Information Bulletin 26 May 2021

26 May 2021 Ordinary Council Meeting INFORMATION BULLETIN

ITEM 16.1 - ATTACHMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

REPORTS:

No. Title of Report No of Pages 1 Infrastructure Services Report – April 2021 10 2 Environmental Health Officer Report – Nil 3 Lake Grace Visitor Centre Report – Nil 4 Lake Grace Library Report and Statistics – Nil 5 Lake King Library Report and Statistics – Nil 6 Newdegate Library Report and Statistics – Nil

CIRCULARS, MEDIA RELEASES & NEWSLETTERS:

No. Title of Attachment No of Pages 1 PHEOC Bulletin No. 58 4 2 PHEOC Bulletin No. 59 4 3 PHEOC Bulletin No. 60 4 4 PHEOC Bulletin No. 61 4 5 PHEOC Bulletin No. 62 4 6 WALGA Regional Climate Alliance Program 20 7 LGIS Information Pack – Golf Tournament f19 & 20 August 13 2021 8 Minutes of CCZ Meeting 23 April with WALGA MRWA 44 Minutes

INFORMATION BULLETIN

INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES REPORT

YTD APRIL 2021

ROAD MAINTENANCE GRADING

ROAD MAINTENANCE GRADING FROM 1 APRIL 2021 TO 30 APRIL 2021

Newdegate – April 2021

Total Road Graded (km) Buniche North Rd 11.5 Dragon Rock Rd 9.5 Dyke Rd 11.6 Hollands Track Rd 8.1 North Newdegate Rd 4.8 Rodger Rd 11.4 Total 56.8

Newdegate 2020/21 YTD

Monthly Grading Year Month Total (km) July 49.6 August 150.5 September 95.6 2020 October 122.9 November 72.1 December 0.0 January 90.0 February 93.8 2021 March 129.4 April 56.8 YTD Total 860.7

Infrastructure Services Report – April 2021 ROAD MAINTENANCE GRADING

Monthly maintenance grading history – Newdegate area

Infrastructure Services Report – April 2021

ROAD MAINTENANCE GRADING

Lake Grace – April 2021

Total Road Name Graded (km) Burns Rd 5.5 Dunham Rd 5.7 Harvey Rd 3.7 McGlinn Rd 3.1 Robertson Rd 5.3 Slarke St 0.5 Trevenen Rd 1.4 West Kuender Rd 15.8 Total 41.0

Lake Grace 2020/21 YTD

Monthly Grading Year Month Total (km) July 86.8 August 42.0 September 8.2 2020 October 26.8 November 59.5 December 116.2 January 142.2 February 115.3 2021 March 87.1 April 41.0 YTD Total 725.1

Infrastructure Services Report – April 2021

ROAD MAINTENANCE GRADING

Monthly maintenance grading history – Lake Grace area

Infrastructure Services Report – April 2021

ROAD MAINTENANCE GRADING

Lake King & Varley – April 2021

No maintenance grading carried out in April.

Lake King & Varley 2020/21 YTD

Monthly Grading Year Month Total (km) July 102.7 August 33.9 September 92.2 2020 October 65.7 November 126.0 December 124.9 January 75.9 February 77.1 2021 March 59.9 April 0.0 YTD Total 758.3

Infrastructure Services Report – April 2021

ROAD MAINTENANCE GRADING

Monthly maintenance grading history – Lake King-Varley area

Infrastructure Services Report – April 2021

ROAD MAINTENANCE GRADING

Total 2020/21 YTD Lake Grace, Newdegate and Lake King/Varley

Monthly Grading Year Month Total (km) July 239.1 August 226.4 September 196.0 2020 October 215.4 November 257.6 December 241.1 January 308.1 February 286.2 March 276.4 2021 April 97.8 May June YTD (km) 2344.1

Infrastructure Services Report – April 2021

PLANT MAINTENANCE

PLANT MAINTENANCE – APRIL 2021

Plant # Plant Description Action PTRA25 2014 Tri-axle Water Tanker Replace tyre. PBAH03 2003 John Deere Backhoe Replace hydraulic hose. PTCK03 2007 Hino Tip Truck Tyre puncture repair, scheduled service. PTCK18 2016 Mack Truck (LG255) Replace tyre. PTRA02 2015 Bruce Rock Sidetipper Replace tyre. Trailer

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE

CONSTRUCTION: Nil.

MAINTENANCE Lake Grace Newdegate Lake King Varley Other Cemetery Medical Centre Cemetery Hall Pavilion, Dunn Hall Playground Public Toilets Public Toilets Rock Tennis Medical Centre Pavilion, Sports Old Doctor's Surgery Public Toilets Saleyards Swimming Pool Uniting Church

TOWN MAINTENANCE

LAKE GRACE: - General maintenance, gardening/mowing & tidying of gardens and parks; - Clean up of Lake Grace Swimming Pool area during main pool resurfacing works; NEWDEGATE: - General maintenance, gardening/mowing of the recreation grounds, parks and skate park; LAKE KING: - Carried out general gardening, mowing and spraying to all parks and gardens; VARLEY: - Carried out gardening maintenance and general maintenance, including spraying, mowing, raking of the town site, sports complex and cemetery for weeds;

Infrastructure Services Report – April 2021

CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUESTS

From period of 1 July 2020 to 30 April 2021.

Complete Non-complete Total % Complete Works 14 2 16 87.5% Building 8 0 8 100.0% Parks & Gardens 15 4 19 78.9% Total 37 6 43 86.0%

Infrastructure Services Report – April 2021

BUILDING SURVEYOR

Permits Approved – April 2021

Permit type Building Approval Unique Site Street Name Suburb Name Building Work Value of Owner's name Builder's name permit date property street Works number identifier number Building Permit LG2021011 16/04/2021 3 Quondong Lake Grace New Residence $220,000 Jack Trevenen Trevenen Court Building & Glass Building Permit LG2021012 20/04/2021 10 Blackbutt Way Lake Grace Additional $150,000 Cayson & Darion Knowler Residence Rochelle Earnshaw

Infrastructure Services Report – April 2021

PHEOC BULLETIN #58 Tuesday 20 April 2021 14:00 Hours This bulletin has been authorised by the Deputy PHEOC Coordinator, Dr Revle Bangor-Jones

COVID-19 case and vaccination numbers • Summary: as of Tuesday 20 April, in Western Australia (WA), there have been: o 978 confirmed cases of COVID-19 notified o 67 historical cases of COVID-19 notified o 942 people recover from COVID-19 o 991,554 COVID-19 tests conducted o 78,215 total vaccine doses administered including 17,331 people who have received both doses and are now fully vaccinated • WA: Daily snapshot & COVID-19 updates • National: Current National Status • Worldwide: WHO Situation Reports & WHO Dashboard

Living with COVID Chief Health Officer Advice WA Chief Health Officer’s advice to the WA Government outlines the latest expert health advice on COVID-19. The latest advice from the Chief Health Officer is: • 8 April 2021 - Easing of controlled border controls in Western Australia - New Zealand

Adjustment to controlled border criteria The Chief Health Officer provided advice to the Western Australian Government following the completion of a controlled border classification review. The review took into consideration analysis of outbreaks and periods of community transmission, as well as the successful use of border controls and requirement for people having to complete 14 days of self-quarantine from the day they leave a higher-risk location. New advice now changes the requirements to move a ‘low risk’ jurisdiction to a ‘very low risk’ jurisdiction from at least 28 days to at least 14 days of no community cases of COVID-19.The announcement is available here.

WA Health advice for Queensland and New Zealand travellers Effective from 12.01am, Monday, 19 April, travellers from Queensland and New Zealand are permitted to enter WA without having to self-quarantine, but subject to strict conditions. Important information to help travellers plan a trip between New Zealand and WA is available here.

Jurisdiction risk rating All jurisdictions, including New Zealand, are considered ‘very low risk’ and arrivals from these jurisdictions are permitted to enter WA without COVID-19 testing or self-quarantine requirements. They are still required to complete a G2G PASS declaration and undergo a health screening upon arrival into WA. For more information, see the WA Government’s controlled interstate border webpage. Independent review strengthens hotel quarantine regime Findings of an independent review into WA’s hotel quarantine arrangements have been handed to the Western Australian Government and endorsed by the State Disaster Council.

A year into the pandemic, and with hotel quarantine likely to be needed for some time, the review makes 16 recommendations to strengthen and improve hotel quarantine arrangements in WA now, and into the future. The Media Statement is available here and the full report is available here. Venue capacity update Since 12.01am Saturday, 10 April 2021, certain indoor and outdoor venues with fixed seating can operate at 100 per cent capacity. This allows more people into venues to enjoy seated entertainment and sporting events, connect with members of their community, and further support local businesses and jobs.

WA’s major venues such as Optus Stadium, RAC Arena, HBF Stadium – Main Arena, HBF Park will be able to have 100 per of the fixed seating capacity in the spectator seating and special seating spaces. Places of worship will be able to have 100 per cent of capacity of a space being used for formal worship. Seated hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés, food courts and bars that provide seated service only, remain at 75 per cent capacity. The 2 square metre rule continues to apply to all other venues and facilities with a mixture of seating and standing, unfixed seating or standing alone. SafeWA and contact registers remain mandatory.

For more information, see the announcement. ANZAC Day 2021 After last year’s ANZAC Day in lockdown, ANZAC Day commemorations, including the Dawn Service at the State War Memorial in Kings Park, will return this year.

As with all public events, physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres where possible, as well as good hand and cough hygiene, should be adhered to. People are also reminded to stay home from events if they are feeling unwell and get tested for COVID-19.

For more information, see the announcement or visit the RSLWA website.

COVID-19 vaccination program COVID-19 vaccinations will be mandatory in the hotel quarantine system by Monday, 10 May 2021 to help protect WA from an outbreak. Any hotel quarantine worker who has not been vaccinated from this date will be prevented from entering quarantine facilities. This includes security personnel, cleaners and hotel staff who have contact with guests and guest’s rooms, medical and health staff, ADF personnel and WA Police who work within the hotel quarantine system. A new Public Health Order mandating this requirement is expected to be in place by Tuesday, 27 April 2021. The two- week period between the finalisation of the Public Health Order on 27 April 2021 and the mandatory vaccination date of 10 May 2021 provides enough time for hotel quarantine workers to get vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, which has been available to them since February 2021. Hotel quarantine workers are in the highest risk category for COVID-19, given their ongoing exposure to international arrivals, with more than 2,000 international arrivals in hotel quarantine on any given day. For more information, see the Media Statement. Everyone will have the opportunity to get vaccinated. The Department of Health will keep you updated about changes to the COVID Vaccination Program as information becomes available.

health.wa.gov.au Please visit the trusted sources below for more information: • HealthyWA - COVID-19 Vaccine (for WA community) including FAQs • WA Health - COVID-19 Vaccination Program (for WA health providers) • Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) - workplace information about the COVID-19 vaccine FAQs (general information for businesses and employers) • The Australian Government - COVID-19 Vaccines hub

SafeWA As restrictions are gradually lifted, mandatory contact registers remain a valuable risk mitigation measure to assist the WA Department of Health with contact tracing should it be required. Useful tips for businesses on how to implement and maintain contact registers is available here.

Directions updates COVID-19 State of Emergency Declarations and community advice summarises the latest COVID- 19 Directions that are in place in WA. Further information can be found on WA Government website. New Directions: Controlled Border for Western Australia Amendment Directions (No.22) Presentation for Testing Directions (No.22) New South Wales and Queensland Limited Self-Quarantine and Presentation for Testing Revocation Directions (No. 2) Queensland Outbreak Response (No 3) Revocation Directions Queensland and New Zealand Quarantine, Isolation and Presentation for Testing Modification Directions Flight Crew Directions (No.5) Gathering and Activities Directions (No.2) Gathering and Activities (Optus Stadium) Directions (No.2) Gathering and Activities (HBF Park) Directions (No.2) Gathering and Activities (HBF Stadium) Directions (No.2) Gathering and Activities (RAC Arena) Directions (No.2) Presentation for Testing (Airport Workers - International Arrivals) Directions (No. 4)

Updated fact sheets Clinician Alert #55 Clinician Alert #54

Testing General population testing criteria Any person may be tested if they have any one of the following clinical criteria: fever (≥37.50C) OR history of fever (e.g. night sweats, chills), without a known source OR acute respiratory symptoms (e.g. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, runny nose) OR acute loss of smell or taste. Testing locations Testing locations are listed on Healthy WA. Reporting Notify suspected COVID-19 cases by completing the notification form either ONLINE or by printing out the notification form.

Series of National Guidelines (SoNG) The latest iteration was released on 4 March 2021.

health.wa.gov.au Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is the key decision-making committee for health emergencies. It is comprised of all state and territory Chief Health Officers and is chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer. The AHPPC has an ongoing role to advise the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC) on health protection matters and national priorities. AHPPC is also tasked with the role of mitigating emerging health threats related to infectious diseases, the environment as well as natural and human made disasters. The latest statement from AHPPC statement is: • 14 April 2021 - Statement on continuous learning in managed quarantine for international arrivals

Business and industry Resources for more information • Latest Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) News • WA Department of Health; HealthyWA • Department of Health Media Releases • Australian Government Health Department • Advice for the public (WHO) • Advice in other languages and Translated Resources • Advice for Aboriginal people • Covid Clinic walkthrough – in multiple languages

Who to contact for more information • COVID-19 Clinic ONLY Test Results Enquiry Line: 1800 313 223 (Note: NOT for GP referred testing or private pathology clinic tests) • COVID-19 WA Public Information Line: 132 6843 (13 COVID) • COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Exemption Application: Visit the G2G PASS website or complete the exemption application form • COVID-19 WA Police Line: 131 444 To report breaches of: self-quarantine, business activities, border controls and other State of Emergency Directions.

Next advice - The PHEOC Bulletin is issued weekly. Next issue: Tuesday 27 April 2021.

Last updated 20 April 2021

This document can be made available in alternative formats on request for a person with disability. © Department of Health 2021

health.wa.gov.au

PHEOC BULLETIN #59 Tuesday 27 April 2021 14:00 Hours This bulletin has been authorised by the Deputy PHEOC Coordinator, Dr Revle Bangor-Jones

COVID-19 case and vaccination numbers • Summary: as of Tuesday 27 April, in Western Australia (WA), there have been: o 990 confirmed cases of COVID-19 notified o 77 historical cases of COVID-19 notified o 953 people recover from COVID-19 o 1,041,740 COVID-19 tests conducted o 89,671 total vaccine doses administered including 21,159 people who have received both doses and are now fully vaccinated • WA: Daily snapshot & COVID-19 updates • National: Current National Status • Worldwide: WHO Situation Reports & WHO Dashboard

Living with COVID Chief Health Officer advice The latest advice from the Chief Health Officer is: • 26 April 2021 – Relaxation of restrictions • 16 April 2021 – Ventilation review of quarantine hotels • 8 April 2021 – Easing of controlled border controls in Western Australia - New Zealand

People who have attended a site listed as requiring 14-days quarantine, must get tested and complete the full 14-days self-quarantine – regardless of their result.

People who have attended one of the other listed locations must get tested and remain at home until they receive a negative result.

People who have not visited one of the locations, but have symptoms, should get tested and self- isolate until they get a result.

There are currently more than 30 testing locations in the Perth and Peel region. All sites and opening hours are listed on the HealthyWA website.

Post-lockdown transition A post-lockdown transition is in effect until 12.01am, Saturday 1 May, following a three-day lockdown implemented at 12:01 am Saturday 24 April 2021, for the Perth and Peel regions. Weddings and funerals can proceed with up to 100 guests, but require an exemption. Important information on funeral services during the transition period is available here. For more information on the transition from lockdown, see the announcement and information on what you can and cannot do. Jurisdiction risk rating All jurisdictions, including New Zealand, are considered ‘very low risk’ and arrivals from these jurisdictions are permitted to enter WA without COVID-19 testing or self-quarantine requirements. They are still required to complete a G2G PASS declaration and undergo a health screening upon arrival into WA. For more information, see the WA Government’s controlled interstate border webpage.

COVID-19 vaccination program COVID-19 vaccinations will be mandatory in the hotel quarantine system by Monday, 10 May 2021 to help protect WA from an outbreak. Any hotel quarantine worker who has not been vaccinated from this date will be prevented from entering quarantine facilities. This includes security personnel, cleaners and hotel staff who have contact with guests and guest’s rooms, medical and health staff, ADF personnel and WA Police who work within the hotel quarantine system. For more information, see the Media Statement. Everyone will have the opportunity to get vaccinated. The Department of Health will keep you updated about changes to the COVID Vaccination Program as information becomes available. Please visit the trusted sources below for more information: • HealthyWA - COVID-19 Vaccine (for WA community) including FAQs • WA Health - COVID-19 Vaccination Program (for WA health providers) • Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) - workplace information about the COVID- 19 vaccine FAQs (general information for businesses and employers) • The Australian Government - COVID-19 Vaccines hub

SafeWA Western Australians can assist the Department of Health’s contact tracing team by using SafeWA or filling in the contact register at required premises and venues. Contact tracers can then easily identify those who have been at an exposure site. This saves time in the fight against COVID-19 and minimises the risk for the community, ensuring close contacts are identified and contacted quickly. Useful tips for businesses on how to implement and maintain contact registers is available here.

health.wa.gov.au Stay at Home and Closure (Perth, Peel and Rottnest) Directions Stay at Home (Recent Travel) Directions Visitors to Residential Aged Care Facilities (Stay at Home and Closure (Perth, Peel and Rottnest)) Directions (No 2) Controlled Border for Western Australia Amendment Directions (No 22) New South Wales and Queensland Limited Self-Quarantine and Presentation for Testing Revocation Directions (No 2) Queensland Outbreak Response (No 3) Revocation Directions Queensland and New Zealand Quarantine, Isolation and Presentation for Testing Modification Directions Flight Crew Directions (No 5)

Updated fact sheets Clinician Alert #56 Clinician Alert #55 Testing Criteria for SARS-CoV-2 in WA #29 Infection prevention and control advice for environmental cleaning in non-healthcare settings (home and workplace)

Series of National Guidelines (SoNG) The latest iteration was released on 4 March 2021.

Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is the key decision-making committee for health emergencies. It is comprised of all state and territory Chief Health Officers and is chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer. The AHPPC has an ongoing role to advise the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC) on health protection matters and national priorities. AHPPC is also tasked with the role of mitigating emerging health threats related to infectious diseases, the environment as well as natural and human made disasters. The latest statement from AHPPC statement is: • 14 April 2021 - Statement on continuous learning in managed quarantine for international arrivals

Next advice - The PHEOC Bulletin is issued weekly. Next issue: Tuesday 4 May 2021.

