LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2011-2012 KHMER If you do not understand this report, please ring the Telephone Interpreter Service (131 450) and ebIelakG~kminyl'BIGtƒn&y…kar®btibt†ienHeT sUm ask them to contact Council (1300 362 170). Office 131 450 hours are 8.30 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. TUrs&BÊeTAesvabkE®bPasatamTUrs&BÊ (elx ) ehIyes~IsMu[eKTak'Tgsala®kug (elx 1300 362 170). ARABIC eBlem"ageF√IkarKWem"ag • kn¬H®Bwkdl'em"ag ∞ l©ac BI´f©c&nÊdl'´f©su®k W�b�Ð ‰UBðô« ¡Ułd�« ¨ VKD�« «c¼ rN� lD²�ð r� «–≈ MACEDONIAN «uKB²¹ Ê√ rN�QÝ«Ë 131 450 r�— vKŽ WOHðUN�« WLłd²�« w¼ qLF�« UŽUÝ Â«Ëœ Æ 1300 362 170 r�— vKŽ W¹bK³�UÐ ¿ÍÓ Ì „Ó ‡Á·Ë‡Ú ӂ‡ ÔËÒÏÓ/‡ÔÎË͇ˆËº‡, ‚ 5.00 8.30 ÏÓÎËÏ ‰‡ Ò º‡‚ËÚ ‚Ó “ÂÎÂÙÓÌÒ͇ڇ Ô‚‰ۂ‡˜Í‡ 5MŁô« s� dNE�« bFÐ v�≈ UΊU³� WŽU��« s� ÒÎÛÊ·‡ ̇ 131 450 Ë Á‡ÏÓÎÂÚ „Ë ‰‡ ÒÚ‡Ô‡Ú ‚Ó ÆWFL'« v�≈ ÍÓÌÚ‡ÍÚ ÒÓ ŒÔ¯ÚË̇ڇ ̇ 1300 362 170. –‡·ÓÚÌÓÚÓ CHINESE ‚ÂÏ  Ӊ 8.30 ˜‡ÒÓÚ Ì‡ÛÚÓ ‰Ó 5.00 ˜‡ÒÓÚ ÔÓÔ·‰Ì Ӊ ÔÓ̉ÂÎÌËÍ ‰Ó ÔÂÚÓÍ. � !"#$ L � ! "#$%� !" � !(131 450)� !"#$%&E� !" MALTESE 1300 362 170)� !"#$%&'()*'(+& Jekk ma tifhimx din l-ittra/applikazzjoni, jekk jog±ıbok � !"#$%& '!( Âempel lis-Servizz taí l-Interpretu bit-Telefon (131 450) u itlobhom jikkuntattjaw il-Kunsill (1300 362 170). CROATIAN Il-±inijiet taí l-UffiÂÂju huma mit-8.30a.m. sal-5.00p.m., Ako ne razumijete ovo pismo/aplikaciju, molimo mit-Tnejn sal-’img±a. nazovite Službu prevodilaca i tumača (Translating and Interpreting Service - na broj 131 450) i zamolite ih da POLISH nazovu Općinu (na 1300 362 170). Radno vrijeme je od JeÊli nie rozumiesz treÊci niniejszego pisma/podania, 8.30 ujutro do 5.00 popodne, od ponedjeljka do petka. zadzwoƒ do Telefonicznego Biura T∏umaczy (Telephone Interpreter Service) pod numer 131 450 I poproÊ o GERMAN telefoniczne skontaktowanie si´ z Radà Miejskà pod numerem 1300 362 170. Godziny urz´dowania: Wenn Sie diesen Brief/Antrag nicht verstehen können, 08.30-17.00 od poniedzia∏ku do piàtku. rufen Sie bitte den Telefon Dolmetscher Dienst (Telephone Interpreter Service) (131 450) an und SERBIAN lassen Sie sich vom Personal mit dem Gemeinderat (Council) in Verbindung setzen (1300 362 170). ¿ÍÓ Ì ‡ÁÛÏÂÚÂ Ó‚Ó ÔËÒÏÓ/‡ÔÎË͇ˆËºÛ, ÏÓÎËÏÓ Geschäftsstunden sind von 8:30 bis 17:00 Uhr, ‚‡Ò ‰‡ ̇ÁÓ‚ÂÚ “ÂÎÂÙÓÌÒÍÛ Ô‚ӉË·˜ÍÛ ÒÎÛÊ·Û montags bis freitags. (131 450) Ë Á‡ÏÓÎËÚ Ëı ‰‡ ÍÓÌÚ‡ÍÚˇºÛ ŒÔ¯ÚËÌÛ (1300 362 170). –‡‰ÌÓ ‚ÂÏ ºÂ Ó‰ 8.30 ÛºÛÚÓ ‰Ó GREEK 5.00 ÔÓÔÓ‰ÌÂ, Ó‰ ÔÓ̉Âö͇ ‰Ó ÔÂÚ͇. AÓ ‰ÂÓ Î·Ù·Ï·‚·›ÓÂÙ ·˘Ù‹ ÙËÓ ÂÈÛÙÔÏ‹/·›ÙËÛË, SPANISH Û·˜ ·Ú·Î·Ïԇ̠ӷ ÙËÏÂʈӋÛÂÙ ÛÙËÓ TËÏÂʈÓÈ΋ ÀËÚÂÛ›· ¢ÈÂÚÌËÓ¤ˆÓ (131 450) Î·È Ó· Si Ud. no entiende esta carta/solicitud, por favor ÙÔ˘˜ ˙ËÙ‹ÛÂÙ ӷ ÂÈÎÔÈÓˆÓ‹ÛÔ˘Ó Ì ÙÔ ¢ËÌÔÙÈÎfi llame al Servicio Telefónico de Intérpretes (131 450) ™˘Ì‚Ô‡ÏÈÔ (1300 362 170). T· ÁÚ·Ê›· ÙÔ˘ Â›Ó·È y pídales que llamen a la Municipalidad (Council) al ·ÓÔȯٿ ·fi ÙȘ 8.30.Ì. ̤¯ÚÈ ÙȘ 5.00Ì.Ì. ·fi 1300 362 170. Las horas de oficina son de 8:30 am ¢Â˘Ù¤Ú· ̤¯ÚÈ Î·È ¶·Ú·Û΢‹. a 5:00 pm, de lunes a viernes.
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ITALIAN VIETNAMESE Se non comprendi questa lettera/questo modulo di Nâu khÙng hiãu th‹/«÷n n‡y, xin Quö VŒ gÜi cho domanda, telefona al Servizio traduzioni e interpreti al Telephone Interpreter Service (DŒch V¯ ThÙng DŒch numero 131 450 chiedendo di essere messo in Qua Òiån ThoÂi), s” 131 450, v‡ nh© hÜ liÍn lÂc vßi contatto con il Comune (telefono 1300 362 170). Council (H∂i Ò“ng), s” 1300 362 170. Gi© l‡m viåc l‡ Orario d’ufficio: ore 8.30 -17.00, dal lunedi al venerdi. 8 gi© 30 s·ng «ân 5 gi© 00 chiäu, ThŸ Hai «ân ThŸ S·u. contents Preface
Purpose of this Annual Report...... 5 Council’s vision, mission and values...... 6 Message from the Mayor...... 7 Message from the General Manager...... 8
Part 1 – Overview of Liverpool City Council
Liverpool City...... 10 Elected Council...... 11 Council meetings ...... 14 Council committees ...... 14 Organisational structure ...... 17 Access to Council information ...... 18 Commitment to ethical conduct ...... 18 Code of conduct ...... 18 Conflicts of interest ...... 18 Ethics and Audit Committee ...... 18 Fraud and corruption prevention ...... 18 Community Engagement ...... 19 Community forums ...... 19 Community donations and sponsorship ...... 20 Council’s financial summary ...... 21 Risk management ...... 25 Managing Council assets ...... 26 Asset management planning ...... 27 Roads and transport ...... 28 Drainage ...... 30 Parks and recreation ...... 32 Buildings ...... 33 Condition of Assets ...... 34 Stormwater management service charge ...... 36 Works funded by a special rate variation ...... 37 State of the Environment Report ...... 39 Environment levy works ...... 40 contents Part 2 – Delivery Program 2011-2015 Achievements
Planning for the future...... 44 Community Strategic Plan...... 45 Delivery Program 2011-2015 and Operational Plan 2011-2012...... 46 Resourcing Strategy...... 46 Reporting on progress...... 46 Council’s achievements in implementing the Delivery Program during 2011-2012...... 47 Objective 1: Liverpool is the vibrant regional centre for South-West Sydney...... 47 Objective 2: Neighbourhoods and villages are well designed, safe and clean..... 50 Objective 3: Urban development is consistent with sustainability principles...... 53 Objective 4: Liverpool is a socially inclusive and healthy community...... 56 Objective 5: Council and the community work together to support environmental sustainability ...... 59 Objective 6: The culture and diversity of Liverpool is recognised and valued...... 62 Objective 7: There is an efficient and highly connected transport system...... 64 Objective 8: Urban infrastructure meets the needs of a growing community...... 66 Objective 9: There is access to comprehensive education and training...... 68 Objective 10: Liverpool has a range of business and employment opportunities..... 70 Objective 11: Decision-making processes are transparent and the community has opportunities to be involved...... 72 Objective 12: The community is supported by a well-managed and responsive Council...... 75
Part 3 - Statutory reporting requirements
Overseas visits by Councillors and Council staff...... 81 Mayoral and Councillor fees, expenses and facilities...... 81 Contracts awarded by Council...... 82 Amounts incurred in relation to legal proceedings...... 83 Private works and financial assistance...... 84 Planning agreements in force...... 84 External bodies, corporations and partnerships...... 85 Senior staff remuneration...... 86 Equal employment opportunity management plan...... 86 Companion animal management...... 87 Work, health and safety...... 87
Part 4 - State of the Environment Report 2012 (Available as a separate document)
Part 5 - Community Strategic Plan “Growing Liverpool 2021”: End of Term Report 2012 (Available as a separate document)
Part 6 - Audited Financial Statements and Notes to the Accounts (Available as a separate document) PART 1 / Introduction 5
Preface
Purpose of this Annual Report
This Annual Report documents Liverpool City Council’s performance over the 2011-2012 financial year in relation to planned activities detailed in the 2011-2015 Delivery Program.
The Annual Report comprises six parts as follows:
- Part 1 is an overview of Liverpool City Council and its governance. - Part 2 provides details of Council’s performance against the Delivery Program. - Part 3 provides additional reporting information required by legislation. - Part 4 is Council’s State of the Environment Report. - Part 5 is an End of Term progress report on the 10 year Community Strategic Plan “Growing Liverpool 2021”. - Part 6 contains Council’s audited financial statements.
The first three parts are published in one volume. Parts four, five and six are published individually. All are available from Council’s Administration Centre on Level 2, 33 Moore Street, Liverpool or Council’s website at www. liverpool.nsw.gov.au.
This 2011-2012 Annual Report is prepared in accordance with section 428 Local Government Act 1993 and the Division of Local Government Integrated Planning Guidelines.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 6 Our Vision, Mission and Values
Council’s vision, mission and values
Council’s vision for Liverpool
Liverpool, a vibrant historical regional city of growth, prosperity and diversity. Council’s mission
• Guide the City into the next Century. • Provide purposeful and visionary leadership whilst being consultative, responsive and accessible. • Decide on resources required for sustainable growth and community expectations for the future of Liverpool. • Protect the City’s reputation and align it with the perceptions of its residents. Council’s values
At Liverpool City Council we:
Value staff by working to enable the recognition of staff performance, encouraging and supporting career development and providing continuous learning. We also recruit competent staff willing to adhere to our values while pro-actively retaining good staff.
Work together by contributing towards the team goals of the unit as identified in the work plans and assisting other team members through cooperative work ethics. We also actively help other units and staff across the organisation.
Respect people by encouraging an honest, courteous, ethical, fair and equitable workplace. Understanding cultural diversity issues and valuing the views of other people is also an important component.
Communicate effectively by providing open, accessible and honest communication with all stakeholders. We also ensure all stakeholders have necessary information at their disposal.
Show leadership at all levels by being pro-active in our approach in providing excellent levels of internal and external customer service, leading by example and showing initiative and innovation.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT Mayor’s Message 7
Message from the Mayor
This year has seen positive progress towards the objectives of our Community Strategic Plan. We have worked with various government agencies and other organisations to promote the best interests of this community for improved support services, infrastructure development, transport and housing.
The multicultural nature of the City continues to be one of Council received federal government funding assistance our strengths, and we show that many different cultures under the “Healthy Communities Initiative” to deliver a can successfully make one community. We are also a variety of health and well-being programs that target the family-oriented community. What unites every parent is most disadvantaged residents of Liverpool. Programs include the willingness to work hard for our families and children. cycling and walking groups, healthy food preparation classes As families struggle with the financial burdens of raising and the installation of an outdoor fitness gym. their children and strive to provide the best, so too Council struggles to apply its limited finances to a myriad of services We are continually striving to improve environmental and assets that need attention. management of creeks and riparian zones. During the year Council completed protection and rehabilitation works at Census data released this year shows that our community various sites. These works have improved habitats for wildlife, has grown around two per cent over the past five years. The water quality and the amenity of the area. challenge for Local Government is to provide and maintain services and infrastructure for a growing community while During the year Council implemented a new Parking managing funding restrictions including rate pegging and Strategy for the City Centre including introduction of parking recently introduced limits to infrastructure contributions. meters and provision of additional free parking facilities at Collimore Park with a free shuttle bus for the community. We need to work closely with our business community for The availability of parking in the city centre is showing some sustainable employment in our area to reduce the number of improvement, and Council is exploring further opportunities people leaving the local government area to work elsewhere. for improved city centre parking. Council created a new economic development portfolio to progress opportunities for the Liverpool local government Over the next year Council will review the Community area and facilitated a City Centre Community Advisory Strategic Plan “Growing Liverpool 2021” and will be inviting Committee for the advancement of a regional city. community input on priorities and objectives for the next 10 year Plan. Council supported the local community and clubs through the Community Development Support Expenditure Scheme by I am pleased to work for our community to progress the providing funding for local community initiatives and projects. Liverpool local government area and take this opportunity to commend Council staff for the work they have done in Council also worked in partnership with local community advancing our community goals. organisations to provide facilities such as a new skate park at Powell Park and to deliver various events across our local government area.
We continued to seek funding to enable Council to deliver special projects. Council successfully achieved State Wendy Waller Government funding assistance under the River Cities Bike Mayor Program to complete six kilometres of shared paths across Liverpool.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 8 General Manager’s Message Message from the General Manager
Over the past year excellent progress has been achieved in a number of programs and projects across all areas of Council.
Council created a new portfolio for economic development During 2011-2012 Council expended close to $6 million in and successfully achieved a number of initiatives during the maintaining, preserving and restoring parks and recreational year. facilities including leisure centres, community and child care centres, car parks, parks and reserves. Liverpool’s playgrounds A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Council and were upgraded during the year at a total cost of $639,000. TAFE NSW (South Western Sydney Institute) with the aim of progressing initiatives including skill development, education During the year more than $2 million was spent on and training. Support for small business was provided in preserving, restoring and enhancing drainage infrastructure. partnership with the Australian Taxation Office through The works were funded from Council’s Stormwater seminars to facilitate small and medium business retention Management Charge, a program which aims to improve and growth. hydraulic capacity and provide structural enhancement of the piped drainage system. During the year a funding agreement was signed with the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Council was successful in securing a State Government grant Relations to engage an employment officer to facilitate of $1.5 million under the NSW Government’s Floodplain creating employment opportunities for priority groups such as Management Program for City Centre trunk drainage works the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and youth. to provide flood relief to the central parts of the city centre. The project is estimated to cost close to $2 million and is Council confirmed a partnership with Western Sydney scheduled for completion in 2012-2013. Business Connection to facilitate marketing, branding and business exposure, investment attraction, economic growth Council also implemented a program of erosion protection and improved employment prospects. and creek bank stabilisation works to protect and enhance existing assets and to improve the quality of water within our Council welcomed the National Broadband Network for waterways. increased global connectivity and business innovation. The Integrated Planning Framework has been implemented A Chinese Government delegation from the vocational including progress reports on achievements. In June this education and training sector visited Liverpool which will year Council adopted its next four year Delivery Program and provide benefits to our community such as fostering global Annual Operational Plan. economic ties, marketing and investment opportunities with the Asian and global economies. I am pleased to present this Annual Report and would like to congratulate Councillors, staff and community volunteers for Events and activities held throughout the year were well their dedication and effort towards meeting the challenges of attended by the community. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre delivering Council projects and services throughout the year. hosted an extensive program of cultural, heritage and educational events attracting over 52,000 visitors to the centre. Major exhibitions such as “Niu Warrior”, “Panorama” and “No Added Sugar” attracted national and international recognition.
