Annual Report Summary - the City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - the City of Newcastle 5 Our Vision Great Place, Great Lifestyle, Great Future

Summary 2009/10 Cover photo: Newcastle Ocean Bathsatnight. © 2010 The CityofNewcastle November 2010 Web: www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 0249742222 Newcastle NSW2300Australia Post: POBox 489 Phone: 0249742000(mainswitchboard) 282 KingStreet,Newcastle The CityofNewcastle Published by Phone: 0249742826 The CityofNewcastle Communication andConsultationServices Customer Service, For information aboutthisdocumentcontact: Enquiries was preparedby theCityEngagementGroup - 2009/10 Annual Report The CityofNewcastle Production

contents Newcastle 2030...... Our future...... BusinessExcellenceFramework...... SustainabilityReview...... Our opportunities Ourfinances...... ManagementPlan2009/2010...... Our performance ...... Ourawards ...... Community assistance...... Ourpartnerships ...... OrganisationalChart Executive Leadership Team ...... Ourservices Our Organisation...... Ourachievements ...... Year inReview ...... OurCouncillors...... General Manager’s message...... From theLordMayor ...... Our Vision...... AboutNewcastle ...... Our City...... The year ahead ...... 42 40 40 39 38 38 36 34 34 31 30 20 19 18 18 12 12 11 24 9 8 7 5 4 Our city

About Newcastle

Pristine beaches, spacious parks, The growing cultural scene continues a stunning working harbour and a to attract national attention. Newcastle fascinating history are just some of the Region Art Gallery is home to a characteristics that mark Newcastle as a substantial art collection and the historic unique Australian city. Civic Theatre showcases the best of local, national and international acts. Newcastle has come a long way since A number of private galleries, dance its early mining and industrial days and studios and community theatre companies is transitioning to a vibrant, cosmopolitan complement the city’s key cultural facilities. city that is home to an internationally- recognised university, peak regional Novocastrians are renowned for their institutions and growing commercial and resilience, overcoming challenges such as retail sectors. the 1989 earthquake and the 2007 storm with great strength of character and strong With a population of over 140,000, community spirit. Our city thrives on the Newcastle will continue to grow as it enormous and invaluable contribution of welcomes new residents attracted by the its community. quality and affordable lifestyle offered by our coastal city. Newcastle truly is a great place, with a great lifestyle and a great future. The city’s unique geography and 200-year history have helped create distinctive suburban precincts, each with their own unique characteristics. Suburbs vary from historic Newcastle East with its views of the Nobbys headland to leafy New Lambton bordering the magnificent Blackbutt Reserve. Then there is Minmi, one of the last remaining mining villages in Newcastle, and Stockton, with its extensive sandy beach and natural state.

Parks, reserves and playgrounds are located throughout the city, providing sporting facilities and recreational spaces for people of all ages. This contributes to Newcastle being a great place for families, sport lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. who we are

4 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 5 Our Vision Great Place, Great Lifestyle, Great Future

Providing services to the ratepayers, residents and visitors to Newcastle that: Our Enhance quality of life Mission Ensure a sustainable future Make best use of our assets Are community and customer focused

Strong leadership Customer and community focus Our Community connected Core Continuous improvement and teamwork Values Develop our people Adapt to change Decisions based on fact Behave responsibly and ethically Sustainability

Our Goals

Economic A strong focus on economic development and tourism and & Asset Development managing our assets effectively

Community Ensure Newcastle has a high quality of life through effective & Cultural Development place management

Environmental Enhancement Ensure Newcastle has an environmentally sustainable future

Governance & A well performing, customer focused, open and transparent Organisational organisation that engages the community and encourages Development participation in Council matters a city with aspirations

6 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 7 From the Lord Mayor General Manager’s message

The General Manager, Executive Balancing our commitment to fiscal Leadership Team, Councillors and Council responsibility and financial sustainability officers worked diligently to contain and with the provision of high-quality reduce costs through greater efficiency services and facilities for our ratepayers so that we could peg back a $12 million underpinned council business in 2009/10. deficit and begin the year with a balanced budget. This paved the way for Council to Getting this balance right is an ongoing undertake its largest capital works program The Community Grants and Sponsorship challenge. Council proactively implemented Smart City project, waste reviews and the yet, spending more than $22 million on Program enabled a variety of ventures to go an efficiency drive through its improved provision of industrial land for the future. renewing and maintaining infrastructure ahead, from community services to sport budgeting processes and Sustainability A number of significant projects were including roads, footpaths, drains, parks and and environmental initiatives. Review to find cost savings across the progressed, which will contribute to the community facilities. organisation. All 69 service areas provided Progress was also made on a number by Council were reviewed, with two reports social, cultural and economic future of There was a strong focus on community of key issues affecting the people of outlining over 300 recommendations for our city. Hunter Street Mall was reopened engagement and consultation to inform Newcastle, especially flooding. Council improvement. It will take a full four years to traffic, paving the way for future the development and delivery of numerous adopted a Floodplain Risk Management to achieve all these opportunities but the revitalisation initiatives in the CBD. plans and projects over the year. Quality Plan for Wallsend and is now well on the 2009/10 year saw savings of $1,124, 237 feedback was sought and provided for the way to developing a city-wide flood plan. In following the implementation of budget Works continued on the development Coastal and Hunter Street Revitalisation addition, Council completed the installation reductions and review initiatives.These of the new $23.5 million Museum at Masterplans, Merewether Beach Public of flash flood detection equipment changes to cultural and financial practices Honeysuckle, a significant addition to Domain Plan, Bar Beach and Wallsend throughout the local government area. have resulted in a further $4.2 million in the civic and cultural precinct. Other skate parks, Cycling Action Plan, Blackbutt savings from base budgets. projects such as the No 2 Sportsground This annual report will outline many other Reserve Masterplan and the Tourism Plan redevelopment and Newcastle Ocean initiatives and achievements of Council to name a few. Overall this effort has contributed to our Baths restoration were highlights in the during 2009/10. While there are many strong financial performance over the past year. Newcastle Voice, continued to play a huge challenges ahead, there are also countless 12 months with record levels of investment role in our community consultation and now opportunities to be realised and we will and an improvement on forecast Our work to develop the 10-year has more than 2,500 members. Engaging continue working hard to deliver genuine operational budgets. Community Strategic Plan through the with the community and encouraging results for the people of Newcastle. 2030 program has identified important participation with Council matters has At the same time the organisation has community priorities for the future, resulted in a more community-focused, open maintained its focus on delivering 69 including the need for vibrant public spaces and transparent organisation. Cr John S Tate service areas to our community. Getting and improved public transport. Council will Lord Mayor of Newcastle the basics right is an important priority strive to meet these community needs and City presentation continues to be priority and we have allocated critical resources to aspirations while delivering a broad range for Council and a highlight of the year was road and footpath rehabilitation as well as of quality services to our ratepayers. the launch of the graffiti hotline, which has drainage works and park maintenance. proved to be a great success. The hotline Another priority has been on planning logged more than 1,450 reports in its first 12 Lindy Hyam and city revitalisation with extensive months and Council removed over 20,000 General Manager square metres of graffiti. engagement of community and stakeholder groups on issues such as The City of Newcastle was again able mines subsidence and flood management. to generously support many local Substantial stakeholder engagement on organisations with more than 50 community the issue of environmental sustainability groups receiving funding and in-kind has also occurred through the Smart Grid assistance for a diverse range of projects. office of lord mayor chief executive

8 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 9 Our Councillors Councillors are elected to Newcastle’s local government area Ward 1 Ward 2 represent the views of residents is divided into four wards, with three councillors elected to represent each and ratepayers. They play an ward. The Lord Mayor is elected by a Cr Aaron Buman - Independent Cr Tim Crakanthorp - ALP important role in overseeing the ballot across the city. Mobile 0411 248 934 Mobile 0427 622 115 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] functions and services of Council, Each year Council adopts its Payment of setting the strategic direction and Expenses and Provision for Facilities for operational budget as well as the Lord Mayor and Councillors to ensure accountability and transparency in this Cr Sharon Claydon - ALP Cr Brad Luke - Liberal developing policy for the long-term process. The policy is a public document Mobile 0427 622 067 Mobile 0427 622 089 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] benefit of the city. available on Council’s website.

