In memory of CITY COUNCIL Mayor Joy Baluch AM

ANNUAL REPORT 2012 / 2013 In memory of

CITY COUNCIL

Civic Centre 4 Mackay Street (PO Box 1704) SA 5700

Telephone: (08) 86419100 Facsimile: (08) 86410357

Email: [email protected] Website: www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/PortAugustaCityCouncil

Prepared by Lee Heron Mayor Joy Baluch AM Director – City & Cultural Services

Printing & cover design by Worldwide Printing Solutions Flinders Street Telephone: (08) 82328222

Thank you to: Melanie Jenkins and Cynthia Collins for proof reading the Annual Report

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Port Augusta City Council covers Port Augusta, Port Augusta West, Miranda and Blanche Harbor Coastal Homes and the outer suburb of Stirling North. Port Augusta is situated 300km north of Adelaide on the Augusta Highway. It is positioned at the beginning of the , the main thoroughfare to the Northern Territory with the leading towards and Western Australia. The beautiful Flinders Ranges are only 10 minutes from the City to the east and the City is divided by the gentle waters of . Port Augusta’s population is 14,249 based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census and caters for a regional population of approximately 32,000.

Port Augusta City Council owns, operates and supports many quality services and facilities over and above what Local Government normally provides for the benefit of the community to support economic and employment growth. These include Aged Care Facilities and Services – Nerrilda Nursing Home, AM Ramsay Village, Men’s Shed, Health Focus; Child Care – Port Augusta Childcare Centre and Miriam High Special Needs Centre; Substance Misuse Services – Mobile Assistance Patrol, Sobering Up Unit and Exceptional Needs Program for Homelessness; Sport and Recreational Programs, Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre, Outdoor Adventure Centre; Port Augusta Cultural Centre – Yarta Purtli, Theatres; General Inspector Services including Dog and Cat Management; Tourism Facilities – Wadlata Centre including a Visitor Information Centre and Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden; Aboriginal Community Engagement Services supporting the Urban and Regional Strategy, OPAL Program and a City Safe Patrol .

Council’s Civic Centre and Public Library strive to provide excellent service to the community through quality customer service practices and our Parks and Gardens and Works Depot staff are committed to ensuring that the is well maintained and provides access for all members of the community to quality public open space areas.

The Port Augusta community is proud of its culture, history and future vision for the City, are passionate about promoting the City as a great place to live, work, play and visit.

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Port Augusta City Council is pleased to present its Annual Report for 2012/2013. The report provides an overview of the Council’s activities throughout the 2012/2013 financial year and includes information required to comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999 and Freedom of Information Act 1991 as well as other general information to keep the community and other interested parties informed as to Council’s progress of its Strategic Plan Objectives.

The Annual Report is separated into six (6) different sections, as follows:

Section 1 Executive Overview (Acting Mayor’s and City Manager’s Reports)

Section 2 The Council, Management and Human Resource

Section 3 Strategic Plan and Performance

Section 4 Compliance Report - Information Statement pursuant to Section 9 of the Freedom of Information Act 1991

Section 5 Governance Report

Section 6 Community Acknowledgement

Our Vision

A harmonious, unique, vibrant, community and environment

Our Mission

To create and sustain a safe and vibrant community where people want to live, work, play and visit

Our Principles

Respect, social justice, equal opportunity, inclusiveness and accessibility

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Port Augusta, Stirling North, Blanche Harbor & Miranda

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CCCOOONNNTTTEEENNNTTTSSS Page Section One EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW 6 1.1 Acting Mayor’s Report 7 1.2 City Manager’s Report 8-9

Section Two THE COUNCIL, MANAGEMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCE 10 2.1 Elected Members Information 2012/2013 11-14 2.2 Council and Committee Structure 14-15 2.3 Council & Key Committees Attendance Record 15 2.4 Other Advisory Committees 15-19 2.5 Reference Groups/Working Parties 19-20 2.6 Elector Representation Review & Quota 20-21 2.7 Elected Members’ Allowances and Benefits 21-22 2.8 Elected Members’ Training and Development 22-23 2.9 Management and Staffing including Organisational Structure 23-24 2.10 Human Resource Management 24-25

Section Three STRATEGIC PLAN & PERFORMANCE – Strategic Plan 2008-2011 26 Review Community Vision and Strategic Plan 2013-2017 27 Goal Area 1: Community Development 1.1: Our community feels safe 28 1.2: Recognise & value the diverse needs & cultures of our community 29-35 1.3: Best practice in community programs and facilities managed by Council 36-54 Goal Area 2: Image of City 2.1: A positive & progressive image of our City 55 Goal Area 3: Economic Development 3.1: Economic growth for long-term benefit 56-63 Goal Area 4: Infrastructure & Asset Management 4.1: Sustainable and effective maintenance, management and enhancement of the City’s 64-68 existing infrastructure assets 4.2: Plan for the provision of additional infrastructure to meets the needs of our growing City 69 Goal Area 5: Environment Management 5.1: Effective management & maintenance of the City’s unique natural and built environment 70-73 Goal Area 6: Organisational Effectiveness 6.1: A professional, effective, efficient & customer-focused organisation, responsive to the 74-76 needs of the community 6.2: Optimise the use and management of the Council’s financial and physical resources 77-80

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Section Four COMPLIANCE REPORT – INFORMATION STATEMENT 82 4.1 Decision Making Structure and Functions of the Council 83-84 4.2 Public Participation 84-85 4.3 Delegations 85 4.4 Community Consultation 85-89 4.5 Confidentiality Provisions 90-92 4.6 Public Access to Council Documents 92-95 4.7 Freedom of Information Requests 95

Section Five GOVERNANCE REPORT 96 5.1 Rating Policy 2012/2013 97-107 5.2 Rate Rebates 108 5.3 Auditor Independence 108 5.4 National Competition Principles 108 5.5 Competitive Tendering Statement 108 5.6 Fraud and Corruption 109 5.7 Internal Review of Council Actions 109 5.8 Community Land Management Plans 109

Section 6 COMMUNITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 110 6.1 Tribute to Past Mayor Joy Baluch AM 111-112 6.2 Academic Achiever Award 113 6.3 Australia Day Awards 113 6.4 Rotary Christmas Pageant 114 6.5 Mayoral Christmas Party 114 6.6 Christmas Lighting Festival 114 6.7 Australian Citizenship Ceremonies 115 6.8 Annual ‘Staff Thank You Function’ 115

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Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden – Proudly owned and operated by the Port Augusta City Council

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1.1 Acting Mayor’s Report

It is with great sadness that I write this report in place of Mayor Joy Baluch AM who continued to fulfil her duties as Mayor and fight for our city right until her untimely end in May of 2013.

I was privileged to support Joy by acting in the Mayoral role when she was unable to do so and continued to keep her briefed on what was occurring in her city. Joy continued to fight for solar thermal power to replace coal fired power generation in Port Augusta and in support gave a forceful and passionate interview to the “Lateline” program from her hospital bed under severe difficulty. Joy was a real fighter for our city and for what was right.

Joy unfortunately did not live to attend the Council meeting that approved the Central Oval project. This was a critical project for the future of our community and had Joy’s full support.

During the reporting period Joy was pivotal to the establishment of the Upper Spencer Gulf Alliance through then Commonwealth Minister Hon Simon Crean. Joy had known Minister Crean for a number of years and following a number of discussions with the Minister about how the Upper Spencer Gulf Region could be better supported the Alliance involving Commonwealth, State and Local Government was created. This was just another example of how Joy’s lifetime of contacts provided a benefit to our city and region.

Joy continued her involvement with the Urban and Regional Strategy to ensure that Aboriginal residents achieve better life outcomes. Joy chaired the Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group, Provincial Cities Association and the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Strategic Management Committee. Joy did not just chair meetings but took ownership for all of these committees to ensure that they drove forward to achieve outcomes for our city.

I have been fortunate to be Joy’s deputy for a number of years and took great pride in assisting Joy to fulfil her role as Mayor during the reporting period. In respect of Joy we all need to keep working on making Port Augusta an even better place that Joy would be proud of.

Phil Greagen Acting Mayor

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1.2 City Manager’s Report

This has been a watershed year for the City. The loss of our dear Mayor Joy Baluch has meant the loss of a great champion and character who created national recognition for our city and the issues it faced. From now on we who have benefited from Joy’s contribution to our city need to repay her commitment by continuing to manage and build the city and its community as a harmonious and prosperous example of what a regional city should be.

Joy was a long term crusader for clean air in our city and was a strong promoter of solar thermal power in Port Augusta. Council continued to support the solar thermal future for Port Augusta and partnered with Repower Port Augusta and Alinta Energy in advancing this outcome. The Council also appreciated the support from the Member for Stuart, Dan van Holst Pellekaan MP who initiated the Select Committee of State Parliament to investigate the Port Augusta Power Stations.

Council continued to partner with other like minded bodies in achieving greater political presence on the State and National stage. This approach lead to the Commonwealth and State Governments creating the Upper Spencer Gulf Regional Alliance which partners with the Port Augusta, Whyalla and Councils and their respective Regional Development Australia organisations in coordinating government direction and funding in the Upper Spencer Gulf. An outcome of this alliance has been the State funding allocated to the upgrade of the Port Augusta Airport through the Upper Spencer Gulf and Outback Enterprise Fund.

The Council has also agreed to support a fulltime Executive Officer for the Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group to provide a regional resource to work on issues that impact the three Upper Spencer Gulf Cities. In the event that State and Commonwealth Government funding is provided this will provide a more efficient and effective way of coordinating regional issues and avoid the three cities each dealing with the same issue in parallel.

Council advanced planning for the Central Oval Development and in June signed a building contract with Badge Construction Pty Ltd to construct the three court stadium/community centre. The water treatment plant upgrade and recycled water storage dam in Bailey Street were also completed providing the city with an ongoing source of recycled water for city park needs thus reducing demand on River Murray water and its associated costs.

The ongoing consultation with the Aboriginal Community continued through the Urban and Regional Strategy and particular credit must be given to the members of the Aboriginal Community Engagement Group who gave freely of their time to assist in improving outcomes for members of the Aboriginal community. With Aboriginal people becoming a larger proportion of our population it is critical for the future of our city and its social development for Aboriginal people to be provided with greater opportunities. The installation of the Cultural Pathway in Gladstone Square is just one way of Aboriginal people being recognised and respected as key members of our community. Council continued to liaise with Davenport Community and the State and Commonwealth Government in planning for a sustainable future for the Davenport Community.

Rezoning of the Westside has been achieved during the year clearing the way for residential development in this area. An application for the creation of 231 new residential allotments was processed during the latter part of the reporting period which when approved and constructed will provide another choice of lifestyle for those wishing to build a home in Port Augusta. Other developers also made application for residential land development in other parts of the city indicating that the residential market is active in the city.

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The ongoing operation and planned expansion of Sundrop Farms is a great opportunity for the natural benefits of our city to be highlighted for the production of clean green food. Council has continued to support and assist this venture as it moves towards major expansion.

After over 11 years of neglect and abandonment, State Government owned residential properties in Boston Street have finally been refurbished and are now managed by Common Ground in providing accommodation for deserving members of the community. Common Ground also gained development approval for 19 residential units on Augusta Terrace for people who require assistance in establishing a home. These facilities will assist in addressing social disadvantage in the city.

Council renewed its Strategic Management Plans during the period and after consultation with the community developed a Community Vision and Strategic Plan 2013-2017. These plans were adopted by Council on 25 March 2013. Council continued to undertake the Strategic Review of the Development Plan which will be completed in the next period.

Port Augusta City Council partnered with Business Port Augusta and RDA Far North in the running of Augusta Markets. The success of this event was outstanding with over 5,000 people being attracted to the CBD. The success was largely due to the determination and efforts of Matt Leonard whose drive, enthusiasm and commitment are to be commended. The success of the event has enthused all to continue such events on a six monthly cycle.

It is successes such as Augusta Markets where the whole community, businesses and service clubs become involved that make Port Augusta such an inspiring place. This more than anything shows that Council is focussed on working for and with its community.

Greg Perkin

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SSSeeeccctttiiiooonnn TTTwwwooo 2.1 Elected Member Information 2012/2013 2.2 Council and Committee Structure 2.3 Council & Key Committee Meeting Attendance Records 2.4 Other Advisory Committees 2.5 Reference Groups/Working Parties 2.6 Elector Representation Review & Quota 2.7 Elected Members’ Allowances and Benefits 2.8 Elected Members’ Training and Development 2.9 Management & Staffing including Organisational Structure 2.10 Human Resource Management

Elected Members

Back Row: Cr McLean, Cr Solomon, Cr Johnson, Cr Benbow, Cr Mitchell, Deputy Mayor Greagen, Cr Brown Front Row: Cr Lumsden, Mayor Baluch AM, Cr Paynter

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2.1 Elected Member Information 2012/2013

The Council comprises a Mayor and nine (9) Councillors, elected at large. Elected Members provide Council-wide representation and the current Council will serve a four year term: November 2010 to November 2014.

Sadly on 14 May 2013, Mayor Joy Baluch passed away. She left a great legacy in the work that she had done for Port Augusta over more than 40 years as a Councillor and the City’s very direct and outspoken Mayor. She had vision and a true love for Port Augusta, which she always put first. The community of Port Augusta respected her passion and belief in our City, and she will be missed by all.

A Supplementary Election for the position of Mayor will take place in early 2013/2014, with the Voters Roll closing at 5pm on 28 June 2013. Nominations will open on 25 July 2013 and close at 12 noon on 8 August 2013. Ballot papers will be dispatched by the Electoral Commission SA from 20 August to 26 August 2013 and voting will close at 12 noon 9 September 2013.

Deputy Mayor, Phil Greagen has filled the role as Acting Mayor following the passing of Mayor Baluch.

Contact Details

Her Worship the Mayor

Mrs Nancy Joy Baluch AM (Joy) 76 Stirling Road PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 Phone: 8642 3795 Facsimile: 8641 1126 Email: [email protected]

Representation Mayor Joy Baluch Ex-officio Member of Council Standing Committees & Marine Committee Term of Office Provincial Cities Association 1981-1982 Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group 1983-1993 Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Strategic Management Committee 1995 – 14 May 2013 Port Augusta Urban & Regional Initiative Steering Committee

Contact Details

Deputy Mayor/Acting Mayor Cr Phil Greagen PO Box 1705 PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 Phone: 8641 0840 (hm) Mobile: 0419 665 106 Email: [email protected]

Representation

Cr Phil Greagen Operations Committee Strategic Management Committee Term of Office Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee 1995 - current Wami Kata Old Folks Home Board Acting Mayor 15 May 2013 to Provincial Cities Association (Acting Mayor) 12 September 2013 Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group (Acting Mayor)

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Contact Details

Cr Brett Benbow PO Box 499 STIRLING NORTH SA 5710 Mobile: 0409 279 170 Email: [email protected]

Representation

Operations Committee Cr Brett Benbow Strategic Management Committee Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee Term of Office Port Augusta City Council OPAL Steering Group 2010 – current Port Augusta Alcohol Management Group Rating Policy Review Working Party

Contact Details

Cr Phillip Brown PO Box 2147 PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 Phone: 8643 6494 (hm) Mobile: 0419 038 596 Email: [email protected]

Representation

Operations Committee Cr Phillip Brown Strategic Management Committee Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee Term of Office Port Augusta Junior Sports Foundation 2010 – current Central Oval Project Control Group

Contact Details

Cr Sam Johnson PO Box 4125 PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700

Mobile: 0407 796 004 Email: [email protected]

Representation

Operations Committee Cr Sam Johnson Strategic Management Committee Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee Term of Office Council Development Assessment Panel 2006 – current Audit Committee Rating Policy Review Working Party

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Contact Details

Cr Lisa Lumsden 14 Carlton Parade PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 Phone: 8641 3347 (hm) Mobile: 0439 883 180 Email: [email protected]

Representation

Cr Lisa Lumsden Operations Committee Strategic Management Committee Term of Office Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee 2010 – current Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Strategic Management Committee Port Augusta City Council OPAL Steering Group Celebrating Cultural Diversity Project Steering Committee

Contact Details

Cr Ken McLean PO Box 1746 PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 Phone: 8642 3463 (hm) Mobile: 0448 354 745 Email: [email protected]

Representation Cr Ken McLean Operations Committee Term of Office Strategic Management Committee 2006 - current Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee Central Oval Project Control Group Youth Opportunities Personal Leadership Program - Community Development Board

Contact Details

Cr Tony Mitchell PO Box 310 PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 Phone: 8642 5069 (hm) Phone: 8641 0900 (wk) Facsimile: 8641 0911 Mobile: 0409 428 246 Email: [email protected]

Cr Tony Mitchell Representation

Term of Office Operations Committee 2003 – current Strategic Management Committee Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee Council Development Assessment Panel Regional Development Australia (Far North)

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Contact Details

Cr Fran Paynter 24 Sanderson Street PORT AUGUSTA WEST SA 5700 Phone: 86422597 Mobile: 0419 422 592 Email: [email protected]

Representation

Cr Fran Paynter Operations Committee Strategic Management Committee Term of Office Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee 2003 – current Council Development Assessment Panel Celebrating Cultural Diversity Project Steering Committee Health Service Planning Task Group

Contact Details

Cr Peter Solomon PO Box 355 PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 Phone: 86436464 (hm) Phone: 86410517 (wk) Mobile: 0429 098 295 Email: [email protected]

Representation Cr Peter Solomon Operations Committee Term of Office Strategic Management Committee 1989-1993 (May) Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee (Dec) 1993-2003 Audit Committee 2006 – current Port Augusta Marine Advisory Committee Spencer Gulf Cities Association representative on LGA Executive Committee Aboriginal Advisory Committee

2.2 Council and Committee Structure

Council has adopted the following Council and Key Committee Structure to ensure good governance of its area:

2.2.1 Council Meetings – held on the 4th Monday of each month, commencing at 7:00pm.

2.2.2 Operations Committee – held on the 2nd Monday of each month, commencing at 5:30pm.

2.2.3 Strategic Management Committee – held on the 3rd Monday of each month, commencing at 5:30pm.

2.2.4 Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee – held on an as needs basis at the conclusion of the Strategic Management Committee.

Reports prepared by officers are forwarded to the respective Key Committee for consideration. Each report has specific recommendations identified which, if ratified by the Key Committee, are then submitted to the Council Meeting for adoption. The Chairperson for each Key Committee is elected on a rotating 12 month basis between Elected Members.

All meetings are held in the Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta and are open to the public. If a Council or Committee Meeting falls on a public holiday, the meeting is held on the Tuesday following the public holiday at the same time as listed above.

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Agendas for Council and Committee Meetings are available on Council’s website on the Thursday prior to the Monday Meeting. A hard copy is also placed on public display at each office of the Council that is open to the public for the general administration of Council business.

Membership of Key Committees – Mayor (ex-officio) and all Councillors

During the 2012/2013 financial year, Council made 230 resolutions in relation to general issues and/or confidential issues presented for consideration.

2.3 Council & Key Committee Meeting Attendance Records

The following table provides a record of attendance by Elected Members at the Council & Key Committee Meetings held during the 2012/2013 financial year.

Strategic Council Special Operations Strategic Planning & Elected Member Meeting Council Committee Management Development Meeting Committee Policy Committee Total number of meetings held for each Committee: 12 8 12 11 4 Mayor Baluch 5 3 2 0 0 Cr Greagen 11 7 10 9 3 Cr Benbow 12 7 12 11 4 Cr Brown 12 7 12 11 4 Cr Johnson 10 6 12 9 2 Cr Lumsden 12 6 10 10 3 Cr McLean 11 6 11 9 3 Cr Mitchell 12 5 9 8 3 Cr Paynter 11 7 11 8 3 Cr Solomon 12 6 11 11 4

2.4 Other Advisory Committees

2.4.1 Audit Committee

The Audit Committee was established pursuant to the provisions of Section 126 of the Local Government Act 1999.

The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the Council, including its annual report, reviewing significant financial reporting issues and judgements which they contain.

The Committee shall review and challenge where necessary:

a) the consistency of, and/or any changes to, accounting policies; b) the methods used to account for significant or unusual transactions where different approaches are possible; c) whether the Council has followed appropriate accounting standards and made appropriate estimates and judgements, taking into account the views of the external auditor; d) the clarity of disclosure in the Council’s financial reports and the context in which statements are made; e) all material information presented with the financial statements, such as the operating and financial review and the corporate governance statement (insofar as it relates to the audit and risk management);

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f) keep under review the effectiveness of the Council’s internal controls and risk management systems; and g) review and recommend the approval, where appropriate, of statements to be included in the annual report concerning internal controls and risk management.

Membership: 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013: Elected Members: Cr Peter Solomon, Cr Sam Johnson; Independent Members: Mr Alan Morris, Mr Chad McKnight, Mr John Ewen, Mr Colin Scarlett. Council Representative: Mr Michael Dunemann.

The Audit Committee only met once during the 2012/2013 financial year. This meeting was held on 20 November 2012. Meeting agendas and minutes are available on Council’s website and are presented to Council for adoption. The Sitting Fee for Members is: Chairperson $350 and Members $300 per meeting attended. Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at the Civic Centre, 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta.

2.4.2 Council Development Assessment Panel (CDAP)

The responsibility of the Port Augusta City Council’s Development Assessment Panel (CDAP) is to:

a) determine development applications (in accordance with the provision of Part 4 of the Development Act 1993) in its own right; b) acting as a delegate of Council in accordance with the requirements of the (Development Act 1993); c) providing advice and reports to the Council on trends, issues and other matters, as it thinks fit, relating to planning or development that have become apparent or arisen through its assessment of applications under the (Development Act 1993); d) conducts its activities in a fair, open and transparent manner, resulting in informed decision-making.

The current independent members’ 2 year term on Council Development Assessment Panel’s expires in February 2014. A review was undertaken in January 2013 of the Elected Members membership on the CDAP and Council at its meeting held on 29 January 2013 appointed two new Elected Members to the Panel following an election process.

Membership: 1 July 2012 to 29 January 2013: Presiding Member: Mr Jason Willcocks; Elected Members: Cr Tony Mitchell, Cr Fran Paynter, Cr Sam Johnson; Independent Members: Mr John Veen, Mr Jarrod White, Mr Craig Cresp.

Membership: 1 February 2013 to 30 June 2013: Presiding Member: Mr Jason Willcocks; Elected Members: Cr Tony Mitchell, Cr Lisa Lumsden, Cr Brett Benbow; Independent Members: Mr John Veen, Mr Jarrod White, Mr Craig Cresp.

The CDAP meets, as required, in the Council Chambers at the Civic Centre on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, commencing at 5:30pm. During the reporting period the CDAP met in the Council Chambers at the Civic Centre, 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta on 27 November 2012, 11 December 2012, 19 February 2013, 19 March 2013, 30 April 2013. The Sitting Fee for Members is: Presiding Member $350 and Members $300 per meeting attended.

2.4.3 Port Augusta Marine Advisory Committee

The Port Augusta Marine Advisory Committee is responsible for advising Council on all marine matters relating to the Upper Spencer Gulf. The Committee’s activities include:

a) investigates the Marine Plan/Park and report to Council; b) consider the recommendations from the Port Augusta Waterway Development Study and report to Council on appropriate actions; c) investigate marine infrastructure and activities, including maintenance, and report to Council; and d) support the work of the Natural Resource Management Board (NRM) as it relates to the conservation and protection of flora and fauna of the Upper Spencer Gulf.

Membership: Presiding Member: Cr Peter Solomon; Members Mr Robin Sharp, Mr Peter Huxtable, Mr Brett Munns (proxy Natalie Munns), Mr Andy Ireland, Mr David Powell (proxy Peter Molineux), Mr Aaron Morgan.

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Council Representatives: Mr Greg Perkin, Ms Melanie Jenkins – Admin Support.

The Port Augusta Marine Advisory Committee generally meets on the first Tuesday bi-monthly, at the Civic Centre Council Chambers, commencing at 7:00pm. During the reporting period the Marine Advisory Committee met on 7 August 2012, 6 November 2012 and 5 March 2013.

2.4.4 Safety First Committee

The Safety First Committee aims to deliver the highest practicable standards of Work, Health and Safety across the organisation.

The structure of the Safety First Committee consists of three employer/management representatives and nine Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) from various departments throughout Council.

The prime objective of the Safety First Committee is to monitor the Work, Safety and Health System for legislative compliance and to rectify any issues identified through Council’s reporting procedures, and seek consultation with the work groups whenever there is a proposed change that could affect the safe work practices in their workplace.

Membership: Chairperson Shane Saal (Civic Centre), Anthony McCoy (Civic Centre), Marlene Foote (Civic Centre), Natalie Holtham (Childcare & Special Needs), Doug Stott (Works), David Curnow (Works), Zsuzsi Coppin (Parks and Gardens), Larry Martin (Parks and Gardens), Lindy Madigan (Cultural Arts Precinct), Lisa Glass (A.M. Ramsay Village), David Stewart (Substance Misuse Service), Lee Heron (Management), Greg Perkin (Management), Bernadette Reichstein (Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden), Kimberly Noll (Wadlata Outback Centre), Sylvia Hogg (Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre), Julie Beaton (Risk Co-ordinator).

The Safety First Committee meets at 10:30am on the last Tuesday of each month and minutes of meetings are presented to Management Team.

2.4.5 Building Fire Safety Committee

The Building Fire Safety Committee was established by Council, pursuant to the provisions of the Development Act 1993, to ensure the ongoing protection of safety of building occupiers and users, by investigating whether building owners are maintaining proper levels of fire safety in their buildings.

The Building Fire Safety Committee are responsible for:

a) developing appropriate building fire safety inspection policies; b) scrutinising the fire safety of buildings that have been identified as having inadequate fire safety provisions; c) issuing notices of Fire Safety Defect to building owners, which identify fire safety provisions that need to be upgraded to an extent that provides a reasonable level of safety for occupants; d) forwarding information on Section 71 ‘Fire Safety Notices’ to Council’s administration in relation to Section 7 enquiries; e) issuing ‘Notices of Building Work Required’, which schedule prescribed building work that must be carried out in order to raise the building fire safety to a reasonable level of safety; f) initiating enforcement or other action to ensure a building owner complies with a ‘Notice of Building Work Required’; and g) revoking or varying fire safety notices where appropriate.

Membership: 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2012: Mr Gary Redding (Metropolitan Fire Service), Mr Alan Collins (proxy MFS), Mr Colin Paton (Country Fire Service), Mr Julian Aggiss (1st proxy CFS), Mr Nik Ludborzs (2nd Proxy CFS), Mr Peter Harmer (Consultant Building Surveyor), Mr Nick Heron (Building Surveying Technician), Mr Adam Grantham (Cadet Building Surveying Technician – admin proxy).

The Building Fire Safety Committee meets at least every three months on a time and date that suits members. During the reporting period the Committee met on 23 October 2012 and 19 February 2013. Another meeting was scheduled for May 2013, however this meeting was cancelled due to it falling on the same day as Mayor Baluch’s funeral.

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2.4.6 Port Augusta Junior Sports Foundation

The Port Augusta Junior Sports Foundation has been inactive during the 2012/2013 financial year while an investigation was undertaken to look at new ways for this Foundation to administer funding to a greater scope of the community. While the Port Augusta Junior Sports Foundation was active in promoting Junior Athletes, the current guidelines restricted the capacity for the majority of sports to receive financial assistance from Council. This lead to a decrease in interest from the sports as they felt they were not getting value out of the Foundation and created an absence at monthly meetings which left the Committee without a quorum and the inability to make decisions.

The investigation has been completed and it is proposed to seek Council direction during 2013/2014 in relation to the future financial assistance guidelines to be established for the Port Augusta Junior Sports Foundation and then recommence meetings.

2.4.7 Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Strategic Management Committee

The purpose of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Strategic Management Committee is to provide direction to the development and management of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden to ensure that it becomes an internationally recognised Centre of Excellence for AridSmart plants and outback visitor experiences.

The role of the Committee includes:

a) bringing business principles and tourism, environmental and community views to the development of the AALBG; b) overseeing the development of a Strategic Plan that implements the Master Plan dated 13 May 2009, Interpretation Plan dated May 2009 and Vision Plan dated June 2010; c) receiving and considering reports of performance against the outcomes required to be achieved by the Strategic Plan; d) keeping the Strategic Plan under review; e) Ensuring the overall operational budget for the AALBG is not increased above the level of the 2010/2011 budget allocation unless the additional funds are generated from the AALBG’s activities; f) establishing sub-committees as considered appropriate; g) seeking reports on the above topics and issues.

Membership: Mayor Joy Baluch AM – (Presiding Member), Cr Lisa Lumsden, Mr John Zwar – (Friends of the AALBG), Mr Chris Schutz – (Adelaide Botanic Garden), Ms Deborah Fuschtei – (Local Tourism Rep), Mr Martin Sampson – (Local Business Community Rep).

Council representatives include Mr Greg Perkin – (City Manager), Mr Michael Dunemann – (Director Corporate Services), Ms Bernadette Reichstein – (Admin Support).

The Australian Arid Land Botanic Garden Strategic Management Committee is scheduled to meet at least quarterly however during the reporting period the Committee only met on 14 December 2012 and 22 April 2013.

2.4.8 Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Council at its meeting held on 24 June 2013 resolved to re-establish the Port Augusta Aboriginal Advisory Committee with meetings being scheduled for the first Thursday of the month, on a bi-monthly basis. The objective of the Committee is to provide a voice to Council relating to issues affecting the Aboriginal community so that Council is kept informed of what is occurring within its community and how Council can be more inclusive of Aboriginal views.

The Committee activities will include:

a) to facilitate continued dialogue with the Aboriginal Community Engagement Group to ensure a collaborative approach is taken to addressing local issues as identified within the Local Action Agreement – Closing the Gap in Port Augusta;

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b) monitor and report to Council on the outcomes achieved as identified within the Local Action Agreement; c) monitor and report to Council on the outcomes achieved as identified within the Reconciliation Action Plan; d) review the Reconciliation Action Plan every two years and recommend new initiatives and strategies to ensure this is a living document and supports the changing needs, over time, of our community;

2.5 Reference Groups/Working Parties

2.5.1 Central Oval Project Control Group

The Central Oval Project Control Group is responsible for overseeing the redevelopment of the Central Oval Precinct which is now moving into the construction phase, with the appointment of Badge Construction to build the stadium which comprises 3 indoor basketball/netball courts, upstairs members bar & function room, League room, downstairs change rooms, café, community room and associated amenities.

Council is responsible for management and construction of the project’s carparks, roadways, 11 netball courts, and landscaping with the use of AridSmart plants.

This group will continue to work closely with all stakeholders. Council anticipate the main stadium will be completed by September 2014 with the commencement of the 11 netball courts and remaining carparks and landscaping to commence from this date.

Membership: Mr Greg Perkin (City Manager), Mr Michael Dunemann (Director – Corporate Services), Mr Craig Dearlove (Community & Recreational Development), Mr Nick Heron (Senior Building Officer), Ms Sarah Joyce (Aurecon Pty Ltd – Project Managers), Cr Ken McLean & Cr Phil Brown.

This Group meets on an ‘as needs’ basis.

2.5.2 Port Augusta Alcohol Management Group

The Port Augusta Management Group is a multi-agency forum supported by the Port Augusta City Council, responsible for providing leadership in the planning, facilitation, implementation and monitoring of holistic and coordinated initiatives in response to alcohol misuse within the community of Port Augusta.

The agencies represented as part of the Alcohol Management Group include; Port Augusta City Council, Aboriginal Affairs & Reconciliation Division, Aboriginal Family Support Services, Country Health SA, Davenport Community Council, Department of Corrections (Port Augusta Prison), Drug and Alcohol Services SA (Port Augusta), Housing SA, Indigenous Coordination Centre (Port Augusta), Mission Australia, Port Augusta Hospital & Regional Health Services Inc, SAPOL (Port Augusta), Salvation Army, Des’ Cabs, and a Community Member.

The Objectives of the Group are to:

a) provide leadership on the development of integrated service provision related to alcohol use and misuse in the community; b) facilitate the development of a broad strategy to address the effects of and reduce the incidence of alcohol misuse within the community (Alcohol Management Plan); c) develop data sets or evaluation methods to determine the effectiveness of all programs/initiatives that may be implemented; d) identify service gaps and advocate appropriate responses; e) continue to monitor the effectiveness and assess the impact of the Total City Dry Area Regulation; f) determine a data set that enables the collection of key indices that will effectively monitor the Total City Dry Areas and specific consequences of the Regulation; g) provide leadership and support for formal evaluation processes for the Total Dry Area and other initiatives;

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h) review the statistical data (as per Objective 3 and 6) on a regular basis to determine the effectiveness of initiatives and where appropriate, support service providers to adjust the initiative with the funding body; i) ensure effective, inclusive and better targeted communication and consultation with the community; j) advocate for appropriate services and new funding, encouraging agencies to ensure that interventions are strategic, integrated and sustainable;

Membership: Ms Jo Newell (PACC – Chair), Mrs Lee Heron (PACC), Mrs Lisa Leonard (PACC – Admin support), Ms Courtney Dowling (PACC), Mr Rick Dadleh (Day Centre – DASSA), Sgt Ian Feltus (SAPOL), Ms Anna Caponi (Pika Wiya), Cr Brett Benbow (PACC Councillor), Mr Bruno Carcuro (Housing SA), Ms Sharon Platt (AARD), Mr Alwyn McKenzie (AARD), Ms Leanne McKenzie (Davenport Community), Ms Lavinia Jackson (PA Hospital), Mrs Nancy Brougham (Des’s Cabs), Mr David Hayward (ICC), Mrs Yvonne Barker (ICC), Ms Elaine Moosha (AFSS), Mrs Marie Williams (Community Member), Mr Colin Roughton (DASSA), Mr Ray Willis (AFSS), Mr Duncan Johnstone (SAAS).

The group meet on a bi-monthly basis and minutes are presented to Council for adoption. During the reporting period the Group met on 14 August 2012, 9 October 2012, 11 December 2012, 22 January 2013, 19 February 2013, 9 April 2013, 11 June 2013.

2.6 Elector Representation Review

Schedule 4 of the Local Government Act 1999 provides that Council must include within its annual report a statement in regard to:

a) the council’s representation quota; b) the average representation quota for councils of a similar size and type (taking into account various factors prescribed by the regulations); and c) when the council next intends to conduct a review under Chapter 3 Part 1 Division 2; and d) the procedures that are available under Chapter 3 for electors to make submissions on representation under the Local Government Act 1999.

The following information fulfils Council’s requirement in regard to the above provisions.

The last representation (composition and division) review undertaken for the Port Augusta City Council was completed in 2009. Section 12(4) of the Local Government Act 1999 provides that a comprehensive review of all aspects of the composition of the Council, and the issue of the division or potential division, of the area of the Council into wards is completed at least once in every eight years. The next representation review as determined by the Minister for State/Local Government Relations, as per Gazettal Notice dated 31 May 2012, will be undertaken between October 2016 and October 2017.

2.6.1 Council’s Representation Quota

The Port Augusta City Council’s representation consists of a Mayor and nine area Councillors. The following chart compares the Port Augusta City Council’s representation quota with other comparable Councils. The representation quota has been determined by dividing the total number of electors for each Council by the number of Elected Members.

Council Number of Electors Elected Members Ratio Elected Members including Mayor and to Electors 1:00 Area Councillors PORT AUGUSTA 9093 10 1:909 Port Lincoln 9766 11 1:887 9404 12 1:783 Light Regional 9763 11 1:887 Wattle Range 8646 12 1:720

The above data was sourced from the Local Government Associations Circular 27.7 issued on 3 July 2013.

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2.6.2 Process for Elector Representation Review

To commence a review of its elector representation, Council must initiate the preparation of a ‘representation options paper’, by a person who, in the opinion of the Council, is qualified to address the representation and governance issues that may arise with respect to the matters under review.

Once an Options Paper has been prepared and endorsed by Council, outlining the representation structures available under Local Government, a notice must be published in a newspaper circulating within its area, inviting interested persons to make written submissions to the Council on the subject of the review. The community must be given at least 6 weeks to make a written submission.

At the conclusion of the public consultation process, a report must be prepared that provides information on the public consultation process and the Council’s response to the issues arising from the submissions made. The report sets out any proposal that the Council considers should be carried into effect, and analyses how the proposal relates to the provisions of Sections 26 and 33 of the Act. Such issues as communities of interest; the population of the area; the topography of the area; communication between electors and their elected representative; demographic changes; the total size and composition of the Council; and representation quota are included.

A second notice must be published in a newspaper circulating within its area, informing the public of the preparation of the report and its availability, and inviting interested persons to make a written submission. The community must be given at least 3 weeks notice to make a written submission. People who make a written submission in response to the report must be given an opportunity to be heard by the Council or Council Committee, either personally or by representative, on their submission.