Last updated 27 April 2021

This document can be made available in alternative formats on request for a person with disability. © Department of Health 2021

health.wa.gov.au

PHEOC BULLETIN #60

Tuesday 4 May 2021 14:00 Hours This bulletin has been authorised by the Deputy PHEOC Coordinator, Dr Revle Bangor-Jones COVID-19 case and vaccination numbers • Summary: as of Tuesday 4 May, in Western Australia (WA), there have been: o 1008 confirmed cases of COVID-19 notified o 80 historical cases of COVID-19 notified o 973 people recover from COVID-19 o 1,084,717 COVID-19 tests conducted o 102,554 total vaccine doses administered including 24,048 people who have received both doses and are now fully vaccinated • WA: Daily snapshot & COVID-19 updates • National: Current National Status • Worldwide: WHO Situation Reports & WHO Dashboard Living with COVID Chief Health Officer advice The latest advice from the Chief Health Officer is available here.

Public exposure sites It is imperative that everyone follows public health instructions and is not complacent. Locations visited by confirmed COVID-19 cases are listed and regularly updated on the HealthyWA website. New locations may be added, and dates and times may change, as more detailed information becomes available. It is important to check back often for any updates.

There are currently more than 30 testing locations in the Perth and Peel region. All sites and opening hours are listed on the HealthyWA website.

People who have attended a site listed as requiring 14-days quarantine, must get tested and complete the full 14-days self-quarantine – regardless of their result. People who have attended one of the other listed locations must get tested and remain at home until they receive a negative result. Anyone who accepted a delivery from Uber Eats or Menulog between 29 April and 1 May or visited a restaurant in the list of sites (food and business) during the times indicated should monitor for COVID symptoms. While the risk is deemed to be low, these venues were briefly visited by persons who have since tested positive for COVID-19. Anyone who develops symptoms within 14 days is advised to get a COVID test and isolate until they get the results. As always, anyone who develops symptoms (even if they haven’t been to a listed location) should get tested and remain at home until they receive a negative result.

Restrictions eased for Perth and Peel Perth and Peel have transitioned out of lockdown, but some restrictions remain until 12.01am, Saturday 8 May, including the wearing of masks when you leave your home (some exemptions apply). People who have been in Perth since 17 April must continue to wear a mask as required for 14 days after the last time they were in the affected area or until the mask requirement is rescinded, whichever is the soonest. Make sure you keep up to date on what you can and can’t do. COVID-19 vaccination program 'Roll up for WA' - COVID-19 vaccination campaign launch The Roll up for WA campaign commenced last week with the Premier encouraging Western Australians to roll up their sleeves and receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. The expanded roll out of COVID-19 vaccinations means if you are 50 years and over, you can call 13COVID (13 26843) to book your appointment at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Community vaccination clinics are currently located at the Claremont Showgrounds, near Perth Airport at 2 George Wiencke Drive, and in Kwinana, and are all open 7 days per week, 8.30am – 3.30pm. People in regional WA will receive access to vaccines locally and are encouraged to check with their local General Practice (GP) before calling to book on 13COVID. Anyone from regional WA who plans to travel to Perth and is eligible for vaccination due to their work or age can make a vaccination appointment, bearing in mind the need to return to the metropolitan area within the recommended timeframe for the second dose. Eligible people are also able to access COVID-19 vaccinations through participating GP, GP Respiratory Clinics or Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS). For Pfizer vaccine, vaccinations should be 3-6 weeks apart. For AstraZeneca, vaccinations should be 10-12 weeks apart. Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker to check on availability in your location. ATAGI Update Following their weekly meeting on 28 April 2021, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have provided a statement linking to updated documents and advising that there is no update to the ATAGI statement from 23 April 2021 in relation to the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Mandatory COVID vaccination of hotel quarantine workers COVID-19 vaccinations will be mandatory in the hotel quarantine system by Monday, 10 May 2021 to help protect WA from an outbreak. Any hotel quarantine worker who has not been vaccinated from this date will be prevented from entering quarantine facilities. This includes security personnel, cleaners and hotel staff who have contact with guests and guest’s rooms, medical and health staff, ADF personnel and WA Police who work within the hotel quarantine system. Please visit the trusted sources below for more information:

• HealthyWA - COVID-19 Vaccine (for WA community) including FAQs • WA Health - COVID-19 Vaccination Program (for WA health providers) • Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) - workplace information about the COVID-19 vaccine FAQs • The Australian Government - COVID-19 Vaccines hub

health.wa.gov.au SafeWA Western Australians can assist the Department of Health’s contact tracing team by using SafeWA or filling in the contact register at required premises and venues. Contact tracers can then easily identify those who have been at an exposure site. This saves time in the fight against COVID-19 and minimises the risk for the community, ensuring close contacts are identified and contacted quickly. Useful tips for businesses on how to implement and maintain contact registers is available here. Directions updates COVID-19 State of Emergency Declarations and community advice summarises the latest COVID- 19 Directions that are in place in WA. Further information can be found on WA Government website. New Directions: Safe transition for Western Australia Directions (No 3) Face Covering Directions (No 4) Visitors to Residential Aged Care Facilities (Stay at Home and Closure (Perth, Peel and Rottnest)) Directions (No 3)

Updated fact sheets Clinician Alert #57 Testing Criteria for SARS-CoV-2 in WA #29 Infection prevention and control advice for environmental cleaning in non-healthcare settings (home and workplace) Testing General population testing criteria Any person may be tested if they have any one of the following clinical criteria: fever (≥37.50C) OR history of fever (e.g. night sweats, chills), without a known source OR acute respiratory symptoms (e.g. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, runny nose) OR acute loss of smell or taste. Testing locations Testing locations are listed on Healthy WA. Reporting Notify suspected COVID-19 cases by completing the notification form either ONLINE or by printing out the notification form. Series of National Guidelines (SoNG) The latest iteration was released on 4 March 2021. Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is the key decision-making committee for health emergencies. It is comprised of all state and territory Chief Health Officers and is chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer. The AHPPC has an ongoing role to advise the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC) on health protection matters and national priorities. AHPPC is also tasked with the role of mitigating emerging health threats related to infectious diseases, the environment as well as natural and human made disasters. The latest statement from AHPPC statement is: • 14 April 2021 - Statement on continuous learning in managed quarantine for international arrivals

health.wa.gov.au Business and industry Resources for more information • Latest Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) News • WA Department of Health; HealthyWA • Department of Health Media Releases • Australian Government Health Department • Advice for the public (WHO) • Advice in other languages and Translated Resources • Advice for Aboriginal people • Covid Clinic walkthrough – in multiple languages Who to contact for more information • COVID-19 Clinic ONLY Test Results Enquiry Line: 1800 313 223 (Note: NOT for GP referred testing or private pathology clinic tests) • COVID-19 WA Public Information Line: 132 6843 (13 COVID) • COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Exemption Application: Visit the G2G PASS website or complete the exemption application form • COVID-19 WA Police Line: 131 444 To report breaches of: self-quarantine, business activities, border controls and other State of Emergency Directions.

Next advice - The PHEOC Bulletin is issued weekly. Next issue: Tuesday 11 May 2021.

Last updated 4 May 2021

This document can be made available in alternative formats on request for a person with disability. © Department of Health 2021

health.wa.gov.au

PHEOC BULLETIN #61 Tuesday 12 May 2021 14:00 Hours This bulletin has been authorised by the Deputy PHEOC Coordinator, Dr Revle Bangor-Jones

COVID-19 case and vaccination numbers • Summary: as of Wednesday 12 May, in Western Australia (WA), there have been: o 1015 confirmed cases of COVID-19 notified o 87 historical cases of COVID-19 notified o 993 people recover from COVID-19 o 1,128,153 COVID-19 tests conducted o 119,871 total vaccine doses administered including 27,681 people who have received both doses and are now fully vaccinated • WA: Daily snapshot & COVID-19 updates • National: Current National Status • Worldwide: WHO Situation Reports & WHO Dashboard

Living with COVID Chief Health Officer advice The latest advice from the Chief Health Officer is available here.

• 6 May 2021 – Easing of restrictions • 5 May 2021 – Review of quarantine hotels

Restrictions further eased for Perth and Peel Restrictions eased further in Perth and Peel as planned from 12.01am, Saturday 8 May. Some restrictions remain in place until 12.01am, Saturday 15 May. For more information, see the announcement. Make sure you keep up to date on what you can and can’t do.

WA Health advice for recent New South Wales and Victoria travellers Advice has been issued for travellers who have recently been in New South Wales following a public health alert issued for parts of Sydney, as well as travellers who have recently been in Victoria following a public health alert issued for parts of Melbourne. Anyone who has been in an exposure site in New South Wales or an exposure site in Victoria during the relevant times should get tested immediately for COVID-19 and quarantine for 14 days from their date of exposure. For more information on the New South Wales advice, see the announcement. For more information on the Victoria advice, see the announcement.

COVID-19 wastewater testing online dashboard and wastewater testing in response to recent community cases The Department of Health has developed an online dashboard which shows the most recent wastewater testing results for the metropolitan and regional areas. The Wastewater Surveillance Program tests untreated sewage from treatment plants for fragments of SARS-CoV-2 across the State. Samples are taken from six metropolitan locations: Alkimos, Beenyup, Gordon Rd, Point Peron, Subiaco and Woodman Point. In addition, there are also 10 regional localities where testing is conducted: Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Busselton, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Northam, South Hedland. In addition, Western Australia's COVID-19 wastewater surveillance program has responded to the recently reported community cases of COVID-19 in Perth with additional sampling in locations for a two-week period in metropolitan Perth. Targeted surveillance locations have been identified based on the movements of the cases during their infectious periods A wastewater detection of viral fragments in an area that is unexpected will trigger a public health response. For more information, see the Media Statement. Community

Financial relief for small businesses impacted by ANZAC Day weekend lockdown The Small Business Lockdown Assistance Grants program will provide support to small businesses to cover some direct costs associated with cancellations and closures because of the ANZAC Day weekend lockdowns. The one-off targeted program will provide $2,000 grants to eligible businesses with an Australia- wide payroll of less than $4 million and registered for GST purposes. Businesses must be able to demonstrate losses incurred for perishable goods, cancellations or other unforeseen costs because of the lockdown. For more information, see the announcement. COVID-19 vaccination program Adults aged 50 years and over across both metropolitan and regional WA continue to be provided with a range of options to access the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination, with available clinics listed on the HealthyWA website. Eligible people can call 13COVID (13 26843) to book an appointment at both metropolitan and regional locations. Eligible people are also able to access COVID-19 vaccinations through participating GP, GP Respiratory Clinics or Aboriginal Medical

health.wa.gov.au Services (AMS). Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker to check on availability in your location. The Department of Health continues to focus on vaccinating health care workers, critical and high- risk workers and quarantine and border workers as part of the 1A and 1B priority populations. Eligible people aged under 50 years have access to the Pfizer vaccination and have been invited to register via their employers. ATAGI Update Following their weekly meeting on 4 May 2021, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have advised that there is no update to the ATAGI statement from 23 April 2021 in relation to the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Mandatory COVID vaccination of hotel quarantine workers As of Monday 10 May 2021 COVID-19 vaccinations are now mandatory in the hotel quarantine system to help protect WA from an outbreak. Any hotel quarantine worker who is not vaccinated will be prevented from entering quarantine facilities. This includes security personnel, cleaners and hotel staff who have contact with guests and guest’s rooms, medical and health staff, ADF personnel and WA Police who work within the hotel quarantine system. Please visit the trusted sources below for more information: • HealthyWA - COVID-19 Vaccine (for WA community) including FAQs • WA Health - COVID-19 Vaccination Program (for WA health providers) • Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) - workplace information about the COVID-19 vaccine FAQs (general information for businesses and employers) • The Australian Government - COVID-19 Vaccines hub • Roll up for WA

Directions updates COVID-19 State of Emergency Declarations and community advice summarises the latest COVID- 19 Directions that are in place in WA. Further information can be found on WA Government website. New Directions: Victorian Limited Self-Quarantine and Presentation for Testing (May 2021 Outbreak) Directions New South Wales Limited Self-Quarantine and Presentation for Testing (May 2021 Outbreak) Directions Safe transition for Western Australia Directions (No 4) Visitors to Residential Aged Care Facilities (Stay at Home and Closure (Perth, Peel and Rottnest)) Directions (No 4) Face Covering Directions (No 5)

Updated fact sheets Clinician Alert #57

health.wa.gov.au Reporting Notify suspected COVID-19 cases by completing the notification form either ONLINE or by printing out the notification form.

Series of National Guidelines (SoNG) The latest iteration was released on 11 May 2021.

Next advice - The PHEOC Bulletin is issued weekly. Next issue: Tuesday 18 May 2021.

Last updated 12 May 2021

This document can be made available in alternative formats on request for a person with disability. © Department of Health 2021

health.wa.gov.au

PHEOC BULLETIN #62

Tuesday 18 May 2021 14:00 Hours This bulletin has been authorised by the Deputy PHEOC Coordinator, Dr Revle Bangor-Jones COVID-19 case and vaccination numbers • Summary: as of Tuesday 18 May, in Western Australia (WA), there have been: o 1015 confirmed cases of COVID-19 notified o 90 historical cases of COVID-19 notified o 1000 people recover from COVID-19 o 1,143,613 COVID-19 tests conducted o 133,424 total vaccine doses administered through WA Health, including 30,503 people who have received both doses and are now fully vaccinated. This is not inclusive of Commonwealth administered doses in WA outside the WA Health COVID-19 Vaccination Program. • WA: Daily snapshot & COVID-19 updates • National: Current National Status & Australia’s vaccine roll-out • Worldwide: WHO Situation Reports & WHO Dashboard Living with COVID Chief Health Officer advice The latest advice from the Chief Health Officer is available here.

• 12 May 2021 – Easing of restrictions • 6 May 2021 – Easing of restrictions • 5 May 2021 – Review of quarantine hotels

Pre-lockdown life resumes for Perth and Peel regions The Perth and Peel regions returned to pre-lockdown life from 12.01am Saturday 15 May, following the latest public health advice. For more information, see the announcement and advice.

WA Health advice for recent Victoria travellers Advice has been issued for travellers who have recently been in Victoria following a public health alert issued for parts of Melbourne. Anyone who has been in exposure site in Victoria during the relevant times should get tested immediately for COVID-19 and quarantine for 14 days from their date of exposure. For more information on the Victoria advice, see the announcement. Jurisdiction risk rating All jurisdictions, including New Zealand, are considered ‘very low risk’ and arrivals from these jurisdictions are permitted to enter WA without COVID-19 testing or self-quarantine requirements. They are still required to complete a G2G PASS declaration and undergo a health screening upon arrival into WA. For more information, see the WA Government’s controlled interstate border webpage.

COVID-19 wastewater testing The Department of Health has developed an online dashboard which shows the most recent wastewater testing results for the metropolitan and regional areas. The Wastewater Surveillance Program tests untreated sewage from treatment plants for fragments of SARS-CoV-2 across the State. Samples are taken from six metropolitan locations: Alkimos, Beenyup, Gordon Rd, Point Peron, Subiaco and Woodman Point. In addition, there are also 10 regional localities where testing is conducted: Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Busselton, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Northam, South Hedland. In addition, Western Australia's COVID-19 wastewater surveillance program has responded to the recently reported community cases of COVID-19 in Perth with additional sampling in locations for a two-week period in metropolitan Perth. Targeted surveillance locations have been identified based on the movements of the cases during their infectious periods A wastewater detection of viral fragments in an area that is unexpected will trigger a public health response. For more information, see the Media Statement. Community

Financial relief for small businesses impacted by ANZAC Day weekend lockdown The Small Business Lockdown Assistance Grants program will provide support to small businesses to cover some direct costs associated with cancellations and closures because of the ANZAC Day weekend lockdowns. The one-off targeted program will provide $2,000 grants to eligible businesses with an Australia- wide payroll of less than $4 million and registered for GST purposes. Businesses must be able to demonstrate losses incurred for perishable goods, cancellations or other unforeseen costs because of the lockdown. For more information, see the announcement. COVID-19 vaccination program New COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in Joondalup A new state-run community vaccination clinic is now located at Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City, 420 Joondalup Drive (West Mall between Kmart and Target). The clinic will initially offer the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to adults aged 50 and over and be open 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sundays. Adults aged 50 years and over across both metropolitan and regional WA continue to be provided with a range of options to access the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination, with available clinics listed at HealthyWA. Eligible people can call 13COVID (13 26843) to book an appointment at both metropolitan and regional locations. Eligible people are also able to access COVID-19 vaccinations

health.wa.gov.au through participating GP, GP Respiratory Clinics or Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS). Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker to check on availability in your location. The Department of Health continues to focus on vaccinating health care workers, critical and high- risk workers and quarantine and border workers as part of the 1A and 1B priority populations. Eligible people aged under 50 years have access to the Pfizer vaccination and have been invited to register via their employers. Mandatory COVID vaccination of hotel quarantine workers As of Monday 10 May 2021 COVID-19 vaccinations are now mandatory in the hotel quarantine system to help protect WA from an outbreak. Any hotel quarantine worker who is not vaccinated will be prevented from entering quarantine facilities. This includes security personnel, cleaners and hotel staff who have contact with guests and guest’s rooms, medical and health staff, Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and WA Police who work within the hotel quarantine system. Trusted Sources Please visit the trusted sources below for more information: • HealthyWA - COVID-19 Vaccine (for WA community) including FAQs • WA Health - COVID-19 Vaccination Program (for WA health providers) • Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) - workplace information about the COVID-19 vaccine FAQs (general information for businesses and employers) • The Australian Government - COVID-19 Vaccines hub • Roll up for WA Directions updates COVID-19 State of Emergency Declarations and community advice summarises the latest COVID- 19 Directions that are in place in WA. Further information can be found on WA Government website. New Directions: Gatherings and Activities (HBF Park) Directions (No 4) Gatherings and Activities (HBF Stadium- Main Arena) Directions (No 4) Gatherings and Activities (Optus Stadium) Directions (No 4) Gatherings and Activities (RAC Arena) Directions (No 4) Victorian Limited Self-Quarantine and Presentation for Testing (May 2021 Outbreak) Directions New South Wales Limited Self-Quarantine and Presentation for Testing (May 2021 Outbreak) Directions Safe transition for Western Australia Directions (No 4) Face Covering Directions (No 5)

Updated fact sheets Clinician Alert #58 Testing General population testing criteria Any person may be tested if they have any one of the following clinical criteria: fever (≥37.50C) OR history of fever (e.g. night sweats, chills), without a known source OR acute respiratory symptoms (e.g. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, runny nose) OR acute loss of smell or taste. Testing locations Testing locations are listed on HealthyWA.

health.wa.gov.au Reporting Notify suspected COVID-19 cases by completing the notification form either ONLINE or by printing out the notification form. Series of National Guidelines (SoNG) The latest iteration was released on 11 May 2021. Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is the key decision-making committee for health emergencies. It is comprised of all state and territory Chief Health Officers and is chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer. The AHPPC has an ongoing role to advise the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC) on health protection matters and national priorities. AHPPC is also tasked with the role of mitigating emerging health threats related to infectious diseases, the environment as well as natural and human made disasters. Business and industry Resources for more information • Latest Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) News • WA Department of Health; HealthyWA • Department of Health Media Releases • Australian Government Health Department • Advice for the public (WHO) • Advice in other languages and Translated Resources • Advice for Aboriginal people • Covid Clinic walkthrough – in multiple languages Who to contact for more information • COVID-19 Clinic ONLY Test Results Enquiry Line: 1800 313 223 (Note: NOT for GP referred testing or private pathology clinic tests) • COVID-19 WA Public Information Line: 132 6843 (13 COVID) • COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Exemption Application: Visit the G2G PASS website or complete the exemption application form • COVID-19 WA Police Line: 131 444 To report breaches of: self-quarantine, business activities, border controls and other State of Emergency Directions.