Cr Michael Osborne - Greens Cr Scott Sharpe - Independent Beresfield Mobile 0439 442 984 Mobile 0427 622 149 Email [email protected] Email [email protected]

Hexham Ward 3 Ward 4 Fullerton

Cove Cr Dr Graham Boyd - Independent Cr Bob Cook - Independent Mobile 0427 622 046 Mobile 0419 241 731 Email [email protected] Email [email protected]

Kooragang

Island

Hunter Minmi Shortland Cr Mike King - Independent Cr Shayne Connell - Independent Mobile 0427 622 224 Mobile 0427 622 139 River Email [email protected] Email [email protected]

Wallsend Mayfield Jesmond Waratah Elermore Stockton Cr Nuatali Nelmes - ALP Vale Lambton Carrington Cr Mike Jackson - ALP Mobile 0431 622 652 Mobile 0401 089 864 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Wickham Newcastle Harbour New Lambton Hamilton NEWCASTLE Adamstown

Kotara Merewether The City of Newcastle ward boundaries elected representatives

10 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 11 Year in review

Our achievements

Place making sustainable Overall, contributions to projects made by City-Wide Floodplain Risk Graffiti Hotline community groups through either in-kind public environments Management Study After just one year in operation, The City or volunteer work, material support or of Newcastle’s graffiti hotline proved to be With the aim of improving our suburbs donations is estimated at $53,400 for a Research shows about 70 per cent of land a great success logging more than 1,450 and local areas, Council adopted Council investment of $21,600. in our local government area (LGA) is a place making approach to foster natural, pre-existing floodplains and that graffiti reports since its launch in July 2009. community ownership and engagement Award-winning teams one in three properties may be affected in activities. Place making is the creation by flooding in the future. In September The hotline averaged around 28 calls a The Loft Youth Arts and Cultural Centre of safe, vibrant public destinations and 2009 Council began work on a City-Wide week and Council’s rapid response teams continued to impress, winning even more neighbourhoods: places where people Floodplain Risk Management Plan to removed more than 20,000 square metres accolades for the varied programs it feel a strong sense of ownership in their examine options to reduce and manage of graffiti in the year. communities and a commitment to making provides to our city’s young people. The the extensive flood risks in the Newcastle centre’s commitment to delivering drug things better. Both community and Council LGA. All targets were met including removing and alcohol-free services was recognised benefit from the collaborative approach 100 per cent of offensive material on when it took out the Excellence in that is at the heart of place making. During April and May 2010 a series Council property in less than 48 hours of Services for Young People category at the of community workshops were held to reporting and removing all other graffiti in National Drug and Alcohol Awards. A variety of workshops were held with give residents affected by flooding an less than 5 working days. ward residents to create pilot projects Blackbutt Reserve scored a hat-trick at opportunity to have input. The plan is the Hunter and Central Coast Awards for supported by small grants of $500 per expected to be drafted by mid 2011. The great result could not have been Excellence in Tourism after taking out the ward. Place making projects have The plan will then be publicly exhibited, achieved without the support of the Ecotourism category for the third year in been instigated across the city with the amended where appropriate and adopted community. community providing in-kind support a row. by Council. The plan will recommend and volunteer effort matched by Council a package of measures including grants of up to $1,000. A further $281,000 Also, Council’s in-house community requirements for future development, has been provided for projects such as consultation team, Newcastle Voice, emergency response planning, public an action plan for Blackbutt Commercial won the Excellence in Communication and private works and other initiatives to Centre, ‘Walk of Pride’ plaques and category at the annual RH Dougherty manage flood risks. pavement at Customs House and a Awards. Macquarie Pier commemorative event. In the 2009/10 year Council also Other projects included a community completed the installation of flash flood picnic in Braye Park, improvements to detection equipment throughout the LGA the reserve around Merewether Baths, a to enable the Bureau of Meteorology community gathering place in Minmi Park and SES to better respond to flash and “Art in the Park” activities at Lambton flood emergencies. In addition, Council Park. completed the voluntary purchase of four high-flood-risk-to-life houses in Elermore Since the start of the program in October Vale. These houses have been removed 2009, 15 place making projects were and the land returned to open space. completed by the end of the 2009/10 year and a further 19 were in progress. achieving achieving

12 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 13 Strategy and planning No. 2 Sportsground Coastal Revitalisation Outdoor works include a ten space car park, landscaping, stormwater and civil The 2009/10 year saw unprecedented redevelopment The City of Newcastle partnered with works. The project is on track for an progress in planning with the following the NSW Government through the Land A development Application (DA) for the opening of the new Museum in May 2011. strategies developed: upgrade of No. 2 Sportsground was and Property Management Authority and Hunter Surf Life Saving to develop a • Blackbutt Reserve Masterplan lodged with the Hunter and Central Coast Infrastructure improved by Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP). masterplan for Newcastle’s 11 kilometre • Hunter Street Revitalisation coastline. The draft masterplan went on economic stimulus Masterplan Strategic Framework It is believed that the proposed $7.25 public exhibition for community comment Car parks, playgrounds, footpaths and bus million major revamp of the facility will be • Carbon and Water Action in April and May 2010. Newcastle’s stops across the city received makeovers of great benefit to the whole community Management Plan beaches and coastline are some of the thanks to $1.75 million funding via the as well as a drawcard for many different city’s greatest assets. It is an area that is Australian Government’s Regional and • Tourism Plan sporting codes. increasingly being recognised at local, Local Community Infrastructure Program. • Coastal Revitalisation Masterplan The DA includes plans to demolish the national and international levels for its On 1 March 2009 a new playground existing structures and redevelop the site beauty, environmental values, recreational • Civic Precinct Design Framework funded by the program was officially as a sporting and entertainment venue opportunities and diverse range of opened at Dixon Park by Federal Member • Merewether Beach Public Domain capable of accommodating up to 5000 activities. for Newcastle Sharon Grierson. Council Plan people. The masterplan will help allow Council also contributed a new shade shelter and • Empire Park Masterplan It is intended the venue will be used and the NSW Government to coordinate BBQ area to the park. The project was for major sporting events and other and manage coastal assets and valued at more than $390,000 and the • Alcohol Management Plan forms of entertainment such as open air improvements over the next 20 years. popularity of the area shows this was a • Strategic Waste Review theatre, outdoor cinema, youth concerts, Once the plan is adopted Council will be good investment. Christmas carols and outdoor community able to prioritise and action individual Additional federal grants received in the • Wallsend Park and Empire Park, Bar celebrations. projects with the $5 million set aside in 2009/10 year include $5.625 million for the Beach skate facility designs the 2010/11 Management Plan for this Museum, $807,000 for the Wallsend and • Newcastle Cycling and Strategy purpose. Bar Beach skate facilities, $200,000 for a Action Plan shared pathway through Braye Park and Museum redevelopment $2 million for No. 2 Sportsground. • City-Wide Floodplain Risk project Management Study The development of the new Museum • Newcastle City Centre Transport at Honeysuckle continued, with tenders Study called for the construction stage of the project.