Council completed substantial works during 2011-2012. Farooq Portelli JP Over $11.5 million was expended on preserving, restoring General Manager and enhancing road and transport related assets. This has facilitated the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some of the major roads within the network such as Governor Macquarie Drive, Bernera Road and North Liverpool Road.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1: Overview of Liverpool City Council
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 10 PART 1 / Liverpool City Liverpool City
The Liverpool City Council area is one of the largest local government areas in metropolitan Sydney, covering 305 square kilometres and 42 suburbs. In 2011-2012 the population of Liverpool was over 180,000 people with a wide diversity of multicultural groups.
The State Government has identified Liverpool City as one of three regional cities in metropolitan Sydney. Council is actively facilitating the on-going development of Liverpool as a regional city through various initiatives including the establishment of an Economic Development portfolio and a City Centre Community Advisory Committee.
As the regional centre of South West Sydney, Liverpool is ideally positioned geographically as the gateway to Sydney, and is at the crossroads for travel to Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide. The cornerstone of Council’s development strategy is to stimulate economic activity and advance social cohesion by enhancing community opportunities and quality of life through a vibrant business climate and investment attraction policies that create and retain business and employment.
The area has recently undergone significant regional infrastructure upgrades with the launch of the largest hospital in the southern hemisphere, high-end retail facilities including a large shopping mall, schools and tertiary education facilities (including TAFE and a teaching hospital). Growth in the health and education precinct provides an excellent opportunity for future cluster growth and investment attraction.
View over Georges River Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Elected Council 11
Mayor Wendy Waller and Councillors Elected Council Liverpool City Council has 11 elected members of Council comprising 10 Councillors and a Mayor that is elected by popular vote. The local government area has two wards – North and South – with five Councillors representing each ward.
The elected Council represents the community at Council meetings and as Council delegates on internal and external committees and boards.
The following summary provides details of Liverpool City wards, the elected Council and committee representation for 2011-2012.
The North and South Wards of the Liverpool local government area
CECIL WALLACIA LUDDENHAM HILLS BADGERYS CREEK KEMPS CECIL
CREEK PARK GREEN VALLEY HECKENBERG MOUNT PRITCHARD MIDDLETON BUSBY WARWICK GRANGE ASHCROFT FARM HINCHINBROOK CHIPPING SADLEIR MILLER LIVERPOOL NORTON BRINGELLY CARTWRIGHT GREENDALE ROSSMORE AUSTRAL WEST HOXTON HOXTON PARK LURNEA MOOREBANK
HORNINGSEA PRESTONS PARK HAMMONDVILLE CASULA WATTLE LEPPINGTON GROVE VOYAGER EDMONDSON POINT PARK DENHAM PLEASURE COURT INGLEBURN POINT
HOLSWORTHY
View over Georges River Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 12 PART 1 / Elected Council
Representative Member on Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board CBD Committee Environment Advisory Committee MAYOR Wendy Waller Liverpool Access Committee Liverpool Youth Council Order of Liverpool Advisory Committee Strategic and Financial Planning Committee Street Naming Committee
North Ward
Representative Member on CBD Committee Councillor Mazhar Hadid Liverpool Sports Committee Macarthur / Liverpool Regional Advisory Committee Order of Liverpool Advisory Committee
Representative Member on Aboriginal Consultative Committee CBD Committee Environment Advisory Committee Councillor Peter Harle Ethics and Audit Committee Floodplain Management Association Board Floodplain Management Committee Georges River Combined Councils Committee Joint Regional Planning Panel (Alternate Member)
Representative Member on Strategic and Financial Planning Committee Councillor Ali Karnib Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre Management Committee (Alternate)
Representative Member on Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board CBD Committee Community and Recreation Panel Environment Advisory Committee Councillor Gary Lucas Floodplain Management Association Board Floodplain Management Committee Georges River Combined Councils Committee Heritage Advisory Committee Strategic and Financial Planning Committee Westpool – Risk Management Committee – Board
Representative Member on CBD Committee Councillor Anne Stanley South West Sydney Academy of Sport Strategic and Financial Planning Committee
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Elected Council 13
south Ward
Representative Member on Councillor Ghulam Gillani Strategic and Financial Planning Committee
Representative Member on Councillor Tony Hadchiti Joint Regional Planning Panel WSROC
Representative Member on Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre Management Councillor Ned Mannoun Committee Liverpool Traffic Committee Liverpool Youth Council
Representative Member on Councillor Jim McGoldrick Ethics and Audit Committee RFS Macarthur Zone Liaison Committee
Representative Member on Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board Community and Recreation Panel Councillor Nadia Napoletano Ethics and Audit Committee Joint Regional Planning Panel Order of Liverpool Advisory Committee WSROC
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 14 PART 1/ Council Meetings
Liverpool City Council Chambers Council meetings Council committees Councils are required to meet at least 10 times each year, Council has established a number of advisory committees each time in a different month. Liverpool City Council that provide advice to Council on a range of community meets monthly, on dates set by Council resolution and matters. These committees are made up of community advertised in advance in the Liverpool Leader and South representatives, Council staff and at least one Councillor West Advertiser local papers and on Council’s website. and meet on a regular basis in keeping with guidelines Council meetings are open to all members of the public. endorsed by Council. Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, some sections of a meeting may be closed to discuss The following community advisory committees were in matters such as legal proceedings and commercial in operation during the year: confidence issues. • Aboriginal Consultative Committee All Council meeting agendas, reports and decisions • Casula Powerhouse Board of Management recorded in the minutes are available to the public at Level • CBD Committee 2, 33 Moore Street, Liverpool or Liverpool City Library, 170 • Community and Recreation Panel George Street, Liverpool or via our website www.liverpool. • Environment Advisory Committee nsw.gov.au. • Ethics and Audit Committee • Floodplain Management Committee Twelve Council meetings and 14 briefing sessions for • Heritage Advisory Committee Councillors were held during the year with Councillor • Liverpool Access Committee attendances summarised in the following table: • Liverpool Sports Committee • Liverpool Youth Council ORDINARY BRIEFING • Street Naming Committee COUNCIL COUNCILLOR SESSIONS • Liverpool Traffic Committee MEETINGS ATTENDED • Order of Liverpool Advisory Committee ATTENDED Mayor Wendy Waller 11 0 Clr Ali Karnib 12 0 Clr Anne Stanley 12 5 Clr Ghulam Gillani 11 1 Clr Jim McGoldrick 9 6 Clr Gary Lucas 11 10 Clr Peter Harle 12 13 Clr Nadia Napoletano 11 11 Clr Ned Mannoun 11 7 Clr Mazhar Hadid 12 14 Clr Tony Hadchiti 12 14
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1/ Council Committees 15
Councillor attendances at community advisory committee meetings is summarised in the following table:
MEETINGS COMMITTEE NAME ELECTED MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE MEETINGS HELD ATTENDED Aboriginal Consultative Committee Clr Peter Harle 9 9 Mayor Wendy Waller 4 4 Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Board Clr Nadia Napoletano 1 4 Clr Gary Lucas 2 4 Mayor Wendy Waller 4 5 Clr Peter Harle 5 5 Clr Anne Stanley 3 5 CBD Committee Clr Jim McGoldrick 0 5 Clr Gary Lucas 5 5 Clr Mazhar Hadid 3 5 Clr Nadia Napoletano 2 6 Community and Recreation Panel Clr Gary Lucas 3 6 Mayor Wendy Waller 3 4 Environment Advisory Committee Clr Peter Harle 3 4 Clr Gary Lucas 2 4 Clr Nadia Napoletano 2 2 Clr Jim McGoldrick 1 2 Clr Peter Harle 2 2 Ethics and Audit Committee Pre 28 September 2011: Clr Jim McGoldrick 1 1 Clr Tony Hadchiti 0 1 Clr Ned Mannoun 0 1 Clr Gary Lucas 1 1 Floodplain Management Committee Clr Peter Harle 1 1 Heritage Advisory Committee Clr Gary Lucas 5 6 Liverpool Access Committee Mayor Wendy Waller 6 8 Clr Mazhar Hadid 4 6 Liverpool Sports Committee Clr Stanley 3 6 Liverpool Traffic Committee Clr Ned Mannoun 6 9 Mayor Wendy Waller 7 10 Clr Ned Mannoun 0 10 Liverpool Youth Council Pre 28 September 2011: Clr Nadia Napoletano 0 10 Mayor Wendy Waller 0 0 Clr Mazhar Hadid 0 0 Clr Nadia Napoletano 0 0 Pre 28 September 2011: Order of Liverpool Advisory Committee Mayor Wendy Waller 1 1 Clr Ned Mannoun 1 1 Clr Gary Lucas 1 1 Clr Tony Hadchiti 1 1 Mayor Wendy Waller 2 2 Clr Anne Stanley 1 2 Strategic Financial Planning Committee Clr Gary Lucas 1 2 Clr Ali Karnib 1 2 Clr Ghulan Gillani 2 2 Street Naming Committee Mayor Wendy Waller 5 5
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 16 PART 1/ Council Committees
Council staff and Councillors were also involved in a number of external committees that meet regularly to deal with a range of issues that impact on our local government area. External committees in 2011-2012 with Liverpool City Council representatives included the following:
EXTERNAL COMMITTEE / AFFILIATED COUNCIL BODIES REPRESENTATIVE Floodplain Management Authorities Clrs Lucas and Harle Georges River Combined Councils Clrs Lucas and Harle Committee Clrs Napoletano and Joint Regional Planning Panel Hadchiti Clr Harle (Alternate) Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre Clr Mannoun Management Committee Clr Karnib (Alternate) Macarthur/Liverpool Regional Clr Hadid Advisory Council Macarthur Bushfire Management General Manager or his Committee delegate RFS – Macarthur Zone Liaison Clr McGoldrick Committee The South West Sydney Academy of Clr Stanley Sport Westpool Clr Lucas Western Sydney Regional Clrs Hadchiti and Organisation of Councils Napoletano
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT Bigge Park, Liverpool PART 1 / Organisational Structure 17 Organisational structure The General Manager is the Chief Executive Officer of the Council and is responsible for the operation of the Council’s organisation and for implementing decisions of the elected Council and its policies as well as the day-to-day management of the organisation.
The structure under which Council operated during the year is outlined below.
Elected Council
Farooq Portelli General Manager
Public Relations Internal Audit Council and Executive and Events Support
David Tuxford Milan Marecic Vacant Julie Hately Director Director Director Director City Services City Planning City assets corporate services
Libraries and Museum StraTEgic Civil Construction and Financial Services Planning Assets Management
Recreation, CBD and Statutory Buildings and Open Space Customer Cleansing Services Planning Construction Services
Enforcement and Building Civil Maintenance and Workforce Parking & Health Depot Management Management
Community Sustainable Technical Property Services Environment Services Services
Casula Powerhouse Economic Traffic and Governance and Arts Centre Development Transport Legal Services
Information and Technology Our staff At the end of June 2012 Council employed a total of 687 staff comprising 554 full-time, 91 part-time and 42 temporary staff. During 2011-2012 Council experienced a turnover rate of 9.61 per cent which is a decrease from 11 per cent last year.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 18 PART 1 / Access to Council information
Access to Council Conflicts of Interest information If the Mayor, a Councillor or a member of Council staff has a personal interest in a matter to be considered by Council, Council facilitated public access to information in they must disclose that interest before that matter can accordance with the Government Information (Public be considered by Council. An interest may be pecuniary Access) Act 2009. During 2011-2012 Council processed (financial) or non-pecuniary (generally arising from family, 1,150 informal requests for information with an average or personal relationships, or involvement in sporting, turnaround time of four working days. In addition, social or other cultural groups and associations). Council received five formal access applications with one refused on the basis that the application was for the During the year, there were no declarations of pecuniary disclosure of information referred to in Schedule 1 of the interests and 32 declarations of non–pecuniary interests Act (conclusive presumption of overriding public interest made by Councillors at Council meetings. against disclosure). Ethics and Audit Committee Council’s Proactive Release Program Council’s Ethics and Audit Committee operates under a Charter adopted by Council and in accordance with specific During the year Council proactively released information guidelines issued by the Division of Local Government. on its webpage and in the local media, including Development Applications, Local Environment Plans, The membership of the Committee as at June 2012 Development Control Plans and local policies. consisted of Michael Sewell (independent Chair), Nicholas Smolonogov (independent member), Councillor Peter Harle, Councillor Jim McGoldrick and Councillor Nadia Commitment to ethical Napoletano. conduct Farooq Portelli (General Manager) and Julie Hately (Director Corporate Services) with Dennis Banecevic Code of Conduct (Council’s External Auditor) and Carmelo Villalobos (Manager Internal Audit) as observers. Council’s Code of Conduct was adopted from the Model Code of Conduct for Councils in NSW, prescribed under The Committee met three times during the year. the Local Government Act 1993. The Code is based on seven key principles: integrity, leadership, selflessness, accountability, openness, honesty and respect. Fraud and Corruption Prevention The Code of Conduct applies to all Council staff, members of Council committees and Councillors. Training was Council’s Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy and Plan provided in Council’s Code of Conduct and associated outlines responsibilities and strategies for detecting and Council policies including those relating to equal mitigating any opportunities for, and the incidence of, employment opportunity, the prevention of discrimination, corrupt conduct within Council. and bullying and harassment. During the past year, Council adopted ethical governance Under the Code, the General Manager must submit an policies relating to gifts and benefits, public interest annual report to Council regarding the number and nature disclosures and internal investigations. of Code of Conduct complaints. During 2011-2012 10 Code of Conduct complaints were dealt with by Council. These policies are available on Council’s website www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / PART 1 / Community Engagement 19
Community Forum Community Engagement
Council values the community’s ideas and opinions and is newspages in the Liverpool Leader and the South West keen to include these in decision-making processes. This Advertiser. A quarterly newsletter was provided to all ensures our communities needs and concerns are noted landowners. A wide range of advisory committees, and addressed. community forums and community groups provided opportunity for community liaison. In addition, Council Draft plans, strategies, policies and planning instruments completed a customer satisfaction survey regarding are placed on public exhibition which allows the Council’s delivery of community outcomes and regular community to have a say on issues important to them. services. During the year Council commenced a review of the Community Forums Community Engagement Toolkit to ensure it remains relevant to the needs of the local community and Liverpool City Council supports two forums across Liverpool includes new and emerging best practices in community to help inform the community about what is happening engagement. and to share information with residents. Each forum meets monthly between February and November and covers the Council provided information on our website at following suburbs: www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au and in weekly Council
Urban Forum Rural Forum Ashcroft Ingleburn Austral Busby Liverpool Badgerys Creek Cartwright Lurnea Bringelly Casula Middleton Grange Cecil Park Cecil Hills Miller Greendale Chipping Norton Moorebank Kemps Creek Denham Court Mount Pritchard Luddenham Edmondson Park Pleasure Point Rossmore Green Valley Prestons Wallacia Heckenberg Sadleir Hammondville Voyager Point Hinchinbrook Warwick Farm Holsworthy Wattle Grove Hoxton Park West Hoxton
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 20 PART 1/ Community Donations and Sponsorship
Community donations and sponsorship In 2011-2012 more than $177,000 was provided to community groups, organisation and individuals in accordance with section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993. The recipients and funding received by each is detailed below:
Community Donations City of Liverpool Meals on Wheels $3,000 Liverpool District Combined Senior Citizen’s Progress Association $5,250 Kari Aboriginal Resources $5,000 Disability South West Inc $4,756 Liverpool Fairfield Community Radio Cooperative Limited (2GLF) $4,500 Mission Australia $5,000 Liverpool Action Group $5,000 The City of Liverpool and District Historical Society Inc $2,500 Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre $30,000 Liverpool Neighbourhood Connections $5,000 Liverpool Women’s Health Centre $5,000 Miller Art and Fact Inc $3,850 South West Sydney Legal Centre Inc $1,423 Treehouse Theatre Inc $5,000 The Junction Works Ltd, Wattle Grove Neighbourhood Centre $3,828 Fiji Red Cross $5,000 Rotary Club of Liverpool $1,666 Rotary Club of Liverpool West $1,666 Rotary Club of Liverpool Greenway $1,666 Total: $99,107 Youth Donations Hatice Tenkin – International Youth Science Forum $500 Total: $500 School Donations All Saints Catholic Senior Boys College $100 Casula High School $100 Cecil Hills High School $100 Christadelphian Heritage College Sydney $100 Hoxton Park High School $100 James Busby High School $100 John Edmondson High School $100 Lawrence Hargrave SSP $100 Liverpool Boys High School $100 Liverpool Girls High School $100 Lurnea High School $100 Lurnea Intensive English Centre $100 Miller Technology High School $100 Moorebank High School $100 Sule College (Girls High School) $100 Sule College (Boys High School) $100 William Carey Christian School $100 Total: $1,700 Sport Donations Total: $15,300 Corporate Sponsorship Cancer Council of NSW $3,000 Combined Mission Inc $9,500 Friends of Fiji Inc $2,000 Friends of India Incorporated $2,500 International Sports Karate Association $5,000 NSW Spanish and Latin American Association for Social Assistance $2,500 NSW Barefoot Water Ski Club $7,500 Miracle Babies $3,500 Police Officer of the year $1,000 Precedent Productions $2,500 Sanatan Satsang Sabha of NSW $2,500 Shree Santab Dharma Pratinidhi Sabha of Australia Inc $10,000 Southern Districts Soccer Football Association Inc. $5,000 Vedic Festival Inc $4,500 Total: $61,000 Other Donations South West Community Alliance $7,500
Donations Annual Total: $177,607
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Financial Summary 21
Financial Summary
Council’s financial position as at 30 June 2012 continues to demonstrate a sound and stable position.
