, Executive Manager Corporate Governance, Townsville City Council • Jeff Webb, Director Risk Services, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu • Ian Waters, Redland City Council's Risk & Liability Services Manager • Greg Hunt, Executive Officer, South East Councils Climate Change Alliance • And Wollongong City Council's former General Manager, Rod Oxley, who will provide insight into the Wollongong Council corruption scandal and detail the difficulties faced by councils to install a risk management framework that prevents corrupt activity. Summit attendance enquiries should be directed to: Denise McQueen, Hallmark Conferences + Events, Ph: (03) 8534 5021; Email: [email protected]. Summit sponsorship and exhibition enquiries should be directed to: Ben Hutchison, Summit Director, Ph: (03) 8534 5025; Email: [email protected]. Further information is available on the conference website www.halledit.com.au/rm2010. Information Bulletin Page Cor-31 Correspondence & Papers MEDIA STATEMENT PAUL PAPALIA esc, MLA Shadow Minister for local Government; Corrective Services Tuesday, 9 March 201 0 Castrilli's $6million amalgamation shambles More than $6million of taxpayers money has been ploughed into the Barnett Government's forced amalgamations process, Shadow Local Government Minister Paul Papalia said today. Mr Papalia said the cost to taxpayers and local councils had been significant with no measurable outcomes or improvement to services. "In Parliament, local Government Minister John Gastrilli revealed his ignorance of the ultimate costs associated with his dream of reducing the number of councils to fewer than 100 ,~ Mr Papalia said. "Mr Castrilfi confirmed he has not done a cost benefit analysis because he has no idea of costs associated with the process. "When asked what had been spent on his process to date, Mr Castrilli begrudgingly revealed his Department had spent $1 .1 million on nothing more than selling the process and co ordinating submissions from Councils. "Asked what Councils had spent so far on complying with his demands, Mr Castrilli said 'I don't know, you should ask them'. "If Mr Castrilli couldn't say what it has cost Councils to comply with his process to date, how can he expect the public of WA to believe his process wi ll result in any benefit to taxpayers? "In Queensland, amalgamations have been estimated to have cost $220 million." Mr Papalia said Labor had received 18 responses to date from councils about the cost of forced amalgamations. ' On average each council is spending $35,000, with a quarter of those councils revealing the process had cost their ratepayers in excess of $50,000 during the last 12 months: Mr Papalia said. "Based on this feedback, the process so far has cost local councils and ratepayers $Smillion." These costs exclude funds spent by the Department of Local Government. "WA taxpayers have spent $6 million but we are in exactly the same pOSition we were 12 months ago: Mr Papalia said. "Apart from the massive cost, the only outcome achieved by Mr Castrilli is a huge increase in stress and uncertainty across the 13,OOO-strong Local Government workforce. "In Parliament, Mr Castrilli's colleagues congratulate him for not answering Labor's questions but the taxpayers of WA are paying millions for his secretive and confrontational process." Media contact: Paul Papa li a 0414 950 671 Information Bulletin Issue No. 05/2010 Inside this Issue  Correspondence & WA Local Government Association (WALGA) News  Issue No.09.10 – 8 March 2010 ...... COR-1 Papers Issue No.10.10 – 15 March 2010 ...... COR-3 Pink Divider Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) News 5 March 2010...... COR-5 12 March 2010 ...... COR-20 Media Releases Media Statement: Paul Papalia - Castrilli’s $6million Amalgamation Shambles ...... COR-31 Employee Movements...... HR-1  Information from Human Resources Blue Divider Information to Standing Committees  Technical Services Outstanding Matters & Information Items Green Divider Report on Outstanding Matters – Technical Services Committee ...... T-1 Monthly / Quarterly Departmental Reports Technical Services Works Programme ...... T-2 Minutes of Occasional/Advisory Committees Bungendore Park Management Committee Meeting Feb 2010 ...... T-8 Miscellaneous Vandalism Statistics January 2010...... T-12 Local Water Quality Improvement Plan ...... T-15 3rd Victorian Sustainable Development Conference ...... T-23  Community Outstanding Matters & Information Items Services Report on Outstanding Matters – Community Services Committee ...... C-1 Beige Divider Monthly / Quarterly Departmental Reports Library & Heritage Services General Monthly Report – Jan & Feb 2010 ...... C-2 Manager Ranger & Emergency Services Monthly Report – February 2010...... C-14 Minutes of Occasional/Advisory Committees South East Regional Recreation Advisory Group – 18 February 2010...... “CA-3”-C-21/32 Issue 5 – 17 March 2010 Information Bulletin Page HR-1 Information Items from Human Resource Management 1.1 EMPLOYEE MOVEMENTS New Staff: Swim Instructor (Casual) – commenced 1/2/2010. Netball Umpire (Casual) – commenced 8/2/2010. Toddler Bop Instructor (Casual) – commenced 10/2/2010. Netball Umpire (Casual) – commenced 15/2/2010. Casual Library Clerk – commenced 24/2/2010. 2 x Casual Library Clerk – commenced 10/3/2010. Staff Leaving: Manager Communications, effective 15/3/2010. Cleaner, effective 19/3/2010. Coordinator Community Development, effective 23/3/2010. Other Staff Movements (Internal): Truck Driver promoted to Senior Leading Hand Maintenance, effective 9/3/2010. Crossover Officer promotion to Senior Verge Inspection Officer, effective 10/3/2010. Current Recruitment Activity: Asset Management Coordinator – position on hold. Engineering Surveyor – position on hold. Waste Collection Vehicle Operator – no suitable candidate found, to be re-advertised 23/3/2010. Community Development Officer (Youth Engagement) – interviews complete, recruitment progressing. Community Development Officer (Seniors, Access & Inclusion) – interviews complete, recruitment progressing. Parks Maintenance Operator – applications close 11/3/2010. Subdivision Engineer – applications close 25/3/2010. Senior Projects Engineer – applications close 25/3/2010. Information Bulletin Issue No. 05/2010 Inside this Issue  Correspondence & WA Local Government Association (WALGA) News  Issue No.09.10 – 8 March 2010 ...... COR-1 Papers Issue No.10.10 – 15 March 2010 ...... COR-3 Pink Divider Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) News 5 March 2010...... COR-5 12 March 2010 ...... COR-20 Media Releases Media Statement: Paul Papalia - Castrilli’s $6million Amalgamation Shambles ...... COR-31 Employee Movements...... HR-1  Information from Human Resources Blue Divider Information to Standing Committees  Technical Services Outstanding Matters & Information Items Green Divider Report on Outstanding Matters – Technical Services Committee ...... T-1 Monthly / Quarterly Departmental Reports Technical Services Works Programme ...... T-2 Minutes of Occasional/Advisory Committees Bungendore Park Management Committee Meeting Feb 2010 ...... T-8 Miscellaneous Vandalism Statistics January 2010...... T-12 Local Water Quality Improvement Plan ...... T-15 3rd Victorian Sustainable Development Conference ...... T-23  Community Outstanding Matters & Information Items Services Report on Outstanding Matters – Community Services Committee ...... C-1 Beige Divider Monthly / Quarterly Departmental Reports Library & Heritage Services General Monthly Report – Jan & Feb 2010 ...... C-2 Manager Ranger & Emergency Services Monthly Report – February 2010...... C-14 Minutes of Occasional/Advisory Committees South East Regional Recreation Advisory Group – 18 February 2010...... “CA-3”-C-21/32 Issue 5 – 17 March 2010 Information Bulletin T1 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT ON OUTSTANDING MATTERS ITEM REFERRING COMMENTS COMMITTEE BBQ facilities CBD and speeding Technical Future report to the Technical traffic in Jull Street Services Services Committee Refer T20/3/08 Clifton Street – Traffic Calming Technical Report to Council – expected Devices Services Q1/10 Refer T70/8/09 Verge Clearing Development Future report to the Technical Services Services Committee – expected Q1/10 Lefroy Road Technical Future report to the Technical Refer T84/10/09 Services Services Committee – expected Q4/10 Sporting Reserves Technical Future report to the Technical Refer T11/2/10 Services Services Committee – expected Q4 FY10/11 Information Bulletin T2 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate TECHNICAL SERVICES WORKS PROGRAMME January 2010 – March 2010 Department February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 Civil Works Construction: Construction: Construction: • Ranford Road – Stages 1 and 2. • Ranford Road – Stages 1 and 2. • Ranford Road – Stages 1 and 2. • Champion Drive. • Champion Drive. • Champion Drive. • Warton Road – Stages 1 and 2. • Warton Road – Stages 1 and 2. • Warton Road – Stages 1 and 2. • Jacaranda Court. • Footpath/Programme. • Footpath/Programme. • Forrest Road/Seventh Road. • BC Programme. • BC Programme. • Westfield Road/Ypres Road. • Thompson Road. • Thompson Road. • Warton Road – Stages 1 and 2. • Champion Centre Car Park. • Champion Centre Car Park. • Slee Avenue Drainage. • Townley Street/Forrest Road • Townley Street/Forrest Road • Armadale H/S (Private Works). intersection. intersection. • Lowanna Way. • Church Avenue. • Church Avenue. • Footpath/Programme. • Wungong Road. • Wungong Road. • BC Programme. Maintenance: Maintenance: Maintenance: • Routine maintenance as per programme. • Routine maintenance as per • Routine maintenance as per • Contract road sweeping. programme. programme. • Footpath defects. • Contract road sweeping/ • Contract road sweeping/ • Painting traffic islands. • Footpath defects. • Footpath defects. • Nicholson Road/Armadale Road • Painting traffic islands. • Painting traffic islands. patching. Development • Newhaven Precinct 1D. • Newhaven Precinct 1D. • Newhaven Precinct 1D. • Newhaven Precinct 4B. • Newhaven Precinct 4B. • Newhaven Precinct 4B. • Newhaven Precinct 5B. • Newhaven Precinct 5B. • Newhaven Precinct 5B. • Newhaven Precinct 5C. • Newhaven Precinct 5C. • Newhaven Precinct 5C. • Newhaven Precinct 6 (School Site). • Newhaven Precinct 6 (School Site). • Newhaven Precinct 6 (School Site). Information Bulletin T3 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate Department February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 • Newhaven Precinct 6A. • Newhaven Precinct 6A. • Newhaven Precinct 6A. • Newhaven Precinct 6B. • Newhaven Precinct 6B. • Newhaven Precinct 6B. • Newhaven Precinct 9. • Newhaven Precinct 9. • Newhaven Precinct 9. • Vertu – Stage 4A. • Vertu – Stage 4A. • Vertu – Stage 4A. • Vertu – Stage 4B. • Vertu – Stage 4B. • Vertu – Stage 4B. • Vertu – Stage 4C. • Vertu – Stage 4C. • Vertu – Stage 4C. • Vertu – Stage 5A. • Vertu – Stage 5A. • Vertu – Stage 5A. • Heron Park – Stage 4A. • Heron Park – Stage 4A. • Heron Park – Stage 4A. • Heron Park – Stage 6. • Heron Park – Stage 6. • Heron Park – Stage 6. • Heron Park – Stage 6A. • Heron Park – Stage 6A. • Heron Park – Stage 6A. • Heron Park – Stage 7. • Heron Park – Stage 7. • Heron Park – Stage 7. • Heron Park – Stage 8A. • Heron Park – Stage 8A. • Heron Park – Stage 8A. • Lot 15 Brooks Road. • Lot 15 Brooks Road. • Lot 15 Brooks Road. • Lot Pt 6 and 7 Carradine Road. • Lot Pt 6 and 7 Carradine Road. • Lot Pt 6 and 7 Carradine Road. • Lot 9000 Westfield Road. • Lot 9000 Westfield Road. • Lot 9000 Westfield Road. • Lot 51 Salter Road. • Lot 51 Salter Road. • Lot 51 Salter Road. • Lot 9000 Gribble Avenue. • Lot 9000 Gribble Avenue. • Lot 9000 Gribble Avenue. • Lot 501 Holden Road. • Lot 501 Holden Road. • Lot 501 Holden Road. • Lots 4 and 160 Irymple Road. • Lots 4 and 160 Irymple Road. • Lots 4 and 160 Irymple Road. • Lot 681 Canns Road. • Lot 681 Canns Road. • Lot 681 Canns Road. • Lot 604 Waterwheel Road – Stage 4. • Lot 604 Waterwheel Road – Stage 4. • Lot 604 Waterwheel Road – Stage 4. • Lot 56 Birtwhistle Place. • Lot 56 Birtwhistle Place. • Lot 56 Birtwhistle Place. • Lot 11 Ivanhoe Way. • Lot 11 Ivanhoe Way. • Lot 11 Ivanhoe Way. • Lot 9504 Kilkenny Loop – Stage 2. • Lot 9504 