Next advice - The PHEOC Bulletin is issued weekly. Next issue: Tuesday 25 May 2021.

Last updated 18 May 2021

This document can be made available in alternative formats on request for a person with disability. © Department of Health 2021

health.wa.gov.au

Regional Climate Alliance Program Expression of Interest to Form a Climate Alliance Application Guidelines

May 2021

Image: Denmark Inlet (Source: WALGA)

[email protected] www.walga.asn.au 08 9213 2000

Acknowledgement

The WA Local Government Association (WALGA) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land and pays respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Image: ‘Untitled’ (Derbari Yerrigan-Swan River)’ by Jade Orchid Dolman Penangke (Source: WALGA)

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines

Contents

Introduction 2

Program overview 6 Purpose of the Program 6 Program Funding 6 Regional Climate Alliance Coordinator Position 7 Regional Climate Alliance Project Funding 7 Eligibility Criteria 8

Program Timeframes 10

How to apply 11 Advice and guidance 11

Assessment 12 Assessment Criteria 12 The Application and Assessment Process 12 Notification of assessment outcome 13 Key dates 13

Requirements for successful recipients 14 Program launch and promotion 14 Alliance Funding Agreement with WALGA 14 Project management 14 Payment of funding 14 Progress reporting 15 Program completion and evaluation 15 Legislative and Regulatory Requirements 16 Tax Implications 16 Acknowledging the State Government and WALGA’s support 16 Insurance requirements 16 Disclaimer 17 Privacy policy 17 References 17

Introduction

The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) is inviting Local Governments to submit an Expression of Interest to establish a climate alliance under the Regional Climate Alliance Program. The Program is an initiative under the State Government’s Western Australian Climate Policy and aims to support regional Local Governments to take action on climate change, energy and sustainability through regional partnerships.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), the lead agency for the initiative, has partnered with WALGA to administer the Program. WALGA will manage the program and $420,000 will be available for two pilot Regional Climate Alliances with joint oversight from DWER, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC), and WALGA.

Program funding will support employment of a Regional Climate Alliance Coordinator within each of the two Alliances established. Funding will also be available to the Alliances to deliver climate adaptation and mitigation projects through a competitive grant process.

The Program aims to pilot the Alliance model in Western Australia and demonstrate how collective action, at a regional level, can enable Local Governments to overcome current capacity limitations and accelerate the delivery of climate change responses.

This Program builds on the Climate Resilient Councils project (2019-2021), a collaboration between WALGA, DWER, and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services; DLGSC, and the Local Government Insurance Service. The Program responds to the Climate Resilient Councils project’s finding that while some of the larger Local Governments are progressing well in responding to climate change, most small regional Local Governments have made less progress.

Common barriers to the implementation of climate change planning and actions within Local Government include lack of resources, expertise, and competing priorities. Regional alliance models established in South Australia and Victoria have been found to be an effective way to overcome some of these barriers. These alliances have also demonstrated that jointly addressing climate change can result in positive environmental outcomes and reduction in current and future operating or capital costs. Since 2001, the state of Victoria has established nine Local Government climate alliances (Victorian Greenhouse Alliances) that cover 79 Local Government areas.

State Government supporting the Regional Climate Alliance Program

In November 2020, the State Government released the Western Australian Climate Policy outlining themes and initiatives to support a low carbon and climate resilient future. The policy recognises that Local Governments are at the forefront of dealing with climate risks and that there is value in working in partnership with the sector to ensure our communities are safe and our regions are resilient. This Program is a key initiative under the ‘Resilient cities and region’s’ policy theme.

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 2

Objectives of the Regional Climate Alliance Program

1. Establish Regional Climate Alliances that can successfully develop and implement projects that are currently beyond the reach of individual Local Governments and that demonstrate a reduction in climate change risks and greenhouse gas emissions from community, business or Local Government activities;

2. Support Local Governments within the Alliances to build their capacity, beyond the life of the Program, to respond to climate change, and accelerate their adaptation and mitigation responses;

3. Provide opportunities for the Alliances to share capacity building resources between Alliances and the Local Government sector more broadly; and

4. Assess the efficacy of the Regional Climate Alliance model in WA and provide recommendations to DWER, DLGSC and WALGA on whether to expand the program and improve climate adaptation and mitigation action planning and implementation at the regional level, and any recommended improvements to the model.

Image: Kulin (Source: WALGA)

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 3

COST SAVINGS through: Benefits of the  Harnessing efficiencies and Regional Climate economies of scale to reduce operating or capital costs Alliance Model across local governments  Allowing councils to participate in projects that they would not EXPERIMENTATION be able to individually AND INNOVATION through: Providing opportunities for trialling new projects that CAPACITY BUILDING would not be undertaken AND KNOWLEDGE EMISSIONS by an individual Local SHARING through: REDUCTION Government.  Providing a forum to build through: networks and share information and knowledge-creating a Participation in climate “brains trust” mitigation projects  Resource and document sharing ADVOCACY

 Find out about what other Local through: Governments are doing  Clear communication of The Alliance providing initiatives within and beyond consistent messaging across Local Governments. Local Governments and an opportunity for Local DRIVING CLIMATE Governments to participate in PROGRESS through: advocacy on a range of issues. The Alliance Coordinator who acts as a catalyst for action through encouraging interactions, coordinating work and identifying opportunities to strengthen climate action. ACCESS TO TIME SAVING AND TECHNICAL AVOIDING DUPLICATION EXPERTISE through: through: REGIONAL  Identifying lessons from other initiatives-what worked and what Providing APPROACH an opportunity TO for LocalCLIMATE Government CHANGE staff to didn’t ask questions and build their  Save staff time in preparing own understandingPLANNING of climate materials change and energy through  Allow resources to be built on and the Alliance Coordinator. improved  ‘Sharing the wheel rather than reinventing it’  Reduce duplication by collaborating

Adapted from EAGA Impact Evaluation Report (2021)

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 4

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 5

Image: Salt Lake, Lake Grace (Source: WALGA)

Program overview

Purpose of the Program

The Regional Climate Alliance Program is supporting the State Government’s Western Australian Climate Policy action to build resilient cities and regions in WA. The purpose of the Program is to support non-metropolitan Local Governments to work together in regional partnerships to address climate adaptation and mitigation issues. The program will provide interested Local Governments with an opportunity to work with other Local Governments, whilst receiving funding and support from WALGA. Establishing alliances will support climate action in small Local Governments that are resource constrained, lack expertise and have competing priorities.

Program Funding

The Program will provide $420,000 in funding for the Regional Climate Alliances between the 2021-23 financial years. Funding will be provided to employ two Regional Climate Alliance Coordinators and to deliver adaptation and mitigation projects on the ground. All amounts listed below are excluding GST.

Item 2021-22 2022-23 Total Funding

Regional Climate $55,000 per $55,000 per $220,000 Alliance Coordinator Alliance Alliance Position $110,000 total $110,000 total

Project Funding Up to $100,000 Up to $100,000 $200,000

(Subject to project funding applications)

Figure 1: The Regional Climate Alliance Program funding distribution.

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 6

Regional Climate Alliance Coordinator Position

Once established, each Regional Climate Alliance will have access to $55,000 (exc GST) for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 financial years to fund the employment of a Regional Climate Alliance Coordinator Position.

Responsibilities

The Regional Climate Alliance Coordinator will be responsible for the following activities:

 Coordinating an initial Strategic Planning workshop with Local Government representatives within the Alliance to identify objectives, values and areas of mutual interest.  Facilitating committees that support decision-making within the Regional Climate Alliance;  Facilitating action planning (adaptation or mitigation) for the Regional Climate Alliance or Local Governments within the Regional Climate Alliance to support applications for Project Funding under this program;  Preparing and submitting applications for Project Funding under this program, and where possible, from other funding programs and initiatives;  Ensuring project funding is managed appropriately to deliver the outcomes of both the Program and the approved Project(s);  Ensuring that appropriate financial records are maintained to support WALGA’s Program Progress Reports;  Providing input to a Program Evaluation undertaken by DWER, DLGSC, and WALGA on conclusion of the Program (mid 2023);  Supporting the Regional Climate Alliances with the delivery of climate change responses and projects; and  Providing briefings and promote knowledge sharing and awareness-raising within the Regional Climate Alliance, and with other Regional Climate Alliances.

Recruitment and management of the Coordinators will be the responsibility of the Local Governments within the Alliances. WALGA is available to be part of the selection panel when recruiting the Coordinators and a position description will be made available with the Resources on the WALGA website.

Regional Climate Alliance Project Funding

The Regional Climate Alliances established under this Program will have access to up to $100,000 (exc GST) for climate adaptation and mitigation projects in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 financial years. The annual project funding budget will be shared between alliances and distributed based on project funding applications. This approach will ensure proposed projects are collaborative, achieve mitigation or adaptation outcomes and are consistent with the Program’s objectives.

Project funding applications will be assessed by a Committee represented by WALGA, DWER and DLGSC. Project application guidelines and an application form will be provided following the establishment of the Regional Climate Alliances.

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 7

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Program, applications must meet the following criteria:

1. Local Governments outside of the Perth and Peel regions are eligible to apply (see list below). Local Governments inside Perth and Peel regions are not eligible.

2. Applicants must provide evidence that all Local Governments within the application have formally agreed to participate through a Council decision, for the 2 year period of the Program.

3. A minimum of three Local Governments are required to form an alliance as part of the Program.

All Western Australian Local Governments outside the Perth Metropolitan and Peel Regions are eligible to apply. These Local Governments are:

 City of Albany  Shire of Derby-West Kimberley  Shire of Ashburton  Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup  Shire of Augusta Margaret River  Shire of Dowerin  Shire of Beverley  Shire of Dumbleyung  Shire of Boyup Brook  Shire of Dundas  Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes  Shire of East Pilbara  Shire of Brookton  Shire of Esperance  Shire of Broome  Shire of Exmouth  Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup  Shire of Gingin  Shire of Bruce Rock  Shire of Gnowangerup  City of Bunbury  Shire of Goomalling  City of Busselton  City of Greater Geraldton  Shire of Capel  Shire of Halls Creek  Shire of Carnamah  Shire of Harvey  Shire of Carnarvon  Shire of Irwin  Shire of Chapman Valley  Shire of Jerramungup  Shire of Chittering  City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder  Shire of Collie  City of Karratha  Shire of Coolgardie  Shire of Katanning  Shire of Coorow  Shire of Kellerberrin  Shire of Corrigin  Shire of Kent  Shire of Cranbrook  Shire of Kojonup  Shire of Cuballing  Shire of Kondinin  Shire of Cue  Shire of Koorda  Shire of Cunderdin  Shire of Kulin  Shire of Dalwallinu  Shire of Lake Grace  Shire of Dandaragan  Shire of Laverton  Shire of Dardanup  Shire of Leonora  Shire of Denmark  Shire of Manjimup  Shire of Meekatharra

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 8

 Shire of Menzies  Shire of Shark Bay  Shire of Merredin  Shire of Tammin  Shire of Mingenew  Shire of Three Springs  Shire of Moora  Shire of Toodyay  Shire of Morawa  Shire of Trayning  Shire of Mount Magnet  Shire of Upper Gascoyne  Shire of Mount Marshall  Shire of Victoria Plains  Shire of Mukinbudin  Shire of Wagin  Shire of Murchison  Shire of Wandering  Shire of Nannup  Shire of West Arthur  Shire of Narembeen  Shire of Westonia  Shire of Narrogin  Shire of Wickepin  Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku  Shire of Williams  Shire of Northam  Shire of Wiluna  Shire of Northampton  Shire of Wongan-Ballidu  Shire of Nungarin  Shire of Woodanilling  Shire of Perenjori  Shire of Wyalkatchem  Shire of Pingelly  Shire of Wyndham-East  Shire of Plantagenet Kimberley  Town of Port Hedland  Shire of Yalgoo  Shire of Quairading  Shire of Yilgarn  Shire of Ravensthorpe  Shire of York  Shire of Sandstone

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 9

Program Timeframes

Image: Denmark Road (Source: WALGA)

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 10

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by the following closing date and time:

11:59pm on Monday, 21 June 2021

Applicants must:

 Answer all questions in the application form  Provide evidence of Council and CEO endorsement from all participating Councils in the application at the time of submission.

Advice and guidance

WALGA is administering the Regional Climate Alliance Program. It can provide information on these guidelines and further information on any topics outlined in the Climate Alliance Guidance document.

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 11

Assessment

Assessment Criteria

The table below outlines the criteria that will be used by the Committee to assess applications.

Criteria Value Description

Strategy and 40%  Identified how participation in the Program will help Governance to address climate change;  Identified shared priorities or projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or improve climate change resilience; and  Evidence of strategic thinking on how the alliance will be governed

Viability 30%  Contributions (in-kind or financial) from Local Governments to maximise the success of the Alliance (e.g. resourcing, facilities, direct investment);  Consideration of how contributions will be shared between Local Governments; and  Demonstrated consideration and understanding of how the Coordinator position will function and be resourced to deliver positive outcomes for the Alliance and more broadly

Partnership and 20%  Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with collaboration other Local Governments to achieve beneficial social, environmental or economic outcomes

Engagement 10%  Consideration of how the community, local businesses and other stakeholders will be informed and engaged to enhance climate change responses

The Application and Assessment Process

1. Check your eligibility 2. Attend a Regional Climate Alliance Program Information Session (optional) 3. Organise a workshop/meeting with Local Governments in your area to determine if you should form an Alliance. 4. Get Council and CEO approval 5. Submit an Expression of Interest application via email

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 12

Notification of assessment outcome

All applicants will be notified by email and letter of the assessment outcome.

Key dates

Milestone Date due Expression of interest application open 10 May 2021

Information session May/June 2021

 Eligible Local Governments invited to attend an information session Applications close 21 June 2021

Successful applicants notified 30 June 2021

 Local Governments formally advised of outcome of EOI  Letter of Offer, Funding Agreement and Purchase Order provided to successful applicants

Agreement between the Alliance and WALGA 21 July 2021

 Signed agreement outlining scope and conditions of program funding and management Recruitment for Regional Climate Coordinator 31 August 2021 Position finalised

 Provision of funding for Coordinator roles Strategic Planning undertaken 31 August – 30 December 2021  The Alliances undertake adaptation and mitigation planning

Project funding applications open 11 January 2022

It is understood that recruitment for the Regional Climate Coordinator position may take longer than the deadline indicated above and there may be some flexibility, as required.

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 13

Requirements for successful recipients

Program launch and promotion

WALGA, DWER and DLGSC must be:

 Invited to attend any formal launch events  Advised 4 weeks prior to any formal events  Acknowledged for their contribution in all communication and media for the project.

Alliance Funding Agreement with WALGA

Successful Alliances will be required to sign an Agreement with WALGA which will outline objectives, obligations of each party and conditions of funding. An agreement template will be provided by WALGA.

Project management

WALGA will ask each Local Government to nominate a representative to the Regional Climate Alliance Program.

The appointment of a representative demonstrates a commitment by the Local Governments to participate in the Alliance and will be the point of contact for WALGA during the Program. Multiple representatives may be selected by each Local Government to participate in the Working Groups and/Committees, as part of the Alliance, depending on the governance structure decided upon.

Payment of funding

WALGA will make payments for Coordinators and successful Projects at specified milestones. Payment details will be outlined in the Funding Agreement provided to the Alliances by WALGA.

A final Program Report and financial statement of expenditure is required within 1 month of completion of the Program.

Any unspent funds must be returned to WALGA.

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 14

Progress reporting

Successful applicants will be required to submit a Program Progress report at least every 3 months. A project report template will be provided by WALGA during the project delivery period and will address the following:

 Achievements against objectives outlined in the Program application;  Brief summary of program progress (key decisions made, challenges and learnings, progress towards Alliance specific objectives);  Outline of project expenditure and status of key milestones, including any delivery risks; and  A brief summary of how stakeholders outside of Local Government have been engaged in the design, planning and delivery of the program or projects.

The recipient is responsible for alerting WALGA of any issues or risks to completion of the project at the first available opportunity.

Program Progress reports due

Deadline

13 September 2021

13 December 2021

14 March 2021

13 June 2022

19 September 2022

12 December 2022

13 March 2023

12 June 2023 (Final Report)

Program completion and evaluation

To align with DWER’s delivery timeframe for this initiative, funding will only be available to established Alliances between 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.

At the conclusion of the Program:

 WALGA will continue to be available to provide support to the Alliances in the form of advice.

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 15

 Alliances will be asked to provide input to an evaluation report developed by DWER, DLSGC and WALGA. The report will identify learnings from the Program and make recommendations on how the model could be improved.

Legislative and Regulatory Requirements

In delivering the activities as part of the grant, recipients are required to comply with all relevant Commonwealth, state/territory legislations and regulations, and Local Laws relevant to the site(s).

Tax Implications

Applicants should consult the Australian Tax Office or seek professional advice on any taxation implications that may arise from this grant funding.

Acknowledging the State Government and WALGA’s support

Local Governments and the Alliances should acknowledge and include the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s and WALGA’s logo in all promotional material and media related to the Regional Climate Alliance Program. Reference to the Program supporting the delivery of the State Government’s Western Australian Climate Policy (2020) should also be included.

Co-branded promotional material is to be provided to DWER and WALGA for approval prior to publication.

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

For additional information on associated publications or promotional material, please contact [email protected].

Western Australian Local Government Association

For additional information on logo requirements, please contact [email protected]

Insurance requirements

Local Governments applying for funding via this program must have minimum public liability insurance cover of $20 million.

We recommend that applicant organisations have personal accident and professional indemnity insurance, however this is not a condition of funding.