A final report is then prepared, including a summary of amendments proposed resulting from any considerations from the public consultation process. If the report proposes that the composition of the Council be altered so that the Council will have a chairperson rather than a mayor or a mayor rather than a chairperson, then the proposal cannot proceed unless or until a poll has been conducted on the matter. If this is the case, then Council must prepare a summary of the issues surrounding the proposal to assist persons who may vote at the poll and obtain a certificate from the Electoral Commissioner that he or she is satisfied that the Council has taken reasonable steps to ensure that the summary presents the arguments for and against the proposal in a fair and comprehensive manner. The proposal cannot proceed unless the number of persons who return ballot papers at the poll is at least equal to the prescribed level of voter participation and the majority of those persons who validly cast a vote at the poll vote in favour of the proposal.

If the Electoral Commissioner determines that Council has satisfied the provisions of Section 12 of the Local Government Act 1999 an appropriate certificate will be issued; however if not, the matter will be referred back to Council. If this occurs, Council must take appropriate action to rectify any deficiencies identified by the Electoral Commissioner, before referring it back to the Electoral Commissioner for certification.

2.7 Elected Members’ Allowances and Benefits

2.7.1 Elected Members’ Allowances

Pursuant to Section 76 of the Local Government Act 1999 a member of a Council is entitled to be paid an allowance, determined by the Remuneration Tribunal, to assist in covering costs associated with discharging their official functions and duties.

The Remuneration Tribunal must, in making a determination under Section 76 of the Act, have regard to the following:

a) the role of members of Council as members of the Council’s governing body and as representatives of their area; b) the size, population and revenue of the Council, and any relevant economic, social, demographic and regional factors in the Council area; c) the fact that an allowance under this section is not intended to amount to a salary for a member; d) the fact that an allowance under this section should reflect the nature of a member’s office; e) the provisions of this Act providing for the reimbursement of expenses of members.

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An allowance determined under this section, will take effect from the first ordinary meeting of the Council held after the conclusion of the election and will be adjusted annually on the first, second and third anniversaries of the periodic election, to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index.

The Port Augusta City Council were determined as a ‘Group Three’ Council (out of 5 groups) resulting in the following allowance schedule as from November 2010:

Group 3 Council Allowance Base $11,300 Mayoral Allowance 4 times $11,300 = $45,200 per annum Deputy Mayoral & Presiding Member 1.25 times $11,300 Allowance = $14,125 per annum Members $11,300 per annum

On the first anniversary of the periodic election (November 2011), the members allowance was adjusted in line with the formula provided within Local Government Association Circular 43.10 (i.e. multiplying the current allowance of $11,300 by 183.6, dividing the result by 172.1 and rounding to total up). As from 12 November 2011 the allowance schedule for members increased as follows:

Group 3 Council Allowance Base $11,300 Mayoral Allowance 4 times $12,056 = $48,224 per annum Deputy Mayoral & Presiding Member 1.25 times $12,056 Allowance = $15,070 per annum Members $12,056 per annum

On the second anniversary of the periodic election (November 2012), the members allowance was adjusted in line with the formula provided within Local Government Association Circular 43.8 (i.e. multiplying the original allowance, determined by the Remuneration Tribunal, of $11,300 by 101.7, dividing the result by 93.7 and rounding up to $12,265. As from 12 November 2012 the allowance schedule for Elected Members increased as follows:

Group 3 Council Allowance Base $11,300 Mayoral Allowance 4 times $12,265 = $49,060 per annum Deputy Mayoral & Presiding Member 1.25 times $12,265 Allowance = $15,331.25 per annum Members $12,265 per annum

Elected Members allowances are paid monthly in arrears.

2.7.2 Member’s Reimbursement of Expenses

Elected Members are also entitled to receive reimbursement of expenses incurred while undertaking official functions and duties of the Council. Council Policy 1.1.04 (Elected Members’ Expenses, Facilities and Support) provides specific guidelines for those expenses that will be reimbursed to assist Members in fulfilling their role in relation to the performance of their official functions and duties on the business of the Council.

2.7.3 Allowances and Benefits Register

Council maintains a register which details all allowances and benefits paid to Elected Members throughout each financial year. A person is entitled to inspect (without charge) the register at the principal office of the Council during ordinary office hours or, alternatively, on payment of a fee fixed by Council, obtain an extract from the register.

2.8 Elected Members’ Training and Development

Council has adopted an Elected Members’ Training and Development Policy 1.1.02 including a Training Program to ensure that members are able to maintain and improve their knowledge base to assist them in carrying out their official functions and duties.

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During the 2012/2013 financial year, Council allocated a budget of $9,700 (including $5,200 for training fees and $4,500 for travel and accommodation) for training purposes. During the reporting period Elected Members attended the following training and information sessions:

Date Training/Development Session Names of Elected Members attending 27 February 2013 Local Government Mining Forum – The Impacts of Cr Brett Benbow the Resources Industry 8 March 2013 Council Development Assessment Panel Training Cr Brett Benbow Cr Lisa Lumsden 22 March 2013 LGA of SA Council & Committee Meeting and Cr Brett Benbow Chairing Skills Cr Lisa Lumsden Cr Phil Brown

The total expenditure for Elected Members’ training and development during 2012/2013 was $1,600.

2.9 Management and Staffing

The Port Augusta City Council operates 36 different programs/services for the benefit of the community. These programs are highlighted within the Organisational Structure displayed within Clause 2.9.3 of the Annual Report.

The Management Group comprising of Mr Greg Perkin – City Manager, Mr Michael Dunemann – Director Corporate Services, Mr Hayden Hart – Director Infrastructure and Environment, Mrs Anne O’Reilly – Director Community Services and Mrs Lee Heron Director City and Cultural Services have responsibility for overseeing the management and operation of various departments/activities under their respective areas.

Each Director forwards a report to Council on a quarterly basis to keep Elected Members abreast of the progress of implementing the respective financial year’s Annual Budget and Business Plans.

2.9.1 Senior Executive Officers – Allowances and Benefits

As at 30 June 2013, the Senior Executive Officers received the following summary of allowances and benefits:

ees ees ees y y lo lo p p

Salary Salary vehicle vehicle Position Position Contract Contract Mobile Phone iPohne and iPad iPohne and iPad 5 year Employment 5 year Employment for overtime worked for Senior Officer Level Senior Officer 8 Level Senior Officer 6 Conclusion Nov. 2013 2013 Conclusion Nov. Exclusive use of Council Council Exclusive use of including private mileage including private Use of Council Pool Use of Vehicle Superannuation contribution contribution Superannuation Permanent Em Permanent Em Permanent City Manager x x x Director Corporate Services x x x Director Infrastructure & Environment x x x Director Community Services x x x Director City & Cultural Services x x x x

Pursuant to Section 105 of the Local Government Act 1999, Council maintains a ‘Register of Remuneration, Salaries and Benefits’ and the register can be inspected at the Principal Office of the Council during ordinary office hours. Alternatively, a person is entitled to an extract from the register upon payment of a fee fixed by Council.

2.9.2 Staffing levels as at 30 June 2013

The Port Augusta City Council employed 382 staff as at 30 June 2013. The following table provides an overview of the number of full time, part-time and casual employees within each of Council’s Directorates.

Directorate Full Time Part Time Casual Males Females City Management 13 1 8 12 10 City & Cultural Services 17 10 20 19 28 Community Services 12 54 128 12 182 Corporate Services 13 11 53 24 53 Infrastructure and Environment 40 1 1 40 2 TOTAL Combined Total & M/F Percentages 382 25.6% 74.4%

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2.9.3 Organisational Structure

The Organisational Structure for the Port Augusta City Council is as listed below:

‘The Council’ Her Worship the Mayor, Mrs Nancy Joy Baluch AM Elected Members; Cr Phil Greagen (Deputy Mayor), Cr Brett Benbow, Cr Phillip Brown, Cr Sam Johnson, Cr Lisa Lumsden, Cr Ken McLean, Cr Tony Mitchell, Cr Fran Paynter, Cr Peter Solomon

City Manager Development Services –  Greg Perkin Planning, Building, Health

City Management Human Resource Animal & Parking Control

 Director City & Cultural Director Infrastructure and Director Corporate Services Director Community Services Services Environment Michael Dunemann Anne O’Reilly Lee Heron Hayden Hart

   

Departments Departments Departments Departments

 Finance  Aged Care Services  Governance & Compliance  Works/Road  Payroll  Childcare Services  Economic Development Construction  Rates  Special Needs  WHS/Risk Management  Parks/Gardens  Information Technology  Youth Activities  Contracts & Events  Works – Technical  Customer Services  Men’s Shed  Wadlata Outback Centre Support  Records Management  Library & Information  Asset Management  Recreation & Sport Services  Environment  Outdoor Adventure  Port Augusta Cultural Management Centre Centre – Yarta Purtli  Ryan Mitchell Swim  Substance Misuse Services Centre – Sobering Up Unit, Mobile  Australian Arid Lands Assistance Patrol, Clean Botanic Garden & Café Needle Program and  OPAL Program Exceptional Needs  City Safe Patrol Program  Community Harmony  Aboriginal Community Engagement

2.10 Human Resource Management

2.10.1 Equal Employment Opportunity

a) All recruitment and selection of staff within the various sections of Council is processed in accordance with the provisions of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. Council also has an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy 3.1.01 and EEO Program which are adhered to at all times.

b) All selections are based on the merit system. The interview process is conducted by a Panel with a minimum of 3 persons. The Panel will include both male and female members when necessary.

c) Council’s Human Resource Manager has delegated authority as Panel Leader on all appointments within Council. The Human Resource Manager (Mr Anthony McCoy) and Director – City & Cultural Services (Mrs Lee Heron) are Council’s Equal Employment Opportunity Officers.

d) Council’s commitment to employ/host indigenous trainees continues through the placement of indigenous persons in school based apprenticeships and traineeships.

2.10.2 Enterprise Bargaining Agreements

ASU 2012-2014 and AWU 2012-2015 Enterprise Bargaining (EB) Agreements have been agreed to and signed off by the Industrial Relations Commission.

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2.10.3 School Based Traineeship Program

Council’s Traineeship Scheme continues with the placement of 2 indigenous youth within Council’s works depot.

Hosting of trainees at Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, Wadlata Outback Centre and Nerrilda Nursing Home is ongoing.

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SSSTTTRRRAAATTTEEEGGGIIICCC PPPLLLAAANNN AAANNNDDD PPPEEERRRFFFOOORRRMMMAAANNNCCCEEE

SSSeeeccctttiiiooonnn TTThhhrrreeeeee

3.1 Goal Area 1 – Community Development 3.2 Goal Area 2 – Image of City 3.3 Goal Area 3 – Economic Development 3.4 Goal Area 4 – Infrastructure and Asset Management 3.5 Goal Area 5 – Environmental Management 3.6 Goal Area 6 – Organisational Effectiveness (including Audited Financial Statements)

Port Augusta Cultural Centre – Yarta Purtli – Exhibition Opening

Morning Tea at the Library

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Community Vision and Strategic Plan 2013-2017

Council undertook a major review of its Strategic Plan during 2012 and a comprehensive community engagement process was initiated to ascertain the community’s vision for the next 20 years for Port Augusta.

As a result of this review, a new Community Vision and Strategic Plan 2013-2017 was adopted by Council at its meeting held on 25 March 2013. The new Strategic Plan will be implemented from the 2013/2014 financial year, and therefore reporting against Council strategic objectives for the 2012/2013 financial year will be inline with the Strategic Plan 2008-2011.

The Community Vision and Strategic Plan 2013-2017 incorporates a statement in regard to the Community Vision 2031 and the Strategic Plan is broken down into the following Strategic Objective areas:

Community Vision 2031: Port Augusta is a thriving successful intercultural community where our spirit of innovation and resilience has provided opportunities for all people of all ages to realise their dreams.

We have capitalised on our top location to attract business investment, residential growth and tourists from all over the world.

Our people have access to excellent health, education, housing and support services that gives them confidence in their future.

We lead the way in living sustainably in an arid environment and in developing alternative energy infrastructure.

Our strong, united, harmonious yet dynamic and vibrant community makes us proud to call Port Augusta home and enables us to welcome new residents and visitors to share our outstanding quality of life.

We Thrive 1. Through encouraging innovation and supporting entrepreneurs to develop new opportunities for business and employment. 2. Because we invest in making places that contribute to city vitality. 3. By building strong partnerships in education, training, regional development and tourism to provide opportunities & employment for our community. 4. Through our commitment to embrace change and adopt new technologies sustainable solutions.

We Create 1. A future filled with possibilities and new opportunities for our people. 2. Excellence in education, health, sport, recreation and the arts. 3. A culture of leadership by nurturing and developing inspiring leaders.

We Connect 1. With each other through our down to earth sense of humour and spirit of joy that includes people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. 2. Our people with education, training and employment. 3. Those in need with services and support. 4. Our city with road and transport infrastructure, energy, water and telecommunications.

We Care 1. For our stunning natural environment. 2. For the wellbeing of ourselves and each other, especially the most vulnerable in our community. 3. For the physical resources we use each day. 4. For our cultural and built heritage.

We Celebrate 1. Our top location. 2. Our rich history and cultural traditions. 3. The diversity of our Aboriginal communities and the contribution they make. 4. The many special people who made and the many special people that continue to make Port Augusta a great place to live. 5. And play together through a lively programme of events and activities.

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Goal Area 1: Community Development

Sub Goal 1.1: Our community feels safe.

The following information provides an overview of the actions that were undertaken during the reporting period to accomplish the outcomes identified within the Port Augusta City Council’s Strategic Plan 2008-2011 for this Goal Area.

Activities and highlights for 2012/2013

1. Total City Dry Area

In December 2005 a Total City Dry Area regulation became effective in Port Augusta, making the consumption of alcohol in all public places within the City (excluding Davenport Community and the Blanche Harbor Shacks) illegal and subject to expiation fines. The Port Augusta City Council was the first Council in to apply a city wide prohibition in response to escalating public intoxication and anti-social behaviour.

In 2007 the first evaluation of this regulation was undertaken and the ‘Living on Dry Ground’ evaluation report examined both qualitative and quantitative evidence to determine outcomes of the regulation, provide an overview of future directions in relation to alcohol management with the City and outlined seven major recommendations1.

An application for a further three year Total City Dry Area was submitted in 2008 and in 2010 a second evaluation was undertaken by KR Consultancy, which also resulted in an application to the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner for another three year extension of the Total City Dry Area which is due to expire in December 2013.

During 2012/2013, an internal review of the Total City Dry Area has been completed, with feedback being sought from stakeholders, community and local agencies. The Alcohol Management Group has supported and Council has approved seeking a five year extension to the Total City Dry Area from 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2018. The application is to be submitted to the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner before 31 August 2013.

1Extract from the Shifting Ground Report

2. Secure Taxi Rank

The secure taxi rank again operated during the 2012/2013 financial year, and has been established to provide community members with a safe environment, late into the night, to wait for a taxi. The taxi rank is manned by two security guards and is located within the Central Business District of Port Augusta. As this is an easy service to relocate, when large events are held outside of the CBD area, the taxi rank can be relocated at short notice to support community members getting home after attending events.

3. City Safe Program

This program involves two officers authorised under the Local Government Act 1999 administering the Dry Zone legislation, Dog & Cat Management legislation, and Council by-laws, whilst also providing support for persons at risk from substance misuse.

Originally set up as a program to reduce vandalism of Council’s infrastructure, the program has evolved and now also provides general support to the community on a range of matters involving the well being of ‘a person’.

The School Based Traineeship Program has continued to be a highly successful part of the CitySafe Program. This involves young persons aged between 14-16 years working in Council’s Infrastructure & Parks Sections, learning work skills on the job, while still attending school.

A review of Council’s CCTV network was undertaken in March, 2013 and an application made to the Federal Government for funding to upgrade the network. This application for $170k was successful and a new system with the latest technology will be installed by January, 2014. The new system will provide coverage at the CBD area and foreshores, the airport and the Central Oval Precinct.

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Goal Area 1: Community Development

Sub Goal 1.2: Recognise and value the diverse needs and cultures of our Community.

The following information provides an overview of the actions that were undertaken during the reporting period to accomplish the outcomes identified within the Port Augusta City Council’s Strategic Plan 2008-2011 for this Goal Area.

Activities and highlights for 2012/2013

1. Community Harmony

Council has employed a full time Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer with funding from FaHCSIA which will expire in September 2013. Council has supported the continuation of this important position, approving a budget allocation within the 2013/2014 financial year, to fund the salary for this position until 30 June 2014. This position provides coordination, collaboration, consultation, strong communication with partnership and relationship building processes relating to the Urban and Regional Initiative, with an emphasis on leading community engagement.

The Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer’s (ACEO) role is to support the Aboriginal Community Engagement Group (ACEG) driving the Urban & Regional Strategy Port Augusta Initiative; which is to “Close the Gap” in Indigenous disadvantage in Port Augusta.

Port Augusta City Council through the Community Harmony Office has taken on the lead role of the Urban & Regional Service Delivery Strategy. The Australian, State and Local Governments are working with community to ensure that the Strategy makes a difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Port Augusta. The intent of the initiative is to better align local resources and networks to deliver more effective services to Aboriginal people in a way that will achieve ‘Closing the Gap’ initiatives.

Assisting ACEG develop their Local Action Agreement (LAA) was the main role in the early stages, this involved much conversation on what are the needs of the Aboriginal community and transferring that conversation into a document, which reflects the Aboriginal community’s needs. Community forums were also held to reinforce what was going into the LAA; also Service provider forums were held to get their commitment to the LAA. These forums were separated into four ‘building blocks’ - Learning, Healthy Homes, Safe Communities and Governance and Leadership, to ensure the right people were at the table.

The Local Action Agreement (LAA) was then signed on 28 March 2013 at the “Closing the Gap” event, held at the Barracks and Gladstone Square; the signatories to the LAA being; Phil Greagen Deputy Mayor Port Augusta City Council, Ian Hunter MLC Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Jenny Macklin MP Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Minister for Disability Reform and Aaron Stuart and Rachael Schmerl Co-Chairs of ACEG.

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Official Signing of the Local Action Agreement – 28 March 2013

L-R: Deputy Mayor Phil Greagen, State Minister Ian Hunter, Federal Minister Jenny Macklin, Community Representative Aaron Stuart

The activities of the Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer include:

- Preparation of agendas and taking minutes at ACEG meetings - Preparation of ACEG report for Steering Committee - conduit between government agencies, non-government service providers and ACEG - conduit for Port Augusta Aboriginal community and Port Augusta City Council - working with State and Federal Government departments as a Project team to help ACEG drive the Urban & Regional Strategy Local Action Agreement (LAA) - encouraging collaboration between service providers - continuing engagement with key stakeholders

Urban & Regional Strategy Achievements include:

- ACEG developing the Port Augusta Urban & Regional Strategy video - ACEG Co-Chair held a series of meetings with Port Augusta SAPOL members - ACEG is the recognised group for service providers and governments to engage within Port Augusta - ACEG with support of Project team took lead for opening ceremony for NAIDOC week celebrations - ACEG influenced government regarding Port Augusta as the location of the Residential Rehabilitation Centre

Port Augusta City Council have committed to developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and also re-establishing the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to Council; it will be the responsibility of the ACEO to drive and provide administrative support for these initiatives. These 2 initiatives will strengthen Council’s relationship with the Port Augusta Aboriginal Community, as the Urban & Regional Strategy has built that strong relationship.

2. Substance Misuse Program

2.1 Port Augusta Alcohol Management Group

The Community Harmony Manager is the Chair of the Port Augusta Alcohol Management Group (PAAMG) which is a multi agency forum whose aim is to provide leadership in the planning, facilitation and monitoring of holistic and coordinated initiatives in response to alcohol use and misuse within the community of Port Augusta. The Community Harmony Manager has been working with the Port Augusta Alcohol Management Group (PAAMG) to achieve the Community Alcohol Management and Action Plans. A new 5 year Total City Dry Area application commenced being prepared during the reporting period and the application is to be lodged with the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner before the end of August 2013, to ensure that the positive outcomes that have been achieved so far are able to continue.

2.2 General Activities

2.2.1 Financially supported NAIDOC Week through the Port Augusta Activities Program and the School Initiatives Program. Attendance at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies with the Substance Misuse Service collaborating with Young St Day Centre, Mission Australia & Life Without Barriers to plan, set up and run the NAIDOC Breakfast in conjunction with The Aboriginal Communities Engagement Group for the NAIDOC Opening Ceremony.

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2.2.2 Supported the Closing the Gap Day / Harmony Day community celebrations in Gladstone Square by holding an information stall and painting activity.

2.2.3 The Manager has participated with local community interagency meetings relating to Homelessness & Violence Against Communities Collaboration, Suicide Intervention and Life Promotion Advisory Group, Social Justice Interagency, Port Augusta Alcohol Management Group and the Liquor Licensing Accord, including some broader focus meetings/workshops dealing with Anti Racism Strategy.

2.2.4 The Manager, SMS Team Leader and Aboriginal Communities Engagement Officer attended a one day Conference in Adelaide on Homelessness ‘The 4 Cs’ cooperation, collaboration, consultation and communication was the theme.

2.3 Substance Misuse Service (SMS)

The Substance Misuse Service provide services to the Port Augusta Community, Stirling North and Davenport Community that include a Mobile Assistance Patrol (MAP), Sobering Up Unit (SUU), a Clean Needle Program (CNP) and an Exceptional Needs Program. The Service has also been successful at gaining extra funding to provide the MAP Service on a Sunday from 4:00pm – 9:00pm, along with setting up a new Assertive Outreach Program. This will provide a holistic approach across the continuum of care and to advocate for our vulnerable clients wherever necessary.

These Services are funded by: Federal Government (Dept of Health and Ageing – Office Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health - OATSIH) for the Mobile Assistance Patrol and Assertive Outreach Program and the State Government (Dept Health SA – Drug and Alcohol Services SA) for the Sobering Up Unit and the Clean Needle Program and the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion for the Exceptional Needs Program. The Port Augusta City Council is responsible for the operation and management of this Service.

During the 2012/2013 financial year the Mobile Assistance Patrol has completed 3,716 assessments. The Sobering Up Unit provided 1,685 admissions and the Clean Needle Program provided 41,390 new syringes with 20,860 used syringes being deposited back to the program, with 389 presentations at the window.

The total number of individual clients accessing the Sobering Up Unit was 309, and the Mobile Assistance Patrol was 886.

The Exceptional Needs Program has allowed the Service to follow up with case management and support to a number of the Service’s regular clients. Positive feedback has been received from other services that have regular daily contact with these clients, about the positive changes they see in the clients with this added support. The Exceptional Needs Program is now case managing and supporting 6 individual clients.

A version of a Return to Country Program has been established with inmates released from the Prison and Court systems, who are provided with a bus ticket to return to their country. Due to the bus departure times, which are late at night, it meant that these people were missing the bus and then having to stay with either family or friends or on our streets, utilising services. The Return to Country Program provides that the Mobile Assistance Patrol collects them up from wherever they are e.g. Prison, Court or in the community and they are then transported to the Sobering Up Unit, where they can wait and then be taken to the bus depot at the appropriate time to catch the bus.

Significant activities that were undertaken by the SMS during 2012/2013 included:

2.3.1 Training/Conference/Workshops:

All new staff completed the ‘Frontline Worker Training for the Safe Care of Intoxicated People’ and all required training in Senior First Aid, CPR and Fire Safety.

Our Exceptional Needs Team all attended a ‘Case Note Training’ in Port Lincoln with other similar services from across the State.

The Manager and Team Leader attended a State Wide Forum for the Workforce Development Unit at Nunkuwarrin Yunti at Rawnsley Park.

Another forum was held here in Port Augusta for Alcohol and Other Drug Workers from across the State, with most staff attending a day each.

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2.3.2 Funding:

We are now one (1) year into our new three (3) year Service Agreement for the operation of the Sobering Up Unit that incorporates the Clean Needle Program in Port Augusta July 2012 – June 2015, operating 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

In February 2013, OATSIH offered existing service providers access to their Flexible Funding Program. Two proposals were submitted and both were successful. One was for an extension of MAP hours to include Sundays so that clients could get to the Unit safely and the other for the Sobering Up Unit to open on Sundays.

The second proposal was for an Assertive Outreach Program; this program had been identified by the community as a gap in services and had therefore been included in the Port Augusta Community Alcohol Management Plan. We had been unsuccessful in gaining funding to provide this service previously.

2.3.3 Accreditation:

The Substance Misuse Service accreditation journey continued this year and the Service has been successful at gaining the QIC Certificate. Of course quality assurance never ends and our journey continues with us striving to attain the areas for improvement that were self and assessor identified.

3. Youth Activities

Council has continued to network with youth agencies through the Port Augusta Youth Focus Group which meets on a monthly basis.

A very successful National Youth Week event was held in April 2013. ‘Battle of the Beats’ was held at Lea Theatre with over 150 people enjoying the showcase of fantastic talent that is in our community. A committed and enthusiastic group of young people participated in the planning and running of the event, with support from Ms Samara Wood, Senior Music Teacher at Caritas College, Council’s Events Officer Brooke Mundy, and Anne O’Reilly Director Community Services. Group members had a variety of interests and skills and worked collaboratively to get this event off the ground.

Council once again provided financial support to the Youth Opportunities Program in Port Augusta for students in Year 10. This ten week program aims at building confidence, self-esteem and resilience in young people, with participants attending one day per week in an adult learning environment with follow up continuing for two years following completion. At graduation ceremonies young people have spoken about improved relationships with their siblings, families and fellow students and also about feeling more positive regarding their futures.

Council continued to provide funding towards the late night drop off bus from the Port Augusta Youth Centre on Friday nights during this financial year.

Council also continued financial contributions towards the Port Augusta Youth Support Strategy auspiced by Families SA which provides a bus service on Friday and Saturday nights between 10pm and 2am and also providing youth mentoring.

4. OPAL Program

In 2012/2013 OPAL continued work on programs, policy, infrastructure, community awareness and training across the community to deliver physical activity and healthy eating outcomes for local families.

4.1 Fourth Theme: Active Travel

The 'Think Feet First' step, cycle, scoot to School Active Travel theme continued to run until January 2013. A range of activities were implemented including:

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4.1.1 Funding of upgrade to bike track at Willsden Primary School

4.1.2 ‘Think Feet First’ educational performance presented to all Pre School - Year 4/5 Primary School students

4.1.3 Coordinated SAPOL presented Road Safety sessions at each school for older Primary School children

4.1.4 Promotional signage throughout community

4.1.5 Monthly Transcontinental newspaper columns

4.1.6 Continued multi sectoral collaborations in implementing DPTI’s ‘Way2Go’ Program for local Schools

4.2 Fifth Theme: Healthy Breakfast

The ‘A healthy brekky is easy as peel, pour pop’ theme was launched in February 2013 and will run until January 2014. As part of the theme communication plan, a range of promotion, awareness and educational activities took place including:

4.2.1 Community launch at the Port Augusta Basketball Association’s Under 9’s Round Robin

4.2.2 Interagency training and ‘Think Tank’ breakfast

4.2.3 Breakfast tasting activities with Preschools

4.2.4 Demonstrations and talks regarding healthy cereal options at ‘Vibe 3on3’ youth and children’s health event and Caritas College ‘Wellbeing Afternoon’

4.2.5 Theme promotion and breakfast tastings were held at Coles, Woolworths and Foodland supermarkets

4.2.6 Monthly Transcontinental newspaper columns

4.2.7 Promotional signage throughout community

A significant partnership was formed with ‘The Office Café & Catering’ retailer who, together with two dietetic students undertaking their placement with OPAL, developed and implemented a healthy kids breakfast menu.

Dietetic students Charlie and Megan promoting the breakfast theme at Coles with Vegie Man

4.3 Infrastructure supportive to healthy lifestyle

To support community members in choosing water as their ‘main’ drink, OPAL purchased three Water Bottle Refill Poles and had them placed at Gladstone Square, the Eastside Foreshore and adjacent ‘The Wave’ Skate Park, thus increasing accessibility of quality drinking water to community members and tourists.

OPAL are working closely with the Council’s Infrastructure Department in the funding, planning and construction of a shared use Bike/Walking path which will stretch from the Westside Foreshore levee bank through to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. The first third of this project is underway. This will allow for community members to link into the path from sections of Port Augusta West residential areas as well as provide connectivity from ‘Back Beach’ Port Augusta East through to Arid Lands. This allows for active travel across Port Augusta as well as an active recreational opportunity for families and tourists to enjoy.

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OPAL provided significant funding towards the Augusta Park Primary School Playground project. This project supports the ‘active leisure’ and ‘parks and places’ goals of OPAL as well as offering accessibility to the disabled and the wider community.

4.4 Edible Gardening Projects

Encouraging local families to grow their own fruit and vegetables aligns with OPAL’s goals around local food production and healthy home meals.

In previous years, OPAL provided funding to a number of Pre- Schools for them to establish edible gardens in their grounds. Outcomes from this included increased vegetable consumption by children, increased knowledge of fruits, vegetables and the environment, and increased parental engagement.

In 2012/2013 OPAL focussed on extending the edible gardening message home to parents and carers. A number of initiatives aimed at educating and supporting families to develop small edible gardens at home included:

4.4.1 ‘Home Harvest’ Programs at the Early Years Parenting Centre, Stirling North Childhood Services Centre and Augusta Park Childhood Services Centre for the autumn/winter season. The program provided monthly workshops, resources and some supplies to get an edible garden started.

4.4.2 Publication of the Port Augusta Fruit & Veg Growing Guide. The guide, which was developed in consultation with local fruit and vegetable gardening experts, contains basic information for new gardeners, a Port Augusta specific planting calendar and a voucher for a free punnet of seedlings.

4.4.3 An organic vegetable gardening information night was hosted by gardening expert Harry Harrison and covered topics such as composting, worm farms and organic pest management.

4.4.4 ‘Growing your own Grub’ – Port Augusta Urban Gardeners Facebook Page managed by OPAL continues to be a platform for local food gardeners to network, share stories and ask advice.

4.5 Healthy Catering Projects

4.5.1 OPAL, in endeavouring to increase availability of healthy food options for children and families at community events, invited applications from all known Port Augusta community/sporting/service groups for “OPAL Healthy BBQ Grants”. These small grants were offered to assist agencies and community groups to purchase the foods required to provide healthy BBQ options during their events. This enabled these groups to trial such catering without their own financial outlay. The amount of funding varied according to criteria including reach, equity, amount of change, sustainability, comprehensiveness and OPAL support/funding already received. This grants round awarded five Port Augusta community and sporting groups with funds for increasing the healthiness of BBQ catering/food provision practises in their organisations.

4.5.2 OPAL supported the Desert Fringe Festival in providing healthy BBQ on a larger scale.

4.5.3 OPAL supported the availability of healthy catering for the CirKidz childrens holiday activities.

4.6 Other outcomes

OPAL takes a multi-pronged approach to making healthy food and physical activity more accessible in Port Augusta. Further examples of our work during the last financial year include:

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4.6.1 As a part of Fruit & Veg month, OPAL ran a Family Salad Challenge where seven salad recipes were posted on the Facebook page during the first week of the month. The total cost of all the salads for the week had to come under $50. The aim of this initiative was to provide families with new ideas for creating tasty and cheap salads. Three of the salad recipes were also available for tasting at the Coles Undercover Markets in February 2013.

4.6.2 Active Party Kits were developed to be available for loan through the Port Augusta Library’s Toy Library service by parents to support active party games and recreational activities for children and families. OPAL also purchased bikes, scooters and other active play equipment, to be added to the toys available for families to borrow from the Toy Library.

4.6.3 OPAL Coordinator continued to chair the Regional Child and Youth and Wellbeing Network for Port Augusta community and have membership to a variety of community committees relevant to family/child wellbeing.

4.6.4 Supporting many community events such as the ‘Closing the Gap Family Fun Day’, ‘NAIDOC Week’, Port Augusta Teddy Bear’s Picnic and various community family fun day type events throughout the financial year.

4.6.5 Developing a ‘Better BBQ Resource Kit’ to support community groups in providing healthy food options when using BBQ cooking to cater at community events. These have been circulated throughout Port Augusta community.

4.6.7 OPAL partnered with local Butcher shops to create OPAL healthy meat packs and display healthy recipe cards which can be used in conjunction with the packs.

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Goal Area 1: Community Development

Sub Goal 1.3: Best Practice in community programs and facilities managed by Council.

The following information provides an overview of the actions that were undertaken during the reporting period to accomplish the outcomes identified within the Port Augusta City Council’s Strategic Plan 2008-2011 for this Goal Area.

Activities and highlights for 2012/2013

1. Port Augusta Public Library & Community Information Services

1.1 One Card Network

The major project for the Public Library service has been the implementation of the new library management system SirsiDynix’s Symphony. The Library ‘went live’ with the new system on 21 March 2013 inviting the community to join in with the celebrations. The Library is now part of the One Card Network which will at the end of 2014 connect more than 130 of South Australian public libraries, allowing members to borrow and return items at any library location using their one library card.

The response from the community has been greater than expected, with members appreciating the flexibility and increased access to the several million items via the online catalogue.

Another outcome of the new system has been in adoption of SMS for contacting customers. This has been very well received and has allowed for quicker responses by customers for collecting requests from the Library.

1.2 e-books and e-audiobooks

During March 2013 a new service known as OverDrive allowed customers to have access to thousands of e- books and e-audio books. This service is one of the range of electronic resources make available to all library users for free as part of the SA Public Library Network. Customers can borrow 6 e-books for up to 21 days lending time and e-books are automatically returned at the end of the lending period.

1.3 Turning of the First Sod Celebrations

The Library was involved in the preparation of display material for the ‘Turning of the First Sod’ celebrations. The ‘Red Book’, the photographs of Supervising Engineer Captain F.W.T. Saunders, had recently been digitally captured by volunteer Peter Zanker and were transferred into a data show for the exhibition at the Railway Station. Images from the ‘Red Book’ were also used in the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s publication to commemorate the 100 years celebration ‘The Trans-Australian Railway bringing the nation together’.

1.4 National Year of Reading

The Library continued promoting National Year of Reading 2012 in the second half of 2012, being involved in several community events including the Garden Club Show and the Christmas Tree Festival, winning prizes for the reading themed entries. The National Year of Reading 2012 is a collaborative project joining public libraries, government, community groups, media and commercial partners to showcase the organisations across Australia which promote reading and literacy.

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1.5 Stephen Orr

We were extremely fortunate to have South Australian author Stephen Orr speak at the Library on 13 August about his novel Time’s Long Ruin, set around the chilling and infamous tale of the missing Beaumont children, which was long-listed for the Miles Franklin and shortlisted for the 2011 Commonwealth Writers' Prize. The 30 community members who attended, enjoyed Stephen’s discussion on his novels and the challenges of being an Adelaide based writer. This event was organised and sponsored by the National Year of Reading as part of Stephen’s national tour.

1.6 Rose Helen Mitchell

South Australian author Rose Helen Mitchell returned to speak about her new book ‘Pilgrims Souls’ and entertained a group of 30 adults on 24 May 2012 with accounts of her book and how she started as a writer.

1.7 Other events

Library staff attended Readers Advisory training with Paul Brown on 27 July; held in Port Augusta the training was organised by Public Library Service providing opportunities for professional development for country based staff. The Library was involved in the Positive Ageing Expo held on 11 October 2012.

The Library hosted a film evening of the Australian release ‘Swerve’ filmed close by in the Flinders Ranges on 3 September 2012.

Michelle Morgan from Legal Services Commission held an information session on Wills at the Library on 18 June 2013.

1.8 Community Information service

Each month the ‘Port Augusta Community Diary’ was produced and 500 copies circulated within the community and regional South Australia. Electronic copies are also available on the Council website. The Library manages and updates the community agencies and services information for Port Augusta on the web based service ‘SA Community’. Copies of publications and information are supplied to groups and individuals as requested.

1.9 Community Newsletter

The Community Newsletter highlighting Council news and services for the community appeared as an insert in the Transcontinental on 12 September 2012, 21 November 2012, 6 March 2013 and 5 June 2013. The Newsletter is also available from the Council’s website. Additional copies were made available from various Council locations and services, with an electronic copy accessible from the Council website.

1.10 Broadband for Seniors project

The ‘Broadband for Seniors’ project is an ongoing program that has proved popular with small groups of seniors working with a volunteer weekly over 5 weeks to increase knowledge and skills with computers and the internet. This Australian Government initiative ‘Broadband for Seniors’ aims to increase the confidence and skills of older Australians.

1.11 National Simultaneous Storytime

On 22 May 2013 the Library supported the National Simultaneous Storytime event joining in with over 2000 other venues all reading the same book at the same time. This year it was Nic Bland’s ‘The Wrong Book’ read via a power point display on a large screen.

