39 Item 2 Namoi Joint Organisation Board

Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Item 2 Namoi Joint Organisation Board Minutes - 4th February 2016 Meeting

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 4. Proactive Regional and Local Leadership

OUTCOME: 4.1 WE ARE AN ENGAGED & CONNECTED COMMUNITY

STRATEGY: 4.2.2 Work in partnership to plan for the future - GM - external

AUTHOR General Manager

DATE 5 February 2016

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

This report recommends the notation of the Namoi JO Minutes for the meeting held on 4th February 2016.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Namoi Joint Organisation Board Meeting Minutes for 4th February 2016 are noted.

ATTACHMENTS AT- Minutes

39 Ordinary Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Namoi Joint Organisation Board Minutes - 4th February 2016 Minutes Meeting.DOC

MEETING

Held at

Liverpool Plains Shire Council

Thursday 4 February 2016 commencing at 9.30pm MINUTES

PRESENT: Tamworth Regional Council Cr Col Murray, Mayor and Namoi Councils Chairperson, and Paul Bennett, General Manager

Narrabri Shire Council Cr Conrad Bolton, Mayor and Namoi Councils Deputy Chairperson and Stewart Todd, General Manager

Gwydir Shire Council Max Eastcott, General Manager

Gunnedah Shire Council Cr Owen Hasler, Mayor and Eric Groth, General Manager

Liverpool Plains Shire Council Cr Andrew Hope, Mayor and Ron Van Katwyk, Acting General Manager

Moree Plains Shire Council Cr Katrina Humphries, Mayor (by phone) and Angus Witherby, Acting General Manager (by phone)

Walcha Council Cr Janelle Archdale, Mayor and Jack O’Hara, General Manager

Attachment 1 - Minutes Page 40

Ordinary Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Namoi Joint Organisation Board Minutes - 4th February 2016 Minutes Meeting.DOC

Uralla Shire Council Cr Mick Pearce, Mayor

NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet Alison McGaffin, Regional Coordinator

Regional Development Australian Northern Inland Russell Stewart, Chairperson and Nathan Axelsson, Executive Officer

1 REGIONAL GOVERNANCE 1.1 APOLOGIES Apologies were announced as having been received from Cr John Coulton, Mayor, Gwydir Shire Council, Lester Rodgers, General Manager, Moree Plains Shire Council and Damien Connor, General Manager, Uralla Shire Council

Declaration of Interest Nil 1.2 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING MOTION Moved Cr Bolton, Narrabri and seconded Cr Hope, Liverpool Plains 1/16 RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting of Namoi Councils held on 27 November 2015, copies of which were circulated to all members, be taken as read and confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings of the Meeting. 1.3 BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES Nil 1.4 OUTSTANDING ACTION LIST 31 MOTION Moved Cr Bolton, Narrabri and seconded Cr Hasler, Gunnedah 2/16 RESOLVED That Outstanding Action List 31 be received and noted. 1.5 FINANCE REPORT MOTION Moved Cr Hasler, Gunnedah and seconded Cr Hope, Liverpool Plains (i) That the Namoi Councils Financial Report as at 31 December 2015 be received and noted; (ii) That it be noted invoices totalling $30,432.19 have been paid during the month of January and that a further $100,000 has been invested bringing total funds invested to $200,000, details of which will appear in the January 2016 Financial Report to be submitted to the March 2016 Board Meeting; (iii) That 2014 – 2015 Annual Financial Statements be received and noted and the Namoi Councils Joint Organisation Chairperson and Treasurer be authorised to sign the completed Statements (iv) That the advice from the Executive Officer that a claim for reimbursement of Namoi Pilot Joint Organisation expenses amounting to the sum of $95,300 from

Attachment 1 - Minutes Page 41

Ordinary Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Namoi Joint Organisation Board Minutes - 4th February 2016 Minutes Meeting.DOC

the Pilot JO Grant of $300,000 has been lodged leaving a an unexpended grant balance of $155,000 which has been allocated to the following Board approved Pilot JO Projects yet to be completed:

Regional Freight Connectivity and Productivity Analysis - $ 75,000 Namoi Investment Prospectus $ 25,000 Video Conferencing System $ 55,000 $155,000

2 REGIONAL ADVOCACY 2.1 ISSUES SUBMITTED BY MEMBER COUNCILS Cr Andrew Hope, Mayor, Liverpool Plains Shire Council requested support and representations to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure for upgrading and improvements to passenger train services to Quirindi and the wider New England North West. Cr Hope advised that a Briefing Note was being prepared by his Council identifying the passenger train services in urgent need of upgrading for the submission to the next Board Meeting. 2.2 REGIONAL MEDIA ISSUES Nil 2.3 MEDIA RELEASES ISSUED Nil 2.4 OUTWARD CORRESPONDENCE MOTION Moved Cr Hasler, Gunnedah and seconded Cr Hope, Liverpool Plains 3/16 RESOLVED That Outward Correspondence Items 2.4.1 be noted 2.5 INWARD CORRESPONDENCE MOTION Moved Cr Bolton, Narrabri and seconded Cr Hasler, Gunnedah 4/16 RESOLVED That in Inward Correspondence Item 2.5.1 to 2.5.3 be received and noted.

Attachment 1 - Minutes Page 42

Ordinary Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Namoi Joint Organisation Board Minutes - 4th February 2016 Minutes Meeting.DOC

3 3 INTERGOVERNMENTAL COLLABORATION 3.1 NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet, Regional Coordinator, Alison McGaffin The NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet Regional Coordinator, Alison McGaffin, addressed the Board in relation to the following matters and issues: The 2016 Key Themes of the Western Region Mining Taskforce is “Skills and Jobs” and “Revenue from Mining Operations”. A Meeting of the Western Region Mining Taskforce is scheduled for 22 February 2016 to develop a 2016 Work Plan incorporating the two Key Themes. A Meeting of the Western Regional Leadership Group is scheduled for 17 February 2016 and it is proposed to the Executive Officer of the Namoi JO will make a brief presentation of the key 2015 Pilot JO process outcomes. Release of the Regional Plan has been delayed and is anticipated to occur in April. 3.2 VOLUNTARY PLANNING AGREEMENTS (VPAS) Board members discussed the current review by the Department of Planning and Environment of Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) under s93F of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, as an important planning tool to enabling Councils to obtain developer funding for public infrastructure, facilities and services to support rapid growth from mining development. Specific discussion centred around input to the review process by the Minerals Council of Australia and the Association of Mining Related Councils. Concern was expressed that it was essential the review process maintained independence and integrity, so as to avoid any fragmentation of the process and deliver the best possible outcome. MOTION Moved Cr Bolton, Narrabri and seconded Cr Hope, Liverpool Plains 5/16 RESOLVED That Namoi Councils Joint Organisation make representations to the NSW Minister for Planning and Environment seeking a coordinated approach with input from all interested groups to finalisation of review of Voluntary Planning Agreements so as to avoid any fragmentation of the process and provide reforms to Planning Agreements which benefit Councils and communities experiencing raping growth from mining development. 3.3 NAMOI COUNCILS END OF PILOT FINAL REPORT MOTION Moved Cr Hope, Liverpool Plains and seconded Cr Pearce, Uralla 6/16 RESOLVED That the completion and submission of the Namoi Councils End of Pilot Final Report be noted.