Snapshot
$197.25 million income from continuing operations. $77.5 million capital expenditure, including Liverpool’s commercial district developers road dedications Rates and Charges Income Statement comprised $92.45 million The income statement shows how much Council earned or (46.87 per cent) of income expended during the 2011-2012 financial year and is calculated from continuing operations. using the following formula: Total revenue – total expenses = net result Operating Surplus $61.4 million. The operating surplus in 2011-2012 was $61.4 million. A positive net result does not necessarily mean there is a surplus of funds that can be used for Council operations or future capital expenditure. Cash reserves increased by Some of the net result is made up of items representing funds $9.65 million. which have been set aside for a specific purpose or “in kind” revenue. For example, during 2011-2012 these included: Insurance receipt of • $28.9 million of road reserves dedicated by developers to $2.3 million relating to Council for Land at Moorebank, Carnes Hill, Middleton Grange, outstanding claims for Edmondson Park and Elizabeth Hills. The value of these assets is included as revenue (these are non-cash revenue, i.e. do not furniture, office equipment represent funds available for Council operations or future capital and additional costs related expenditure) to the fire that destroyed • $2.2 million “in kind” contributions from developers. Council’s Administration • $17.2 million cash contributed by developers to fund future building in August 2010. infrastructure associated with new development (Council is restricted as to how it may use these funds). $28.9 million road reserves dedicated by developers in new land release areas.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 22 PART 1 / Sourcing our Revenue
Capital Grants & Contributions Net Gain on Sale of $54,292 - 27.51% Assets $745 - 0.38% Operating Grants & Contributions $17,813 - 9.03 Net Share Interest in Joint Ventures $438 - 0.22%
Other Revenues $14,297 - 7.25%
General Rates Interest & Investment $70,134 - 35.56% Revenue $7,140 - 3.62%
User Charges & Fees Other Rates & Charges $10,075 - 5.11% $22,320 - 11.32%
Where Our Money Came From ($,000 and %)
Sourcing our Revenue – where Identifying our expenses – where our money came from our money was spent Council had revenue of $197.25 million during The primary components of our $135.85 million 2011-2012. The largest contributions to revenue expenditure are employee costs, depreciation, materials and contracts. Total gross expenditure decreased by were provided by general rates, capital grants and approximately 6.7 per cent over the previous year, contributions and an insurance receipt for Council’s principally as a result of a lower depreciation expense of previous administration building destroyed in $16.8 million offset by increases in employment costs $3.4 August 2010. million and materials and contracts of $3.1 million.
Included in the revenue for 2011-2012 was $37.7 million of “Abnormal Items”, that is, items of abnormally high value that may distort normal comparative figures. These included:
1. $28.9 million of road reserves dedicated by developers. 2. $2.2 million “in kind” contribution from developers 3. $2.3 million insurance receipt for the previous Council’s administration building destroyed in a fire in August 2010 4. $4.3 million advance receipt on 2012-2013 Financial Assistance Grant.
The recognition of these “Abnormal Items” resulted in a lower than expected Rates and Annual Charges Coverage Ratio 46.87 per cent for 2011-2012 (45.54 per cent in 2010-2011). The same ratio for 2011-2012 adjusted for “Abnormal Items” is calculated at 58 per cent (59 per cent for 2010-2011).
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Balance Sheet 23
Other Expenses Depreciation & 9,705 - 7.14% Amortisation 32,698 - 24.08%
Employee Costs 48,896 - 35.99%
Materials & Contracts 41,554 - 30.59% Borrowing Costs 2,995 - 2.20%
Where Our Money Was Spent ($,000 and %)
Balance Sheet Capital expenditure The balance sheet shows what we own (our assets) and The level of capital expenditure in 2011-2012 strived to what we owe (our liabilities) and our net worth. deliver on the challenge of renewing community assets. Assets – what we own During the year $77.5 million was spent on capital works and acquisitions including $28.9 million of road reserves The major components of our assets include: dedication and in kind contributions of $2.2 million by • Property, plant and equipment (land, buildings, roads, developers. stormwater drainage) • Capital works in progress; and To assist Council in ensuring that adequate funding • Cash assets is available to address the backlog of works that are required, Council lodged an application for a Special Rate Together these asset categories account for 92.35 per cent Variation with the Minister for Local Government and was of all our assets. successful in receiving approval for an additional nine per cent increase to notional income for a period of five years As at 30 June 2012 Council held assets worth $1.89 billion that commenced in 2009-2010. compared to $1.83 billion in the previous reporting period. This increase provided an additional $5 million for capital The main reason for the increase in assets held is $77.5 works throughout the city. million dollars spent on capital works and other assets including $28.9 million of road reserves dedication and in Reviewing our liabilities – what kind contributions of $2.2 million by developers. we owe Council’s liabilities include debt, amounts owed to suppliers and amounts owed to employees for leave entitlements. Our total liabilities of $72.6 million represent a decrease of 4.5 per cent from the previous year.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 24 PART 1 / Cash Reserves
Cash Reserves 2008 - 2012
90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000
n 50,000 i o l i l 40,000 m
$ 30,000 20,000 10,000 - 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Financial Year
External Internal
Cash reserves Conclusion Council’s cash holdings have increased by $9.65 million Council is continuing to work to ensure it is in a strong during 2011-2012 with an increase of $0.82 million in financial position to provide for the present and future external restrictions; $4.81 million increase in internal needs of our growing community. restrictions (mainly due to advance receipt of a $4.3 million on the 2012-2013 Financial Assistance Grant In accordance with the requirements of the Division allocation) and a $4.02 million increase in Unrestricted of Local Government, Council has developed a 10 year funds. Community Strategic Plan which is supported by a Resourcing Strategy consisting of a 10 year Long Term Debt levels Financial Plan, a 10 year Asset Management Plan and a four year Workforce Management Plan. Council’s single largest liability is its debt as a result of its loan borrowing program; at 30 June 2012 this liability was The 10 year Long Term Financial Plan will be updated $43.2 million including a $9.5 million interest free loan. annually as part of the development of the Operational Plan and reviewed in detail as part of the four yearly Council did not borrow funds during the 2011-2012 review of the Community Strategic Plan. These plans will financial year to fund capital works. assist Council to inform all stakeholders of what is required to ensure a financially sustainable Regional City for all While the notion of being in debt has some negative residents. connotations, borrowing to fund community infrastructure results in the cost being shared by the wider base of rate payers in the future. The cost is borne by those who will benefit from the use of the infrastructure in years to come.
Council’s debt service ratio at around 6.77 per cent is well below the industry benchmark of 10 per cent. Council’s repayments will reduce in 2012-2013 as two older loans mature resulting in reduced debt servicing cost and a lower debt service ratio.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Risk Management 25
Risk management
Newbridge Road, Liverpool
Council identifies risk based on risk assessments, risk insurance premium costs and has achieved significant registers, claim trends and emerging risk factors. Asset cost savings and long term benefits for member councils inspections were undertaken based on set criteria and through effective risk management. time frames. The organisation was established in 1988 by Liverpool, Council managed known risk factors within allocated Fairfield, Blacktown, Penrith, Hawkesbury and Blue funding and available resources. Mountains Councils. Parramatta joined in 2002, Wollongong in 2010 and Shellharbour in 2011. The nine Council has as part of its self-insurance program a member councils work together to manage their risk and comprehensive Risk Assessment Program for Work Health secure all their required insurance cover. and Safety. Council progressed implementation of an Enterprise Risk Management Program including a register Westpool also works closely with Metropool which is made of identified risks across the organisation. up of seven inner city councils and Kiama Council to form the United Independent Pools (UIP) to combine the buying Council has a critical incident response plan to respond to power and enhance the services to both pools, their any major event or infrastructure loss to enable continuity member council and communities. in the provision of services to the community. Financial contributions to the pool are based on the During the year Council completed a review of Council’s relative size of each council and incorporate a proportion Critical Incident and Business Continuity Plans. of underlying claims experience so as to reflect risk exposure. Workers Compensation Westpool is owned, governed and administered by elected Liverpool City Council is a self-insurer for workers and appointed delegates from each member Council, with compensation purposes and is licensed by Workcover NSW the assistance of professional staff and service providers. under NSW legislation to manage its own claims. Council has held this licence for 27 years. Types of insurances purchased by the councils of Westpool and the United Independent Pools include public liability, Westpool – United Independent professional liability, property, motor vehicle, councillors and officers statutory liability, fidelity, artworks and transit, Pools volunteers and other insurances. Liverpool is a founding member of Westpool Group of Councils. This group was established to help stabilise
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 26 PART 1 / Managing Council Assets
Managing Council Assets
Liverpool City Library
Introduction Roads Drainage $984 million - 57% $391 million - 22% Liverpool City Council is responsible for the management, care and control of a wide range of infrastructure assets, representing a significant public investment and utility. These include public roads and other transport related facilities, floodplain and drainage networks, parks, reserves and recreational facilities, property and buildings, with a combined replacement cost over $1.7 billion.
The scope and value of assets managed by Council is shown in the adjacent figure. Additional details regarding each category of these assets are provided in the Condition of Assets, graph that follows.
Council’s assets are used to provide a range of services which aim to deliver social, environmental and economic outcomes for the community of Liverpool. Parks Building $139 million - 8% $219 million - 13% The level of service delivered by these assets is largely determined by the manner in which they are maintained and managed. Current Replacement Cost Infrastructure Assets 2012
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Asset management Planning 27
Asset management planning Asset condition Council progressed its asset management planning to Over the last few years Council has built up a facilitate consistent application of current best asset comprehensive database of all its assets to facilitate management practices across Council and across all necessary planning and valuation of its assets to a high categories of infrastructure assets. level of accuracy.
Council adopted a suite of strategic asset management Council’s ongoing asset surveys continue to provide planning documents to ensure assets provide required valuable data to objectively determine asset condition levels of service over time and in a cost effective manner. and performance. This has enabled Council to proactively develop maintenance and renewal strategies and programs that are responsive and cost effective.
The condition and performance information for some of Council’s key assets is summarised below:
100% te t a s 80% 60% ondi t ion c 40% 20% in eac h
% 0% roads Sealed and traps Bridges Gross pollutant Buildings system Footpaths cycleways drainage equipment Playground Stormwater Asset Category
Condition state Excellent Good Average Poor Very Poor
CONDITION OF INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Asset renewal and replacement During the year, Council continued its capital works • Special rate variation; program to renew and replace infrastructure assets to • Stormwater management service charge; maintain satisfactory condition and performance. Works • Grants from Commonwealth and State governments for a were funded from the following income sources, which range of infrastructure projects; and enabled a large number of projects and programs to be • Council’s own funding sources including section 94 completed: developer contributions.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 28 PART 1 / Road and Transport assets
Highway servicing Liverpool residents
the standards of the time, are now approaching the Road and transport assets end of their serviceable lives and require significant Council is responsible for the care, control and improvements and renewal to bring them up to current management of over 828 kilometres of formed roads. acceptable standards for the community. Approximately nine kilometres of this network is unsealed and 36 kilometres has regional road status. • Between 1995 and 2012 the road network grew by 33 per cent from 624 kilometres to 828 kilometres, During 2011-2012 an additional 11 kilometres of however the overall condition of the road network new roads were added to the network as the result continues to decline. Available funding has primarily of subdivision, mostly in the Middleton Grange and been directed towards minimising this rate of decline by Edmondson Park urban release areas. focusing on pavement preservation and rehabilitation treatments. Council continued to implement its adopted road pavement management strategies to progressively • The road network is expected to grow by another upgrade assets that are in poor condition while placing 150 kilometres or 20 per cent over the next 10 years a significant focus on preventing assets that are in fair or and with this growth comes the need for increased good condition from falling into the poor category. These maintenance activities. preventative strategies aim to preserve or restore a road at an earlier time in the roads life, before it falls into • Development in the rural areas is leading to increased disrepair. traffic loadings unsuitable for the existing rural road pavements, which places additional pressure on already Earlier intervention through Council’s preservation constrained maintenance budgets. programs provides the most cost effective treatment in arresting the overall rate of decline in the condition • The rural road network, due to its advanced state and performance of the road network and preserves the of deterioration, will continue to decline unless a existing roads in a serviceable condition over the long substantial boost in funding is provided. These rural term. roads lie predominantly within the South West Growth Centre and the ensuing residential and commercial Continuation and expansion of such preventative strategies development will ultimately see the full reconstruction, and associated long term economies will have substantial widening and upgrades to a majority of the roads. beneficial impact on Council’s future financial liability. Council continued implementation of its low cost strategies which aim to hold these rural roads in a Some of the key issues facing Council’s management of its reasonable condition until full reconstruction can occur. large portfolio of road assets are: Recent examples of this approach include Fifth Avenue, Herbert Street and Fifteenth Avenue. • Many roads and associated infrastructure built in the 1970s and 1980s, while delivered according to
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Achievements for the Year 29
Achievements for the year Council spent more than $11.5 million on preserving, • Road pavement renewal and rehabilitation works to restoring and enhancing all road and transport related a value of over six million dollars were completed assets during 2011-2012. covering 17 streets with a combined length of over six kilometres, which will restore and extend pavement This has resulted in the reconstruction and rehabilitation service life and also improve riding conditions. of some of the major roads within the network such as Governor Macquarie Drive, Bernera Road and North • Council upgraded several of its car parks over the last Liverpool Road. The following are our key achievements; 12 months at a cost of around $0.5 million, which has created formalised parking areas for more than 220 • Council commenced a substantial program of streetscape cars at Childs Park in Chipping Norton and Hoxton Park enhancement works to improve the quality of the Reserve in Hoxton Park. public domain within the City Centre. Work commenced on the following projects which upon completion, will • The following major preventative maintenance activities provide public spaces that are of high design quality and were completed: character: - Resealing program: patching and resurfacing of six - Moore Street between George and Bigge Streets: streets in Austral, Greendale and Luddenham covering works underway with completion planned for October an area of over 34,000 square metres. 2012. - Rejuvenation program: surface rejuvenating - Macquarie Street between Bathurst and Scott Streets: treatments in Green Valley area to slow the rate the contractor was engaged and works scheduled to of surface and pavement deterioration and extend commence in August 2012. pavement service life with 52,000 square metres of - Scott Street and George Street: the contractor was pavement surface treated. engaged and works scheduled to commence in August - Patching program: heavy patching works on selected 2012 at the north eastern corner of this intersection. road sections to restore serviceability of failed pavements. • Council commenced major upgrade works within the Prestons area to support current and predicted future • Council continued its program of shared paths and growth in the residential and industrial release areas of footpaths to improve accessibility and mobility across Prestons, Carnes Hill, Edmondson Park and Horningsea the city. Council secured major grant funding under the Park. Bernera and Kurrajong Roads are major sub- State Government’s River Cities Bike Program. For the arterial roads and provide primary access to the above construction of over six kilometres of shared paths along areas and Council commenced a staged reconstruction key regional parks and major arterial roads. Over 10 and widening of these roads, which is estimated to cost kilometres of new paved pathways were provided in the over $32 million. The following outlines progress: established and older release areas of Liverpool.