1.12 School holiday activities

School holiday activities are very popular with the community and continue to be well supported, with an average of 40 children attending each session. During 2012/2013 the July 2012 theme was ‘Bugs’, with craft activities and January 2013, energetic performer Andy Jones entertained with songs and rhymes.

1.13 Other children’s services

The Library has continued to be involved in the Emu Trails playgroup with a Library staff member assisting once a month with the Gladstone Square playgroup. The Library also provides resources for the Early Years Parenting Centre for families to borrow from the Centre.

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The weekly storytime sessions for preschoolers held on Wednesday mornings at the Library continue to attract families for stories and activities. During 2012/2013, the 40 sessions were attended by 464 children.

The Library distributed over 250 free Little Book Club packs to families and other agencies for children aged 6-12 months. The packs contain a book, nursery rhymes, DVD and other material, to encourage parents to enjoy sharing books with their children from an early age.

1.14 Public internet access

Public access to the internet continues to be provided with 6 computers available and the booking system was upgraded and improved for customers with the installation of PC Reservation software. The demand for wireless internet access continues with well over 200 logons per month during 2012/2013.

1.15 Book Clubs

The Library Book Club met on the 4th Thursday of each month to share ideas and thoughts on a wide range of books with approximately 10 people attending each month. The Library also supported an outback book club which meets over conference telephone sessions to discuss the monthly selection.

1.16 Other programs and promotional activities

 Toy library service  Tours for school and kindy groups  Regular involvement with Emu Trail  Weekly visit by school groups Playgroup  Little Big Book Club packs  Wireless and computer access  Storytime for preschoolers  Books in the sky (audio books) – uploading  Local and family history service audio books  Monthly Library bus and home visit service  Display space for community groups

2. Port Augusta Cultural Centre – Yarta Purtli

2.1 Volunteers

Volunteers at the Port Augusta Cultural Centre – Yarta Purtli play a vital role in the ongoing operation of the Gallery. Around 18 permanent volunteers contribute over 66 hours a week. Roles undertaken by volunteers include meeting and greeting visitors in the gallery, assisting with the installation and pack up of exhibitions, as well as assisting at exhibition openings and other Cultural Centre and Lea Theatre events.

2.2 Exhibition program

The Gallery offers a balanced exhibition program each year with a wide range of local and touring exhibitions. Exhibitions change over every 4-5 weeks. During 2012/2013, 20 exhibitions were held with 7,470 visitors passing through these exhibitions.

Exhibitions held during the year include and attendance numbers are as follows:

Exhibition Name No: Exhibition Name No: 2012 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize 433 Decalcomania, Robert Emerson 291 Short Stories, Kaylie Weir 351 Our Culture Burns Brightly, Richard Lyons 308 Face Up 2, Georgie Sharp 539 Rust Never Sleeps, Craig Ellis 342 Manipulations of Quirky Ideas, Fibrespace 460 Planet Poly Pop, Samuel Tupou 467 Buffalo, Bird & Bandicoot, Country Arts SA 582 Out of the Ordinary, Community Exhibition 515 Visual Arts Touring Exhibition Rearranging the Paint, Val Surch 669 Find the Purpose; Trust the Process, Terena 269 Johnson Freerange, Community Exhibition 251 At the Crossroads, Marek & Anna Herburt 268 On the Wall, Ania Szawczukiewicz 265 The Art Outside – Public Art in Port Augusta 346 Year 12 Art Show 243 Crossroads of Colour, Joel Plevin 313 Behind My Eyes, Philip Rees 283 2013 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize (up until 30 275 June 2013)

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Flexible opening hours to coincide with major community events (such as the Desert Fringe and the Port Augusta Market Days) has assisted in maintaining steady levels of attendance at the Gallery.

Port Augusta is home to a range of artists and craftspeople and the area is rich in culture and diversity. Known in particular for the high quality Aboriginal artworks that are available in the region, the Gallery also hosts a variety of arts and cultural activities including practical workshops, artist talks, and other events.

2.3 Events

2.3.1 Desert Fringe

Desert Fringe returned to Port Augusta on 15-16 March with a packed program of events which included an entertaining mix of local and visiting performers. In addition to the usual favourite events such as the Opening Night Concert and Fringe Club in the Barracks, there was a special Desert Fringe Arts Market and a foreshore concert and an amazing show featuring performing company Polytoxic. The Desert Fringe always draws a large crowd and this year was absolutely no exception. With mostly free events, the Desert Fringe is accessible to the whole community and really offers something for everyone.

Council has continued to support the Desert Fringe as it is recognised as an important and worthwhile event for the region. Work has already commenced in terms of putting together the Desert Fringe program for 2014

2.4 Programs

2.4.1 Workshops

The Gallery Workshop Program has continued to grow each year, and the workshops held during 2012/13 included:

September 2012 April 2013  Hat-Making with Natural Fibres  2 x Cirkidz Circus Skills Classes  Advanced Basket-Weaving  2 x Animal Drawing & Sculpture (8-12  Beginners Mosaics years – school holiday program)  Drawing on the right side of the brain (teenagers – school holidays program) October 2012 May 2013  Oil Painting  2 x Drawing Classes November 2012 June 2012  2 x Watercolours Classes  Beginners Mosaics  Intermediate Mosaics February 2013  Creative Crochet and Beanie-Making

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2.5 Projects

2.5.1 Grindell’s Hut Artist in Residence Program

Paul Lloyd, a Port Augusta based photographer was the successful applicant for the gallery’s Annual Residency Program in 2012. Paul visited Grindell’s Hut, in the heart of the Vulkathunha Gammon Ranges, in October/November for a three week period.

The Artist in Residence Program was established several years ago to provide an opportunity for artists to live and work in an environment of extraordinary natural beauty and historic significance that has long been a source of inspiration for many significant Australian artists.

This project is made possible through a partnership with the South Australian government’s Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

2.5.2 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize

The Malka Aboriginal Art Prize is held annually and there were two Malka exhibitions during 2012/2013. The exhibitions are held for one month in Yarta Purtli gallery and importantly they are scheduled to coincide with NAIDOC Week celebrations.

These exhibitions attracted a large number of entries from Indigenous artists across the region and are a popular event in the gallery program for locals and tourists alike.

The Malka Aboriginal Art Prize started in 2010 as an idea of local Aboriginal artist, Marvyn McKenzie Snr and the exhibition is aimed to encourage more local Aboriginal artists to exhibit their works whilst promoting the outstanding Indigenous artistic talent to both local and tourist audiences.

2.5.3 Arid Festival

The Arid Festival was held in September/October 2012 building on the success of the Arid Sculptural Exhibition which has been run successfully since 2004. Art and the environment continued to underpin the activities and events that were part of the Festival but the overarching theme was ‘Life on the Edge’. In total, there were 22 exhibitions, workshops and events over a 5 week period as part of the Arid Festival and it attracted in excess of 4,000 people.

2.5.4 Arts Assistance through Country Arts

The Arts Officer has continued to provide arts assistance to a range of organisations and individuals as part of this role jointly funded between Country Arts SA and Port Augusta City Council. The Arts Officer is the first point of call for all arts funding related enquiries, advice and is involved in a range of community arts projects.

2.5.5 Art Jams

In addition to the workshop program, the Port Augusta Cultural Centre – Yarta Purtli is now running regular Art Jams. These events are aimed at local people in the community who are interested in art, design and craft. Everyone is invited to bring along their own project to work on in the gallery.

These social evenings have resulted in collaboration across the creative sector on a number of projects and are a good opportunity for hobbyists to be involved with their local art gallery.

3. Community Events

3.1 Friends of Botanic Gardens Australia Conference

The Events Co-ordinator worked closely with the Friends of AALBG to coordinate a welcome function for participants registered for the weekend conference. The welcome event was held at Wadlata on 17 August 2012. Council further sponsored the event by paying for each participant to attend the

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interactive display at Wadlata free of charge. Council provided 150 welcome bags and binding of 150 conference information packs.

3.2 100 Year Anniversary of Turning of the First Sod Trans-Australian Railway

The 100 year anniversary of the Turning of the First Sod for the Trans-Australian Railway was celebrated at the Port Augusta Railway Station on 14 September 2012.

The Anniversary was celebrated over a couple of hours, with a historic steam-train moving into Port Augusta Train Station alongside modern locomotives to celebrate the past with a portrayal of the future. There were formal speeches with guest speaker Minister Anthony Albanese and an official plaque unveiling. A commemorative book was available for purchase and there were live music, camel rides and food available.

A successful exhibition of railway memorabilia was open for the month of September, including images of the railway construction, engaged the local Port Augusta community and attracted tourism to the area for the celebrations. In excess of 1000 people attended the event.

3.3 Naming of the ‘Joy Baluch AM’ Bridge

An official ceremony and open community event was held on 17 May 2013 at the Eastside Foreshore for the official naming ceremony of the ‘Joy Baluch AM Bridge’. There was live music before and after the ceremony and a sausage sizzle for the community. The ceremony was an opportunity for the community to celebrate and pay tribute to our Mayor for her untiring dedication to our community.

A portrait of Mayor Joy Baluch AM made a surprise appearance on the morning of the Bridge Naming ceremony, thanks to local artists Craig Ellis and Angelique Boots. The portrait was felt by many to be a fitting tribute to the Mayor and will remain a permanent piece of community art.

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Local Artists: Craig Ellis and Angelique Boots

3.4 Event funding / Entrance Signs

This year the Community Events advertising program was advertised in the Transcontinental Newspaper as well as letters being sent to Sporting/Community Groups. The closing date for applications was 16 March 2012. Events that received financial or in-kind support from Port Augusta City Council during 2012/2013: Port Augusta Racing Cup, Wharfest, Jacobs Creek Port Augusta Golf Classic, Carols in the Park, Australia Day Breakfast, Organ Donor Awareness Week, Pichi Richi Marathon and Port Augusta Cup (Port Augusta and Districts Greyhound Club), Convoy for Kids & Port Augusta Music Club.

As a part of their funding application some Sporting/Community Groups requested funding to display their events on the Entrance and Event signs. These groups included: Calisthenics, Organ Donor Awareness Week, Port Augusta Racing Club – Port Augusta Cup, Jacobs Creek Port Augusta Golf Classic and Convoy for Kids.

3.5 Clean Up Australia Day/Half Price Dump day

Clean up Australia Day was held on 3 March 2013. The event was successful with 10 groups and many individuals registering for the event. As sponsorship of Clean up Australia Day, Veolia provided 4 skip bins for participants of the event to dispose of their rubbish and Transpacific Industries allowed Veolia to empty the skips at no cost.

In conjunction with Clean Up Australia Day Council ran a 2 day half price dump weekend for residents of our community. Residents were allowed one trip per household per day and were required to present their rate notice or driver’s licence to the operator on the day. The dump day was a success with 132 people attending the Transpacific Industries Waste Transfer Station over the weekend.

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3.6 Vibe Alive 3on3

The Port Augusta Vibe Alive 3on3 Basketball & Hip Hop Challenge was held on 17 May 2013.

The Vibe Alive 3on3 is a great event for young people, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal. Courts are set up for basketball, music, break-dancing and other activities. The competition is conducted in a friendly manner with an emphasis on sportsmanship and pride. Throughout the day emphasis is on conveying various health messages to the students covering such issues as the importance of eating a balanced diet, reducing the risks of obesity, and leading a healthy lifestyle without drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

The Vibe 3on3 is also a smoke-free event. Young people who have pre registered show up to the event with their school or community group there is no entrance fee. Teams are in groups of 4 or 5 participants and receive a gift pack upon registration.

Participants are also provided with a healthy breakfast and a free barbeque lunch.

4. Aged Care Services

4.1 Nerrilda Nursing Home

Nerrilda Nursing Home had 18 new residents permanently admitted in the 2012/2013 financial year in comparison to 17 new admissions during the 2011/2012 financial year. The permanent bed occupancy rate for the financial year was 96%.

Nerrilda’s high level respite bed place once again proved popular with 17 people taking advantage of this respite bed place with an occupancy rate of 75%.

Nerrilda continues to manage a high number of residents with complex care needs which has necessitated additional staff hours at times during the year.

The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency conducted a full two day site audit of Nerrilda Nursing Home in September 2012 and the maximum 3 year accreditation period was achieved. An unannounced site audit was conducted on 7 May 2013 with Nerrilda Nursing Home being found to be compliant in all expected outcomes assessed during the visits.

A Food Safety Audit was conducted by a qualified Food Safety Auditor in May 2013 as per the Food Safety for Vulnerable People legislation, with the maximum accreditation period of 12 months achieved.

Staff of Nerrilda Nursing Home continued to work on Quality Improvement projects identified through their Continuous Improvement system which includes internal audit tools and feedback processes.

The Nerrilda Fundraising Auxiliary is continuing to provide much needed support to the staff and residents of Nerrilda, with over $28,700 spent on materials and equipment to enhance the quality of life of our residents including a new lifter, bedside medication cabinets, two electric beds, a special air mattress, 6 utility chairs and numerous other pieces of clinical and activity equipment.

Nerrilda Nursing Home also continued to make use of the funds from the German Australian Society in Port Augusta Inc. This money has been invested through the Local Government Finance Authority and funds were used to purchase a pianola and music scrolls, convection plate warmer, recliner chair and pressure reduction mattresses.

Numerous training opportunities have been available through the Aged Care Channel as well as internal mandatory in-services on Manual Handling, Fire & Evacuation, and Medication Management. One staff member has attended a PEPA (Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach) placement in Adelaide and we are soon to involve another 4 staff members in a reverse PEPA placement on site. Staff have also attended an external Palliative Care Workshop and ACFI updates. Management continue to liaise with external RTOs to ensure our staff’s current clinical skills at all levels are maintained. Staff have also enlisted the services of Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service to assist with Dementia awareness and referred several residents for behavioural/risk management of behaviours of concern Four staff completed the Diploma in Enrolled Nursing through TAFE SA with the support of a bursary through the Port Augusta City Council.

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Non-operational improvements during the year have included replacement of call points in all wet areas with waterproof call bells, connection of external gates to the fire alarm system and purchase of a new medication trolley. Another stage of the air conditioning upgrade took place during the 2012/2013 financial year to the south west side of the building including the front offices and entrance area, training room and 4 resident bedrooms.

Nerrilda celebrated its 25th Birthday in September 2012. The five staff in the photograph to the right, have been employed since day one and are still committed to provide high quality aged care to the residents.

Staff L-R: Pauline Mannion, Vickie Miller, Teresa French, Judith Nance and Jill Haines

4.2 A.M. Ramsay Village

Nineteen new permanent residents were admitted to AM Ramsay Village during the 2012/2013 financial year which is comparable with the 2011/2012 financial year in which eighteen new permanent residents were admitted. The permanent bed place occupancy level for the financial year was 94.9%. Respite bed places continue to be well utilised with 44 respite admissions recorded for the financial year at an occupancy level of 98.6%

Due to increasing care needs of residents, including complex behaviour, additional hours have been utilised when necessary to ensure high quality care of our residents.

A food safety audit was undertaken by a qualified Food Safety Auditor as per legislative requirements at Ramsay Village in January 2013 with the maximum accreditation period achieved.

An unannounced site audit conducted at AM Ramsay Village on 27 May 2013 assessed one standard as not- met with an action plan for improvement accepted.

Internal audit tools continued to be used to monitor service quality. Internal quality audit results and processes have been used to identify projects to be undertaken as part of the facility’s continuous quality improvement plan.

The transition to a ‘fresh cook’ system in the kitchens at both Aged Care facilities took place in August 2012 to improve satisfaction levels of residents, increase flexibility of menus at both sites to meet residents likes and dislikes, reduce food wastage, as well as improve business continuity in case of kitchen outage at either site.

Ramsay Village continues to benefit from the donation by the German Australian Society in Port Augusta Inc. This money has been invested through the Local Government Finance Authority and has been partially used to fund the installation of an outdoor entertainment area between Jaycee and Masonic Wings and install a public address system to resident areas.

Numerous training opportunities have been available through the Aged Care Channel as well as mandatory in- services on Manual Handling, Fire & Evacuation, Signs of Elder Abuse, Behaviour Management and Dementia, and Medication Management.

Capital improvements during the 2012/2013 financial year included upgrade of the kitchen to facilitate the transition to fresh cook, replacement of the floor coverings in the kitchen and staff dining area, purchase of an additional medication trolley and a plumbing upgrade to ensure compliance with current Australian Standards.

4.3 Health Focus

Health Focus Day Therapy Centre supports over 100 clients in a variety of programs aimed at maintaining levels of independence. These programs include the Tuesday and Wednesday ‘Lets Keep Active’ groups, a Low vision Support Group, Podiatry services, community based exercise classes and walking group.

Clients enjoy a range of activities including day trips to other nearby towns, health promotion activities, and activities aimed at maintaining and improving physical and mental health such as bingo, croquet, quoits, reminiscing, carpet bowls, skittles, quizzes, balloon tennis, footy tipping and Melbourne Cup luncheon.

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Health Sessions throughout the year included Police Security talks, sessions on Cardiac Health, Healthy Cooking sessions and foot care sessions.

Staff training included fire training, cultural awareness, ARAS training, CPR updates, Oxygen usage in-service, manual handling and basic foot care & toenail cutting.

The Friday group is funded through Home and Community Care (HACC) and supports clients with memory loss and confusion. This group has seen fluctuating numbers as clients move through the continuum of aged care.

Sixteen clients participated in the annual trip away in May 2013 to the Riverland, where they enjoyed a range of outings and activities including a river boat cruise complete with a sing-a-long.

4.4 Men’s Shed

The Men’s Shed continues to thrive, supporting 32 clients on a regular basis. The Shed is privileged to have the continued support of five volunteers, including Neil (Noogar) Edwards who has been with the Shed since its inception.

The Men’s Shed once again participated in Port Augusta’s Annual Christmas Pageant with the 2012 entry being ‘Sponge Bob Square Pants & Friends’. The Men spend a lot of time on their Christmas Pageant entries as they see this as an opportunity to give back to the community.

The Shed have continued to fill orders placed by the community such as rocking horses, a pedal car, toy boxes and bench seating.

A range of health promotion activities were undertaken during the year including Healthy Cooking, a presentation by Medicare Local, Centrelink Financial Information Services, Mastering Anxiety, and Keeping Active after 60.

The Men’s Shed was fortunate to be successful in a grant application through the Australian Government Shed Development Program for $4,300 to purchase a shipping container to store materials outside of the work area. This will increase the work space available and improve Work Health and Safety.

4.5 Aged Care General

Port Augusta City Council has continued to promote the Aged Care Network ‘Partnerships in Positive Ageing’ which builds on the collaboration of Aged Care Service Providers at a local level.

A new position of Far North Home and Community Care (HACC) Collaborative Project Officer commenced during the 2012/13 financial year. This role is fully funded through the Federal Department of Health and Ageing to identify gaps in service provision in the region and facilitate engagement through workshops, forums and events to maximise efficient and effective use of resources within the Region.

L-R: Bronwym Filsell and presenter Cr Fran Paynter A Positive Ageing Expo was held in October 2012 to showcase what groups and organisations are available in our community to support our ageing population. This expo proved popular once again with 26 stall holders taking part and more than 300 community members visiting the expo.

The 2012 Services to Aged Care Awards were presented at the Positive Ageing Expo in October 2012. 36 individual nominations were received and 10 organisation nominations. All nominees received a certificate of recognition. Winners of the Awards for 2012 were: Individual – Bronwyn Filsell for her dedication to her work with the Men’s Shed as well as the Community Based Exercise group and walking group. The Organisation category had joint winners - Nerrilda Nursing Home and Calvary Silver Circle.

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5. Children’s Services

5.1 Childcare Centre

The 2012/2013 year saw a small increase in the full time equivalent number of children attending the Centre. The average full time equivalent children attending for 2012/2013 was 42.2 up from 40.2 in 2011/2012. It is anticipated that the State Government’s change to the single entry date for school will see a positive impact on attendances at childcare from 2014 as a number of children will not be eligible to attend school until they are up to 5½ years of age.

Changes were made to the educator:child ratio in the under 2’s section of the Centre to comply with new Australian Children’s Education and Care Authority National Quality Standards which came into effect from 1 January 2013. The new standards have also required Centres to employ higher numbers of educators who have completed the Diploma in Children’s Services, resulting in higher staff costs for the Centre.

The Centre continued to support students completing Certificate 3 and the Diploma in Children’s Services by hosting placements throughout the year and offering Educators studying the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and the Diploma in Children’s Services study time during quieter periods. Mandatory training sessions including Child Safe Environments, Fire & Evacuation, Asthma and Anaphylaxis training and Senior First Aid training have been undertaken. Staff also had the opportunity to attend training on Dealing with Children’s Extreme Behaviour presented by Psychologist, Donna Kite.

Vinyl flooring was replaced in the passageways, office, staff area and kitchen during the Christmas break to minimise disruption to the Centre. This was the final stage of the replacement program.

The Centre also participated in Port Augusta’s 2012 Christmas Pageant with the theme ‘A Disney Christmas’.

A Food Safety Audit was undertaken by a qualified Food Safety Auditor in September 2012 with the maximum 12 month period achieved. The Centre was audited against Warm Water System compliance during March 2013 and found to be compliant. The next audit is due in March 2014.

The Centre hosted educational entertainment including Animals Anonymous, an African Story-teller as well as visits from residents of AM Ramsay Village aged care facility.

5.1 Miriam High Special Needs Centre

Numbers of children enrolled with the program remained constant during 2012/2013 with up to 48 families being supported. New referrals are being received on a continual basis, however attendance levels have fluctuated at times.

The Miriam High Special Needs Outreach Program continued to support families in Whyalla, Roxby Downs, Quorn, Coober Pedy and Andamooka. Up to 18 families were supported through the program funded through the Department of Health.

Staff attended training sessions throughout the year including Manual Handling, Cultural Awareness, Child Safe Environments, Senior First Aid, Toilet Training Young Children with Developmental Delay, and Dealing with Children’s Extreme Behaviour.

The Centre supported various students during the year, including 5th Year Medical Students as part of their six week rural placement, Allied Health students undertaking rural placement, tertiary students undertaking the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Special Education) and work experience students.

The Centre maintained its working relationship with the Flinders and Far North Child Development Unit, Child Health Team and the Northern Paediatric Unit. Novita Children’s Services attended the Centre on a regular basis throughout the year to observe children, and provide families and staff with updated programs and equipment.

Several meetings were held with representatives of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Launch Transition Agency to gain an understanding of the new Disability Care Australia Scheme and how it may impact on the Miriam High Special Needs Centre.

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Donations were received from community groups and individuals including Mr Aaron Morgan, Mrs Helen Taylor, Dr Andy Killcross, Caritas College, Knights of the Southern Cross, Hannaville Hotel and Terry Gardiner’s Meats. These donations assist the Centre to enhance the quality of life and maximise the full potential of the children.

The School Holiday Program funded by HACC continued for children with special needs aged up to 9 years who do not access mainstream services. They have enjoyed fun activities including visits to Kindergym at the Be Active Centre, days at the beach, picnics at parks, an excursion to Quorn and a boat cruise.

An audit of the Centre’s warm water systems was undertaken in March 2013 by Accredited Assessor, Jason Baker, with good results.

Actions undertaken at Miriam High Special Needs Centre to ensure safe, secure facilities for the children include commencement of installation of new pool fending to front of building to provide increased security for children when arriving and leaving the Centre, repairs to kerbing and paving in front of the Centre, and creation of disabled carparking facilities within the existing carpark for clients’ use.

4. Council Venues

Once again 2012/2013 has kept us all very busy at the Cultural Centre/Barracks and Lea Memorial Theatre, and has given us an opportunity to work with many different groups within the Port Augusta area as well as those from out of town. It has been great to see some larger groups from outside of Port Augusta utilising the venue to its maximum capacity.

4.1 The Institute Theatre Complex has continued to be used as a multi function centre with various events being held throughout the year. The Institute has been able to accommodate the groups with not only the venue but catering as well. The commitment by staff to ensure that the facilities are presented and available on time is acknowledged and appreciated.

The Institute has been hired by many local community groups, agencies and Government Departments throughout the year for events such as birthday celebrations, commercial theatre shows, health forums/community workshops, workshops, family fun nights, dance workshops, weddings, exhibitions, training sessions, Council events/conferences, Country Arts forums/workshops and Shows on the Road, Desert Fringe, music events, market days, Uni events and health assessments.

4.2 Our community use meeting rooms have been used regularly by different groups, some weekly, some monthly and others just as needed. These rooms are provided free of charge to an agreed list of community groups.

4.3 The Barracks is a great outdoor function area in Port Augusta, which can hold up to 500 people. It can easily be transformed into anything the hirer desires, with a little effort on their behalf. Tables, umbrellas, chairs, bar area and barrels feature in the area. Many groups decorate the venue with marquees, lights and staging, making a spectacular display in the outdoor area.

Lora and Brent McKnight’s Wedding

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The Barracks has been a popular location for many community events such as Welcome to Port Augusta BBQ, music concerts, Desert Fringe Festival, birthday celebrations, art workshops/exhibitions, social club events, health expo’s, food and produce markets, workshops, wedding services and receptions, Port Augusta Performing Art’s long Sunday lunches.

4.4 The portable staging is a community asset, which has been used extensively by the local community. The stage offers a range of set ups which are expertly put together by trained staff, both in and outdoors.

The stage has been utilised by the Combined Schools Choir, Port Augusta Stage Band, Various Council functions, Weddings, Port Augusta Racing Club, Umeewarra Media, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Anderson Dancers, Port Augusta Secondary School, Sharp’s Music Centre, Port Augusta Music Club, Desert Fringe Festival, Carols in the Park, Port Augusta West Primary School and Flinders Hotel.

4.5 The Lea Memorial Theatre continues to accommodate the larger shows touring to Port Augusta, along with many of the local community events.

Its ongoing operation continues to involve the many volunteers that generously give up their time to be a part of this venue. Their day to day involvement ensures that this venue continues to allow not only the local groups, but others from out of town to showcase their talent and events.

Lea Theatre is another great venue and is hired by the community for events such as conferences, workshops, international performers, touring theatre performances, local church groups, weddings, training sessions, local dance/theatre/calisthenics/bands/schools, rehearsals for local performances, graduations and larger funerals.

Private functions, corporate events, conferences, rehearsals and training sessions constitute the majority of bookings within the venues. The commitment of staff and volunteers, some even using their days off and holidays, ensure the professional operation of the venues.

5. General Inspectorate Activities

5.1 Animal Management Plan

Council has completed its second Animal Management Plan for 2011/2016 and it came into operation on 1 July 2011. The Animal Management Plan sets the direction for the management of dogs and cats within our community for the next 5 years, to meet the requirements of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.

The objectives of the Act are to:

a) encourage responsible dog and cat ownership; b) reduce public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats, and c) promote the effective management of dogs and cats (including encouragement for the de-sexing and identification, through registration and micro-chipping of dogs and cats); d) provide and establish off leash dog park/s in the Council area.

The Plan’s Mission is to promote and facilitate responsible ownership of dogs and cats, animal welfare, and the benefits of animal companionship, focusing on the legitimate needs of pets and their owners, while respecting the rights of other members of the community and protecting the environment.

The Port Augusta City Council’s Animal Management Plans have been developed in consultation with the community and the Dog & Cat Management Board.

5.2 Council’s Animal Control social media site was established plus a pets Facebook page which has been very successful in the return and re-homing animals.

5.3 General Inspector Kylie McKerlie was awarded South Australian Animal Control Officer of the Year and will now attend the Australian Institute of Animal Management Conference 2013 in Alice Springs in September 2013 to be in the running for Australian Animal Officer of the Year.

Kylie receiving her award at the Conference

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5.4 General Inspector Training/Development Activities

Council Officers are supported in relation to training and development opportunities to ensure they are suitably qualified and informed in relation to various aspects of their duties and responsibilities. During the reporting period the General Inspectors attended the following training:

a) Road Traffic Act and Parking Compliance Training b) Authorised Training Conference May 2013 c) Animal Capture and Handling and Dog Bite Training d) Fire and Emergency Services Refresher Training at Brukunga

5.5 Million Paws Walk 2013

The Million Paws Walk was again a very successful day with a total number of 118 registrations. Funds raised for the RSPCA totalled $2216.

5.6 Statistics 2012/2013 General Inspector Activities TOTAL Dogs Destroyed 54 Cats Destroyed 123 Number of official barking dog complaints received 12 Number of official wandering dog complaints received 309 Number collected and returned to owner before impounded 0 Total number of dogs impounded 312 Total number impounded and subsequently returned to owner 70 Number of dog harassments to humans 32 Number of dog attacks on humans 28 Number of dog harassments to animals 3 Number of dog attacks on animals 19 Number of cat complaints 91 Dogs/Cats Re-homed 224 Call outs After Hours 66 Animal Expiations/Parking Expiations 613 Yard Condition Litter 49 Impounded Vehicles 3 European Wasp Reports 3 Wasp Nests Treated 0 Fire Permits Issued 1 Schedule 18 Mooring Permits issued 0 Cat Trap Hire 53 Back Yard Burning 3 Expiation Notice Disputes/Appeals 60 Dog, Cat related requests, barking, attack, harassment 256 General Customer Assistance Requests 1406

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6. Sport & Recreation

6.1 Community & Recreational Development

This role provides direction to Council, Sporting, Recreational & Service Groups within the City to become more self sustainable and effective in meeting the community’s current needs. Port Augusta is moving into a new era and this position has focused on creating community hubs with a major shift in thinking towards multi-use facilities and functional open spaces.

6.2 STARCLUB Field Officer

The STARCLUB Field Officer Program is a partnership between the South Australian Office for Recreation and Sport and the Council. The STARCLUB Field Officer works with sport and active recreation communities as an essential resource to guide clubs along the path to success. The STARCLUB Field Officer works with the local community to develop and maintain a strong and vibrant recreation culture, increase community participation, improve the quality of opportunities in the region and ensure clubs/associations are well managed and sustainable.

6.3 Central Oval Precinct Development

The redevelopment of the Central Oval precinct is one of the most exciting projects this Council has undertaken for many years. During the last 12 months Council has concentrated on finalising the design, securing funding and the appointment of a State Government Category 1 Builder. Badge Construction was successful in gaining the contract after an extensive tender and re-tender process to build the main stadium which will include:

 3 State level multi-use courts & associated amenities  Community meeting room  Community café  Parents room  Administration offices  Upstairs members bar & function room (600 capacity)  Landscape plaza area

The old facilities Concept drawing of new building

Other works to be completed by Council include:

 Refurbishment of existing oval  Landscape spectator view areas  Construction of 11 outdoor courts  New carparks & roadways  Construction of AridSmart garden beds  Refurbishment of existing basketball stadium

It is anticipated that construction will commence in September 2013 with completion of the main building and some of Council works by August 2014.

During this time development of the Management Plan will be worked through with all stakeholders along with the appointment of a Management Authority.

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This project is not just a sporting upgrade as it will provide a venue for community events, conferences, and any use currently not being catered for within Port Augusta.

Not since the foreshore redevelopment has a project changed the way we think and use an area that provides a sense of pride. This project has the potential to create similar outcomes for the community.

6.4 Be Active Community Centre

Currently this centre provides a low cost alternative for active recreation opportunities for the community. The centre offers activities such as: Kindergym, Yoga, Zumba, Be Active Birthday parties, Indoor Netball, Indoor Cricket, Indoor Soccer, and is the preferred venue for Health Focus, SAPOL training & Zen Do Kei.

6.5 Port Augusta Public Open Space Strategy

The Port Augusta Public Open Space Strategy will provide a guide for the strategic planning, development, use and management of the open space network within the City. The Strategy also outlines Council’s open space policy position and the open space network vision.

Providing high quality open space has many community benefits including economic, environmental, urban liveability, social/health and cultural benefits.

6.6 Port Augusta Play Space Strategies & Stirling North Master Plan

These two plans will relate to the Port Augusta Public Open Space Strategy and will further provide Council direction for the individual usages of our Open Space network. Port Augusta is positioning itself to become a Child Friendly City and to achieve this we will need to focus on elements such as Early Childhood Development. With the appointment of the Parks Manager we will work collaboratively to achieve the direction set out in these plans.

6.7 Port Augusta Facilities Master Plan

This Plan will provide Council further direction in growing community hubs around facilities that meets the community’s needs. A strong asset management plan will be required to identify which facilities remain to minimise Council’s financial input into single use facilities.

6.8 Port Augusta Community & Recreation Network

Information and leadership has been provided to this Network through regular emails, workshops and events based on local and state requirements. This will be further developed through the STARCLUB Club Field Officer Position.

6.9 Port Augusta Bicycle Strategy

In conjunction with the OPAL Program, work will be undertaken towards increasing the use of active transport within the city.

Brands of ‘Cycle Port Augusta’ and ‘Walk Port Augusta’ have been developed and will be promoted during the next 12 months as funding is received through various external organisations.

Construction of a new path that links the Foreshore to Arid Lands has commenced and is due for completion late in 2013. This pathway has the potential to link major hubs like ETSA Oval with the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden in a safe environment.

7. Port Augusta Aquatics & Outdoor Adventure Centre

The Port Augusta Outdoor Adventure Centre offers programs which are an alternative to the ‘normal’ physical activities that are available. This is important as it enables children who do not like participating in team sports to be engaged in physical activity in a different way. The Centre has continued to provide activities during the school holiday periods with the water based activities being the most popular. The invitation was open to anybody between the age range 8–80 and it was great to see the number of grandparents joining in with their grandchildren. Quite a few joined in on more than one activity or rebooked for another session. Over the last 12 months the Centre has provided the following activities to the general public:

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7.1 Training week held during the first week of September/October school holidays saw approximately 30 people use the facilities to obtain and gain further qualifications. There was also a great turnout from UniSA and other Aquatic Centres.

Port Augusta will again be hosting the 2013 Training Week in October 2013.

7.2 Hire of the Centre has been popular in the off season with visiting school groups/organisations from interstate and South Australia. Sacred Heart College booked in for September 2012 and rebooked before they left for 2013. While they are here doing a set program within the community they have also booked in a mornings kayaking as a fun ending to their stay.

Immanuel College again used our facilities but elected not to take advantage of our overnight accommodation for a period of 6 weeks for various reasons.

7.3 CARA – (Commonwealth Accommodation and Respite) brought a group of unsuspecting patrons along to the Aquatic Centre with a film crew who wanted the 12 participants to participate in an activity which they knew nothing about. They were taken on a kayak lesson which was filmed by a camera crew (Channel 7) and hosted by Troy Gray from Adelaide Today. This was great exposure for Port Augusta and the Outdoor Centre as it was televised in February 2013 on Channel 7 as a documentary.

CARA have again booked in for November 2013 running the event in conjunction with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. This year’s participants will have the opportunity of a different challenge which will be putting them out of their comfort zone. This was the brief from the organisation: whatever we put to them, it had to be a challenge.

7.4 School Holiday Program started second week of the October 2012 school holidays. A new format was tried this time with the cost being lower than previous programs. The result was fantastic with activities yielding higher numbers than expected. All sessions were well attended.

December Holiday Program an idea to run a short holiday program between end of Term 4 and Christmas proved popular in a win/win situation with parents being able to shop without their children and the kids were able to have a great time while their parents did some shopping.

January Holiday Program was exceptional – funding was supplied through Families SA and programs were able to be subsidised to keep the cost of the activities down. This was outstanding – all classes were solidly booked however the evening sessions were not as popular and the day sessions.

April Holiday Program was a big hit as more funding became available and being able to keep the cost down was fantastic for the community. Again the sessions were booked out and some people had to be turned away. A full days rock climbing and abseiling was included in the program and proved to be very popular with the 8 lucky children who took part loving the experience. It was fantastic to see them pushing past their fears and conquering an activity that they have never done before. The highlight was watching their faces on the abseil, then the same beaming face when they touched ground. Confidence was high. Not sure what the parents thought who were standing watching though. It was a great day out at Warrens Gorge for all who came.

In addition to the Holiday program there were quite a number of ‘off the street’ hires who saw us on the water and came in and booked The October turn-out was well patronised even for the children who braved the chilly conditions on the last day for snorkeling.

7.5 Birthday Parties - the centre has received queries about running orienteering birthday parties for children. One such event was hosted recently and word has got out, with another booked for September 2013.

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7.6 XPD Event is to run from the 30 August 2013 to 14 September 2013 with approx 400 competitors expected from around the world, participating in 3 activities. This event is to be shown on Foxtel and will put Port Augusta, Flinders Ranges, Spencer Gulf and the Port Augusta Aquatic and Outdoor Adventure Centre on the map. What a great event for this region to be hosting with the organisers using the Centre as their ‘base’ and the finish will be held on the beach/lawn area adjacent to the Centre. This event is great for our City as well as showcasing what Port Augusta is well renowned for: the Spencer Gulf and having access to the majestic Flinders Ranges.