Attachment 1 - Minutes Page 43

Ordinary Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Namoi Joint Organisation Board Minutes - 4th February 2016 Minutes Meeting.DOC

4 REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PRIORITISATION 4.1 GMAC REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS – MEETING 28.01.16 MOTION Moved Cr Bolton, Narrabri and seconded Cr Archdale, Walcha 7/16 RESOLVED Outstanding Action List 30 That Outstanding Action List 30 be received and noted.

Regional Strategic Priority: Regional Freight Connectivity and Productivity Analysis Sponsor: Moree Plains Shire Council That it be noted Moree Plains Shire Council as the Project Sponsor has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from selected firms to undertake a Regional Freight Connectivity and Productivity Analysis which closed on 18th January 2016 and that EOIs are currently being evaluated.

Regional Strategic Priority: Namoi Regional Investment Prospectus Sponsor: Tamworth Regional Council That it be noted Regional Development Australia Northern Inland is currently engaged in preparation of a first draft of the Namoi Regional Investment Prospectus and that it is intended to hold a meeting of Project Governance Group in the near future.

Regional Strategic Priority: MR 357 Rangari Road Sponsor: Gunnedah Shire Council That it be noted the Cost Benefit Analysis prepared by Regional Development Australia Northern Inland identified a Benefit Cost Ratio of .40 and the Project may now be considered completed. Further, that the Project be reviewed in 12 months to establish whether there has been any change to traffic counts which may result in an increased Benefit Cost Ratio.

Namoi Councils Joint Organisation End of Pilot Final Report That completion and submission of the Namoi Councils Joint Organisation End of Pilot Final Report be noted and that the Executive Officer be requested to arrange for transfer of Pilot Grant Funding supported by expenditure acquittals to the Joint Organisation Bank Account.

Namoi Regional Infrastructure Priority Matrix That GMAC be requested to consider future applications of the Matrix Priority tool to assist in determining Regional Infrastructure Priorities.

2016 Namoi Councils Joint Organisation Work Plan (i) That the Namoi Councils Board note that a 2016 Work Plan is under preparation and that GMAC will hold a strategic planning session in February to update the Namoi Councils Strategic Plan and finalise the 2016 Work Plan for submission to the March Board Meeting;

(ii) That Paul Bennett/Tamworth Regional Council be requested to approach Stephen Blackadder and Associates to facilitate the strategic planning session; and

Attachment 1 - Minutes Page 44

Ordinary Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Namoi Joint Organisation Board Minutes - 4th February 2016 Minutes Meeting.DOC

(iii) That the Executive Officer be requested to convene a meeting of the Regional Roads Working Group to progress the Regional and Local Roads Funding Model with Richard Jane/Gwydir Shire Council as the Working Group Chairperson and Stewart Todd/Narrabri Shire Council as the Project Sponsor.

Container Deposit NSW Legislation That the Executive Officer be requested to coordinate lodgement of a Namoi Councils Joint Organisation submission on the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), with input from all member Councils, by the due date of 26 February 2016.

Electricity Supply Interruptions and Outages That Namoi Councils advise Essential Energy as having responsibility for the NSW Electricity Network, and Origin Energy as having responsibility for electricity customer supply services, that the current round of electricity supply interruptions and outages is unacceptable to member Councils to maintain Council operations and services to the community, the absence and lack of compensation or options for alternative power supply when planned interruptions and outages occur and that a copy of each letter be supplied to State Members of Parliament for Northern Tablelands, Tamworth, Upper Hunter and Barwon.

5 NAMOI COUNCILS SHARED SERVICES Nil

6 GENERAL BUSINESS 6.1 MERGER PROPOSAL - WALCHA COUNCIL AND TAMWORTH REGIONAL COUNCIL Cr Janelle Archdale, Mayor, Walcha Council referred to the current merger proposal for Walcha Council and Tamworth Regional Council and requested support from Namoi Councils JO by way of a letter to the Minister for Local Government for Walcha Council to remain as an independent standalone Local Government Authority. MOTION Moved Cr Archdale, Walcha and seconded Cr Humphries, Moree Plains 8/16 RESOLVED That the Namoi Councils Joint Organisation forward a “Letter of Support” to the Minister for Local Government advising that Walcha Council has been an active member of the Namoi JO and has contributed to driving new initiatives in regional strategic planning, regional leadership and advocacy, regional collaboration, resource sharing and that Walcha Council be afforded the opportunity to remain as an standalone Council and progressively work toward achieving scale and capacity.

6.2 NAMOI REGION AIR QUALITY MONITORY PROJECT Cr Owen Hasler, Mayor, Gunnedah Shire Council provided an update of an project by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority known as the Namoi Region Air Quality Monitoring Project (NRAQMP) to provide community members with access to baseline ambient air quality data from existing privately owned monitoring stations located in the Namoi Region.

Ambient concentrations of particulate matter are continuously measured at four monitoring stations - Werris Creek, Breeza, Wilgai and Maules Creek –

Attachment 1 - Minutes Page 45

Ordinary Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Namoi Joint Organisation Board Minutes - 4th February 2016 Minutes Meeting.DOC

which is available in “real-time on-line” on the Office of Environment Heritage Website.

6.3 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA NORTHERN INLAND The Chairperson of Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI), Russell Stewart, advised of the recent release of an RDANI initiative known as Agricultural Careers and Professions (AGCAP) which aimed at retaining Year 10 and 12 school leavers within the region to pursue careers and professions in the region’s key competitive advantage of Agriculture.

The RDANI initiative identifies the reasons school leavers relocate from the region and provides information about access to education services and facilities within the Region. The Board was advised that information on AGCAP is available on the RDANI website or via a freely available CD.