Kilkenny Loop – Stage 2. • Lot 9504 Kilkenny Loop – Stage 2. • Lot 701 Eighth Road. • Lot 701 Eighth Road. • Lot 701 Eighth Road. • Lot 151 Wright Road. • Lot 151 Wright Road. • Lot 151 Wright Road. • Lots 113 and 114 Warton Road. • Lots 113 and 114 Warton Road. • Lots 113 and 114 Warton Road. • Lot 1006 Nicholson Road. • Lot 1006 Nicholson Road. • Lot 1006 Nicholson Road. • Lot 22 Nicholson Road. • Lot 22 Nicholson Road. • Lot 22 Nicholson Road. • Lots 88 and 89 Turner Place. • Lots 88 and 89 Turner Place. • Lots 88 and 89 Turner Place. Information Bulletin T4 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate Department February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 ARA Works: ARA Works: ARA Works: • Forrestdale Business Park – Spine Roads. • Forrestdale Business Park – Spine • Forrestdale Business Park – Spine • FBP – Lots 5056 Armadale Road, 5057 Roads. Roads. Allen Road, and 54 Ranford Road. • FBP – Lots 5056 Armadale Road, • FBP – Lots 5056 Armadale Road, • FBP – Lots 5054, 130 and 131 Ranford 5057 Allen Road, and 54 Ranford 5057 Allen Road, and 54 Ranford Road. Road. Road. • FBP – Lots 3 and 53 Ranford Road. • FBP – Lots 5054, 130 and 131 • FBP – Lots 5054, 130 and 131 • FBP – Lots 4, 82, 296 and 406 Ranford Ranford Road. Ranford Road. Road. • FBP – Lots 3 and 53 Ranford Road. • FBP – Lots 3 and 53 Ranford Road. • Champion Lakes – Stage 2. • FBP – Lots 4, 82, 296 and 406 • FBP – Lots 4, 82, 296 and 406 • Wungong Urban Water – Cell K – Ranford Road. Ranford Road. Preliminary earthworks and filling. • Champion Lakes – Stage 2. • Champion Lakes – Stage 2. • Wungong Urban Water – Cell 1A – • Wungong Urban Water – Cell K – • Wungong Urban Water – Cell K – preliminary earthworks and filling. Preliminary earthworks and filling. Preliminary earthworks and filling. • Lots 34, 35 and 800 Westfield Road. • Wungong Urban Water – Cell 1A – • Wungong Urban Water – Cell 1A – • Lots 10 and 11 Gillam Drive. preliminary earthworks and filling. preliminary earthworks and filling. • Lots 34, 35 and 800 Westfield Road. • Lots 34, 35 and 800 Westfield Road. • Lots 10 and 11 Gillam Drive. • Lots 10 and 11 Gillam Drive. Design and Design and Engineering: Design and Engineering: Design and Engineering: Engineering • Conifer Road/Cassolti Road – Brookton • Westfield Road/Ypres Road – • Armadale/Seville Drive (MRWA – Highway. reconstruction. signal approval). • William Road – Champion Drive. • Townley Road/Forrest Road – • Orchard Drive – cul de sac. • Warton Road – Nicholson Road to Arion reconstruction. • Railway Avenue – Merrifield to Avenue. • Champion Centre car park – Westfield Road – reconstruction. • Warton Road – Jandakot Road to reconstruction. • Armadale Road/Abbey Road. Nicholson Road. • Warton Road – Jandakot Road to • Church Avenue – Armadale Road to • Warton Road – Armadale Road to Nicholson Road. Prospect Road – reconstruction. Jandakot Road. • Armadale/Seville Drive (MRWA – • Nicholson Road (Armadale Road to Information Bulletin T5 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate Department February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 • Seventh Road/Forrest road. signal approval). Wright Road) – dual carriageway. • Jacaranda Court/Holden Road cul de sac. • Warton Road – Armadale Road to • Wungong Road, reconstruction. • slab Gully Reserve. Jandakot Road. • Nicholson Road (Armadale Road to • Thompson Road – Bridge Road for • Orchard Drive – cul de sac. Wright Road) – dual carriageway. 200m. • Railway Avenue – Merrifield to • Lake Road/Henderson Drive, LATM. • Armadale Road/Abbey Road. Westfield Road – reconstruction. • Jull Street, access to Civic Precinct. • Buckingham Road. • Armadale Road/Abbey Road. • Cross Park – access to pavilion. • Tonkin Highway/Champion Drive. • Church Avenue – Armadale Road to • Gillam Drive/Champion Drive – • Ranford Road/Warton Road. Prospect Road – reconstruction. Blackspot. • Tonkin Highway/Champion Drive. • Canning Road – street light • Bungendore Park – pathway and car improvements. park. • Nicholson Road (Armadale Road to Wright Road) – dual carriageway. Parks and Capital Works: Capital Works: Capital Works: Reserves • Playground Strategy. • Playground Strategy. • Playground Strategy. • Public Open Space Strategy – Reserve • Public Open Space Strategy – • Public Open Space Strategy – Reserve Developments. Reserve Developments. Developments. • Federal Government – Playgrounds • Park lighting – Memorial Park. • Park lighting – Memorial Park. Upgrade. • Park lighting – Minnawarra Park. • Park lighting – Minnawarra Park. Asset Works: Asset Works: Asset Works: • Playground - soft fall and repairs • Playground - soft fall and repairs • Playground - soft fall and repairs Citywide. Citywide. Citywide. • Reticulation preservation. • Reticulation preservation. • Reticulation preservation. • Turf renewal. • Turf renewal. • Cross Park tank preservation. • Cricket wicket renewal. • Cross Park tank preservation. • Park lighting – Fancote Park. • Fencing/bollard renewal. • Fencing/bollard renewal. • Park lighting – Fancote Park. Maintenance: Information Bulletin T6 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate Department February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 • Scheduled mowing. Maintenance: Maintenance: • Irrigation maintenance. • Scheduled mowing. • Scheduled mowing. • Bushland maintenance. • Irrigation maintenance. • Irrigation maintenance. • Civic Precinct maintenance. • Bushland maintenance. • Bushland maintenance. • New estate maintenance. • Civic Precinct maintenance. • Civic Precinct maintenance. • Street tree pruning - Precinct 2 • New estate maintenance. • New estate maintenance. • Citywide streetscape maintenance. • Street tree pruning - Precinct 3. • Street tree pruning - Precinct 4. • Street tree watering. • Citywide streetscape maintenance. • Citywide streetscape maintenance. • Customer requests. • Street tree watering. • Customer requests. • PAW maintenance. • Customer requests. • Vegetation control – road reserves. • Vegetation control – road reserves. Property Capital Works: Capital works: Capital works: Management • Roleystone Theatre – Electrical upgrade. • Roleystone Theatre – Electrical • Roleystone Theatre – Electrical • Champion Centre – refurbishment. upgrade. upgrade. • Administration – front foyer. • Champion Centre – refurbishment. • Champion Centre – refurbishment. • Roleystone Hall airconditioning. • Conversion of Old Library to • Conversion of Old Library to Offices. Offices. • Reallocation of offices within • Reallocation of offices within administration. administration. Asset Preservation: Asset Preservation: Asset Preservation: • Administration – internal refurbishment. • Administration – internal • Administration – internal • Seville Grove Library – airconditioner refurbishment. refurbishment. replacement. • Seville Grove Library – • Seville Grove Library – airconditioner airconditioner replacement. replacement. Maintenance: • Scheduled cleaning – Council buildings. Maintenance: Maintenance: • Building Maintenance – All buildings. • Scheduled cleaning – Council • Scheduled cleaning – Council buildings. buildings. Information Bulletin T7 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate Department February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 • Building maintenance – all buildings. • Building maintenance – all buildings. City Projects Capital Works: Capital Works Capital Works • Frye Park – Stage 1. • Frye Park – Stage 1. • Frye Park – Stage 1. • Administration – Front Foyer. • Youth Activity Area. • Frye Park – Stage 2. • Youth Activity Area. • Aquatic Centre. • Youth Activity Area. • Aquatic Centre. Information Bulletin T8 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate CTEl4 BUNGENOORE PARK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETINC No. 309, WEDNESDAY 2 ~ lb FE BRUARY 20 10 MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT CrGuenter Bcst Mrs Penn) Ven;[eeg Mn; KelT} Ban (Sttrtlary& Oicbacl Co-ordinator) Mr Kim Sani (ProjecTs Co-ordinator) Ms Miriam S[anborough (Weeds Co-ordinator) Mr ()Qn Griffilhs Mr Ron Wi[hnell Mrs .rene Mortombe (Treasurer) GUESTS PRESENT Mr Simon Da"kins APOLOGIES ABSENT Mr Mall Hamilton Cr Utst declared The meeting open at 7.35pm Minutes of the meeting held 27'" JallUar> 1009 acccp[ed a5 being cQrreel "ith [hc follo"i".!: amendments: GENERAL BUS[NESS [2. Rkhon lIeigh[s Bushfire Re~OKm~e Aqio!l GroU!! - Ms S[anborw)!h adv;S<."d she hud e,lablished II BRAG group with residenTS of Riehon lleights. RichOll Ileights borders the "<,,lc.1I boundal) of [he park. PATE Of NEX T MEETING (4'" Wednesday) Commince Meeting Room 7:30 pm, 24" Fc bru ar~ 20[0 Griflith"'Saai Carried BUSINESS ARISING I. Memocrship _ Nominations closed on S" Februnl) 2010. Ms l'au[a Haro received [\\0 nominations from Mr Simon Dall kins and Mr Kenneth Noc~ . Commi[[e~ rni~"ed and endorsed tlie nominalions for considcmtion by Council. Mr Dawkins w~s not presenl "hen [his it~m ,,·as dbeussed. Mrs Batt 10 respond 10 l'anla Haro with Committee' $ rteomillendntion. 2, Dicback t[£8tm ... nl cQI!lool pro!l.TJlmme Oieback r .... ntmen[ Se"iccs has completed work in [he P.1n.. and scm II S4.000 in,·oice for COlllminee's con1ribution. TI,e 1realm ... m progrnmmc comprised 6.700 x 20ml stem injections and 15,750 lilres of Phillphile emulsion for foliar sprnying. J. f.:ra[ pi~ a"i,iN - Mr Sani I\!porled 1hal he has spo~en [0 Mr Glenn Hagan (DEC Perth Hills Oi5[ri(l) and ""liS advised [0 speak to Dr Petcr Adams (Mllrdo<;h Uni). Dr Adams has been contacted tile Water COTpOnotion is funding reseMch b)' lhe \lni,·~rsi[y 011 inlpael offem[ pigs on "a[er qua[i[). Differen[ mel hods of con[ro[ me being employed (trapping. shooting and poiwn baits). Dr Adams apologised for not e()nlacting C 4. frooo${d cbJ.nges!o Com01iuee's lcnns of Kdcrenee Committ~ h~s been unnbJc to obl~in a COP)' of [he proposed TemlS of Refere~ Cr Tizard was rdtTTing 10 at the previous meet ing. Cr !leSt agreed [0 follo\\ up "ith Cr Tiwrd nnd Ms Ham 10 (nsure nil parties "ere considering the la[est edition of the document. Th\.' Co",minec discussed ah~ma.[ive names and i[ was ngreed !h~t /JUIIHclldore Pork Boonl ofMllllug<'mclII be put fOf\lard for Council consideration as an a[ternall~e name for the Commillee. particularly as ils II1clI,bcrship i5 appointed b> the City. II was noted th31 Commincc's concerns cKpressffi in its [cller [0 Council of 2..J December 2009 h3\c nol ye[ been addr<'ssed. Cr [lest tG folIO" up ontheiC i$Sues . 5. Hills lleantx:al [estil'lll & Panca~e$ jn Ihe Park 2010 - Mr Withncll [0 report on Commillcc·s suggestion 10 mov( p(ll,mk~J ill Ih r",k to just inside the Armada[e Christian College grounds [0 conneCI "ith other fcsti\"itie~ and ,"a~c i[ more ,·isib[e to [he public. Mrs Bau has returned completed booking ronn. Mr Wilhnel1 and Mrs Bait [0 coordinate promOTion of c'·cn1. Mr Sani reponed that Ihe Am'adalc Wildflower Socic!) "ill conduct a suided bushwal~ on bolh days al IO:ooam . Information Bulletin T9 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate February 2010 meeting ·2· Meet,ng No 309 6. FIrs: Brjl:!idc access trac~ - l'>lr Sarti rtported that the new fire access track from Gale C l(ltmc~ W2 has Ix.>cn completed and proposed It be named ·WS'. Unfurtunatdy part oflhe lrac~ "Nil stmight Ihrough one of the WA Museum·s pitfalltmp sites dcstro} Ins pil buckels and fences. Mr Sarti ad'ised he had mappc:d ,he n.:" ,rnc~ wllh Gf'S and r«,-,mmcnded that t"O cuhcr15 be built !O counter erosion of the powdcl)· topsuiL One is requircd "hen: the W~ meets the old track. and one at the Coollabberra Spring crossing. Mr Sarti to obtain a quote from Gavin FancOIe, including a cullcn on Ihe e>;is,;ng W2 fin: access tr.oe~ at Cooliabberra Spring. The "idening of H20 (W4) from 2 metres \u) melres is still to be completed. 7. Admiral Road e"'ranee Clip-mil to boUards -Commil1ee dis<:u>sed ,he various ·kissinc galc· oplion!; forwarded by Cr Tizard and agreed thallhis type of gate "ould exclude mOlor bikcs bm allow wheelchair traffic. bicycks and prams. Ms StanOOrough agreed to approach the WA Disability Scr-ice$ Commission for ,heir rccommendatiol1. 8 Weedi£pgrt - /I.