7.7 Create Foundation are having a fun day in September for 30 children who are under the guardianship board in SA. Pt Augusta Aquatic and Outdoor Adventure Centre will be providing a day of aquatic activities to give these children a chance to have fun, learn a new skill and make new friends.

7.8 Weekend/daily hire – this was steady during the summer months. A full moon paddle was organised by a group of workmates in July.

9. Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre

The Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre opened to the public for the summer season on 8 October 2012 after undergoing repairs and upgrading during the winter months. Work undertaken during the 2012/2013 financial year at the pool included the following:

9.1 Pumphouse

a) Clean out underground backwash tank b) Solar Pump replaced c) Solar controller replaced d) Strantrol Controller replaced e) CO2 heater and regulator purchased f) Replaced Photometer g) Repairs to No 6 valve h) Metal cupboard replaced

9.2 Disabled Facilities

A change table and portable lifter accessed through Special Education Resource Unit (SERU) were serviced to ensure these facilities are maintained to a high standard.

9.3 Pools

a) General maintenance was undertaken to repair a couple of leaks again in the expansion joints in the main pool. b) The medium and toddlers pools were both re-grouted. c) Two new solar blankets were purchased one being an insurance claim due to vandalism. d) Purchased two new rollers for new covers. Old covers used on pool in off season. e) All pools were super chlorinated during the Christmas break. f) Contractor Peter Faber cut out rusted mesh behind tiles in wall of toddler pool and replaced tiles.

9.4 Grounds, Surrounds, Kiosk and Buildings

a) Annual spraying was done by Augusta Pest and Weed b) Fences repaired c) Annual electrical testing completed d) Paved areas in lawn under shade in the pool grounds. e) New recycled plastics outdoor settings were purchased and placed on the paved areas. f) Rusted legs were replaced on one of the covered pool seats. g) Shelving and cupboards purchased for the storeroom and maintenance shed h) Kiosk flyscreen door was replaced after a break-in.

9.5 Sink or Swim School (SOS)

a) Toddler swim island was purchased

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9.6 BBQ Area

The BBQ area was a very popular area again during the season with Christmas parties, birthday parties, school splash days, sporting club windups and football team supporters groups, being just a few of the bookings made for this area.

Staff have updated their Bronze Medallion, First Aid and CPR training during the reporting period. New staff also completed Child Safe Environ and Police Checks.

During the reported period the Swim Centre offered the following services:

 SOS (Sink or Swim) classes  Aerobics in Water Sessions  Education Swimming/Splash Days/After school hours activities (Schools)  Vac Swim (summer safety programme run by YMCA  Port Augusta Swimming Club training/carnival  Aussi Masters  RICE (Remote and Isolated Children’s Education)  SOTA (School of the Air)  Courses run by Austswim (Teaching Water Safety, Disabilities)  Port Augusta Special School, Port Augusta West Learning Centre, Special Small Class (Augusta Park), Miriam High Special Needs Unit  Sporting Clubs for Pre-season training  Bronze Medallion training and up dates  CPR updates  Port Augusta Immigration Residential Housing  Port Augusta Scouts  Uniting Care Wesley  Birthday party bookings in pool grounds

As the pool is an outdoor facility, the weather has an impact on the gate attendance. During the reporting period the swim centre attracted 34,925 people through its gates compared to 37,249 people in 2011/2012 and 29,346 people in 2010/2011.

The Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre became a development site for a tool to measure the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. A group of scientists set up to examine beams of light and air samples. Trial Director Denis O’Brien said Port Augusta was the ideal location for such work with its flat terrain and the Power Station so close.

The Pool closed for the season on 5 April 2013. Medium and toddlers pools emptied and winteriser was added to the main pool. Pumps are run weekly during the winter months.

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Goal Area 2: Image of City

Sub Goal 2.1: A positive and progressive image of our City.

The following information provides an overview of the actions that were undertaken during the reporting period to accomplish the outcomes identified within the Port Augusta City Council’s Strategic Plan 2008-2011 for this Goal Area.

Activities and highlights for 2012/2013

1. Welcome to Port Augusta BBQ

The ‘Welcome to Port Augusta BBQ’ began in 2003 with the aim of bringing together all new professionals residing in Port Augusta. An evening filled with socialising, good food, entertainment, and the chance to meet new people and find out what Port Augusta can offer. A BBQ dinner and beverages were provided and partners and families are more than welcome to attend. The event was held on 21 March 2013, with around 60 new professionals and their families attending.

Positive feedback was received regarding the event stating that “it was a wonderful relaxed opportunity to network and find out what Port Augusta has to offer”.

2. Port Augusta Promotional Campaign

The promotional campaign was launched in July 2012. Its aim was to change perceptions of Port Augusta, promoting the changes to the city over the past decade using the branding Port Augusta Now! The campaign is a partnership between Business Port Augusta and Port Augusta City Council.

A television commercial was produced by 2oC Productions and scripted by Out of This World Marketing. A website and Facebook page were launched to support the commercial. Wadlata Outback Centre embraced the branding and developed a merchandise range. It also featured the branding on the front cover of its Port Augusta Visitor Guide, which has a print run of 45,000. Rural Press also featured the branding and information in its Port Augusta phone book, distributed widely throughout Port Augusta and the region. The Port Augusta Racing Club features the branding on its winning post, reaching a national audience on its race days. A number of businesses and organisations also include the branding and website link on their email footers.

The Port Augusta Now! campaign was initially designed to capitalize on the expansion of Olympic Dam, encouraging people to make Port Augusta their home. As it became evident the expansion was to be shelved, the campaign was adjusted to a tourism focus. Port Augusta City Council funded $50,000 for the campaign in the 2012/2013 financial year. Based on visitor statistics to the region, provided by the South Australian Tourism Commission, regional Victoria was selected as a market for television advertising, as was regional South Australia. The budget did not permit for metro TV advertising – instead the RAA magazine and the RACV magazine were used to reach a portion of that target market.

While the funding for the campaign ended on 30 June 2013, the website and social media sites remain operational and the Port Augusta Now! branding receives continuing support from Wadlata Outback Centre and businesses. Port Augusta City Council also provided funding within the 2012/2013 for the installation of Port Augusta Now! welcome signs for each of the road entrances into the City. As at 30 June 2013 the signs had been completed and installation is due in September 2013.

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Goal Area 3: Economic Development

Sub Goal 3.1: Economic Growth for long-term benefit.

The following information provides an overview of the actions that were undertaken during the reporting period to accomplish the outcomes identified within the Port Augusta City Council’s Strategic Plan 2008-2011 for this Goal Area.

Activities and highlights for 2012/2013

1. Economic Development

1.1 National Broadband Network (NBN)

In response to the announcement that Port Augusta would be an NBN early release site, Council engaged an NBN Liaison Officer to work with NBN Co and the community to assist with the delivery of the NBN.

In consultation with representatives from education, not-for-profit organisations, tourism, council staff, business, health and the Aboriginal community information was gathered to compile a digital economy strategy for the city. Representatives from these organisations formed a working group, that developed the goals for the digital strategy and endorsed it for adoption by Council.

The Port Augusta Digital Strategy outlines the digital needs of the Port Augusta community and is a community- wide strategy. It has been promoted to organisations to be utilised in funding applications to raise digital awareness and digital literacy levels in the community.

The digital working group continues to meet and the forum is used to share information on digital-related projects and keep the group informed of the NBN rollout schedule for Port Augusta.

Promotion of the roll out progress of the NBN is promoted on council’s website, Facebook page, and in the quarterly Community Newsletter. Given the 12 month delay in the rollout, promotion of the NBN has changed to improve digital literacy in the community and raise the awareness of telehealth.

Through the NBN Liaison Officer, Council significantly contributed to the development of a Port Augusta specific NBN website, funded by Regional Development Australia Far North. Similar websites were also developed for four other regions. It provided content for the websites and assisted with the delivery of videos for each site and a Roadshow Event, which launched the websites.

Council has worked closely with NBN Co to expedite the rollout where possible and has formed a strong working relationship which will be carried forward until the completion of the project, expected to be in the 4th quarter of 2014.

1.2 Solar Thermal Northern Region Station In July 2013, representatives from Alinta Energy met with Council to discuss their interest in solar thermal power generation technology.

Alinta Energy had submitted an application for funding to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency for funding towards a full feasibility study of solar thermal and hybrid options at its Northern Power Stations and Playford B Power Station at Port Augusta. Unfortunately the application was unsuccessful.

Alinta Energy, in a media release, advised “that they will continue to investigate other opportunities to progress renewable energy investment consistent with their national portfolio, and will revisit potential opportunities at Port Augusta as technologies continue to mature and the policy environment becomes more certain”.

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A community group in Port Augusta that is linked to a national campaign for solar thermal, called ‘Repower Port Augusta’ have taken pro-active action by lobbying the Commonwealth Government to seek support for solar thermal power generation technology, in an endeavour to provide clean, green power and contribute to the fight against climate change and the long term health of Port Augusta residents.

With Council’s and Repower Port Augusta’s support and Alinta Energy’s commitment, there is a great opportunity for all parties to work together to achieve a pilot solar thermal power plant for Port Augusta and work will continue in this area in the coming years.

1.3 Augusta Markets

The introduction of the first Augusta Markets in April 2013 was a huge success. This initiative was supported by Business Port Augusta, Regional Development Australia (Far North) and Port Augusta City Council and was introduced to highlight to the community and visitors from around the region, what Port Augusta businesses have to offer. The event attracted over 5000 people to Commercial Road and Gladstone Square and many businesses claimed that sales on the day, and as a result of the day, far exceeded their expectations. It is proposed to hold the markets on a six monthly basis, with the next due to be held on 30 November 2013, ready for the Christmas shopping period.

Matt Leonard from Regional Development Australia (Far North) was instrumental in developing the Augusta Markets idea and making the day such a financial win for local and surrounding businesses. Port Augusta City Council supported the Augusta Markets by providing road closures, preparing Gladstone Square, financial assistance for signage and insurance cover for hobbyist stall holders for the event.

1.4 RV Friendly City of Port Augusta

The Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) approached Council in 2012, to seek support in becoming a RV Friendly City and showing our commitment by catering for the travelling public who are members of the Club. In order to qualify for the RV Friendly scheme, we must be able to successfully meet the needs of mobile travellers and satisfy stringent criteria including:

 Access to medical facilities, a pharmacy, a dump point and a general shopping area  Provision of appropriate parking  A Visitor Information Centre and vehicle service centre

Due to Port Augusta’s strategic location, we have the opportunity to attract many travellers annually, who are travelling north, south, east and west to stop and enjoy the City and the surrounding region. This brings economic opportunities to both Port Augusta and the region and Council at its meeting held on 22 October 2012 resolved to declare Port Augusta a RV Friendly Town. Signage was placed at the entrances to the City to reflect this decision, and to show visitors that they are welcome to our City.

1.5 Sundrop Farms

The Sundrop Farms Pty Ltd commenced operating the world’s first commercial Sundrop Farm greenhouse on the southern fringe Port Augusta in 2010. In normal circumstances, the Primary Industry land surround Port Augusta would not support traditional market gardening activities due to degraded pastures and harsh climates, however the greenhouse at Port Augusta has been a huge success growing delicious, natural and high-quality produce. The technology used by Sundrop Farms’ system harnesses the sun’s energy to desalinate seawater to produce freshwater for irrigation, produces electricity to power the greenhouse and provides energy to heat and cool the greenhouse.

Due to the pilot scheme’s outstanding success, Sundrop Farms Pty Ltd have now commenced planning for a 20 hectare expansion with construction due to commence during 2013/2014 and completion in 2015. The project is sized at over AUD $100 million and will be the world’s first CSP-powered greenhouse.

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Sundrop Farms have indicated that where possible local industry involvement will be utilised as part of the construction phase of the 20 hectare expansion. Once completed it is anticipated that Sundrop Farms will employ around 200 staff, making this company one of the largest employers in Port Augusta. It is estimated that the 20ha greenhouse will produce over 15 million kilograms of pesticide free, carbon neutral, freshwater neutral, tomatoes/vegetables annually.

2. Development Plan Amendments – Planning Controls

Council finalised the Port Augusta West Development Plan Amendment (DPA) in 2012 which was gazetted on 15 November 2012.

In April 2013, the Urban Growth DPA Part 2 was sent to the Minister for Planning seeking authorisation to conduct public consultation. The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) raised a number of issues which required Council to undertake additional investigations. These further investigations are due to be undertaken early in 2013/2014.

Council has commenced a review of the Development Plan through a Strategic Directions Report, in accordance with Section 30 of the Development Act 1999. This review was on public display for eight weeks which concluded in July 2013. A Public Hearing will be held on 19 August 2013 for people who wished to be heard in support of their written submissions. It is anticipated that this review will be completed by the end of 2013.

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3. Wadlata Outback Centre

3.1 Visitations to Wadlata

The Wadlata Outback Centre and the Port Augusta Visitor Information Centre have maintained their National Tourism and T Quall Accreditation status, which provides recognition as being a nationally quality assured tourism attraction.

Approximately 97,100 visitors entered the Wadlata Outback Centre during the 2012/2013 financial year. After seven years of extremely good growth but now in keeping with the National and State tourism downturn, Wadlata experienced a 12.6% decline in visitor numbers, which represents approximately 14,000 people.

The dramatic decline in the coach market, the lack of water in Lake Eyre, high fuel prices and low interest rates, which reduces disposable income for retirees has negatively impacted the domestic market. The high Australian dollar has encouraged Australians to holiday overseas, but has also reduced international visitations coming to Australia, has also contributed to the downturn in visitations and visitor spend.

Wadlata Visitation Comparisons 12/13

14000

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y t il ug Oct Jan Feb pr Jul A Sep Nov Dec A May June March

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3.2 The Outback Tuckerbox

The Outback Tuckerbox experienced its second most successful year on record. The strong local and regional market has helped reduce the impact of the domestic downturn and has reduced the financial gross turnover to a 4.1% decline. The Tuckerbox has introduced new gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and diabetic food lines as well as extending regional native foods, spices and kangaroo options that have proven to be popular.

Outback Tuckerbox Gross Income 2012/13 Comparisons

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t t v n il y p c o a r e O J p July Aug S N Dec Feb Mar A Ma June

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3.3 Gift Shop

The gift shop experienced an 8.6% decrease in gross sales compared to the 2011/2012 financial year.

New Port Augusta Now branded caps and regionally produced souvenir and bush food lines have been introduced to the product range.

Souvenirs Yearly Comparisons 2012/13

40000 35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0 July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

2012/13 2011/12 2010/11

3.4 Tunnel of Time (Interpretive Centre)

A 12.9% decrease in gross income was received from visitors who experience the Flinders Ranges & Outback’s ‘Tunnel of Time’, compared to the 2011/2012 financial year.

The graphs below represent the country of origin of those visitors who purchased souvenirs and visited the ‘Tunnel of Time’. The graphs also indicate less international visitors purchased souvenirs or experienced the ‘Tunnel of Time’, however more international travellers seek visitor information. Interstate visitors spend more money and sought more information. Intrastate visitors spent more money but sought significantly less visitor information.

Local 2012/13 Purchasing by National & International 12/13 Purchasing by Country of Origin Comparison SA Adelaide International 15 % Victoria Intrastate NSW 28% Qld WA Tas NT

UK Eur ope USA /Can NZ Japan Asia Interstate Other 57% Other

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3.5 Visitor Information Services

Statistics recorded by the accredited Visitor Information Centre indicate 292 fewer visitor enquiries were received throughout the financial year. With the overall downturn of 14,000 people, more people per 100 sought the services of the Visitor Information Centre. This really contradicts the perception that more people are obtaining their information on line.

Of the 22,142 visitors who made enquiries, 6.7% were from South Australia, 60.5% interstate and 32.8% were international visitors.

Tourism Officer Pam Altman with a happy international visitor

Local 12/13 Visitor Enquiry by Origin 12/13 Enquiry of Origin Breakdown Comparison SA Intrastate Adelaide 6.7% Victoria Internation. NSW 32.8 % Qld WA Tas NT UK Europe USA/Can NZ Japan Interstate As ia 60.5% Other

2012/13 Enquiry Intr/Inter/International Comparison

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Intrastate Interstate International

The 65” TV monitor positioned in the foyer has been modified to easily upload local and regional promotional material. This will provide an additional income stream in 2013/14.

To ensure Wadlata’s Tourism Officers were familiar with all local and regional tourism products, a Southern Flinders Ranges regional familiarisation trip was undertaken in August 2012 and staff also inspected a number of local accommodation outlets to ensure they were familiar with all tourism products.

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3.6 Upgrades

3.6.1. “Tunnel of Time” – Interpretive Displays

The first of the three stage carpet replacement program was completed throughout the “Tunnel of Time”.

Wadlata’s Tunnel of Time

3.6.2 Displays

To prevent breakdowns the 28 year old equipment that operates the Selector Skill display has been replaced with newer technology.

3.6.3 The Outback Tuckberbox

a) Upgrades to equipment and furniture within the Outback Tuckerbox was completed to ensure the ongoing high standard of service continues. c) Children Friendly

The Tuckerbox is encouraging more locals by being more children friendly. It provides colouring in and activity sheets together with pens and pencils at no charge and also additional menu lines to cater for this market. Two colourful children’s tables and chairs were purchased and are proving popular.

Child friendly facilities - Wadlata

3.6.4 Building and Garden Surrounds

To ensure that the facilities are maintain to a high standard the garden beds in the Flinders Rock Pool and immediate building surrounds have been upgraded with replacement irrigation and 120 arid plants, a LED globe replacement programme commenced to reduce lighting costs, stage 2 of the painting programme commenced and a new privacy curtain and track has been installed around the baby change table.

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3.7 Port Augusta Visitor Guide

The second edition of the Port Augusta Now! Visitor Guide was produced and distributed. Due to popular demand four additional pages were added to the publication and the print run was extended to 45,000. The Guide is distributed throughout the City, all State Visitor Information Centres, the South Australian Travel Centre, the Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney Caravan Camping Shows and the Adelaide Show, roadhouses on-route to Port Augusta and all adjoining towns at each entrance to South Australia.

The Guide is the City’s main marketing tool, which provides an avenue for local operators to promote themselves to the tourism industry and encourages visitors to come to Port Augusta, extend their stay and increase visitor spend.

As an added incentive and a way to distribute the Guide nationally and internationally in a cost effect way, the Guide is now available in an electronic, interactive, digital format, which can be included in all emails, websites and is iPad and iPhone compatible.

3.8 Infrastructure and Product Development

As a part of the South Australian Tourism Commission’s (SATC) Product and Infrastructure review of Port Augusta, the Flinders Ranges & Outback Region, the Wadlata Manager represents Council on the Flinders Ranges and the Outback’s Development Action Plan Committee and is a member of the Outback Working Party, which is an arm of the Flinders Ranges & Outback South Australia Tourism (FROSAT).

3.9 Marketing

3.9.1 Additional images have been purchased to promote Port Augusta in the new Visitor Guide and website.

3.9.2 To further promote Wadlata and the services it provides, a Facebook page was launched in April 2013. The Centre also maintains the Flinders Ranges & Outback Tourism Facebook page which provides a great opportunity to cross market and provides a wider audience to market Port Augusta to those people who take a keen interest in the Flinders Ranges & Outback Region.

3.9.3 Wadlata has a strong presence on Trip Advisor, the worlds largest on-line travel site and other popular social media sites and has received 27 un-solicited reviews.

3.9.4 An independent audit of the Wadlata Outback Centre’s website has been completed throughout the year with a number of upgrades already taking place, with additional planning and research completed to implement further changes next financial year. Regional bookable online accommodation and tour operators have been added to the site which provides an additional revenue stream for the Centre. PayPal has also been added, being a popular and entrusted payment gateway. Due the cost involved to implement a new look website, a staged upgrade is planned.

3.9.5 A new look branding and advertising package has been partially implemented with a new directional sign located 60 kilometres from Port Augusta and a more improved advertising layout already in print.

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Goal Area 4: Infrastructure and Asset Management

Sub Goal 4.1: Sustainable and effective maintenance, management and enhancement of the City’s existing infrastructure assets.

The following information provides an overview of the actions that were undertaken during the reporting period to accomplish the outcomes identified within the Port Augusta City Council’s Strategic Plan 2008-2011 for this Goal Area.

Activities and highlights for 2012/2013

1. Development Services

1.1 Planning Department

During the 2012/2013 financial year 296 development applications were lodged with the Port Augusta City Council. These applications brought in a total estimated capital value of $43,606,589. In comparison to the previous year this represented a significant increase in the value of development activities within the community.

Number of Applications Received by Council

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0 2003/2004 2004/2005 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 Financial Year

Out of the 296 development applications lodged during this period Council’s planning department sent 35 letters to applicants for either a request for further information or other associated matters within the assessment.

18 of the 296 development applications were required to be referred for consultation and comment by a State Government Agency in accordance with Schedule 8 of the Development Regulations 2008 and all but one of the 296 development applications received were approved under delegated authority. None of the 296 development applications received were refused development plan consent.

19 were subject to public notification either as a category 2 or 3 development. No appeals were lodged with the Environment, Resources and Development Court as a consequence of the Category 2 and 3 public notifications.

Council received $76 936.61 in development application fees during the financial year, however a percentage of these fees were forwarded to the Development Assessment Commission and other State Government Agencies in accordance with Schedule 7 of the Development Regulation 2008.

The number of new dwelling applications lodged within this period was 36.

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1.2 Building Department

1.2.1 Building Rules Assessment

Assessment of development applications for compliance against the National Construction Code (formally Building Code of Australia), and any relevant Standards, forms part of the Development Assessment process. The NCC is a uniform set of technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures throughout Australia whilst allowing for variations in climate and geological or geographic conditions.

Generally, buildings and structures are assessed and inspected for structural adequacy, health and amenity, access and aggress, fire safety, services, equipment and so on. Council staff have the training and knowledge to carry out the assessment requirements for building rules consent and are regularly attending training to keep abreast of changes.

During the reporting period 296 development applications were received. A breakdown of these developments per ‘class of building’ is as follows:

Number of Building Classification Building Types applications 61 Class 1a and 1b House or similar (e.g. new or used dwelling, alteration or addition to an existing dwelling, boarding house, guest house or hostel). 182 Class 10a Non-habitable Building (e.g. carport, garage or shed, garden shed, pergola and verandah or patio) 35 Class 10b Structures (e.g. fences, mast, antenna, retaining or freestanding wall, swimming pool, solar panels) 32 Class 5,6,7,8 & 9 Office, building, shop or retail premises, storage building, car park, laboratories, factory, workshops, healthcare/aged care and assembly buildings. During the reporting period a decrease of 39 applications were recorded and a decrease of around $13m in the cost of proposed work, however an increase of approximately $91,000 in development fees was received.

1.2.2 Building Inspections

Council’s Development Officers endeavour to carry out audit inspections in accordance with Council’s Building Inspection Policy 1.2.03. The issue of not receiving ‘statements of compliance’ for completed work is still an area that is taking a considerable amount of time for staff to follow up.

1.2.3 Building Maintenance (Council owned buildings)

During the 2012/2013 financial year building staff were involved in the final installation of roof access points to Council owned buildings. This programme has been undertaken over the last two years. The contract includes the auditing of those systems in accordance with WHS requirements.

Other projects included the tendering and installation of the rammed earth wall and the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. Building staff attended workshops on Asset Management and Project Management during the reporting period. Annual maintenance occurred on all Council buildings and some preventative maintenance projects were carried also.

1.2.4 Asbestos Register

Council maintains Asbestos Registers for all Council owned buildings. As part of Council’s Asbestos Register Program, all buildings located on Council land are required to adhere to the provisions outlined within Council’s Asbestos Register.

1.2.5 Building Fire Safety Committee

Council has delegated its power pursuant to Section 71 of the Development Act 1993, to the Building Fire Safety Committee, to undertake inspections of buildings within the City to determine the adequacy of fire safety. Of the 13 properties inspected during the reporting period, one property was removed from the agenda for successfully fulfilling their safety requirements, two were issued with notices for non-compliance with timeframes for fire safety upgrade requirements and the other ten are working to finalise any issues that have arisen from the Committee’s inspections.

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1.2.6 Central Oval Redevelopment

The redevelopment of Central Oval has taken up a considerable amount of time and resources of the Building Section staff. Regular design meetings for around 7-8 months, has seen the project move towards reality. Building staff will be involved in this significant project until practical completion in August 2014.

2. Cemetery Management

2012/2013 saw the first full year of Council operation and maintenance of the Stirling North Garden Cemetery. Continued improvements to presentation have again been endorsed by the community, although the extreme dry spell has resulted in plant damage caused by foraging kangaroos.

The first segment of the cremated remains precinct has been completed and is available for interment.

A new modular tubular fence has been installed to the eastern frontage of Bowmans Road, a style similar to the Carlton Parade Cemetery.

The Carlton Parade Cemetery Upgrade program has again continued throughout the year, in partnership with the Salvation Army Employment Plus Group. Upgrade work has now completed borders in the Roman Catholic section and the general section is progressing.

Four borders have been installed at the Westside Cemetery to complete these established areas.

3. Stormwater Management

The Fern Street/Seaview Road improvements that commenced in 2011/2012 have been completed with an upgrade of stormwater main along Seaview Road, between the Carlton Parade roundabout and the dam.

The Great Western Plains Road/Davenport Street Stormwater upgrade at Stirling North has been completed with pipes and swale drains in the ARTC corridor.

Artlett Avenue stormwater piping has been duplicated from the intersection of Saunders Street to the gulf. This system receives significant inflows from the areas east of Hospital Road as well as Railway Parade. The new and existing systems have had a gross pollutant (GPT) trap installed prior to the gulf headwall to prevent stormwater pollutants entering the gulf.

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Minor works to provide a swale drain along the lower end of Footner Road were also completed to prevent stormwater entering adjacent properties.

The design of an overflow system for Flinders Terrace has also been completed ready for installation in 2013/2014.

4. Roads

The reconstruction of Ritma Road from Augusta Highway to the intersection with Zerna Road was completed early in this period with the laying of a heavy duty hotmix pavement to deal with the heavy truck traffic in this area. Federal Government Roads to Recovery Funding assisted with this project.

Kerb and watertable reconstruction works were undertaken in Kirkham Avenue, Hannagan, Gaunt, King and part of Tassie Streets.

Roads receiving two coats reseals during the period included Wauchope, Spencer, Murdock, Pilton, Moyle, McConnal, King, Hobler, Gibson, Jervois, Sparkes and Stirling Road over part or all of their lengths. 19 other roads received shorter sections of reseals.

Street lighting was extended in Duregon Street during the year and design work for the upgrade of the Carlton Parade roundabout has been completed ready for work to start in early 2013/2014.

5. Footpaths

The program this year was reduced by $150K to $250K due to financial constraints. The main segments completed this year were along Shirley Street on the Westside, Great Western Plains Road, Beckman and Catherine Streets at Stirling North and along Thompson, Francis and King Streets.

6. Lakes System Management

The regular monitoring regime has continued throughout this year to ensure midge fly outbreaks and odour are controlled.

An access platform to control weir boards in the Alinta polishing pond has been designed and manufactured. Once installed, impaired water level controls will be possible to maintain levels entering Bird Lake.

7. Community Waste Management Systems (CWMS)

The third year of the 4 yearly cyclical program of desludging septic tanks connected to Council’s various CWMS continued throughout this year.

The program is to ensure the septic tanks are working effectively and that prohibitive discharge into Council’s systems is minimised. Over the first two years of this program blockages and damage to Council’s network has been considerably reduced. The Augusta Park area and a section west of Hospital Road were the main focus in Year 3.

Inspections of many tanks after pump out continue to reveal poor conditions and owners are being progressively advised so that they can attend to the necessary repairs.

8. Waste Management

The three bin kerbside collection has continued this year with a targeting of the properties contaminating the green waste bins. A joint effect between Council staff and Veolia has managed a considerable reduction in the levels of contamination. A number of serial offending properties have had their green waste collection banned for 3 months due to non compliance.

Also, illegal dumping on adjacent rural roads and unfenced private and crown land continues to be a problem. In both issues, education programs are continuing to address these problems.

9. Coastal Protection Levee Banks

Again this work was funded with support from the Coastal Protection Board. The levee bank has now been completed to Caroona Road and protected with armour rock to that point. The earthworks have now progressed approximately 70 metres along Caroona Road. Work on Carpenter’s Landing carpark area remains the main area of concern on the established areas of the Westside.

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10. Asset Management

10.1 Road Assets Replacement Plan

Council implemented Year 2 of the 10 year Road Assets Replacement Plan in the 2012/2013 year. The following work was completed:-

 Replacement of kerbing in Kirkham Avenue and King Street;  New footpath in King Street and Kirkham Avenue rehabilitated; . Resealing works were carried out covering approx 5.37km of township roads and 2.36 km of rural roads; . 28,000m² of crack sealing was carried out in various township roads to protect the underlying pavement from moisture ingress.

10.2 Septic Tanks Desluding Program

The period saw roll out of Year 3 of the Septic Tanks Desludging Program which is part of implementing CWMS Systems Asset Management. Once implemented fully Council will update the CWMS asset registers, validate assets condition as well as the asset valuations & depreciation required for long term financial planning to ensure sustainable delivery of council services. Council will also use the data for planning asset replacement, upgrades and maintenance works as well as improve on inspection regime.

The septic tanks desludging activities carried out in the report period include:

 379 Septic Tanks pumped out bringing a total to 1018 done in 3 years;  Inspection and GIS data collection of 379 Septic Tanks & IPs; and  80 CWMS Inspection Points raised to GL in the area of Willsden.

10.3 Stormwater Assets Management

Stormwater Assets Management planning commenced with a successful workshop facilitated by Tonkin Consulting in November 2012. This was followed by developing a skeleton spatial register which will be filled up as data continues to be collected using GBM mobile equipment. Implementation will continue in the next 1-2 years.

10.4 Road Infrastructure Asset Registers

Road Infrastructure Asset registers were updated to capture Capital works done in 2011/2012 on the web hosted asset management software and the valuations & annual depreciation reports produced with the support of Tonkin Consulting.

Road Pack Plan for Rural Property Addressing Program was finalised with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure which should see roll out completed in the next financial year.

10.5 National Broadband Network Cabinets

Council confirmed location of 44 FDH cabinets in NBN rollout and construction commencement has been pushed backward by 9 months following changes in the main contractor appointed for South Australia, but the project is still at design stage.

10.6 Building Asset Plan

The Building Section staff implemented the Building Asset Plan and numerous condition reports were completed during 2012/2013. The reports will cover all Council owned buildings and will eventually involve leased buildings on Council land. Due to the involvement of Building staff in the Central Oval redevelopment and Airport Terminal Upgrade projects, the completion of a Building Asset Register incorporating an asset management plan, is expected to be completed sometime in 2014/2015.

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Goal Area 4: Infrastructure and Asset Management

Sub Goal 4.2: Plan for the provision of additional infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing city.

The following information provides an overview of the actions that were undertaken during the reporting period to accomplish the outcomes identified within the Port Augusta City Council’s Strategic Plan 2008-2011 for this Goal Area.

Activities and highlights for 2012/2013

1. Lawrie Wallis Aerodrome

1.1 Regular Passenger Transport (RPT)

Sharp Airlines passenger numbers dropped by around 10% during 2012/2013 to 9900. The drop in passenger numbers is mainly due to several State Government Departments refusal to allow workers to fly to Adelaide for meetings etc. Sharp airlines have 2 flights per day, 5 days per week (Monday - Friday)

1.2 Mining Charter

Passenger numbers in the mining sector grew to a record high of 16,000 passengers during 2012/2013, up 45% on the previous year. It is expected that these figures will remain stable over the 2013/2014 period, with growth in the mining sector expected to be flat.

1.3 New Terminal and Carpark Funding

The Port Augusta Airport has received funding from both the State and Federal Governments to a total $864,000 for the upgrade of the terminal building, carpark and some apron works. The new terminal will seat approximately 80 persons (up from the current 20) and will be situated on the same site as the current building. The new carpark situated to the east of the current carpark has increased parking by 115 parks.

1.4 Removal of the old Mobil fuel site

2012/2013 saw the removal of the old Mobil refuelling site, with the area returned to being part of the Airport apron. Removal of the existing light pole in 2013/2014 will see the apron area increase in size, to enable extra large aircraft parking and the ability to cater for more than one large aircraft at any time.

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Goal Area 5: Environment Management

Sub Goal 5.1: Effective management and maintenance of the City’s unique natural and built environment.

The following information provides an overview of the actions that were undertaken during the reporting period to accomplish the outcomes identified within the Port Augusta City Council’s Strategic Plan 2008-2011 for this Goal Area.

Activities and highlights for 2012/2013

1. Public and Environmental Health

1.1 During 2012/2013, two notices under the Public and Environmental Health Act were served.

1.2 Six complaints requiring inspections of insanitary and other general conditions were attended to, mainly involving accumulations of refuse, animals, birds and insects. They were resolved on site, by letter, negotiation, notice or direction.

1.3 Development applications received by Council during the reporting period totalled 296 which is a slight decrease on the previous year’s total of 335. All applications were assessed by the Health Section of Council in accordance with legislation.

1.4 235 Searches were assessed by the Health Section of Council for 2012/2013, compared to 243 in 2011/2012.

1.5 Septic approvals this year totalled 106, resulting in a total of 231 routine inspections, and a total of 132 septic enquiries.

1.6 Desludging contract is continuing and is ongoing with year 3 desludging being finalised within the first two calendar years since the inception on 6 June 2011 of the initial 4 year contract. Council contractor DJ Wills Plumbing has far exceeded the requirements by completing 3 years desludging within 2 years and completing year 1 of the Council IP’s at the same time since the inception of the contract. As part of the contract, the Council IP’s need to be raised within areas 2, 3 and 4 and are to be completed shortly by Council contractor DJ Wills Plumbing.

1.7 During 2012/2013 there has been an increase in septic inspections due to the previous year’s approvals being finalised and the ongoing septic desludging contract and Council IP inspections.

1.8 Council also received a total of 6 complaints in relation to septic/aerobic systems causing nuisance and/or other issues throughout the reporting period. Additionally, these complaints have related to the authorised service agent not conducting the appropriate checks during their inspections.

1.9 Aerobic septic maintenance quarterly reports were received for some of the aerobic systems within the City over the past year. There are still some people/companies not complying with the quarterly reporting requirements and will continue to be reminded of their obligations under the legislation.

1.10 The new SA Public Health Act 2011 for South Australia is now in force. There are some changes to the requirements for Councils to complete. These changes will also impact on other areas of Council.

2. Air Quality

2.1 During the 2012/2013 reporting period there were 3 complaints of fugitive coal dust/smoke or fly ash dust from disposal areas. All enquiries and/or complaints were forwarded:

2.1.1 to the Power Station in the first instance; and 2.1.2 to the EPA for licensing issues/requirements and to ensure licensing parameters were being met.

2.2 There were no complaints received during the reporting period regarding smoke emissions from domestic combustion heaters.

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3. Food Act

There were 76 commercial food outlets in operation within the City during 2012/2013. All food premises are inspected on an annual and rotating basis, with some receiving more inspections based on risk factors/levels.

It is a requirement under legislation that all operators notify Council of their existence. Notification can be done online or by calling Council’s Health Department for the required forms to complete. There are also forms available under the Environmental Health section of the Council website http://www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/NotificationFormV4.pdf

During 2012/2013 there were 47 food stall applications completed by people wanting to sell food within the Council area. These notification forms are also on Council’s website to be downloaded. Parts 1 and 2 of the form are to be completed and signed with 48 hours notice prior to an event required by Council.

During the reporting period, nine food complaints were investigated and satisfactorily resolved with four of those complaints being justified.

4. Immunisation

Port Augusta City Council has two Registered Nurses who visit the school sites for the School Based Immunisation Program. All secondary schools are covered, including Port Augusta Secondary School (PASS), Caritas College and Port Augusta Special School. Port Augusta City Council also maintains and updates an immunisation database that provides a service to the public for vaccination history enquiries.

Council provides students at least six chances to have their recommended vaccines. The dedication of the nursing staff is to be commended on achieving high levels of results.

Statistics are as follows:

a) Caritas Year 9's - 57/57 (100%) b) Port Augusta Secondary School Year 9's - 101/105 (96%) c) Caritas Year 8's - 42/54 (75%) d) Port Augusta Secondary School Year 8's - 55/85 (65%) e) In 2012, completed 38 overdue vaccinations from 2011

These statistics are very high when compared to the Australian or South Australian averages.