7 DATE AND VENUE FOR NEXT NAMOI COUNCILS BOARD MEETING Date: Thursday 3 March 2016 commencing at 9.30am

Venue: Gunnedah Shire Council

Closure: There being no further business, the Namoi Councils Joint Organisation Meeting concluded at 11.10am

Cr Col Murray, Namoi Councils, Chairperson

4 February 2016 - ooOOOoo -

Attachment 1 - Minutes Page 46

Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Item 3 Lane Name Proposal

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 5. Organisational Management

OUTCOME: 5.1 CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

STRATEGY: 5.1.3 Administrative functions - GM - internal

AUTHOR General Manager

DATE 5 February 2016

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

This reports recommends that the currently unnamed laneway between Bowen Street and Herbert Street, Bingara, be named Choice Lane

TABLED ITEMS Nil

BACKGROUND

The Council was requested to consider naming the laneway between Bowen Street and Herbert Street, Bingara, as Choice Lane.

This was considered by the Council at its meeting in December 2015 (copy attached) and advertised for public comment.

Two letters, one signed by multiple signatories, in support were received (copies attached).

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the currently unnamed laneway between Bowen Street and Herbert Street, Bingara, be named Choice Lane

ATTACHMENTS AT- Previous report AT- Supporting letter 1 AT- Supporting letter 2

47 Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Lane Name Proposal.DOC Previous report

Attachment 1 - Previous report Page 48

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Lane Name Proposal.DOC Previous report

Attachment 1 - Previous report Page 49

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 2 Lane Name Proposal.DOC Supporting letter 1

Attachment 2 - Supporting letter 1 Page 50

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 3 Lane Name Proposal.DOC Supporting letter 2

Attachment 3 - Supporting letter 2 Page 51

Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Item 4 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 2. Building the business base

OUTCOME: 2.1 OUR ECONOMY IS GROWING AND SUPPORTED

STRATEGY: 2.2.1 Increase the range of opputunities to work locally - OCD - external

AUTHOR General Manager

DATE 15/02/2016

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

TABLED ITEMS Nil

BACKGROUND

The Mayor, consultant and Council’s staff inspected a working hydroponics farm facility at Cobbitty NSW run by an organisation call Green Camel.

The farm is an integrated fish and crop production system operating on a commercial scale. It is located in Western Sydney on land owned by one of Green Camel’s partners, The University of Sydney.

The facility operates using a Moving Gulley System (MGS) for leafy green produce production that is suspended above a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) producing barramundi. By maximising the efficiency of production per litre of water and square metre the facility is compact and highly productive.

The facility grows over 130,000kg of fresh leafy greens in an area of just 4320sqm. This produce is sold basically to the Coles Supermarkets.

The integrated system allows Green Camel to grow good quality crops and fish all year round. The farm grows commercial quantities of fresh basil, coriander and parsley. Some of these are sold as living plants that can be taken home into the kitchen as a live plant that will continue to grow.

The entire system operates without the use of synthetic pesticides, fungicides or inorganic fertilizer inputs.

The operation is very impressive.

52 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

In summary the Cobbitty facility:

 Produces over 130,000 Kg of herbs per year.  Has the capacity to produce over 12,000 Kg Barramundi per year.  Has a consistent and predictable integrated growing process for crops and fish  Produces crops that are Certified Organic (Certificate 11981) and the entire operation, facility, processes and products are accredited for food safety by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQF certification).

The inspection was undertaken to determine the viability for establishing a similar facility in Gwydir Shire with an added advantage of attaching an adjacent biomass plant to produce a power source and other by-products useful in the process.

The estimated cost of undertaking this endeavor is $20,000,000. Obviously this would require a substantial investment from external sources.

The funding avenues that are available are being explored and the most viable options are a combination of a loan and a grant.

The grant funding could be sourced under the National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF). This grant has four assessment criteria that must be met:

Assessment Criterion 1: the extent to which the Project contributes to economic growth in the region

Assessment Criterion 2: the extent to which the Project addresses disadvantage in a region

Assessment Criterion 3: the extent to which the Project increases investment and builds partnerships in the region

Assessment Criterion 4: the extent to which the Project and Applicant are viable and sustainable

The proposal satisfies each criterion. The maximum grant available is $10,000,000 but needs to be matched $ for $ and Round 3 closes on 15th March 2016 and the project must be completed on or before 31 December 2019. Unfortunately the Council is not in a position to seek funding in this round but another funding round is expected prior to the Federal Election.

The Council’s contribution towards this or other projects can only come from a loan and this could possibly be sourced from the Federal government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). The CEFC has a Local Government Finance Program. The minimum loan is $10,000,000.

The advantage of funding the hydroponics’ proposal, for example, in this manner is that the Council would own the development and could either lease

53 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council out its operations to within the private sector or operate the facility as a commercial concern.

If successful eventually the facility would provide local employment for between 35 to 40 people and create the opportunity to a support sector to be developed around the facility.

A summary of the overall proposal is attached.

COMMENT

This type of project obviously entails a degree of risk that would need careful management.

The Council would also have to satisfy the Office of Local Government (OLG) that the Council has undertaken an adequate Capital Expenditure (Capex) review in line with the guidelines issued by the OLG.

Any proposal’s business case would also require independent verification as a risk mitigation exercise.

CONCLUSION

The Council can work towards getting shovel ready projects ready to apply in the National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF) Round Four for both sources of funding concurrently but, of course, do not have to accept the loan or the grant if the business case does satisfy either an independent evaluation or the OLG’s Capex review.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Council supports developing the hydroponics or similar bioenergy projects to a point where the Council can apply for the funding required as a mixture of grant and loan from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Local Government Finance Program, subject to a satisfactory outcome to an independent review of the business case and the Capex review.

ATTACHMENTS AT- Proposal Summary

54 Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 55

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 56

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 57

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 58

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 59

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 60

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 61

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 62

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 63

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 64

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 65

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 66

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 67

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 68

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 69

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 70

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 71

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 72

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 73

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Grant and Loan Funded Business Opportunity.DOCO Proposall Summary

Attachment 1 - Proposal Summary Page 74

Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Item 9 Plevna Road, Croppa Creek

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 2. Building the business base

OUTCOME: 2.1 OUR ECONOMY IS GROWING AND SUPPORTED

STRATEGY: 2.1.1 Plan for and develop the right assets and infrastructure - TS -external

AUTHOR Technical Services Director

DATE 15/02/2016

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION To seek a resolution determining the sale price for the ‘Plevna Road’ road Reserve.