·lrs Verslet>g presentcd her report tu Ms Stanborough "ho has scheduled a meetmg with Pest· R.Jim to co-()rdill3te treatment. AlIocmed grlInl monies to bc acquincd by end Morch 2010, 9. A~tronom' in B\JngcndQr~ />;Irk - Ms Stanborough r~poned that !kitecb holds a number of obst"rvation c,·cl1il1gs throughout Ihe }ear. Ms SlHnhorough 10 i,wcstigatc Ihe possibility of including a Bungendore Par~ e'·ent on their calendar. 10. Urban Dus!llandSQuncjl AGM _ mcmbership rencwlli S35 and seek ing nominations for E.xecutil 12. SW$n AkQa Landcare Program ZOO? project acquinul forn' due 3 1~ March 2010. Outstanding il(mS fur this gram: weN! control, feml bee control and waysidc interpretive signs. Mr Sarti ad,iset! Oi Blackburn-~liIt;cr had 'erbali} agreed to an eXl~nsion untilthc cnd of Junc 20 10 IXTS6j. Mr Sarti to obtain email confinnation. 13.BEAC I'lenary session _ 18-2,2010 Speakers: Dr Mike Craig. Sur Research Fellu". Murdoch Un i\ersit} ·-r.'r:lmiqll<'s "Jcd II) ""SIIre morc ",limal,. reI",." 10 r.'siored ,.,..",s·· and M!i Sandra £lyme, Arntada le City·s Streamcare Promoter. ·'S",-u.u u/SIrt'aml·llrC In rciulllililOllI.g "'U1en,",,)"s ill rb" Cit)'··. No relX'rt al"ailable. 14.2010 Reve¥eJation progralmll( Sunday 25'" July 2010 fur Community Planting Day, Mr Sarti has registered on Plane! Ark·s IIcbsi!;.' Silc lD ~4626. Mr Wi t hn~lI ~d,·iSl.' 17. Volunlarl" ItOUB _ members logged their hours since \a ~t meeting. 18. Volumeer "ork Buthori~ti(ln the following motion ,,·as put for the ensuing year: 1JIIII$lClldo/"f: Park "'"",,g~"'~"1 C(>I'"",lIn (JUI/uyi!f.1 ",,,,,,btrs alUl ,'ol,llliurs /0 perrorm mailllcJlt"'Ct.' ... orks Ilmlllll"'lIg~"'r'" ",,;'·"/I'es[OI" Ibe emlll/'It)""I" Ill', a/lll "hel!. r/!illlir"d. Moved: Slanborough lGriftiths Carried 27/0112010. ,,"elil ity sincc la st meeting ill eJlldcs: !>.lr Sarti - patrolling, Mrs Ball p.1Irolling. AWAITING COMPLETION AND/OR REPLY l. Fence Repairs _ Fencing in thc southern oollndal)· ncar T",ck 12 and n~ar Gate 6 was n:paired b} Williant> RurJl Fencing. Mrs Ball ,0 consult Gavin Fancote abo'" bu'}in!: roc:ks 10 prcwnl vchick damage to the rcpaired fencc. 2. picback [rentmcm jnformation - !>.Ir Sarti has met" ith I'aula J laro rc dranin!; H f1~er "hiell Ms Stnnoorough is prep~n:d to deli,·cr neighbours of Bungend ore Park. Thc outline has been agreed nmlte.xt is being prepared. Information Bulletin T10 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate February 2010 meellng -, - Meeting No 309 3. Replacen-lCnl of Galc ·M· This gale is down ogain. Afler discussion wilh Mr FanCOle of Ihe Bl'"dfordale Volunteer Bushfire Brigade. Commill«" d«idcd Ihi$ gale is nOI needed for fire access as a safe altcrnalive is D,·ailablc. Mrs Ball oblain~1 a 'luotc of 5764.50 frolll Williams Rural Fencinll 10 reinstate the fence: wilh a small pcdc~trian gate for walker access. It was propose 4. Dleback IIlternreTl\C SICIlS Mr Wilhnell still 10 insUlli onc further sign 10"lIrds the Alban) Il igh"ay eulrnncc in consulTaTion wiTh Mr Tllffncll. GRANTS IN PROGRESS I Alcoa Bra"o! Gran1200S S30S.35 [X"l"63J 2. Alcoa Bm,,)! Grnn12008 S289.14 IX T63) J. Swan Alcoa Landcare Program 2008 (08506) S6.21O IXT59j 4. Swan Alcoa Landcare I'rogram 2009 (07S09) SS,OIO IXT56! S. Regionall'arks Communil) Grnn120011 pan-funded S3,500 IXT571 6. DEC Envimnm~nml CommUnil) Gmnt 2009' 10 S6.49O [XTSSI 7. m:c Regionall'arls Community grant 2009110 pan-funded S2,000 IXT541 8. Swan Alcoa Lal1dcar~ PrOgrllm 2010 (08SI0) $4,260 confirmed CORRESPONDENCE OUT I. Cil} of Annadale rl' I. Minister for Environment: Youth - Environment Community Gr~nls 2010 application information. 2. SAL!' 2010 Funding CercnlOn) in' itaJion, 26m Feb",ary 2. Williams Ruml F ~ncing -ta~ in\Oic~ l receipt 0116 3. Williams RUnll rencing - quotation 0126 -I. Dr Ian Abbott - che>;uc payment Birds ()f8""J!,~"Jorf P"rk S. Greening AU5trniia - nWlllbcrship rene"l1l reminder 6. Austmlia 1'05t - post office box renewal nOlice 7. Urban Bushland Council notice of EWAN AGM 8. DEC - BlIJ/rJ"nd N~.. ,·s in,itmion to contribute 9. Tony Kirkby im'oices for Blac~ CO(~atoo and t:1unal survey wor~ 10.l'esTs-R-Jim _ i"voiee INFORMATION RECEIVED FINANCE iI " BUSH CARE & ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT Mrs Versteeg hllS auced 10 become the Commillcc's new BEAC representati,·c until a replacement is found. Mrs Versleeg did not attend the February fIlttlin&. GENERAL BUSINESS I. Swan Alcoa Landcarc f'rogmm 2010 funding ccrcl11on} IV be held 26m February from 8:00 to IO:30~m al Burswood on Swan, Bllrswood. Mr Sarti and Mrs Batt will aucnd to TKei'e the cheque. 2. Updating UungcndQIt Park map_- Mr Sani "'portcd hc "ill be meeting lomotro\\ "ilh Rennard Munger from Cily·S Planning depanmenl 10 updme the \\orkinS map to include fomlCr T~6 . new T~ WS. dicbac~ signage ctc. Information Bulletin T11 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate February 2010 mee1 lng ... Meeting No 309 J. Gr«ning Australia mernbf!}hip rellella!. " Aumalia I'ost - POSt office bos renewal. Mrs Morcombe 10 arrange S79.50 pa>1nem, 5. Black Cockmoo and F3U!ml SUrl"eH 111 Bun~{'ndorc Park invoices I"(~eill'-d frolll Ton} Kirkby for Fauna Surveys S200 (XT~I. I:Ilaek Cockatoo surveys 5200 (Xnl and Faunal Surveys $200 [XT55J. Mr Sarti sugge,tcd the accoums be approved, but cheque payment held umil he recci\"e ~ a COP) oflhe sune) report. 6. ~g!!'!:irt>nmcntal Community Grants 2010 II - applications are open for grants; Commiltce is eligible for Biodi, .. rs;t)' Couservation and Region~1 Parks categories. Applicatitms close Silo April. Mrs Hall "ill coordinate with Ms St3nborough's assistance 7, 2010120 I I Budget Comminee discussed the 2010111 budS(j requirements based on reliew of the 2009 10 budget. A I " draft \Ill!; prcp~rcd Bnd Mr Griffiths will add some funher items for eonsiderntion at the ne'xt mcc!ing .. It. Ri,hon IJeigbls Aushfire Bc,oonS( Arlion GrOl'!! Ms S!anborough ad'is<:d she was no" the Richon Heigh!s BRAG street coordinalor. ~ncompas~ing the Ilungendore Park westen' /)(lunda') 9. ~ Mr Sani lenderi'd his apology for the March meeting. 2010 [\'cnls Cour. SUMMARY OF OUTSTANDING ACTION POINTS [ I Me('!ing declared closed a1 10201''''' DATE OF NEXT MEETING (4'" Wednesda») Committee Meeting RO(>m 7:30 pm. 24'" March 2010 Mrs Kerr) Ball (Sccreta')') Signet!: _ DHlr: ChairmanfAc!ing Ch~im'an Bllngendore I'ark Managcmen1 Con"n;l11X> Information Bulletin T12 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate 2009/2010 VANDALISM STATISTICS FOR THE MONTH OF January 2010 DATE DESCRIPTION LOCATION , , , . ~ ~ ~ -s:; ~,Ii " " ,ti Theft 151OJ12010 Information Bulletin T13 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate January Vandalism I Graffiti Report 2010 (Month $12,434, Year to date $44,975) $2,500 $2,100 $2,000 1.500 $1,500 f- ----II 1,400 $1,00 0 5582 $600 $500 .. " SM. 30~325 $250 $250 $220 $24l2M 12M $14'150 9 $1211 '0n~ $ rr$~O 'rrw 'n° o '" Yearly Vandalism Record July 2009 to January 2010 2 1510312010 Information Bulletin T14 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate Vandalism Yearly Report (1l1' lO' ~Armadale July 2009 to June 2010 (Year to date $44,975) $14,000 $12,434 $12,000 $10,000 $9,070 $8,000 $ ~O1 $6,000 $4,420 $4,390 $4,000 $3,490 $3,670 $2,000 - $- ,~.' 3 1510312010 Information Bulletin T15 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate RELEASE OF LOCAL WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN- SOUTHERN RIVER CATCHMENT The Swan River Trust has recently released the Swan Canning Water Quality Improvement Plan (SQWIP). The focus of this plan is to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus input from contributing catchments into the Swan Canning river system. Consequently, the Trust has developed and invested in local Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIPs) for catchments that feed into the Swan Canning River Park. These provide local councils and communities with a mechanism to improve water quality in catchments contributing the greatest amount of nutrients. The Southern River catchment has been identified as one of eight priority catchments that supply nutrients into the Swan Canning river system. Consequently, the City of Armadale has contributed towards the development of the local WQIP, the Local Water Quality Improvement Plan – Southern River Catchment (attached). This document incorporates an implementation program for improvements in water quality, divided into several areas including ‘prevention’, ‘minimisation’, ‘reduction’, ‘amelioration’ and ‘treatment’. Lead organisations and supporting partners are named in the document for the implementation of improvement activities. The City of Armadale is named in the document in some cases as a lead organisation and in others a supporting organisation. The Southern River LQWIP will be implemented in the constraints of existing budgets and resources and will result in improvements in the quality of local waterways and in turn the Swan Canning system. If anyone would like any further information, then please call Neil Burbridge (Environmental Coordinator) on 9399 0417 Information Bulletin T16 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate SWAN RIVER CI1"I ~ GOSN£ltS ~ t:1 -TRUS! ell> OF Armadale _..--... "...... I~ B""~l:jroVlr.d 5olAtf..err. Rt'ver CA:tcf...... !.r.t W ~.:t t! r QIAAtit't /_frove_eht P Ot.r. The Swan River Trust (Trust) works to reduce nutrients and other contaminants entering the Swan The Southern River Catchment incorporates and Canning rivers. Southern River and its tributaries, Wungong River, Neerigen Brook and Forrestdale Main Drain. The Trust has developed and is investing In local Wungong River is dammed within its hill catchment Water Quality Improvement Plans jWQIPs). and managed as a drain by the Water Corporation These will provide local councils and communities in the low lying area. The catchment covers an area with a mechanism to prioritise recommendations of 149km', has a variety of soil types and includes a and resources, and seek funding to improve waler number of drains and natural waterways nowing into quality in catchments contributing the greatest the Canning River. amount of nutrients. These plans should be reviewed annually and assessed after five years. Under the The Southern River Catchment is characterised by Healthy Rivers Action Plan (HRAP), the Southern low lying areas and high groundwater. It contributes River Catchment is Identified as one of eight priority more water to the Canning River than any other catchments in the Swan Canning Catchment. monitored catchment. Many wetlands In the catchment have been filled and large areas of seml WQIPs trace nutrient and pollutant pathways through rural land approved for urban development. catchments from their source to the discharge point. Clearing native vegetation has already caused severe weed infestations, erosion and degradation of the Southern River and its natural waterways by siltation Ovdco .... es and now restrictions. Future development must The Water Quality Improvement Plan will: balance ecological impacts with urban e:xpansion. identify ecological condition and water quality; The cities of Armadale and Gosnells have worked identify environmental values of water bodies with catchment management groups since 1998 to develop the Upper Canning Southern Wungong and waler quality objectives required to protect Catchment Management Team (now the Armadale the values; and Gosnells landcare Group (AGLG». These eWes also • identify and commit to a set of cost-effective work in partnership with the South East Regional management measures to achieve and Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL) and AGLG. maintain those values and objectives Steps to develop a local WQIP Information Bulletin T17 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate /. £ x ist inJ ACt iv it ie <; Wt..i!.i .... re we da/nJ to iV>'lprove WAiRY qfl1dit'f? Local WQIPs link to existing projects and programs Sustainable landscaping strategies in the larget area. They draw together activities contributing to improved water quality and target The City of Gosnells is minimising fertlliser and water future investment for optimal water quality outcomes. use in public open spaces through tissue analysis before fertilising, soil amendments, plant selection Projects are based on partnerships with local government, community and shared stakeholders. and