Clinic Type Number of Clinics Number of Council Operated Public Clinics NIL Number of School Clinics 11 Number of Internal (Council Staff) Influenza Clinics 2 Number of External Influenza Workplace Clinics 0 Number of Other Workplace Clinics 0 Total 13

5. Vector Control

5.1 Mosquitoes - No complaints were received during 2012/2013 in relation to mosquitoes.

5.2 European Wasps – No reported sighting(s) and/or nests destroyed during 2012/2013.

6. Liquid Waste Facility

Council’s liquid waste facility is licensed for and receives oily waters and grease trap wastes from licensed approved operators only.

Remediation at the site including the removal of the excess contaminated soil is ongoing as part of the EPA licensing requirements.

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Depending on future funding at the site, some future works will be required, including, but not limited to, the removal of some of the build up of material within the lined pond itself and the excess soil to the outside of the lined pond as part of the excess soil removal and remediation process.

In 2012/2013, the facility received a total of 128.91 kilolitres of liquid waste from businesses around Port Augusta and surrounding districts, a slight increase, compared to a total of 100.07 kilolitres in 2011/2012.

7. Lakes System Management

The regular monitoring regime has continued throughout this year to ensure midge fly outbreaks and odour are controlled.

An access platform to control weir boards in the Alinta polishing pond has been designed and manufactured. Once installed, impaired water level controls will be possible to maintain levels entering Bird Lake.

8. Parks and Gardens Below: AridSmart Plantings at Entranceway

Considerable upgrades to the turf on Chinnery Oval and ETSA Oval were undertaken this year to provide reliable playing surfaces, given the unavailability of Central Oval whilst that precinct is redeveloped.

Also the designs for upgrading sections of Rotary Park were completed to enable plantings to occur in spring of 2013/2014.

The northern entrance to the city was enhanced with the completion of AridSmart plantings in the median strips/traffic islands at the intersection of the Stuart and Eyre Highways. Below: Playground Equipment Christopher St Significant progress has been made at the Christopher Street Park at Stirling North, with lawn development, planting mounds, pathways & natural play equipment.

Regular monitoring of trees showing signs of instability, stress and/or disease continued to consume staff time throughout the year.

The City’s Parks, Gardens and Ovals are utilised by the community and visitors for many different functions, but it was a sight to behold to see ‘Blackhawk Helicopters’ parked in the middle of Central Oval. This was part of an Army Exercise undertaken in October 2012 and was quite spectacular to observe.

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9. Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden (AALBG)

It has been a year of growth for the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. Work on the landscaped courtyard garden was completed and a rammed earth wall installed, assisted by the Friends of the AALBG.

The Friends have again been strong supporters of the garden and have increased their activity and involvement with plantings, assistance at events, and around the garden generally.

They hosted the Annual Friends of Botanic Gardens Australia Conference at the garden in September 2012, attracting more than 120 attendees from around Australia.

A focus of the Garden has been to encourage families to visit and learn first-hand the value and the beauty of Australia’s arid lands flora and fauna. School holiday activities have been staged during each holiday period and the first AridSmart Family Day was held in October 2012.

A new waste water treatment plant was installed to recycle waste water from the visitor centre, with the water to be used on the expanded Eremophila garden. This land has been cleared and irrigation installed with planting to occur later in 2013. The water will be piped to other areas of the site to assist in reducing water costs.

Extensive irrigation maintenance and replacements have occurred. The Garden is now a member of the Nursery Garden Institute of Australia and is building relationships with wholesalers to purchase plants.

To assist with promotion, the AALBG is now using social media, focusing on Facebook and TripAdvisor. This has been successful with the Garden voted the number one attraction for visitors in the region. The AridSmart Club continues to grow in membership, and has more than 500 members. The Customer Loyalty Program also serves as a marketing database to send quarterly AridSmart newsletters and promote events, products and plants.

Work continues on the Vision Plan and Garden Master Plan, with the Management Committee continuing to meet quarterly and report directly to Council. The late Mayor Joy Baluch AM was the Committee’s Chairperson and her work and dedication to the commencement of the garden and its ongoing success and development is to be acknowledged.

A bushfire in January 2012 affected a number of properties close to Port Augusta, including Spear Creek Station just on the outskirts of Port Augusta and a number of properties in the ranges between Wilmington and Quorn. To assist landholders to rebuild their properties, the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden donated more than 500 native plants grown at its nursery. With the support of Member for Stuart Dan van Holst Pellekaan, the AALBG contacted farmers and then delivered the plants in July 2013, ready for late winter planting. Members of the Port Augusta Garden Club also donated plants.

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Goal Area 6: Organisational Effectiveness

Sub Goal 6.1: A professional effective, efficient and customer focussed organisation responsive to the needs of the community.

The following information provides an overview of the actions that were undertaken during the reporting period to accomplish the outcomes identified within the Port Augusta City Council’s Strategic Plan 2008-2011 for this Goal Area.

Activities and highlights for 2012/2013

1. Records Management

1.1 During this period State Records conducted two reviews of Port Augusta City Council’s State Records 2010 Local Government Authority Survey results in conjunction with Port Augusta City Council’s Records Management Action Plan.

The Action Plan is based on the survey outcomes and details recommendations for Council to improve their performance level against the 11 Outcomes of the State Records Adequate Records Management Standard 2008. The review has resulted in a change in Performance Level for two of the 11 Outcomes.

Work is continuing on completing Council’s Records Management Action Plan requirements to meet best practice against the 11 Outcomes of the State Records Adequate Records Management Standard 2008.

1.2 Continued deployment of Council’s Electronic Document Records Management System (EDRMS) HP TRIM has been occurring across Council’s external locations, with TRIM being rolled out to the Childcare Centre and Special Needs Centre during July 2012.

One-on-one TRIM training occurred with any new staff commencing at an existing TRIM user site.

Investigations commenced for next phased EDRMS roll out to Wadlata Outback Centre and Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden sites with deployment proposed for May/June 2013. However delays with the required scanning software licensing has led to the rollout being postponed until July/August 2013.

1.3 Investigations into deployment of IGA Scanning software to HP TRIM locations in progress

1.4 Alphawest software integration with HP TRIM EDRMS has progressed. However testing and full rollout has been delayed until approximately September 2013.

1.5 Long term sentencing project of Council archives continues to occur.

Investigations commenced into building an additional temporary records holding facility to provide sufficient storage for ongoing archive transfers of paper records, due to current facility being at full capacity (storage of short and long term temporary retention records)

2. WHS and Risk Management

Council, with the support of its Safety First Committee, strives to deliver the highest practicable standards of Work Health and Safety across the organisation. Initiatives are continually being undertaken to improve Council’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) systems. One of the key initiatives undertaken during 2012/2013 in consultation with Local Government Association Workers Compensation Scheme (LGAWCS) and Council’s Regional Risk Co-ordinator, has been the development of Council’s WHS & Injury Management Plan.

This plan allows Port Augusta City Council to identify key deficiency areas and measure the success of systematic targets to improve performance and develop programs that provide effective solutions, within the scope of what is reasonably practicable. Regular monitoring and review of the WHS & Injury Management Plan, with the objective of identifying non- conformances and deficiencies and ensuring these are addressed in future plans, leads to a continuous improvement in overall WHS performance.

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Key focus areas of the plan include:

 OHS Contractor Management  Training Systems  Hazard Identification, Risk Control  Document Control and Management Systems  Internal Auditing  Injury Management  WHS Management System Development and Review  Risk management Framework  Business Continuity.

Council’s Safety First Committee comprises management and employee representatives, and monitors performance against the plan. The Committee meets monthly to address WHS issues. All employees and the Regional Risk Co- ordinator have an ongoing commitment to WHS and to achieve the best possible policies, procedures and practices for the Work Health and Safety of all employees.

In August 2012, Council submitted a nomination for the LGAWCS OHS Best Practice Awards that recognises outstanding effort to eliminate or minimise the risk of injury in the workplace. The submission was based on the safe work initiatives, preparation and planning by Council’s Parks & Gardens Department staff leading to the removal of a large red gum tree on the eastern foreshore that, according to an arborist report, presented a risk to personal safety from whole of tree and branch failure. The tree was considered to be of moderate to high risk in an area of high public use. Council considered the risk unacceptable and approved the removal to enable Council to maintain a safe open space environment for all to enjoy.

Council is committed to a policy of Risk Management to protect its workers, assets, liabilities and its community against potential losses and to maximise opportunities and has developed a Risk Management Framework compliant with AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009(Risk Management).

Council’s commitment to risk management is to:

 identify risk and prepare for any risk occurrence  evaluate threats and opportunities  mitigate risks where possible  integrate Risk Management into the processes of Council  focus on continuous improvement processes

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Local Government in South Australia is self insured through the Local Government Association Mutual Liability Scheme (LGAMLS) with all its insurance covers (Workers Compensation, Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, Building, Plant and Equipment etc) placed through this scheme.

The LGAMLS conduct an annual Risk Management Review of all Councils. The review assesses how well Council applies risk management processes across eight key service areas including:

 Risk Management Framework / Process  General Governance Structure.  Procurement in Council  Contract Management Systems  Sustainability & Resilience  Event & Facility Management  Tree management  Community Engagement

The review process has provided Council the opportunity to gain an understanding of the level of civic liability, risk management etc currently being practiced.

Council achieved an average of 94% across the eight elements reviewed. Areas identified requiring actions have partially completed systems/processes in place but not fully implemented. As these systems/processes are implemented and mature during 2013/2014, Council can expect an improvement in the overall averages from the 2014 review.

Council receives ongoing support and assistance from our Regional Risk Co-ordinator who also assists other councils on the Eyre Peninsula. This assistance is invaluable as Council continues to commit to continuous improvement and compliance in the areas of Work Health and Safety, and Risk Management.

3. Community Consultation & Engagement

In November 2012, Council engaged in Social Media. A Facebook Page was implemented and a social media strategy developed to effectively use social media to engage with the community. By the end of June 2013 the page attracted 800 page likes, with an average weekly engagement of more than 1000 people. Facebook has added to the methods Council uses to inform the community and has given it a stronger online presence. It has allowed Council to communicate issues directly with the community and has been used by the local media to source news stories on Council-related issues. In May 2013 Council launched its new updated website which is mobile device responsive and gives Council a modern and easy to navigate web presence.

Council also continued traditional forms of community engagement with publishing of the quarterly Community Newsletter. On average, 5000 copies are distributed through The Transcontinental Newspaper, with a further 500 copies available free to the community from Council. It has also prepared media releases on relevant issues which are distributed to the media as well as interested community members.

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Goal Area 6: Organisational Effectiveness

Sub Goal 6.2: Optimise the use and management of the Council’s financial and physical resources.

The following information provides an overview of the actions that were undertaken during the reporting period to accomplish the outcomes identified within the Port Augusta City Council’s Strategic Plan 2008-2011 for this Goal Area.

Activities and highlights for 2012/2013

1. Community Grants

Each year Council provides Community Grants to support the aspirations of individuals and community organisations’ events through its Community Grant Program.

During 2012/2013 Council supported the Country Women’s Association with financial assistance towards the costs of replacing the carpet at their premises. A grant of $5000 was provided to Brian Kirkham for his Olympic Selection in the Australian BMX team. The Christmas Party for Special Children which is held each year at the Adelaide Zoo, received sponsorship to support families of children of the Miriam High Special Needs Centre, Port Augusta Special School, Carlton School and Pika Wiya Health Service to attend this much anticipated event. The sponsorship contributed towards transport, meals and accommodation.

A complete list of all Community Grants provided during 2012/2013 is listed below:

DATE NAME PAID $ 27/06/2012 Tri State Games $1500 27/06/2012 Crossroads Music Festival $1500 27/06/2012 Stirling North Ladies Badminton Club $800 25/07/2012 SciWorld Science Fair $5,000 25/07/2012 Brian Kirkham – Olympic BMX Selection $5,000 25/07/2012 Governor's Leadership Foundation $200 25/07/2012 100 Years since landing at Gallipoli $150 1/08/2012 Caritas College Year 12 Due Diligence Award $100 1/08/2012 Police Charity Golf Day $400 25/08/2012 iPads for Port Augusta Special School $3,000 25/08/2012 Daffodil Day $1,000 25/08/2012 RFDS $2,000 25/08/2012 Christmas Party for Special Children $1,365 6/09/2012 Port Augusta Judo Club $400 6/09/2012 Port Augusta Orchid Club $200 6/09/2012 Port Augusta Secondary School $100 6/09/2012 Port Augusta Performing Arts Group $400

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DATE NAME PAID $ 13/7/2012 Eyre Peninsula Regional Little Athletics Games $2,000 16/10/2012 Swimming Club Carnival & Open water Swim $500 5/11/2012 CWA Replacement Carpet $2,000 22/2/2013 Caritas College Student to attend UN Youth Conference $100 Naomi Weatherald representing Australian country hockey team to travel to 18/3/2013 Hong Kong $400 25/3/2013 Port Augusta Calisthenics Regional Championships $1590 23/4/2013 Flinders Ranges A Brush With Art $400 3/5/2013 Vibe 3on3 $400 3/5/2013 Community Charities – Market Signs $300 17/6/2013 Mikayla Grantham 16 & Under girls football $400 17/6/2013 Vietnam Veterans Day National Reunion $400 17/6/2013 Nerrilda Auxiliary - Traditional Deb Ball $400 17/6/2013 Community Sleep out – Barracks Hire $210 Total Community Grants $32,215

2. Information Technology (IT) Activities

The Information Technology Department within Council is kept busy on an annual basis, ensuring that all staff have access to appropriate reliable IT systems to undertake their work in an efficient and timely manner. During the reporting period the IT Manager and staff implemented the following systems:

2.1 Deployed Electronic Records Management System (TRIM) to Childcare Centre, Miriam High Special Needs Centre, Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden and Wadlata Outback Centre.

2.2 Implementation of Risk Management Software completed.

2.3 Corrective Action Preventative Action (CAPA) completed as per requirements.

2.4 Contractors Register completed as per requirements.

2.5 Port Augusta Council Website upgraded.

2.6 Nerrilda Nursing Home and AM Ramsay Village Health Care System Software upgraded.

2.7 ICT Disaster Recovery Site initial setup completed (Network/AirCon).

2.8 Authority Server and update Corporate Software completed.

2.9 Deployed POS system at Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden and Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre.

2.10 Deployed iPads at ChildCare Centre.

2.11 Installed GenSet at Civic Centre for Server Network.

2.12 Upgrade Digital Radio Network.

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3. Annual Budget and Business Plans

3.1 Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1999 provides that Council must develop a budget for the financial year. The budget must deal with each principal activity of the Council on a separate basis and be adopted before 31 August.

3.2 The Council must also prepare, as part of its budget, or in association with the preparation of its budget, an annual statement which addresses:

3.2.1 the activities the Council intends to undertake in the ensuing year to achieve it, and

3.2.2 The measures (financial and non financial) that the Council will use to assess its performance against its objectives.

The annual budget and business plans must comply with standards and principles prescribed by the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 1999. The budget must include certain information about the rates and charges the Council intends to levy, as well as the range of other financial information required by the Act and Regulations.

The budget includes projected revenues and expenditures for the 2012/2013 year reported on an ‘operating’ basis in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards AAS27, ‘Financial Reporting by Local Governments’ and in accordance with the Act.

3.3 In preparing the 2012/2013 budget, a number of external and internal influences have been taken into account as they will impact significantly on the cost of services delivered by Council.

3.3.1 Its current Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plans. 3.3.2 The current economic influences including:

a) The Local Government Cost Index (CPI) of 3.6%. b) Known wage outcomes of 4.0%. c) Known decreases or minimal increases in some revenue source from the Federal & State Governments.

3.3.3 Known ‘one off’ influences that occur from time to time. For example the NBN Rollout 3.3.4 Its desire to address the issue of financial sustainability. 3.3.5 Issues relating to risk management and occupational heath, welfare & safety.

3.4 The budget provides for an average increase in general rates of 5.9% and the rating policy provides for:

3.4.1 A rebate provided for owners of flats that are vacant at 30 June 2012 be retained. 3.4.2 A rebate of up to $318 to eligible pensioners and self funded retirees whose net general rate levy after deduction of the State Government concession exceeds $1,040. Pensioners with a net general rate levy between $1,040 and $1,358 will receive a rebate to limit the maximum net rate levy payable to $1,040. Pensioners with a net general rate levy greater than $1,358 will receive a rebate of $318. The total of rebates provided is estimated to be $44,500. 3.4.3 A rebate system be retained to limit the maximum increase in rates payable due to increase in valuation to 15% for residential properties including vacant land and 15% for business properties over the rates levied for 2012/2013. 3.4.4 The system of rate capping for residential properties be retained. Owners of a residence in the Urban areas with a site valuation of greater than $132,552 will pay a maximum rate of $2,330 This maximum rate was adopted by Council to lessen the effect of extraordinary and varied valuation increases that have been experienced over the last +10 years in Port Augusta. A cap of $1,823 will apply to non- urban areas other than the Blanche Harbor Shacks. 3.4.5 The ‘maximum rebate’ will apply to single vacant residential allotments of generally less than 5000 sq metres. Where a parcel of land contains a number of contiguous allotments, the maximum rate will be applied individually to each allotment.

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3.4.6 A differential rate be retained for Commercial/Industrial properties, rural properties and shack properties to maintain the relativity in rates collected from the various property types/groups. 3.4.7 A service charge for common effluent drainage be set at $420 per property for properties connected to the Council owned STED schemes. 3.4.8 A service charge of $200 per property be set for the household waste collection service (Residential areas) 3.4.9 A service charge of $100 per Blanche Harbor Shack be set for household waste collection be introduced. 3.4.10 A minimum of rate of $1,035 will apply to all rateable locations.

3.5 The use of loan funds has underpinned many of the major capital works projects undertaken by Council for well over 20 years. Over the last 15 years Council has used short term (5 year) loans to fund major projects and capital expenditure. Projects such as the Foreshore Development, Pichi Richi Railway, Nursing Home upgrades and Road Construction programs such as the Mackay Street upgrade have all been undertaken using loan funds.

Longer term borrowing (15 years) has been used for projects such as the Nerrilda Nursing Home & AM Ramsay Village upgrades. These loans are typically self funding e.g. funds from Concessional Resident Supplements (Commonwealth funding) are used to repay the loans for the Nursing Home upgrades. The strategic use of debt as a mechanism to fund major projects and the treatment of the repayment of that debt was reviewed by Council in 2007. Council’s current ratio for Debt Servicing as a percentage of General Rate Revenue is currently 24.47%. Council has previously looked to an upper limit of 30% for this ratio.

3.6 Council has adopted a Long Term Financial Plan for the period 2011-2021. The Plan will be updated to include the adopted budget for 2012/2013 and the financial position at 30 June 2012 after the adoption of the Financial Statements for 2012/2013.

The purpose of a Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) is to provide Council with 10 year financial information based on its current and known future policies and strategies. The LTFP is derived from the current Strategic Plan, Annual Budget and Business Plans. It is a high level plan and is not intended to provide low level detail of expenditures in specific programs and operational areas. The Plan is a forward view of how current policy and strategies will impact the future financial position of the Council.

A major driver for long term financial planning is financial sustainability; both in terms of service delivery and attention to the Council’s asset base. Council provides a wide and diverse range of services, many of which are not normally provided by local government. The LTFP predicates that all existing services will be maintained. The City Manager must certify to the Auditor that the Council is financially sustainable. The LTFP should provide a sense of surety of Council’s current and future financial position.

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT A copy of Council’s audited financial statement for 2012/2013 is provided on the following pages of this report for the reader’s information. A copy is also available on Council’s Website www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au

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Port Augusta City Council

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YER ENDED 30 June 2013

CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have been authorised by the Council to certify the financial statements in their final form. In our opinion:

• The accompanying financial statements comply with the Local Government Act 1999, Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011 and Australian Accounting Standards.

• The financial statements present a true and fair view of the Council's financial position at 30 June, 2013 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the financial year.

• Internal controls implemented by the Council provide reasonable assurance that the Council's financial records are complete, accurate and reliable and were effective throughout the financial year.

• The financial statements accurately reflect the Council's accounting and other records.

G.J.CITYPERKIN SON MANAGER MAYOR

Date:

PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

2013 2012 Notes $$ INCOME Rates 3 14,199,152 13,399,941 Statutory charges 3 238,219 219,597 User charges 3 4,280,308 4,242,647 Grants, Subsidies & Contributions 3 10,301,476 11,014,579 Investment Income 3 250,353 151,087 Reimbursements 3 415,336 328,412 Other Income 3 1,249,909 1,642,167

TOTAL INCOME 30,934,754 30,998,430

EXPENSES Employee Costs 4 15,389,560 14,518,051 Materials, Contracts & Other Expenses 4 13,907,023 13,501,453 Finance Costs 4 981,252 1,035,360 Depreciation, Amortisation & Impairment 4 5,020,303 6,452,712

TOTAL EXPENSES 35,298,139 35,507,577

OPERATING SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) (4,363,385) (4,509,147)

Asset disposal and fair value adjustments 5 83,794 (67,668) Amounts received specifically for new or upgraded 3 assets 250,000 5,828,050 NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) transferred to Equity Statement (4,029,591) 1,251,236

Other Comprehensive Income Changes in revaluation surplus - infrastructure, property, plant & equipment 1,957,295 (120,902)

TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 1,957,295 (120,902)

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (2,072,296) 1,130,334

This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes.

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PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL

BALANCE SHEET FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

2013 2012 ASSETS Notes $$ Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 6 6,905,718 8,199,103 Trade & other receivables 6 1,776,847 1,355,345 Inventories 6 248,316 252,385

Total Current Assets 8,930,881 9,806,834

Non-current Assets Financial Assets 7 105,875 118,382 Infrastructure, Property, Plant & Equipment 8 190,588,031 190,708,994 Other Non-current Assets 7 3,538,690 2,416,211

Total Non-current Assets 194,232,596 193,243,587

TOTAL ASSETS 203,163,477 203,050,420

LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Trade & Other Payables 9 5,936,917 5,770,473 Borrowings 9 6,068,085 4,057,107 Provisions 9 1,257,135 1,157,783 Other Current Liabilities Liabilities relating to Non-current Assets held for Sale

Total Current Liabilities 13,262,137 10,985,363

Non-current Liabilities Trade & Other Payables 10 - - Borrowings 9 13,802,719 13,883,584 Provisions 9 286,807 297,363 Other Non-current Liabilities

Total Non-current Liabilities 14,089,526 14,180,947

TOTAL LIABILITIES 27,351,663 25,166,309

NET ASSETS 175,811,814 177,884,111

EQUITY Accumulated Surplus(Deficit) (2,316,202) 1,713,389 Asset Revaluation Reserve 10 178,128,015 176,170,721 Other Reserves 11

TOTAL EQUITY 175,811,814 177,884,111

This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes.

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PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

ACCUMULATED ASSET TOTAL SURPLUS REVALUATION EQUITY RESERVE 2013 Notes

Balance at end of previous reporting period 1,713,389 176,170,721 177,884,111 Net Surplus/ (Deficit) for year (4,029,591) (4,029,591)

Balance at end of period (2,316,202) 176,170,721 173,854,520

Gain on revaluation of property, plant & equipment 10 1,957,294 1,957,294

Balance at end of period (2,316,202) 178,128,015 175,811,814

2012 Notes

Balance at end of previous reporting period 462,153 176,291,623 176,753,776 Net Surplus/ (Deficit) for year 1,251,236 1,251,236

Balance at end of period 1,713,389 176,291,623 178,005,012

Gain on revaluation of property, plant & equipment 10 (120,902) (120,902)

Balance at end of period 1,713,389 176,170,721 177,884,111

This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes.

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PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL

CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

2013 2012 Note $$ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Receipts Operating Receipts 30,243,250 31,003,093 Investment Receipts 250,353 151,087

Payments Operating Payments to suppliers & employees (28,788,853) (28,704,021) Finance Payments (876,373) (1,043,175)

Net Cash provided by (or used in) Operating Activities 828,377 1,406,984

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Receipts Amounts specifically for new or upgraded assets 250,000 5,828,050 Sale of replaced assets 141,705 267,223 Sale of surplus assets 246,816 31,921 Repayments of loans by community groups 12,508 7,303

Payments Expenditure on renewal/replacement of assets (2,331,007) (3,234,329) Expenditure on new/upgraded assets (2,099,378) (1,877,007) Loans made to community groups (363) (137,830)

Net Cash provided by (or used in) Investing Activities (3,779,719) 885,331

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Receipts Proceeds from Borrowings 4,100,000 5,311,220 Proceeds from Aged Care Facility deposits 680,321 1,290,399 Payments Repayments of Borrowings (2,169,887) (2,722,581) Repayment of Aged Care Facility deposits (952,480) (597,207)

Net Cash provided by (or used in) Financing Activities 1,657,954 3,281,831

Net Increase (Decrease) in cash held (1,293,388) 5,574,146

Cash & cash equivalents at beginning of period 8,199,104 2,624,957

CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD 6,905,716 8,199,104

This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes

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PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 1 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial report are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

1.1 Basis of Preparation

1.1.1 Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards

This general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards as they apply to not-for-profit entities, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, Interpretations and relevant South Australian legislation.

The financial report was authorised for issue by the Council by certificate under Regulation 14 of the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulation 2011.

1.1.2 Historical Cost Convention

Except where stated below, these financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention.

1.1.3 Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Australian Accounting Standards requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates, and requires management to exercise its judgement in applying Council’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are specifically referred to in the relevant sections of this Note.

1.1.4 Rounding

All amounts in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest dollar ($0).

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2.0 The Local Government Reporting Entity

The Port Augusta City Council is incorporated under the SA Local Government Act 1999 and has its principal place of business at 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta, South Australia. These financial statements include the consolidated fund and all entities through which Council controls resources to carry on its functions. In the process of reporting on the Council as a single unit, all transactions and balances between activity areas and controlled entities have been eliminated.

The principal activities and entities conducted other than in the Council’s own name that have been included in these consolidated financial statements are: Wadlata Outback Centre Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens Port Augusta Cultural Centre – Yarta Purtli Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre Nerrilda Nursing Home AM Ramsay Village Port Augusta Childcare Centre Miriam High Special Needs Centre Port Augusta Men’s Shed Substance Misuse Service Sobering Up Unit Port Augusta Outdoor Adventure Centre Port Augusta Public Library

Trust monies and property held by Council but subject to the control of other persons have been excluded from these reports. A separate statement of moneys held in the Trust Fund is available for inspection at the Council Office by any person free of charge.

3.0 Income recognition

Income is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Income is recognised when the Council obtains control over the assets comprising the income, or when the amount due constitutes an enforceable debt, whichever first occurs.

Where grants, contributions and donations recognised as income during the reporting period were obtained on the condition that they be expended in a particular manner or used over a particular period, and those conditions were undischarged as at the reporting date, the amounts subject to those undischarged conditions are disclosed in these notes. Also disclosed is the amount of grants, contributions and receivables recognised as revenues in a previous reporting period which were obtained in respect of the Council’s operations for the current reporting period.

In the month of June in recent years the Federal Government has paid amounts of untied financial assistance grants, which are recognised on receipt, in advance of the year of allocation. In June 2011, one quarter of the 2011/12 allocation amounting to $827,244 was paid in advance; in June 2012, two quarters of the 2012/13 allocation: $1,634,200; and in June 2013, again two quarters of the 2013/14 allocation: $1,584,272. Accordingly, in the reporting period ended 30 June 2012, Council’s operating deficit was effectively understated by $806,756. It is anticipated that these amounts in advance will be adjusted at some future time, but details of the timing of this are not currently available. The total amounts to be adjusted at 30 June 2013 is $1,584,272 ($2012, $1,634,200). The actual amounts of untied grants received during the reporting periods (including the advance allocations) are disclosed in Note 2.”

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4.0 Cash Equivalents and other Financial Instruments

Cash Assets include all amounts readily convertible to cash on hand at Council’s option with an insignificant risk of changes in value with a maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition.

Receivables for rates and annual charges are secured over the subject land, and bear interest at rates determined in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999 (as amended). Other receivables are generally unsecured and do not bear interest.

All receivables are reviewed as at the reporting date and adequate allowance made for amounts the receipt of which is considered doubtful.

All financial instruments are recognised at fair value at the date of recognition.

A detailed statement of the accounting policies applied to the Financial Instruments forms part of Note 12.

5.0 Inventories

Inventories held in respect of stores have been valued by using the weighted average cost on a continual basis, after adjustment for loss of service potential. Inventories held in respect of business undertakings have been valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

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6.0 Infrastructure, Property, Plant & Equipment

6.1 Initial Recognition

All assets are initially recognised as cost.

All non-current assets purchased or constructed are capitalised as the expenditure is incurred and depreciated as soon as the asset is held “ready for use”. Cost is determined as the fair value of the assets given as consideration plus costs incidental to the acquisition, including architects fees and engineering design fees and all other costs incurred. The cost of non-current assets constructed by the Council includes the cost of all materials used in construction, direct labour on the project and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overhead.

Capital works still in progress at balance date are recognised as other non-current assets and transferred to infrastructure, property, plant & equipment when completed ready for use.

For assets acquired at no cost or for nominal consideration, cost is determined as fair value at the date of the acquisition.

6.2 Materiality

Assets with an economic life in excess of one year are only capitalised where the cost of acquisition exceeds materiality thresholds established by Council for each type of asset. In determining (and in annually reviewing) such thresholds, regard is had to the nature of the asset and its estimated service life. Examples of capitalisation thresholds applied during the year are as follows. No capitalisation threshold is applied to the acquisition of land or interests in land.

Office Furniture & Equipment $1,000 Other Plant & Equipment $1,000 Buildings - new construction/extensions $10,000 Park & Playground Furniture & Equipment $2,000 Road construction & reconstruction $10,000 Paving & footpaths, Kerb & Gutter $2,000 Drains & Culverts $5,000 Reticulation extensions $5,000 Sidelines & household connections $5,000 Artworks $5,000

6.3 Subsequent Recognition

All material asset classes are revalued on a regular basis such that the carrying values are not materially different from fair value. For infrastructure and other asset classes where no active market exists, fair value is determined to be the current replacement cost of an asset less, where applicable, accumulated depreciation calculated on the basis of such cost to reflect the already consumed or expired future economic benefits of the asset. Further detail of existing valuations, methods and values are provided in Note 8.

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6.4 Depreciation of Non-Current Assets

Other than land, all infrastructure and property, plant and equipment assets recognised are systematically depreciated over their useful lives in a manner which reflects the consumption of the service potential embodied in those assets. Depreciation is recognised on a straight-line basis. Major depreciation periods for each class of asset are shown below. Depreciation periods for infrastructure assets have been estimated based on the best information available to Council, but appropriate records covering the entire life cycle of these assets are not available, and extreme care should be used in interpreting financial information based on these estimates.

Plant, Furniture & Equipment Office Equipment 5 to 10 years Office Furniture 10 to 20 years Vehicles and Road-making Equip 5 to 8 years Other Plant & Equipment 5 to 15 years

Building & Other Structures Buildings – masonry 50 to 100 years Buildings – other construction 20 to 40 years Park Structures – masonry 50 to 100 years Park Structures – other construction 20 to 40 years Playground equipment 5 to 15 years Benches, seats, etc 10 to 20 years

Infrastructure Sealed Roads – Surface 15 to 25 years Sealed Roads – Structure 20 to 50 years Unsealed Roads 10 to 20 years Bridges – Concrete 80 to 100 years Paving & Footpaths, Kerb & Gutter 80 to 100 years Drains 80 to 100 years Culverts 50 to 75 years Flood Control Structures 80 to 100 years Bores 20 to 40 years Reticulation Pipes – PVC70 to 80 years Reticulation Pipes – other25 to 75 years Pumps & Telemetry 15 to 25 years Reclaimed Water Plant & Irrigation System 30 years CED Schemes 50 years

Other Assets Library Books 10 to 15 years Artworks indefinite

6.5 Impairment

Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to depreciation and are reviewed annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount (which is the higher of the present value of future cash outflows or value in use).

For assets whose future economic benefits are not dependent on the ability to generate cash flows, and where the future economic benefits would be replaced if Council were deprived thereof, the value in use is the depreciated replacement cost.

10 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

In assessing impairment for these assets, a rebuttable assumption is made that the current replacement cost exceeds the original cost of acquisition.

Where an asset that has been revalued is subsequently impaired, the impairment is first offset against such amount as stands to the credit of that class of assets in Asset Revaluation Reserve, any excess being recognised as an expense.

7.0 Payables

7.1 Goods & Services

Creditors are amounts due to external parties for the supply of goods and services and are recognised as liabilities when the goods and services are received. Creditors are normally paid 30 days after the month of invoice. No interest is payable on these amounts.

7.2 Payments Received in Advance & Deposits

Amounts received from external parties in advance of service delivery, and security deposits held against possible damage to Council assets, are recognised as liabilities until the service is delivered or damage reinstated, or the amount is refunded as the case may be.

8.0 Borrowings

Loans are carried at their principal amounts which represent the present value of future cash flows associated with servicing the debt. Interest is accrued over the period to which it relates, and is recorded as part of “Payables”.

9.0 Employee Benefits

9.1 Salaries, Wages & Compensated Absences

Liabilities for employees’ entitlements to salaries, wages and compensated absences expected to be paid or settled within 12 months of reporting date are accrued at nominal amounts (including payroll based oncost) measured in accordance with AASB 119.

Liabilities for employee benefits not expected to be paid or settled within twelve months are recognised by using the shorthand method and a benchmark number of years of staff service. The benchmark is five years. It has been determined that the liability is not materially different from the liability measured using the present value of expected future payments and is consistent with Councils experience of staff retention and leave taken.

No accrual is made for sick leave as Council experience indicates that, on average, sick leave taken in each reporting period is less than the entitlement accruing in that period, and this experience is expected to recur in future reporting periods. Council does not make payment for untaken sick leave.

9.2 Superannuation

The Council makes employer superannuation contributions in respect of its employees to the Statewide Superannuation Scheme and to Hesta Super Fund. The Statewide Superannuation Scheme has two types of membership, each of which is funded differently. No changes in accounting policy have occurred during either the current or previous reporting periods. Details of the accounting policies applied and Council’s involvement with the schemes are reported in Note 17.

11 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

10.0 Construction Contracts

Construction works undertaken by Council for third parties are generally on an agency basis where the third party reimburses Council for actual costs incurred, and usually do not extend beyond the reporting period. As there is no profit component, such works are treated as 100% completed. Reimbursements not received are recognised as receivables and reimbursements received in advance are recognised as “payments received in advance”.

11.0 Leases

Lease arrangements have been accounted for in accordance with Australian Accounting Standard AASB 117.

In respect of operating leases, where the lessor substantially retains all of the risks and benefits incident to ownership of the leased items, lease payments are charged to expense over the lease term.

12.0 GST Implications

In accordance with UIG Abstract 1031 “Accounting for the Goods & Services Tax  Receivables and Creditors include GST receivable and payable  Except in relation to input taxed activities, revenues and operating expenditures exclude GST receivable and payable.  Non-current assets and capital expenditures include GST net of any recoupment.  Amounts included in the Statement of Cash Flows are disclosed on a gross basis.

13.0 New Accounting Standards

Certain new accounting standards and UIG interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the 30 June 2013 reporting period and have not been used in preparing these reports.

AASB 7 Financial Instruments - Disclosure AASB 9 Financial Instruments AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements AASB 11 Joint Arrangements AASB 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement AASB 119 Employee Benefits AASB 127 Separate Financial Statements AASB 128 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures AASB 132 Financial Instruments: Presentation

Standards containing consequential amendments to other Standards and Interpretations arising from the above – AASB 2010-7, AASB 2011-7, AASB 2011- 8, AASB 2011-10, AASB 2012-2, AASB 2012-3, AASB 2012-5, AASB 2012-6 and AASB 2012-10. (Standards not affecting Local Government have been excluded from the above list)

Council is of the view that none of the above new standards or interpretations will affect any of the amounts recognised in the financial statements, but that they may impact certain information otherwise disclosed.

12 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

The Australian Accounting Standards Board is currently reviewing AASB 1004 Contributions. It is anticipated that the changes resulting from this review may have a material effect on the timing of the recognition of grants and contributions, but the financial consequences cannot be estimated until a revised accounting standard is issued.