BACKGROUND: Council has previously resolved to formally close Plevna Road and make the road Reserve available to PF and K Butler for purchase. An independent valuation has been undertaken, with the applicant subsequently registering objections to the sum presented.

ISSUES AND COMMENT: The ‘Plevna Road’ road Reserve is approximately 7.8 hectares in area and 40m in width, situated in the locality of North Star. The formed road occupies 7m of the total width and 1.3 hectares of the total area. Council staff recently engaged Taylor Byrne Valuers, Inverell to undertake a valuation (Attachment 1) of the reserve at undeveloped market value. This valuation was a total of $40,000 based on an average of $5,000 per hectare. The prospective purchasers have advised they believe Taylor Byrne’s valuation to be “very unrealistically inflated” for the following reasons:  It does not reflect the land use (the planned use upon closure is not primary production, but paddock access)  Plevna Road was improved from an unused black soil road to an all weather gravel road at the cost of the Butlers  The most recent valuation of the Butler’s land reflects an average value of approximately $1,300 per acre ($3,212 per hectare)  The valuation used arable farming land as a benchmark

The Valuer General’s 2015 assessment of land owned by the Butlers under valuation 3697140 (Attachment 2) gives a value of $3,307.52 per hectare.

129 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Item 5 Copeton Dam - Thermal Curtain

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 4. Proactive Regional and Local Leadership

OUTCOME: 4.1 WE ARE AN ENGAGED & CONNECTED COMMUNITY

STRATEGY: 4.2.2 Work in partnership to plan for the future - GM - external

AUTHOR General Manager

DATE 15 February 2016

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

This report recommends that the Council supports the proposal to request the NSW State Government to fund the implementation of a thermal curtain at Copeton Dam to alleviate the current cold water pollution that is causing environmental damage to the Gwydir River.

TABLED ITEMS Nil

BACKGROUND

The Council has received a letter (copy attached) from Mr Alec Lucke seeking the Council’s support for his endeavour to have modifications undertaken at Copeton Dam to reduce the environmental damage being caused to Gwydir River by the release of water from the bottom of the dam.

The letter is self-explanatory.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Council supports the proposal to request the NSW State Government to fund the implementation of a thermal curtain at Copeton Dam to alleviate the current cold water pollution that is causing environmental damage to the Gwydir River.

ATTACHMENTS AT- Letter

75 Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Copeton Dam - Thermal Curtain.DOC Letter

Attachment 1 - Letter Page 76

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Copeton Dam - Thermal Curtain.DOC Letter

Attachment 1 - Letter Page 77

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Copeton Dam - Thermal Curtain.DOC Letter

Attachment 1 - Letter Page 78

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Copeton Dam - Thermal Curtain.DOC Letter

Attachment 1 - Letter Page 79

Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Item 6 Organisation and Community Development - Monthly Report

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 5. Organisational Management

OUTCOME: 5.1 CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

STRATEGY: 5.1.3 Administrative functions - GM - internal

AUTHOR Organisational and Community Development Director

DATE 15/02/2016

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: The monthly Organisation and Community Development report details the activities carried out by the Department during the month of December 2015 and January 2016.

BACKGROUND: The monthly Organisation and Community Development report forms part of a regular reporting regime. The purpose of the report is to inform Council of the activities carried out within the Department.

ISSUES AND COMMENT:

1 Incident Reporting 1.1 Incidents reported to the end of January 2016 There have been 59 incidents to date this financial year:  10 incidents occurred in December and January  4 in Warialda and 6 in Bingara  8 incidents were internal and 2 external

80 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Council’s Incident/Accident report form defines the injury/accident into five categories:

The nature of incidents reported has been broken down into 11 categories:

81 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

2 GLR Automotive Trade Training Centre 2.1 Heavy Vehicle Training Two clients have successfully completed heavy vehicle training during this reporting period, 1 internal and 1 external. GLR RTO currently has a high risk variation from Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) until 1 March 2016. A request for an extension of time has been submitted to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) regarding compliance with Clause 4.2(d). This is to allow time for Council employee Scott McLachlan to gain qualifications as a trainer for GLR.

2.2 Driver training - car During this reporting period, five lessons have been given.

2.3 TAFE -Automotive Vocational Preparation Certificate II TAFE classes will recommence in 2016, with a continuing class and a new class. There is some interest from Bingara Central School and it is possible that students from Bingara may once again attend classes. Discussions are underway. 2.4 Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Electrical testing and tagging of items has commenced using a newly purchased device. An asset list is being generated from each department as items are tested. Regular testing is required by law. Testing periods vary depending upon the use of each item and the conditions of use. Once all items have been included in the asset register, a schedule will be drawn up and testing will be allocated to appropriately trained staff.

82 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

3 Tourism, Events and Marketing 3.1 Visitor Information Centres

November December January

Opening hours Opening hours Opening hours

W = 195 B = 175.25 W = 183 B = 134.50 W = 194.50 B = 151.50

Volunteer hours Volunteer hours Volunteer hours

W = 37.5 B = 34.75 W = 25.5 B = 24 W = 52 B = 28

Visitation to VICs November December January

Warialda (V=Visitors, C = V = 318 C = 484 V = C = 218 V = 385 C = 219 Café) 211

Bingara 405 289 438

3.3 Cranky Rock

Cranky Rock Sites Nov Dec Jan Powered sites 12 10 11 Unpowered sites 18 15 5 Camping sites 0 2 10 Total 30 27 26

83 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

3.4 Websites

84 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

4 Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) GSC CHSP Report 2015/4 (Oct ‐Dec) BINGARA CHSP DELUNGRA CHSP WARIALDA CHSP MDS Submitted figures DAY CENTRE Clients 39 14 24 Meals 684 (combined 83 351 figure, Day Centre and Food Services) Hours 450 307 875 SOCIAL SUPPORT Clients 77 6 35 Hours 767 32 568 FOOD SERVICES (Meals on Wheels) Clients 51(12 MoW) 0 10 Meals 684 (combined 0 638 figure, Day Centre and Food Services ) TRANSPORT

85 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Number of Clients 63 8 37 Number of Trips 424 87 391 TRANSPORT (Youth) NSW Transport Funded Number of Clients 61 N/A N/A Number of Trips 167 N/A N/A

VOLUNTEERS No. of Volunteers 30 55 (Wlda & Delungra) Hours 652 447 (Wlda & Delungra) ACCOMMODATION UNITS for AGED Occupancy 6/6 N/A 13/13 (as 24/12/2015)

Activities in January 2016  Day Centres commenced week beginning 11th January 2016.  Inter-town transports commenced on 18th January 2016, allowing a reasonable break for Volunteers. A large percentage of medical specialists also take leave throughout January, so there are fewer referrals for this period.  Meals on Wheels has had steady increases in both Warialda and Bingara.  Audited Financial Statements have not been received, therefore returns to Department of Health and Transport for NSW have not been finalised as outlined as a requirement of Funding Agreements.  Performance reviews are being conducted with all CHSP staff.  A quality review will be conducted for Gwydir Shire Council CHSP Services during 2016. Review dates are to be confirmed by the Quality Agency.