computerised ilTigation programming. The City of Armadale uses tissue analysis before fertilising and only Examples of key programs in the Southern River ferUlises active recreation reselVes. Catchment: Both cities encourage Waterwise and Fertiliser Wise landscape designs and construction. Community awareness and educatIOn Partners: Cities of Armadale and Gosnells, The Phosphorus Awareness Project, funded by SERCUL, AGLG, the Trust, Perth Region NRM and the Trust and delivered through SERCUL, delivers developers education to light industry, local government, school Outcomes: Medium improvement in water quality groups and the community. It provides Information on and low improvement in biodiversity reducing the amount of nutrients reaching waterways and raises awareness of the impacts of elevated Rehabilitation programs nutrients in the river system. The City of Annadale delivers a community These collaborative projects between local behaviour change program in Harrisdale and Piara governments. regional NRM groups, community Waters encouraging residents to use Fertilise groups, lead agencies and the Trust involve the Wise products retaining nutrients in the soH while removal of weed species and rehabilitation with enhancing plant growth. indigenous vegetation. Partners; Cities of Armadale and Gosnells. Partners: Cities of Armadale and Gosnells. Western Australian Planning Commission, AGLG, SERCUL, SERCUL. AGLG and the Trust Outcomes; Medium improvement in water quality Perth Region NRM, industry, Main Roads and the Trust Outcomes: Low improvement in water quality and high improvement In biodiversity Ltght Industry Survey and Auditing Program This program engages small to medium enterprises Wungong Urban Water prOJect in environmental management by providing support and education with a focus on protecting The Wungong Urban Water (WUW) project is a stormwater quality. significant project of the Armadale Redevelopment Authorily demonstrating total water cycle Partners: Perth Region NRM, SERCUL, the Trust, management and water sensitive urban design City of Armadale and Department of Water (WSUO) to manage water quality and quantity. Outcomes: Low improvement in water quality for nutrients, medium for non-nutrients The project trials large-scale water treatment in an urban development area as a national demonstration project through the Water Smart Australia Program. SERCUL Light Industry Project Partners: Armadale Redevelopment Authority, City 'Winning with the Laggards· is a research project of Armadale, the Trust, Department of Planning, assessing the behavioural response and cost Department of Water, CSIRO and Department of the effectiveness of direct collaborative engagement with Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts the poorest environmentally-performing micro-sized Outcomes: Medium improvement in water quality light industrial businesses. Partners: City of Canning, SERCUL, Department of Water, Waste Management Authority and Murdoch University Outcomes: Medium improvement in waler quality Information Bulletin T18 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate High levels of nitrogen. phosphorus and non-nutrient contaminants Water quality is monitored fortnightl y by the shallow groundwater were consistently higher in Department of Water o n behalf of the Tru st and concentration than deeper groundwater samples. reported through catchment nutrient reports at For surface water, concentrations ra nged from www.swannvertrust.wa.gov.a u. These reports Water quality issues Pollutant indicators Contaminants Contaminants Nutrients • High nitrogen levels • High nutrient and non-nutrient • Tota) phosphorus • High phosphorus levels pollutant concentrafions • Total nitrogen • HIgh non·nutrient contaminant • Acidity • Mobilisation of nutrients In levels High colour, suspended solidS groundwater through In fi ltration Into Potential remobllisation 01 (sediment) and turbidity the dminage system pollutants from sediments • Accumulation of nutrients in Possible acid-sulphate sediments sediment Bio tic Biotic Non-nutrients • Nuisaflce growlh of aquatic plants • Frequency and extent of elgal - Aluminium, Iron end chloride • Algat btooms In wetlands btooms - Accumulation of non-nutrients In • Odour from decaying algae and • Absence of desirable aquatic plants sediment hydrogen-sulphide gas and animals, loss of biodiversity • Microbial hazards • Microbial contamInation • Odour from decaying algae • PolluUon events • Omnge, muddy water (may be due • Turbidity to the pmsance of Iron bacteria or Chlorophyll-a pollution events) • Sick or dying birds Maintaining seasonal flow variability The amount of water entering the Cannin g River from S616092 from 1997-2006 indicated annual now the ca tchment is important to maintain environmental ranged from 5 .8 to 23 gigantres per year. With climate values in the river. Data collected at gauging station change this variability is likely to continue. Information Bulletin T19 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate 3. VdVles. objeciives t:..hd it:..YJeis Wt..,,:t WAter qvudity i»>provewoo.,{s wo",,{d we (,'Ke it> i!..ct,/eve fn the 50"",tt,,,,yl'I 'RJve,- Cl!..tC/..""'l!ht? Targets River flow (RF) Mimic natural inundation No suitable target available for flow as Flows In Southern River protect and drying pa1terns which this is a regulated catchment environmental values In the system protect wetlands and Environmental Water Requirements study floodplains is necessary to quantify target • Minimise the effect of dams and e~traction on water quality by mimicking natural frequency, duration and seasonal now Aquatic ecosystem health (AH) - Protect aquatic ecosystem Nutrients The Southern River Catchment health, recreation and The elm Is to reduce average TN and TP is a comblnalion of modified and aesthetics, and cultural loads by 30% by 2015 as a short-term natural systems. There are 28 lakes and spiritual values asplrati onal target • Improve water quality by a recognised under the Environrnfm/a/ Predictive modellin"g from the 30% feduc~on In TN and Protection Policy (Swan Coas/al Plain Swan Canning regional WQIP has TP annual loads by 2015 Lakes) 1992 in the catchment which demonstratad that long-term reduction in require ecological management. ennualload of 50% for TP and 47% for Natural syslems must be protected TN from the Southern River Catchment Is from the impact of urban development needed to ensure ecosystem health Is part of drainage planning in new Non-nutrients developments. SERCUL and AGLG The larget for non-nutrienl contaminants work with the cities of Armadale and is to meetANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000 Gosnells to rehabilitate and restore guidelines for environmentel haalth at 1.1\1 nalural ecosystems monitored sites Recreation and aestheilcs (RAJ The Southern River and other Load redu .. ~on target for total phosphorus waterways have key recreational and aesthetic value, in their natural state and as part of future urban development. They have been identified as critical in providing visual and aesthetic amenity and are integral to many recreational activities Cultural and spiritual (CS) (1991·2006) The Southern and Wungong rivers are - Aboriginal sites of significance. The strong spiritual connections to these waterways mean they need to be protected for their cultural significance r Load redu .. tlon target for total nitrogen 08tJ8fJd on awrngll annual flow dam • from 1997-2006 and (19111"2006) IIpplies to IInnual n·wr discharge - loads similar to GB"IIlng $181lon 616092 1997·2006 Information Bulletin T20 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate Information Bulletin T21 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate How dowe Th6 sludy 0(1 Surface Watar Trust, SERCUL WC, DoP, CoA, Startlllg measure our and Groundwater Quality in success? CoG, CSIRQ, 2oo9·10 the Southern River-Catchment Perth Region (CSIRO 2008) and the Trust's NRM. DoW, DEC, annual catchment nutrient AGLG, developers, reports provide a baseline for ARA water quality condition. Design and conduct a water quality monitoring plan for the 2009·10 periOd Annual stakehoider meetJng to assess progress on current and new programs, identify funding opportunities and determl1l8 objectives end actions for the next 12 mOllths Southern River Catehment r Water Quality Improvement Plan LEGEIOO ...... __ _n __ ..... "...- ., ...... - _-,,-...... a _ --o---- c-_----..... _{UlAJ SDu\harn River Watershed. 0_ ---00_"' -__ - \ Information Bulletin T22 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate In June 2006 the Swan Canning river system was nutrient levels in the river system using scientific identified as a hotspot for water quality issues as part models and decision support tools prepared under of the Australian Government's Coastal Catchments this new initialive. Initiative (Cel). The Trust was responsible for Integrating science and management actions. an preparing the regional WQIP lor the Swan Canning accredited WQIP will underpin a tong-term investment river system. strategy to improve water quality in known hotspots The regional WQIP provides a road map for reducing sucn as Ine Swan Canning river system. School childffJn working on Iha Calchmant AGtivity Day Ofg8f11s8d by Southem River Phosp/lolus Afition Group Armada/a GO$naiis L8ndcare Group fi81fihmrmt mod81 ;J(1d SW This WQIP has been developed in consultation with tne fo llowing stakeholders SWAN RIV ER 1:~i cm ... = I- TR UST ~a\e == - -~• ...... ~"ifc .. _..-U L ~f&. __ I'bl~~ ~W.~T~g @ C.,RO • '"" For further information contact City of Armadale Ph 9399 0111 www.armadale.wa.gov.au City of Gosnells Ph 9391 3222 www.gosnells.wa.gov.au Swan River Trus! Pn 9278 0900 www.swanrivertrus!.wa.gov.au = -- Information Bulletin T23 Information Items from the Technical Services Directorate -- VIEW MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTER NOW-- The 3rd Victorian Sustainable Development Conference Is to be held on May 25_26, 2010 al ZInc, Federation Square, Melbourne The Conference will be solutlon.oriented, bring'ng together key decisIOn-makers from the private and pubhc sedors, industry leaders, local gOV(lHlmenl, scientists, conservationists and othan; to discuss ways in which to achieve real and lasting change In areas such 85; Water Land remediation Wasle and resource recovery Air quality Energy efficiency Human health Climate change response Sustainable workplaces Planning and urban design Speakers include: Dr Kale Auty, Commisslo!ler lor Emllronmental SU$tainabil't~ Anita Roper, Chlllf EXe<:U~1I6 Off""", Susta"'3bil~y Victor", (Inllit6d) Richard Batt, S&crelary, Department 01 Primary Industries Kevin lOlle, Deputy Secretary, Deparlment of SU5talnabilo\y and Env'ronment Clare McArdl&, executive Director, Melbourne@:';MiliionlnlegralOOUmt. Department of Planning and COmmunUy Deve~enl Fiona Caillert, D,recto(, Sustainabl& and Actille Transport Policy, Department of Transport Rob Freeman, Chiel Execvuve, Murray-Darling BaSin Authority Profenor Chris Davis, Commiuloner, NaUonalWaler commission Professor John Thwalles, Chairman, Monash Su5lainabiu\y Institute Stuart McConnell, Director, Future Focus, EPA Victooie Brendan Sydes, Principal SoilQlor, Environmental DelenQera' Office Peter Williams, Chief Execubve Officer, Delcilte Dillilaj John Hunt, Technrcal Manager, Thiess ServK:es Carl McCamlsn, ExecutNe General Manager, Policy & SustaJnabll~y, Orfgin Energy The Con f~:el1<:l'; woll olsa feature besl practice case studiils in the a~ areas as well as ad($reuing chal lenges of susta,nablli\y, and provide 3(lvoce on haw state and Iocalgovemment and business can truly achiave $OCIal environmental and economic sustainabillty , The Plica lor registerong 10 attend the two-day Conlerenoe '5 just $695. To view the Agenda 0( 10 register, go to www,ha liedot.comjlutvsd20100rcontactDenlseMcOUtlenon(03)85345021 or denise [email protected] Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsor Supporting_. Sponsor Su'\.i,~'I~lity o "l> ~MrnefromLl1"'m,~o'""lI"'t Information Bulletin Issue No. 05/2010 Inside this Issue  Correspondence & WA Local Government Association (WALGA) News  Issue No.09.10 – 8 March 2010 ...... COR-1 Papers Issue No.10.10 – 15 March 2010 ...... COR-3 Pink