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 16

Disclaimer

Submission of application does not guarantee funding. The costs of preparing an application are borne by the applicant. Privacy policy

WALGA will collect and store the information you provide to enable processing of your expression of interest application.

Any information provided by you will be stored on a database that will only be accessed by authorised personnel and is subject to privacy restrictions. The information will only be used for the purposed for which it was collected.

References

First Person Consulting 2021, Evaluation of EAGA’s Impact, Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action, Melbourne,

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation 2020, Western Australian Climate Policy, Government of Western Australia, Perth,

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 17

Regional Climate Alliance Program-Application Guidelines Page 18

Image: Lake Nallan, Shire of Cue (Source: WALGA) 2021 Local Government Golf Tournament

GOOMALLING GOLF COURSE | 19 & 20 AUGUST 2021 2021 Local Government Golf Tournament

As proud victors of the 2019 tournament with our all female team, the Shire of Goomalling has the pleasure of inviting you to attend the 2021 LGIS Inter-Municipal Golf Tournament, Thursday 19 and Friday 20 August 2021, in the fresh air and tranquil bushland of Goomalling Golf Course.

On offer this year, lucky hole number 13 will give participants the opportunity to win $10,000 for a Hole in One during the official event, thanks to Goomalling & Districts Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank.

The Avon Waste & LG Corporate Solutions Scroungers Day will be held on Thursday 19 August in order for participants to get a feel for the course in preparation for the official event on Friday. The format will once again be 2 Person Ambrose event with presentations and a dinner to follow. We encourage participants to get in the spirit of the festivities and wear a "LOUD SHIRT", there will be a prize for the best dressed team.

The official event will be held Friday 20 August. The format remains unchanged with teams of 4 being nominated with the best 3 stableford scores counting towards the cumulative total. The presentations and dinner will follow the completion of the event.

Local Governments are welcome to nominate more than one team, however if there is a surplus of nominations the organising committee may limit local governments to one team.

Once all nominations have been received, teams will receive a confirmation letter. Further details relating to tee off times and transport for both days will be sent out to all local governments closer to the event.

Accommodation information is included in this information pack. Bookings are to be made directly with businesses, it is recommended that participants book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Council has pre-booked accommodation for the tournament due to limited accommodation providers available locally, use the code "LGIS golf" when booking.

Nominations are online via Survey Monkey and must be completed by Friday 18 June 2021, follow the link to nominate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LGIS_Golf_2021

The Shire of Goomalling is excited to welcome you to the Central Wheatbelt region and our humble community. Should you have any enquiries please don't hesitate to contact Tahnee Bird, Community Development Officer at [email protected] or 9629 1101.

PETER BENTLEY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SHIRE OF GOOMALLING Additional Information

Nomination Fees Official Event: 2021 LGIS Local Government Golf Tournament The nomination fee is $480 (inc GST) PER TEAM

Inclusions All tournament and green fees Welcome pack morning and afternoon tea lunch refreshments during the day presentation dinner on Friday evening

Avon Waste & LG Corporate Solutions Scroungers Day The nomination fee is $170 (inc GST) per team

Inclusions All tournament and green fees Morning and afternoon tea lunch refreshments during the day dinner at the clubhouse Thursday evening

Transport Transport can be arranged for both events complimentary from designated collection points. Please indicate on your nomination form if you require transport.

Dietary requirements & allergies Please ensure you indicate special dietary requirements or allergies on the nomination form.

Payment Payment can be made via cheque made payable to the Shire of Goomalling and posted to Shire of Goomalling PO Box 118, Goomalling WA 6460

EFT to the Shire of Goomalling BSB: 633 000 Acc: 109925016 Reference: LGIS Golf [shire name], i.e. LGIS Golf Goomalling Please send remittance through to [email protected] G'day Goomalling

Goomalling was occupied by the Ballardong people, part of the thirteen Nyoongar tribes which occupied south-western Australia extending from Geraldton to Esperance.

The name Goomalling is derived from the Aboriginal word "Koomal", the name of a local species of possum. The common Brush Tail Possum was once abundant in the Goomalling district but is rarely seen today.

Goomalling is a district in the central Wheatbelt known for its reliable rainfall, thriving agriculture and rich biodiversity.

The settlement of convicts in the colony in 1850 saw increased demand for land settlement eastward from Toodyay. The existing large leasehold of few people evolved into smaller farms from twenty-five acres to three hundred acres.

Modern farming has progressed from labour intensive small holdings to large broadacre productions with advanced machinery and technological systems that maximise efficiency.

The district has seen drops in population during the late 1900's as a result of decreased demand for labour and the reemergence of large holdings by few people.

Sport is a large part of our identity, particularly in the winter season. Locals will be travelling the region competing against opposing towns for the "holy grail". There are some intense rivalries that make it interesting for spectators and a great social atmosphere.

Our strong community framework enables the hive of activity that happens behind the seemingly quiet rural town. Event Overview

The Course Goomalling Golf Club was established in 1915 and is an attractive 18-hole course with sand greens, driving range and a comfortable club house. It is located on the Goomalling-Calingiri Rd, just minutes from the Goomalling townsite.

Thursday | 19 August 2021

Avon Waste & LG Corporate Solutions Scroungers Day- 2 Ball Ambrose

Enjoy country hospitality and familiarise yourself with the course in preparation for the official tournament on Friday. Event concluded with dinner and refreshments at the Clubhouse hosted by Goomalling Golf Club.

Friday | 20 August 2021

LGIS Local Government Golf Tournament - Stableford

The Official Tournament Individual Stableford, Teams of 4. Best 3 scores count and the winner takes home the honour of hosting the 2022 event.

Dinner and Presentations After a day on the course, relax and enjoy the ambiance of the surrounding bushland at Goomalling Golf course. Presentations and dinner to follow at the club house. Event Program

Thursday | 19 August Friday | 20 August

Bus Pick up Bus Pick up 9.00am -10.00am 8.00am - 9.30am

Event Registration Event Registration 10.30am-1.30pm 8.30am-10.00am

Tee off Tee off 12.00 noon shotgun 10.30am

Lunch Lunch All day sausage sizzle located on All day sausage sizzle located on course and a meat & salad wrap course and a meat & salad wrap available from Clubhouse available from Clubhouse

Nibbles and drinks Nibbles and drinks At completion of golf approx 5.00pm At completion of golf approx 4.30pm

Presentations Presentations approx 6.00pm approx 5.30pm

Dinner and dessert Dinner and dessert approx 6.30pm approx 6.30pm

Bus Drop off Bus Drop off 9.30pm 9.30pm 10.30pm 10.30pm Breakfast Options

Friday | 20 August 7am-9am

Full continental buffet including cooked breakfast cereals/muesli fruit platter danish pastries, muffins, toast with preserves GF available*** Barista made coffee available

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL [email protected] or L.E. Bilston 0428 291 606

Goomalling Sport & Community Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that manages the function centre, bar and restaurant located at the recreation ground in Goomalling.

Established in 2007 the organisation began raising funds towards towards the new function centre, bar and bowling green which opened December 2015. Since opening the organisation has employeed a full time manager, chef and two junior staff for Friday and Saturday nights. All profits generated are used for upgrading the facility, local events and and sponsorships with an estimated value of $300,000 injected back into the community through, infrastructure investment, donations, sponsorship and repayment of self supported loan for the facility upgrade. note*** your accommodation provider may supply breakfast Breakfast Options

People travel from around the district for the best barista made coffee in the region from Lot 39. It's a great place to stop for a gift for yourself or your wife before you head home.

The owner, Jodie Schell is farmer turned entrepreneur who opened Lot 39 [store + cafe] in 2019, bringing city luxe to the country.

#supportlocal #supportsmallbiz Suitable for person seeking gluten & dairy free options.

Thursday | 19 August Friday | 20 August 8.30am-5pm 8.00am-5pm

gourmet toasties gourmet toasties artisanal cakes artisanal cakes juices juices barista made coffee. barista made coffee

Saturday| 21 August 8.30am-1pm Christine Schorer | Store Manager

Breaky Wraps E: [email protected] Granola bowls M: 0447 034 788 Gourmet Toasties A: 39B Railway Terrace, Goomalling artisanal cakes juices www.lot39.com.au barista made coffee

note*** your accommodation provider may supply breakfast WIN $10,000

Hole in One #13 | Friday 20th August 2021 Full Conditions apply | Amateur Golfers Only Accommodation

Bookings are to be made directly with businesses, it is recommended that participants book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Council has pre- booked accommodation for the tournament due to limited accommodation providers available locally, use the code "LGIS golf" when booking.

Goomalling Caravan Park & Motel Units 28 Throssell Street, Goomalling WA 6401 [email protected] (08) 9629 1183

Goomalling Tavern & Motel Units 61 Railway Terrace, Goomalling [email protected] (08) 9629 1110

Jennacubbine Tavern Motel Units 22 Collins Street, Jennacubbine WA 6401 [email protected] (08) 9623 2273

The Silver Possum 10 Forrest Street, Goomalling WA 6460 [email protected] (08) 9629 1673 or 0414 832 938

Historic Slater Homestead 62 Goomalling-Wyalkatchem Road, Goomalling WA 6460 [email protected] | www.slaterhomestead.com.au 0429 468 763

For more information visit www.visitgoomalling.com.au/stay/ Rules & Eligibility

The annual LGIS Local Government Golf Tournament is open to all Shires, Towns and Cities to enter a team/s of up 4 players.

Sponsors and contractors are encouraged to enter a team. Their scores will be entered into the Sponsors section of the day and a Sponsors winner announced. Sponsors and contractors are not considered eligible players for Shires, Towns or Cities unless they fit the eligible player definition.

The tournament is to be played under the Stableford scoring system Teams are to be comprised of at least 3 eligible players to enable a score to be valid. Only scores from eligible players will count in the final score for a team The team with the highest net score from eligible players will be deemed the tournament winner The tournament winner has the rights to host the following year’s tournament but cannot win hosting rights two years in a row. In the case where a Shire, Town or City wins for a consecutive year, hosting rights will be given to the Shire, Town or City who secures second place. Golflink handicaps apply to all eligible players. Failure to disclose an official Golflink handicap where one is held with result in immediate disqualification. Where a player does not have an official Golflink handicap the maximum allowable handicap will be 18 for men and 25 for women Registered teams that do not meet the definition of an eligible player will be ineligible to win the event. The definition of an eligible player is: An amateur golfer (no affiliation with PGA Australia); An employee, CEO or Elected Member of the Shire, Town or City they are representing; A former employee or Elected Member of the Shire, Town or City they are representing; or A former CEO, President, Mayor or Freeman is eligible to play for any Shire, Town or City. Thank you

The event wouldn't be possible without the support of our generous sponsors.

EVENT PARTNER

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS EVENT PARTNER PLATINUM SPONSORS

We hope to see you in #goomatown

P: [08] 96291101 | E: [email protected] PO Box 118, Goomalling WA 6460 www.goomalling.wa.gov.au

/GoomallingShire @visitgoomalling

CENTRAL COUNTRY ZONE

Minutes

Friday 23 April 2021

Pingelly Recreation and Cultural Centre Somerset Street, Pingelly

Commencing at 9.32am

Central Country Zone Meeting 23 April 2021

Table of Contents

1.0 OPENING AND WELCOME ...... 4 1.1 Announcement by the Zone President, Cr Brett McGuinness regarding COVID-19 Rules for the Meeting ...... 4 1.2 Welcome – Cr Bill Mulroney, President Shire of Pingelly ...... 4 2.0 ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES ...... 4 3.0 DECLARATION OF INTEREST ...... 5 4.0 MINUTES ...... 6 4.1 Confirmation of Minutes from the Zone Meeting held Friday 26 February 2021 (Attachment)...... 6 4.2 Business Arising from the Minutes of the Zone Meeting held Friday 26 February 2021 ...... 6 4.3 Minutes of the Special Executive Committee Meeting held Friday 26 February 2021 (Attachment) ...... 7 4.4 Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting held Wednesday 31 March 2021 (Attachment) ...... 7 4.5 Confirmation of Minutes from the Special Zone Meeting held Friday 9 April 2021 (Attachment) ...... 8 4.6 Business Arising from the Minutes of the Special Zone Meeting held Friday 9 April 2021 ...... 8 4.7 Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting held Friday 16 April 2021 (Attachment) ...... 8 5.0 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (WALGA) BUSINESS ...... 9 5.1 State Councillor Report ...... 9 5.2 WALGA Status Report (Attachment) ...... 9 5.3 Review of WALGA State Council Agenda - Matters for Decision ...... 10 5.4 Review of WALGA State Council Agenda - Matters for Noting/Information ...... 17 5.5 Review of WALGA State Council Agenda - Organisational Reports ...... 20 5.6 WALGA President’s Report (Attachment) ...... 23 6.0 FINANCE ...... 24 6.1 Budget Central Country Zone 2021/2022 Budget ...... 24 7.0 ZONE REPORTS ...... 28 7.1 Zone President’s Report ...... 28 7.2 Local Government Agricultural Freight Group (LGAFG) ...... 28 7.3 Great Southern District Emergency Management Committee (DEMC) (Attachment) ...... 28 8.0 ZONE BUSINESS - MEMBER COUNCIL MATTERS ...... 29 8.1 Matters for Noting (Attachments) ...... 29 8.2 Engagement of Executive Officer Services for the Central Country Zone (Attachments) ...... 30 8.3 Zone Discussion on the Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021 ...... 33 9.0 ZONE BUSINESS - OTHER BUSINESS/URGENT BUSINESS ...... 35 10.0 ZONE BUSINESS - EMERGING ISSUES ...... 35 11.0 GUEST SPEAKERS ...... 35 11.1 Mr Marcus Holmes, Principal of Land Equity Legal – Discussion Template Noongar Heritage Agreement for Local Government Aboriginal and the Cultural Heritage Bill (Draft) 2020 (Attachments) ...... 35 12.0 MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ...... 36 13.0 OTHER AGENCY REPORTS ...... 36 13.1 Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) ...... 36 2

13.2 Main Roads WA (Attachment) ...... 36 13.3 Wheatbelt Development Commission (WDC) ...... 37 13.4 Regional Development Australia (RDA) Wheatbelt (Attachment) ...... 37 14.0 DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING ...... 37 15.0 CLOSURE ...... 37

Minutes

Central Country Zone of WALGA

Friday 23 April 2021, commencing at 9.32am

1.0 OPENING AND WELCOME

1.1 Announcement by the Zone President, Cr Brett McGuinness regarding COVID-19 Rules for the Meeting

Zone President Cr McGuinness opened the meeting at 9.32am, welcoming all in attendance. He requested that all delegates needed to be mindful of the various COVID-19 requirements in place.

1.2 Welcome – Cr Bill Mulroney, President Shire of Pingelly

Cr Bill Mulroney, President Shire of Pingelly will extend a welcome to delegates and guests.

2.0 ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES

Attendance Cr Brett McGuinness (Chair) Councillor, Shire of Quairading Cr Katrina Crute President, Shire of Brookton Cr Neil Walker Deputy President, Shire of Brookton Ms Kellie Bartley Manager Corporate and Community Services, Shire of Brookton Cr Des Hickey President, Shire of Corrigin Cr Mike Weguelin Deputy President, Shire of Corrigin Ms Natalie Manton CEO, Shire of Corrigin Cr Mark Conley President, Shire of Cuballing Cr Deb Hopper Councillor, Shire of Cuballing Mr Gary Sherry CEO, Shire of Cuballing Cr Marilyn Hasleby Councillor, Shire of Dumbleyung Cr Barry West President, Shire of Kulin Mr Garrick Yandle CEO, Shire of Kulin Cr Len Armstrong President, Shire of Lake Grace Cr Ross Chappell Councillor, Shire of Lake Grace Mr Alan George CEO, Shire of Lake Grace Cr Tim Wiese Deputy President, Shire of Narrogin Mr Frank Ludovico Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services, Shire of Narrogin Cr Bill Mulroney President, Shire of Pingelly Cr Peter Wood Councillor, Shire of Pingelly Cr Jo Haythornthwaite Deputy President, Shire of Quairading Mr Graeme Fardon CEO, Shire of Quairading Cr Phillip Blight President, Shire of Wagin Mr Bill Atkinson CEO, Shire of Wagin Cr Ian Turton President, Shire of Wandering Ms Belinda Knight CEO, Shire of Wandering Cr Kevin King President, Shire of West Arthur Cr Julie McFall Councillor, Shire of West Arthur Cr Julie Russell President, Shire of Wickepin Mr Mark Hook CEO, Shire of Wickepin Mr Geoff McKeown CEO, Shire of Williams

Mr Bruce Wittber, Joint Executive Officer Ms Helen Westcott, Joint Executive Officer

WALGA Representatives

Mr Tony Brown, Executive Manager Governance and Organisational Services Mr Ben McCallum, Governance Adviser Mr Rodney Thornton, Road Safety Advisor Wheatbelt South

Main Roads WA Representatives

Mr Brad Pearce Operations Manager - Narrogin

Regional Development Australia (RDA Wheatbelt)

Ms Mandy Walker, Director Regional Development RDA Wheatbelt

Guests

Mr Marcus Holmes, Principal Land Equity Legal

Apologies

Cr Don Davis, President Shire of Beverley Cr Chris Pepper, Deputy President Shire of Beverley Mr Stephen Gollan, CEO Shire of Beverley Mr Ian D’Arcy, CEO Shire of Brookton Cr Eliza Dowling, Deputy President Shire of Cuballing Cr Julie Ramm, President Shire of Dumbleyung Mr Graham Foster, A/CEO Shire of Dumbleyung Cr Grant Robins, Deputy President Shire of Kulin President Leigh Ballard, President Shire of Narrogin Mr Dale Stewart, CEO Shire of Narrogin Ms Julie Burton, CEO Shire of Pingelly Cr Jackie McBurney, Deputy President Shire of Pingelly Cr Greg Ball, Deputy President Shire of Wagin Cr Graeme Parsons, Deputy President Shire of Wandering Ms Nicole Wasmann, CEO Shire of West Arthur Cr Moya Carne, Councillor Shire of Williams

Hon Mia Davies MLA, Member for Central Wheatbelt (Leader of the Opposition) Mr Rick Wilson MP, Member for O’Connor

Wheatbelt Development Commission Ms Jen Collins, Wheatbelt Regional Manager Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries

3.0 DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Nil

4.0 MINUTES

4.1 Confirmation of Minutes from the Zone Meeting held Friday 26 February 2021 (Attachment)

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Central Country Zone held Friday 26 February 2021 be confirmed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Mulroney Seconded: Cr Weise That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Central Country Zone held Friday 26 February 2021 be confirmed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings. CARRIED

4.2 Business Arising from the Minutes of the Zone Meeting held Friday 26 February 2021

6.1 Appointment of Auditors for the Central Country Zone 2020/2021 Audit

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Hopper Seconded: Cr Mulroney That the Central Country Zone appoint Anderson Munro & Wyllie as its Auditors for the 2020/2021 financial year at a fee of $950 (excl GST). CARRIED

The Executive Officer has advised Anderson Munro & Wyllie of their appointment as the Zone’s auditor for the 2021/2021 financial year.