Construction work includes refurbishing the three existing railway buildings and building a new steel-frame building to link them. It also includes the construction of the internal areas including mezzanine office space, a theatrette, exhibition space and a café as well as storage, education and workshop areas. achieving achieving

14 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 15 Tree Planting The work also provided a physical link Biggest capital works CCTV trial to improve from the Newcastle Beach Promenade Council is working towards increasing program ever community safety to Newcastle Ocean Baths and Nobbys the tree population across the entire Beach along a designated pathway The 2009/10 year saw the Council’s Council took another step towards Local Government Area and helping to improving pedestrian safety. biggest capital works program ever with improving community safety when it achieve this objective is the Street Tree more than $22 million being spent on installed four CCTV cameras in the Planting program ‘Living Streets’. Under Community engagement a renewing and maintaining infrastructure. Civic Precinct during October 2009. The the program, more than 1600 trees were core priority Significant projects included the initiative was supported by the Newcastle planted throughout the city in the last year construction of stage one of a retaining City Centre Precinct Committee, which Community consultation was a key focus alone. wall in King Edward Park and stage one installed another three cameras around for The City of Newcastle during the of a shared pathway at Lambton Park. the CBD. last financial year. Council’s community The program is set to continue over the Lambton Park also received new picnic reference panel, Newcastle Voice, new financial year, with the suburbs of tables and other seating, new landscaping The cameras were installed for a twelve continued to attract new members and Waratah and Stockton identified as priority and the addition of a large climbing net month trial to assist police in post-crime provide valuable input into local and civic areas. Council will also be increasing structure to the playground. Jesmond Park detection and in fact aided in an arrest issues. Sixteen consultations were held on Newcastle’s tree canopy cover by planting playground was replaced with up-to-date within the first few months of operation. a great range of topics, including Hunter individual and groups of trees in our parks. equipment; a new shade shelter and paths Council is monitoring the results of the Street Revitalisation, Newcastle City-Wide were also constructed. trial to see how the technology can assist Flood Risk Management, the Newcastle Another program helping to increase Newcastle Police in detecting crime Tourism Plan, coastal revitalisation and Newcastle’s tree population is the Also in the works program was the the Laman Street Cultural Precinct. Council-supported Kooragang Wetland reconstruction of around 1 kilometre of Rehabilitation Project, which will see more road and the resurfacing, resealing and A variety of consultation tools were utilised than 10,000 trees planted between 2009 rejuvenation of approximately 11 per cent and 2011. including surveys, field studies and public of the road network (77 kilometres). Also, workshops. The development of a long- two bridges on Leneghan’s Drive, Minmi, term community vision for Newcastle also Newcastle Ocean Baths were rebuilt. upgrade saw more than 1400 people take part in consultations and online discussions. Restoration work on the iconic Newcastle In addition, 14.35 hectares of bushland Ocean Baths was completed in December Shared pathways underwent regeneration activity and 2009. Works included the installation of a numerous creeks across the local new viewing platform between the baths Nearly 10 kilometres of major shared government area were rehabilitated. and the canoe pool, construction of a pathway projects were completed or retaining wall and walkway at the southern significantly progressed over the 2009/10 end of the site as well as car park and year. They include stage three (4.7km) of significant utility upgrades. The upgrades the Fernleigh Track from Whitebridge to included moving a power pole, placing Redhead, nearly one kilometre of shared power underground and installing new pathway through Braye Park, stage one of lighting in the car park. the NSW coastline clycleway at Stockton and preparation works for the Wallsend to In addition, extra power, Glendale shared pathway. telecommunications, water and sewer lines were installed to cater for any future use of the site. achieving achieving

16 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 17 Our organisation

Our Services Executive Leadership Team

The City of Newcastle provides a wide The City of Newcastle comprises two range of community services and parts: manages and maintains important city assets and facilities. It is also responsible The Elected Council for making and enforcing local laws. The Lord Mayor and 12 Councillors are Lindy Hyam, MBA, B Ed, Dip Teaching, FAICD elected every four years to represent the Council provides 69 service areas General Manager interests of residents and ratepayers and including: 1 July 2009 - 30 June 2010 provide leadership and guidance to the • Urban, strategic and environmental community. planning The Administration • Supervision of building and development control The General Manager, who leads the administration, is responsible for the Steve Edmonds, MBA (Ec), B Ed (Sc), M Prop, Dip PAM, AICD Dip, Cert IV OHS • Construction and maintenance of local efficient and effective operation of Director City Assets roads, streets, and bridges Council’s organisation and for ensuring the 1 July 2009 - 30 June 2010 • Preservation of heritage sites such decisions of the Council are implemented. as Fort Scratchley and the Newcastle The General Manager is supported by four Ocean Baths Directors and 19 Service Unit Managers, with a total of 1,300 staff across 1014 • Waste collection, management and positions. recycling Frank Cordingley, BE (Hons), MIEAust, MCILT • Provision of appropriate on and off Director Liveable City street parking including enforcement 24 August 2009 - 30 June 2010 • Maintenance of parks, golf courses, sporting fields, pools and beach facilities • Provision and servicing of libraries, community centres, child care and Judy Jaeger, MBA, BA (Library and Information Science) aged care services Director Future City • Management of Civic Precinct 1 July 2009 - 30 June 2010 theatres and City Hall, the Newcastle Region Art Gallery and Museum • Natural resource management, including the coastal strip, rivers and creeks, Blackbutt Reserve and the Martin Coates, MBA, Advanced Cert Management Greening Centre Director City Engagement • Tourism and economic development 6 October 2009 - 30 June 2010 executive leadership executive leadership

18 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 19 Lord Mayor /Council Lord Mayor’s Office

General Manager’s • General Manager’s Office Functions General Manager • Planning - Organisational (part Program Office Management Office, Business Excellence) • Internal Audit

City Assets Liveable City Future City City Engagement ‘Well performing and customer focussed ‘Making our assets work for us’ ‘Enhancing quality of life’ ‘Positioning for a sustainable future’ organisation with a connected community’ Director: Steve Edmonds Director: Frank Cordingley Director: Judy Jaeger Director: Martin Coates