13 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 2 FUNCTIONS & ACTIVITIES OF THE COUNCIL

REVENUES, EXPENSES AND ASSETS HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS & ACTIVITIES

INCOME EXPENSES SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) GRANTS INCLUDED IN INCOME 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 $$$$$$$$ Administration City Management & Economic Development 2,640,601 3,667,206 596,125 647,811 2,044,476 3,019,395 2,640,703 3,666,781 Human Resource Management 228,385 263,629 82,712 89,333 145,673 174,296 Records Management 249,413 257,184 (249,413) (257,184) Financial & Customer Services 12,252,082 11,658,691 754,665 806,606 11,497,418 10,852,085 Information Technology 505,524 599,994 (505,524) (599,994) Occupational Health & Safety 95,042 (95,042) Pubic Order & Safety General Inspection 116,691 101,042 291,496 262,900 (174,806) (161,858) Other General Services 48,723 16,242 137,348 60,293 (88,625) (44,050) 3,500 Health Services Substance Misuse Service 426,340 421,747 459,716 454,514 (33,376) (32,767) 426,340 421,747 Sobering Up Unit 757,493 598,939 733,944 601,262 23,549 (2,322) 757,098 598,418 Nerrilda Nursing Home 3,520,545 3,629,014 4,548,108 4,250,072 (1,027,563) (621,058) 2,586,758 2,661,730 A.M. Ramsay Village 2,968,733 3,248,610 3,638,847 3,602,448 (670,113) (353,838) 1,750,193 1,879,736 OPALProgram 59,600 56,364 99,125 65,477 (39,525) (9,113) 57,800 56,000 Immunisation Program 9,078 7,765 11,975 12,178 (2,896) (4,413) 8,811 7,489 Environmental Health 674 821 116,771 134,061 (116,097) (133,240) Social Security & Welfare Health Focus 228,017 236,466 272,505 258,109 (44,488) (21,644) 208,136 215,749 Childcare Service 735,703 645,221 1,102,411 1,019,069 (366,708) (373,848) 266,872 236,173 Special Needs Program 539,933 441,234 497,402 496,665 42,531 (55,431) 519,301 399,678 DVA Shed Program 56,103 53,527 65,299 54,558 (9,197) (1,031) 44,010 38,800 HACC Project 46,881 (46,881) Youth Activities Service 6,000 3,000 55,622 61,015 (49,622) (58,015) 3,000 3,000 Ageing/Disability Planning 13,275 40,022 (13,275) (40,022) Senior Citizens Centre 29,897 30,227 (29,897) (30,227) Housing & Community Amenities City Planning 98,859 92,360 220,761 295,631 (121,902) (203,271) Projects & Events 1,909 1,645 198,652 235,562 (196,743) (233,917) Community Harmony Program 91,488 55 148,738 114,659 (57,250) (114,605) 10,000 Community Donations 33,146 25,140 (33,146) (25,140) Community Safety Program 42,504 21,000 264,610 257,003 (222,106) (236,003) 21,500 21,000 Community Bus Service 62,706 20,450 61,435 39,674 1,272 (19,224) 30,545 Halls 15,760 43,394 114,359 (43,394) (98,598) Civic Centre 359,599 396,854 (359,599) (396,854) Housing 55,246 52,487 136,622 96,666 (81,376) (44,179) Cemeteries 188,129 186,524 334,168 343,126 (146,039) (156,602) Sanitation & Garbage 1,352,401 1,231,330 1,501,876 1,507,138 (149,474) (275,807) Foreshores 12,380 342,095 313,734 (342,095) (301,354) Public Conveniences 96,371 95,490 (96,371) (95,490) Street Lighting 355,343 314,217 (355,343) (314,217) Lakes Management 18,315 39,775 (18,315) (39,775) Other Property & Services 136,756 113,680 303,629 274,927 (166,873) (161,246) 42,600 30,000 Stormwater Drainage 246,529 261,044 (246,529) (261,044) Central Oval Reclaimed Water Plant 278,569 131,604 (278,569) (131,604) Effluent Drainage 649,320 609,485 531,133 581,004 118,187 28,481 Protection of the Enironment

14 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 2 FUNCTIONS & ACTIVITIES CONTINUED

REVENUES, EXPENSES AND ASSETS HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS & ACTIVITIES

INCOME EXPENSES SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) GRANTS INCLUDED IN INCOME 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 2013 2012 $$$$$$$$

Recreation & Culture Library & Information Service 61,719 71,490 636,202 569,804 (574,483) (498,314) 48,627 59,033 Fountain Gallery 18,400 17,523 37,897 37,039 (19,497) (19,516) Cultural Centre 117,512 120,128 700,020 683,468 (582,508) (563,340) 7,000 1,440 Active Field Officer & Aquatic Centre Program 48,101 152,994 205,547 257,245 (157,446) (104,251) 19,545 25,000 Ryan Mitchell Swimming Centre 183,286 172,534 505,960 500,311 (322,674) (327,777) Be Active Community Centre 22,941 41,816 53,802 70,580 (30,861) (28,764) Junior Sports Foundation 1,440 547 11,744 (547) (10,304) Sporting Clubs 1,063 9,634 (1,063) (9,634) Parks & Gardens & Playgrounds 1,604 4,406 1,049,815 929,279 (1,048,211) (924,873) Ovals 6,618 5,048 1,038,527 629,707 (1,031,909) (624,659) ETSA Oval Complex 59,322 91,151 (59,322) (91,151) Mining Manufacturing & Construction Building Act 50,831 35,476 308,935 326,982 (258,104) (291,506) Transport & Communication Aerodromes 312,758 221,143 384,937 399,613 (72,179) (178,470) Maintenance of Roads, Bridges etc 907,395 684,780 3,085,783 4,398,941 (2,178,389) (3,714,161) 838,213 602,210 Street Sweeping 88,962 84,659 (88,962) (84,659) Footpaths 183,284 217,424 (183,284) (217,424) Parking 11,264 12,922 (11,264) (12,922) Economic Affairs Regional & Economic Development Related Projects 18,755 145,066 657,220 646,961 (638,465) (501,895) 60,000 Wadlata Interpretive Centre 146,080 161,972 484,335 525,120 (338,255) (363,148) Wadlata Retail Centre 227,506 250,527 217,086 217,991 10,420 32,537 Wadlata Visitor Information Centre 52,156 61,213 210,419 216,234 (158,263) (155,021) 10,000 Wadlata Outback Tucker Box 226,037 235,729 219,459 254,332 6,578 (18,604) Arid Lands Garden Interpretive Centre 495,574 494,127 839,088 812,069 (343,514) (317,942) Arid Lands Garden Operation 857 25,064 545,751 437,053 (544,893) (411,989) Arid Lands Nursery Operation 83,093 157,024 128,960 178,925 (45,868) (21,901) Information Bays 5,835 2,929 (5,835) (2,929) Public Debt Transactions Treasury - Debt Servicing 184,779 93,299 904,390 951,321 (719,612) (858,022) Other Purposes NEC Machinery Operating 494,731 438,958 603,300 569,919 (108,570) (130,961) 14,423 17,095 Depot & Nursery 1,526,834 1,545,108 (1,526,834) (1,545,108) Engineering Services 724,508 677,707 (724,508) (677,707) Other NEC

TOTALS 30,934,755 30,998,430 35,298,140 35,507,577 (4,363,385) (4,509,147) 10,301,476 11,014,579

15 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 3 INCOME

2013 2012 RATES REVENUES Notes $$

GENERAL RATES General Rates 12,990,808 12,382,798 Less Mandatory Rebates 62,651 36,052

Less Discretionary Rebates, remissions & write offs 1,094,170 1,224,066

11,833,987 11,122,679

OTHER RATES (INCLUDING SERVICE CHARGES) Natural Resource Management Levy 221,310 264,600 Community Waste Water Management Systems 649,320 609,485 Waste Management Levy 1,348,828 1,231,330

2,219,458 2,105,415

OTHER CHARGES Penalties for late payment 116,931 95,305 Legal & other costs recovered 28,776 76,542

145,707 171,846

14,199,152 13,399,941

16 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 3 INCOME (Continued) 2013 2012

STATUTORY CHARGES Notes $$ Development Act Fees 37,331 34,208 Town Planning Fees 97,832 93,049 Animal Registration Fees & Fines 75,856 58,257 Parking Fines/expiation fees 15,108 26,063 Sundry 12,092 8,020

238,219 219,597

USER CHARGES Cemetery Fees 163,753 144,684 Halls Hire 17,937 33,295 Sales - General 778,947 798,589 Rentals 44,064 52,487 Nursing Home Fees 1,923,900 1,925,984 Childcare Fees 459,008 400,017 Swimming Pool & Aquatic Centre Fees 183,283 166,476 Wadlata Interpretive Centre Fees 140,208 172,603 Other Fees 548,185 476,027 Sundry 21,024 72,485

4,280,308 4,242,647

INVESTMENT INCOME Interest on Investments Local Government Finance Authority 246,386 149,523 Loans to community groups 3,967 1,564

250,353 151,087

REIMBURSEMENTS For Roadworks 68,691 77,582 For Private Works 364 4,988 Other 346,281 245,842

415,336 328,412

OTHER INCOME Contributions from developers 21 Insurance & other recoupments - infrastructure 678,965 680,223 Sundry 570,945 961,943

1,249,909 1,642,167

17 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 3 INCOME (Continued) 2013 2012 Notes $ $

GRANTS, SUBSIDIES, CONTRIBUTIONS Amounts received specifically for new or upgraded assets 250,000 5,828,050 Other grants, subsidies and contributions 10,301,476 11,014,579

10,551,476 16,842,629

The functions to which these grants relate are shown in Note 2.

Sources of grants Commonwealth government 6,701,151 7,143,126 State government 3,850,325 9,672,764 Other 026,739

10,551,476 16,842,629

INDIVIDUALLY SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

On 26 June 2012, Council received a grant of $5,000,000 from the State Government of South Australia for the Central Oval Redevelopment Project. Additional funding of $250,000 was received on the 23 January 2013 from the Federal Government. It is expected that monies from these grants will be expended during the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 financial years. 250,000 5,000,000 Conditions over grants & contributions

Grants and contributions which were obtained on the condition that they be expended for specified purposes or in a future period, but which are not yet expended in accordance with those conditions, are as follows:

Unexpended at the close of the previous reporting period 5,048,313 58,529 Less: expended during the current period from revenues recognised in previous reporting periods 48,313 58,529

Subtotal 5,000,000 0 Plus: amounts recognised as revenues in this reporting period but not yet expended in accordance with the conditions 343,131 5,048,313

Subtotal 343,131 5,048,313 Unexpended at the close of this reporting period and held as restricted assets 5,343,131 5,048,313

Net increase (decrease) in restricted assets in the current reporting period 294,818 4,989,784

18 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 4 EXPENSES

2013 2012 Notes $$ EMPLOYEE COSTS Salaries and Wages 12,334,139 11,797,415 Employee Leave Expenses 1,618,859 1,365,296 Superannuation - Defined Contribution Plan Contributions 17 824,247 759,740 Superannuation - Defined Benefit Plan Contributions 17 287,944 285,224 Superannuation - Other 17 134,620 146,249 Workers Compensation Insurance 488,798 456,321 Less: Capitalised and distributed costs (299,047) (292,193) Total Operating Employee Costs 15,389,560 14,518,051

Total Number of Employees (Full time equivalent at end of reporting period) 215.5 221.8

MATERIALS, CONTRACTS & EXPENSES Prescribed Expenses Auditor's Remuneration - Auditing the financial reports 15,100 15,000 Elected members' expenses 229,928 212,644 Election Expenses 3,572 525 Operating Lease Rentals - non cancellable leases 16 - minimum lease payments 182,739 272,870 - contingent rentals

Sub Total Prescribed Expenses 431,340 501,039

Other Materials, Contracts & Expenses Contractors 6,190,008 6,035,762 Energy 2,280,974 1,969,675 Legal Expenses 52,709 69,114 Levies paid to government - NRM Levy 231,589 233,316 Other levies 37,989 35,607 Parts, Accessories & Consumables 2,035,496 1,993,350 Professional Services 73,375 80,276 Communications 202,828 155,735 Contributions & Donations 195,462 196,588 Insurances 452,504 435,542 Rates & Taxes 93,875 81,889 Travel & Accommodation 64,920 74,837 Affiliations 854 - Advertising 194,497 154,038 Subscriptions 67,819 70,576 Training 100,637 134,380 Postage Printing Stationery 128,214 120,612 Plant Hire 419,942 334,255 Bank Charges 63,505 58,774 Sundry 588,486 766,086

Sub Total Other Materials, Contracts & Expenses 13,475,683 13,000,414

TOTAL MATERIALS, CONTRACTS & EXPENSES 13,907,023 13,501,453

19 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 4 EXPENSES (cont)

2013 2012 Notes $$ FINANCE COSTS Interest on overdraft & short-term borrowings 16,586 18,779 Interest on Loans 964,666 1,016,581

981,252 1,035,360

DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION & IMPAIRMENT Depreciation Buildings & Other Structures 2,023,024 2,031,018 Infrastructure 2,301,835 3,515,326 Plant & Equipment 410,210 464,023 Furniture & Equipment 285,235 442,346

5,020,303 6,452,712

20 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 5 ASSET DISPOSAL AND FAIR VALUE ADJUSTMENTS

2013 2012 Notes $$

INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Assets renewed or directly replaced Proceeds from disposal 388,521 291,589 Less: Carrying amount of assets sold 304,727 359,257

Gain (Loss) on disposal 83,794 (67,668)

NET GAIN(LOSS) ON DISPOSAL OR REVALUATION OF ASSETS 83,794 (67,668)

21 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 6 CURRENT ASSETS

2013 2012 Notes $$ CASH & EQUIVALENT ASSETS Cash on Hand and at Bank 145,122 356,553 Deposits at Call 6,760,596 7,842,550

6,905,718 8,199,103

TRADE & OTHER RECEIVABLES Rates - General & Other 1,253,330 767,844 Rates Postponed for State Seniors Accrued Revenues 113,353 286,456 Debtors - General 267,563 273,422 Other levels of Government 57,800 121,942 GST Recoupment 209,292 Loans to community organisations 12,508 12,145

1,913,847 1,461,810

Less: Allowance for Doubtful Debts 137,000 106,465

1,776,847 1,355,345

INVENTORIES Stores & Materials 93,259 93,680 Trading Stock 155,057 158,705

248,316 252,385

22 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 7 NON-CURRENT ASSETS 2013 2012 Notes $$ FINANCIAL ASSETS Receivables Loans to community organisations 105,875 118,382 105,875 118,382

Less: Allowance for Doubtful Debts - -

TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS 105,875 118,382

Capital Works-in-Progress 1,438,690 316,211 Nursing Home Bed Places 2,100,000 2,100,000

TOTAL OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS 3,538,690 2,416,211

23 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 8 (Cont) INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Valuation of Assets

At July 2004 upon the transition to AIFRS, Council elected pursuant to AASB 1,19 to retain previously established deemed cost under GAAP as it deemed cost. With subsequent additions at cost, this remains as the basis of recognition of non-material asset classes.

Land

Council being of the opinion that it is not possible to attribute a value sufficiently reliably to qualify for recognition, land under roads has not been recognised in these reports. Land acquired for road purposes during the year is initially recognised at cost, but transferred to fair value at reporting date, effectively writing off the expenditure.

Land assets were valued by Maloney Field Services at written down current replacement cost during the reporting period ended 30 June, 2010 and pursuant to Council’s election are disclosed at deemed cost. All acquisitions made after the respective dates of valuation are recorded at cost.

Pursuant to Council’s election, freehold land and land over which Council has control, but does not have title, is recognised on the cost basis. No capitalisation threshold is applied to the acquisition of land or interests in land.

Land improvements, including bulk earthworks with an assessed unlimited useful life, are recognised on the cost basis, originally deriving from a valuation at 30 June, 2010 at current replacement cost. Additions are recognised at cost.

Estimated future costs of reinstatement of land, capitalised in accordance with AASB 119.16(c) are reviewed annually (see Note 1) and depreciated over the estimated remaining life of the relevant asset.

Buildings & Other Structures

Building & Other Structure assets were valued by Maloney Field Services at written down current replacement cost during the reporting period ended 30 June, 2010 and pursuant to Council’s election are disclosed at deemed cost. All acquisitions made after the respective dates of valuation are recorded at cost.

Infrastructure

Transportation assets were valued by Tonkins Consulting at written down current replacement cost during the reporting period ended 30 June, 2010 and pursuant to Council’s election are disclosed at deemed cost. All acquisitions made after the respective dates of valuation are recorded at cost.

Stormwater drainage infrastructure was valued by Maloney Field Services at written down current replacement cost during the reporting period ended 30 June, 2010 and pursuant to Council’s election are disclosed at deemed cost. All acquisitions made after the respective dates of valuation are recorded at cost.

Community waste water management system infrastructure was valued by Maloney Field Services at written down current replacement cost during the reporting period ended 30 June, 2005 and pursuant to Council’s election are disclosed at deemed cost. All acquisitions made after the respective dates of valuation are recorded at cost.

24 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

Plant & Equipment

Plant & Equipment assets were valued by Maloney Field Services at written down current replacement cost during the reporting period ended 30 June, 2010 and pursuant to Council’s election are disclosed at deemed cost. All acquisitions made after the respective dates of valuation are recorded at cost.

Furniture and Fittings

Furniture and Fittings were valued by Maloney Field Services at written down current replacement cost during the reporting period ended 30 June, 2010 and pursuant to Council’s election are disclosed at deemed cost. All acquisitions made after the respective dates of valuation are recorded at cost.

All other assets Pursuant to Council’s election, these assets are recognised on the cost basis.

25 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 8 INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT

2012 2013 $ $ AT FAIR AT COST ACCUM CARRYING AT FAIR AT COST ACCUM CARRYING VALUE DEP'N AMOUNT VALUE DEP'N AMOUNT

Land 10,174,993 - - 10,174,993 10,058,991 - - 10,058,991 Buildings & Other Structures 109,111,163 574,415 (41,205,169) 68,480,410 109,685,579 283,572 (43,228,193) 66,740,958 Infrastructure 151,514,946 3,733,558 (48,465,191) 106,783,313 156,344,768 0 (47,411,548) 108,933,220 Plant & Equipment 6,986,470 614,112 (3,823,358) 3,777,224 7,215,932 452,740 (4,037,643) 3,631,029 Furniture & Fittings 5,115,899 95,185 (3,718,030) 1,493,055 5,211,084 16,014 (4,003,265) 1,223,834

TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT 282,903,470 5,017,271 (97,211,747) 190,708,994 288,516,354 752,326 (98,680,648) 190,588,031

2012 Totals 277,180,018 6,097,608 (90,759,035) 192,518,591 282,903,470 5,017,271 (97,211,747) 190,708,994

2012 2013 $ $ CARRYING ADDITIONS DISPOSALS DEPRECIATION NET CARRYING AMOUNT NEW/UPGRADE RENEWALS REVALUATION AMOUNT

Land 10,174,993 - - (116,002) - 10,058,991 Buildings & Other Structures 68,480,410 - 283,572 - (2,023,024) - 66,740,958 Infrastructure 106,783,313 1,265,210 1,229,238 - (2,301,835) 1,957,294 108,933,220 Plant & Equipment 3,777,224 36,822 415,918 (188,725) (410,210) 3,631,029 Furniture & Fittings 1,493,055 - 16,014 - (285,235) - 1,223,834

TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT 190,708,994 1,302,032 1,944,742 (304,727) (5,020,303) 1,957,294 190,588,031

2012 Totals 192,518,592 1,837,558 3,179,712 (253,254) (6,452,712) (120,902) 190,708,994

26 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 9 LIABILITIES 2013 2013 2012 2012 Current Non-Current Current Non-Current Notes $$$$ TRADE & OTHER PAYABLES Goods & Services 1,900,644 1,639,171 Payments received in advance 20,895 40,907 Accrued expenses - employee entitlements 1,205,802 1,101,840 Accrued expenses - other 623,766 530,585 Aged Care Facility Deposits 2,185,811 2,457,969

5,936,917 - 5,770,473 -

Amounts included in provisions that are not expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date. 2,493,000 2,305,000

BORROWINGS Loans - LGFA 6,068,085 13,802,719 4,057,107 13,883,584

6,068,085 13,802,719 4,057,107 13,883,584

All interest bearing liabilities are secured over the future revenues of the Council.

PROVISIONS Employee Entitlements (including oncosts) 1,257,135 286,807 1,157,783 297,363

1,257,135 286,807 1,157,783 297,363

Amounts included in provisions that are not expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date. 948,135 812,783

27 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 10 RESERVES

Net Increments Transfers on ASSET REVALUATION RESERVE 30/06/2012 30/06/2013 (Decrements) Sale

Notes $ $ $ $

Land 10,571,565 10,571,565 Buildings & Other Structures 59,971,279 - 59,971,279 Infrastructure 81,384,755 81,384,755 Roads, Bridges, Footpaths 19,199,242 1,957,295 21,156,537 Plant & Equipment 2,017,467 - 2,017,467 Furniture & Fittings 926,413 926,413 Nursing Home Bed Places 2,100,000 - 2,100,000 Total Infrastructure, Property, Plant & Equipment 176,170,721 1,957,295 178,128,016

PURPOSES OF RESERVES

Asset Revaluation Reserve The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments and decrements arising from changes in fair value of non-current assets and available-for-sale financial assets.

28 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 11 RECONCILIATION TO CASH FLOW STATEMENT . (a) Reconciliation of Cash

Cash Assets comprise highly liquid investments with short periods to maturity subject to insignificant risk of changes of value. Cash at the end of the reporting period as shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows:

2013 2012 Notes $$

Total Cash & Equivalent Assets 6 6,905,718 8,199,103 Less: Short-term borrowings BS - 0

Balances per Statement of Cash Flows 6,905,718 8,199,103

(b) Reconciliation of Change in Net Assets to Cash from Operating Activities

Net Surplus (Deficit) (4,029,591) 1,251,236 Non-cash items in Income Statement Depreciation, amortisation & impairment 5,020,303 6,452,712 Change in allowances for under-recovery 30,535 (45,325) Grants for capital acquisitions treated as investing activity (250,000) (5,828,050) Nursing Home Deposits treated as financing activity 272,159 (693,192) Net increase (decrease) in unpaid employee benefits 192,756 (44,066) Net (Gain) Loss on Disposals (83,794) 67,668

1,152,368 1,160,983 Add (Less): Changes in Net Current Assets Net (increase) decrease in receivables (451,674) 242,589 Net (increase) decrease in inventories 4,069 (99,043) Net increase (decrease) in trade & other payables 123,614 102,455

Net Cash provided by (or used in) operations 828,377 1,406,984

(c) Financing Arrangements

Unrestricted access was available at balance date to the following lines of credit: Bank Overdrafts 700,000 700,000 Corporate Credit Cards 32,000 12,000 LGFA Cash Advance Debenture Facility 5,000,000 5,000,000

The bank overdraft facilities may be drawn at any time and may be terminated by the bank without notice.

29 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 12 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Recognised Financial Instruments Bank, Deposits at Call, Short Term Accounting Policy: Carried at lower of cost and net realisable value; Interest is recognised when Deposits earned. Terms & conditions: Deposits are returning fixed interest rates between 3.5% and 5.1% (2012:3.5% and 5.1%). Short term deposits have an average maturity of 30 days and an average interest rates of 4.3% (2012: 30 days, 4.3%). Carrying amount: approximates fair value due to the short term to maturity. Receivables - Rates & Associated Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal values less any allowance for doubtful debts. An allowance for Charges (including legals & penalties doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed annually) when collection in full is no longer probable. for late payment)

Terms & conditions: Secured over the subject land, arrears attract interest of 9.0% (2012:9.0%) Although Council is not materially exposed to any individual debtor, credit risk exposure is concentrated within the Council's boundaries in the State. Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after deduction of any allowance). Receivables - Fees & other charges Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal values less any allowance for doubtful debts. An allowance for doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed annually) when collection in full is no longer probable.

Terms & conditions: Unsecured, and do not bear interest. Although Council is not materially exposed to any individual debtor, credit risk exposure is concentrated within the Council's boundaries.

Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after deduction of any allowance). Receivables - other levels of Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal value. government Terms & conditions: Amounts due have been calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the respective programs following advice of approvals, and do not bear interest. All amounts are due by Departments and Agencies of the Governments of the Commonwealth & State.

Carrying amount: approximates fair value. Receivables - Retirement Home Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal values less any allowance for doubtful debts. An allowance for Contributions doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed annually) when collection in full is no longer probable.

Terms & conditions: Amounts due have been calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the respective legislation. Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after deduction of any allowance). Liabilities - Creditors and Accruals Accounting Policy: Liabilities are recognised for amounts to be paid in the future for goods and services received, whether or not billed to the Council. Terms & conditions: Liabilities are normally settled on 30 day terms. Carrying amount: approximates fair value. Liabilities - Retirement Home Accounting Policy: To avoid inconvenience when complying with the separate audit requirements Contributions imposed by the relevant legislation, amounts are carried at nominal values. Terms & conditions: Pursuant to Commonwealth legislation certain intending residents are required to contribute amounts on an interest free basis. The amounts are subject to certain deductions as prescribed by the legislation, the balance being repaid on termination of tenancy.

Carrying amount: approximates fair value for short tenancies; may be non-materially over-stated for longer tenancies. Liabilities - Interest Bearing Loans Accounting Policy: Carried at the principal amounts. Interest is charged as an expense as it accrues.

Terms & conditions: secured over future revenues, loans are repayable by equal 6 monthly instalments of principal & interest; interest is charged at fixed rates between 4.35% and 7.48% (2012: 4.35% and 7.48%) Carrying amount: approximates fair value. Liabilities - Finance Leases Accounting Policy: accounted for in accordance with AASB 117.

30 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 12 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

Liquidity Analysis Due Due Due Total Carrying 2013 < 1 year > 1 year > 5 years Contractual Values > 5 years Cash Flows Financial Assets $$$$$

Cash & Equivalents 6,905,718 6,905,718 6,905,718 Receivables 314,224 314,224 314,224 Other Financial Assets - -

Total 7,219,942 - - 7,219,942 7,219,942

Financial Liabilities

Payables 1,900,644 1,900,644 1,900,644 Short-term Borrowings - - - NHA Bonds 2,185,811 2,185,811 2,185,811 Borrowings 6,068,085 13,802,719 - 19,870,804 19,870,804

Total 10,154,540 13,802,719 - 23,957,259 23,957,259

2012 Due Due Due Total Carrying < 1 year > 1 year > 5 years Contractual Values > 5 years Cash Flows Financial Assets $$$$$

Cash & Equivalents 8,199,103 8,199,103 8,199,103 Receivables 587,501 587,501 587,501 Other Financial Assets - -

Total 8,786,604 - - 8,786,604 8,786,604

Financial Liabilities Payables 1,608,934 1,608,934 1,608,934 Short-term Borrowings 0 0 0 NHA Bonds 2,457,969 2,457,969 2,457,969 Borrowings 4,057,107 13,883,584 - 17,940,691 17,940,691

Total 8,124,010 13,883,584 - 22,007,594 22,007,594

The following interest rates were applicable to Council's borrowings at balance day.

30 June 2013 30 June 2012 Weighted Carrying Weighted Carrying Average Value Average Value Interest Rate Interest Rate % % Overdraft 10.15 - 10.15 0 Other Variable Rates 5.50 6,676,000 5.50 6,676,000 Fixed Interest Rates 5.97 13,194,804 5.97 11,264,691

19,870,804 17,940,691 NET FAIR VALUE

All carrying values approximate fair value for all recognised financial instruments. With the exception of investments, there is no recognised market for the financial assets of the Council. RISK EXPOSURES

Credit risk represents the loss that would be recognised if counterparties fail to perform as contracted. The maximum credit risk on financial assets of the Council is the carrying amount, net of any allowance for doubtful debts. All Council investments are made with the SA Local Government Finance Authority and are guaranteed by the SA Government. Except as detailed in Notes 5 & 6 in relation to individual classes of receivables, exposure is concentrated within the Council's boundaries, and there is no material exposure to any individual debtor.

Market Risk is the risk that fair value of financial assets will fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices. All of Council's financial assets are denominated in Australian dolllars and are not traded on any market; and hence neither market risk or currency risk apply

Liquidity Risk is the risk that Council will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations with financial liabilities. In accordance with the model Treasury Policy (LGA Information Paper 15), liabilities have a range of maturity dates based on cash inflows. Council also has available a range of bank overdraft and short-term draw down facilities that it can access.

Interest Rate Risk is the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Council has a balance of both fixed and variable interest rate borrowings and investments. Cash flow fluctuations are managed holistically in seeking to minimise interest costs over the longer term in a risk averse manner. 31 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

Note 13 COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE

2013 2012 Notes $$ Capital Commitments

Capital expenditure committed for at the reporting date but not recognised in the financial statements as liabilities:

Buildings & Structures Central Oval Redevelopemnt 14,000,000 839,000

14,000,000 839,000

These expenditures are payable: Less than 1 year 12,000,000 550,000 Later than one year and not later than 5 years 2,000,000 289,000 Later than 5 years

14,000,000 839,000

Other Expenditure Commitments

Other expenditure committed for (excluding inventories) at the reporting date but not recognised in the financial statements as liabilities:

Audit Services 66,000 60,000 Waste Collection Contract 3,366,017 3,772,773 Refuse Reserve Contract 3,429,484 3,429,484 Parks & Gardens Contract 1,590,838 1,951,258 Cleaning Services 363,297 562,018 Catering Services 1,821,774 2,163,871 Security Services 412,000 517,766

11,049,410 12,457,170 These expenditures are payable: Less than one year 3,243,189 3,184,124 Not later than 5 years 7,806,221 9,273,046

11,049,410 12,457,170

32 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

Note 14 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

2013 2012

These Financial Indicators have been calculated in accordance with Information Paper - Local Government Financial Indicators prepared as part of the LGA Financial Sustainability Program for the Local Government Association of South Australia. Detailed methods of calculation are set out in the SA Model Statements.

Operating Surplus Ratio (31.2%) (34.3%) Adjusted Operating Surplus Rates - general & other less NRM levy

This ratio expressed the operating surplus as a percentage of general rates and other rates, net of NRM levy.

Adjusted Operating Surplus Ratio (42.6%) (40.5%)

In each of June 2009, June 2010, June 2011 and 2012 the Commonwealth Government made an advance of one quarterly payment of the Financial Assistance Grant. In June 2012, an advance of two quarterly payments was made(see Note 1 Recognition of Income). Accordingly there were four "quarterly" payments in 2010 and 2011, and five payments in 2012. The Adjusted Surplus Ratio adjusts for this distortion.

Net Financial Liabilities 18,563,224 15,493,479

Net Financial Liabilities are defined as total liabilities less financial assets(excluding equity accounted investments in Council businesses). These are expressed as a percentage of total operating revenue (excluding NRM Levy)

Net Financial Liabilities Ratio 60.4% 50.4% Net Financial Liabilities Total Operating Revenue Less NRM Levy

Asset Sustainability Ratio Net Asset Renewals 43.6% 46.0% Depreciation Expense

Net asset renewals expenditure is defined as net capital expenditure on the renewal and replacement of existing assets, and excludes new capital expenditure on the acquisition of additional assets.

33 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 15 UNIFORM PRESENTATION OF FINANCES

The following is a high level summary of both operating and capital investment activities of the Council prepared on a uniform and consistent basis. All Councils in South Australia have agreed to summarise annual budgets and long-term financial plans on the same basis. The arrangements ensure that all Councils provide a common 'core' of financial information, which enables meaningful comparisons of each Council's finances.

2013 2012 $$

Income 30,934,754 30,998,430 less Expenses (35,298,139) (35,507,577)

(4,363,385) (4,509,147)

less Net Outlays on Existing Assets Capital Expenditure on renewal and replacement of Existing Assets 2,331,007 3,234,329 less Depreciation, Amortisation and Impairment (5,020,303) (6,452,712) less Proceeds from Sale of Replaced Assets (141,705) (267,223)

(2,831,001) (3,485,606)

less Net Outlays on New and Upgraded Assets Capital Expenditure on New and Upgraded Assets (Including investment property & real estate developments) 2,099,378 1,877,007 less Amounts specifically for New and Upgraded Assets (250,000) (5,828,050) less Proceeds from Sale of Surplus Assets (including investment property and real estate developments) (246,816) (31,921)

1,602,562 (3,982,964)

Net Lending / (Borrowing) for Financial Year (3,134,946) 2,959,424

34 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 16 OPERATING LEASES

Leases providing revenue to the Council

Council owns various buildings, plant and other facilities that are available for hire or lease (on a non-cancellable basis wherever practicable) in accordance with the published revenue policy. Rentals received from such leases are disclosed as rent and hire of non-investment property in Note 3.

Lease payment commitments of Council

Council has entered into non-cancellable operating leases for various items of computer equipment. No contingent rentals were paid during the current or previous reporting periods. No lease imposes any additional restrictions on Council in relation to additional debt or further leasing. Leases in relation to computer and office equipment permit Council, at expiry of the lease, to elect to re-lease, return or acquire the equipment leased. No lease contains any escalation clause. Commitments under non-cancellable operating leases that have not been recognised in the financial statements are as follows: No contingent rentals were paid during the current or previous reporting periods.

2013 2012 $$ Not later than one year 295,245 199,637 Later than one year and not later than 5 years 1,013,746 412,520

1,308,991 612,157

35 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 17 SUPERANNUATION

The Council makes employer superannuation contributions in respect of its employees to the Statewide Superannuation Scheme and to HESTA. The Statewide Superannuation has two types of membership, each of which is funded differently. Permanent and contract employees of the South Australian Local Government sector have the option to contribute to Marketlink and/or Salarylink. All other employees (including casuals) have all contributions allocated to Marketlink.

Marketlink (Accumulation Fund) Members

Marketlink receives both employer and employee contributions on a progressive basis. Employer contributions are based on a fixed percentage of employee earnings in accordance with superannuation guarantee legislation (9% in 2012/2013 ; 9% in 2011/2012). No further liability accrues to the employer as the superannuation benefits accruing to employees are represented by their share of the net assets of the Fund.

Salarylink (Defined Benefit) Members

Salarylink is a defined benefit scheme where the benefit payable is based on a formula determined by the member’s contribution rate, number of years of contribution and final average salary. Council makes employer contributions to Salarylink as determined by the Scheme's Trustee based on advice from the Scheme's Actuary. The rate is currently 6.3% (6.3% in 2011/2012) of “superannuation” salary. Given that Employer contributions are based on a fixed percentage of employee earnings in accordance with superannuation guarantee legislation, the remaining 3% for Salarylink members is allocated to their Marketlink account. Employees also make member contributions to the Fund. As such, assets accumulate in the Fund to meet the member's benefits, as defined in the Trust Deed, as they accrue. The Salarylink Plan is a multi-employer sponsored plan. As the Fund's assets and liabilities are pooled and are not allocated by employer, the Actuary is unable to allocate benefit liabilities, assets and costs between employers. As provided by AASB 119.32(b), Council does not use defined benefit accounting for these contributions.

The most recent full actuarial investigation conducted by the Scheme's actuary, A.C. Miller, FIAA, of Russel Employee Benefits as at 30 June 2011, the Trustee has determined that the current funding arrangements are adequate for the expected Defined Benefit Plan liabilities. However, future financial and economic circumstances may require changes to Council’s contribution rates at some future time.

Contributions to other schemes

Council also makes contributions to other Superannuation Schemes selected by employees under the “choice of fund” legislation. All such schemes are of the accumulation type, where the superannuation benefits accruing to the employees are represented by their share of net assets of the scheme, and no further liability attaches to the Council.