8.4 Proposed Review of the Road Asset Preservation Model

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Hopper Seconded: Cr Hasleby That the Central Country Zone:

1. Endorses the approach outlined in Option 1 of the Infrastructure Policy Team’s Options Paper on a proposed review of the Road Asset Preservation Model used by the WA Local Government Grants Commission; and 2. Requests WALGA include a session on the Asset Preservation Model in 2021 Local Government Transport and Roads Forum scheduled to be held Friday 14 May 2021 and that if that is not possible for a session to be included in the program of the 2021 WALGA Convention. CARRIED

The Executive Officer has advised WALGA of the Zone’s views on the proposed review of the Road Asset Preservation Model. This matter is also covered within State Council Agenda Item 5.2.

8.6 Disposition of Plant and Machinery over $75,000 – Inability to Offer Plant and Machinery as a Trade-in (Attachment)

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Blight Seconded: Cr Crute That the Central Country Zone write to WALGA seeking for it to advocate to initiate an amendment to Regulation 30(3)(b) of the Local Government Functions and General Regulations as follows:

(b) the entire consideration received by the local government for the disposition is used to purchase other property, and where the total consideration for the other property is not more, or worth more, than $75000. CARRIED

The Executive Officer has written to WALGA on this matter.

WALGA has advised the Zone position is consistent with WALGA endorsed policy position and it will continue to advocate for this regulation amendment.

10.1 Water Deficiency — Shire of Dumbleyung

Cr Haselby, Shire of Dumbleyung, sought assistance from the Zone in relation to water deficiency issues being faced across the Shire.

Following discussion, it was agreed that the Shire of Dumbleyung should refer the matter directly to WALGA for assistance and that if the Shire was still not satisfied with the resolution to the problem the Shire be requested to refer the matter to the Central Country Zone Meeting in April.

The Shire’s A/CEO, Graham Foster has spoken with Jo Burges from WALGA following the February Zone Meeting, also sending her a draft letter for the Minister. It was agreed that she would get back to the Shire after the State Election. Graham Foster contacted WALGA prior to the Easter break to check on progress but was advised that Jo Burges was on leave.

The Shire of Dumbleyung has requested that the matter be listed for a verbal update.

10.2 Local Government Audits — Shire of Wagin

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Crute Seconded: Cr Hasleby That the Central Country Zone request that WALGA investigate with the sector how local government audits can be expedited and completed within a shorter timeframe and it is expected that this will involve discussions with the Office of Auditor General. CARRIED

The Executive Officer has written to WALGA on this matter.

This matter is also covered in Item 7.1.2 Report on Key Activities, Governance and Organisational Services of the State Council Agenda.

4.3 Minutes of the Special Executive Committee Meeting held Friday 26 February 2021 (Attachment)

Presenting the Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting held Friday 26 February 2021

Executive Officer Comment:

The recommendation from this meeting was considered at the Special Zone Meeting on Friday 9 April 2021.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Minutes of the Central Country Zone Executive Committee Meeting held Friday 26 February 2021 be received.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Blight Seconded: Cr Crute That the Minutes of the Central Country Zone Executive Committee Meeting held Friday 26 February 2021 be received. CARRIED

4.4 Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting held Wednesday 31 March 2021 (Attachment)

Presenting the Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting held Wednesday 31 March 2021.

Executive Officer Comment:

Any recommendations from the meeting are included as separate agenda items.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Minutes of the Central Country Zone Executive Committee Meeting held Wednesday 31 March 2021 be received.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Blight Seconded: Cr Haythornwaite That the Minutes of the Central Country Zone Executive Committee Meeting held Wednesday 31 March 2021 be received. CARRIED

4.5 Confirmation of Minutes from the Special Zone Meeting held Friday 9 April 2021 (Attachment)

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Central Country Zone held Friday 9 April 2021 be confirmed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Crute Seconded: Cr Mulroney That the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Central Country Zone held Friday 9 April 2021 be confirmed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings. CARRIED

4.6 Business Arising from the Minutes of the Special Zone Meeting held Friday 9 April 2021

Any recommendations from the meeting are included as separate agenda items.

4.7 Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting held Friday 16 April 2021 (Attachment)

Presenting the Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting held Friday 16 April 2021

Executive Officer Comment:

The recommendation from the meeting is included as a separate agenda item.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Minutes of the Central Country Zone Executive Committee Meeting held Friday 16 April 2021 be received.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Blight Seconded: Cr West That the Minutes of the Central Country Zone Executive Committee Meeting held Friday 16 April 2021 be received. CARRIED

5.0 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (WALGA) BUSINESS Zone delegates to consider the Matters for Decision contained in the WA Local Government Association State Council Agenda and put forward resolutions to Zone Representatives on State Council

5.1 State Councillor Report

Cr Phillip Blight

CENTRAL COUNTRY ZONE STATE COUNCILLOR REPORT WALGA STATE COUNCIL MEETING March 2021

The meeting started with the DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm giving a brief presentation. The recent Wooroloo fire being the main focus.

Item 5.3 Eligibility of Slip On Fire Fighting Units for Local Government Grants Scheme Funding

1. Supports the inclusion of capital costs of Trailer Fire Fighting Units and Slip On Fire Fighting Units including for Farmer Response Brigades (for use on private motor vehicles) on the Eligible List of the Local Governments Grants Scheme (LGGS). 2. Requests the Local Government Grants Scheme Working Group to include this matter on the Agenda of their next Meeting (expected March 2021). 3. Requests WALGA to work with the Local Government Grants Scheme Working Group to develop appropriate operational guidelines and procedures for the safe use of Slip On Fire Fighting Units funded in accordance with the LGGS. 4. Supports the update of the WALGA membership of the Local Government Grants Scheme Working Group to include one Local Government Elected Member and one Local Government Officer, with these appointments determined through the WALGA Selection Committee process.

RESOLUTION 180.1/2021 CARRIED MEETING 3/3/2021

Note that Trailer Fire Units were included on the request of several zones.

2021 WA Local Government Convention

This year’s Convention has been confirmed for Monday, 20 – Tuesday, 21 September, with the Convention Cocktails taking place on Sunday, 19 September. The event will move to Crown Perth, and the theme for this year is Leading the WAy: Looking Forward, Looking Back.

5.2 WALGA Status Report (Attachment)

Presenting the Status Report for April 2021

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Central Country Zone notes the:

1. State Councillor Report; and 2. WALGA Status Report.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Crute Seconded: Cr King That the Central Country Zone notes the:

3. State Councillor Report; and 4. WALGA Status Report. CARRIED

5.3 Review of WALGA State Council Agenda - Matters for Decision

From Executive Officer

Background:

WALGA State Council meets five times each year and as part of the consultation process with Member Councils circulates the State Council Agenda for input through the Zone structure.

The Zone is able to provide comment or submit an alternate recommendation that is then presented to the State Council for consideration.

5.1 Local Government Financial Ratios (05-034-01-001 FM)

WALGA Recommendation:

That WALGA: 1. Advocate to the Minister for Local Government to amend the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 1996 to prescribe the following ratios: a. Operating Surplus Ratio, b. Net Financial Liabilities Ratio, c. Debt Service Coverage Ratio, and d. Current Ratio.

2. Recommend that Local Governments consider including Asset Management ratios in their Annual Report.

3. Request the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries to review the Asset Management ratios in consultation with the Local Government sector.

4. Continue the Local Government Financial Ratios Working Group as a reference group for the development of a Model set of Financial Statements and Budget Statements, and to establish new financial indicators.

Executive Officer Comment:

The notes below are paraphrased from the WALGA State Council agenda item.

Over a number of years there has been mounting concern as to the appropriateness of the seven financial ratios which are prescribed for inclusion in Local Government annual financial reports.

WALGA’s current position on the matter, adopted in March 2019, on financial ratios is as follows:

“That Regulation 50 of the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations be reduced and amended to the following financial ratios: - Operating Surplus ratio - Net Financial Liabilities ratio - Asset Renewal Funding Ratio

Target ratios for Local Governments be considered in line with the size and scale principle. A review of the formulas for the ratios be undertaken.”

In December 2019, State Council resolved: That the item on Financial Ratios be deferred and that WALGA form a Sector Reference Group to further review the ratios including all Zone feedback and provide recommendations to the May 2020 State Council meeting.

A Sector Reference Group and Working Group was established, with membership to both groups drawn from the sector, officers from the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries, Office of the Auditor General and WA Treasury Corporation. The focus of the industry on matters pertaining to COVID-19 meant that the sector reference group could not be convened until August 2020. At this time the reference group resolved to form a smaller Local Government 10

Financial Ratios Working Group to review the existing ratios and previous proposals for change in order to develop recommendations for meaningful and relevant ratios.

On 2 December 2020, State Council endorsed the Advocacy Positions for a New Local Government Act: Key issues from recent inquiries into Local Government, which included the following preliminary recommendation from the Working Group:

III. Financial Management and Procurement: That the Local Government sector: 1. Requests the Minister for Local Government to direct the Department of Local Government to prepare a Model set of Financial Statements and Annual Budget Statements for the Local Government sector, in consultation with the Office of the Auditor General;

The review has now been completed, resulting in the preparation of the Local Government Financial Ratios Report. A copy of the report can be found by following the hyperlink shown below:

Local Government Financial Ratios Report

The report includes recommendations for prescribed ratios and other related matters.

Of the existing seven prescribed ratios, the Working Group proposes that one ratio be discontinued, one new ratio introduced and three ratios modified. It is also proposed that the Asset Management ratios are no longer prescribed for inclusion in the Annual Financial Report, but Local Governments give consideration to including Asset Management ratios in the Annual Report.

. Current Ratio; (modified) . Asset Consumption Ratio; (no longer prescribed) . Asset Renewal Funding Ratio; (no longer prescribed) . Asset Sustainability Ratio; (no longer prescribed) . Debt Service Cover Ratio; (modified) . Operating Surplus Ratio; (modified) . Own Source Revenue Coverage Ratio (discontinued)

The Local Government Financial Ratios Working Group recommends that the following financial indicators be prescribed for inclusion in the Annual Financial Report:

. Operating Surplus Ratio; . Net Financial Liabilities Ratio; . Debt Service Coverage Ratio; and . Current Ratio.

The Local Government Financial Ratios Working Group also recommends that:

I. Local Governments consider including Asset Management ratios in their Annual Report, and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) is requested to review the Asset Management ratios in consultation with the Local Government sector; II. DLGSC prepare a Model set of Financial Statements and Annual Budget Statements, in consultation with the Local Government sector; and III. The Local Government Financial Ratios Working Group continue as a reference group for the development of the Model set of Financial Statements and Annual Budget Statements, and to establish new financial indicators.

The Executive Officer has recommended that the Zone supports the WALGA recommendation but Member Councils may wish to provide comment on the matter before a decision is made.

ZONE COMMENT:

Zone supports the WALGA recommendation

5.2 Roads Asset Preservation Model Review (05-001-03-0051 SD)

WALGA Recommendation:

That WALGA: 1. Seek support from the WA Local Government Grants Commission to provide presentations on the inputs, operation of and outputs of the Road Asset Preservation Model at Zone or Regional Road Group meetings where requested.

2. Advocate to the WA Local Government Grants Commission to improve the formatting and labelling of the model and make it available via the Commission’s website.

Executive Officer Comment:

The notes below are paraphrased from the WALGA agenda item.

The Road Asset Preservation Model aims to distribute State and Federal Government road grant funding among WA Local Governments in an efficient and equitable manner, taking account of local road asset preservation need and costs. The Asset Preservation Model was originally developed by Main Roads WA and Local Government in 1989-90, based on a theoretical model developed by the Australian Road Research Board. It was introduced the following year.

The WA Local Government Grants Commission has responsibility for its on-going administration including updating the costs and other parameters that underpin the model’s operation.

WALGA has explored the need for and risks of advocating for a review of this model. As Member Councils are aware, this work was undertaken following a request to WALGA from the Gascoyne Country Zone to undertake a review of the APM.

The first output of this process was the development of a manual explaining the functioning of the model, including the procedure for updating it. The second was the preparation of an Options Paper by WALGA, through its Infrastructure Policy Team.

The Options Paper sought feedback from all Zones regarding a preferred advocacy approach to any review of the APM. Options to facilitate discussion ranged from maintaining the status quo, through mechanisms to improve understanding of the model operations, to reviews of the cost and minimum standards assumptions to a full review of the model scope and structure.

This matter was considered by the Central Country Zone at its last meeting, held Friday 26 February 2021, with the Zone resolving as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Hopper Seconded: Cr Hasleby That the Central Country Zone:

The feedback received provided guidance for discussion by the WALGA State Council by way of a formal agenda paper.

In collating responses on the Options Paper, it was found that opinions varied - Local Governments and Zones expressed preferences ranging from retaining the status quo, through providing additional information to facilitate more informed decision-making, to seeking advocacy for a full review of the Road Asset Preservation Model.

The WALGA recommendation reflects the desire for further information on the methodology to be made available to Local Governments and is in keeping with the Zone’s views on any reform of the 12

APM. The WALGA recommendation also recognises the problems associated with a model as long established and complex as the APM is. To quote directly from the WA State Council agenda (page 10):

Any decision on the future of the model carries risks, including a decision to make no change. It is difficult to predict the financial effects on individual Local Governments of any changes to the model. The inclusion of a requirement that no individual Local Government be worse off as a result of changes to the model was recommended by several Zones. It is recognised that this is impossible to achieve alongside changes to the model unless additional funding is provided. Total funding provided is outside the scope of the WA Local Government Grants Commission who would be responsible for implementing any change to the Road Asset Preservation Model.

The lack of documentation and complexity of the model create a risk of corporate memory loss, even if no changes are made to the model.

Providing further information to the sector is necessary for an informed choice to be made as to how to proceed with the model. Advocating for the Grants Commission to improve the formatting, labelling and documentation of the model will address the current lack of transparency and the risk of corporate memory loss, without committing to any change in the distribution of funds. There is a desire from a significant number of Local Governments and Zones to be provided with more information in order to make decisions regarding the review of the Road Asset Preservation Model.

ZONE COMMENT:

Zone supports the WALGA recommendation

5.3 Western Australian Development Index (05-104-01-0001 TL)

WALGA Recommendation:

That the development and implementation of the Western Australian Development Index, led by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, be supported.

Executive Officer Comment:

To quote directly from the Executive Summary of the WALGA Summary:

• Governments at all levels in a number of jurisdictions are leveraging broad wellbeing data, beyond traditional metrics, to measure community and citizen wellbeing over time. • To research this issue, and the relevance of wellbeing indices to Local Government, WALGA hosted a research intern whose final report is available here. • In addition, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) has been working with the Australian National Development Index (ANDI) to progress discussions on the development of a Western Australian Development Index (WADI), which would measure community wellbeing across a broad range of domains in Western Australia. • Access to objective wellbeing data would provide Local Governments with opportunities to guide policy and budgetary decisions, and to advocate to other spheres of government for policy, program or infrastructure interventions. • Importantly, the proposed WADI is not intended to be a tool for comparing Local Government performance, rather it is intended to aid decision making, policy interventions and advocacy to other spheres of government. • The DLGSC is seeking non-financial support (in the form of a State Council resolution) from WALGA to seek State Government funding for the development of WADI.

ZONE COMMENT:

Zone supports the WALGA recommendation

5.4 Review of the State Industrial Relations System (05-034-01-0001 DH)

WALGA Recommendation:

That WALGA: 1. Seek confirmation from the State Government on whether it intends to re-introduce legislation for Local Governments to operate solely in the State Industrial Relations System.

2. If the State Government reintroduces legislation to require all Local Governments to operate within the State Industrial Relations System, continue to advocate for the State Government to: a. Amend the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA) to include additional provisions to modernise the State IR system; and b. Provide adequate funding and resourcing to ensure Local Governments are equipped with the appropriate tools and training to enable a smooth transition.

Executive Officer Comment:

Because of the complexity and importance of this item, the full item from the WALGA State Council Agenda is provided as guidance. The wording from the State Council Agenda is italicised.

Executive Summary

• Currently in Western Australia there is a dual system whereby Local Governments apply either the Federal or State Industrial Relations legislation. • The State Government is seeking to have all Local Governments operate in the State Industrial Relations System based on recommendations made in a Ministerial Report (2017- 19). • The Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 (Bill) was passed by the Legislative Assembly on 20 August 2020 but failed to pass the Legislative Council before Parliament was prorogued on 7 December 2020. • With the recent election results, the WA Labor Government has control of both houses of State Parliament. Therefore, if a new Bill is introduced in similar terms it is unlikely to meet any opposition in Parliament. • The transition of Local Government employees from the Federal to State Industrial Relations system will affect approximately 23,000 employees and will require Local Government employers and employees to navigate complex transitional legislation and arrangements. • If legislation to mandate the transition is reintroduced into Parliament, it will be critical for Local Governments to secure State Government funding, resourcing and assistance to ensure the transition is smooth and positive for Local Government employees.

Policy Implications

The recommendation aligns with WALGA’s Advocacy Position 2.7.1 Employee Relations – Federal Award Coverage which states:

That WALGA: 1. Provide information and advice to Local Government to support their assessment of the appropriate industrial relations jurisdiction within which to operate; and 2. Advocate for modernisation of the WA industrial relations framework with a view to achieve consistency with the predominant Federal industrial relations system.

Further, WALGA opposes the proposed transfer of all Local Governments to the State Industrial Relations System.

If Local Government is to be transferred to the State Industrial Relations system, the State system must be modernised first to ensure it aligns with the Federal system.

Budgetary Implications

A Business Case was approved by WALGA State Council in December 2020 for an increase in recurrent budget to provide resourcing to the WALGA Employee Relations team to lead and transition ER Subscribers to the State IR System.

No additional funding is required at this time.