Strategic Property • Aquatic - Beach Cleaning • Planning - City • Council Services and Fleet City Presentation • City Presentation Strategic Planning • Planning - Infrastructure Governance and • Fleet Management • Cleaning - Buildings and • Insurance Services Services and Traffic (part - Strategic Council Services Management • Property Management Conveniences component) • Records Services Lisa Scully • Waste - Collection Jill Gaynor • Planning - Organisational (part Merran Magill • Risk Management Dan Champness • Workshop - IP&RF, Corporate Planning)

• Financial Services • Design Financial Services • Rates • Planning - Asset Management Infrastructure • Human Resources • Supply • Planning - Infrstructure and Development and Human Resource Management • OH&S Traffic (part - operational Services Building Services • Development Assessment Services • Training component) Acting: Patty McCarthy Deborah Maddigan • Worker’s Compensation Information John Johnston • Project Management • Survey Management • Information Services Technology Customer Service, Gregory Brent Road and Asset • Construction Works Environmental and Communication Maintenance • Depot Management Climate Change • Communication • Pest and Weed Control • Environmental Management and Consultation • Community Consultation Services Services • Airport • Road Maintenance Services • Customer Service Commercial • Caravan Park Kosta Flamiatos • Trade Services Peter Dormand • Cemetries Kevin Fernandez Enterprise • City Hall Services • Civic Theatre • Aquatic - Beaches and Baths • Aged and Disability Services • Fort Scratchley • Aquatic - Inland Pools Daniel Ballantyne • Childcare • Golf Course Place Management • Architectural - Landscape • Community - Halls • Off-Street Parking • Community - Safety Life Services Services • Libraries • On-Street Parking • Community Greening, Tree Deborah Lisson Deborah Alterator • Family Day Care • Reprographics Planting and Maintenance • Youth Services • Ticketing Services • Parks and Rserves • Waste-Disposal • Planning - Sport and (Summerhill) Recreation Compliance Services • Environmental Health and Art Gallery Tourism and Adam Gilligan General Compliance • Art Gallery Ron Ramsey Economic • Mainstreets Development • Marketing and Promotion Services • Tourism and Economic Museum Development Simon McArthur Gavin Fry • Museum organisational chart

20 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 21 Trainees and Apprentices to review Council’s values with each Safety Management System in the Merit-Based Appointments employee and discuss individual training NSW WorkCover Safe Work Awards. The City of Newcastle is committed to the requirements for the upcoming year. Health promotions at Council have The City of Newcastle is required by law ongoing development of its personnel. included an in-house Weight Watchers (Local Government Act 1993) to provide a With an ageing workforce, engaging An organisational-wide learning and program, the10,000 steps team challenge, merit-based recruitment process. apprentices and trainees is critical to the development framework, an integrated H.E.R. Health Mart and the introduction of ongoing delivery of services and meeting The City of Newcastle prides itself on the leadership training program and an a staff newsletter ‘Our Health and Safety’. the future needs of our community. fact that the process is transparent and emerging talent program are all in the merit-based. We recruit to find the best Eleven new apprentices and trainees pipeline for the new financial year. EEO Management Plan were recruited in Plumbing, Warehousing, person for the position. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Civil Construction Design, Automotive When you apply for a position with The New Agreement for Council focuses on recognising and valuing Mechanical Technology, Horticulture, City of Newcastle, your application is A new City of Newcastle Enterprise diversity within the workplace. This means Graphic Design, Health and Environment culled by a panel expert. From there, Agreement 2010 was endorsed in having workplace policies, practices and Carpentry and Joinery. interviews are held with subject matter June 2010. This Agreement continues and behaviours that are fair and do not Another 24 existing worker trainees were experts and a Human Resources to provide terms and conditions of disadvantage people who belong to engaged in the areas of Operational representative. Any potential conflict employment that are among the best particular groups. Works, Management, Regulatory of interest, either real or perceived, is in NSW local government. This modern Services, Community Recreation and declared prior to the interviews to ensure Agreement is underpinned by the Local Council provides a large number of Investigations. that the process is fair and transparent. Government (State) Award 2007. services to a diverse community and aims to promote an environment free Coupled with other Council initiatives, Applicants are assessed at interview on Learning and Development from harassment, bullying, victimisation the Award and Agreement provide a their ability to meet the Selection Criteria Council delivered over 350 training and discrimination. We have an EEO strong industrial platform for the future within the Position Description, by way of courses, including 157 Information Management Plan with strategies that sustainability of Council. behavioural-based interview questions. Technology (IT) training courses, 122 assist members of EEO groups to Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) OH&S overcome past and present disadvantage. training courses and 75 professional Success with the Self Insurer audit development training courses. We also deliver EEO and Cultural has enabled The City of Newcastle to Awareness training to staff and developed progress to a three-year Audit Cycle as Several strategic training initiatives a set of organisational values to define recommended by WorkCover for both were implemented including Change how staff at Council should work together. the OH&S Management System and Management training and the our claims management. This excellent commencement of Equal Employment Our Executive Leadership Team result typifies the significant level of Opportunity (EEO) and Grievance understands the need for all directors commitment placed on OH&S under the handling training for all Council managers, and managers to model EEO principles. new organisational structure, which will supervisors and coordinators. All staff members are asked to make a ultimately lead to improvements in hazard personal commitment to improve the way identification and reductions in injuries. The Integrated Performance Development they work with co-workers, customers and The City of Newcastle was a finalist in the System (IPDS) was run for the second the community. category of Best Workplace Health and year providing a Council-wide review of employees’ OH&S responsibilities, accountabilities and authorities. The IPDS also provided an opportunity for managers employer of choice employer of choice