Divider Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) News 5 March 2010...... COR-5 12 March 2010 ...... COR-20 Media Releases Media Statement: Paul Papalia - Castrilli’s $6million Amalgamation Shambles ...... COR-31 Employee Movements...... HR-1  Information from Human Resources Blue Divider Information to Standing Committees  Technical Services Outstanding Matters & Information Items Green Divider Report on Outstanding Matters – Technical Services Committee ...... T-1 Monthly / Quarterly Departmental Reports Technical Services Works Programme ...... T-2 Minutes of Occasional/Advisory Committees Bungendore Park Management Committee Meeting Feb 2010 ...... T-8 Miscellaneous Vandalism Statistics January 2010...... T-12 Local Water Quality Improvement Plan ...... T-15 3rd Victorian Sustainable Development Conference ...... T-23  Community Outstanding Matters & Information Items Services Report on Outstanding Matters – Community Services Committee ...... C-1 Beige Divider Monthly / Quarterly Departmental Reports Library & Heritage Services General Monthly Report – Jan & Feb 2010 ...... C-2 Manager Ranger & Emergency Services Monthly Report – February 2010...... C-14 Minutes of Occasional/Advisory Committees South East Regional Recreation Advisory Group – 18 February 2010...... “CA-3”-C-21/32 Issue 5 – 17 March 2010 Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-1 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MATTERS OUTSTANDING REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE REPORT ON OUTSTANDING MATTERS – FEBRUARY 2010 DEPT. ACTION/STATUS Roleystone Primary School Site (CS89/8/09) Community Development That Council defer further action on this matter until the outcome of a community stakeholders’ meeting. Provision of Enclosed Dog Recreational Area Ranger & Emergency That Council request a report on an (C32/11/09) Services/Parks enclosed dog recreational area within the City, taking into account resource and legal implications of such an area. Future Use of Cross Park – Consultative Community Development That Council receives a further report on Process (C2/2/10) this issue which includes a strategy for ensuring effective and sustainable use of active reserves in the Roleystone area for local sporting clubs. Piara Waters Oval and Pavilion – Draft Community Development That officers carry out further Concept Plans (C3/2/10) negotiations with the developer and the Department of Sport and Recreation regarding the funding arrangements for the new oval and pavilion at Piara Waters and present a further report and proposed funding strategy to a future Community Services Committee Meeting. Equestrian Centres Needs Assessment Study Community Planning That Council receives a further report via the Community Services Committee meeting upon completion of the Feasibility Study and to consider any comments from the public on the Draft Needs Assessment Study, taking into account the related issues referred to in the report. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-2 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS LIBRARY & HERITAGE SERVICES GENERAL MONTHLY REPORT – JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2010 1. LIBRARY SERVICES 1.1 Statistical Performance Indicators The Library Department’s statistical performance indicators reports for the months of January & February are attached. (Refer to Attachment “CA-1”.) February is the first full month of operation of Armadale as The Library in its new location in the Armadale Central Shopping Centre. The increases in usage this February from February 2009 are: • Issues - 16,253 items an increase of 12%; • Number of reference enquiries 1,055 an increase of 10%; • New borrowers 591 an increase of 234%; • Door count number 16,479 an increase of 110%; • Online enquires (all 3 libraries as this can’t be separated) 6,781 an increase of 86%. As many of the new members are enrolling primarily to make use of the internet access, this 86% increase is probably attributable to the exposure of the library in the shopping centre and people becoming aware of the services that the library offers. 1.2 “E”xtension Activities (Enrich, Educate, Explore, Escape, Entertain, Evolve) Reports on activities and community information sessions held during the month: 1.2.1 “E” (Entertain, Educate, Explore) Session Report – January 2010 School Holiday Programme Prepared by –Shirley Reilly, and Barbara Boulton, Librarians at Seville Grove and Kelmscott Libraries (Armadale Library Closed for relocation – no programme offered) Topic: Wild Things Presenters: Barbara Boulton and Shirley Reilly Dates: Friday 15th January, and Wednesday 20th January 2010 Venue: Kelmscott and Seville Grove Libraries No. Attending: 87 children; 39 adults SVG : 57 children, 26 adults; KMS : 30 children, 13 adults. Comments: Kelmscott Library (Barbara Boulton): Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-3 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS Yvonne Sitko, owner of the Western Australian Birds of Prey Centre, brought several birds of prey into the library and educated and entertained a full house. The birds ranged from the smallest, a kestrel called Petra, up to the largest, a wedge-tailed Eagle called Micro, with a wingspan of 1.5 metres. Micro is so called because he was found blinded and suffering from pesticide poisoning as a nestling, and now full-grown is about half the size and weight of a normal wedge-tailed eagle. Oscar the barking owl caused a lot of questions while he was still out of sight – he was “barking”, so many of the children thought there was a dog in the box. A little boy in the audience is called “Oscar” so he and Oscar the owl provided some fun for everyone, as did the Brown Falcon, named “GT”. Oscar and Oscar Micro the Wedge-tailed Eagle GT Falcon Yvonne explained how birds of prey fly, kill and eat, what kinds of “accidents” they have, and what to do if someone comes across an injured bird of prey. As the birds are currently moulting, she had lots of feathers as “give-aways”. She also reminded the children that she uses libraries to get books so she can learn more about the birds. There was a display of books about birds of prey, and many were borrowed. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-4 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS Seville Grove Library (Shirley Reilly) Seville Grove Library continued our ‘Wild Things’ theme for the holidays with two sessions presented by David Manning from Animal Ark. Various insects, fossils, green tree frogs, a blue tongued lizard and several pythons were shown and spoken about to the children. Then they had the opportunity to touch and hold the creatures. Some children overcame their fear of holding a snake and ‘gave it a go’. Even some of the parents and library staff were game to have a snake draped around their neck! It was a fantastic learning experience for the children to see and touch these animals. Books about all of the exhibited creatures were made available for loan. These activities fitted in well with our Summer Reading Club and the theme ‘Read On the Wild Side’ which, along with the Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge encouraged children to read or be read to during the summer holidays and visit their local library and receive incentive rewards. 1.2.2 “E” (Enrich, Educate, Explore, Escape, Entertain, Evolve) Session Day of Celebration at The Library Following the first day of opening on Wednesday 27th January and the official opening of the Armadale Library in its new premises in the Armadale Central Shopping Centre on the 31st of January, a “Day of Celebration” was held with the public on Tuesday 16th of February. This day embraced all of the aspects of the Library Services “E” words as there was something for everyone on the day. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-5 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS A radio interview with 6PR on the previous Saturday evening with Steve Gordon and the Manager Libraries & Heritage gave the opportunity for wide promotion of the new library and the celebratory event, while library staff encouraged people to visit the library on the day by distributing balloons in and around the shopping centre. The day began with classical music in the Reading Lounge, and its popularity will result in regular “Classical Music in the Library” sessions. The special story telling event was extremely popular with puppies from Tailwaggers, the adjacent pet store, being a great drawcard. Some 40 children attended the story time. A Historical Narrative with Jennie and Bevan Carter, writers of the City’s new history book and a performance by Time Trackers with historical songs catered to the history buffs. A book launch of local young adult author Doris Stutley’s new book “Operation Tang Two-Two” and then live music in the Youth Zone completed the day’s activities. The day was enhanced with all day free coffee, tea, biscuits and chocolates as well as appropriate snacks for story time and the youth activities. Public feedback to the day was overwhelmingly positive and it will be the catalyst to continuing using the “spaces” in The Library for ongoing events. 1.3 Mary Durack Award for Young Writers After 30 years of the Mary Durack Award being run by the libraries of the Cities of Swan and Armadale and the Shires of Mundaring and Kalamunda, the Shire of Mundaring made the decision to withdraw from the award, citing the reducing number of entries and increased staffing commitment as the main reasons. Following discussion with the remaining two local governments involved, the decision was made to retire the Mary Durack Award. The City’s Library Department is keen to see a young writer’s award continue, though with a reduced number of categories so targeting a more limited number of students at an age where they have both the capacity as well as the time to devote to writing for competition. Doris Stutley, local author of crime novels for young people has an involvement with the Library Service through launch of her books. She was approached and expressed a positive response to being involved with a new writing competition that will see the winning entries published in marketable book format. Working with a local author will offer the opportunity to change the focus of the award somewhat and the Library Department is most appreciative of Doris Stutley’s commitment to be involved in this new venture, as well as the knowledge that she brings regarding writing and publishing. The logistics of the new Award are still being determined and it is anticipated it will take place in 2011. Sponsorship is being sought to enable writing workshops to be Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-6 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS held at all local schools. Council’s contribution will continue to be the operational costs including prize money and award ceremony. A small increase in the budgeted amount for the previous Mary Durack Award will requested via the budgetary process. 2. HERITAGE SERVICES 2.1 Statistical Performance Indicators The Heritage Department’s statistical performance indicators reports for the months of January & February are attached. (Refer to Attachment “CA-2”.) 