5 Naroo Aged Care Facility 5.1 Naroo occupancy Currently Naroo has 100% occupancy – 36 residents, 35 permanent, 1 respite.

86 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

5.2 Naroo staff

Naroo Staff Training for 2015/2016 Attendance Use of mechanical equipment 9 ACFI related training 15 Critical incidents 23 Level 1 Fire Officer training 2 Manual handling 25 Infection control 25 Mandatory reporting 22 Elder abuse 22 Code of Conduct 23 First Aid 9 Teamwork 20 Fire and evacuation 25 Food Safety 31 Managing behaviors 17 Computer software training 25 Use of continence aids 15 Cytotoxic medications 35 Diabetic education 19 Continence and sexuality 11 Assisting with medication 7

5.3 Activities in Naroo The main event for December was the Christmas Party held on Friday 17th December. The party was held in the evening on the beautiful east lawns surrounded by the impressive garden. All residents attended the party along with many staff who helped in their own time. The catering staff capably catered for almost one hundred people. Santa arrived in style in a red Mazda MX5 and thrilled the crowd. Entertainment was again provided by Gunther and Karin Gerhardt who are always welcome at Naroo. During January, Naroo residents enjoyed a visit from the Australia Day Ambassador, escorted by Paul Jones and Phil Ledingham.

87 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Garden chair donated by Don and Nola Payne’s family is in situ and the dementia garden construction is well underway.

6 Social Services 6.1 Bingara Neighbourhood Centre Funding body – Family and Community Services There have been 115 points of contact for the Neighbourhood Ceentre during December and January. Counselling and advocacy are still the mmain areas covered by the Centre with 40 Chrristmas gift cards being deliverreed in December. Broadband for Seniors continues to operate from the Library with good usage during this reporting period.

6.2 Bingara Toy Library Funding body – Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate NSW Department of Education and Communities

Bingara Toy Library Nov Dec Jan Toy Library Members (children utilising 141 85 33 the service)

Parents 92 55 23 Total membership at Bingara Toy Library 44 42 45 Toys returned 40 27 22 Toys borrowed 31 26 17 Children/Group using toys (members) 14+ 8+ 33 + FDC FDC Free play 86 children 58 childrenn 28 children 46 adults 31 adults 18 adults

Birth Certificate Presentation Deputy Mayor, Catherine Egan prresented the recipients with theeir certificate and pack. The Bingara Advocate covered the event. A light morrning tea was served after the official ceremony.. Seven children and seven mums were

88 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council given a certificate with 12 children and 12 adults in total attendance for the playgroup/ceremony morning

The Toy Library was closed for most of January for stocktake annd cleaning purposes. Mums and Bubs - Splash and Play 2 sessions in Bingara - 22 participants 2 sessions in Warialda - 10 participants These sessions have been very suuccessful with positive feedback from both locations, with some families travelling from outside our Shire to attend. The Mums and Bubs Splash and Play program is being run through the Binggara and Warialda Toy Libraries.

6.3 Supported Playgroup Development Worker Funding body – Families NSW Waarialda Toy Library

Warialda Toy Library Nov Dec Jan

Total daily attendance count, (no# of children having utilised the service, each day over the 208 223 month) CLOSED CLOSED Full borrowing members (new) 0 0 Non borrowing members (new) 1 0 Casual borrowing members (new) 0 0 Toys returned 18 12

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Toys borrowed 12 21 Groups using the service (FDC carrers) 3 3 Tuesday group activity morning 55 73 Thursday group activity morning 42 51 Friday group activity morning 37 48

6.4 Gwydir Playgroups Attendance:

Particulars New Families Attendance Nov Dec Jan Nov Dec Jan

Warialda 2 1 CLOSED 74 51 CLOSED Gravesend 2 2 28 33 Bingara 0 0 38 41

In December a ‘Mums Got Talent” morning was held to showcase local mothers with small home or hobby based businesses/services available to the community. A total of six mothers presented with services on offer. There were 14 supporting parents/carers attending the session with 23 children in total for the morning. Playgroups remained busy during December in spite of the short montth, with a total of 125 children utilising a playgroup session or sessions over the montth. 51 children attended Warialda’s Monday morning session, 33 in Gravesend and 41 in Bingara.

6.5 Bingara Preschool Funding body – Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate NSW Department of Education and Communities Preschool children participated in the Bingara Christmas Carnival on Thursday night 10th December danncing and singing to ‘Jingle Bells’.

90 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Twenty children graduated from Bingara preschool in Decemberr. The children performed ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ and the Wiggles ‘Jingle Bells’ before being presented with their certificates.

Preschool returned on the 28th of January with many new families ready for their first educational experience.

5.6 Tharawonga Tharawonga said farewell to Director Kerri Jane Kent and trainee Carly Turner in December, and welcomed new director Di Norris and trainee Ashleigh Cleal in January. 5.7 Vacation Care Funding body – Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate NSW Department of Education and Communities

Warialda and Bingara each had seven days of Vacation Care during January. The program consisted of different craft activities, cooking, team challenges, musical mats, quiz games, painting, the blindfold activity, bingo, silent ball, crocodile, board games, performaances and the popular new activity, karaoke. On Monday 11th and Thursday 21sst January, children participated in an excursion to Shake Rattle and Bowl in Inverell. Children enjoyed challenging each other in a game of bowling. After they had finished bowling, children had unlimited access to the play area and enjoyed a pizza and slushy for lunch. On Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 20th January, movie days were held in each town. Warialda Vacation Care Total Points of contact 87 04/01/16 – 12/01/16 Bingara Vacation Care 107 Total Points of contact

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13/1/16 – 21/1/16 13 families Children and families enrolled - 20 children Warialda 12 girls and 8 boys 20 families Children and families enrolled - 25 children Bingara 16 girls and 9 boys