- Stage 1: Works completed on Bernera Road between • A large number of kerb ramps within the City Centre as Kurrajong Road and M7 at a cost of $1.3 million. well as the suburbs were reconstructed for improved - Stage 2: Works underway on Kurrajong Road between access and mobility. Bernera and Kookaburra with the estimated cost at completion of $4.5 million. • New and upgraded traffic facilities were provided - Stage 3: Works underway on Bernera Road between during the year at the following locations for improved Camden Valley Way and Kurrajong Road with the pedestrian movement and safety: estimated cost at completion of $9.5 million. - Stage 4: The design is substantially complete and - Pedestrian refuge at Greendale Road, Bringelly. property acquisitions are at advanced stages of - Roundabout at intersection of Goulburn and Lachlan finalisation for the section of Kurrajong Road between Streets, Liverpool Kookaburra and Sarah Hollands Drive. Agreement - Roundabout at intersection of Gill and Atkinson has been reached with Transgrid to enable necessary Streets, Liverpool high voltage cable adjustments to occur during their low usage period of September to October 2012. The estimated cost at completion is $17 million.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 30 PART 1 / PART 1 / Drainage Assets
Infrastructure works in Liverpool’s Local Government Area
Drainage assets Council’s drainage assets include more than 578 Both these programs utilise technology that has been kilometres of piped drainage systems and associated transferred from the water and sewer industries and pits, gross pollutant traps, flood retention basins, formed Liverpool is one of a few councils that has embarked on channels and waterways with a combined value of over a large scale planned stormwater pipe renewal program $390 million. The drainage network is projected to grow using this technology. at a rate commensurate with the growth in the road network. To enable works to be delivered efficiently, Council has established long term contracts with a panel of contractors Council commenced a program to comprehensively specialising in drainage rehabilitation works for ongoing inspect its piped drainage network to assess its structural maintenance and renewal of stormwater drainage pipes. condition and hydraulic performance. These inspections, which use a closed circuit television system (CCTV), are The works are undertaken on a priority basis and funded ongoing and their purpose is to provide Council with by the Stormwater Management Service Charge. accurate condition data and digital imagery of its pipe network. The priority selection system for restoration, renewal and replacement of drainage system is based on These inspections have enabled Council to proactively asset condition assessments and knowledge of other develop maintenance and renewal strategies and performance parameters including strategic location of programs that are responsive and cost effective. They have pipes, flooding and safety. identified the need for the following broad categories of drainage renewal and replacement activities, which Some of the key issues facing Council’s management of its are expected to improve hydraulic performance and large portfolio of drainage assets are: significantly extend service lives: • The existing drainage system is comprised • Restoring the piped drainage system through the predominantly of underground pipes and pits, which relining of long lengths of existing deteriorated pipes. can only be assessed properly using CCTV. This method This trenchless method of pipe restoration uses robotic of collecting data is costly and time consuming and techniques to apply a PVC liner within existing pipes to only 40 kilometres of the piped network is able to be restore structural integrity and flow efficiency. assessed each year. This means that condition of the entire drainage network will continue to be estimated • Restoring the piped drainage system through the from collected data for asset management and valuation application of structural patches to isolated failures purposes. within pipes using the trenchless method.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Achievements for the Year 31
• Inspections and assessments so far have shown a immediate flood relief to the central parts of the significant proportion of the drainage system inspected City Centre. The project which is estimated to cost to be below average condition. This proportion is likely approximately $2 million and is funded under the State to grow due to ageing and deterioration. However, Government’s Floodplain Management Program, with Council has commenced a substantial drainage renewal two thirds of the project funding provided by the State and rehabilitation program, which is expected to assist government and the balance funded by Council. Works in arresting this decline. are scheduled to commence in August and be completed by November 2012. • Council’s Stormwater Management Service Charge, which generates approximately $1.2 million each year, • Council implemented a substantial program of works has provided Council a sustainable funding source for involving erosion protection and creek bank stabilisation its stormwater management program and this funding works to not only protect and enhance its existing has enabled more enhanced maintenance and renewal assets but to improve the quality of water within the programs to be undertaken. waterways at the following locations across the local government area: • The drainage network and associated infrastructure is expected to grow by another 100 kilometres or 18 per - Erosion protection and bank stabilisation to prevent cent over a 10 year period. ongoing erosion of the pond banks at Clinches Pond. - Erosion protection and bank stabilisation works to • The current push towards more water sensitive urban prevent ongoing erosion of the flood control basin at designs has introduced new types of assets and devices Cecil Hills. for stormwater quality improvement, which will - Drainage improvement works completed in Dale require more structured and sometimes more intensive Avenue in Liverpool to alleviate property flooding from maintenance practices to be adopted. overland flows. - A gross pollutant trap was installed in Homepride • Council’s voluntary property acquisition scheme, Avenue in Warwick Farm to capture pollutants and currently operating in Moorebank to mitigate adverse control quality of stormwater reaching Brickmakers impacts of flooding from the Georges River, has not Creek. been progressing as anticipated, primarily due to a lack - Continued the program of comprehensive inspections of interest from property owners to participate in the of existing piped drainage network to enable capital scheme. works programs for maintenance and renewal of drainage systems to be developed. More than 121 kilometres of piped drainage have been inspected to Achievements for the year date which has enabled the development of long term capital works programs. In 2011-2012 Council spent more than $2 million - Substantially completed design of a flood detention on preserving, restoring and enhancing drainage basin at Amalfi Park to mitigate adverse impact of infrastructure with the following achievements: flooding from Brickmakers Creek. Implementation of the project will substantially improve current • More than three kilometres of Council’s piped drainage flooding problems downstream of the creek including system covering a drainage network of over 22 properties within the northern parts of the City Centre. kilometres was renewed and rehabilitated. Funded from Council’s Stormwater Management Service Charge, the program aims to improve hydraulic capacity and provide structural enhancement of the piped drainage system.
• Successfully securing State government grants of $1.5 million to bring forward the next stage of the City Centre trunk drainage, which involves the provision of a new underground piped drainage system along George Street, between Moore and Scott Streets to boost existing stormwater capacities and reduce flooding within the affected parts of the City Centre. The completion of this 320 metre link will provide
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 32 PART 1 / Parks And Recreation Facilities
Parks and recreation Collimore Park, Liverpool facilities Council manages a portfolio of 500 open space reserves, Council’s program of improving key suburb and local consisting of regional, district or local open space made parks continued with the following refurbishment and up of active, passive and natural bushland. The portfolio enhancement works during the year at a total cost of includes 110 recreational and sporting facilities including $859,719: netball courts, tennis courts, cricket nets, skate ramps and aquatic centres. These assets cover over 1,400 hectares • Landscaping in Pacific Palms Reserve, Hoxton Park and have a combined replacement cost of more than $139 • Landscaping Liverpool Pioneers’ Park, Liverpool million. • Landscaping works at Sadleir Park in Sadleir, McGrath Park in Casula and Finlay Park in Mount Pritchard While the overall condition of this category of assets is • Throsby Park, Development, West Hoxton considered fair, sports amenity buildings located within • Landscaping in Maple Road Reserve, Casula reserves suffer significant malicious damage due to their • Landscaping in Cameron Park, Holsworthy location and inadequate surveillance. Higher levels of • Landscaping in Collimore Park, Liverpool maintenance are required to ensure satisfactory standards and continued serviceability. Council, in partnership with the Liverpool Catholic Club, delivered a new skate facility at Powell Park in Cartwright Achievements for the year and completed substantial preconstruction planning and project documentation for the following projects: In line with its city wide playground equipment asset management plan, Council continued implementing its • Redevelopment of Bigge Park, Liverpool capital works priority program to replace, restore and • Development of A. E. Reay Park, Hoxton Park rationalise its stock of sub-standard playgrounds. The • Development of Bunya Park, Horningsea Park following playgrounds were upgraded during the year at a • Park improvements Dalmeny Reserve, Prestons total cost of $639,000: During 2011-2012 Council spent approximately $6 million • John Edmondson Reserve, Wattle Grove in maintaining, preserving and restoring parks and • Parkside Gardens, Hoxton Park recreational facilities. • Webster Park, Chipping Norton • Roberts Park, Chipping Norton • Cameron Park, Holsworthy • Bigge Park, Liverpool
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Buildings 33
Buildings Collingwood House Council has in its ownership, care and control some 226 Achievements for the year building assets covering its commercial, operational, community, recreational, cultural and heritage services, with During the year Council spent $4 million on new capital a combined current replacement cost of over $219 million. works and $4.5 million renewing, refurbishing and improving many of its existing properties including leisure The building age and types are varied with many built in the centres, child care centres, car park, and parks and reserves. late 50’s and 60’s and several specialised structures such as parking stations, large aquatic centres and heritage buildings. The achievements for 2011-2012 include:
Council continued its programmed inspection of building • Peter Miller Park, Casula which included a new amenity assets to enable development of optimised maintenance building, oval, car parks and large scale landscaping and renewal programs and asset management plans. works were completed.
Condition surveys are expected to continue over the next • Improvements and upgrades to the following buildings to 12 months to capture the condition of more specialised improve the level of service provided by these structures: elements of the buildings such as electrical, plumbing, - Upgrades to the external shade structure at the Whitlam essential services, security and air conditioning systems. Leisure Centre, Liverpool; These surveys will be completed by June 2013. - Bringelly Community Centre refurbishments; - Orange Grove and George Bates Hall Community Centre, A proportion of the buildings have been found to be below Lurnea improvements; average condition overall and this has critical implications - Upgrades to pool change rooms Michael Wenden on the allocation of maintenance funding. However, a Aquatic Centre, Miller; large proportion of the buildings in this condition relate to - Wattle Grove and Prestons Child Care Centre secondary buildings or parts of buildings such as storage renovations; facilities and public toilets associated with sporting facilities, - Facelift and aesthetic improvements to Northumberland works depot and the fire services. Car Park, Liverpool; - Installation of public toilets at Kokoda Oval, Liverpool. Some of the key issues facing Council’s management of its large portfolio of building assets are: • Substantial preconstruction planning and project documentation for the following projects to enable • Nearly 27 per cent of the building portfolio requires delivery in future years: significant maintenance or renewal to restore - Improvements to Collingwood House, heritage property, serviceability. Liverpool; - Air conditioning renewal and upgrades to Liverpool City • Malicious damage to sports amenity buildings due to Library; their location within reserves and inadequate surveillance - Air conditioning renewal and upgrades to Whitlam require higher than normal maintenance. Leisure Centre, Pool Hall and Stadium; - Provision of fully accessible toilets at Dr Pirie • The majority of Council’s buildings do not generate Community Centre, Liverpool; any income that could be used to offset the cost of - Improvements to public toilets and access at the maintenance and renewal. Rosedale Oval amenity building, Warwick Farm.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 34 PART 1 / Condition of Assets
Liverpool City Council building, 33 Moore Street, Liverpool Condition of Assets Notes to table (see page 35) 1. Current replacement cost - estimated cost to replace existing The following table provides the average condition of asset with modern equivalent which will deliver same service Council’s assets and costs to upgrade and maintain these potential. Values are based on June 2010 fair values adjusted assets to ensure they continue to provide acceptable for CPI increase. Main administration building at 33 Moore Street, Liverpool includes land component since a separate land standards of service over the long term. valuation is currently not available.
2. Average condition - an overall assessment of the average condition of assets within an asset category. Selected from one to five condition levels comprising excellent, good, average, poor and very poor or unserviceable.
3. Estimated cost to bring to a satisfactory standard - estimated cost required to bring assets within an asset group to a condition level equal to or better than “good” (satisfactory) as required by the Division of Local Government’s Planning and Reporting Manual for Local Governments in NSW - 2010.
4. Estimate annual cost of maintaining asset at that standard - estimated annual expenditure required to maintain all assets within an asset group at a condition level equal to or better than “good” once they have been brought to a satisfactory standard.
5. Annual maintenance expenditure - Council’s expenditure during the financial year for the purpose of maintaining, preserving or restoring assets.
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Condition of Assets 35
Estimated cost Estimated Current Average Annual to bring to annual replacement condition as maintenance satisfactory cost of at June 2012 Asset description Quantity cost standard maintaining expenditure (Note 2) asset at that (Note 1) (Note 3) standard 2011-2012 (Note 5) (Note 4) ROAD AND TRANSPORT $984,076,000 $167,514,000 $16,044,000 $14, 177,000
Roads 828 kilometres $624,765,000 Average $139,694,000 $12,143,000 $11,536,000
Kerb and gutter 1222 kilometres $173,507,000 Good $9,708,000 $463,000 $427,000
Footpath and cycleways 538 kilometres $76,553,000 Good $4,266,000 $1,914,000 $994,000
Bridges and culverts 99 $38,301,000 Average $11,593,000 $632,000 $159,000
Road furniture and structures 12,676 $56,299,000 Excellent $1,355,000 $636,000 $601,000
Off street car parks 125 $14,651,000 Good $898,000 $256,000 $460,000
FLOODPLAIN AND DRAINAGE $390,748,000 $11,314,000 $2,817,000 $1,906,000
Pipes 578 kilometres $298,414,000 Excellent $7,363,000 $1,790,000 $1,441,000
Pits 18, 941 $63,834,000 Good $2,624,000 $851,000 Note 6
Headwalls 1,252 $2,091,000 Good $602,000 $28,000 $45,000
Retarding basins 53 $14,538,000 Good $531,000 $35,000 $181,000
Gross pollutant traps 111 $5,217,000 Excellent $112,000 $70,000 $103,000
Wetlands 21 $6,654,000 Good $83,000 $43,000 $136,000
BUILDINGS $218,678,000 $35,900,000 $3,843,000 $3,474,000
Admin building 3 $29,580,000 Good $0 $581,000 $443,000
Works Depot 15 $5,865,000 Poor $4,019,000 $120,000 $183,000
Bush Fire and SES 8 $1,878,000 Average $974,000 $37,000 $20,000
Libraries and Museums 6 $24,474,000 Good $1,772,000 $410,000 $121.000
Community centres 35 $35,889,000 Good $7,258,000 $622,000 $520,000
Childcare centres 11 $10,253,000 Good $2,140,000 $172,000 $197,000
Multi-level car parks 3 $19,591,000 Average $5,430,000 $369,000 337,000
Commercial properties 4 $2,924,000 Average $1,619,000 $53,000 $0
Heritage buildings (Note 7) 14 $28,364,000 Average $3,836,000 $367,000 $162,000
Aquatic centres (Note 7) 3 $34,502,000 Good $4,834,000 $606,000 $330,000
Parks buildings and structures 114 $25,358,000 Average $4,019,000 $506,000 $1,121,000 (Note 7)
PARKS AND RECREATION $139,192,000 $39,696,000 $4,447,000 $5,918,000
Sporting fields and ovals 91 $33,779,000 Average $26,003,000 $1,741,000 $1,382,000
Sporting facilities 110 $6,860,000 Average $1,674,000 $333,000 $1,046,000
Natural reserves 32 $8,908,000 Good $670,000 $474,000 $892,000
Parks, gardens and streetscapes 468 $82,580,000 Average $7,520,000 $1,440,000 $2,285,000
Playground equipment 160 $6,544,000 Average $3,729,000 $444,000 $261,000
Wharves, jetties and boat 6 $521,000 Average $101,000 $15,000 $52,000 ramps
GRAND TOTAL $1,732,694,000 $254,424,000 $27,151,000 $25,475,000
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 36 PART 1 / Stormwater Management Service Charge
Stormwater Management service charge Council continued its program of stormwater rehabilitation and renewal works funded from the Stormwater Management Services Charge, which was implemented in July 2008. The charge, which generates approximately $1.2 million each year, has provided Council a sustainable funding source to improve water quality, mitigate flooding, improve drainage, increase maintenance and replace ageing storm water networks. The charge is for additional storm water management services beyond those already provided and will provide funds to ensure the city’s storm water and drainage assets are maintained and improved.