22 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 23 Partnerships

Newcastle Airport Limited reduced premium outcomes for Council INSPIRATIONS Change and Water (DECCW) and (NAL) as well as cost containment and spread of includes the highly-successful Newcastle risk. The INSPIRATIONS subscription season Small Business Sustainability Initiative Newcastle Airport Limited (NAL) was presented live performances in joint (NSBSI), in which over 300 businesses created in June 1993 to stimulate Hunter Councils venture with Andrew McKinnon Presents are already participating. David Helfgott, Bangarra Dance Theatre’s economic development for aviation/airport Hunter Councils brings together 11 local 20th-year celebration Fire, Sydney Dance industries and to provide civilian airport councils to promote cooperation and Together Today infrastructure for the region. Company’s Sid’s Waltzing Masquerade and collaboration to benefit our communities. Together Today is an exciting, world-first, the TaikOz percussion show Shifting Sand. Formed on 25 May 1993 by The City of world-class environmental initiative and its This has achieved: aim is to create Australia’s most energy Newcastle and Port Stephens Council, With funding from ArtsNSW and the and water-efficient region right here in the the company is limited by guarantee and • strong communication between Federal Government’s Playing Australia Hunter. Council is a partner in the initiative councils Fund, Newcastle also saw presentations reinvests all operating surpluses back into with more than 25 other organisations of Patch Theatre Company’s Fastest Boy the airport. The airport has undergone • sharing professional expertise working to reduce the impact on the significant improvements in recent years • inter-council collaboration. in the World, Monkey Baa’s Thursday’s environment by facilitating and enabling and is today serviced by all the major Child and Fox, Bell Shakespeare’s Taming action-based change programs for the With the ever increasing pressure on local domestic airlines to destinations along the of the Shrew and Queensland Theatre Hunter region. This is achieved through government to do more with less, Hunter east coast. Company’s Toy Symphony. New regional media campaigns, education, community Councils is constantly striving to reduce venue touring initiative Roadworks also assistance and stimulating the market for The airport is a significant contributor to the cost of ‘doing business’ for local funded the contemporary dance theatre energy and water-efficient products. the domestic and international growth government through offering economies of presentation The Age I’m In. of business and tourism in the Hunter. scale and efficiencies. Smart Grid Smart City Since the introduction of jet services ClimateCam into Newcastle Airport, the number of The General Manager’s Advisory Newcastle is set to be the site of Australia’s first commercial-scale smart passengers has grown from 214,000 in Committee, made up of all the Hunter The City of Newcastle believes it is grid. The $100 million Smart Grid Smart 2003 to more than $1.124 million in the Council General Managers, meets important to work with local schools and businesses to educate the community City project will help households and 2009/10 (reporting changed from calendar monthly to progress issues of regional about climate change and environmental businesses in Newcastle and ultimately year to financial year with period 2007/08). importance. issues. the rest of the country to save energy, connect renewable energy to the grid and NSW Local Government L!vesites ClimateCam for Schools is a program deal with climate change. Mutual Liability Scheme L!vesites is a partnership created by a developed by Council to foster energy and resource efficiency within local schools. Smart Grids combine advanced memorandum of understanding between NSW Local Government Mutual Liability The program provides schools with access telecommunications and information The City of Newcastle and Hunter Scheme started in 1993 as a joint venture to a range of sustainability tools and technology applications with ‘smart’ with 96 members forming a ‘self insurance Development Corporation (HDC). The resources as well environmental education appliances to improve the energy mutual’ covering public liability and mostly free event program aims to attract opportunities to students, teachers and efficiency of the electricity system and professional indemnity insurance. people to and activate Newcastle’s great their communities. There are now 42 help people save on their energy bills. outdoor spaces. L!vesites is equally schools participating in the project. Smart grids will provide us with the ability Membership has expanded to include funded by The City of Newcastle and HDC to manage energy consumption by giving councils, the Local Government plus the program attracts funding from Council has also developed a ClimateCam consumers information about how much Association, the Local Government Shires commercial sponsors and ArtsNSW. for Business program, tailored to assist energy they are using as well as the costs. Association, a rural Water Board and a small, medium and large businesses Noxious Weed Eradication Board. increase their energy and resource Newcastle won the right to be the site of efficiency. It is delivered by The City of the demonstration project in partnership Over 16 years, Statewide has delivered Newcastle in collaboration with the NSW with EnergyAustralia, IBM Australia, many benefits including stable premiums, Department of Environment Climate AGL, GE Energy, Transgrid and the NSW Government. community community

24 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 25 A city of culture

The Loft turned 10! to the entire collection via a catalogue of Art Gallery redevelopment members. There were shows for a range holdings in each library. of tastes and interests, from comedy, The Loft Youth Arts and Cultural The Newcastle Region Art Gallery musicals, dance and iconic drama with Centre turned 10 in April 2010 and continues to raise funds to redevelop The library continues to provide services, a twist. The Imperial Russian Ballet was celebrated with a big birthday bash. A the building and extend the exhibition, exhibitions, computers, classes, fun and a sell-out as was the comedic act The 10th birthday celebration and street education program and storage areas learning to generations of local residents. Umbilical Brothers. party launched National Youth Week in so that it is better able to display a larger In the 2009/10 financial year 1,385,686 Newcastle on Saturday 10 April which percentage of the permanent collection people visited branch libraries and As Newcastle continues to redefine itself showcased current arts projects and and present a more expansive range of 2,343,747 items were circulated in the as a modern city, arts and culture have activities with live bands, performances, audience programs. Newcastle Region Library network. become a significant part of our social demonstrations, exhibitions and venue fabric and economy. tours. Fund-raising has continued over 2009/10 with significant support from the Council The City of Newcastle opened The Palais and private and corporate benefactors. Youth Venue in March 2000 as an exciting A major milestone was reached in new project providing a safe and friendly September 2010 when the final designs space to deliver youth arts services, for the redevelopment were submitted for events and activities in partnership with Development Application approval. young people aged 12 to 25 years. Since then more than 200,000 young people In the last year, the Art Gallery hosted 17 have participated in activities and events, exhibitions, 10 of which were developed more than 1,500 live bands have been from its extensive collection. Four of heard at events, 40 school holiday activity these focussed on local artists and programs have been run, more than 40 three were touring exhibitions sourced Inzines have been published and, most externally. The Gallery A Sydney and importantly, young people have had lots Stone Country-Salt Water exhibitions of fun. were two of the galleries most successful events. The 10th birthday celebrations provided an opportunity to thank supporters and An Inspirational season at the recognise the successes of the past Civic decade. The Civic Theatre inspired, delighted Newcastle Region Library and challenged audiences with its 2010 INSPIRATIONS subscription season as inspires generations well as many other performances that took Newcastle Region Library is one of the place at the iconic venue. state’s largest lending libraries. It also delivers services to Port Stephens, The Civic has attracted and supported Gloucester and Dungog Councils. local productions as well as presenting Member councils can purchase a range of the highest quality national and administrative, computer and cataloguing international artists and performances services from Newcastle. Registered for many decades. In 2009/10, 72 main library users in the region have access stage performances and 125 Playhouse performances attracted 68,000 audience community community

26 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 27 Council Committees Volunteers