2.2 Birtwistle Local Studies Library (Report prepared by Lorraine Pearce, Historian/Local Studies Librarian) January: Meetings with Birtwistle Local Studies Library Volunteers The Historian/Local Studies Librarian met with Birtwistle Local Studies Library Oral History and Family History volunteers to plan programmes for the year. The running of the oral history programme necessitates the organisation of prospective interviewees and the interviewer most suited to conduct the interview. Volunteers involved in transcribing the interviews are able to express any opinions and issues they may have in typing the recorded words. The family history programme to a large extent involves the instruction of how to research, record and present family history and includes a number of talks and workshops. Meeting with family history volunteers enables the group to ascertain which subjects should be covered and items purchased to enhance the services offered. The meetings also present the opportunity for the Historian/Local Studies Librarian to enforce the value of the volunteers and their work and for the discussion and resolution of any issues. Volunteer Surprise Birthday Party A surprise birthday party was held at the Birtwistle Local Studies Library to celebrate volunteer Vern Pascoe’s eightieth birthday. Volunteers gathered to wish Vern a happy birthday and enjoy lunch together. City of Armadale Mayor and the Manager for Libraries and Heritage also joined in the celebration; the Mayor saying a few words in acknowledgement of Vern’s contribution to the Birtwistle Local Studies Library. Vern has been a hard working and reliable member of the library’s group of fifteen volunteers being involved in: Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-7 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS • Sorting and archiving documents. • Sorting, listing and archiving photographs. • Digitising oral history recordings – saving the library thousands of dollars if the collection was outsourced. Vern’s contribution as a volunteer has meant that a number of items in the collection have been preserved and made more accessible to a standard which is more in line with today’s standards and expectations. Volunteer New Library Orientation and Training Prior to the commencement of Birtwistle Local Studies Library Volunteers working at the new library a training and orientation day was held. The day consisted of two sessions, the first being a training session for Family History Research Volunteers. Owing to family history being a direct service to the public it necessitated volunteers working in this area becoming familiar with working in the public library situation. The importance of understanding what items are available in the collection and their location in the new Birtwistle Local Studies Library was stressed as well as the continuing importance of a high level of professionalism. Volunteers were reminded of previous issues such as services and their associated prices as well as new issues such as ensuring that library materials are kept within the local studies area. The second session was held for volunteers who do not directly work with the public. All volunteers were introduced to the Armadale Library Staff and given a tour of the new library and its facilities. February: Focusing on Family Fotos Workshop Julie Martin presented a talk to a group of twenty family history researchers. Julie, a retired photograph specialist who was previously employed to manage the photograph collection at Battye Library, using a PowerPoint presentation shared the following information: · what photos as objects can tell you about your family history · how to research the information in the images · how to house your precious images and memories to minimize deterioration The presentation also included a discussion on sorting, selecting, housing and looking for clues in family photos and concluded with a question time and display of photographic formats and housing options. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-8 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS Tales of Armadale – A Historical Narrative – talk by Bevan Carter As part of the Armadale Library opening celebration Bevan Carter gave a talk relating to the early history of the district. Using information obtained through extensively researching material for the District History rewrite, Bevan presented a comprehensive and descriptive outline on early settlement and landowners. Bevan used a PowerPoint presentation to display maps and newspaper articles which visually enhanced the narrative. The audience displayed great interest in the history of the district contributing to the talk by asking questions and joining in a lively discussion. TimeTrackers and History in Song Following the above presentation TimeTrackers Mike Murray and Lesley Silvester presented History in Song in the reading room at the Armadale Library. Mike and Lesley are no newcomers to the City of Armadale where they have performed on two previous occasions. The audience were encouraged to sing along as they performed songs written about true people and events relating to Western Australian maritime history. 2.3 History House Museum (Report prepared by Christen Bell, Museum Curator) January: Egypt School Holiday Program This highly successful program attracted 14 children and 4 Mums. The children had a choice of making a funeral boat, a pectoral necklace or a mummified cat. The children all managed to complete at least one item during the session which included making and painting the item. School Holiday Child Care Bookings Two Child Care Centres visited the Museum – one from Tuart Hill and the other from Woodvale – in January. There were a total of 50 children and 6 adults. The children were given an orientation tour then broke into small groups to complete five activities which included: identifying Nyoongar words, listing items brought to the district by settlers, farming implement drawing and identification, finding out “what was in the drawers” and figuring out what the mystery objects were. History House Museum Renovations Renovations to the museum continued during January with new lighting installed in the new display area and store room. This also included important rewiring of parts of the museum to bring it up to a legal standard. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-9 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS February: Metal Conservation Workshop On the 24th of February metals conservator Vanessa Wiggins held a very successful metal conservation workshop at the museum. Staff and volunteers learnt about the main environmental threats to metal and how to protect metal items from deterioration. The workshop comprised both a theory and practical session. This workshop was the final step in preparing staff and volunteers for the implementation of a program where all metal objects in the museums collection will be assessed and treated if necessary. This will allow the museum to meet national standards in caring for Australia’s moveable heritage. Education Programs The Education Programs for 2010 were finalised for both the schools and holiday programs. We are working with the City of Armadale libraries in the presentation of common themes for the holiday programs. A copy of the timetable for these programs is available on request. Another project started in February was to build up a bank of museum activities for school visits which can be used to suit the needs of each school visiting the museum. Research has started on developing a series of activities to compliment our new exhibition: “Popping down to the Shops”. Recent Donations This month history House Museum received an important donation of material from the Armadale Branch of the Country Women’s Association which operated locally for over 60 years. The Armadale Branch closed down late last year. This collection of material is a valuable record of an important community organisation that existed for local women. It is also a record of how the community in Armadale has changed. 3. VISITOR SERVICING 3.1 Statistical Performance Indicators: January 2010 1079 people came to the Centre for the month of January 2010 compared to 1127 for the same period in 2009. This is a decrease of 4% from last year. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-10 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS January Stats 500 400 VISITORS 300 Ticketmaster 200 Museum 100 0 Vol Hours Week One Week Two Week Week Four Inter/Intra Visitors Three TOTAL TOTAL Visitors Ticketmaster Visitors Inter Overseas O/sea & Volunteer Museum Less State Visitors Interstate Hours Ticketmaster Visitors VISITORS 1079 148 931 66 130 196 123 44 VISITOR CENTRE OPENED FOR 203 HOURS AVERAGE VISITORS PER WEEK: 270 VOLUNTEER HOURS PER WEEK: 31 VISITOR CENTRE - DOLLAR VALUE TO THE COMMUNITY: Average Visitor Spend – Day Visitor: $ 1,663 per day = $ 11,638 per week = $ 46,550 per month Based on $50 per person who came into the Visitor Centre staying one day in our area, This is a conservative figure as current guidelines are based on $80 per person each day. Figure calculated as - Visitors less Ticketmaster. Average Spend – Including Accommodation: $1,050 per night = $ 7,350 per week = $ 29,400 per month Figure is calculated by Using Inter and Overseas figures only for the month, based on $150 per person. TOTAL TOURISM DOLLAR VALUE – JANUARY 2010: $ 75,950 February 2010: 1587 people came to the Centre for the month of February 2010 compared to 1519 for the same period in 2009. Increase of 68 persons for the month. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-11 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS February Stats 500 400 VISITORS 300 Ticketmaster 200 Museum 100 0 Vol Hours Week One Week Two Week Week Four Inter/Intra Visitors Three TOTAL TOTAL Visitors Ticketmaster Visitors Inter Overseas O/sea & Volunteer Museum Less State Visitors Interstate Hours Ticketmaster Visitors VISITORS 1587 305 1282 42 101 143 152 149 VISITOR CENTRE OPENED FOR 188 HOURS AVERAGE VISITORS PER WEEK: 322 VOLUNTEER HOURS PER WEEK: 38 VISITOR CENTRE - DOLLAR VALUE TO THE COMMUNITY: Average Visitor Spend – Day Visitor: $ 2,289 per day = $ 16,025 per week = $ 64,100 per month Based on $50 per person who came into the Visitor Centre staying one day in our area, This is a conservative figure as current guidelines are based on $80 per person each day. Figure calculated as - Visitors less Ticketmaster. Average Spend – Including Accommodation: $766 per night = $ 5,363 per week = $ 21,450 per month Figure is calculated by Using Inter and Overseas figures only for the month, based on $150 per person. TOTAL TOURISM DOLLAR VALUE – FEBRUARY 2010: $ 85,550 3.2 Visitor Centre (Report prepared by Yvonne Bradfield, Visitor Centre Coordinator) Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-12 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS January: The Visitor Centre was traditionally quiet during December and January. Staff and volunteers took the opportunity to take leave and time off during this period. The Book Easy On-line Reservation system that sits on the www.visitarmadale.com.au web site has steadily increased in sales as more people become aware of the free booking service provided. Whilst accommodation enquiries have been quiet, the ‘tours’ section has grown in interest. The Visitor Centre membership drive is proving successful this year and there have been more ‘non-accommodation’ members signing up. Four new Accommodation providers have also become members. There is a renewed interest in partnerships between the VC and Operators as the tourism industry continues to struggle with the downturn in inbound tourism numbers. It has been noted by staff and volunteers that visitors to the centre already have a copy of the Visitor Guide when they come in. It is apparent that visitors are becoming more aware of Armadale as a tourism destination. The Brochure Distribution service (TMP) has been doing an excellent job distributing the Booklet across the State, the greater Perth region and into Visitor Centres throughout WA. February: The Centaman ‘Point of Sale’ system is being installed at the VC, commencing on the 2nd February. This proved to be an excellent time to review the current stock/merchandise range at the Centre, allowing for rotation and adjustments within the floor space of the VC. Membership of the Centre is increasing including four properties at Champion Lakes and several at the Elizabethan Village. On the 12th of February Waterford Executive Conferencing graciously provided their facilities, with the Manse Restaurant supplying lunch, allowing 22 Operators and the Coordinator to conduct a full day workshop, including break-out sessions, on the development of partnerships and tourism bundling opportunities within the Membership of the Visitor Centre. Two other workshops were conducted in February by the Coordinator to assist Accommodation members to upgrade to ‘live’ inventory on the www.visitarmadale.com.au website. The Visitor Centre has become a ‘distributor’ on the www.westernaustralia.com website and is pleased to report that Armadale has 22 accommodation properties selling ‘live inventory’. This is quite an achievement as not one of the above properties was able to sell ‘live inventory’ in the past. Live inventory is accommodation that can be booked by a client from our website immediately upon decision to purchase. A considerable amount of time has been devoted to this task at the Visitor Centre and it is pleasing to report such progress. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-13 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS Booklet Re-Print/New Publication: 2,000 copies of the Armadale Booklet have been re-printed for distribution until the new Booklet is published. All of the 20,000 copies printed have been distributed throughout the State, Overseas, Interstate and within the greater Perth region. Copies have been distributed throughout the City of Armadale Libraries. Expressions of interest are currently open for all Membership businesses to purchase advertising in the new publication. The closing date is 31st March 2010 with the new booklet being printed by the end of May 2010, with a print run of 25,000 copies. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-14 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS MANAGER RANGER & EMERGENCY SERVICES MONTHLY REPORT – FEBRUARY 2010 1. Animal Control 1.1 Dogs Ranger Services received three hundred and forty (340) requests for assistance during the February 2010 report period, which represents a slight increase to the corresponding period last year. Notwithstanding this, the progressive totals identify an overall decrease of about 11% in this area of Ranger Services’ operations. 1.2 Dog Registration Checks Rangers will be conducting an extensive dog registration survey throughout the district during the next 2-3 months. A fundamental part of a door knock is to create an awareness of both the Dog Act and the City of Armadale Local Laws Relating to Dogs, identify potential and actual problems and provide advice that may assist in preventing or treating a problem. The City has 11,280 registered, and an undetermined number of unregistered, dogs. It is generally accepted that dogs registered with a Local Authority form as little as 50% -70% of the total dog population. The reasons why dog owners do not register their dogs include: not being able to afford it, do not want to, cannot see the need to, do not know they had to, they feel that they get nothing for their registration fee, or they have simply not got around to doing it. The extensive door knock referred to above is expected to significantly increase the number of registered dogs in the City. 1.3 Court Action The following information relates to legal action taken by Ranger Services. These matters were heard and determined in the Armadale Magistrate’s Court during this report period. NAME OFFENCE FINDING OF PENALTY COSTS TOTAL COURT $ $ $ Danielle Sharn Dog Act 1976 Guilty 1,200.00 119.20 1,319.20 Turner attack on person Sheree Claire Dog Act 1976 Guilty 800.00 119.20 919.20 Waddington attack on person Clayton Bruce Dog Act 1976 Guilty 900.00 119.20 1,019.20 Bradshaw attack on person Tim Luke Belia Dog Act 1976 Guilty 1,200.00 119.20 1,319.20 attack on person Jeremy William Dog Act 1976 Guilty 1000.00 119.20 1119.20 Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-15 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS NAME OFFENCE FINDING OF PENALTY COSTS TOTAL COURT $ $ $ Van Diemen attack on animal Jodie-Marie Lax Dog Act 1976 Guilty 200.00 179.20 379.20 Unregistered Dog 2. Vehicles 2.1 Parking Ranger Services attended to ninety (90) general enquiries relating to the unlawful parking of vehicles during this report period. 2.2 Commercial Vehicles (Trucks) There has been a marked decrease in the number of reports received in relation to trucks being parked in residential areas for extended periods; Rangers will continue to be vigilant in this area of operations. 2.3 Abandoned Vehicles The number of abandoned vehicles is steadily increasing, and the cost to the City in the collection and disposal of abandoned vehicles (most of which have no commercial value) is far in excess of projected estimates. This is a problem currently being shared by most Metropolitan Local Governments. 2.4 Control of Vehicles (Off Road Areas) Ranger Services attended to eighteen (18) reports of vehicles (motor cycles) being driven in a prohibited area during the report period. 3. Fire Services Rangers continue a high profile in relation to hazardous blocks and offer advice to land owners with regard to fuel reduction and ongoing maintenance of firebreaks. Ranger Services attended to one hundred and nineteen (119) enquiries, during this report period, mainly associated with alternative style firebreaks and advice regarding general fire safety. Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades are experiencing a normal amount of calls to bush/scrub fires, during February, however due to the mild conditions and the excellent response from members they have been able to deal with those incidents in a timely and effective manner, thereby reducing the potential for a major fire situation. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-16 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS 4. Statistics – February 2010 DOGS February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Wandering 36 37 332 296 Up 12% Dogs for Pick Up 19 32 230 308 Down 25% Barking 25 21 185 180 Up 3% Attacks 5 9 75 98 Down 23% Lost & Found 72 58 585 753 Down 22% General Information 11 10 83 74 Up 12% Sub Total 168 167 1490 1709 Down 13% Office Phone Enquiries 172 158 1588 1737 Down 9% Total 340 325 3078 3446 Down 11% PARKING / VEHICLES February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total General Parking 30 21 122 90 Up 36% Trucks 2 5 28 45 Down 38% School Parking 4 7 25 21 Up 19% Abandoned Vehicles 21 34 192 182 Up 5% Off Road Vehicles 18 12 144 101 Up 43% Sub Total 75 79 511 439 Up 16% Office Phone Enquiries 15 18 171 218 Down 22% Total 90 97 682 657 Up 4% LIVESTOCK February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Lost & Found 0 5 6 11 Down 45% General 6 8 71 61 Up 16% Sub Total 6 13 77 72 Up 7% Office Phone Enquiries 3 0 43 35 Up 23% Total 9 13 120 107 Up 12% Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-17 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS LITTER February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total General Information 0 3 1 3 Down 66% Private Property 10 7 38 20 Up 90% Roadside / Reserve 5 6 44 38 Up 16% Verge 9 3 31 27 Up 15% Sub Total 24 19 114 88 Up 30% Office Phone Enquiries 4 5 34 54 Down 37% Total 28 24 148 142 Up 4% FIRE February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Burning Off / General 4 8 41 46 Down Information 11% Firebreak / Hazard 19 41 410 287 Up 43% Sub Total 23 49 451 333 Up 35% Office Phone Enquiries 96 63 531 467 Up 14% Total 119 112 982 800 Up 23% GENERAL February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total General Information 11 3 47 24 Up 96% Sub Total 11 3 47 24 Up 96% Office Phone Enquiries - 34 63 41 Trolleys Up 54% Office Phone Enquiries - Cats 10 20 95 91 Up 4% Office Phone Enquiries - 30 15 224 191 General Up 17% Total 54 42 429 347 Up 24% TOTAL February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Sub Total Reports / 307 330 2690 2665 Complaints Up 1% Total Office Phone Enquiries 333 283 2749 2834 Down 3% Total Reports / Complaints 640 613 5439 5499 Down 1% Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-18 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS WARNINGS February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Dogs 22 40 135 130 Up 4% Parking 11 3 36 27 Up 33% Off Road Vehicles 1 0 6 9 Down 33% Litter 4 0 14 5 Up 180% Fire & Fire Orders 3 1 92 158 Down 42% Shopping Trolleys 82 0 82 607 Down 86% Other Incl Abandoned Vehicles 32 34 184 120 Up 53% Total 155 78 549 1056 Down 48% INFRINGEMENTS February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Dogs 32 33 345 302 Up 14% Parking 102 765 Down 54 426 44% Off Road Vehicles 0 0 0 9 Down Litter 18 69 Down 15 46 33% Fire 14 15 215 168 Up 28% Shopping Trolleys 0 77 Down 12 12 84% Other 1 8 80 63 Up 27% Total 128 176 1124 1453 Down 23% NUMBER WITHDRAWN 41 37 218 209 Up 4% Number Paid 137 958 Down 120 905 5% IMPOUNDED DOGS February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Claimed 22 42 350 306 Up 14% Sold 0 0 0 6 Down Destroyed 13 8 67 115 Down 42% Vet / Rescue 7 7 107 73 Up 47% Stolen 0 0 0 0 Same Total 42 57 524 500 Up 5% Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-19 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS IMPOUNDED VEHICLES February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Vehicles 4 15 39 67 Down 42% Motor Cycles 0 0 0 0 Same Total 4 15 39 67 Down 42% IMPOUNDED LIVESTOCK February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Sheep 0 0 5 4 Up 25% Horses 0 0 3 0 Up Cows 2 0 2 0 Up Goats 0 0 2 1 Up Pigs 0 0 0 0 Same Deer 0 0 0 0 Same Other 0 6 0 6 Down Total 2 6 12 11 ABANDONED TROLLEYS February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Impounded 16 8 16 142 Down 88% Released 0 0 0 28 Down 88% Total 16 8 16 170 Down 91% IMPOUNDED SIGNS February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Impounded 0 3 81 194 Down 58% Released 0 0 0 2 Down Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-20 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MONTHLY OFFICER REPORTS COURT PROSECUTIONS February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Dog 6 3 34 39 Down 13% Fire 0 1 2 2 Same Parking 0 0 0 2 Down Litter 0 0 0 0 Same Off Road Vehicles 0 0 0 0 Same Total 6 4 36 43 Down 16% No. of Guilty Verdicts 6 4 36 43 Down 16% FINES ENFORCEMENT February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Infringements sent to FER 122 67 503 451 Up 12% DOG REGISTRATIONS February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total New Dog Registrations 156 183 1395 1369 Up 2% Renewed Dog Registrations 81 124 2913 3045 Down 4% Total 237 307 4308 4414 Down 2% Total Animals on System 11280 10974 PHONE CALLS February February 2009/2010 2008/2009 2010 2009 Progressive Progressive Total Total Office – Rangers calling Office 46 38 511 456 Up 12% Office – Messages for Staff 30 39 212 244 Down 13% Office – Referred to Other 9 10 96 158 Down 39% Calls to Rangers’ Private 10 5 5 Residences from After Hours Service Same TOTAL 86 87 824 863 Down 5% Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Page C-21 Information Items from the Community Services Directorate MINUTES OF OCCASIONAL/ADVISORY COMMITTEES Minutes of the South East Regional Recreation Advisory Group Meeting held on 18 February 2010. (Refer to Attachment “CA-3”.) Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-1” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 22 COA Libraries Issues/Renewals January 2010 38,422 40,000 35,474 35,000 30,000 25,000 2010 20,000 16,741 2009 12,944 12,784 15,000 10,844 9,954 8,743 10,000 5,000 0 Armadale Kelmscott Seville Grove Total COA Libraries Number of Visits January 2010 7,958 8,000 7,000 6,245 6,332 6,313 5,969 6,000 5,288 5,000 2010 4,000 2009 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Armadale Kelmscott Seville Grove Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-1” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 23 COA Libraries Current Borrowers January 2010 11,155 11,057 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,651 6,506 2010 4,846 6,000 2009 4,492 4,000 2,000 0 Armadale Kelmscott Seville Grove COA Libraries New Borrowers January 2010 189 187 200 180 160 140 120 102 2010 100 77 79 2009 70 80 60 40 20 0 Armadale Kelmscott Seville Grove Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-1” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 24 COA Libraries Borrower's Reservations January 2010 400 365 338 350 320 300 263 244 250 By Staff for Borrowers 2010 200 154 By Staff for Borrowers 2009 150 100 50 0 Armadale Kelmscott Seville Grove COA Libraries Comparison Reservation by Staff & Direct by Borrower January 2010 41% Reservation by Staff for Borrowers Online Reservations by Borrowers 59% Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-1” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 25 COA Libraries Issues/Renewals February 2010 40,000 35,299 33,002 35,000 30,000 25,000 2010 20,000 16,253 2009 14,575 15,000 8,988 9,229 9,197 8,373 10,000 5,000 0 Armadale Kelmscott Seville Grove Total COA Libraries Number of Visits February 2010 16,479 18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 2010 7,852 2009 8,000 5,739 5,923 5,104 5,326 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Armadale Kelmscott Seville Grove Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-1” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 26 COA Libraries Current Borrowers February 2010 11,665 11,093 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,637 6,488 2010 4,886 6,000 2009 4,516 4,000 2,000 0 Armadale Kelmscott Seville Grove COA Libraries New Borrowers February 2010 591 600 500 400 2010 300 2009 177 200 88 87 62 60 100 0 Armadale Kelmscott Seville Grove Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-1” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 27 COA Libraries Borrower's Reservations February 2010 450 407 371 400 328 350 314 300 240 238 250 By Staff for Borrowers 2010 By Staff for Borrowers 2009 200 150 100 50 0 Armadale Kelmscott Seville Grove COA Libraries Comparison Reservation by Staff & Direct by Borrower February 2010 35% Reservation by Staff for Borrowers Online Reservations by Borrowers 65% Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-2” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 28 Month: January Year: 2010 Birtwistle Local Studies Library Current Year to date Month Jan 10 Jan 09 Jul 09 – Jan 10 Jul 08 – Jan 09 Reference Enquiries 17 8 97 89 Research Enquiries 1 4 42 106 Visitor Attendance 25 65 332 619 Volunteer Hours 28 50 164 559 Oral History Letters Sent nil 1 5 5 Interviews Completed nil 1 7 9 Transcripts Completed nil 4 14 14 Volunteer Hours – 17 70 297 416 Transcribing Volunteer Hours - 7 4 48 47 Interviewing Digitising Records nil nil 17 nil Family History Research Reference 3 19 21 92 Research 1 40 180 229 Volunteer Hours 16 28 211 314 Library closed from 11 – 27 January due to relocating into new Armadale Library. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-2” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 29 Month: February Year: 2010 Birtwistle Local Studies Library Current Year to date Month Feb 10 Feb 09 Jul 09 – Feb 10 Jul 08 – Feb 09 Reference Enquiries 19 8 116 97 Research Enquiries 19 11 61 117 Visitor Attendance 168 87 500 706 Volunteer Hours 14 40 178 599 Oral History Letters Sent 2 3 7 8 Interviews Completed 3 1 10 10 Transcripts Completed nil 2 14 16 Volunteer Hours – 60 85 357 501 Transcribing Volunteer Hours - 9 6 57 53 Interviewing Digitising Records 12 Nil 29 Nil Family History Research Reference 42 5 63 97 Research 49 38 229 267 Volunteer Hours 72 34 283 348 Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-2” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 30 Month: January Year: 2010 History House Current Year to date Museum Month Jan 10 Jan 09 July 09- June 10 Jul 08 – June 09 General Visitors 77 NA NA NA School/Child Care 73 NA NA NA Groups/holiday programs Total Visitors 150 187 779 1140 Volunteer Hours 103 108 991 804 Bert Tyler Vintage Jan 10 Jan 09 July 09 – June 10 Jul 08 – June 09 Machinery Museum Visitors 44 228 992 3551 2010 will see the visitor stats for History House Museum broken into two categories: • General Visitors include individuals and adult groups • School and child care groups are that make bookings to attend the museum or those attending a school holiday program. This has been done so to identify the impact of programs and lesson plans developed for children and young (17 or under) adults. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-2” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 31 Month: February Year: 2010 History House Current Year to date Museum Month Feb 10 Feb 09 July 09- June 10 Jul 08 – June 09 General Visitors 94 NA NA NA School/Child Care 0 NA NA NA Groups/holiday programs Total Visitors 94 67 873 1207 Volunteer Hours 145 116 1,136 920 Bert Tyler Vintage Feb 10 Feb 09 July 09 – June 10 Jul 08 – June 09 Machinery Museum Visitors 53 212 1,045 3763 2010 will see the visitor stats for History House Museum broken into two categories: • General Visitors include individuals and adult groups • School and child care groups are that make bookings to attend the museum or those attending a school holiday program. This has been done so to identify the impact of programs and lesson plans developed for children and young (17 or under) adults. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/20098 Attachment “CA-3” Community Services Directorate Page 32 MINUTES FOR THE MEETING HELD 18 FEBRUARY 2010 HOSTED BY CITY OF SOUTH PERTH, COMMENCING AT 3.00 PM. 1. ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES 1.1. PRESENT Cr. Ron Mitchell (Chairman) City of Gosnells Mr Andre Lee Curtin University of Technology Mr Matthew Hunt City of South Perth Mr Patrick Quigley City of Gosnells Cr Stuart Clarke City of Canning Ms Katie Potts Shire of Kalamunda Ms Julie Rutherford DSR Ms Breanna Gill (Roving Secretary) City of South Perth Ms Melissa Rudez DSR Ms Claudia Ferrante WASF Mr Stuart Drumsfield City of Armadale Mr Travis Moore Shire of Kalamunda Ms Jessica Lenney WALGA Mr Kevin Owens (Guest Speaker) Calico Mr Jack Owens (Guest Speaker) Calico 1.2. APOLOGIES Ms Sally De La Cruz City of Belmont Ms Shelagh Pascoe Curtin University of Technology Mr Patrick Quinlivan City of Armadale Mr Paul Howrie Town of Victoria Park Ms Fiona Greaves City of Armadale 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 2.1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 12th November 2009 were confirmed as accurate. Moved: Cr Ron Mitchell Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-3” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 33 Seconded: Mr Matthew Hunt 3. BUSINESS ARISING GUEST SPEAKER: Kevin Owens from Calico presenting MyCalico.com (The revolutionary health, walking, fitness and weight loss concept) Kevin and Jack provided the group with an internet presentation of the product opportunities suitable for LG open space and provided examples of how it is working within the City of Stirling. The product is individualised and measured on what information is provided by participants. The product is totally free to Councils with agreements to be discussed as to the when and how of operation with each LGA participation. The group were impressed with opportunities but questioned the value of the product within Open Space i.e. tracking visits. Kevin will provide the slides through the Secretary for review and comment. ACTION: Secretary (Shire of Kalamunda) to pass on contact details and presentations to group members. Interested representatives to liaise direct with Kevin for further discussion 3.1 LGA Seasonal Changeover feedback from member councils Nothing further to previous meetings was discussed, previous secretary (City of Belmont) to forward any comments back to group for discussion at next SERRAG Meeting. ACTION: Secretary (Shire of Kalamunda) to enter this topic for discussion at next SERRAG meeting as an agenda item. 3.2 Updated Terms of reference feedback The updated Terms of Reference document prepared by the City of Armadale (Mr Patrick Quinlivan) was voted on and adopted by the group (by majority). Secretary to pass on to members for records and action. 3.3 Strategic Plan Review Discussion with DSR Ms Julie Rutherford on behalf of Steve Humfrey acknowledged receipt of and provided feedback in response to the letter from SERRAG to DSR regarding the review of the SERRAG Facility Plan, exclaiming that the Facility Strategy was considered as a reference document by DSR and that is holds weight in terms of future applications and as a planning tool. The dollar value put into the project form LGA’s is warranted. DSR would consider their contribution through the CSRFF Small Grants program. ACTION: All member groups to propose contribution of $3,500.00 in the 2010/2011 draft budgets. Group to vote on a representative to Coordinate CSRFF application for DSR support to instigate Plan Creation. Comments to be sent through to Secretary for collation and group confirmation. Table this item as an agenda item at next SERRAG meeting. Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-3” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 34 4. CORRESPONDENCE TO BE FILLED IN BY SHIRE OF KALAMUNDA PRIOR TO SENDING OUT WITH NEW AGENDA 4.1. OUTWARDS 4.1.1 DRAFT Minutes from Thursday 18 Feb 2010 sent to Shire of Kalamunda from City of South Perth. 4.2. INWARDS 4.2 Information flyer and business card form presenters, Kevin Ownes and Claudia Ferrante. ** MELISSA RUDEZ LEFT THE MEETING AT 4.00PM** 5. MEMBER ISSUE DISCUSSION 5.1 LEASE AGREEMENT REVIEW Mr Matthew Hunt from the City of South Perth provided feedback and an overview of a recent investigation, specific to peer LGA rationale behind sporting club lease agreements of facilities. Specifically looking at lease periods and annual rentals for sporting clubs, numerous differences were illustrated based upon varying LGA philosophies in fees and charges. Common periods of leases were at 5 years with a 5 year option to renew and a percentage of full cost recovery applied through various rationale. Many specific and individual agreements have been made throughout region. 5.2 BOWLS STRATEGIC PLAN Julie Rutherford from DSR presented an update on where the plan sits to date following what was presented to the group for comment at the last SERRAG meeting. The plan is aligned with the SD2030 document. Member groups commented on the plans minimal ability to provide LGAs with a structured hierarchy and spreadsheet of current clubs and state requirements. DSR stated that the plan has net yet been fully adopted by Bowls WA. She mentioned that a final draft of the Plan would be presented at the next SERRAG meeting. No further member comments were raised. ACTION: Final draft plan to be inserted into agenda for next SERRAG meeting with DSR to be invited to present. Secretary to action (Shire of Kalamunda) 5.3 WASF DISABILITY INCLUSION PROJECT Claudia Furrante from WASF provided an overview of the ‘Community Inclusion Disability Project’. Claudia is a one person team within WASF, with the ability to liaise and support each LGA as required. The program provides networks, links Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-3” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 35 and support to LGA’s, clubs and individuals with an interest in recreational opportunities. The aim of the project is one of capacity building through the connection of stakeholders specific to the creation and increased awareness of sporting involvement. ACTION: Secretary to pass on flyer form presentation to each member organisation. ** CR STUART CLARKE LEFT THE MEETING AT 4.05PM** 6. REPORTS No comments or questions raised with regard to member reports. 7. GENERAL BUSINESS 7.1. PURPOSE AND STRUCTURE OF THE BOOKINGS OFFICER FORUM Confirmed that the City is hosting the next forum on Monday 22 Feb in line with previous discussions as to its purpose. The group provides an operational level discussion and networking forum between LGA’s. 7.2. MODIFY AGENDA FOR OFFICE BEARERS Confirmed that the Agenda will outline the next meeting Chair Person and Secretary as a rotation, as per the Terms of Reference. 7.3. MODIFY AGENDA FOR DSR COMMUNICATION There is an opportunity for SERRAG to elect a member to represent the group at the LGAA meeting at the state level. The Local Government Active Advisory group is a forum where SERRAG can communicate at the state level where required with open channels and a voice of concern and or comment. The group agreed to this and will vote at the next SERRAG meeting as to who would attend. ACTION: Secretary to include the above item for confirmation on the next SERRAG agenda. 8. NEXT MEETINGS 8.1. 20th May 2010 – City of Gosnells (Kalamunda as Secretary, Gosnells to Chair) 19th August 2010 – Shire of Kalamunda (Canning as Secretary, Kalamunda to Chair) 18th November 2010 – City of Canning 2011 17th February 2011 – Curtin University 19th May 2011 – City of Armadale 18th August 2011 – City of Belmont 17th November 2011 – Town of Victoria Park Information Bulletin – Issue No. 5/2010 Attachment “CA-3” Information Items from the Community Services Directorate Page 36 9. CLOSURE Meeting concluded at 17.10pm