36 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 18 SEGMENT REPORTING

The Port Augusta City Council operates two Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF's) in the City being Nerrilda and A.M. Ramsay Village. This segment report has been produced to comply with the requirements of the Commonwealth Government, a major funding source

BUSINESS SEGMENTS TOTAL RACF OTHER TOTAL RACF OTHER COUNCIL COUNCIL 2013 2013 2013 2012 2012 2012 $$ $ $$$ REVENUE

Grants & Subsidies 10,301,476 4,336,950 5,964,525 11,014,579 4,541,466 6,473,113 User Charges 4,280,308 1,965,681 2,314,627 4,242,647 1,959,045 2,283,602 Reimbursements 415,336 48,117 367,219 328,412 25,369 303,043 Investment Income 250,353 65,574 184,779 151,087 57,788 93,299 Other Revenue 15,687,281 72,956 15,614,325 15,261,705 293,957 14,967,748

TOTAL REVENUE 30,934,754 6,489,278 24,445,475 30,998,430 6,877,624 24,120,806

EXPENDITURE

Operating Costs 30,277,835 7,655,622 22,622,213 29,054,865 7,283,810 21,771,054 Depreciation 5,020,303 531,333 4,488,971 6,452,712 568,709 5,884,003

35,298,139 8,186,955 27,111,184 35,507,577 7,852,519 27,655,057

Operating (Loss)/Surplus before Capital Revenues (4,363,386) (1,697,677) (2,665,709) (4,509,147) (974,895) (3,534,251)

Capital Revenues 333,794 333,794 5,760,382 5,760,382

RESULT Operating Result (Loss)/Surplus (4,029,592) (1,697,677) (2,331,915) 1,251,236 (974,895) 2,226,131

ASSETS

Current Assets 8,930,881 2,309,673 6,621,208 9,806,834 2,568,223 7,238,611 Non-Current Assets 190,693,906 8,380,266 182,313,640 190,827,376 9,217,547 181,609,829 Intangible Assets 3,538,690 2,100,000 1,438,690 2,416,211 2,100,000 316,211

TOTAL ASSETS 203,163,477 12,789,939 190,373,538 203,050,420 13,885,770 189,164,651

LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities 13,262,137 3,197,145 10,064,992 10,985,363 3,383,176 7,602,186 Non-Current Liabilities 14,089,526 1,431,629 12,657,897 14,180,947 1,848,559 12,332,387

TOTAL LIABILITIES 27,351,663 4,628,774 22,722,889 25,166,309 5,231,736 19,934,574

NET ASSETS 175,811,814 8,161,165 167,650,649 177,884,111 8,654,034 169,230,077

37 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 18 SEGMENT REPORTING CONTINUED

REVENUE $ EXPENSES $

Government Subsidies 4,243,205 Wages & Superannuation - Care 2,655,115 Resident Charges 1,965,681 Wages & Superannuation - Admin 331,863 Capital Grants 0 Wages & Superannuation - Other 1,906,540 Bond Retentions 93,746 Management Fees 208,556 Interest Income 65,574 Depreciation & Amortisation 531,333 Donations & Contributions 833 Interest 122,899 Other Operating Revenue 120,238 Building Repairs & Maintenance 233,113 TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE 6,489,277 Insurance 265,736 Motor Vehicles 17,125 Utilities 198,533 Other Expenses 1,716,143

TOTAL EXPENSES 8,186,955

SEGMENT RESULT SURPLUS(DEFICIT) (1,697,679)

SEGMENT ASSETS $ SEGMENT LIABILITIES $

Current Assets Current Liabilities Cash 2,188,261 Borrowings 223,295 Trade Receivables 121,412 Trade Payables 214,300 Other Current Assets Employee Provisions 447,493 Accommodation Bonds 2,185,810 Other Current Liabilities 126,247

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,309,673 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 3,197,145

Property, Plant & Equipment 8,380,266 Loans 1,360,985 Intangibles 2,100,000 Employee Provisions 70,644 Other Non-Current Assets Accommodation Bonds 0 Other non-current liabilities

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 10,480,266 TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,431,629

SEGMENT TOTAL ASSETS 12,789,939 SEGMENT TOTAL LIABILITIES 4,628,774

SEGMENT NET ASSETS 8,161,165

38 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

NOTE 19 CONTINGENCIES & ASSETS & LIABILITIES NOT RECOGNISED IN THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

The following assets and liabilities do not qualify for recognition in the Statement of Financial Position but knowledge of those items is considered relevant to user of the financial report in making and evaluating decisions about the allocation of scarce resources.

1. LAND UNDER ROADS

As reported elsewhere in these Statements, Council is of the opinion that it is not possible to attribute a value sufficiently reliably for these assets to qualify for recognition, and accordingly land under roads has not been recognised in these reports. Land acquired for road purposes during the year is initially recognised at cost, but transferred to fair value at reporting date, effectively writing off the expenditure.

At reporting date, Council controlled 383km of road reserves of average width 20 metres.

2. POTENTIAL INSURANCE LOSSES

Council is a multi-purpose organisation providing a large range of building, parks infrastructure, playgrounds and other facilities accessible to the public. At any time, it is likely that claims will have been made against Council that remain unsettled.

Council insures against all known insurable risks using a range of insurance policies, each of which is subject to a deductible "insurance excess", the amount of which varies according to the class of insurance.

Council has recognised the potential losses arising from claims known at reporting date based on average historical net cost (including insurance excess) of similar types of claims. Other potential claims not reported to Council may have existed at reporting date.

39 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

Note 20 ASSETS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS

The uses of the following assets are restricted, wholly or partially, by legislation or other externally imposed requirements. The assets are required to be utilised for the purposes for which control was transferred to Council, or for which the revenues were originally raised.

2013 2012 CASH & FINANCIAL ASSETS Notes Unexpended grant funds and accumulated interest Central Oval 5,374,143 5,000,000

5,374,143 5,000,000

TOTAL ASSETS SUBJECT TO EXTERNALLY IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS 5,374,143 5,000,000

On 26 June 2012, Council received a grant of $5,000,000 from the State Government of South Australia for the Central Oval Redevelopment Project. Additional revenue from investment of these funds amounted to $124,143 in 2012/2013. Commonwealth funding of $250,000 was alsi receieved for the project in July 2012. It is expected that monies from this grant will be expended during the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 financial years.

40 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 June 2013

CERTIFICATION OF AUDITOR INDEPENDENCE

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we confirm that, for the purpose of the audit of the Port Augusta City Council for the year ended 30 June 2013, the Council's Auditor, Ian McDonald has maintained his independence in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011 made under that Act.

This statement is prepared in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 22(3) Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011.

GREGCITY PERKIN MANAGER Ocare,„ PRESIDINGPETER SOLOMAN MEMBER 14−AUDIT COMMITTEE

/It /2013

41 PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

Working Paper - RECONCILIATION OF GOVERNMENT GRANTS

This schedule records all amounts received from other levels of Government, whether described as grants, subsidies or otherwise. All amounts (other than untied grants) are required to be held as cash or authorised investments until expended. (Amounts shown as negative are awaiting reimbursement to Council.)

Opening Movements Closing Balance 1 July Received/ Balance 30 Expended GRANTS (with discretion use) 2012 Receivable June 2013 Notes $$$$ GENERAL PURPOSE (Untied) Grants Commission Grant - general purpose 0 2,640,704 2,640,704 0 Grants Commission Grant - roads funding 0 397,349 397,349 0 Roads to Recovery 0 440,864 440,864 0

Subtotal 0 3,478,917 3,478,917 0 SPECIFIC PURPOSE (Recurrent) Nerrilda 0 2,586,758 2,586,758 0 Health Focus Program 0 184,694 184,694 0 Ramsay Village 0 1,750,193 1,750,193 0 Childcare Centre 0 266,872 266,872 0 Special Needs Funding 0 213,095 213,095 0 NFWRHS Health Service 68,851 147,500 153,578 62,773 HACC - Special Needs 0 45,071 45,071 0 Health Focus Dementia Program 0 23,442 23,442 0 Substance Mis-Use Service (93) 426,340 439,114 (12,867) Sobering Up Centre (20,445) 757,098 760,524 (23,871) Immunisation 0 8,811 8,811 0 HACC - Mens DVA Shed 0 44,010 44,010 0 Youth Advisory Service 0 3,000 3,000 0 Be Active / Star Club Field Officer 0 15,000 15,000 0 Library Service 0 48,627 48,627 0 OPAL Program 0 57,800 57,800 0 Fuel Tax Subsidy 0 14,423 14,423 0 Subtotal 48,313 6,592,734 6,615,012 26,035 SPECIFIC PURPOSE (Non-Recurrent) HACC - Collaborative Project Cwlth 0 63,302 44,780 18,522 HACC - Collaborative Project State 0 10,333 10,333 HACC - Transitional Project 0 40,000 1,759 38,241 Dryzone 0 10,000 10,000 0 Bus Shelters 0 30,545 30,545 0 Outdoor Adventure Centre 0 4,545 4,545 0 Urban and Regional Strategy 0 0 Outreach 00 Secure Taxi Rank 0 21,500 21,500 0 Cultural Centre Gallery Lighting 0 7,000 7,000 0 Foreshore Protection 0 42,600 42,600 0

Subtotal 0 229,825 162,729 67,096

TOTAL OPERATING GRANTS 48,313 10,301,476 10,256,658 93,131 2012 Totals 58,529 48,313 CAPITAL GRANTS SPECIFIC PURPOSE (Recurrent) Subtotal SPECIFIC PURPOSE (Non-Recurrent) Central Oval 5,000,000 250,000 5,250,000

Subtotal 5,000,000 250,000 0 5,250,000

TOTAL CAPITAL GRANTS 5,000,000 250,000 0 5,250,000 2012 Totals 0 5,000,000

Recognised as revenue in advance of expenditure Current receivable - Other levels of Government 6 5,048,313 5,343,131

42

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INFORMATION STATEMENT

4.1 Decision making structure and functions of the Council 4.2 Public Participation 4.3 Delegations 4.4 Community Consultation 4.5 Confidentiality Provisions 4.6 Public Access to Council Documents 4.7 Freedom of Information Requests

Photo taken from Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden

Joy Baluch AM Bridge

82

Information Statement

Pursuant to Section 9 (1a) of the Freedom of Information Act 1991, Council must, at intervals of not more than 12 months, cause an up-to-date information statement to be published.

The following information fulfils Council legislative requirements in relation to its reporting obligations in regards to an up-to-date information statement.

4.1 Decision Making Structure and Functions of the Council

4.1.1 As at the 30 June 2013, the Port Augusta City Council’s decision making structure consisted of three Key Committees, each represented by the 10 Elected Members. The Mayor is an ex-officio member of each Committee. These Committees receive reports from officers of Council and make recommendations to full Council on each of the reports received.

Pursuant to Section 59 of the Local Government Act 1999 Members of Council are responsible for being a member of the governing body of the Council, participating in the deliberations and civic activities of the Council, keeping the Council’s objectives and policies under review to ensure that they are appropriate and effective, and keeping Council’s resource allocation, expenditure and activities, and the efficiency and effectiveness of its service delivery, under review.

4.1.2 The Operations Committee meets at 5:30pm on the 2nd Monday of every month. The Strategic Management Committee meets at 5:30pm on the 3rd Monday of every month and the Strategic Planning & Development Policy Committee meet on a needs basis at the conclusion of the Strategic Management Committee.

If a Public Holiday falls on the Monday of a scheduled Key Committee Meeting, the meeting is held on the following evening (Tuesday).

The Operations Committee is responsible for dealing with operational matters that require Council decisions and the Strategic Management Committee, including the Strategic Planning Development Policy Committee, is responsible for monitoring and implementation of the Annual Business Plan and expenditure of budgets, receiving presentations on broad issues impacting the City, and monitoring projects.

The creation of this reporting structure ensures that both operational and strategic issues are dealt with holistically and Council’s Committee structure recognises and highlights that Council’s focus is on strategic issues.

4.1.3 Council’s Management Group meet on Wednesday each week to peruse and approve all reports prior to them being included in the agendas for the appropriate Key Committee/Council.

4.1.4 Council and Key Committee Agendas and Minutes

The public may access a copy of the agendas which are placed on public display, at each office of the Council that is open to the public for the general administration of Council business, no less than three clear days prior to the meeting. Minutes are also placed on public display within five days after a meeting.

Copies of agendas and minutes are also available on Council’s Website – www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au by clicking the following headings: ‘The Council’ – ‘Agenda and Minutes’.

If a hard copy of agendas and minutes is required by members of the community, they can be obtained from the Civic Centre, 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta for a charge, as outlined within Council’s Fees & Charges Register.

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4.1.5 Decision Making Structure

COUNCIL Mayor and 9 Elected Members th Council Meetings held 4 Monday each month Open to the public

Council Development Assessment Panel

Consisting 7 Members 4 Independent and 3 Operations Committee Strategic Management & Strategic Elected Members Planning and Development Policy nd Open to the public Meetings held 2 Monday Committees each month rd Open to the public Meetings held 3 Monday each moth Open to the public

Community Consultation on Development Applications

Management Team

(City Manager & 4 Directors)

Council Directorates Advisory & Other Committees & Working Parties/Groups (Refer Organisational Chart  Audit Committee Clause 2.9.3 of the report)  Building Fire Safety Committee

 PA Junior Sports Foundation

 PA Marine Advisory Committee  Safety First Committee  Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Strategic Management Committee  PA Alcohol Management Group  Central Oval Project Control Group  Aboriginal Advisory Committee

4.2 Public Participation

4.2.1 Public involvement in Council Meetings:

Meetings of Council or Council Key Committees are conducted in the Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta. This venue is open to the public and community members are encouraged and welcome to attend all Council/Council Key Committee Meetings.

4.2.2 Opportunities for community members to voice their opinion:

a) Elected Members – members of the public can contact Elected Member/s of Council to discuss any issues relevant to Council.

b) Written Submissions – a member of the public can write to Council on any Council practice, procedure, activity or service. All written submissions should be forwarded to the City Manager, Port Augusta City Council, PO Box 1704, Port Augusta 5700 or by email to [email protected]

c) Petitions – written petitions can be addressed to the Council on any issue within the Council’s jurisdiction.

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d) Deputations – a written request to be heard by Council or a Committee must be received 4 hours prior to the commencement of the meeting to which the deputation is being requested, if the deputation relates to a matter of business on the agenda. If the matter is not already listed on the agenda, then the written request must be received at the principal office of the Council five clear days prior to the day on which the meeting is scheduled.

e) Community Consultation – Council consults with the public on particular issues that affect their neighbourhood or the City in accordance with its Public Consultation Policy 1.1.08.

f) Working Parties – Council at times seeks registrations of interest from community members interested in participating on specific working parties that are formed to address special projects or activities of the Council.

g) Surveys – Council undertakes periodic surveys of the community when seeking feedback on particular issues.

4.3 Delegations

The Port Augusta City Council undertakes a review of its delegations on an annual basis, usually in May or June each year. Council considers all delegations that it makes to the City Manager under the various Acts that Council administers as part of this review and also to officers in line with the Minister’s Authorisation Notice (27 April 2009) under the Roads Traffic Act 1961 and to Fire Prevention Officers under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005.

Council’s resolution outlining the various delegations made to the City Manager is then reviewed by the City Manager who, as approved by Council, then sub-delegates many of these delegations to officers of the Council.

A Delegations Register has been developed and provides details of all delegations and sub-delegations including any limitations and conditions imposed by Council and/or the City Manager.

A copy of the Delegations Register is available on Council’s Website www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au under the headings: ‘The Council’ – ‘Council Documents’ – ‘Registers’.

4.4 Community Consultation

On an annual basis, Council seeks input from the community in relation to a number of issues that are either under review or which are being considered by Council. Members of the community have an opportunity to comment and/or be heard by Council on various issues. Submissions received are assessed and considered by Council as part of the decision making process. To improve Council’s community engagement specific forums have been held to enable staff to further engage with the community in relation to various issues Council is dealing with.

A ‘Stop and Say’ session was held in September 2012 to seek feedback from the community in relation to the review of the Community Vision and Strategic Plan.

A Community Forum was held in June 2013 to provide community members an opportunity to find out information regarding the rating process.

An information table was set up in the Coles Complex to provide interested members of the community information regarding the Central Oval Redevelopment.

All of these sessions have been beneficial in engaging and informing the community, to ensure they have input into the activities of Council and feel confident in providing feedback in relation to issues of interest to them.

Furthermore, residents are notified of some development applications that are to be assessed by the Council Development Assessment Panel (CDAP) pursuant to the Development Act 1993. When an application is publicly notified, residents have the opportunity to write to the CDAP expressing their views on the applications, and also have an opportunity at this time to request to be heard by the CDAP before a decision is made. It should be noted however, that a number of applications are exempt from public notification under the provisions of the Development Act 1993.

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4.4.1 Other General Consultation Activities undertaken during 2012/2013:

Month Consultation Relating to:

August 2012  Draft Public Consultation/Engagement Policy – Review  Proposed issue of Permit for Business purposes of unmade public road to Port Augusta Gun Club Inc  Revocation of Community land Classification – Old Croquet Club, 22 Flinders Terrace September 2012  Draft Community Vision and Strategic Plan November 2012  Roads (Opening and Closing) – Road Closure Portions Caroona Road and Shack Road February 2013  Funding applications open for 2013/2014 Community Events Advertising Program April 2013  Total City Dry Area Evaluation Survey May 2013  Claimants of Donated Items Homestead Park  Strategic Directions Report June 2013  Mayoral Election Voters Roll  Annual Budget and Business Plans 2013/2014 In addition to the legislative provisions for placing adverts in the newspaper circulating in the area of the Council for specific issues being considered by Council, as part of the consultation process, two Community Forums were held in relation to the revocation proposal for the Old Croquet Club and a Budget Information Session. These sessions were held to provide an opportunity for members of the community to attend and ask questions and get answers so that they could make informed submissions to Council on these two issues.

4.4.2 Council participates in the Local Government Association’s Comparative Performance Measurement Project on a bi-annual basis. In April 2012, Roy Morgan Research undertook random telephone surveys with 400 members of the community, in an endeavour to receive feedback from differing sectors of the community to ensure that a range of ages groups and equal male and female community members are given an opportunity to be apart of the survey. The purpose of the survey is to ascertain the community’s perception of the level and quality of service provided by Council. The results then provide Council with an opportunity to look at service improvements and to compare its own performance with that of the State average. Council aims to achieve or exceed a satisfactory rating of 7 out of 10. As a rule of thumb, the KPI scores indicate the level of satisfaction as follows: 120+ = very satisfied, 100-119 = satisfied, 80-99 = neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 50- 80 = Dissatisfied, less than 50 = very dissatisfied.

The results of the April 2012 interviews were provided to Council in late July 2012 and a presentation was given to Council on the results in October 2012. The following graphs provide an overview of Council performance in the areas of; Strategic Direction, Community Consultation, Council Services, Health Services, Waste Collection & Disposal, Library Services, Environmental Management, Quality of Life, Public Access to Information, Recreation and Leisure, Asset/Infrastructure Management, Safety & Security, Customer Services and Information Delivery.

Strategic Directions Rating = 93.61 Community Consultation Rating = 94.21

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Council Services Annual Comparison from 2002-2009 Health Services Rating = 110.32

Waste Collection and Disposal Rating = 130.18 Library Services Rating = 136.65

Council Services Rating = 111.4 Environmental Management Rating = 105.03

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Quality of Life Rating = 112.42 Public Access to Information Rating = 97.52

Asset/Infrastructure Management Annual Comparisons from 2002-2009 Asset/Infrastructure Management Rating = 109.87 Includes roads, footpaths, cycle tracks and storm drainage

Recreation and Leisure Rating = 119.36 Safety & Security Rating = 119.81 Includes sporting facilities, parks, gardens, playgrounds, community halls, cultural buildings, aged, disabled and special needs facilities.

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Customer Service Rating = 89.76 Safety & Security Rating = 92.52

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4.5 Confidentiality Provisions

Pursuant to Section 90(2), a Council or Council Key Committee may order that the public be excluded from attendance at a meeting for a variety of reasons. Where an order is made to exclude the public, a note must be made in the minutes of the making of the order, outlining the grounds on which it is made, as well as the duration of the order.

The table below indicates the reasons that a matter may be considered under the confidentiality provisions, and the number of occasions during the 2012/2013 financial year each of these provisions was enforced:

Section of the Local Government Act Number of times used Section 90(3)(a) – information the disclosure of which would involve the unreasonable disclosure of information concerning the personal affairs of any person (living or dead) 2 Section 90(3)(b) – information the disclosure of which: (i) could reasonably be expected to confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the 2 council is conducting, or proposing to conduct, business, or to prejudice the commercial position of the council, and (ii) would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest. Section 90(3)(c) – information the disclosure of which would reveal a trade secret 0 Section 90(3)(d) – commercial information of a confidential nature (not being a trade secret) the 1 disclosure of which: (i) could reasonably be expected to prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied the information, or to confer a commercial advantage on a third party; and (ii) would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest. Section 90(3)(e) – matters affecting the security of the council, members or employees of the 0 council, or council property, or the safety of any person. Section 90(3)(f) – information the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to prejudice 0 the maintenance of law, including by affecting (or potentially affecting) the prevention, detection or investigation of a criminal offence, or the right to a fair trial. Section 90(3)(g) – matters that must be considered in confidence in order to ensure that the 1 council does not breach any law, order or direction of a court or tribunal constituted by law, any duty of confidence, or other legal obligation or duty. Section 90(3)(h) – legal advice 0 Section 90(3)(i) – information relating to actual litigation, or litigation that the council or council 0 committee believes on reasonable grounds will take place, involving the council or an employee of the council. Section 90(3)(j) – information the disclosure of which: 0 (i) would divulge information provided on a confidential basis by or to a Minister of the Crown, or another public authority or official; and (ii) would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest. Section 90(3)(k) – tenders for the supply of goods, the provision of services or the carrying out of 0 works Section 90(3)(l) – deleted 0 Section 90(3)(m) – information relating to a proposed amendment to a Development Plan under 0 the Development Act 1993 before a Development Plan Amendment relating to the amendment is released for public consultation under the Act. Section 90(3)(n) – information relevant to the review of a determination of a council under the 0 Freedom of Information Act 1991.

4.5.1 Pursuant to Section 91(7) of the Local Government Act 1999 the following information further outlines details of the use of confidential provisions during the reporting period. There were 5 instances where Council considered an item under the confidentiality provisions. On 1 occasion the confidential provisions related to both 90(3)(a)&(g). During the 2012/2013 financial year Council resolved 230 issues, of which 5 were subject to confidential provisions. This equates to 2.17% of all issues considered by Council were treated under confidentiality and is within the recommended range of 3% or less of items, as determined by the Ombudsman SA as part of his review into the use of confidential orders by Councils (November 2012).

The topics, provisions, when the order was made, period of confidentiality and date documents have been released, ceased to apply or revoked during the reporting period are as follows:

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Topic & Confidential Provisions Used Order Made Period Documents released 1 Central Oval Redevelopment – Contract - 10/09/2012 Until contract 08/07/2013 Section 90(3)(b) Let 2 Application for Rebate of Rates – Section 17/09/2012 Until matter 05/02/2013 90(3)(a) resolved by Council 3 Request to vary agreement for Council land 22/10/2012 Until Not released adjacent the Port Augusta Airport – Section lodgement of 90(3)(d) Formal Development Application 4 Sale of Council Land Allotment 52 in 19/11/2012 Until 1 05/02/2013 DP82874 CT6055/124 – Section 90(3)(b) January 2012 5 Complaint of breach of Statutory Code of 25/03/2013 Until Council 13/05/2013 Conduct – Elected Members – Section decides on the 90(3)(a & g) outcome of investigation

4.5.2 Of the 5 confidential items listed above, 1 item was for a period of under 3 months, 2 items were for a period between 3 to 6 months and 2 items were for a period greater than 6 months. One item remains under confidential provisions as at 30 June 2013.

4.5.3 Pursuant to Section 91(9) of the Local Government Act 1999, a review was undertaken of all confidential orders which have been operating for a period exceeding 12 months (this includes items from previous financial years). Following a review of all confidential orders that exceed a 12 month period, Council approved 18 items remaining under confidential provisions until 30 June 2014, at which time a further review will be undertaken. This includes item 3 in the above table placed under confidential provisions during 2012/2013. It should be noted that numbers 1 and 2 listed in the table below are due to expire on 23/2/2014 and 31/7/2014 respectively.

No. Topic & Confidential Provisions Used and Order Made Date Expired and Remade Period Released during reporting period 1 Item 18 Termination of Employment Contract – 2003/2004 No 22/7/2013 Section 90(3)(a)(h)(i) – Period 10 Years 2 Investigation into future options of Council’s Aged Care Facilities - period until 31/7/2014 Item 1 2009/2010 No 22/7/2013 Item 1, 7 and 8 2010/2011 Item 7 2011/2012 3 Proposed residential development adjacent Airport – period until formal lodgement of development application Item 9, 12 and 16 2007/2008 No 22/7/2013 Items 7,10, 19 and 20 2008/2009 4 Residential Development adjacent Port Augusta Airport – Agreement Negotiations Item 5 2010/2011 No 22/7/2013 Airport Land Development Master Plan Item 13 2011/2012 Period until formal lodgement of Development Application 5 Winninowie Development Proposal – period until formal lodgement of development application Item 10 2010/2011 No 22/7/2013 Item 1 2011/2012

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4.5.5 Contracts with Confidentiality Clauses

Pursuant to Clause 13(2) of Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information Act 1991, Council has an opportunity to include a clause within a contract document outlining a schedule of confidentiality provisions within the contract. Council must also regularly report to the Minister administering the Act, the number of contracts containing confidentiality clauses that have been entered into by Council. Council did not have cause to include these provisions within any contract documents during the 2012/2013 financial year.

4.6 Public Access to Council Documents

Port Augusta City Council’s Annual Report and Information Statement is available free of charge upon request at the Council Office, 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta or the Public Library. A copy is also available on Council’s website – www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au

The public also has access to the following documents, some of which are available free of charge via Council’s website, while others can be viewed at the Council Office. Alternatively, copies may be obtained at a charge as outlined within Council’s Fees and Charges Register.

4.6.1 Registers/Manual/Plans

(i) Policy Manual (x) Community Land Management Plan (ii) Delegations Register Register (iii) By-Law Register (xi) Fees and Charges Register (iv) Public Roads Register (xii) Council Development Assessment Panel – (v) Elected Members – Register of Allowances Register of Interest & Benefits (xiii) Strategic Management Plan (vi) Elected Members – Register of Interest (xiv) Annual Budget and Business Plans (vii) Officers’ Register of Remuneration, (xv) Animal Management Plans Salaries and Benefits (xvi) Register of Sealed Documents (viii) Officers’ Register of Interest (xvii) Confidential Orders Register (ix) Register of Campaign Donations Returns

4.6.2 Policy/Procedure Manual

Policy documents that directly affect the community are developed in consultation with the community. When a new policy is being considered, Council will establish a ‘Reference Group’ which will be responsible for drafting the policy for consideration by the community and Elected Members.

Registrations of Interest from community members who have an interest in a particular issue will be sought, encouraging their input into the policy development stage. A draft policy once developed by the Reference Group is then forwarded to Council for perusal and comment. After Council has had an opportunity to view the draft policy, it is made available to the community for comment. All submissions received from the community are considered by Council, prior to the policy being formally adopted.

Council’s publicly available Policy Manual has been divided into two (2) specific Manuals – Statutory Manual (policies required under the Local Government Act 1999 or another Act) and Operational Units Manual (policies relating to operational matters).

Following is a list of the various Policies and Codes of Practice that Council has publicly available. These documents are able to be accessed via Council’s Website www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au under the heading ‘The Council’ and sub-heading ‘Council Documents’.

Statutory Manual Local Government Act 1999 1.1.01 Statutory Code of Conduct – Council 1.1.09 Purchasing, Contract and Tendering Members 1.1.02 Elected Members’ Training and Development 1.1.10 Rating Policy 2011/2012 1.1.03 Elected Members’ Caretaker Role during an 1.1.11 Financial – Internal Control Election Period

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1.1.04 Elected Members’ Expenses, Facilities and 1.1.12 Sale of Council Land Support 1.1.05 Internal Review of Council Decisions 1.1.13 Statutory Procedure – Making of Orders 1.1.06 Access to Council Meetings and Documents 1.1.14 Street Names 1.1.07 Policy Deleted 1.1.15 Code of Practice – Meeting Procedures 1.1.08 Public Consultation 1.1.16 Prudential Management Development Act 1993 1.2.01 CDAP – Code of Conduct 1.2.03 Building Inspections 1.2.02 CDAP – Complaint Handling

Operational Units Manual City Management – Elected Members 2.1.01 Voters Roll 2.1.05 Committees and Panels 2.1.02 Supplementary Elections 2.1.06 Council Representatives on Boards and Organisations 2.1.03 Election of Deputy Mayor 2.1.07 Elected Members Initiating Action 2.1.04 Policy Deleted 2.1.08 Mayors/Chairpersons Obtaining Legal Advice City Management - Public Relations 2.2.01 Public Statements 2.2.06 Use of City Brand & Logo 2.2.02 Residents Newsletter 2.2.07 Acknowledging Traditional Custodians 2.2.03 Customer Service Charter 2.2.08 Policy Deleted 2.2.04 Use of Council’s Official Documents, Brand & 2.2.09 Customer Complaints Logo by Elected Members 2.2.10 Request for Service 2.2.05 Council’s Corporate Seal 2.2.11 Social Media Policy City Management - Administrative Services 2.3.01 Port Augusta City Council – Appropriate 2.3.06 Application of Delegations to the Council Naming Development Assessment Panel (CDAP) 2.3.02 Crown Land under Council’s Care, Control & 2.3.07 Safe Environment – Minimising the risk to Management children and vulnerable people 2.3.03 Reporting of Hazards (Potential injury to 2.3.08 Model Guidelines for the Control of members of the public) Election Signs 2.3.04 Processing of Limited Liquor Licence 2.3.09 Commemorative Memorials on Local Applications Government Land 2.3.05 Application of Delegations City Management – Governance 2.4.01 Whistleblower Protection 2.4.04 Quality Policy 2.4.02 Risk Management Policy 2.4.05 Document Control 2.4.03 Environmental Policy City Management – General Inspectorate 2.5.01 Dog Management 2.5.09 Expiating Offences 2.5.02 Cat Management 2.5.10 Parking Expiation 2.5.03 Council Enforcement Policy 2.5.11 Removing a Vehicle under Section 237 2.5.04 Barking Dogs 2.5.12 Unclaimed Goods 2.5.05 Destruction & Control Orders 2.5.13 Wandering Dogs 2.5.06 Dog Attack & Harassment 2.5.14 Seizing & Impounding a Dog 2.5.07 Emergency Vehicle Removal 2.5.15 Review and Withdrawal of an Expiation Notice 2.5.08 Evidence Collection Corporate Services - Financial 2.6.01 Rate Rebates 2.6.07 Port Augusta Junior Sports Foundation Fund 2.6.02 Rating – Recoveries 2.6.08 Fraud & Corruption 2.6.03 Fees & Charges 2.6.09 Debt Collection 2.6.04 Bank Signatories 2.6.10 Council Funding Policy 2.6.05 Petty Cash 2.6.11 Treasury Management 2.6.06 Special Capital Reserve Fund 2.6.12 Budget Reporting and Amendment Corporate Services – Information Technology 2.7.01 Electronic Communications Management 2.7.03 Privacy Policy 2.7.02 Records Management 2.7.04 State Records Act 1997 (SA) and the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (SA) with the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) Corporate Services – Sport & Recreation 2.8.01 Unattended Children at Ryan Mitchell Swim 2.8.02 Council Oval Hire Centre Community Services – Aged Care/Health Focus 2.9.01 Admission & Discharge Nerrilda Nursing 2.9.03 Deleted Home and A.M. Ramsay Village 2.9.02 Admission & Discharge Health Focus 2.9.04 Entry to Poinsettia Village (Aged Cottage Homes)

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Corporate Services - Child Care/Special Needs 2.10.01 Admission to Childcare Centre 2.10.02 Admission to Miriam High Special Needs Centre Infrastructure & Environment – Parks & Gardens 2.11.01 Street Tree Policy 2.11.03 AALBG – Living Collections Policy 2.11.02 AALBG –Environmental Protection Infrastructure & Environment – Planning & Building 2.12.01 Pre-used Transportable Dwellings/Buildings – 2.12.04 Pre-used Transportable Land Management Agreement Dwellings/Buildings – Owners Obligations 2.12.02 Pre-used Transportable Dwellings/Buildings – 2.12.05 Objects on Public Footpaths Asbestos Removal 2.12.03 Pre-used Transportable Dwellings/Buildings – Development Application Requirements Infrastructure & Environment – Works 2.13.01 Common Effluent Drains 2.13.04 Plant, Machinery & Equipment – Use by Sporting & Community Bodies 2.13.02 Excavation & Reinstatement of Council 2.13.05 Rural Living Allotment – Connection to Roads, Footpaths or Properties Water Supply 2.13.03 Machinery Air-Conditioning Infrastructure & Environment – Environmental Health Services 2.14.01 Pigeon Keeping Infrastructure & Environment – General 2.15.01 Cemetery Management 2.15.02 Pontoon Management City & Cultural Services – Contracts & Events 2.16.01 Street Stalls 2.16.03 Community Grants 2.16.02 Events Bookings on Council Land City & Cultural Services - Library 2.17.01 Library Security 2.17.02 Unattended Children in Library City & Cultural Services – Wadlata & AALBG 2.18.01 Unattended Children at Wadlata & AALBG

4.6.3 WHS Policy Manual

Port Augusta City Council has the following Work, Health and Safety Policies and Procedures:

OHS & INJURY MANAGEMENT POLICY POLSF0001 OHS CONSULTATION AND POLSF0004 COMMUNICATION POLICY Workplace Injury Management Procedure PROSF0024 OHS Consultation, Communication Procedure PROSF0009

HAZARD MANAGEMENT POLICY POLSF0002 ADMINISTRATION OF OHS POLSF0003 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM POLICY Accident Incident Investigation and Reporting PROSF0004 Document Development Procedure PROSF0012 Procedure Document Control PROSF0011 Plant/Equipment Inspection Procedure PROSF0002 OHS Auditing Procedure PROSF0005 Hazard Management Procedure PROSF0008 Induction and Training Procedure PROSF0007 Workplace Inspection Procedure PROSF0003 Corrective Actions Procedure PROSF0001 Drug and Alcohol Procedure PROSF0028 Planning and Program Development Procedure PROSF0006 Hire/Lease of Plant and Equipment Procedure PROSF0030 Cash Taking/Robbery Activity Procedure PROSF0027 Purchasing of Plant and Equipment Procedure PROSF0036 Personal Protective Equipment Procedure PROSF0035 Safe Working Environment Procedure PROSF0037 Sun Protection Procedure PROSF0039 Smoking in the Workplace Procedure PROSF0043 Workers Compensation Video Surveillance PROSF0040 Procedure

HAZARDOUS WORK POLICY POLSF0008 WHS CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT POLICY POLSF0005 Confined Space Procedure PROSF0013 SELECTION, INDUCTION AND Isolation/Lockout Tag Out Procedure PROSF0019 MONITORING POLICY POLSF0006 Electrical Safety Procedure PROSF0014 Manual Handling Procedure PROSF0020 OHS Contractor Management Procedure PROSF0010 Working at Heights Procedure PROSF0021 Excavation and Trenching Procedure PROSF0016 Remote/Isolated Work Procedure PROSF0023 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT POLICY POLSF0007 Hazardous and Dangerous Substances PROSF0018 Procedure Emergency Management Procedure PROSF0015 Asbestos Procedure PROSF0025 First Aid Procedure PROSF0017 Eye Protection Procedure PROSF0029 Immunisation Clinic – Emergency Action PROSF0031 Inclement Weather/Heat Stress Procedure PROSF0032 Procedure Needle Stick/Sharps Procedure PROSF0033 Occupation Noise Control Procedure PROSF0034 Hot Work Procedure PROSF0042 Work Zone Traffic Management Procedure PROSF0044

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4.6.4 Management – Internal Controls

The following internal control policies/procedures are not publicly available as they specifically relate to staffing issues and emergency procedures. These include: Management – Internal Controls – Human Resource 3.1.01 Equal Employment Opportunity 3.1.08 Apprentices 3.1.02 Recruitment & Selection 3.1.09 Australian Reserve Forces 3.1.03 Staff Appointments (Interview) – Cost 3.1.10 Sexual Harassment Reimbursement 3.1.04 Probationary Appointment & Assessment 3.1.11 Employee Assistance Program 3.1.05 Employees – General Grievance Procedures 3.1.12 Workplace Bullying 3.1.06 Discipline/Termination of Employees 3.1.13 Long Service Leave 3.1.07 Council Volunteers 3.1.14 Involvement in Emergency Response Operations in Support of CFS, MFS and SES. Management – Internal Controls – Fire & Emergency Procedures 3.2.01 Emergency Facilities & Procedures 3.2.04 Fire Evacuation – Cultural Centre 3.2.02 Fire Evacuation – Civic Centre & Library 3.2.05 Fire Evacuation – Lea Memorial Theatre 3.2.03 Flooding – Customer Service Procedures Management – Internal Controls - Administration 3.3.01 Council Pool Vehicles – Caretaker’s 3.3.04 Use of Mobile Phones at Work (Personal Responsibilities Use) 3.3.02 Staff Gifts/Awards 3.3.05 Bank Signatories 3.3.03 Documents Received over Counter 3.3.06 Petty Cash

4.7 Freedom of Information Requests

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1991, members of the public, agencies, MPs and so on, have the right to request access to information held by Council. Access to information held by Council may involve the payment of search fees and other costs. Enquiries relating to Freedom of Information issues should be directed to:

Mrs Lee Heron, Director – City & Cultural Services; or Ms Melanie Jenkins, Executive Assistant Port Augusta City Council PO Box 1704 PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 Phone: (08) 8641 9100

4.7.1 FOI Activities for 2012/2013:

During the 2012/2013 financial year, Council received 3 Freedom of Information requests. One application requested information relating to names and addresses of businesses/business owners that own and operate cooling towers and was transferred to Council from the Department of Health. This request was determined and full release of the information provided. The other two applications were lodged by a member of the public seeking information relating to properties owned by the applicant. Both applications were subject to partial release of the information requested. An Internal Review was requested by the applicant in relation to the second application that resulted in a partial release determination and the City Manager completed the internal review with a varied determination.