Background

• On 22 September 2017, the State Government announced the conduct of a Ministerial Review into the State Industrial Relations System (Review). • The Final Report of the Review into the WA State Industrial Relations System (Report) was tabled in State Parliament on 11 April 2019. The Report recommended the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA) (IR Act) be amended to enable a declaration to be made that WA Local Government authorities are not “national system employers” for the purposes of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act). • If WA Local Government are declared not to be “national system employers” those Local Governments that currently operate in the Federal Industrial Relations System will no longer be covered by the FW Act and will have to transition to the State Industrial Relations System and apply the relevant State industrial relations legislation. • Currently 84 percent of the sector operates in the Federal Industrial Relations System and only 16 percent operate in the State Industrial Relations System. • Any change to move all Local Government employers to the State Industrial Relations System will impact approximately 23,000 employees. • On 25 June 2020, the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 (Bill) was introduced into State Parliament to declare that WA Local Governments are not “national system employers” and to amend the IR Act and the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 (WA) (MCE Act). • The Bill was not passed by the Legislative Council before the final sitting date and it lapsed with the proroguing of State Parliament on 7 December 2020. • The re-introduction of the Bill into WA Parliament is likely to be a high priority for the WA Labor Government. Given the WA Labor Party has a majority of members in both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, there is likely to be little opposition to the Bill. • A declaration made under the proposed IR Act must be endorsed in writing by the Federal Minister for Industrial Relations. Regulations will fix the relevant day for the commencement of a declaration.

Summary of changes to IR Act

In addition to the changes outlined above, the Bill sought to: • Empower the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) to vary the scope clauses of private sector awards. • Amend the definition of employee in the IR Act and MCE Act to include categories of employees that had historically been excluded. • Establish a single set of record keeping requirements in the IR Act, include a legislative requirement for pay slips to be issued to employees and prohibit an employer from knowingly making and giving false and misleading records or pay slips. • Introduce stop bullying provisions which allows an employee to make an application to the WAIRC for an application to stop bullying, similar to the FW Act. • Empower the WAIRC to make equal remuneration orders, similar to the FW Act. • Increase penalties for non-compliance with the IR Act and expand the powers of industrial inspectors. • Improving protection of employee rights by including a prohibition on: o an employer taking ‘damaging action’ against an employee because an employee has made an employment related complaint or inquiry (similar to the general protections provisions in the FW Act); o sham contracting; and o advertising employment at below the minimum pay rate.

Comment

WALGA filed a submission in May 2018 outlining 15 recommendations in response to the Interim Report of the Ministerial Review of the State Industrial Relations System. Out of the 15 recommendations, the State Government has:

• not adopted any of WALGA’s specific recommendations in respect of modernising the IR Act and improving the transition process from the Federal to State system; and 15

• partially adopted one recommendation in respect to a consultation process. By way of consultation the State Government convened a Taskforce comprised of representatives from WALGA, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and two unions (the Western Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union of Employees and the Western Australian Municipal, Road Boards, Parks and Racecourse Employees’ Union of Workers). Two meetings of the Taskforce were convened in 2019 whereby WALGA delivered feedback and recommendations on behalf of the sector.

WALGA will continue to advocate for the State Government to:

1. Provide funding to enable the transition. As per WALGA’s 2020 State Budget Submission, the transition is estimated to cost the sector at least $1 million over two years. For example, funding is required to: a. Develop and deliver training for human resource and industrial relations professionals, payroll employees and Local Government managers about the State IR system to be able to inform and educate their respective workforces and manage risks associated with non- compliance. b. Obtain legal advice to interpret the transitional provisions contained in the Bill and to amend legal documents such as contracts of employment. c. Engage consultants to assist with the redrafting of positions descriptions, employment policies and procedures to reflect the requirements of the State industrial relations legislation. d. Cover the cost of developing template documents and guides to educate the sector on the transition process and the new legislative requirements.

2. Develop practical guides and factsheets, develop and offer training, in conjunction with the WAIRC, similar to that provided by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) and Fair Work Ombudsman. For example, the development of guides similar to the FWC’s Enterprise Agreement Benchbook and the Unfair Dismissals Benchbook.

3. Prioritise adopting an award modernisation process to modernise the State Local Government awards prior to transitioning Local Governments to the State IR System.

4. Modernise the State IR System by: a. Developing relevant guidelines and factsheets, as outlined above, to support and guide employers through all claims and processes in the WAIRC. b. Amending any future Industrial Relations Amendment Bill to: i. Introduce State Employment Standards, similar to the National Employment Standards in the FW Act. ii. Eliminate the overlap between the parental leave provisions in the MCE Act and FW Act. iii. Introduce an entitlement to unpaid family and domestic violence leave. iv. Introduce a requirement for employees to complete a minimum employment period before being eligible to make an unfair dismissal claim. v. Include a provision to offset casual loading if a casual employee makes a claim for entitlements provided to a part-time or full-time employee. vi. Introduce stand down provisions similar to the FW Act. vii. Amend the current industrial agreement bargaining provisions to provide that the parties to an industrial agreement are the employer and employees, with the option of the union being a party (rather than the legislation mandating the union as a party to all industrial agreements). c. Ensuring award variations are appropriately advertised to all interested parties and affected employers, including a mechanism for employers to subscribe to alerts from the WAIRC on these matters, similar to the FWC process. d. Developing a function for employers and other interested parties to subscribe to email updates from the WAIRC on the creation or amendment of general orders (to ensure interested parties are notified of opportunities to provide submissions) and all other WAIRC news alerts. e. Developing and publishing wage schedules for all State awards. f. Ensuring any review of the State awards adopts plain English drafting principles.

Please note this is not an exhaustive list as the individual advocacy points may change and evolve if a new Bill is introduced and further options for improvement are identified. 16

Although the sector previously opposed mandating this change, the political reality is that the change is likely to go ahead and WALGA is prepared to work effectively and constructively with the State Government to achieve the best possible outcome for Local Governments.

Whilst recognising the political reality following the State Election, the question arises if the principles that underpinned the Local Government’s position previously were sound and in the best interests of the sector, should they be so easily abandoned or should WALGA advocate more strongly to convince the State Government of its position?

That said, the last two paragraphs of this State Council Agenda item highlight the complexity and political reality of this issue and the difficulties the sector will have in effecting the best possible outcome for Local Governments. Member Councils might wish to provide comment and suggestions for future advocacy by WALGA.

ZONE COMMENT:

RECOMMENDATION:

That the WALGA Recommendation be amended to read:

That whilst recognising the political position following the State Election, WALGA before adopting a new position on Local Governments operating within the State Industrial Relations System, undertake a refreshed consultation process with its members to determine the sector’s view.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Crute Seconded: Cr Walker That the Central Country Zone support the WALGA Recommendation with respect to the WALGA State Council Agenda Item “Review of the State Industrial Relations System”. CARRIED

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Central Country Zone endorses all recommendations being matters contained in the WALGA State Council Agenda other than those recommendations separately considered.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Mulroney Seconded: Cr Blight That the Central Country Zone endorses all recommendations being matters contained in the WALGA State Council Agenda other than those recommendations separately considered. CARRIED

5.4 Review of WALGA State Council Agenda - Matters for Noting/Information

6.1 New Regulations Update – Model Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates; and CEO Standards for Recruitment, Performance Review and Termination (05-034-01-0001 JM)

WALGA Recommendation

That the information update on the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 2021 and Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021 be noted.

Executive Officer Comment:

This matter was considered at the February 2021 Zone Meeting, with the matter then as now listed as an item for noting on the WALGA State Council Agenda. At its February meeting the Central Country Zone resolved as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Blight Seconded: President Ballard That the WALGA Recommendation be amended to read as follows:

That the Central Country Zone express its concern at the implementation of the Local Government (Administration) Amendment Regulations 2021 and in particular the regulations requiring the need for Councils to advertise CEO positions after a period of 10 years and request WALGA to pursue all avenues to remove this requirement. CARRIED

Footnote: The regulation being referred to is Schedule 2 clause 13 (2) which requires a Council to a advertise the position of CEO after a period of 10 or more consecutive years has elapsed since a recruitment and selection process has been undertaken.

In listing the matter for noting at the March WALGA State Council Meeting, the WALGA Secretariat provided the following Executive Summary within the meeting agenda:

• In December 2020, State Council adopted advocacy positions in relation to the CEO Recruitment and Selection, Performance Review and Termination Standards Regulations (Res:146.6/2020 – p.55) and the Model Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates Regulations (Res: 147.6/2020 – p.61); • In January 2021 State Council endorsed a submission on the Draft Local Government Regulations Amendment (Employee Code of Conduct) Regulations 2020 (Res: 194.FM/2021) • Three new regulations, relating to the above matters were Gazetted and commenced on 3 February 2021; • WALGA’s request for an implementation period in relation to the Council Member Code of Conduct and CEO Standards was unsuccessful. • WALGA is providing support and assistance to the sector though guidelines, framework for a Complaints process for the Elected Member Model Code of Conduct and developing a Model Employee Code of Conduct.

The new and amended regulations can be accessed by following the hyperlinks shown below:

1. The Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021 can be found here; and 2. The Local Government (Administration) Regulations 2021 can be found here.

ZONE COMMENT:

Zone supports the WALGA recommendation

Refer also to Agenda Item 8.3.

6.2 State Election Campaign (04-001-03-0001 TL)

WALGA Recommendation

That the update on the 2021 State Election Campaign be noted.

Executive Officer Comment:

To quote directly from the item’s Executive Summary:

• WALGA ran a coordinated State Election Campaign that included 1. Direct engagement with Members of Parliament, candidates for election, and political parties, 2. Production of a campaign brochure and website, and 3. A social media and electronic display ads campaign. • The campaign generated engagement with Members of Parliament and candidates across the political spectrum, and the returned Labor Government made a number of commitments aligned with WALGA’s policy agenda.

ZONE COMMENT:

Zone supports the WALGA recommendation 18

6.3 Draft Position Statement: Dark Sky and Astrotourism (05-036-03-0068 AR)

WALGA Recommendation

That the endorsed submission on the draft Position Statement: Dark sky and astrotourism, be noted.

Executive Officer Comment:

The notes below are paraphrased from the WALGA State Council agenda item.

Astrotourism is a term used to describe a combination of scientific and recreational observation, photography and environmental tourism activities. It is a growing segment of Western Australia’s tourism industry that Local Governments are actively supporting in various parts of the State. For example, nine Local Governments in the Wheatbelt have partnered with AstrotourismWA to list their towns as “astrotourism towns” and attract astrotourism visitors.

Light and dust pollution from sources such as industrial areas, residential areas, streets and roads can detrimentally affect dark sky locations and the capacity of communities to support and attract astrotourism businesses and visitors.

On 17 December 2020, the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) released the draft Dark sky and astrotourism Position Statement for public comment. The position statement outlines a set of planning mechanisms that can be used by planning authorities, such as Local Governments, to designate dark sky for astrotourism locations and help ensure that new development proposals preserve these locations for the purposes of supporting astrotourism activities.

The main planning mechanisms outlined in the position statement include: . Regional, sub-regional and local planning strategies, and district and local structure plans, which should identify dark sky locations and broad objectives at a strategic level, early in the planning process. . Special control areas, which would allow planning authorities to ensure that new development is required to seek planning permission, and in particular, demonstrate how it will reduce light and dust pollution to preserve dark sky locations. . A set of principles to guide planning authorities and decision makers when making decisions about new subdivision and development proposed in dark sky locations. . A model local planning policy to provide specific development standards for new development proposed in designated dark sky locations.

A draft submission was prepared in consultation with Local Governments and presented to the People and Place Policy Team on 17 March 2021. The submission was endorsed by WALGA’s State Council via Flying Minute on 26 March 2021 (RESOLUTION 198.FM/2021) with one minor amendment. The amendment related to seeking further guidance on how planning authorities, such as Local Governments, should identify these locations during the preparation of planning strategies. The public comment period closed on 26 March 2021.

A copy of the Flying Minute can be accessed by following the hyperlink shown below:

Flying Minute and Submission: Dark Sky and Astrotourism

ZONE COMMENT:

Zone supports the WALGA recommendation

6.4 Report Municipal Waste Advisory Council (MWAC) (01-006-03-0008 RNB)

WALGA Recommendation

That State Council note the resolutions of the Municipal Waste Advisory Council at its 24 February meeting.

Executive Officer Comment:

The notes below are paraphrased from the WALGA State Council agenda item. The Municipal Waste Advisory Council (MWAC) met on 24 February 2021. The key issues considered at the meeting held on 24 February 2021 included:

Submission on Productivity Commission Inquiry into the Right to Repair Following direction from the Federal Treasurer the Productivity Commission is examining the potential benefits and costs associated with Right to Repair in the Australian context, including current and potential legislative, regulatory and non-regulatory frameworks and their impact on consumers' ability to repair products that develop faults or require maintenance.

In December 2020, WALGA undertook a short online survey of Local Government seeking feedback on the potential for Right to Repair legislation. Forty-four Local Governments responded to the survey with 95% indicating that they supported federal action to introduce laws to improve consumers’ Right to Repair options.

The ‘reuse and repair’ approach holds enormous potential to move the State to a low-waste society by reducing waste generation, increasing the amount of resources recovered and reducing disposal to landfill for both the metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. The development of effective legislation that will strengthen consumers’ Right to Repair will drive clear economic, environmental and community benefits. There will be further opportunity to comment on this matter when the Commission release their draft Report mid-year.

MWAC endorsed the draft submission to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into the Right to Repair.

Submission on Technical Discussion Paper on Regulating the Export of Waste Plastic The national Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 provides the legislative head of power for the Federal Government to implement the various export bans for glass, plastics, paper, cardboard and tyres. The Technical Discussion Paper is the first step of engagement regarding plastics.

The kerbside audit which was undertaken as part of the Container Deposit Scheme implementation indicated that mixed plastic – which will be completely banned from export – was 2.2% of the material collected through kerbside. The 18/19 Local Government Census indicated that, Stateside, 225,673 tonnes of material was collected through kerbside recycling. As an approximation, using these figures equate to 4,900 tonnes of material collected through kerbside being mixed plastic. From 1 July this year, other options will be needed for this material, either further sorting or reprocessing within Australia. Some mixed plastic from WA is currently being sent to South Australia for further processing. The State Government also announced funding for a range of recycling facilities on Tuesday 2 February 2021.

The Submission identifies the challenges that Western Australia will have in meeting the export ban timeline for plastics.

MWAC endorsed the draft submission to the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment on the Technical Discussion Paper on Regulating the Export of waste plastic.

Copies of MWAC Agendas and Minutes are available from WALGA staff, on request.

ZONE COMMENT:

Zone supports the WALGA recommendation

5.5 Review of WALGA State Council Agenda - Organisational Reports

7.1 Key Activity Reports

7.1.1 Report on Key Activities, Commercial and Communications (01-006-03-0017 ZD)

7.1.2 Report on Key Activities, Governance and Organisational Services (01-006-03-0007 TB)

One of the key activities of Governance and Organisational Services since the last State Council meeting was undertaking work around local government audits. During the February 2021 round of Zone meetings a number of Zones, including the Central Country Zone, raised the issue of some Local Governments experiencing delays with the finalisation of the 2019/20 financial audits. At its meeting on 26 February 2021, the Central Country Zone resolved as shown below:

As evidenced by this agenda item, WALGA has commenced work on investigating and addressing these concerns.

The notes below are paraphrased from the WALGA State Council agenda item.

WALGA carried out a survey of the sector seeking information on the status of audits and concerns with the audit process. 90 Local Governments responded to the survey. The following is a summary of the information obtained:

. 60 Local Governments had their audit completed (of the 60, 10 Local Governments had concerns with the audit process). . 11 Local Governments audits had not been scheduled, however issues were at the Local Governments end. . 19 Local Governments audits were not complete or scheduled and were concerned with the audit process.

The above information’s shows that 30% of Local Governments had concerns with the audit process.

The key issues identified as causing delays in the audit process were as follows;

1. Financial Management Regulations Amendment The delay by the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries in not finalising the amendments to the Financial Management Regulations that were required due to the changes to the National Accounting Standards. The regulations were not amended until early November 2021. This delay was raised as an issue by most Local Governments including those who had their audits completed. Retrospective amendments to regulations should be avoided. This placed the audit process 4 months behind to start with and caused a domino effect on delays to the audits across the State.

2. Contract Auditor/ OAG Confusion There was feedback advising that Local Governments who are audited by a private contracted auditor by the OAG, that sometimes the private auditor provides an interpretation or a request for information and then at the end of the process the OAG has a different interpretation or a different request for information. This causes confusion for the Local Government

3. OAG – Resourcing and Project Management There were concerns that audits are longer and more drawn out than they need to be. A number of Local Governments advised that they had been sent invoices for additional costs due to COVID, that the Local Governments thought were unreasonable. There were also instances of OAG staff requesting information at unreasonable times.

The above information will be collated and provided to the OAG and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

7.1.3 Report on Key Activities, Infrastructure (05-001-02-0003 ID)

7.1.4 Report on Key Activities, Strategy, Policy and Planning (01-006-03-0014 NC)

5.6 WALGA President’s Report (Attachment)

Presenting the WALGA President’s Report for May 2021.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Central Country Zone notes the following reports contained in the WALGA State Council Agenda:

. Matters for Noting/Information; . Organisational reports; and . WALGA President’s Report.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Blight Seconded: Cr Crute That the Central Country Zone notes the following reports contained in the WALGA State Council Agenda:

. Matters for Noting/Information; . Organisational reports; and . WALGA President’s Report. CARRIED

6.0 FINANCE

6.1 Budget Central Country Zone 2021/2022 Budget

Reporting Officer: Bruce Wittber, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 16 April 2021

Attachments: Nil

Background:

Clause 19.3 of the Central Country Zone Constitution provides that the Zone prepare a budget annually in consultation with the Members.

In discussing how to progress development of a budget for the 2021/2022 financial year the Zone’s Executive Committee resolved on 15 February 2021 as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Russell Seconded: Cr Crute That the Central Country Zone 2021/2022 Budget be developed using an annual subscription of $2780 per member as a starting point in preparing a draft budget. CARRIED

The 2021/2022 Budget was discussed at the Executive Committee Meeting held Wednesday 31 March 2021 when it was agreed to lay the matter on the table as the Zone was yet to finalise the appointment of its new Executive Officer. As such the Executive Committee was of the view, that the expenditure on Executive Support Services for 2021/2022 was unknown.

The Zone at a Special Zone Meeting on Friday 9 April 2021 in relation to the appointment of an Executive Officer resolved as follows:

RESOLUTION: Moved: President Ballard Seconded: Cr Hopper That the: 1. Central Country Zone not proceed with interviews for either applicant due to the non- compliant nature of the applications and the failure to address key criteria. 2. Central Country Zone suspend the recruitment of an Independent Executive Officer and request the Western Australian Local Government Association provide the secretariat support to the Zone for a period of 12 months from 1st July 2021 to the 30th June 2022 to allow the executive to conduct a thorough review of what Zone members are looking for in the role of executive officer. 3. Central Country Zone acknowledges the contract with BHW Consulting expires on the 30th June 2021 and thanks BHW Consulting for their service over the past 13 and a half years. 4. Central Country Zone Executive undertake a review over the coming 12 months and arrange for a formal report to be prepared for February 2022 CCZ Zone Meeting, to allow enough time for recruitment should the Zone wish to engage an independent Zone Executive Officer. CARRIED

In respect to Part 2 of the above resolution, the Executive Officer emailed the CEO of WALGA requesting a proposal for WALGA to provide secretariat support to the Zone, with a proposal received on Thursday 15 April.