The following table provides a summary of projects funded through the Stormwater Management Service Charge.
Projects partly or fully funded Funding from Total through stormwater management stormwater Status as at 30 June 2012 Expenditure service charge charge
FLOOD MITIGATION $324,700 $401,100
Dale Street, Liverpool - drainage capacity $153,800 $153,800 Works complete. improvements to address overland flooding
Flood detention basin, Cecil Hills - bank $78,600 $103,100 Works complete. stabilisation and erosion protection works
Brickmakers Creek Flood Mitigation - Amalfi Design substantially complete and awaiting $92,300 $144,200 Park detention basin design approval of grant funding to initiate works.
STORMWATER QUALITY $172,500 $192,500
Brickmakers Creek, Homepride Avenue - $60,000 $80,000 Works complete. provision of a new gross pollutant trap
Clinches Pond, Moorebank - bank $99,800 $99,800 Works complete. stabilisation and erosion protection works
Homepride Avenue - improvements to $12,700 $12,700 Works complete. maintenance access to gross pollutant trap
URBAN DRAINAGE SYSTEM $1,214,600 $1,214,600
Stormwater Pipe Relining program $471,900 $471,900 Works complete.
Stormwater Pipe Replacement program $117,800 $117,800 Works complete.
Stormwater Pipe Structural Patches program $399,100 $399,100 Works complete.
Enhanced Drainage Maintenance program $115,900 $115,900 Works complete.
Stormwater Pipe - inspection, assessment $109,900 $109,900 Works complete. and ancillary works
TOTAL $1,711,800 $1,808,200
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Works Funded by a Special Rate Variation 37
Works funded by a special rate variation Council introduced a special rate variation of nine per cent commencing 1 July 2009. The purpose of this variation is to allow Council to increase its maintenance budget by $0.6 million and capital works by approximately $5 million annually to undertake more enhanced maintenance and fund a backlog of much needed infrastructure works to progressively bring the community infrastructure up to a satisfactory standard. Council’s main focus areas have been its road, bridge and footpath works, improvement and restoration of public buildings, drainage and floodplain improvements which reduce the impact of flooding and sporting field renovation.
The additional works that have been funded by the nine per cent special rate variation during 2011-2012 are listed in the table below.
Projects partly or fully funded Funding Total Status as at 30 June 2012 from Special Rate Variation from SRV expenditure
Buildings $496,400 $218,000
Child care centre renovations $44,000 $42,000 Work complete.
Project documentation and some repair works have been completed in 2011-2012. The remaining Community centre rehabilitation $110,000 $65,000 funding to be incorporated in the delivery of the air conditioning replacement at the Library in January 2013. Design finalised for the Dr Pirie Centre accessible toilet. Currently awaiting heritage approval to Dr Pirie Community Centre restoration $50,000 $20,000 commence work. Sufficient funds are available to complete the delivery of the project. Design work and documentation complete. Project Implementation of Disability Action Plan $158,000 $69,000 delivery in November 2012.
Rosedale Oval - toilet amenities design $24,400 $22,000 Design complete.
Wenden Aquatic Centre pool building Project delivery scheduled August 2012 in line with $110,000 $0 renewal Centre closure.
Drainage and Floodplain $544,720 $28,105
Brickmakers Creek Flood Mitigation Design substantially complete and awaiting approval - Amalfi Park Detention Basin $538,220 $21,605 of grant funding to initiate works. Construction Brickmakers Creek, Collimore Park - $6,500 $6,500 Works complete. Erosion Protection Works
Parks and Recreation $1,135,000 $615,000
Four switchboard upgrades completed leaving Electrical Switchboard upgrades $55,000 $34,000 one final switch board to be replaced. Total cost is expected to be in line with budget allocation. Project to be delivered over two financial years, 70 per cent of the project has been delivered in 2011- Floodlighting Upgrade - Australis Oval $170,000 $83,000 2012, with project completion in August 2012. Total invoice cost for the project is $123,000. Cost savings identified in March quarter and returned to reserve. Project to be delivered over two financial years, 70 per cent of the project has been delivered in 2011- 2012, with project completion in August 2012. Floodlighting Upgrade - Durrant Oval $145,000 $20,000 Project scope was reduced from competition play lighting to training lighting only. Total final invoice cost is $80,000. Cost savings identified in March quarter returned to reserve.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 38 PART 1 / Works Funded by a Special Rate Variation
Projects partly or fully funded Funding Total Status as at 30 June 2012 from Special Rate Variation from SRV expenditure
50 per cent of the project has been delivered 2011- Disability Action Plan - Parks $85,000 $48,000 2012, with project completion in August 2012.
Rain delays has prevented delivery of the last Playground Replacement program $285,000 $243,000 playground to be completed early 2012-2013
Works delayed as a result of rain and access to the Irrigation Program - Lakeside Park $55,000 $0 site project carried over into 2012-2013 program. Works completed below original budget estimate as a Irrigation Program - Winnal Reserve $90,000 $16,000 result of significant reuse of existing on site irrigation equipment. Works delayed as a result of rain, restricting access to Local Park Upgrade - Sadleir Park $90,000 $16,000 the site, project delivery August 2012.
Whitlam Park redesign feasibility $160,000 $155,000 Work complete.
Roads, Bridges and Footpaths $3,068,930 $3,639,450
Church Road, Moorebank - Heathcote to $278,200 $247,890 Works complete. Greenhills
Edmondson Avenue, Austral - Sixth to $209,160 $218,070 Works complete. Ninth
Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping $271,500 $1,123,410 Works complete. Norton - Barry to River
Hill Road, Lurnea - Reilly to Hoxton Park $634,500 $612,800 Works complete.
Pavement Stabilisation and $535,000 $424,130 Works complete. Strengthening
Regent Crescent, Moorebank - Seton to $565,390 $443,210 Works complete. Seton
Rundle Road, Green Valley - South $391,580 $393,180 Works complete. Liverpool to Orchard
Wendouree Street, Busby - South $183,600 $176,760 Works complete. Liverpool to Tunbridge
Total $5,245,050 $4,500,555
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / State of Environment Report 39
State of THE Environment Report
Tree planting in Helles Park, Moorebank
A comprehensive State of the Environment Report (SoE) is available as Part 4 of this Annual Report, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and the NSW Department of Local Government’s Environmental Guidelines: State of the Environment Reporting, 1999. This includes information on actions completed in the 2011-2012 year.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 40 PART 1 / Environment Levy Works
Environment Levy works
Local flora and fauna
On 3 July 2007, Council received approval for a permanent environment levy from the then Department of Local Government. The environment levy is an ad valorem charge per rateable property and is approximately $20 per property per annum.
The Environment Restoration Plan is the program of works approved by Council to deliver projects funded by the environment levy. The purpose of the Environment Restoration Plan is to provide a framework for the delivery of key environmental projects, programs and on-ground works to help improve the natural environment for the long term benefit of Liverpool and its community.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 1 / Environment Levy Works 41
The following table provides a summary of projects funded through the environment levy for the 2011-2012 year:
Income and expenditure of environment levy
INCOME TOTAL $1,417,062 Environment Levy $1,303,774 Interest - Environment Levy $113,288 EXPENDITURE TOTAL $812,803 Education and Administration $360,335 Outcomes achieved • Staff employed to deliver Environment Restoration Plan program including Environment Restoration Plan Coordinator, Environment Restoration Plan Project Officers, Administration Costs (includes salaries) $281,011 and Environment Volunteer Supervisor. • Engage Consultants to assist in development of Environment Restoration Programs • Provision of support for meetings for Environment Advisory Committee, Environment Group Sub Committee and Environment Groups Community Support $24,245 • Provision of training for Environment Volunteers • Provision of supervision and training for Environment Group activities Contribution to delivery of Georges River Riverkeeper Program. Georges River Riverkeeper Program $33,848 The Riverkeeper program undertakes creek cleaning projects at various locations around Liverpool. Development and delivery of educational material and programs including: • Eight environment workshops as part of Sustainability Blitz workshop series Educational Material and Programs $21,231 • Four quarterly environment activity flyers • Four editions of Council’s quarterly environment newsletter “Sustaining Liverpool” • Support for tree planting activities and environment events • Support for major environment restoration projects Maintenance, Materials and $224,400 Equipment Local native plants purchased for Annual Community tree planting activities, tree giveaways, environment group Plants $15,170 activities, schools programs, grant projects, bush regeneration maintenance activities and Sustainability Blitz workshops Site preparation and provision of mulch for annual community tree planting activities, environment group activities, grant Mulch and site preparation $12,664 projects, bush regeneration maintenance activities and Sustainability Blitz workshops Additional site maintenance works on completed major bush Site Maintenance $39,121 regeneration project sites Salaries of three Bush Regeneration staff on full time Bush Regeneration Maintenance $152,457 maintenance duties of works completed under the program. Delivery of annual tree planting calendar, environment group activities, environment events including National Tree Equipment and Tools $4,988 Day, bush regeneration maintenance and Sustainability Blitz workshops
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 42 PART 1 / Environment Levy Works
Income and expenditure of environment levy
Elouera Bushland Reserve $904 Completion of the Elouera Bushland Reserve Vegetation Survey Vegetation Survey $179,685 Contracted riparian restoration works for Round 4 On-Ground Contracted Works environment restoration project includes weeding, Round 4 Projects – 2010-2011 locally native tree planting and litter removal. Projects 18 month duration. $13,574 Lt Cantello Riparian Restoration Project – Area 3, Hammondville Delivery of riparian restoration works $24,242 Public Reserve - Tucker Road - Area 2, Casula including weeding, local native tree $28,973 South Park - Area 2, Chipping Norton planting and litter removal (Project commenced November 2010. Proposed $29,344 Murragan Park - Area 2, Hinchinbrook completion July 2012) $57,294 Paciullo Park - Area 1, Liverpool $26,258 Harvard Reserve - Area 3, Prestons $46,339 Contracted riparian restoration works for Round 3 On-Ground Contracted Works environment restoration projects includes weeding, Round 3 Projects – 2009-2010 locally native tree planting and litter removal. Projects 18 month duration. Lt Cantello Riparian Restoration Project – Area 2, Hammondville $93 (Project commenced January 2010. Project completed July 2011) Jacqui Osmond Reserve Riparian Restoration Project – Area 1, Warwick Farm $2,450 (Project commenced December 2009. Project completed September 2011) Bringelly Recreation Reserve Riparian Restoration Project - Area 2 $3,400 (Project commenced December 2009. Project completed July 2011 ) Craik Park Bushland Restoration Project – Area 1, Austral $856 (Project commenced December 2009. Project completed September 2011) Remount Park Riparian Restoration Project – Area 1 , Holsworthy $5,399 (Project commenced January 2010. Project completed September 2011) Delivery of riparian restoration works Ernie Smith Reserve Riparian Restoration Project – Area 3, including weeding, local native tree $8,156 Moorebank planting and litter removal (Project commenced January 2010. Project completed July 2011) Woodside Park Bushland Restoration Project – Area 1, Hinchinbrook $6,483 (Project commenced March 2010. Project completed December 2011) Public Reserve – Rossini Drive Bushland Restoration Project Area 1, Hinchinbrook $3,238 (Project commenced December 2009. Project completed October 2011) Amalfi Park Riparian Restoration Project – Area 4, Lurnea $8,282 (Project commenced December 2009. Project completed September 2011) Riverside Park Riparian Restoration Project Area 1 , Chipping $7,982 Norton (Project commenced December 2009. Project completed November 2011) Contracted riparian restoration works for Round 2 On-Ground Contracted Works environment restoration projects includes weeding, $1,140 Round 2 Projects – 2009-10 local native tree planting and litter removal. Projects approximately 18 months. Delivery of riparian restoration works Lake Moore Riparian Restoration Project – Area 1, Moorebank including weeding, local native tree $1,140 (Contract commenced – May 2009. Project completed July 2011) planting and litter removal
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT Part 2: Delivery Program 2011-2015 Achievements
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 44 PART2 / Planning for the Future
Planning for the future
Council has developed the following plans and strategies in accordance with the requirements of the Community Strategic Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. Plan 10 years+ • A Community Strategic Plan (covering a 10 year period) Resourcing • A four year Delivery Program Strategy • A one year Operational Plan • A detailed Resourcing Strategy Delivery Program 4 years Perpetual monitoring and review framework Operational Plan Annual
Annual Report
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 2 / Planning for the Future 45
Growing Liverpool 2021, the Community Strategic Plan for the City of Liverpool Growing Liverpool 2021 is the 10 year Community Strategic Plan for the Liverpool Local Government Area and outlines what the people of Liverpool have said is important. It is a plan for the whole city, not just the Council. Council is a leader and custodian of the plan and is one of the parties responsible for its delivery.
Growing Liverpool 2021 is the Council’s highest level plan. It identifies the community’s 12 key objectives for the area as collected from our community engagement processes:
Objective 1: Liverpool is the vibrant regional centre for South-West Sydney Objective 2: Neighbourhoods and villages are well designed, safe and clean Objective 3: Urban development is consistent with sustainability principles Objective 4: Liverpool is a socially inclusive and healthy community Objective 5: Council and the community work together to support environmental sustainability Objective 6: The culture and diversity of Liverpool is recognised and valued Objective 7: There is an efficient and highly connected transport system Objective 8: Urban infrastructure meets the needs of a growing community Objective 9: There is access to comprehensive education and training Objective 10: Liverpool has a range of business and employment opportunities Objective 11: Decision-making processes are transparent and the community has opportunities to be involved Objective 12: The community is supported by a well-managed and responsive Council
The Community Strategic Plan includes strategies on how to achieve the above objectives. To put it simply, it is a broad look at where we want to go and how to get there. The plan is aimed at addressing the key challenges that Liverpool faces and its unique characteristics over the next 10 years.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 46 PART 2 / Planning for the Future
Delivery Program 2011-2015 Our assets – the Asset and Operational Plan 2011- Management Plan 2012 Liverpool Council’s infrastructure assets represent a significant investment that has been built up progressively Liverpool’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan detail over a long time. These assets are used to provide a actions to progress the objectives of Growing Liverpool range of services that improve social, environmental and 2021. economic outcomes for the community of Liverpool.