7 Governance 7.1 Customer Service Requests

Number of Current Requests Outstanding Notations/ Open (received by Council Requests Comments Requests as between 01.01.2016 at 31 January and 31.01.2016) Technical 5 5 0 Services Water & 3 3 0 Sewerage

Executive 0 0 0 Organisation & 0 0 0 Community Dev Corporate 0 0 0 Services Development & 15 10 5 Env Services

Total 23 18 5

7.2 Requests for Council information by Statutory Authorities

Nil

7.3 Application/s made to Council under the Government Information Public Access (GIPA) Act, 2009 Nil

7.4 Policy Reviews Nil

7.5 Declarations of Interest by Councillors at the December Council Meeting. (Please note there were no Council meetings in January 2016.) Nil (Dec 2015)

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7.6 Declarations of Gifts by Councillors/Staff and Council Volunteers Nil

8 Financial Attachment 1 - Organisation and Community Development financial summary.

CONCLUSION: The activities carried out by the Organisation and Community Development Department are in line with the 2015/2016 Management Plan and otherwise as directed.

CONSULTATION: Consultation has occurred within the Organisation and Community Development Directorate.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Policy implications are those relating to the 2015/2016 Operational Plan and the Policies of Gwydir Shire Council.

FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC and RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (Including Asset Management): The activities carried out by the Organisation and Community Development Department are in line with the 2015/2016 Operational Plan.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS (Social and Environment): The activities undertaken by the Organisation and Community Development Department regarding social and environmental factors are targeted in line with the 2015/2016 Operational Plan.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION: That this report is received and noted.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Organisation and Community Development report be received

ATTACHMENTS AT- Financial Summary

93 Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Organisation and Community Development - Monthly Financiall Summary Report.DOC

Attachment 1 - Financial Summary Page 94

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Organisation and Community Development - Monthly Financiall Summary Report.DOC

Attachment 1 - Financial Summary Page 95

Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Item 7 Technical Services Monthly Report

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 5. Organisational Management

OUTCOME: 5.1 CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

STRATEGY: 5.1.3 Administrative functions - GM - internal

AUTHOR Technical Services Director

DATE 15/02/2016

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION The monthly Technical Services report details the activities carried out by the Technical Services Department during December/January.

BACKGROUND The monthly Technical Services report has been identified by Council as the process of reporting the activities carried out monthly by the Technical Services Department.

COMMENT 1. TECHNICAL SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION Technical Services infrastructure, planning, design and surveys were carried out in-house. The Technical Services staff continued to provide customer service to the Gwydir Shire residents. 1.1 North West Weight of Loads Committee Minutes from the North West Weight of Loads Committee meeting held in the Narrabri Shire Council Chambers, Maitland Street, Narrabri on Monday 6 July 2015 are attached (Attachment 1). 1.2 Emergency Services Local Emergency Services Meeting (LEMC) Minutes from the LEMC meeting held in Bingara on Tuesday 10 November 2015 are attached (Attachment 2). NSW RFS - Service Level Agreement Attached is a copy of the minutes from the meeting held on the 9 December 2015 (Attachment 3). RFS - Fire Hazard Reduction

96 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Specified locations around the townships of Bingara and Warialda continue to be maintained by Council’s Parks and Gardens and Technical Services teams. 1.3 Contractor Management Technical Services has taken over the coordinating of Council’s Contractor Management. Contractor Insurance Management Systems (CIMS) continues to be monitored. Contractors are encouraged to supply full disclosure of all relevant documentation requested.

1.4 Warialda High Productivity Vehicle Route Technical Services has submitted the High Vehicle Safety and Productivity application (HVSPP) for the Warialda HPV Route to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. Work has begun on securing the land required for the road corridor. Aboriginal land claims have been identified across some of the parcels required for the corridor, requiring the NSW Aboriginal Land Council consent to enable acquisition by Council. A draft design of the alignment has been prepared and work continues on the preparation of detailed design plans for the project.

2. ENGINEERING SERVICES 2.1 Construction/ Rehabilitation – Local and Regional Roads RR63 Warialda Road Heavy Patching Heavy patching is nearly complete on proposed reseal sections. SR14 Mosquito Creek Road Construction Construction is complete on Stage 3 with the final seal scheduled for March 2016. SR285 Cranky Rock Road Construction Construction is complete on the entire length of Cranky Rock Road with the final seal scheduled for March 2016. SR43 Buckie Road Stabilisation All works are now complete on this section of Buckie Road from Croppa – Moree Road intersection to the western side of the village. SR3 Elcombe Road Reconstruction Stage 1 is complete with Stage 2, which is 1.78km long, well underway on the southern end of the project section. Expected completion of Stage 2 is the end of March.

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Figure 1 - Stage 1 - showiing Dingwall corner on Elcombe Road

SR7 Croppa Creek Road Heavy patching is complete on proposed reseal sections north and south of Myola feedlot. 2.2 Maintenance Works – Local, Regional and State Roadss Maintenance Grading SR33 Forest Creek Road, SR39 Allandale Road, SR265 Innesvale Road, SR10 Yallaroi Road, SR204 Dunrobyn Road, SR291 Pump Statiion Road, SR65 Munsies, SR67 Agincourt Road, SR11 Horton Road, SR30 Caroda Road, SR21 Terry Hie Hie Road, SR38 Adams Scrub Road, SR117 Back Creek Road, and SR66 Reserve Creek Road. Gravel Resheeting SR13 Oregon Road,SR243 Bells Creek Road, SR243 Avon Downs Road, SR204 Dunrobyn Road, SR10 Yallaroi Road, SR95 Bangheet Rooad, and SR102 Noumea Road.