In essence the proposal advises that Executive Support would be provided “at no cost to the Zone”. If, however work is required outside the range of Executive Support services covered within the proposal “WALGA will facilitate the appointment of consultants for specialist work as required”. The costs associated with this work would be borne by the Zone. WALGA’s proposal informed preparation of the draft Budget.

The redrafted Budget was considered by the Zone’s Executive Committee at a meeting held Friday 16 April 2021, at which time it was resolved as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Armstrong Seconded: Cr Crute That on the basis that the Central Country Zone proceed with a secretarial service from WALGA at no cost to the Zone, the Central Country Zone Executive Committee recommend to the Central Country Zone meeting on Friday 23 April 2021: 1. That the Draft Budget for the year ending 30 June 2022, as circulated, be adopted with a general subscription for each Member Council set at $2,000 (excluding GST); and 2. Retain the current commitment in the 2021/2022 budget for the Local Government Agricultural Freight Group, however request that the Local Government Agricultural Freight Group commit to holding quarterly meetings and undertake a review of its effectiveness and achievements over the 2019 and 2020 calendar years so as to enable the Zone to consider its continued involvement prior to the adoption of the Zone’s 2022/2023 budget. CARRIED

In making its recommendation to the Zone, the Executive Committee also considered future financial management arrangements. The Executive Committee agreed that it would be appropriate to retain the Zone’s existing financial management arrangements and the funding allocation in the budget until it had undertaken the review of executive support services required by the Zone.

Executive Officer Comment:

The following notes are provided in regard to the Draft 2021/2022 Budget:

1. The anticipated surplus carried forward from 2020/2021 is likely to be around $34,600. As the Zone is moving, at least for the next 12 months, into “unknown territory” it would be prudent not to run the end of year surplus too low. It is therefore proposed to set the annual subscription at $2,000 for the 2021/2022 year. On that basis it is anticipated the surplus would be in the region of $19,100. 2. Interest rates remain low so any surplus funds only attract a very small amount of interest. 3. As it is anticipated that WALGA will undertake the secretariat role for no cost the amount of $8,000 allocated to account 1513 - Executive Officer Professional Services will cover the costs of BHW Consulting providing Executive Officer services for June and July 2021. Similarly for account 1514 – Executive Officer Travel and Accommodation will cover costs for any travel undertaken by BHW Consulting during this time. 4. Based on Part 4 of the resolution from the Zone Special Meeting an allocation has been made to enable the Zone to engage external support, if required, to assist in the review. Funds are also included for advertising and recruitment costs. 5. These accounts relate to the operations of the Zone including catering and audit costs. The account Zone Expenses–In-Person Meetings includes the cost of catering for the Zone meetings held during the year. An allocation of $1,700 has been included for each of the five (5) meetings together with a small amount for other meetings that may be held, such as in-person Executive Committee meetings. 6. The budget includes an allocation of $800 in respect of the Local Government Agricultural Freight Group (LGAFG). Whilst a small amount within the overall budget, given the limited number of meetings held over the past 12 months the Group’s ability to be effective must be considered. The LGAFG has not met since October 2020 as the meeting for February 2021 was cancelled due to the Executive Officer being unavailable. Similarly, the April meeting was cancelled due to the LGAFG’s Chair being unavailable. The group only meets four times a year with the dates known well in advance. This gives rise to the question as to whether the Zone is getting value from this group if meetings can be cancelled because someone is not available. This then gives rise to the question should the Zone continue with its membership to the LGAFG? 7. This allocation provides for the cost of the accounting service and subscription for the use of Xero. 8. Recognising that the service provided by WALGA is of a secretarial nature and not advocacy, other than in line with WALGA’s policy positions, there is a need for the Zone to have funds available should it wish to pursue a particular advocacy that may be unique to the Zone or is not in line with WALGA’s policy position. This is allocation will give the Zone some flexibility should it wish to pursue advocacy on a particular issue of interest to the

Zone. No funds were used during 2019/2020 or 2020/2021 as this work was undertaken by the Executive Officer, but it is an important to retain the allocation if an issue arises that may require the Zone to advocate a position. 9. These accounts include an allocation for Zone delegates’ attendance at meetings and related travel costs. The account Zone Representative – Honorarium incorporates an amount to cover the costs of honorariums for the President, State Councillor and Executive Committee members.

Meeting Comment:

The Executive Officer advised the meeting that since publishing the meeting’s agenda comment had been received from Tony Brown, Executive Manager Governance and Organisational Services WALGA regarding advocacy services to be provided by WALGA if appointed as the Zone’s Executive Officer.

To quote from an email from Tony Brown dated 21 April 2021:

I note in the agenda item (6.1) on the budget and Executive Officer role, note 8 states that “Recognising that the service provided by WALGA is of a secretarial nature and not advocacy, other than in line with WALGA’s policy positions, there is a need for the Zone to have funds available should it wish to pursue a particular advocacy that may be unique to the Zone or is not in line with WALGA’s policy position”.

Just to clarify WALGA staff will advocate for a Zone position whatever it is. Even if it is unique to the Zone or different to the WALGA adopted position.

RECOMMENDATION:

That on the basis that the Central Country Zone proceed with a secretarial service from WALGA at no cost to the Zone: 1. That the Draft Budget for the year ending 30 June 2022, as circulated, be adopted with a general subscription for each Member Council set at $2,000 (excluding GST); and 2. Retain the current commitment in the 2021/2022 budget for the Local Government Agricultural Freight Group, however request that the Local Government Agricultural Freight Group commit to holding quarterly meetings and undertake a review of its effectiveness and achievements over the 2019 and 2020 calendar years so as to enable the Zone to consider its continued involvement prior to the adoption of the Zone’s 2022/2023 budget.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Crute Seconded: Cr Hopper That on the basis that the Central Country Zone proceed with a secretarial service from WALGA at no cost to the Zone: 1. That the Draft Budget for the year ending 30 June 2022, as circulated, be adopted with a general subscription for each Member Council set at $2,000 (excluding GST); and 2. Retain the current commitment in the 2021/2022 budget for the Local Government Agricultural Freight Group, however request that the Local Government Agricultural Freight Group commit to holding quarterly meetings and undertake a review of its effectiveness and achievements over the 2019 and 2020 calendar years so as to enable the Zone to consider its continued involvement prior to the adoption of the Zone’s 2022/2023 budget. CARRIED

Central Country Zone WALGA ABN 12 975 113 390 Draft Budget 2021/2022

Proposed 2020/2021 Actual to 28 Estimate to 30 Budget Budget February 2021 June 2021 2021/2022 Notes

Receipts 501 General Subscriptions $ 41,700.00 $ 41,700.00 $ 41,700.00 $ 30,000.00 1 521 Reimbursements $ 4,713.33 $ 4,713.00 $ - 575 Interest Earned $ 50.00 $ 23.53 $ 30.00 $ 30.00 2 Sundry Receipts GST $ 6,957.33 $ 6,957.00 Suspense Total Receipts $ 41,750.00 $ 53,394.19 $ 53,400.00 $ 30,030.00

Payments 1511 Executive Officer - Other $ 100.00 $ - $ 50.00 $ 100.00 3 1512 Executive Officer - Office Expenses, Phone, Internet $ 700.00 $ 400.00 $ 650.00 $ 200.00 3 1513 Executive Officer - Professional Services $ 36,000.00 $ 25,543.75 $ 38,750.00 $ 8,000.00 3 1514 Executive Officer - Travel and Accommodation $ 3,000.00 $ 1,903.18 $ 3,000.00 $ 750.00 3 1515 Executive Officer Review Process $ 3,000.00 $ 309.75 $ 750.00 $ 3,000.00 4

1535 Zone Expenses - Audit Costs $ 1,000.00 $ 950.00 $ 950.00 $ 1,000.00 5 1538 Zone Expenses - Bank Fees $ 100.00 $ - $ - $ 100.00 5 1546 Zone Expenses - In-Person Meetings $ 7,000.00 $ 3,181.82 $ 6,500.00 $ 8,800.00 5 Zone Expenses - Teleconference and Video 1549 Conference Meetings $ 2,500.00 $ 853.64 $ 1,400.00 $ 2,000.00 5 1555 Zone Expenses - Agricultural Freight Group $ 750.00 $ 578.97 $ 579.00 $ 800.00 6

1558 Zone Expenses - Financial Management $ 2,500.00 $ 1,754.26 $ 2,850.00 $ 2,700.00 7 1572 Zone Expenses - Other $ 500.00 $ - $ - $ 500.00 1574 Zone Expenses - Advocacy $ 3,000.00 $ - $ - $ 10,000.00 8

1580 Zone Representative - Honoraria $ 2,600.00 $ 260.00 $ 2,600.00 $ 2,600.00 9 1605 Zone Representative - Meeting Fees $ 2,500.00 $ 119.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 9 1610 Zone Representative - Travel Costs $ 2,500.00 $ 429.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 9

Sundry Payments 1615 Reimbursements

GST $ 6,587.56 $ 6,588.00 Total Payments $ 67,750.00 $ 42,870.93 $ 69,667.00 $ 45,550.00

Net Receipts (Payments) -$ 26,000.00 $ 10,523.26 -$ 16,267.00 -$ 15,520.00 OPENING CASH 1 July $ 47,529.39 $ 50,952.69 $ 50,952.69 $ 34,685.69

ESTIMATED CASH BALANCE 30 June 2022 $ 21,529.39 $ 61,475.95 $ 34,685.69 $ 19,165.69

7.0 ZONE REPORTS

7.1 Zone President’s Report

Cr Brett McGuinness

7.2 Local Government Agricultural Freight Group (LGAFG)

Cr Katrina Crute

The Local Government Agricultural Freight Group Meeting (LGAFG) was scheduled to meet on Friday 9 April 2021. The meeting, however, has been cancelled as was the February 2021 meeting.

The next meeting is to be held on Friday 9 July.

7.3 Great Southern District Emergency Management Committee (DEMC) (Attachment)

President Leigh Ballard

The Executive Officer advised the meeting that minutes from the Great Southern DEMC Meeting held Wednesday 24 March 2021 were received after distribution of the Zone meeting papers. A copy had had been sent to all Member Councils.

A copy will also form an attachment to the minutes of the meeting.

Noted

8.0 ZONE BUSINESS - MEMBER COUNCIL MATTERS

8.1 Matters for Noting (Attachments)

1. Draft Guidelines and Criteria for the Identification of Significant Local Government Roads – on Thursday 18 March 2021 Mark Bondietti, WALGA’s Policy Manager Transport and Roads forwarded an email from Main Roads WA (MRWA) regarding the second draft of the Guidelines for the Identification Significant Local Government Roads and an invitation for local governments to comment.

The Executive Officer sent the MRWA email to all Zone CEOs on 18 March.

A copy of the second draft forms an attachment to the meeting agenda.

The consultation period closed on Thursday 8 April.

2. On Monday 29 March 2021 a signing ceremony at Government House was held to establish the Noongar Boodja Trust, and appoint Perpetual Trustee Company as the initial Noongar Boodja Trustee. The establishment of the Trust forms part of the South West Native Title Settlement (refer to Agenda Item 11.1).

The media statement released by the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, on the signing of the Trust can be read by following the hyperlink shown below: https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2021/03/Noongar-Boodja-Trust- commences-for-South-West-Native-Title-Settlement.aspx

3. An Emergency Management (EM) Forum was held in Narrogin on 9 March 2021. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation used at the forum forms an attachment to the meeting agenda.

Dates for EM Forums and DEMC meetings for the remainder of 2021 can be found on the last slide of the PowerPoint presentation.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the matters listed for noting be received.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Haythornthwaite Seconded: Cr Mulroney That the matters listed for noting be received. CARRIED

8.2 Engagement of Executive Officer Services for the Central Country Zone (Attachments)

Reporting Officer: Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 17 April 2021

Attachments: Letter from WALGA Executive Officer Proposal Proposal Executive Officer Services

Background:

As Member Councils are aware, the process for engaging a new Executive Officer ahead of the incumbent’s retirement is underway, with the process following a resolution agreed to by the Zone’s Executive Committee at a meeting held 4 November 2020. The resolution is shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Armstrong Seconded: Cr Russell That: 1. The following timeline for the appointment of the new Executive Officer for the Central Country Zone be adopted: . Friday 27 November 2020 Endorsement from the Central Country Zone for the work undertaken by the Executive Committee around the appointment of a new Executive Officer.

. Week commencing Monday 25 January 2021 In the week commencing Monday 25 January 2021 the position will be advertised.

. Week commencing Monday 8 February 2021 Advertising period closes. The advertising will be for a period of 10 business days, with the closing date determined by the date on which advertising for the position takes place. It will also take into account that the Australia Day public holiday falls during this period.

. Monday 15 February 2021 An in-person meeting of the Executive Committee to consider all applications received (the venue has yet to be determined). The meeting will also need to: 1. Determine who the applicants for interview will be; 2. Review the interview questions and matrix prepared by the Executive Officer for use during the interviews; 3. Determine membership to the interview panel; and 4. Determine, date, time and venue for the interviews, with the interviews scheduled to be held during the week commencing Monday 8 March 2021.

This meeting date chosen will not clash with Council meetings scheduled for the third and fourth weeks of a calendar month.

. Friday 26 February 2021 A summary report on the work undertaken by the Executive Committee around the appointment of the new Executive Officer will be provided to the Zone when in meets on 26 February.

. Week commencing Monday 8 March 2021 Interviews for the new Executive Officer to be held during the week commencing Monday 8 March 2021, with the date, time and venue for the interviews determined at the Executive Committee Meeting held Monday 15 February 2021. The interview panel will prepare a recommendation for consideration at a Special Meeting of the Executive Committee.

. Wednesday 31 March 2021 Special Meeting of the Executive Committee to consider the recommendation for the appointment of a new Executive Officer to the Central Country Zone. The meeting

format, ie whether the meeting is either a teleconference or an in-person meeting will be determined by the Executive Committee. . Friday 9 April 2021 Special teleconference Meeting of the Central Country Zone to consider the recommendation of the Executive Committee regarding the appointment of a new Zone Executive Officer.

. Tuesday 1 June 2021 Commencement of the new Executive Officer’s contract. The date chosen is prior to the conclusion of the current Executive Officer’s contract to allow time the incoming Executive Officer to attend the June meetings for both the Central Country Zone and its Executive Committee. It will also allow for a “handover" of duties from the current Executive Officer to the incoming Executive Officer.

2. Advertisements for the position of Executive Officer be placed online using www.seek.com and www.LGnet.com.au.

3. Subject to amendment, the draft position description and position information documents provided to the Executive Committee via confidential email on 8 October 2020 be approved. CARRIED

A Special Meeting of the Central Country Zone was held on Friday 9 April to consider the recommendations of its Executive Committee with respect to the appointment of a new Executive Officer. The meeting resolved as shown below:

Executive Officer Comment:

The Executive Officer wrote to the WALGA CEO on Friday 9 April as per part 2 of the above resolution.

A response was provided to the Executive Officer on Thursday 15 April 2021. Copies of the letter and proposal from the WALGA CEO form attachments to the meeting agenda. WALGA proposes to provide the Central Country Zone of WALGA with Executive Support at no cost to the Zone or its members, including:

. A dedicated Zone Executive Officer as the principal point of contact for all Zone business; . Liaison with the President and Executive Committee as required; . Preparation of agendas and minutes of all meetings; . Organisation of meeting logistics, in relation to meeting room bookings and set-up; . Preparation of correspondence and action items; . Arrangement of guest speakers for Zone meetings; and, . Organisation of any other meetings or deputations.

Should the Zone require work outside any of the services detailed above, WALGA will facilitate the appointment of consultants for specialist work as required. WALGA’s Governance & Organisational Services Team will provide the service and one dedicated senior officer will be assigned to the Zone.

WALGA can undertake the services outlined above at no cost to the Zone, which aligns with WALGA’s Corporate Strategy.

RECOMMENDATION:

That: 1. The Central Country Zone accept WALGA’s proposal to provide it with Executive Support, for a period of 12 months from 1st July 2021 to the 30th June 2022, at no cost to the Zone or its members, acknowledging that the service will include: . A dedicated Zone Executive Officer as the principal point of contact for all Zone business; . Liaison with the President and Executive Committee as required; . Preparation of agendas and minutes of all meetings; . Organisation of meeting logistics, in relation to meeting room bookings and set-up; . Preparation of correspondence and action items; . Arrangement of guest speakers for Zone meetings; and, . Organisation of any other meetings or deputations. 2. Should the Central Country Zone require work outside any of the services provided by WALGA and detailed above, WALGA agrees it will facilitate the appointment of consultants for specialist work as required. The costs associated with this work would be borne by the Zone. 3. The Central Country Zone retain the existing financial management arrangements until the review on executive support services beyond the 2021/2022 financial year has been concluded.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Hopper Seconded: Cr Blight That: 1. The Central Country Zone accept WALGA’s proposal to provide it with Executive Support, for a period of 12 months from 1st July 2021 to the 30th June 2022, at no cost to the Zone or its members, acknowledging that the service will include: . A dedicated Zone Executive Officer as the principal point of contact for all Zone business; . Liaison with the President and Executive Committee as required; . Preparation of agendas and minutes of all meetings; . Organisation of meeting logistics, in relation to meeting room bookings and set-up; . Preparation of correspondence and action items; . Arrangement of guest speakers for Zone meetings; and, . Organisation of any other meetings or deputations. 2. Should the Central Country Zone require work outside any of the services provided by WALGA and detailed above, WALGA agrees it will facilitate the appointment of consultants for specialist work as required. The costs associated with this work would be borne by the Zone. 3. The Central Country Zone retain the existing financial management arrangements until the review on executive support services beyond the 2021/2022 financial year has been concluded. CARRIED

8.3 Zone Discussion on the Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021

Reporting Officer: Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 14 April 2021

Attachments: Nil

Background:

At the Zone Meeting held on Friday 26 February 2021, Cr Crute, President Shire of Brookton, raised concern regarding the recently introduced Model Code of Conduct Regulations. Following discussion, the meeting resolved as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Crute Seconded: President Ballard That the Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021, be deferred to April 2021 meeting and the Executive Officer invite comment from Member Councils for inclusion in the agenda item. CARRIED

A copy of the The Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021 can be found here.