The strategies listed in Growing Liverpool 2021 set the The level of service delivered by these assets is largely framework for the development of our Delivery Program determined by the manner in which they are maintained and Operational Plan. As a community plan Growing and managed. Liverpool 2021 involves State and Federal agencies in delivery as well as elements of the community itself. The The complete Asset Management Plan includes an Asset Delivery Program and Operational Plan cover Council’s role Management Policy, Strategy, a consolidated Asset in delivery. Management Plan and individual plans relating to each asset class, being roads and transport, drainage and The Delivery Program runs over a period of four years floodplain, buildings, and parks and open space. and details the principal activities that will deliver on the Growing Liverpool 2021 strategies. Where appropriate Our people – the Workforce each principal activity has a corresponding detailed activity for the 2011-2012 year. This is our annual Operational Management Plan Plan. For simplicity our Delivery Program and Operational Workforce planning is an important management tool. Plan are presented as a single document. It assists in planning for and predicting workforce needs to ensure Council has the capacity to lead and provide Resourcing Strategy services to the community. It prepares Council to manage and respond to labour market supply and demand factors, The Resourcing Strategy projects the resources needed to work and family considerations, equity and diversity achieve the objectives in Growing Liverpool 2021 that are issues. the role of Council. It is made up of a Long Term Financial Plan, an Asset Management Plan and a Workforce The Workforce Management Plan describes the makeup Management Plan. These both inform and are informed by and needs of the current workforce and summarises the Growing Liverpool 2021 and the Delivery Program and Council’s key directions for strengthening and managing Operational Plan. its workforce. Our funds – the Long Term Reporting on progress Financial Plan A report on the implementation of the Community The Long Term Financial Plan is an important part of Strategic Plan in the period since its adoption in April 2011 Council’s strategic planning process. This is the point to August 2012 is attached to this Annual Report as Part where long term community aspirations and goals are 5 - “End of Term Report on Achievements”. tested against financial realities. In accordance with the requirements of the Integrated The Long Term Financial Plan contains a set of financial Planning and Reporting Framework, progress reports projections and assumptions covering a period of 10 on Council’s Delivery Program and Operational Plan are years. The assumptions and projections are based on considered by Council at least every six months. current operational issues, future service demands and infrastructure needs as expected by the community. Council’s achievements in implementing the Delivery Program during 2011-2012 can be found on pages 47 through to 79.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 2 / Objective 1 47
Council’s achievements in implementing the Delivery Program 2011-2015
Objective 1 Liverpool is the vibrant regional centre for South West Sydney
Kids Festival at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 1.1 PROVIDE QUALITY SPACES THAT SUPPORT AN ACTIVE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL LIFE FOR ALL AGES INCLUDING CIVIC AND OTHER EVENTS Maintain Developer Contribution Plans and Voluntary Planning Agreements that enable collection of contributions towards parks and public domain areas. Action continuing. A Voluntary Planning Agreement was made for the Coopers Paddock site which secures public open space and embellishments at Warwick Farm.
Produce and present art exhibitions in the five galleries in the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Action complete. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre successfully produced and presented ten major exhibitions including Niu Warrior, The Archibald Prize (NSW), the annual Mil-Pra AECG Aboriginal Exhibition, Made on the Kitchen Table and Strong Women Strong Painting Strong Culture.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 48 PART 2 / Objective 1
Attract and select exciting shows for any segment of Manage and further enhance the Art Collection of Liverpool Liverpool’s audience for 326 seat theatre in the Casula City Council, making works available to the public to enjoy. Powerhouse Arts Centre. Action continuing. Cataloguing and restoration of works Action complete. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre held are being progressed for displays, and several exhibitions 23 exciting productions in 2011-2012, which were well held featuring works from the collections. received and well attended. Build a pathway of creative opportunities for Liverpool’s Develop local stories through supporting local artists people through community access programs in collaboration to work with the community in theatre and visual arts with the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre. programs. Action complete. Programs, tours and actions were Action complete. Local artists and local community developed and conducted in conjunction with the members were involved in several actions to develop Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre. creative skills and to deliver workshops and events. Marsden Gallery presented works and stories of local STRATEGY 1.2 ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE artists in three exhibitions. BUSINESSES TO DEVELOP IN THE HOSPITAL, HEALTH AND MEDICAL PRECINCT Develop and conduct creative workshops at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Promote establishment of professional medical suites, and Action complete. A comprehensive program of creative consulting rooms in the streets surrounding the hospital. and educational workshops was held for schools, tours, Action continuing. Council actively encouraged the growth education workshops and performance, in addition to of medical and health related premises in proximity to the Liverpool Hospital through planning provisions. children’s school holiday activities. A Kids’ Studio was available for general use at all times. STRATEGY 1.3 FURTHER DEVELOP A COMMERCIAL Hire out Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre’s world-class CENTRE THAT ACCOMMODATES A VARIETY OF facilities for revenue-raising whilst subsidising support for EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES local community groups. Promote economic development within the City Centre by Action complete. Bookings achieved from 36 actively encouraging investment and development. organisations for over 100 days of venue hire across all Action continuing. Council actively progressed this spaces. strategy through liaising with State agencies to explore opportunities for relocation to Liverpool. Conduct three major themed family festivals at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. STRATEGY 1.4 ENCOURAGE COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL Action complete. Delivered several family festivals and DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY CENTRE, INCLUDING THE events including Casula for Kids festival, BBQ Pacifica, Sweet As, and an Afro-Latino Festival. SOUTHERN PART OF THE CITY Provide flexibility in planning controls to encourage Conduct the National Muslim Women’s Action which is a investment and development of the City Centre. partnership with the Australia Council for the Arts and the Action continuing. Council facilitated investment and Australian Human Rights Commission. development through planning provisions and offers of Action complete. New and original artworks have been funding support for shop façade upgrades. developed as an outcome of the Australian Muslim Women’s Action. An education kit, catalogue and STRATEGY 1.5 PROVIDE VIBRANT COMMUNITY AND publication detailing the full action were developed. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS Deliver several events in the City Centre per year. Further build the Casula Parkland’s success by progressing Action complete. Civic events included naming of Phil the infrastructure development. Tolhurst Park, Thanking of Volunteers, Anzac Day and Action continuing. Construction of a bike path and access Citizenship Ceremonies. road is underway. STRATEGY 1.6 ENHANCE THE URBAN AND VISUAL Support Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre’s tenant organisation CuriousWorks that delivers training programs AMENITY OF THE CITY CENTRE across Liverpool and Memory Bank that is working with Implement a waste management program to reduce Liverpool’s farming community. commercial waste in the City Centre. Action complete. An agreement with CuriousWorks Action continuing. The program implementation has been provides for technical assistance and support for actions, delayed due to legal issues, and alternatives to the audit and an agreement with Clayhouse provides for classes in approach are being explored. ceramics and clay making at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Implement proposed actions arising from the City Centre Safety Audit. Action continuing. Grant funding was secured for the Non-DV Assault Risk Minimisation Project to deliver recommendations from the safety audit.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 2 / Objective 1 49
Undertake scheduled maintenance programs to ensure that the area is in a clean condition for passive recreation and community events. Action complete. Scheduled maintenance programs were completed, including replanting of City Centre planter boxes.
Deliver on works in the Master Plan for Bigge Park. Action complete. Playground upgrade work completed.
Implement approved program of streetscape enhancement works within City Centre. Action continuing. Council adopted a 10 year program for the City Centre streetscape improvement works to be commenced in 2012-2013.
Implement a trunk drainage scheme to alleviate flooding problems within the core City Centre. Action continuing. Scheme implementation is to be scheduled.
Issue and renew permits for outdoor dining areas. Action complete. All existing permits were renewed within the year.
Implement actions arising from the City Centre Safety Audit (program of audits completed in 2010-11). Action continuing. A submission was made for funding for these actions.
STRATEGY 1.7 PROVIDE EFFICIENT PARKING FOR THE CITY CENTRE Implement the City Centre Car Parking Strategy. Action continuing. Council provided additional peripheral parking facilities with a connecting shuttle bus, revamped parking stations and installed parking meters to increase turnover on city streets. Feedback provided at community forums and Council’s own observations suggest that the Parking Strategy is improving access to parking.
Conduct regular patrols of paid and unpaid parking spaces. Action complete. Patrols resulted in over 24,500 parking infringements issued during the year.
Negotiate new and manage existing leases and licences. Action complete. Council actively progressed this strategy through timely renewal of leases and licences.
STRATEGY 1.8 ENCOURAGE OPPORTUNITIES FOR QUALITY FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES There were no actions planned for the period of the delivery program for this strategy.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 50 PART 2 / Objective 2
Objective 2 Neighbourhoods and villages are well designed, safe and clean
Clean and green neighbourhoods HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 2.1 DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT PLANNING POLICIES THAT RESPOND TO ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS Assess development applications, complying development certificates and construction certificates. Action continuing. Council completed assessments in accordance with planning provisions and sustainability principles.
Encourage the use of Council’s Pre-development Application service by the development industry. Action complete. Council held over 90 pre-development application meetings, and a developer’s forum was held to provide advice on local development trends and pressures.
Ensure planning controls reflect the role of Liverpool as the regional city for South Western Sydney, encourage growth and provide an adequate mix of land uses and a variety of opportunities for living, working, recreating. Action continuing. Council initiated a review of the rural land strategy to inform and finalise changes to planning controls and policy in 2012-2013.
Issue construction certificates. Action complete. Council issued approved construction certificates and established a team of accredited certifiers.
Issue building certificates. Action complete. Council issued Building Certificates for authorised works.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 2 / Objective 2 51
Issue section 149 certificates and outstanding notices. Department for further murals in the city, and work Action complete. Council issued 5,820 Section 149 commenced at four sites. Certificates and 1,020 Outstanding Notices during the year. Undertake scheduled maintenance programs across the city. Implement a new fire safety system for buildings. Action complete. Council completed its scheduled Action continuing. Council provided technical support in maintenance program and implemented a new bin relation to fire safety matters, including Annual Fire Safety cleaning program. Council liaised with sports groups who Statements. were successful in receiving $390,000 in grants under the State Government’s Community Building Partnership Continue residential swimming pool program. Program. Action complete. Council’s program included preparation of a register of private swimming pools. Renew and embellish open space and playground infrastructure. Update planning policies as required to support appropriate Action complete. Council renewed playgrounds at John development and re-development opportunities. Edmondson Reserve in Wattle Grove, Parkside Gardens in Action complete. Council amended the Local Hoxton Park, Webster Park in Chipping Norton, Roberts Environmental Plan to respond to growth opportunities Park in Chipping Norton, Cameron Park in Holsworthy while providing appropriate controls to guide and Bigge Park in Liverpool. Landscaping works were development. completed at Pacific Palms Reserve in Hoxton Park, Sadleir Park, McGrath Park and Maple Road Reserve in Casula, Ensure planning policies provide for development that Finlay Park in Mt Pritchard, Throsby Park in West Hoxton, achieves an appropriate balance of environmental, social Cameron Park in Holsworthy, Liverpool Pioneers’ Park and and financial outcomes. Collimore Park in Liverpool. Action continuing. Council is planning for future growth patterns within the Growth Centre precincts of Austral and Conduct illegal dumping enforcement program. North Leppington, including liaising with the Department Action complete. Council investigated 230 incidents, of Planning and Infrastructure on the needs of the existing conducted regular patrols, and completed three operations and incoming community in relation to facility delivery in conjunction with a State agency. and maintenance obligations into the future. STRATEGY 2.3 FOSTER NEIGHBOURHOOD PRIDE AND A Plan for urban expansion of areas within the South West SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY Growth Centre. Action complete. Council worked with the Department of Implement and review the Graffiti Removal Kits and Planning and Infrastructure to consider the development Vouchers Program. potential of urban expansion areas and planning Action complete. Council distributed graffiti kits and paint provisions. vouchers to residents, and evaluated its program of Graffiti Removal Kits and Vouchers. Implement a social impact assessment policy and action plan. STRATEGY 2.4 MANAGE AIR, WATER, NOISE AND Action complete. Council completed a Social Impact CHEMICAL POLLUTION Assessment Policy to facilitate improved assessment of Incorporate appropriate conditions into development social impacts relating to proposed developments. consents with view to ensuring risk of pollution is minimised. Develop a creative industries strategy that includes cultural Action complete. Council applied relevant planning tourism. provisions for pollution minimisation through appropriate Action continuing. An action plan was completed for the conditions in development consents. development of the strategy. Provide planning requirements to ensure threats of Prepare an information package on the engineering aspects pollution sources are considered, removed and or of infrastructure planning for the new release areas - mitigated. Austral and North Leppington. Action complete. Council reviewed and updated relevant Action continuing. Council has provided information on controls for development throughout the local government infrastructure planning to the Department of Planning area. and Infrastructure as the lead agency preparing the information package in consultation with the stakeholder Investigate complaints regarding air, water and noise Councils. pollution. Action complete. Council provided timely responses to STRATEGY 2.2 UNDERTAKE CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT complaints covering a wide range of circumstances and TO PUBLIC AREAS complexity. Deliver mural actions across the city. Continue to audit our waterways to identify pollutant Action continuing. Council completed planning and design activities. for the Ashcroft mural with schools and community Action complete. Council completed audits and follow- members booked to paint murals. Grant funding of up action as required regarding rural development $129,000 was achieved through the Attorney General’s environmental management.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 52 PART 2 / Objective 2
STRATEGY 2.5 FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT OF A Maintain and implement the Graffiti Management Strategy COMMUNITY SENSE OF SAFETY IN PUBLIC SPACES IN and Policy. PARTNERSHIP WITH POLICE, LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS Action complete. Council adopted and implemented a AND RESIDENTS revised Graffiti Management Strategy. Develop and maintain close partnerships with the local Provide an art redirection program to help reduce graffiti in police commands. Liverpool. Action complete. A total of 14 formal meetings were Action complete. Council completed public consultation held with the NSW Police in addition to regular informal on the possible relocation of the Art Wall Program at the discussions and correspondence. Casula Powerhouse through workshops, focus groups and surveys. Use grant funding to implement actions to improve community safety and reduce crime (subject to funding). STRATEGY 2.7 UNDERTAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS Action continuing. Council achieved grant funding of $50,000 and commenced a crime prevention project. BASED ON SOUND COMPLIANCE POLICY Crime prevention workshops were held in partnership with Inspect all regulated premises (such as food shops, stakeholders including an Arabic community workshop hairdressers, beauty salons, skin penetration clinics) as and domestic violence workshop. Council held the Safety required by legislation. Expo in partnership with Westfield and the Police, and two Action complete. Council inspected all regulated food safety audits were conducted at Miller Square. shops in accordance with legislative requirements.
Encourage the community to introduce practical solutions to Develop and review policies that reflect changes in liquor related problems. legislative and other requirements. Action continuing. Council participated in regular meetings Action complete. Council reviewed relevant policies. of the Liverpool City Liquor Accord. Officers distributed resources such as breath testers, banners, posters and Promote responsible animal management. coasters to incorporated Liquor Accord members. A grant Action complete. Council’s annual free micro-chipping was used for advertising and education. Day resulted in micro-chipping of 147 companion animals. Council’s animal management program included collection Provide assistance to Rural Fire Service and the State of stray animals and feral cats, inspections of Council off Emergency Service. leash areas, a subsidised companion animal de-sexing Action complete. Council maintained all Rural Fire Service program, and animal registrations. vehicles and buildings as required. Conduct site inspections to enforce offences regarding STRATEGY 2.6 SUPPORT POLICIES AND PLANS THAT illegal land filling and or educate offenders to ensure appropriate land use. PREVENT CRIME Action complete. Council completed 40 site inspections Refer relevant development applications to the NSW Police regarding illegal land filling. Force for comment. Action complete. Council sought expert consideration from Liaise with other agencies and the RID Squad in relation to the NSW Police on over 40 development applications. illegal land fill matters. Action complete. Council completed several investigations Assess development applications in accordance with ‘Crime including three joint operations. Prevention through Environmental Design’ principles to ensure new developments do not encourage crime. Conduct regular inspections of existing developments Action complete. Council applied crime prevention to ensure compliance with conditions of development considerations for new developments through its planning consents. controls, and participated in Safer by Design training Action complete. Council conducted over 650 inspections conducted by the NSW Police Force. of existing developments.
Develop and review policies that reflect changes in STRATEGY 2.8 ENCOURAGE THE REVITALISATION OF legislative and other requirements. LOCAL RETAIL CENTRES Action complete. Council reviewed policies relating to Enforcement, Issuing Infringements, and Feral Animals. There were no actions planned for the period of the delivery program for this strategy. Develop and distribute crime prevention resources. Action continuing. Guidelines for implementing the STRATEGY 2.9 PROMOTE POSITIVE AND HEALTHY principles of crime prevention through environmental BEHAVIOURS IN PUBLIC PLACES design are progressing. There were no actions planned for the period of the delivery program for this strategy.