To better engage the community and Development Committee is a committee In the 2009/10 year Council supported Volunteers participated in: reflect local community views and needs, of Council that aids in the revitalisation hundreds of volunteers to help out with The City of Newcastle delegates a range of Newcastle through the management a wide variety of activities across the • plant propagation of its functions to volunteer committees. and allocation of grant funds for housing community. Without these volunteers many • seed collection projects. Mainstreets Committees services would not be able to operate. • Saturday plant sales In addition to Council’s volunteer • Adopt-A-Park Mainstreets Committees manage Blackbutt ran an extensive volunteer committees, Newcastle Airport provides Council funds for the betterment of their program with 38 very active volunteers • Bushcare civil aviation and associated services local business areas. Council supports contributing over 15,000 hrs within the at Williamtown Airport as a delegate of • Coastcare Mainstreets Committees for local business Council, and Theiss Services provides nature reserve. Participants got involved • community gardens areas in Newcastle City Centre, Darby waste collection services as a delegate with: Street, Hamilton, Mayfield, Wallsend and The Newcastle Region Art Gallery of Council. New Lambton. • food preparation, feeding, cleaning and recruited and trained 15 new volunteer maintenance Strategic Advisory guides who presented exhibition tours Parks Committees • environmental education - Junior/ to general and specialised audiences, Parks Committees manage local parks Committees Cadet Ranger Program and volunteer including schools. The recruiting, training and reserves on behalf of the community. Strategic Advisory Committees (SACs) guides and ongoing development of volunteers Council supports Parks Committees for are the peak advisory committees of • park maintenance was integral to the Gallery’s ability to Adamstown Park, Beresfield/Tarro Park, Council and were established to: deliver diverse, high-quality services. In • bush regeneration and weeding Centennial Park, Elermore Vale Reserve, 2009/10 the volunteer guides presented • consider strategic issues referred to programs Federal Park, Heaton-Birmingham 597 tours to a diverse range of audiences Gardens Park, Kotara Park, Myamblah them by Council and provide feedback • public presentations and keeper talks including adults, children, school groups, Crescent Oval, New Lambton Oval, as part of a wider decision-making • conservation programs and projects disability groups and tour groups. The Stevenson Park, Stockton Park, Tuxford process Park, Waratah Park and Wickham Park. • provide a broader base of information • special events and displays volunteer guides also assisted staff with to Council on matters of concern, projects in education and collection Community Facility which may impact on the Newcastle Students volunteered their time to assist management. local government area Committees with TAFE qualification requirements, • streamline the reporting process help determine future career goals or just Volunteers with The Fort Scratchley Community Facility Committees manage for sub-committees of Council, expand their knowledge of Australian flora Historical Society managed the day-to- local community facilities on behalf of the ensuring that Councillors are provided and fauna. day operations of the site, held guided community. Council supports Community with meaningful, yet manageable tunnel tours and ran the small shop selling Facility Committees for Alice Ferguson information from all subcommittees. The Community Greening Centre has refreshments and souvenirs. The Fort Community Centre, Beresfield Child hundreds of registered volunteers who Scratchley Historical Society currently has There are eight SACs comprising Care Centre, Carrington Community took part in a range of activities to improve around 70 active members. Centre, Elermore Vale Community community members, Councillors and their local environment over the last year. Centre, Hamilton South Community industry representatives or experts. The Centre, Henderson Park Hall, Jesmond committees are: Neighbourhood Centre, Maryland • Community and Culture Multipurpose Centre, New Lambton • Economic Development and Community Centre, Newcastle Elderly Revitalisation Citizens Centre, Tarro Community Hall and • Environmental Warabrook Community Centre. • Guraki Aboriginal • Recreation BBC Housing Management • Safety and Crime Prevention and Development Committee • Transport • Urban Planning and Design BBC Housing Management and community community

28 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 29 Community assistance Our awards

Community Assistance Climate Action Newcastle’s Every year Council calls for nominations Young Citizen of the Year from individuals and organisations in a Program Smart Energy Expo Louise Mackay variety of fields such as arts, sport, the A Communication and Public Relations In 2009/10 Council invested $396,875 The Smart Energy Expo Newcastle environment, community service and more. in projects managed by community event was held over two days at City student at The University of Newcastle, organisations. These projects brought Hall from 7 to 8 November 2009. It There are three award ceremonies held Louise is a 23-year-old leukaemia survivor visitors to Newcastle, celebrated showcased smart, efficient, low-carbon each year including the Australia Day and dedicated Cancer Council volunteer. creativity, protected our environment, and renewable-energy services and Awards, the Community Awards and the Louise showed inspiring motivation promoted health and well-being, products. The event featured 45 exhibitors Sports Awards. organising fundraisers and sponsorship expressed cultural values, created jobs and attracted an estimated 3,000 visitors. through a variety of fashion parade events and revitalised the CBD. Media sponsorship was secured from Australia Day Awards to raise money for the Calvary Mater NBN Television, the Newcastle Herald and Newcastle Hospital Haematology ward. Held in conjunction with our national The Community Grants and Sponsorship 2NUR FM. Contribution: $8,000 Also a member of the Newcastle Relay Program assisted a diverse range of day, these awards acknowledge for Life Committee, she continues to community spirit. The City of Newcastle sporting, cultural and civic organisations to Newcastle Maritime Centre’s raise awareness of cancer issues for the achieve mutual goals. Activities supported Australia Day Awards recognise the Regional Advocacy Network in the Hunter by the program include: National Maritime Festival outstanding achievement and contribution Region. One of her greatest achievements The Newcastle Maritime Centre hosted of individuals and groups within the is as the founding director of Newcastle Renew Newcastle the National Maritime Festival at the community of Newcastle. Fashion week, which showcases the Foreshore on Sunday 11 October 2009. talents of local designers and retailers Renew Newcastle is a non-profit The event celebrated Newcastle’s rich Citizen of the Year while raising funds for the Cancer Council. company that finds short and medium- seafaring history and featured a program term uses for buildings in Newcastle’s Marcus Westbury of activities both on shore and afloat. An Community Group of the Year CBD that are vacant, disused or awaiting Marcus is a writer, broadcaster, festival estimated 40,000 people attended the The Newcastle Local Organising redevelopment. With Council’s support the director, media maker and the key figure festival including a considerable number of Committee of the ‘Engineering and organisation increased its premises from responsible for establishing the Renew visitors from the Central Coast, Mid North Science Challenge’ seven to 27 in one year, with 50 projects Newcastle project in late 2008. Renew Coast and Sydney. Contribution: $20,000 The ‘Engineering and Science Challenge’ in all including art galleries, studio space, Newcastle was established in a bid to find was developed by the University of retail shops and office space for creative Council also provided community short and medium term uses for buildings Newcastle to address the falling interest professionals. Contribution: $20,000 organisations with subsidised services in Newcastle’s CBD that were vacant, in science and engineering careers. The valued at $112,988 in 2009/10. This disused or waiting redevelopment. Marcus Newcastle Local Organising Committee included venue hire, mobile stage hire, not only conceived the idea but also rallied Hunter Surf Life Saving has been responsible for the successful road closure for street events and printing. support and has been the driving force in Community Education planning and execution of the regional Events that received subsidies included: turning the Renew Newcastle vision into Program a reality for the betterment of our city. To challenges as well as the zone finals • World Vision Australia’s Global for the past eight years. Each year the The City of Newcastle co-sponsored date, Renew Newcastle has placed 50 Leadership Convention committee achieves the funding and the Hunter Surf Life Saving Community projects in 27 empty properties, working coordination of the event, which has Education Program. The award-winning • Department of Education’s Regional with artists, community groups and an exceptional impact on students. The program has a participation of some Music Festival businesses toward shaping a better future challenge has directly contributed to rising 8,000 students each summer and teaches for The City of Newcastle. • Leukaemia Foundation’s Light the Night secondary enrolment in science and rip identification, catching waves, body mathematics in NSW. board use and basic rescue techniques. It • Newcastle’s ANZAC Day Dawn Service contributes greatly to the surf awareness • Darby and King Street Fairs of the community. Contribution: $12,000 community community