4.7.2 Personal Affairs

A member of the public may gain access to Council documents to make amendments concerning their personal affairs by making a request under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (Section 31). A member of the public may then request a correction to any information about themselves that is incomplete, incorrect, misleading or out of date by completing a Freedom of Information Request Form, identifying such information that should be amended to bring their personal information up-to-date. No applications were received by Council in the reporting period regarding amendments to personal affairs.

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5.1 Rating Policy 2012/2013 5.2 Rate Rebates 5.3 Auditor Independence 5.4 National Competition Principles 5.5 Competitive Tendering Statement 5.6 Fraud and Corruption 5.7 Internal Review of Council Actions 5.8 Community Land Management Plans

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5.1 Rating Policy

1. STATUTORY POLICY/PROCEDURES/CODES OF PRACTICE 1.1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1999 Public Council or POLICY 1.1.10 Document? Administration PAGES 16 NUMBER Yes Council

SUBJECT:

RATING POLICY 2012/2013 COUNCIL ISSUE REVIEW DELETED AR12/14346 05/07/12 MEETING DATE DATE DATE

EXTERNAL LEGISLATION INTERNAL REFERENCES

Local Government Act 1999

RELATED POLICIES RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

Rebate of Rates Policy 2.6.01 Director – Corporate Services Rating – Recoveries Policy 2.6.02 Purchasing, Contracts & Tendering – 1.1.09

SECTION A

1.0 POLICY STATEMENT

1.1 The Rating Policy sets out the guidelines that the Port Augusta City Council adhere to when setting and collecting rates from its community.

1.2 The policy covers:

a) method used to value land b) adoption of valuations c) business impact statement d) differential general rates e) minimum rate

f) maximum rate and rate capping g) Natural Resource Management Levy h) service charges

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i) State Government funded pensioner, self funded retiree and other concessions j) Council funded concession k) payment of rates l) late payment of rates

m) remission and postponement of rates n) rebate of rates o) sale of land for non-payment of rates

1.3 STRATEGIC FOCUS

In setting its rates for the 2012/2013 Financial Year, the Council has given consideration to the following:-

1.3.1 The Strategic Plan 2008-2011

a) Commencing in July 2007, Council in consultation with the Community, undertook a review of its Strategic Plan, to ensure it continues to provide appropriate programs and services, as well as delivering major projects and infrastructure improvement.

b) The Strategic Plan is the major component of budget deliberations ensuring that Council’s identified goals and objectives are able to be fulfilled.

c) The current budget and those of recent years reflect the goals of the Strategic Plan to manage long term debt with the introduction of a 3–5 year Asset Replacement Reconstruction Program, and provide impetus for regional economic development.

d) The Strategic Plan maintains, as one of its major focuses a commitment to community safe and City image initiatives and planning for an ageing community.

e) Effective management and maintenance of the City’s unique natural and built environment is a major goal of the Strategic Plan.

1.3.2 Strong Leadership

The determination that strong leadership is required if it is to overcome many of the issues confronting the City. To this end Council has taken into consideration a number of external and internal influences as they will impact significantly on the cost of services delivered by Council – these include:

 Its current Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plans.  The Local Government Cost Index (CPI) of 3.6%.  Known wage outcomes of 4.0%.  Known decreases or minimal increases in some revenue source from the Federal & State Governments.  Known ‘one off’ influences that occur from time to time, for example the National Broadband Network Rollout  Its desire to address the issue of financial sustainability.  Issues relating to risk management and occupational heath, welfare & safety.  The generally stable 2012/2013 valuation.  The ongoing and increasing cost of the provision of a full recycling waste management and collection service.

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1.3.3 Budget Implications

a) The budget for the 2012/2013 financial year. (Refer attached Budget)

1.3.4 Impact of rates on community

a) The impact of rates on the community, including:

i) householders, businesses and primary producers;

ii) the broad principle that the rates collected from the different land use groups should rise equally and equitably each financial year. Where there is clearly a different level of services available to ratepayers or, some other circumstance which warrants variation from the broad principle, a differential rate will be applied (refer section on Differential General Rates);

iii) issues of equity arising from circumstances where ratepayers are not provided with the level of infrastructure or services of other areas;

iv) Service Charge for land connected to the CWWM Scheme providing effluent drainage to certain areas of the City;

v) a Kerbside Collection/Recycling Service Charge to cover the cost of the waste collection/disposal service; and,

the addition of this service charge to the occupied allotments within the Coastal Holiday Settlements of Commissariat Point, Blanche Harbor and Miranda.

vi) a Natural Resource Management Levy;

vii) recognition that pensioners and those home owners receiving low income concession benefits from either State or Federal Government need additional rate relief from Council where their annual general rate exceeds a certain level;

viii) the need to restrict the annual rate increase on owner/occupied residential premises by fixing a maximum increase in the general rate charged on rateable land that constitutes the principal place of residence of a ratepayer;

ix) the need to take into account the financial effects of rating decisions on future generations.

1.3.5 Rate Increases

a) The need to increase the general rate revenue for the 2012/2013 financial year by 5.9% to maintain existing services.

1.4 The Strategic Plan documents and the Council's budget are available for inspection at the Customer Service Counter of the Council Office, and the Public Library, 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta and via the internet at http://www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au.

1.5 The Council conducts public consultation on a broad range of issues relating to the future directions of the area. These meetings are always advertised in local papers, on television and on the Council web-site. Ratepayers and interested parties are welcome to attend. The Council also encourages feedback at anytime and such comments may be referred to Council through their website or by posting or emailed to:

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a) Greg Perkin City Manager Port Augusta City Council PO Box 1704 PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 OR

b) [email protected]

1.6 ANNUAL ADOPTION OF THE POLICY

1.6.1 Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1999 requires a Council to prepare and adopt each year an annual business plan which is required to set out the rate structure and policies for the financial year. The annual business plan (as adopted) must be available for inspection (without charge) or purchase (on payment of a fee fixed by the Council).

This policy is available for inspection at the Customer Service Counter of the Council Office, 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta SA 5700 or on Council’s website www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au

2.0 PURPOSE

2.1 To provide a clear understanding of the process for determining rates on an annual basis.

3.0 RESPONSIBILITY & REVIEW

3.1 Director – Corporate Services

3.2 Reviewed annually in June/July of each year.

SECTION B

4.0 PROCEDURE

4.1 METHOD USED TO VALUE LAND

4.1.1 The Council may adopt one of three valuation methodologies to value the land in its area. They are:

a) Capital Value – the value of the land and all of the improvements on the land;

b) Site Value - the value of the land and any improvements which permanently affect the amenity of use of the land, such as drainage works, but excluding the value of buildings and other improvements;

c) Annual Value – a valuation of the rental potential of the land.

4.1.2 The Council has decided to continue to use site value for the purpose of rating land within the council area.

4.1.3 Council must comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act as amended, which stipulates that Council can only levy the minimum rate to less than 35% of the rateable assessments of land. The distribution of land value varies from one locality to another and the requirements set out above mean that variations in rates levied can be significant.

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4.2 ADOPTION OF VALUATIONS

4.2.1 The Council is required to adopt the valuations made by the Valuer- General for the 2012/2013 financial year prior to declaration of rates.

4.2.2 If a ratepayer is dissatisfied with the valuation made by the Valuer-General then they may object to the Valuer-General in writing within 60 days of receiving the first notice of the valuation, explaining the basis for the objection - provided they have not

a) previously received a notice of this valuation under the Local Government Act, in which case the objection period is 60 days from the receipt of the first notice; or

b) previously had an objection to the valuation considered by the Valuer-General.

4.2.3 The address of the State Valuation Office is GPO Box 1354, ADELAIDE SA 5001, and the telephone number is 1300 653 345.

NOTE - The Council has no role in this process. It is also important to note that the lodgement of an objection does not change the due date for payment of rates.

4.3 BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT

4.3.1 The Council has considered the impact of rates on business and associated activity in the area. In considering the impact, Council assessed the following:

a) Council’s policy on ‘Rebates of Rates’ (2.6.01).

b) The support provided to the Far North Regional Development Authority, which in turn supports small business operations in the City and adjoining areas.

c) Council’s Purchasing, Contracts & Tendering policy (1.1.09), which provides preference for any supplier in the region where price and quality offered by two (2) or more suppliers are equal.

d) Council’s commitment to the continuing development of Port Augusta as a transport interchange and important regional service centre.

e) The equity of the distribution of the rate burden between classes of ratepayers based on land use and occupation.

f) Issues of equitability that over a number of years has been created as a result of wide and varied increases in land valuations across the City.

g) The provisions of the Local Government Act pertaining rebates.

4.4 DIFFERENTIAL GENERAL RATES

4.4.1 The Local Government Act provides for a Council to raise revenue for the broad purposes of the Council through a general rate which applies to all rateable land. In accordance with the Local Government Act 1999 the following practices apply:

a) All land within a council area, except for land specifically exempt (e.g. crown land, council occupied land and others as prescribed in the Local Government Act), is rateable.

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b) The Local Government Act provides for rates to be assessed against any piece or section of land subject to separate ownership or occupation and requires that the division of land for the purposes of establishing separate ownership and occupation be made fairly and in accordance with principles and practices that apply on a uniform basis across the area of the council.

c) When determining the basis for rating Council is required under the provisions of the Local Government Act to take into account the following principles:

i. that rates constitute a system of taxation for Local Government purposes;

ii. strategies to provide relief from rates where appropriate;

iii. take into account the financial effects of the decision on future generations.

d) Council has set differential general rates in the dollar to raise the necessary revenue by way of utilising the land use incorporated under the Local Government (General) Regulations, namely:

1 Residential 2 Commercial – Shop 3 Commercial – Office 4 Commercial – Other 5 Industry Light 6 Industry Other 7 Primary Production 8 Vacant Land 9 Other Use

e) The use to which the land is put may govern the differential rate. If a land owner is of the opinion that the land use attribution is incorrect, they may object. The objection must be in writing and lodged within 21 days of the date of the notice and addressed to –

The City Manager, Port Augusta City Council, PO Box 1704, PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700.

4.4.2 Where two residences exist on the one allotment and the residences are occupied by the occupiers children and/or their parent/s and additional or separate property services are not provided, Council will consider that the site is occupied by a single occupier being an extended family.

4.5. MINIMUM RATE

4.5.1 Council will impose a minimum amount payable by way of rates. Where two or more adjoining lands have the same owner, and are occupied by the same occupier only one minimum rate is payable by the ratepayer.

4.5.2 Where a Council imposes a minimum rate it must not apply to more than 35% of the total number of properties in the area subject to the separate assessment of rates.

4.5.3 The Council has decided to continue with a minimum rate the reasons being:

a) It is considered appropriate that all rateable land make a contribution to the cost of administering the Council’s activities and creating and maintaining the physical infrastructure that supports land.

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b) Minimum rates have been applied for many years and their continuation together with the rating impacts/trends that apply provide a consistent approach to rating levels

4.5.4 The minimum rate is not permitted to affect more than 35% of rateable assessments. In the 2012/2013 financial year the minimum rate was raised on 2348 assessments (e.g. 33.62%) and raised an additional $905,094.

4.6 MAXIMUM RATE & RATE CAPPING

4.6.1 Council has determined that a maximum rate be applied to:

a) assessments of urban and non-urban residential-use land (other than the Commissariat Point and Blanche Harbor Coastal Holiday Settlements) that constitute the principal place of residence of the principal ratepayer; and b) to assessments of single allotment vacant-use land less than .05ha in area within the residential zone.

In setting maximum rate levels, Council takes into account:

a) The very wide range of values applied to residential land in the municipality.

b) The unreasonable rate impost that would be applied to a number of assessments, without a maximum rate.

4.6.2 Council will also provide a rebate to limit the maximum increase in rates payable due to rapid increases in valuation. However, the ‘capping’ rebate shall not apply where:

a) residential use land does not constitute the principal place of residence of a principal ratepayer; or

b) vacant use land exceeds 0.05ha in area; or

c) any such increase is due in full or in part to the use of the land being different for rating purposes on the date the Council declared its general rates for 2011/2012 financial year than on the date Council declared its general rates for the 2012/2013 financial year; or

d) the ownership of the rateable property has changed since 1st July 2011; or

e) subdivision of the land has occurred since 1st July 2011.

4.7 SERVICE CHARGES

4.7.1 The Council provides a number of Community Waste Water Management Schemes for septic tank effluent disposal to in excess of 1340 assessments within the Council area. A service charge will apply to all allotments connected or capable of being connected to the CWWM Schemes installed in the Willsden, Augusta Park, Hospital Road, Zanuckville, Conwaytown, Transcontinental Estate and Stirling North Railway Siding areas.

4.7.2 In order to recover the cost to Council of establishing, operating and maintaining a waste collection/recycling service in its area, a service charge will apply to all households, businesses and occupancies that receive or are capable of receiving a kerbside waste collection and recycling service.

4.8 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LEVY

4.8.1 Councils are required to collect a Natural Resource Management (NRM) Levy on all rateable properties. Collection occurs on behalf of the Northern and Yorke Natural Resource Management Board which uses the funds to manage

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and protect the natural resources of the region – for specific information about how this levy is expended contact the NRM Information Line 1300 558 026.

4.8.2 The Minister for Environment and Conservation determines the share of contributions required by the Constituent Councils of the Northern and Yorke Natural Resource Management Board and gazettes those shares on an annual basis.

4.8.3 Contribution required to be raised by the Port Augusta City Council in the 2012/2013 financial year is $231,589.

4.9 STATE GOVERNMENT FUNDED PENSIONER, SELF FUNDED RETIREES AND OTHER CONCESSIONS

4.9.1 Eligible pensioner and self funded retirees are entitled to a concession on rates. Application forms, which include information on the concessions, are available from the Council’s Civic Centre at 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta SA 5700. They are also available from the SA Water Corporation, State Taxation Office and Department for Families and Communities offices.

An eligible pensioner or self funded retiree must hold a Pension Card, State Concession Card or be a T.P.I. Pensioner and must be resident on the land for which a concession is being claimed and be responsible for the payment of rates on the land for which they are claiming a concession.

4.9.2 Applications are administered by the State Government. Payment of rates should not be withheld pending decision on an application by the State Government as penalties will apply to unpaid rates. A refund will be paid when Council is advised of a concession entitlement and the rates have previously been paid.

4.9.3 Council will also provide a rebate to eligible pensioners and self funded retirees whose net rate levy after deduction of the State Government concession exceeds a maximum amount determined by the Council on an annual basis.

4.9.4 Department of Families & Communities may assist with the payment of Council rates on a principal place of residence (remissions are not available on vacant land or rental premises) to recipients of the following cards or income:

a) Holders of current Centrelink or Department of Veteran’ Affairs (DVA) pension cards, DVA Gold Card (TPI, EDA, WW) and State Concession Card.

b) Centrelink recipients and low income earners who meet Families SA low income thresh-hold-level

For further information please contact the nearest Families & Communities Office for details.

4.10 COUNCIL FUNDED CONCESSIONS

4.10.1 Council have resolved to provide an additional concession to eligible pensioners, self funded retirees and low income earners who meet Families SA low income threshold level whose net general rate levy after deduction of the applicable State Government funded concession exceeds an amount determined by the Council.

4.11 PAYMENT OF RATES

4.11.1 Rates levied for the year may be paid in four quarterly instalments, due and payable in the months of September, December, March and June of the financial year for which they are declared. Separate notices relating to

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each instalment (unless paid in full by the due date of first instalment) will be issued to land owners at least 30 days prior to the due date of each instalment.

4.11.2 However, payment of the total rates levied on a land for the 2012/2013 financial year by the due date of the first instalment will granted a discount equivalent to 5% of the total rates and service charges declared on the land.

4.11.3 Rates may be paid at the Civic Centre, 4 Mackay Street Port Augusta between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. EFTPOS facilities are available. Payments by post can be made to PO Box 1704 Port Augusta SA 5700.

4.11.4 Rates may also be paid by:-

• Internet www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au (select ‘Online Transactions’ from the Fast Find menu); • Telephone on 1300 303 201 (ANZ Bank bill pay, Council’s info pay number is 4321); • Post Office; • BPay (quote biller code 27961); • Centre Pay (if you receive a payment from Centrelink) • Direct Debit (by providing council with an authorisation to deduct regular payments of a fixed amount from your bank account)

4.11.5 Any ratepayer who may, or is likely to, experience difficulty with meeting the standard payment arrangements is invited to contact Phyllis Robinson, Manger of Rates & Property on 8641 9127 to discuss alternative payment arrangements. Such inquiries will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

4.11.6 The Council has adopted a policy that where the payment of rates will cause a ratepayer demonstrable hardship, the Council is prepared to make extended payment provisions or defer the payment of rates.

4.12 LATE PAYMENT OF RATES

4.12.1 The Local Government Act provides that Councils impose a penalty of 2% on an instalment that is not paid by the due date. Each month thereafter interest is added to the arrears of rates balance. The interest rate is set each year according to a formula in the Local Government Act.

The purpose of this penalty is –

a) to act as a genuine deterrent to ratepayers who might otherwise fail to pay their rates on time, b) to allow Councils to recover the administrative cost of following up unpaid rates, and, c) to cover any interest cost the Council may meet because it has not received the rates on time.

4.12.2 The Council allows a reasonable period after the due date to enable transfer of payments made through external payment agencies. Provided payment is made at external agencies by the due date late payment penalties will be remitted.

4.12.3 The Council is prepared to remit fines/penalties for late payment of rates for a limited range of circumstances such as financial hardship due to unemployment or sickness, sudden hospitalisation and similar situations. Written applications for remission of fines are to be forwarded to the Manager Rates & Property.

4.12.4 When rates are in arrears Council pursue legal recovery of rates on a quarterly basis.

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4.12.5 The Council first issues an overdue notice for payment of rates when rates are overdue i.e. unpaid by the due date. Should rates remain unpaid for more than 14 days after the issue of the overdue notice then the Council refers the debt to a debt collection agency for collection. The debt collection agency charges collection fees that are recoverable from the ratepayer.

4.12.6 Should a ratepayer fail to either pay overdue rate on the debt collection agency demand notice or establish a payment plan, the Council will commence legal action to recover the debt. Where legal action occurs, it is a requirement of Council that all costs associated with the debt recovery process be reimbursed by the principal ratepayer.

4.12.7 When the Council receives a payment in respect of rates the Council applies the money received as follows:

a) first – to satisfy any costs associated with debt collection processes;

b) second – to satisfy any interest costs;

c) third – in payment of any fines imposed;

d) fourth – in payment of rates, in chronological order (starting with the oldest account first).

4.13 REMISSION AND POSTPONEMENT OF RATES

4.13.1 Section 182 of the Local Government Act permits a Council, on the application of the ratepayer, to partially or wholly remit rates or to postpone rates, on the basis of hardship.

Where a ratepayer is suffering hardship in paying rates he/she is invited to contact the M a n a g e r Rates & Property on 8641 9127 to discuss the matter. Although arrangements for late payment of rates are negotiable, remission of rates in whole or in part is rarely approved due to the inequitable situation for the rest of the community.

Separate provisions in the Local Government Act pertain to the postponement of rates for Seniors.

4.14 REBATE OF RATES

4.14.1 The Local Government Act requires Councils to rebate rates payable on some land. Specific provisions are made for land used for health services, community services, religious purposes, public cemeteries, the Royal Zoological Society and educational institutions.

4.14.2 Discretionary rebates may be applied by the Council under Section 166 of the Act. Council currently provides discretionary rebates for a large number of sporting bodies and community organisations.

4.13.3 Council will consider o n m e r i t all applications for rebate rec e i v e d under Section 166 of the Act.

4.15 SALE OF LAND FOR NON-PAYMENT OF RATES

4.15.1 The Local Government Act provides that a Council may sell any land where the rates have been in arrears for three years or more. The Council is required to provide the principal ratepayer and the owner (if not the same person) and any registered mortgagee with details of the outstanding amounts, and advise them of its intention to sell the land if payment of the outstanding amount is not received within a given time.

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4.15.2 Except in extraordinary circumstances, the Council begins the sale of land for arrears of rates after 3 years. A copy of the Council policy is available from the M a n a g e r - Rates & Property, either telephone on 8641 9127, or by writing with letter addressed to addressed to Phyllis Robinson, Manager Rates & Property, Port Augusta City Council, PO Box 1704, Port Augusta SA 5700.

4.16 APPLICATION OF THE POLICY

4.16.1 Where a ratepayer believes that the Council has failed to properly apply this policy it should raise the matter with the Council. In the first instance contact the Manager for Rates & Property on 8641 9127 to discuss the matter. If, after this initial contact, a ratepayer is still dissatisfied they should write to the City Manager, Port Augusta City Council, PO Box 1704, Port Augusta SA 5700.

4.16.2 A rate cannot be challenged on the basis of non-compliance with this policy and must be paid in accordance with the required payment provisions.

5.0 STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Director – Corporate Services. 5.2 Rate Administrator.

6.0 AUDITS

6.1 Annual financial audit by Ian G. McDonald FCA.

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5.2 Rate Rebates

Section 166 of the Act provides that Council may grant a discretionary rebate of rates for specific purposes and in the 2012/2013 financial year, rate rebates totalling $335,065 were granted to a vast number of community and sporting organisations. Included in the rebates provided were remissions of rates of up to $300 to pensioners, self-funded retirees, Centrelink recipients and low-income earners who met the Families SA low-income threshold, when their general rate after deduction of the applicable State Government funded concession exceeded $1,040.

Additional rate rebates to ratepayers included:

5.2.1 Rebates totalling $497,980 were provided to ‘cap’ or limit the general rate increase on residential, commercial and industrial use land to an increase of 15% on the general rate paid in the previous financial year.

5.2.2 A 5% discount to those ratepayers who chose to pay their rates in full prior to the due date of the first instalment, which resulted in a total rate rebate of $344,486.

5.3 Auditor Independence

The Local Government Act 1999 provides that a Council must have an Auditor and the term of appointment shall not be for a period greater than 5 years. Council appointed Ian G McDonald FCA, Chartered Accountant, as Council’s Auditor for the period 2010/2011 to 2014/2015 at a set fee of $75,000 (ex GST) at its meeting held on 23 May 2011.

During the 2012/2013 financial year Council’s Auditor Ian G McDonald was paid $15,000.

5.4 National Competition Principles

5.4.1 The competitive neutrality reform program was a commitment under Clause 3 of the Competition Principles Agreement which provides ‘that the objective of competitive neutrality policy is the elimination of resource allocation distortions arising out of the public ownership of entities engaged in significant business activities: Government businesses should not enjoy any net competitive advantage simply as a result of their public sector ownership’. Under Clause 7 of the Agreement, states and territories committed to also apply this reform at local government level.

Council has no significant business undertaking as defined under Clause 7 Statement of the Competition Principles Agreement.

5.4.2 In giving consideration to Council’s by-laws, Council is satisfied that where competition may be restricted as a result of a permit being required under a by-law for certain Acts, activities, or events, the benefit to the community outweighs the cost and there is no alternative means open to Council to control these activities. No reviews of Council’s by-laws were undertaken during 2012/2013.

5.4.3 No complaints were received during the year alleging a breach of competitive neutrality principles by the Council.

5.5 Competitive Tendering Statement

Council has a Purchasing, Contracts and Tendering Policy 1.1.09 which provides the guidelines to be undertaken by staff when seeking the supply of services and goods from outside parties. During the 2012/2013 financial year, Council utilised a competitive tendering approach for the provision of the following goods and services: Tender Details Public or Selective AALBG Wastewater System Upgrade Selective Cleaning & Painting of Flinders Terrace Bridge Selective IT Notebooks & Desktop Computers Selective Managed Taxi Rank Selective Bitumen Concrete Works Selective ICT Hardware Selective Gladstone Square Playspace Shade Structure Public Carpenters Landing Launching Ramp Extension and Upgrade Public Central Oval Redevelopment Registration of Interest Category 1 Contractors Selective

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5.6 Fraud and Corruption

To reduce the risk of fraud and corruption within the organisation, Council has adopted a Fraud and Corruption Policy 2.6.08, Whistleblowers Protection Policy 2.4.01, has established an Audit Committee, undertakes independent audits throughout the financial year, reviews delegations of authority annually, and adheres to strict Purchasing, Contracts and Tendering processes in line with the provisions of Council’s Purchasing, Contracts and Tendering Policy 1.1.09. To improve the process of acquiring goods and services, Council is working towards introducing an internal Work Order system which will provide increased level of auditing of projects, allocation of resources and budget centres.

Elected Members and staff have had an opportunity to attend training sessions in regard to the new legislative provisions within the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2012. Elected Members have also been provided an opportunity to comment on the new draft Code of Conduct for Council Members which has been circulated throughout the reporting period.

5.7 Internal Review of Council Actions

Council is required to publish an annual statement in relation to the number of applications for review made in relation to decisions of the Council; employees of the Council; and other persons acting on behalf of the Council.

Other than an internal review resulting from a determination under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 as outlined within Clause 4.7 (Page 84) of the Information Statement of this report, no further applications were received seeking an internal review of Council actions.

5.8 Community Land Management Plans

The Community Land Management Plans were originally adopted by Council in November 2004 to provide a management tool and guidelines in relation to Council Land which is classified as ‘community land’. The Plans were subject to a review during 2010 and a further internal review will be conducted during 2013/2014.

Council, during the 2012/2013 financial year, resolved to revoke the following two parcels of land that were captured within the Community Land Management Plans:

1) Allotment 2 in DP12384 as described within Certificate of Title 5538/682 and was a vacant parcel of land on the corner of Parham Crescent and Old Power Station Road, Port Augusta.

2) Allotment 6 and 8 in Crown Record 5754/540, being the Town Hall and Old Fire Station, Commercial Road, Port Augusta.

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6.1 Tribute to Mayor Joy Baluch AM 6.2 Academic Achiever Award 6.3 Australia Day Awards 6.4 Rotary Christmas Pageant 6.5 Mayoral Christmas Party 6.6 Christmas Lighting Festival 6.7 Australian Citizenship Ceremonies 6.8 Annual ‘Staff Thank You’ Function

Swimmers

Visiting Yachties

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Community Acknowledgement

Port Augusta is a great place to live, work, play and visit and the community plays a major part in making Port Augusta a successful and prosperous City. Many individuals, as well as community groups, donate their valuable time, energy and skills to support community activities and events. Other individuals achieve personal goals and are acknowledged through special awards provided by Council.

Some of the special community events and ceremonies commending outstanding service and accomplishment during 2012/2013 are outlined as follows:

6.1 Tribute to Mayor Joy Baluch AM

The late Mayor Joy Baluch AM entered local government in 1970 as a Councillor and this marked the start of a long career in Local Government, spanning more than four decades. She served 29 of those years as Mayor and over the past two decades, led the many changes that has seen Port Augusta reinvent itself.

The building of new community infrastructure, tackling social issues and engaging the Aboriginal community have had the greatest impact, with the Mayor passionate about building a community that was inclusive and everyone was proud to live in.

Her strength, determination and passion for Port Augusta have been well documented but along with these qualities she proved to be a progressive thinker and supported changes that worked for her city, despite their broader popularity.

When Mayor Baluch was first elected, public drunkenness was prevalent and Port Augusta had a reputation of being a working man’s industrial town, with tourists neither wanting to, nor encouraged to stop.

She set about to create social change which has been so marked that Port Augusta has become a model for other towns looking to bring about similar changes.

And while Mayor Baluch fought the hard issues, she was also very compassionate and caring, and marked her greatest achievements in local government as changing attitudes to focus on creating a vibrant community and expanding Council’s involvement in social justice issues.

This has included lobbying for and instigating the establishment of a Women’s & Children’s Emergency Shelter, Child Care Centre, Homeless Persons Hostel, Aged Care Hostel, and the Remote & Isolated Children’s Exercise (RICE), which provides support, education and assistance for Outback families.

In the push for social change on a broad scale, she led the formation of the Social Vision Action Plan and rather than have it ‘sit on a shelf and collect dust’ she lobbied for the development of a specialist Council department to implement the changes, hence the commencement of the Social Vision Unit in the late 1990s.

Since then we have seen the development of the Sobering Up Centre and the Mobile Assistance Patrol, a City-Wide Dry Zone, the establishment of the Lakeview Accommodation Centre, City Safe Patrol, Port Augusta Youth Service (PAYS) patrols and the ‘Urban and Regional Strategy, A Port Augusta Initiative’ which came out of the Australian National University Dialogue Event and the Lew Owens Report.

After the down turn in the local economy due to the downsizing of the railways and power station work force in the early 1990’s, Mayor Baluch and then City Manager Ian McSporran lobbied for tourism to be another economic driver for Port Augusta and attracted funding for the establishment of the City’s two main tourist attractions, Wadlata Outback Centre and the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden.

And for Port Augusta to become the City Mayor Baluch was striving for, she realised the region, not just Port Augusta, needed to prosper and was a passionate advocate on the Provincial Cities Association and the Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group.

She never lost faith in her vision for Port Augusta, even when the odds have been stacked against it. None of the initiatives alone would have bought about the change Port Augusta has experienced, but combined and with the Mayor’s perseverance and vision, have led to a number of outcomes that have brought about great social and economic change in the City. This was often at great personal cost due to the criticism she at times drew, but the late Mayor stood strong and never waivered in her stance and for that Port Augusta can be forever grateful.

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6.2 Academic Achiever Award

Miss Georgia Holland from Caritas College was the winner of the Port Augusta City Council Academic Achiever Award for 2012 with an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank Score of 94.8.

Georgia advised that she hopes to receive entry into Medicine or Paramedics at Adelaide University. Georgia studied Maths Applications, Biology, Child Studies, Legal Studies and the compulsory Research Project in Year 12, receiving ‘A’ grades for three of these subjects.

Deputy Mayor Phil Greagen presented Georgia with a $500 cheque, a trophy and certificate to acknowledge her efforts and her name has also been included on the Academic Achiever Award Honour Board which is display in the Civic Centre. Georgia Holland and Deputy Mayor Phil Greagen 6.3 Australia Day Awards

L-R – Ethol Anderson representing Anderson Dancers Young Citizens of the Year, Molly Keneally Citizen of the Year and Bradley Amos representing Emergency Services Family Fun Day Event

On Saturday 26 January 2013, the Port Augusta community celebrated Australia Day in Gladstone Square with breakfast provided by local Service Clubs, Rotary, Lions, Apex and the State Emergency Services. Australia Day celebrations provide an opportunity to recognise individuals and groups within our City who have made special contributions to the community. Awards are presented to the Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year, and the nominees for each category and the recipients of the 2013 awards are as listed below.

6.3.1 Citizen of the Year

Nominees: Ethel Anderson, Molly Keneally, Leonie Insch and Melodie Watts Winner: Molly Keneally

6.3.2 Young Citizen of the Year

Nominees: No nominations were received for this Award.

It was however considered that the contribution to the development of young people in our community and entertainment of the community by the Anderson Dancers over the past 42 years should be recognised. The Anderson Dancers were awarded the Port Augusta Young Citizens of the Year Award.

6.3.3 Community Event of the Year Award

Nominees: Anderson Dancers ‘Santa Saves Christmas’ Pantomime, Biennial Conference of the Friends of Botanic Gardens of Australasia, Port Augusta Quilters Guild Inc Rural Roundup, South Augusta Football Club Centenary Celebrations, 2012 Emergency Services Family Fun Day. Winner: 2012 Emergency Services Family Fun Day.

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6.4 Rotary Christmas Pageant

Port Augusta City Council provided financial assistance and support in preparing the CBD for the Rotary Christmas Pageant which was held on 7 December 2012. The pageant is strongly supported by members of the community who come out to celebrate the festive season.

Best Floats were judged by the Rotary Club with certificates from Rotary and financial incentives from the Port Augusta City Council, being awarded to the following recipients for their float entries in the Pageant:

Best School Float - Augusta Park Childhood Services Best Recreation/Youth/Sport Float - Apex Best Private Business/Public Organisation Float - Cinema Augusta Best Float Overall - Australia Post Encouragement Award - Port Augusta Music Club

6.5 Mayoral Christmas Party

After the pageant, the community had the opportunity to enjoy an evening at the Port Augusta Mayoral Christmas Party. The Mayoral Christmas Party was held in Gladstone Square from 7.30pm to 10pm. Entertainment included free rides on the Trippa Ride, jumping castles, carousel and the Model Engineers miniature trains. There was live entertainment from Circus Elements and a local band ‘The Hooligans’. Food and drink stalls run by community organisations were available throughout the evening as well as a visit by Santa. Fireworks concluded the event.

6.6 Christmas Lighting Festival

Registrations for the Christmas Lighting festival officially opened on 1 November 2012 and closed on 1 December 2012 at 5pm. Each registration received a set of 10m coloured LED lights and a plant voucher from the Australia Arid Lands Botanic Garden AridSmart Nursery.

To promote and encourage participation in the Christmas Lighting Festival, a ‘Design a Picture’ for the Port Augusta City Council Christmas Calendar 2012 Poster competition was held with an excellent response. The quality of the pictures was so high a winner and a runner-up was awarded in each category. This year’s winners were awarded vouchers from Toy World:

Age 9-12 Age 4-8 Winner: Keely Age 11 Winner: Taeylah Age 6 Runner Up: Takari Age 11 Runner Up: Alfred Age 7 and Nathaniel Age 5

Council received a total of 107 nominations for the various Christmas Lighting festival categories. The winners for 2012 were: Best Residential Display Best Business

1) Leiuanna and Chris Rowe – Simmons Orana Inc Crescent, Port Augusta Tassie Street, PORT AUGUSTA 2) Michelle & Damien Hutcheon – Wastell Street, Stirling North

Not for Profit Organisation Best Boat

Anderson Dancers - Lea Theatre “Mystery” - Doug Wallace

Housing SA Best Street

1st Prize - Trevor Bell, Clontarf Street, Port Augusta Glyde Street, Port Augusta 2nd Prize - Judith Watkins, Domeyer Court, Port Augusta 3rd Prize - Keith Gardnar, Dempsey Court, Port Augusta

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6.7 Australian Citizenship Ceremonies

During the 2012/2013 year Council conducted 8 Australian Citizenship Ceremonies in which 9 males, 13 females and 8 dependent children became Australian citizens.

Each new Australian citizen is presented with a certificate and a small gift by the Council.

L-R: Gagandeep Singh, Greg Perkin – City Manager, Kin-On Lau and Hervinder Kaur

6.8 Annual ‘Staff Thank You’ Function

On an annual basis Council acknowledges the dedication and commitment of long term employees at a ‘Staff Thank You’ function. Staff and elected members with significant contribution of 10, 20, 30 and 40 years of service are recognised and presented with a gift to mark their achievement.

The following service awards were presented by the City Manager and Deputy Mayor at a dinner held at the West Augusta Football Club on 7 November 2012:

10 Year Service Awards Bianca Blaschek (Pool) Yantel Burns (Civic Centre) Lee-Anne Dalla Santa (Civic Centre) Marie Evans (Aged Care) Treena Grantham (Aged Care) Dannielle Rieck (Aged Care) Jimmy Martin (Parks) Irene Miller (Aged Care) Tung Pham (Civic Centre) Bernadette Venning (Aged Care) Pam Warren (Arid Lands) Cheree Keneally (Aged Care)

20 Year Service Awards

Jennifer Barnes (Aged Care) Veronica Broden (Aged Care) Heather Doble (Aged Care) Ann Grantham (Aged Care) Lyn Hedger (Aged Care) L-R: Yantel Burns, Tung Pham, Brenton Daw, Karen Gruenwald, Pam Warren, Debra McMahon (Aged Care) Deputy Mayor Phil Greagen, Lyn Hedger, Cheree Keneally, Greg Perkin – City Manager Karen Gruenwald (Library) Barbara Trevisan (Aged Care)

115 In memory of

CITY COUNCIL

Civic Centre 4 Mackay Street (PO Box 1704) PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700

Telephone: (08) 86419100 Facsimile: (08) 86410357

Email: [email protected] Website: www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/PortAugustaCityCouncil

Prepared by Lee Heron Mayor Joy Baluch AM Director – City & Cultural Services

Printing & cover design by Worldwide Printing Solutions Flinders Street Adelaide Telephone: (08) 82328222

Thank you to: Melanie Jenkins and Cynthia Collins for proof reading the Annual Report In memory of CITY COUNCIL Mayor Joy Baluch AM

ANNUAL REPORT 2012 / 2013