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Objective 3 Urban development is consistent with sustainability principles
New housing in Middleton Grange
HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 3.1 PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN HERITAGE, BOTH LANDSCAPE AND CULTURAL AS URBAN DEVELOPMENT TAKES PLACE Provide adequate heritage protection for significant items of local heritage value and consider applications for state listing of items where appropriate. Action complete. Heritage Advisory Committee meetings were held to provide guidance and input into matters of heritage significance.
Prepare for review of Heritage Listings within the Liverpool LEP. Not scheduled for the period covered by this report.
STRATEGY 3.2 IMPLEMENT PLANNING POLICIES WHICH ENCOURAGE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL HIGH-RISE IN MAJOR CENTRES NEAR TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES, COMPLEMENTED BY OPEN SPACE AND FACILITIES Assess planning proposals and planning amendments which propose appropriate forms of urban renewal and urban release development. Action complete. Council completed amendments to the Local Environmental Plan to facilitate growth opportunities while providing appropriate controls to guide development.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 54 PART 2 / Objective 3
Facilitate the revitalisation and renewal of Miller Square. Provide for towns and suburbs which have a range of Action continuing. Council is working with Housing NSW dwelling types, providing housing choice for owners and on a draft Memorandum of Understanding to progress the renters. action in 2012-2013. Action complete. Appropriate controls were incorporated into the Development Control Plan for Austral and North STRATEGY 3.3 PROVIDE APPROPRIATE Leppington to ensure that future development of the area INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE COMMUNITIES OF NEW provides for a range of dwelling types. URBAN AREAS AS THEY ARE BEING SETTLED Monitor trends in community, planning industry and the Seek funds for facilities to be provided in conjunction with housing market to ensure planning controls provide for the development of the South West Growth Centre. dwellings to meet the current and future needs of the Action continuing. Council considered future growth community. patterns and generated demand for services within the Not scheduled for the period covered by this report. Growth Centre precincts of Austral and North Leppington, in addition to State government restrictions (capping) of STRATEGY 3.5 RETAIN VIABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR Section 94 contributions, the demand for facility delivery LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION WHILE MANAGING LAND and ongoing maintenance obligations into the future. Council liaised with the Department of Planning and USE TO MEET URBAN GROWTH DEMANDS Infrastructure in relation to the preparation of the zoning Identify areas which can be retained for agricultural plan and the draft Section 94 plan. production which are viable and appropriate. Action complete. Appropriate zonings were established Undertake community and recreation planning for new for the Austral North Leppington Precincts to retain areas of Liverpool, including the South West Growth Centre. some areas with limited development potential for rural Action continuing. Council considered social and purposes. recreational infrastructure needs in the Austral and North Leppington precincts of the South West Growth Centre. STRATEGY 3.6 MANAGE THE IMPACT OF FLOODING THROUGH THE DELIVERY AND MAINTENANCE OF Plan and deliver new civil infrastructure assets and upgrade DRAINAGE SYSTEMS existing assets as identified in the contributions plans. Continue overland flow path studies within the GL A to Action continuing. Council progressed its $11.5 million identify extent of flooding from overland flows. works program to preserve, restore, and enhance sections Not scheduled for the period covered by this report. of Bernera and Kurrajong Roads. Undertake risk management studies to analyse and Work with developers to deliver new infrastructure in new develop flood management options in order to protect release areas. properties affected by flooding from overland flows. Action complete. Council issued over 100 subdivision Not scheduled for the period covered by this report. certificates during the year. Undertake necessary investigations and designs to continue Acquire land in accordance with Assets delivery programs. provision of flood mitigation works in areas subject to main Action complete. Council acquired thirteen properties for stream flooding. infrastructure works. Action continuing. Progress on the scheme was impacted as a result of owners declining Council’s offers to purchase Negotiate and grant easements for public utilities in accord properties at severe flood risk from Georges River at with their requirements. Moorebank. Discussions are underway with the State Action complete. Council acquired six easements for public Government to explore options to establish a funding utilities. reserve where available grants can be accumulated and accessed as properties become available. STRATEGY 3.4 REGULATE FOR A MIX OF HOUSING TYPES THAT RESPONDS TO DIFFERENT POPULATION Council’s grant application for the provision of a flood GROUPS SUCH AS YOUNG FAMILIES AND OLDER retarding basin in Amalfi Park has been unsuccessful, PEOPLE however the action has been ranked as a high priority Assess development applications in accordance with action by the State Government. Council secured a relevant planning controls that require a mix of housing $1.5 million grant from the State Government for the types to respond to different population groups, including continuation of trunk drainage works in the City Centre people with a disability. for provision of new underground piped drainage along Action complete. Council assessed development George Street between Moore and Scott Streets. applications through planning controls with a number of applications referred to the Liverpool Access Committee for input relating to improved accessibility. A charter was commenced to standardise the types of development applications to be referred to the Access Committee.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 2 / Objective 3 55
Undertake drainage rehabilitation and renewal works to ensure continued performance of piped drainage systems. Action complete. Council relined and rehabilitated over 2.9 kilometres of Council’s piped drainage system, through funding raised from Council’s Stormwater Service Charge to improve hydraulic capacity and provide structural enhancement of the piped drainage system.
Clean and maintain creeks and waterways through a regular maintenance program of gross pollutant traps, wetlands, and detention basins. Action complete. Council inspected and maintained 105 gross pollutant traps on a quarterly basis, and completed over 6,500 audits.
STRATEGY 3.7 SUPPORT URBAN RENEWAL Provide planning which allows for higher densities in appropriate areas and encourage older areas to be renewed. Action continuing. Council developed a draft Memorandum of Understanding with Housing NSW to establish a relationship between the two government parties relating to areas of high public land ownership as part of a long term commitment to revitalising these areas.
Partner with community groups and residents to develop and maintain community gardens in disadvantaged areas of Liverpool. Action complete. Community gardens were maintained at Dunbier Park and Light Horse Park in Liverpool, Hart Park and Food 4 Life in Warwick Farm and the 2168 garden in Miller.
STRATEGY 3.8 SUPPORT HOUSING AFFORDABILITY Allow for a range of housing types at various price points to meet market demands. Action continuing. Appropriate controls were incorporated into the Development Control Plan for Austral and North Leppington to ensure that future development of the area provides for a range of dwelling types, to provide housing choice for owners and renters.
Develop and implement a housing affordability policy and action plan. Action continuing. Council completed an Affordable Housing Briefing Paper. Further action awaits completion of a template for local council policies being developed by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 56 PART 2 / Objective 4
Objective 4 Liverpool is a socially inclusive and healthy community
NAIDOC celebrations in Liverpool
HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 4.1 SUPPORT COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, GROUPS AND VOLUNTEERS TO DELIVER COORDINATED SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY Facilitate Council’s Environment Volunteer Program to support environmental activities around Liverpool. Action complete. Council held 10 community tree planting events in conjunction with local environment groups.
Support and resource the Liverpool Community Services Sector. Action complete. Council delivered six workshops for the Community Services Sector, worked with local groups and agencies, assisted with grant funding applications, prepared information fact sheets, and delivered ClubGRANTS and a Community Donations Program. A new web page on the availability of grants was established on Council’s website.
Review and update the three year Community 2168 Strategic Plan. Action complete. Council reviewed and updated the 2009-2012 Community 2168 Strategic Plan and developed the new 2012-2015 Plan.
Build a pathway of creative opportunities for Liverpool’s people in collaboration with the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre through community access programs. Action complete. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre worked with the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre to deliver tours, programs and actions tailored for its clients, and provided space for its actions and workshops.
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Create a volunteer program at Casula Powerhouse Arts STRATEGY 4.5 DELIVER HIGH QUALITY SERVICES FOR Centre. CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES Action complete. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Develop and implement a children’s open space policy. completed a volunteer procedure, manual and handbook, Action continuing. Council completed research for a public held briefings and involved volunteers in a range of space policy. actions from exhibitions to festivals. Provide Child Care Services for 0-5 year olds compliant with STRATEGY 4.2 RAISE AWARENESS IN THE COMMUNITY national standards. ABOUT AVAILABLE SERVICES AND FACILITIES Action continuing. Council implemented actions in Prepare enforcement promotional information to be response to family surveys to address community and distributed to local residents via the media, scheduled mail current family needs and liaised with relevant agencies on outs or meetings. requirements of the National Quality Standards. Action complete. Community awareness information included areas of animal management, illegal parking, Further develop programs at the Casula Powerhouse Arts mobility permit holders parking and illegal dumping. Centre targeting children and their families. Action complete. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre held a Develop directories regarding available services and successful Casula Kids Festival, children’s school holiday facilities. activities, Kids’ Studio and theatre for children. Action complete. Council completed and distributed an Ageing and Disability Directory and Youth Info card. STRATEGY 4.6 SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE’S ACCESS TO ACTIVITIES, SERVICES AND SPACES Provide media and publicity campaigns promoting Council Implement Council’s Youth Strategy. services and facilities. Action complete. Council adopted a new Youth Strategy Action complete. Council promoted its services and and implemented actions including Youth Week, Youth facilities through an estimated 276 Communications Council and Youth Info card. campaigns during the year.
Further develop hire services and promote activities more STRATEGY 4.7 SUPPORT ACCESS AND SERVICES FOR widely at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY Action complete. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Assess development applications to ensure compliance with published venue hire brochures and marketing relevant disability standards and continue to refer relevant opportunities and upgraded technical and front of house applications to Council’s Access Committee for comment. equipment to industry standard to successfully achieve Action complete. Council sought input from the Access increased venue hire during the year. Committee on relevant assessments and planning controls and ensured compliance with disability standards. STRATEGY 4.3 SUPPORT LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES AND PROGRAMS THAT PREVENT DISEASE AND IMPROVE Improve access to public infrastructure for those with a disability. WELL BEING Action complete. Council provided Master Locksmith Work with local health services on emerging community Access Keys to residents with disabilities and distributed issues. a Mobility Map to the Access Committee for circulation to Action complete. Council held a roundtable meeting with clubs and organisations. relevant government agencies to address issues relating to drugs and alcohol use in Miller. Further develop and promote the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre as a best practice accessible centre. STRATEGY 4.4 SUPPORT ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR Action complete. Casula Powerhouse increased OLDER PEOPLE AND PREPARE FOR AN AGEING programming for accessible audiences and included access POPULATION symbols on theatre and programs. The Centre worked with Develop and implement a strategy for managing the local disabilities service providers including the provision impacts of the ageing population. of space and joint programming. Action complete. Council completed community consultations, developed a strategy and held a Liveable Increase programming at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Communities workshop. Centre specifically targeting people with a disability. Action complete. The Clayhouse provided workshops for Further develop seniors’ involvement as participants and people with a disability, held access programs, an Auslan audiences at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. interpreted theatre performance and International Day of Action complete. Council involved seniors in Seniors People with a Disability. A Memorandum of Understanding Week, a matinee series, art classes and workshops. was agreed with The Junction Works for their use of space for rehearsal and performance.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 58 PART 2 / Objective 4
Continue implementing access improvement programs Increase community awareness regarding cross cultural under the Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan and issues. Disability Action Plan. Action continuing. Council held refugee awareness Action complete. Council upgraded various kerb ramps training in June. within the City Centre and suburbs for improved access and mobility. Build a pathway of creative opportunities for Liverpool’s people in collaboration with the Liverpool Migrant Resource Continue implementing footpath and cycleway programs to Centre through community access programs. improve accessibility and mobility across the LGA. Action complete. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre worked Action complete. Council completed over nine kilometres with the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre to deliver tours of paved footpaths in its works program and constructed and programs tailored towards the need of clients. six kilometres of cycleways and shared paths funded jointly by Council and State government. Create a volunteer program at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Improve accessibility at and adjoining bus stops to meet Action complete. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Disability Standards. completed a volunteer procedure, manual and handbook, Action complete. Council provided eight bus shelters along held briefings and involved volunteers in a range of existing bus routes as part of Council’s bus shelter program actions to increase the capacity of the Centre to deliver to encourage the use of public transport, completed an programs to the community. audit of existing bus stops and adopted a program of works to be progressively implemented to improve bus STRATEGY 4.10 SUPPORT ACCESS TO HEALTHY AND stop accessibility. AFFORDABLE FOOD FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Investigate opportunities for agriculture to be maintained Improve accessibility to building and open space facilities. within the South West Growth Centre area as the area Action continuing. Council progressed works in the establishes. disability access upgrade program which is now scheduled Action complete. Council zonings for the Austral and to be completed in 2012-2013. North Leppington Precincts retain some areas with limited development potential for rural and agricultural purposes. STRATEGY 4.8 SUPPORT INITIATIVES THAT IMPROVE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES Support the development of urban farming in Liverpool. FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLE Action continuing. Council confirmed Hoxton Park High Investigate opportunities to deliver locally based programs School as the selected site for an urban farm, established for Aboriginal people. a volunteer list and engaged action partners. Action continuing. Council identified a funding source and liaised with the Department of Education Employment and STRATEGY 4.11 FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF Workplace Relations to deliver an Aboriginal youth arts COMMUNITY LEADERS and employment action. Support and resource the Liverpool Youth Council. Action complete. Council held Youth Council meetings and Develop an Aboriginal culture and heritage study. provided training, support and guidance. Action continuing. Council progressed research for the development of an Aboriginal culture and heritage study. Further progress Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre relationships with community leaders whilst building Further develop Aboriginal programs at Casula Powerhouse programming content and more leaders. Arts Centre. Action complete. The Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre Action continuing. The Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre liaised with relevant advisory panels, boards, community and KARI signed a Memorandum of Understanding for leaders and organisations to guide actions delivered by the use of space for the Voice Identification Program and the Centre. the delivery of actions. Aboriginal programs included works in the Switch and Marsden Gallery, an Aboriginal STRATEGY 4.12 PROVIDE A DIVERSE RANGE OF performance group at the opening weekend and ‘Warrior RECREATION SERVICES Women’ a co-programmed event with Koori Radio. Provide equitable access to sporting facilities. Action complete. Council confirmed applications and STRATEGY 4.9 SUPPORT ACCESS TO SERVICES AND allocations for both summer and winter playing seasons SUPPORT FOR MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES and delivered a variety of sport and fitness opportunities. Maintain Council’s Multicultural Plan. Action continuing. Council completed actions in the Contribute to Casula Parklands upgrade Master Plan. 2011-2012 multicultural plan with ongoing actions to Action continuing. Council liaised with railway authorities, be progressed in 2012-2013. A new plan was placed on Department of Works and stakeholders to enable the exhibition. design of the park to be progressed.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 2 / Objective 5 59
Objective 5 Council and the community work together to support environmental sustainability
Waste management in Liverpool
HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 5.1 MINIMISE HOUSEHOLD AND COMMERCIAL WASTE Provide residents with a domestic waste, recycling and green waste collection service. Action complete. Council provided domestic waste, recycling and garden waste collection services to the residents and completed bin inspections and an associated education program.