30 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 31 Community Awards Hippocrates Australian Greek Aged Sports Awards Helene O’Neill Helene received an Outstanding Service Five-time World Champion and three-time The City of Newcastle Medal Persons Inc for outstanding contribution to Sport Award. to multicultural and aged services. Paralympian Kurt Fearnley was named This Medal is awarded to individuals, Sportsperson of the Year 2009 at the The 2009 Newcastle Sports Awards organisations or groups for distinguished Renew Newcastle for outstanding annual Newcastle Sports Awards Dinner are proudly sponsored by The City of service of a high degree to Newcastle and contribution to the revitalisation of the city in Newcastle on Friday 5 March 2010. Newcastle. its citizens. centre. The recipient for 2009 was: He also won the Outstanding Sporting Individual Award Sponsors included: Certificates of Commendation Achievement (Athlete with a Disability) Jeffrey McCloy for highly distinguished Australian Hotels Association Newcastle category for his sporting success in service to the city and community of For the first time, certificates of sub branch, Crowne Plaza Newcastle, marathons. The award was well-deserved Newcastle and outstanding contributions commendation were presented to Cutcher and Neale, Hexham Bowling and his achievements have been a real to the philanthropic support of charitable community organisations that had Club, James Estate Wines, Madden & inspiration to many Novocastrians. and community organisations. achieved outstanding outcomes through Associates, NCC Sports Advisory Panel, programs funded by Council’s Community Other winners included: Newcastle Jockey Club, Newcastle Netball The City of Newcastle Service Grants and Sponsorship program. Newcastle District Cricket Association Association, Radio 2HD, Regent Street Award Recipients included: Sporting Organisation of the Year Physiotherapy and Western Suburbs (Ncle) Leagues Club. The City of Newcastle Service Award Tantrum Theatre Northern NSW Football is awarded to individuals, organisations The Lock-Up Cultural Centre Sporting Event of the Year for Celebrating Supporting sponsors include: or groups for service to a specific field Education Program 125 Years of Football. Newcastle Herald, NBN Television, of activity. This category is limited to 15 Tooheys and Travelworld on King. awards each year. Climate Action Newcastle Garry Miller of Merewether Surf Life Smart Energy Expo Recipients for 2009 were: Saving Club Gary was awarded Volunteer of the Year Ian McKenzie for outstanding contribution Figtree Community Garden for his 50 years of continuous service both to environmental sustainability. BCS Food-4-Life on patrol and for the movement. Maria Roberts for outstanding Roslyn Morante contribution to engendering pride of place Roslyn received the Sports Official of the in the Blue Gum Hills community. Year award for her contribution to Field Cherie Roy for outstanding contribution to Hockey. the carers of Alzheimer’s patients. Denis Broad Roderick Smith for outstanding Denis received an Outstanding Service to contribution to the support of city Sport Award. revitalisation.

ARAFMI Hunter for outstanding contribution to the carers of the mentally ill. community community

32 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 33 Our performance

Management Plan 2009/10

The City of Newcastle ended the 2009/10 Resourcing issues contributed to the lower financial year with a strong budget surplus than expected results for the 19 per cent and with many projects either ahead of of KPIs which were below target. Visitor target or on track for delivery by their numbers at our libraries were down. Status of KPIs Year End scheduled completion date. Our swimming pools achieved a below Ahead of Target target result primarily due to increased or Completed Throughout the financial year Council security (28 per cent), electricity costs On Target 35% was able to achieve an improvement (13 per cent) and operating expenses 46% on its forecast operational budget of (21 per cent) despite good attendance $5,478,328. This result was achieved and revenue results. Parking results through the combined effort of all Council were affected for the June quarter, with services, that strove to find efficiencies competition undercutting council fees and and improvements in their service reduced patronage at the Mall parking delivery including the implementation of station. The value of conference enquiries remained low due to the market continuing Sustainability Review recommendations. Below Target its slow recovery from the global financial 19% Council’s June Quarterly Review indicated crisis. 81 per cent of the organisation’s key performance indicator (KPI) objectives were completed, either ahead or on target against the strategic objectives outlined in Council’s 2009/10 Management Plan. Median Processing Time KPI = 26 Days A number of our KPI’s achieved higher than target results, including an increased Average waste diversion from landfill. There were 53 live performances held across 50 45 40 41 the city with the Art Gallery attracting 40 36 35 34 approximately 18,000 participants to 35 31 32 30 24 24 27 26 24 their activities. Council’s graffiti removal 25 20 continued to be a significant focus for 15 the city, with approximately 1,400 calls 10 5 received to our graffiti hotline and more 0 than 20,000 square metres of graffiti Jul-09 Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec-09 Jan-10 Feb Mar Apr May Jun-10 removed by Council’s rapid response teams. Juvenile offenders have also helped remove graffiti under a program A total of 1,815 development applications were received during 2009/10, with 1,612 developed in partnership with the approved at a value of $297.26 million. The average median processing time for the year Department of Juvenile Justice. of 31 days exceeds the nominated KPI of 26 days. Delays in processing time were due to training of new staff. managing managing

34 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 35 Our finances

The end of year financial performance decrease can be mainly attributed to Management Plan and budget review showed Council is in a sound financial a reduction in on-costs, materials and process and favourable and unfavourable position. contracts and other expenses. Further variations adjusted accordingly. variations can be attributed to the NSW Key financial performance indicators show Government waste levy, superannuation Special Schedule 7 Condition of Public Council has good liquidity, has a low debt and the non-cash market adjustment Works details a public works maintenance service ratio and manages its outstanding for investments. In the prior year, the lag of $16 million expenditure is in line rates and annual charges within policy other expenses category included the with the Newcastle Report by Review guidelines. Our results for the financial partial write-down of the Lehman related Today. year demonstrate strong compliance with investments. (Note that the market the Local Government Financial Health adjustment for investments is required Check assessment criteria. Total cash under Australian Accounting Standards Current year Previous year increased $34.5 million and continued and does not represent a cash loss). expenditure on infrastructure is decreasing $’000 $’000 the Public Infrastructure Maintenance Depreciation of $34 million continues Income statement gap. Council’s external audit report is to be a burden on all local government unqualified. authorities. Total income from continuing operations 209,636 212,590

The operating result for the year showed Total cash and investments were valued Total expenses from continuing operations 195,985 209,908 a $13.651 million surplus compared to at $180 million, an increase of $25 million Operating result from continuing operations 13,651 2,682 $2.682 million surplus for the previous from 2009. contributions provided for capital purposes year. The rise can be largely attributed to a decrease in on-costs, materials and The total value of infrastructure, property, Net operating result for the year 13,651 2,682 contracts and other expenses. plant and equipment, including investment Net operating result before grants and contributions property and assets for sale, is $1.64 (311) (24,231) Overall income and contributions was million. The road and drainage network provided for capital purposes $210 million, down 1.4 per cent from was revalued during the year to fair value Balance sheet $213 million in 2009. Operating income as required by the Division of Local increased by $3.3 million, largely due Government. The total increase in value Total current assets 114,364 94,990 to increases in rates, annual charges, was $154 million, which also increases the Total current liabilities 55,591 56,123 parking a gain on sale of assets (primarily net worth in the balance sheet. Cottage Creek); offset by decreases in Total non current assets 1,727,343 1,571,001 tipping, RTA recoverable works income The balance sheet has increased net and capital grants and contributions. asset value by $170 million. Total Total non current liabilities 51,527 44,416 borrowings were $46.5 million, up Total equity 1,734,589 1,565,452 Grants and contributions provided for from $39 million in 2009, which council capital purposes decreased 48 per cent continues to repay within agreed Other financial information compared to the prior year, mainly due deadlines. Council’s debt service ratio Unrestricted current ratio (%) 300% 244% to Council acquiring Fort Scratchley at a for year ending June 2010 was 2.88 per value of $9.87 million (contributed by the cent, well within the Local Government Debt service ratio (%) 2.88% 2.19% Commonwealth of Australia) as well as the Financial Health Check Guideline of less Rate coverage ratio (%) 47.53% 45.11% receipt of Art Gallery contributions of $1.8 than 10 per cent for developed councils. million in the prior year. Rates and annual charges outstanding percentage (%) 5.70% 5.45% All budgetary variations have been Expenditure was $196 million, down 6.7 reviewed by Council through the Quarterly Buildings and infrastructure renewals ratio (%) 12.45% 7.40% per cent from $210 million in 2009. The money matters