Figure 2 - Gravel Resheeting on SR10 Yallaroi Road

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Bitumen Patching HW12 Gwydir Highway, RR7705 North Star Road, RR63 Warialda Road, MR462 Bruxner Way, SR4 Baroma Downs Road, SR13 Oregon Road, SR14 Mosquito Creek Road, SR8 Gragin Road, SR7 Croppa Creek Road, MR63 Cobbadah Road, MR63 Allan Cunningham Road, MR134 Delungra Road, MR132 Macintyre and Gulf Creek Road, MR133 Killarney Gap Road, SR2 Bingara Road, SR1 Copeton Dam Road, and Bingara town streets. Pipe/Headwall Repairs Pipe and headwall repairs on RR7705 North Star Road, SR10 Yallaroi Road, SR42 Mungle Road and Riddell Street, Warialda. Culvert works on SR3 Elcombe Road. Installation of three sets of pipes on Thornleigh Road and into driveway accesses in White Street, Bingara. Vegetation Control HW12 Gwydir Highway, SR20 Gravesend Road, MR462 Bruxner Way, SR13 Oregon Road, SR14 Mosquito Creek Road, RR63 Warialda Road, SR8 Gragin Road, RR7705 North Star Road, SR4 Baroma Downs Road, SR64 Gournama Road, MR63 Cobbadah/ Allan Cunningham Road, and MR134 Delungra Road. Slashing RR63 Warialda Road, HW12 Gwydir Highway, RR7705 North Star Road, SR6 Getta Getta Road, SR9 IB Bore Road, MR462 Bruxner Way, SR7 Croppa Creek Road, SR5 Croppa Moree Road, SR1Copeton Dam Road, SR2 Bingara Road, SR3 Elcombe Road, SR19 Whitlow Road, SR11 Horton Road, SR12 Upper Whitlow Road, MR63 Allan Cunningham Road, and MR134 Delungra Road. Private Works for Councilors and Staff Nil Report Self Help Program Worungil Access Road.

2.3 Roads Maintenance Council Contract – Works Orders issued by RMS All Work Orders issued by RMS are quality assurance schedule of rates projects carried out by Council staff under the Roads Maintenance Council Contract with Roads and Maritime Services. RMS resealing work has commenced with completion due in March 2016. The MR63 Alan Cunningham Rd ‘Mt Rodd’ construction project is programmed to commence in late February 2016. Heavy Patching has been completed on MR63 Cobbadah Road. An extension of the 50 km/h area on MR63 Alan Cunningham Road north of Bingara Bridge for a further 40 m north was implemented as a result of a review carried out by RMS.

99 2.4 Rural Roads 2015-2016 Capital Works Program

Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

2.5 Other Services  Street services continued to be maintained for vehicular, pedestrian and public conveniences.  Stormwater drainage facilities continue to be maintained.  Aerodromes at Warialda and Bingara continue to be maintained and inspections are done monthly.  Existing quarry sources are continually being utilised and future sources are being investigated as time permits with other competing projects.  The radio and television towers continued to be maintained.

3. DESIGN AND ASSET SERVICES Survey, design and soil testing is continuing for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 works programs. Progress is as follows:  RR63 Warialda Road Boundary Gully culvert - survey of existing causeway and design of replacement box culvert to provide all weather access  RR63 Warialda Road Kia Ora culvert - survey of existing causeway and design of replacement box culvert to provide all weather access  RR7705 North Star Road Postman’s Gully culvert - survey of existing causeway and design of replacement box culvert and alignment correction  North Star Road – preliminary design complete for 5km of road north of Cox’s Creek construction  MR63 Mt Rodd Road RMS works – design finalised and approved by RMS for construction  Warialda HPV route – draft design for grant applications completed. Works are currently underway to secure new road corridor. An updated Transport Asset Management Plan has been prepared for adoption. This plan reflects new asset values, depreciation and lifecycle costs as per the 2015 roads revaluation. The plan will be presented to a future meeting and demonstrates sustainable delivery of transport infrastructure in the 10 year planning period. GIS activities this month include:  incorporation of asset data with GIS data  continued maintenance of Rural Addressing and mapping databases  continued assistance with interdepartmental enquiries  maintenance of Name and Address Register.

102 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

4. ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM 2015/2016 Road Safety Campaigns Title: North West Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum Grant: $1,000 from RMS $3,000 from Moree Plains Shire Council Description: To host the 2015 North West Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum in Moree on Tuesday, 18 August 2015. It is anticipated that 50 people will attend the forum on the day. Timing: 18 August 2015 Status: Completed

Slow Down Title: Grant: $5,000 from RMS $4,000 from Moree Plains Shire Council Description: This project aims to reduce the percentage of vehicle including trucks speeding at 6 locations during October and November and again during May. These time periods were identified using the RMS supplied crash data. It will also provide information about sharing the road, driving to conditions and travelling on gravel roads. Timing: 01 September 2015 to 30 June 2016 Status: Unfunded This campaign was unsuccessful in obtaining funding from RMS for the 2015/2016 financial year.

Title: Free Cuppa Program Grant: $18,000 from RMS (includes $3,000 for Moree Plains & Gwydir Shires) Description: This project will be implemented in Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Dubbo City, Forbes, Gilgandra, Gwydir, Lachlan, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Orange City, Parkes, Warrumbungle and Wellington. The program will be implemented in conjunction with local businesses to encourage travellers to stop and take regular breaks from driving. The program will include; a 'free cuppa for the driver' scheme, a prize draw for drivers who take part in the scheme, erecting roadside banners, media coverage, promotion in caravan parks/motels and tourist information centres. Timing: 31 August 2015 to 30 June 2016 Status: In progress Expressions of interests have now closed. Four (4) businesses have registered across the two shires (two in Moree Plains and two in Gwydir).

103 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Merchandise designs and printing will now commence as will updating of the Smart phone apps. The campaign launch has been scheduled for Tuesday, 1 March 2015 in Parkes.

Title: Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) Route Assessments Description: Access to the road network for heavy vehicle combinations and controlled access buses is subject to specific route assessment using the NSW Route Assessment Guide. The Road Safety Officer with the assistance of the Technical Services Department is responsible for undertaking such assessments and preparing the necessary reports. Timing: When required Status: As required. Inspections have been undertaken on a further three (3) roads. These being an eight kilometre section of Oregon Road (SR 13), a further section of Gil Gil Creek Road (SR 63) up to Alma Lane (SR 258), and Alma Lane (SR 258). Assessment reports will be completed in the coming weeks.

Other Activities:  The Road Safety Officer continued the coordination the Child Restraint Hiring Program. Currently the Road Safety Program has a total of 14 child restraints in the hiring program. The quarterly hiring rates (YTD) for the program are: o September 2014 Quarter – 25% o December 2014 Quarter – 29% o March 2015 Quarter – 21% o June 2015 Quarter – 22% o September 2015 – 32% o December 2015 – 31% o March 2016 Quarter (QTD) – 10%  The Road Safety Officer presented at the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program. This is an ongoing commitment with regular presentations being given once every six (6) weeks.

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5. FINANCIAL REPORTS

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106 Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

CONCLUSION The activities carried out by the Technical Services Department are in line with the 2015/2016 Management Plan and otherwise as directed.