Executive Officer Comment:

The Executive Officer emailed all Zone CEOs on 11 March 2021 with a request for them to provide their Council’s views on the new Model Code of Conduct Regulations so that the agenda item would include some information to assist in discussion of the matter at the Zone Meeting. A follow up email was sent on 7 April.

Four of the Zone’s 15 Member Councils provided responses – the Shires of Brookton, Lake Grace, Narrogin and Wandering.

In brief the comments provided included the following observations/concerns:

. The new Regulations will present an additional impost on most Local Governments that are not adequately trained nor resourced to conduct investigations and pass judgement in consideration of the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice. . The requirement for Elected Members to sit in judgment of their peers in the event of minor breach as is now required by the new regulations may incite further conflict and possible retaliation that could generate a heightened level of disharmony and discord contrary to the primary objective of providing good governance for residents of the district. . Mr Neil Douglas of McLeod’s Lawyers advised CEOs at a recent forum that the Elected Members sitting in judgment could be perceived as having Apprehended Bias, and therefore should declare an Impartiality Interest that they might not be perceived or construed as being able to be Impartial and only sit in judgment if they honesty believe they can be impartial. . The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries must provide appropriate guidelines and stated penalties for specific offences developed in consultation with WALGA to ensure consistency and fairness is applied across the Local Government sector. . Councils are looking to advice from DLGSC, WALGA and LG Professionals before tailoring a Code of Conduct for Council Members and suitable Code of Conduct for employees.

Agenda Item 7.1.2. of the WALGA State Council Agenda also covers this issue (pages 28-29).

Tony Brown, WALGA’s Executive Manager Governance and Organisational Services, authored State Council Agenda Item 7.1.2. As he will be attending the Zone Meeting the Member Councils may wish to seek further information on this matter as part of the discussion. The matter is presented for discussion and decision.

Meeting Comment:

Tony Brown, Executive Manager Governance and Organisational Services WALGA provided the Zone with the details of the current WALGA position.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Crute Seconded: Cr McFall 1. That the Central Country Zone strongly supports WALGA’s position on the Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021 which reads: “WALGA: • Does not support the inclusion of local level complaints about alleged behavioural breaches and Local Governments dealing with complaints provisions in Division 3, Clauses 10 and 11; and • Supports an external oversight body to manage local level complaints involving council members.” 2. That the Central Country Zone write to the Minister for Local Government and Leader of the Opposition advocating WALGA’s position. CARRIED

9.0 ZONE BUSINESS - OTHER BUSINESS/URGENT BUSINESS

Nil

10.0 ZONE BUSINESS - EMERGING ISSUES

(The intent of the item is to enable Member Councils to bring to the attention of the delegates a matter that is developing. It is proposed that the matter will be tabled for discussion but not decision and then enable Member Councils to take the information away and consider an outcome for possible consideration at the next Zone meeting.)

Nil

11.0 GUEST SPEAKERS

11.1 Mr Marcus Holmes, Principal of Land Equity Legal – Discussion Template Noongar Heritage Agreement for Local Government Aboriginal and the Cultural Heritage Bill (Draft) 2020 (Attachments)

The Template Noongar Heritage Agreement for Local Government Aboriginal and the Cultural Heritage Bill (Draft) 2020 were considered at the Zone Meeting held Friday 27 November 2020, with the Zone resolving as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Mulroney Seconded: Cr Haselby That Mr Marcus Holmes of Land Equity Legal and representatives of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Department of Planning, Land and Heritage be invited to the February 2021 Zone Meeting to provide comments on the likely impact on Member Councils of the Draft Noongar Heritage Agreement for Local Government and the South West Native Title Settlement. CARRIED

Neither the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) nor the Department of Planning, Land and Heritage were able to attend either the February or April Meetings of the Central Country Zone.

Due to the number of zone meeting requests the two departments have received, arrangements for the conduct of a webinar(s) are currently underway. WALGA has advised that a date for the webinar(s) has yet to be finalised.

In addition to these future webinar(s) DPC, through DPCs Aboriginal Engagement Directorate, intends to send all local governments within the Settlement area correspondence detailing aspects of the Settlement specifically relevant to each local government. The DPC has advised that it will be liaising with WALGA and key state government departments about this letter.

Mr Marcus Holmes of Land Equity Legal, however has agreed to meet with Member Councils.

A brief synopsis of Marcus’ Local Government legal and facilitation work experience forms an attachment to the meeting agenda, as does a map showing the areas covered by the South West Settlement Agreements overlaid with Regional Development Commission and Local Government Boundaries.

A copy of the PowerPoint presentation used by Marcus Holmes forms an attachment to the minutes from the meeting, as does a flowchart detailing key terms for Local Governments with respect to the Noongar Heritage Agreement.

Meeting Comment:

The following points were highlighted by Marcus Holmes during his presentation and discussions with the Zone:

1. That the Template Noongar Heritage Agreement in its current form is an overly complicated document, not suited to small local governments such as those within the Central Country Zone.

2. There is no need for local governments to consider entering into any agreements until: . All Noongar Regional Corporations have been established; . The State’s proposed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill has been enacted and . The Federal Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia on the Juukan Gorge inquiry has released its final report.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Central Country Zone:

1. Notes the suggestion from guest speaker Marcus Holmes, Principal of lawyers Land Equity Legal, that local governments defer consideration of entry into a Local Government version Noongar Heritage Agreement until Noongar Regional Corporations have been established, the Federal joint committee on the Juukan Gorge inquiry has released its final report, and the State’s proposed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill has been enacted; 2. Recommends to its members that they ensure interim compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and any applicable Aboriginal heritage risk management policies and procedures through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and Department of Premier and Cabinet; 3. Seeks ongoing consultation with the State Government, WALGA and SWALSC about the management of, resourcing and implications for local government of the Noongar Native Title Settlement; and 4. Endorses the offer of legal advice and assistance to the Zone and/or its members from Land Equity Legal regarding local government management of Aboriginal heritage and the Noongar Native Title Settlement, and instructs the Executive Officer to confer with Mr Marcus Holmes regarding terms of any engagement of Land Equity Legal’s services by the Zone and/or members and to then update the Zone by email as to such terms so that the Zone and/or its members (singly or collectively) can decide if they wish to take up a retainer.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Mulroney Seconded: Cr Russell That the Zone defer any decision on the recommendations relating to the Template Noongar Heritage Agreement for Local Government Aboriginal and the Cultural Heritage Bill (Draft) 2020 until the Zone meeting scheduled to be held Friday 25 June 2021 at which time the Executive Officer will have prepared a report for the Zone’s consideration. CARRIED

At this point the meeting returned to Agenda Item 13.4. For ease of reading the matter is covered in chronological order.

12.0 MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

Nil

13.0 OTHER AGENCY REPORTS

13.1 Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC)

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries report for April 2021 can be accessed by following the link Local Matters April 2021.

13.2 Main Roads WA (Attachment)

Mr Brad Pearce Operations Manager – Narrogin

A copy of the notes used by Brad Pearce during his presentation forms an attachment to the minutes from the meeting.

10.36am Meeting adjourned for morning tea

11.08am Meeting resumed following morning tea 36

The meeting returned to Agenda Item 11.1

13.3 Wheatbelt Development Commission (WDC)

No report

13.4 Regional Development Australia (RDA) Wheatbelt (Attachment)

Ms Mandy Walker, Director Regional Development RDA Wheatbelt

A copy of the RDA Wheatbelt Report for the April round of Zone meetings forms an attachment to the meeting agenda.

14.0 DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

Central Country Zone Executive Committee – Wednesday 9 June 2021 via teleconference

Central Country Zone Meeting – Friday 25 June 2021 (Shire of Quairading)

15.0 CLOSURE

Ahead of closing the meeting the Chair announced this meeting was the last meeting Bruce Wittber would be attending as its Executive Officer. He invited Bruce to “say a few words”. Below is the text from Bruce’s farewell speech.

Thank you allowing me the opportunity to say a few words at this my last in-person meeting of the Central Country Zone I am able to attend.

At the time of the next meeting, I will be travelling in the North of the state.

Come the 30 June BHW Consulting and by “default” Helen and I will be retiring as the Executive Officer to the Zone after 14 years service. With the decision to transition to WALGA providing your executive support it will bring to an end just on 24 years of the Zone engaging an external Executive Officer.

For me, whilst I am still involved in a few projects with BHW Consulting, my retirement from the Zone will conclude more than 54 years involvement in or with local government. Given I was born in to it as my father was a CEO, local government has a lifetime of memories.

14 years ago, when we were appointed to the Zone, we were also appointed to 3 other bodies and so split the workload and I took on the task of “managing” the Executive Officer role for the Central Country Zone. Helen and I did intend to swap around the principal contact but alas that never happened.

In the 14 years since we started there have been 5 Zone Presidents and 3 State Councillors. I think there are now only 2 CEOs Graeme Fardon and Nicole Wasmann still in their role and Geoff McKeown still a CEO in the Zone but in a different place. We had 16 members and now have 15 through the merger of the two Narrogins. As for Presidents I think every Council has had at least one change. I am not sure of any delegate here today was here in 2007.

The Zone, whilst having 6 meetings a year, only met twice a year in-person when we started. There was no Executive Committee. How things have changed. We now have 5 in-person meetings a year and at least 5 Executive Committee Meetings a year.

Some of the Zone’s major achievements involved in over the past 14 years include:

. Vehicle licensing fees – whilst many people have claimed their involvement in the success of this campaign it was Rob Paull from Corrigin that initially pulled together a spreadsheet on the impact. This spreadsheet was used far and wide to identify the effect it would have on local government. The then Zone President Cr Conley took up the advocacy which included meeting with key MPs to push the case. At the last hurdle during the disallowance debate Helen and I were involved in ringing MPs to ensure a successful outcome. . Wheatbelt MOU Group – the work of this group resulted in the State Government’s half a billion-dollar Southern Inland Health Initiative (SIHI), with funding used to develop and improve health infrastructure and services across the Southern Inland area. The Zone played a key part, in its advocacy role, in the development and ultimate success of this project which has improved health in the Zone and the Wheatbelt more broadly. . Regional subsidiary legislation – with the decision by the Minister for LG in 2009 to initiate boundary reform and as part of the development of the regional subsidiaries legislation, Helen and I travelled to South Australia (twice) with two MPs to review how legislation in that state worked. As part of the review, we also travelled to Queensland with the MPs to review how LG reform had worked (or not worked) in that state. As a result, we were involved in assisting in the formulation of a private members bill that eventually passed the Legislative Council with government and opposition support. The Minister then introduced his own legislation which took a number of years (and a change of government) to achieve. . Its submission on new Local Government Act – in mid-2017 the Minister for Local Government initiated a review of the Local Government Act 1995. The Zone established a Working Group to consider the WALGA Discussion Paper. The Working Group held two meetings and “worked” through the 43 issues within the WALGA Discussion Paper to develop a recommended Zone Position on the issues. In December 2017 the Department released its consultation paper and the Committee was reconvened to consider the paper and develop a Zone position on the matters. The Working Party met twice and finalised its submission to the Minister for LG. It would be fair to say that this Zone was one of, if not the most, proactive Zone in relation to the review of the LG Act. . Wheatbelt Conference – the three Wheatbelt Zones combined to run a number of very successful conferences with some key speakers being attracted. The Narrogin conference was a very successful event and well supported by the Zone Councils.

Throughout the 14 years there are many more stories of successful initiatives but the above is a sample of some of what has been achieved.

In addition, as Helen and I worked across 3 WALGA Zones and 3 VROCs we were able to participate and influence a number of parliamentary/political outcomes for the benefit of local government. It was not uncommon for us to be approached by political parties to provide input in to legislation or seek our opinion. This we did with our constituent member Councils in mind.

Finally, could I say a few thank yous.

To you Mr President thank you for allowing me to say a few words and to the delegates for listening. Of past Presidents Cr Conley is the only one present but to all Zone Presidents current and past thank you for your support to Helen and I and for your confidence in our advocacy on behalf of the Zone. There are many and varied issues that had to be navigated and advocated.

I thank WALGA for its support in us carrying out our role. We did not always make things easy as we questioned recommendations and proposed alternative approaches, some successfully others not so.

To my business partner Helen – she has been a constant support across our 15 years in business and the work of the Central Country Zone. Like any business there are challenges but we so well understand each other we can second guess what the other is thinking.

And finally, to the many delegates who have attended across the past 14 years thank you for your support and may I remind you of the need to continue your vigilance.

Thank you one and all.

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 12.10pm

DECLARATION

These minutes were confirmed by the Central Country Zone at the meeting held on Friday 25 June 2021

Signed ______Person presiding at the meeting at which these minutes were confirmed

Road Works Central Country Zone WALGA

April 2021

Road Works – 4WDL – April 2021

WORKS IN PROGRESS SOUTHERN WHEATBELT

Albany Hwy

Road Between SLK Range Activity Main Roads Contractor Contractor Contact Contact Albany Hwy Metro and 138.3 – 140-65 New Ed Wilks Lendlease Jeff Paice/Andre Williams Overtaking Fourie Lane Albany Hwy Jarrahdale and Section 4 – 154.98 – 156.92 Rehabilitation Enock Lendlease Thomas Cruddace Williams Chirikure Albany Hwy Crossman 118.090 - 119.10 Intersection Dileep Lendlease Nicholas Strange Dwarda Rd and Improvements Pokharel Crane Rise Road Widening Albany Hwy Metro and Arthur 51 – 196 Various Locations Pavement Ed Wilks Lendlease Thomas Cruddace River Repairs Albany Hwy Williams and 159.25 – 215.65 Shoulder Ed Wilks Lendlease Andre Fourie Beaufort River Sealing

• Works on the passing lane, pavement rehabilitation and intersection upgrades at Crossman are due for completion by the end of April. • Shoulder sealing and pavement repairs are due for completion at the end of May down to our southern border at Beaufort River. • Finishing off works such as line marking, punch list items and culvert works will be done in June. • The rest areas to the north and south of the Crossman intersection are closed during these works with the rest area to the north being upgraded and sealed. • The pavement repair programme on Albany Highway consists of numerous small patches extending from Metro through to Williams. Stabilised patches are required to cure for 72 hours. Due to the current demand for sealing contractors, they require 2-3 days’ work. Hence, we have to prepare a number of sites before we can seal them. The work covers numerous patches ready for sealing with distances between them varying from a couple of hundred metres to 1 km. Consequently speed is reduced for the length of the site which will be 60km/hr or 80 km/hr depending on the stage of the work. It is bad practice to have constant speed changes between closely spaced repairs. Signs are often up to reduce speed when there are no workers around, because of unsealed patches and unfinished shoulder works. Road Works – 4WDL – April 2021

• Nearly all of the pavement repair patches will be sealed prior to the ANZAC weekend. Traffic management teams will be checking signage.

Brookton Hwy

Brookton Hwy Karagullen to 12 to 110 Shoulder Sealing Sanjoj Raubex Fred Ballast Brookton Jayaseelan Brookton Hwy East of Kondinin 252.14 to 261.50 & Shoulder Sealing Sali Zaman Fulton Hagan Keating (FH) 277.50 to 282.30 and Overlay Hogan / Mark Burgess Shire of (Shire) Kondinin

• Shoulder widening on Brookton Highway between Karragullen and Brookton commenced after Australia Day. Works are due to be completed by mid-May. • Shoulder sealing and overlay works East of Kondinin to Karlgarin are due for completion in June.

Collie Lake King

Collie Lake King Wagin and 176.93 – 181.73 Widening and Suvrat Patel Lendlease Jeff Paice/Shaun Rd Dumbleyung Overlay Lynch Vegetation Clearing

Following Australia Day, Main Roads commenced road rehabilitation and widening between Wagin and Dumbleyung (Behn Ord Road and Wards Road). The section of road is approximately 5 km’s long and works include vegetation clearing, drainage, shoulder widening, road reconstruction with full width resurfacing. The works are expected to be completed by end of May 2021. Other:

Narrogin Kulin 138.68-139.53 Pavement Investigations Blake Newton Directly Kondinin Rd Managed Road Works – 4WDL – April 2021

Pinjarra Williams Curteis Rd to 90.46 – 125.53 Vegetation Works Colleen Lendlease Graeme Valli Rd Quindanning Fulford York Merredin Rd Bruce Rock and 145.55 – Shoulder Sealing Leon Krige Lendlease Gary Poggenpoel Merredin 192.45 York Merredin Rd York and 52.1 – 55.04 Widen and Overlay Enock Lendlease Mark Smolinski Quairading Chirikure

As you are aware Main Roads has received an unprecedented amount of funding, in a very short timeframe, as part of the Governments Covid stimulus package. The funding for the first tranche of approved projects is required to be utilised before the end of the financial year. The high risk is that we will lose the funding if it is not used.

Consequently, we have had to extend our construction season later than we normally would like. In addition, we have a lot more active worksites than would be usual.

However, this is a rare opportunity to make very significant improvements to our network in a short space of time.

The advantage of the works, in particular the widening works will be to, • Provide a much safer road environment by providing sealed shoulders with audible edge and centrelines. Statistically this treatment results in a proven reduction in run off road and head on crashes. In addition, because this treatment will extend the sealed shoulder there will be a significant reduction in heavy vehicle rear trailers becoming unstable as a result if swaying onto the unsealed shoulder. This again will result in a reduction in crashes and greatly improve safety. • The frequency of maintenance will be reduced. Although at the moment there are considerable disruptions due to the volume of roadworks being undertaken in the future there will be a significant reduction in maintenance works and hence disruptions to the travelling public. • Boosting employment. These works are providing a boost in employment during a very difficult period. The construction industry is well and truly at capacity. This has made it difficult to procure contractors. In particular resurfacing crews and traffic management companies are stretched.

Main Roads understands that this volume of work has resulted in longer than normal delays for road users. Consequently, we have had our fair share of complaints however most people have been understanding given the ultimate benefits of the program. We ask people to be patient as the works reach completion.

Road Works – 4WDL – April 2021

Driver behaviour has been a significant problem with motorists speeding through job sites. This has been very difficult to control, police are unable to cover all worksites that are currently in place.

Because of the stretched program, inclement weather poses a problem. Due of the nature of our contracting arrangements (AS 2124) the contractors have “possession of site” and are required to prepare sites for inclement weather. Unfortunately, a couple of our contactors have let us down recently.

Cyclone Seroja posed a particular problem for Wheatbelt Region due to the impact of the cyclone itself and the unpredictability of the associated rainfall. FESA instigated road closures to the North of the region however ultimately none to the South. Consequently, Main Roads was able to get our maintenance contractors onto the network on Saturday and Sunday. One crew was on Brookton Hwy until 10:00 on Sunday Night. They were stretched due to the abnormal widespread cyclonic rainfall.

Roadworks will be winding up in stages over the next month and a half with a corresponding reduction in disruptions.