36 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 37 Our opportunities

Sustainability Review Business Excellence Framework

The most comprehensive review of This change program is fundamental to The Sustainable Excellence project in organisation research and investigate the organisation in over 30 years was regaining community confidence in the The City of Newcastle commenced in July options, commit to a course of action, introduced by the General Manager with administration, creating value for money 2009 to embed a culture of continuous identify milestones and recalibrate Council support in January 2009. services, building a cohesive and forward- improvement throughout the organisation. on successes and setbacks as we progressed looking culture and improving consultation The aim of Sustainable Excellence is to The Sustainability Review examined all and communication with the community. ensure that we have the ability to meet • 162 systems views have been 69 service areas provided by The City of It is also building long-term sustainability the current needs of the city and its completed, which is 100 per cent Newcastle with a focus on effectiveness, with a strong executive and management community without compromising our of the target. Business Excellence efficiency and the appropriateness of the team who have a mix of corporate ability to meet future needs. utilises systems views to understand current service mix. key processes and relationships with knowledge and new expertise to tackle In the search for a set of tools and our customers, suppliers and other emerging community needs. techniques to assist us to achieve Two sustainability reports were released stakeholders Sustainable Excellence, The City of within the 2009/10 financial year, Stage 2 and 3 Report recommendations highlighting a number of issues and Newcastle has adopted the Business • The introduction of The City of will be considered by Councillors later in Excellence Framework (BEF) to provide a Newcastle Achievement Award, which improvement opportunities for Council to 2010. holistic approach to further organisational rewards employees based on how consider. improvement. The BEF is an integrated they have demonstrated The City of The Stage 1 Report recommendations approach built on best practice, leadership Newcastle’s values and management practices. were adopted by Council in conjunction Through embedding a culture of with the 2009/10 Management Plan on 25 The tools that we have begun to use continuous improvement in the June 2009. Of the 124 recommendations, over the past 12 months have provided organisation, we are confident that we 94 per cent have now been actioned, managers and staff with a better will be providing services to ratepayers, with others dependent on outcomes of understanding of the business they are residents and visitors that: benchmarking. in, who their customers and suppliers are, and the inputs they require to deliver • Enhance quality of life The Stage 2 and 3 Internal Services a quality outcome for their customers. • Ensure a sustainable future Report was released in early 2010 and The organisation is working to identify included 183 adopted recommendations. and strengthen relationships with key • Make best use of our assets Of these, 59 per cent have now been stakeholders to ensure that products and services are delivered to the community in • Are community and customer focused achieved. an effective and efficient manner. The next phase of Sustainable Excellence The implementation of Sustainability A number of initiatives have been will focus on process mapping the Review recommendations resulted implemented over the past 12 months that organisations core strategic and business in savings of $1,124,237 and of this, have transformed the individual, team and processes. The objective of this phase $882,167 will be ongoing savings. organisation. is to identify, document, standardise and improve Council’s processes which will The Sustainability Review provided The initiatives include: allow us to: a catalyst for many long overdue • The introduction and application of a improvements in the organisation and was redefined organisation mission and • capture knowledge core organisation values with 100% part of an overall program of changes to • identify and understand the awareness penetration across the the organisation’s cultural and financial relationships and interdependencies organisation management practices. on all business processes across • ‘Sustainable Excellence - 5 simple services, service units and business steps for teams’ training delivered to groups over 700 employees • look for continuous improvement • 30 Sustainable Excellence facilitators opportunities. were established to assist the what’s ahead striving to excel

38 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 39 Our future

Newcastle 2030 The seven themes emerging from the process include: Newcastle 2030 Connected city Community Vision and Plan Our transport networks and services are well connected and convenient. Walking, Over the last year, The City of Newcastle cycling and public transport are viable has been working with the community to options for the majority of our trips. develop a long-term shared vision and plan for our local government area. The Protected and enhanced plan is called Newcastle 2030 and it will environment help set our city’s direction for the next 20 Our unique environment is years by recognising and building on our understood, maintained and protected. strengths, realising our opportunities and addressing our challenges. Vibrant and activated public places Newcastle 2030 will outline the We are a city of great public places and Council is playing a lead role in the community’s priorities as well as neighbourhoods that promote people’s initiation and preparation of the plan identify practical ways, from simple health, happiness and well-being. but will not be solely responsible for initiatives to long-term visionary its implementation. State and regional Caring and inclusive community strategies, that will move us agencies, business, community groups We are a city of great public places and towards the Newcastle we want. It and individuals will work in partnership to neighbourhoods that promote people’s is expected the document will be deliver the Newcastle 2030 plan, which health, happiness and well-being. will provide a strong platform for making available for community feedback at sustainable choices in planning and Liveable and distinctive built the end of 2010. providing services. environment

More than 1,400 members of the Our city is attractive, built around people community have had direct input into the and reflects our sense of identity. project through a range of engagement Smart and innovative city activities including workshops, surveys We are a leader in smart innovations with and public forums. It is through this a healthy, diverse and resilient economy. extensive program of public conversations that we have been able to discover what Open and collaborative leadership the community envisions for the future of We have a strong local democracy with our city. an actively-engaged community and effective partnerships. Council is currently working on putting the Newcastle 2030 plan together. the way forward

40 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle 41 The year ahead

While The City of Newcastle has delivered Tree Masterplan and provide new waste many positive outcomes to the community services. over the last 12 months, there are numerous opportunities for achievement in Local communities will continue to benefit the coming financial year. from place making initiatives that create safe, vibrant public destinations and The Sustainability Review will continue neighbourhoods. to benefit Council’s bottom line, with the potential for another $1million in savings Council will build on the Business over the next 12 months. Excellence Framework by capturing improvement opportunities and conducting Work on the $7 million redevelopment of another self-assessment. No. 2 Sportsground will commence, with the project expected to be completed in Most importantly, however, we will October 2011. Meanwhile, the Newcastle continue to consult with our community in Museum will be completed in May of order to best inform the elected Council next year. In addition, the skate parks at about the wider views and aspirations of Bar Beach and Wallsend will be finished, Newcastle residents. boosting the recreational facilities available to our city’s young people.

Approved plans will be activated including the Coastal Revitalisation Masterplan, Merewether Beach Public Domain Plan, Hunter Street Revitalisation Masterplan and Blackbutt Reserve Masterplan. The City-Wide Floodplain Risk Management Plan will be completed and will go before Council for adoption.

An even bigger budget to the tune of $30 million will be allocated to capital works and will greatly assist Council to tackle its infrastructure renewal backlog.

A continuous improvement project in development and building will pave the way for the commencement of online development applications. We will also commence the Smart Grid Smart City project with our partners, develop a new the way forward

42 2009/10 Annual Report Summary - The City of Newcastle The City of Newcastle PO Box 489, Newcastle NSW 2300 Ph: 4974 2000 Fax: 4974 2222 Email: [email protected] www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au