CONSULTATION Consultation is carried out within the Technical Services Department during the monthly Technical Services team meetings and other relevant persons.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS Policy implications are those relating to the 2015/2016 Management Plan and the Technical Services Policies of Gwydir Shire Council.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The activities carried out by the Technical Services Department are in line with the 2015/2016 Management Plan.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS The activities undertaken by the Technical Services Department regarding social and environmental factors are targeted for best practice in line with the 2015/2016 Management Plan.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the Technical Services report be received

ATTACHMENTS AT- Weight of Loads minutes AT- LEMC minutes AT- SLA minutes

107 Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC Weight of Loads minutes

Attachment 1 - Weight of Loads minutes Page 108

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC Weight of Loads minutes

Attachment 1 - Weight of Loads minutes Page 109

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC Weight of Loads minutes

Attachment 1 - Weight of Loads minutes Page 110

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC Weight of Loads minutes

Attachment 1 - Weight of Loads minutes Page 111

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC Weight of Loads minutes

Attachment 1 - Weight of Loads minutes Page 112

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC Weight of Loads minutes

Attachment 1 - Weight of Loads minutes Page 113

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC Weight of Loads minutes

Attachment 1 - Weight of Loads minutes Page 114

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC Weight of Loads minutes

Attachment 1 - Weight of Loads minutes Page 115

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC Weight of Loads minutes

Attachment 1 - Weight of Loads minutes Page 116

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC Weight of Loads minutes

Attachment 1 - Weight of Loads minutes Page 117

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 2 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC LEMC miinnutes

Attachment 2 - LEMC minutes Page 118

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 2 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC LEMC miinnutes

Attachment 2 - LEMC minutes Page 119

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 2 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC LEMC miinnutes

Attachment 2 - LEMC minutes Page 120

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 2 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC LEMC miinnutes

Attachment 2 - LEMC minutes Page 121

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 3 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC SLA minutes

Attachment 3 - SLA minutes Page 122

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 3 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC SLA minutes

Attachment 3 - SLA minutes Page 123

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 3 Technical Services Monthly Report.DOOC SLA minutes

Attachment 3 - SLA minutes Page 124

Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

Item 8 Bora Link Road Update

FILE REFERENCE

DELIVERY PROGRAM

GOAL: 2. Building the business base

OUTCOME: 2.1 OUR ECONOMY IS GROWING AND SUPPORTED

STRATEGY: 2.1.1 Plan for and develop the right assets and infrastructure - TS -external

AUTHOR Design and Assets Manager

DATE 15/02/2016

STAFF DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST Nil

IN BRIEF/ SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION Application to Crown Lands by landowner to close crown sections of Bora Link Road. This would land-lock properties.

BACKGROUND Bora Link Road is under Council’s Road Asset Register as a gazetted road. It has come to Council’s attention that two sections of the road are classified as Crown Road. This road services four (4) landowners and is their only access.

ISSUES AND COMMENT: Bora Link Road Bora Link Road is in the locality of Dinoga and is 4.5km long. It services four (4) properties, the last being at the end of the road. This road is included in Council’s Road Classification and the road name “Bora Link Road” was gazetted on 28 November 2011. An application to Crown Lands Department, from the owner of a neighbouring property, to close all Crown Roads within his property, was received by Council. After inspection of the affected Crown Roads covered in the application, it was revealed that two sections of Bora Link Road are classified as Crown Road in the application for closure. Council is requesting that the Crown Road sections of Bora Link Road be transferred to Council and the road be maintained as part of Council’s Road Register (Attachment 1). Bora Link Road in its entirety is currently in Council’s Road Asset Register. There would be no impact to Council’s Depreciation, Liabilities or Asset holdings if Council took ownership of the Crown sections of Bora Link Road. Not keeping the Crown sections of Bora Link Road will result in three (3) properties being landlocked with no access for the owners.

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CONCLUSION: Bora Link Road has sections that are classified as Crown road. An application the neighbouring property owner to Crown Lands to close all crown roads on his property has resulted in these sections being included in the application to Council. Transferring the land to Council control will ensure all landowners will have access to their property. There will be no impact to Council’s Asset Holdings or Depreciation and Liabilities as the Bora Link Road, in its entirety, is already in Council’s Asset Register (Attachment 2). CONSULTATION: Consultation has been conducted with the GIS Officer of Gwydir Shire Council and Crown Lands Representative.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT Council transfer Crown Road Reserve on the sections of Bora Link Road to Council’s control and that Bora Link Road remain in the Gwydir Road Register.

FURTHER that this report be accepted.

ATTACHMENTS AT- Crown Lands map AT- Bora Link Rd

126 Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Bora Link Road Update.DOC Crown Lands map

Attachment 1 - Crown Lands map Page 127

Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 2 Bora Link Road Update.DOC Bora Link Rd

Attachment 2 - Bora Link Rd Page 128

Council - 25 February 2016 Gwydir Shire Council

This is an average figure from a total of 2,104 hectares and includes arable and non-arable land. As resolved previously by Council, upon closure of the road the purchasers would be required to grant a right of carriageway benefiting Lot 32, DP 821268, immediately north of the reserve. This proposed right of carriageway is the only encumbrance on the future use of the land. The formed road occupies less than 25% of the reserve, with aerial imagery showing the residual largely cultivated (Attachment 3). The current formed road was constructed as part of Council’s self-help program, with the prospective purchasers contributing resources towards its upgrade.

CONCLUSION: Due to the right of carriageway requirement upon closure, it is unlikely that the current formed road will be removed or used for any purpose other than property access and movement of farm machinery. As such, its value to the prospective purchaser is extremely limited. The residual land in the Reserve however, has been demonstrated to be arable, and as such can be valued accordingly.

CONSULTATION: Feedback from PF and K Butler was sought following receipt of the valuation from Taylor Byrne. Their comments are noted in this report.

FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC and RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (including asset management) The current written down value of Plevna Road is $31,266.48.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION THAT the area of the Plevna Road reserve occupied by the formed road be excluded from the road reserve’s valuation FURTHER that $3,307 per hectare is adopted as the value of all residual land within the reserve FURTHER that this report be accepted.

ATTACHMENTS AT- Consultant's Report AT- Plevna Rd Land Values AT- Prevna Rd map

130 Ordinarry Meeting - 25 February 2016 Attachment 1 Plevna Road, Croppa Creek.DOC Consultannt's Report

Attachment 1 - Consultant's Report Page 131