Provide residents with a six monthly household “clean-up” collection and white goods collection services. Action complete. Council collected over 14,700 household pick-ups and 6,255 white good collections during the year. Information regarding Council’s pick up services within the City Centre area were translated into Chinese, Serbian, Arabic and Vietnamese to facilitate increased usage of these services.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 60 PART 2 / Objective 5
Work with State agencies to reduce illegally dumped Incorporate appropriate controls into the Liverpool Local rubbish in areas of multi-unit dwellings. Environment Plan and Development Control Plan for Austral Action complete. Council conducted door knocking, and North Leppington to ensure the endangered ecological enforcement actions, liaised with strata managers communities are adequately protected in accordance with to discuss the issue of illegal dumping and provided the Biodiversity certification. information and signage. Action complete. Council developed planning controls including zonings and development control plans Deliver a range of waste events. for Austral and North Leppington which provide for Action complete. Council held a Chemical Cleanout and protection of endangered ecological communities. E -Waste Collection days and participated with 181 local Council applied the provisions of the Local Environmental households in the “Garage Sale Trail”. Plan and Development Control Plans to protect areas of environmental significance across the local government Design and implement a waste education strategy. area. Action complete. Council completed the Contamination Reduction Strategy for implementation in 2012-2013 and Provide advice to Council and the community in relation to introduced recycling into eight schools. natural resource management matters. Action complete. Council provided information and advice STRATEGY 5.2 MANAGE THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH to the community on development applications, rezoning OF WATERWAYS and Council actions. Inspect On-site Sewerage Management Systems. Implement the Tree Management Plan and associated Action complete. Council inspected an average of 80 programs. on-site sewerage management systems each month Action complete. Council assessed 440 applications for and ensured development controls for Austral and North tree removal. Leppington addressed potential impacts of development on waterways. Manage the Sustainability Tree Replacement Incentive Program. Conduct regular ranger patrols of waterways. Action continuing. Tree giveaways were organised Action complete. Council conducted 105 patrols during the for Australia Day, however, due to weather conditions, year. this event was cancelled. Further opportunities will be investigated for the next financial year. Reduce the incidence of aquatic weeds in accordance with gazetted management plans. Maintain sites restored under Council’s Environment Action complete. Council treated over 40 sites including Restoration Plan. Georges River and Cabramatta Creek for aquatic weeds. Action complete. Council’s Bush Regeneration team maintained 14 sites. Reduce the amount of pollution entering creeks and rivers by installing stormwater treatment devices and adopting Manage noxious and environmental weeds throughout the other stormwater management practices. LGA in accordance with gazetted management plans. Action continuing. Council implemented works to reduce Action continuing. Council completed a spraying program the amount of pollution entering creeks and rivers by for 20 sites targeting lantana, blackberry and African olive installing stormwater treatment devices and adopting new weeds. stormwater management practices. Implement a generic Plan of Management for Natural Areas STRATEGY 5.3 PROTECT, ENHANCE AND MAINTAIN in Liverpool. AREAS OF ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES Action complete. Council commenced assessment of the AND HIGH QUALITY BUSHLAND AS PART OF AN Draft Plan of Management for Natural Areas with public ATTRACTIVE MIX OF LAND USES consultation scheduled for 2012-2013. Undertake at least eight major bush regeneration projects annually including weed removal, locally native tree STRATEGY 5.4 RAISE COMMUNITY AWARENESS planting and litter removal. AND SUPPORT ACTION IN RELATION TO ALL Action complete. Council commenced works on eight new ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES bush regeneration sites and completed works on a further Deliver a range of sustainability workshops. 10 sites that commenced in 2010-2011. Action complete. Council held eight Sustainability Blitz workshops including composting and worm farming, organic gardening and chook care.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 2 / Objective 5 61
Conduct an education program for the community targeting actions they can take to address their environmental impacts. Action complete. Council prepared and issued four editions of the Sustaining Liverpool Newsletter to residents.
Exhibit rezoning proposals, planning controls and other planning matters which may result in significant environmental impacts. Action complete. Council assessed planning proposals including public exhibition and consideration of matters raised by the public.
STRATEGY 5.5 ACT AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER WITHIN THE COMMUNITY Develop Environment Sustainability and Natural Environment Strategy to guide the organisation and the community. Action continuing. Council completed and adopted the Integrated Environment Sustainability Action Plan and the Draft Biodiversity Management Plan was exhibited for public comment.
Increase the capacity of Council to meet its environmental legislative requirements and improve environmental performance. Action complete. Council promoted the Integrated Environment Sustainability Action Plan with a focus on actions regarding biodiversity, energy and water use and waste minimisation.
STRATEGY 5.6 ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS AND HOMES Ensure submission of correct information that assesses the environmental performance of buildings and homes in all relevant Development Applications. Action complete. The DA submission matrix was reviewed to ensure all appropriate documentation is provided in support of development applications. Council continued to require developers to demonstrate that appropriate environmental performance is achieved through compliance with BASIX standards.
Implement energy and water efficiency initiatives at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Action complete. The installation of energy efficient lighting to replace gallery halogen lighting has been delayed by limited supply of the required products.
Improve environmental performance of Council’s buildings through maintenance and renewal projects. Sound and light reflective fabric curtains were installed in the Turbine Hall at Casula Powerhouse. All other planned renewal projects were delivered.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 62 PART 2 / Objective 6
Objective 6 The culture and diversity of Liverpool is recognised and valued
Afro-Latino Festival at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 6.1 FACILITATE THE CELEBRATION OF THE RICH VARIETY OF CULTURES Provide a program of cultural, heritage and educational exhibitions, events and programs that celebrate Liverpool’s historical and cultural heritage. Action complete. Council held exhibitions at the Liverpool Regional Museum and Liverpool Heritage Library including Femme Fatale: The Female Criminal Exhibition and the Stories of Liverpool exhibition.
Deliver a program of city wide community events. Action complete. Council held various events including an Anti-Poverty Week, Mayoral Concert, International Day of People with Disability, Carer’s Week, Youth Week, Harmony Day, Sorry Day, and Children’s Week celebrations.
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Conduct promotional campaigns for all Council cultural STRATEGY 6.4 CREATE AWARENESS OF AND programs. ENCOURAGE USE OF SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL AND Action complete. Council conducted promotional CULTURAL SITES campaigns for community events in addition to awareness Identify and protect sites of historical significance. programs such as Refugee Week, NAIDOC Week, Seniors Action continuing. Development of a heritage Week, and International Women’s Day. conservation plan commenced. Council protects 111 places of local heritage significance through planning controls. STRATEGY 6.2 PROMOTE COMMUNITY HARMONY AND ADDRESS DISCRIMINATION STRATEGY 6.5 SUPPORT COMMUNITY IDENTITY AND A Monitor and act on emerging discrimination issues in SENSE OF BELONGING Liverpool. Require public art to be incorporated into City Centre Action continuing. Council held a stakeholder forum on developments to diversify the public domain and create a harmony and discrimination. sense of place. Action continuing. Council commenced development of a STRATEGY 6.3 PROVIDE CULTURAL CENTRES AND public art policy to guide the production and installation of ACTIVITIES FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF CULTURE AND THE public art pieces. ARTS Develop a library collection, including digital that values Investigate and implement strategies that promote Liverpool’s historical and cultural heritage. diversity and harmony and enhance community pride and Action continuing. The Liverpool City Library participated identity. in a cooperative grant action to digitise the Cumberland Action continuing. Council completed a report on public Argus and Fruit Growers’ Advocate 1920 to 1950. The space actions, signage and events that promote diversity Liverpool Regional Museum progressed the cataloguing of and harmony and enhanced community pride and identity. collections and received donations including items from Australian Cricketer Jason Krejza and Rugby League items from Brett Hodgson, Pat Richards and the Minichiello brothers.
Ensure that the Regional Museum’s collection is maintained and preserved for future generations. Action continuing. Council completed a disaster plan for the Heritage Collections of the Liverpool Heritage Library and the Liverpool Regional Museum, installed climate controlled air conditioning in the museum storage room in the Liverpool City Library and progressed conservation works.
Conduct an extensive arts and culture program across education, theatre, exhibition, community events and major festivals at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Action complete. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre delivered 23 productions and 10 major art exhibitions attracting 55,619 visitors during the year, representing a 70 per cent increase on visitation last year.
Deliver media and advertising campaigns for Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Action complete. Council promoted activities and events at Casula Powerhouse through 33 media and advertising campaigns.
Refugee Week celebrations in Liverpool
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 64 PART 2 / Objective 7
Objective 7 There is an efficient and highly connected and integrated transport system
Cycleway in Liverpool
HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 7.1 PROMOTE AN INTEGRATED AND USER FRIENDLY PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE Advocate to State government to improve public transport for our suburbs. Action continuing. Council made a detailed submission to NSW Transport regarding various transport network improvements needed for all modes of transport across Liverpool and for connecting with broader Sydney.
STRATEGY 7.2 SUPPORT THE DELIVERY OF A RANGE OF TRANSPORT OPTIONS Advocate to State government for increased road, rail and bus capacity to meet increasing travel demands of South West Sydney. Action continuing. The indicative layout plan for the Austral and North Leppington locates higher density development (units, villas and terrace housing) in areas with good access to public transport and establishes an appropriate street pattern. Council has undertaken to represent the needs of the existing and incoming community with view to creating high quality suburbs into the future.
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Provide street layouts which allow clear and efficient routes Regularly maintain footpaths, cycleways and kerb and to places of interest such as shops, schools, parks and gutter. facilities. Action complete. Council addressed all safety issues Action continuing. The Department of Planning and within 48 hours, responded to other customer requests Infrastructure transport reports were evaluated by Council. promptly and completed programmed civil maintenance Council liaised with the Department to ensure traffic works. impacts and road layouts can be managed appropriately into the future. STRATEGY 7.5 ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY FOR ALL ROAD USERS STRATEGY 7.3 DELIVER AND MAINTAIN A HIGH Implement Road Safety Action Plan. QUALITY LOCAL ROAD SYSTEM INCLUDING PROVISION Action complete. Council held six free child restraint AND MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND checking events, four workshops for parents and MANAGEMENT OF TRAFFIC ISSUES supervisors of learner drivers, presentations on dangerous Undertake timely renewal and replacement of civil driving behaviours and conducted regular road safety infrastructure assets. information visits to schools. Council implemented a “Slow Action continuing. Council completed works including Down” local speed program on four local roads with 50 pavement renewal and rehabilitation on 17 streets, kilometres per hour speed limits and promoted road safety pavement surface rejuvenating treatments in Green Valley programs in consultation with the NSW Police, Roads and area with over 52,000 square metres of pavement surface Maritime Services. treated on 36 streets, and over 6,300 square metres of heavy patching works on various roads. STRATEGY 7.6 PROMOTE THE PROVISION OF A WELL- FUNCTIONING REGIONAL TRANSPORT NETWORK BY Acquire land for roads and road widening in accord with STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS assets delivery program. There were no actions planned for the period of the Action continuing. Council acquired six properties during delivery program for this strategy. the year.
Improve road safety conditions across the LGA through better signage and line marking as indicated by customer requests. Action complete. Council responded to over 560 traffic related issues and requests.
Undertake a program of road maintenance. Action continuing. Council completed works including pothole repairs, emergency road repairs, road shoulder and unsealed road grading and table drain maintenance.
STRATEGY 7.4 DELIVER AND MAINTAIN A RANGE OF TRANSPORT RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE SUCH AS FOOTPATHS, BUS SHELTERS AND BIKEWAYS Put in place development controls for the Austral and North Leppington Precincts which require the provision of bus shelters, footpaths and bike paths. Action complete. Council has incorporated appropriate development controls to ensure the delivery of transport facilities such as bus stops, bike and pedestrian paths.
Continue to deliver new paved footpaths, shared paths and bus shelters in accordance with adopted capital works priority programs. Action complete. Council constructed over nine kilometres of paved footpaths, eight bus shelters along existing bus routes to encourage the use of public transport, and approved two new bus stops.
Hoxton Park Road, Liverpool
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 66 PART 2 / Objective 8
Objective 8 Urban infrastructure meets the needs of a growing community
The new Peter Miller Reserve at Prestons HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 8.1 SUPPORT THE PROVISION OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE INCLUDING ELECTRICITY, SEWERAGE, WATER, SCHOOLS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS Liaise with State agencies to ensure delivery of infrastructure to support urban renewal and to underpin development of new suburbs. Action continuing. Council liaised with State agencies and service providers to encourage the delivery of State services and facilities within the precincts of Austral and North Leppington. Through the planning controls Council has strongly advocated for appropriate acquisition plans to be in place to facilitate this service delivery.
Liaise with Integral Energy for the provision of street lighting in new release areas. Action continuing. Council liaised with Endeavour Energy for the provision of street lighting in new release areas with 66 new street lights installed.
Negotiate and grant easements for public utilities in accord with their requirements. Action continuing. Council acquired six easements during the year.
Acquisition of land in accordance with the assets delivery schedule. Action continuing. Council acquired 13 properties for infrastructure works.
Negotiate and grant leases for telecommunication towers. Action complete. Council renewed leases as required.
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STRATEGY 8.2 MANAGE INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS IN Department of Planning and Infrastructure who are ACCORD WITH ESTABLISHED ASSET MANAGEMENT overseeing the preparation of the zoning plan and the PRINCIPLES draft Section 94 Plan was exhibited for public comment. Develop long-term strategic asset management plans Support the delivery of new and upgraded recreation including long term asset renewal and replacement facilities in new and recently established areas. programs for Council’s infrastructure assets. Action continuing. The review of generic plan of Action complete. Council developed and adopted the management for parks and the generic plan of 2012-2013 Capital Works Program. management for sports grounds is now scheduled for Review priority programs on an annual basis to incorporate 2012-2013 changes due to changing asset conditions and changing needs. Research future community requirements for recreation and Action complete. Council completed a comprehensive open space infrastructure. review of the ten-year Capital Works Priority Program and Action continuing. Council evaluated results from the corresponding expenditure forecasts for development the sportsground user and hirer infrastructure survey; of the 2012-2013 Capital Works Program. progressed the development of a Recreation Action Plan; scoped next steps for planning of recreation and Maintain Council’s building assets in sound condition to open space needs in the South West Growth Centre; and meet the community’s needs. progressed a feasibility study for a Sports Stadium. Action continuing. Council completed scheduled reactive maintenance programs and progressed works on Acquisition of land in accordance with the assets delivery programmed maintenance. schedule. Action continuing. Council acquired 13 properties for Monitor and manage works carried out by others to ensure infrastructure works. Council’s standards and specifications are maintained. Action complete. Council conducted driveway inspections Renovate and maintain Council’s sporting grounds. and issued road permits. Certified or approved works-in- Action complete. Council completed renovation of sporting kind in new release areas where applicable, including fields including aeration, fertilising and broadleaf spraying. roads, drainage and parks. Provide equitable access to Council’s community facilities and buses. STRATEGY 8.3 PROVIDE WELL DESIGNED COMMUNITY Action continuing. Council completed a review of expired FACILITIES TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS license agreements and commenced review of procedure Plan and deliver the Community Native Plant Nursery and to streamline forms and legal requirements. Environment Education Centre. Action continuing. Council adopted Casula Parkland as the Maintain Council’s passive parks and open spaces. preferred site for the Community Nursery and Environment Action complete. Council completed maintenance works Education Centre. Development of the business plan for with 45 fields top dressed and all 97 fields aerated, the nursery will be completed in 2012-2013. fertilised, sprayed for broadleaf weeds and soil tested.
Support the delivery of new and upgraded community STRATEGY 8.5 PROVIDE ASSETS IN A MANNER THAT facilities in new and recently established areas. MEETS RELEVANT STANDARDS AND IDENTIFIED Action continuing. Council progressed the development of a Community Facilities Strategic Plan for completion in SERVICE LEVELS 2012-2013. Review and update existing civil works technical specifications and construction standards for currency and Deliver the Carnes Hill Community and Recreation Precinct. relevance. Action complete. Concept designs delivered to Council in Not scheduled for the period covered by this report. accordance with Council resolution. Ensure Council’s buildings comply with building and fire regulations. STRATEGY 8.4 PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A DIVERSE Action complete. Scheduled maintenance of essential RANGE OF RECREATION SERVICES AND FACILITIES services in Council owned premises have been met Plan for the appropriate provision of recreational services through inspection and testing programs. and facilities within the South West Growth Centre. Action continuing. Council considered the State restrictions (capping) of Section 94 contributions, the demand for open space facility delivery and ongoing maintenance obligations into the future. Council liaised with the
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 68 PART 2 / Objective 9
OBJECTIVE 9 THERE IS ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION AND TRAINING
‘The.space’ at Liverpool City Library
HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 9.1 SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR INFORMAL LEARNING AND RESOURCE A NETWORK OF LIBRARIES IN THE COMMUNITY Develop the Library’s collection to meet the learning and leisure needs of the people of Liverpool. Action complete. The Liverpool City Library currently has a collection of 188,316 items, acquired 22,358 new items and discarded 33,369 items. The average number of times each book was borrowed was 4.58. During the year the library completed selection profiles, conducted a user survey and addressed various issues raised, provided access to a range of online databases, and acquired fifteen Plextor Daisy Players for loan to people with a physical or learning disability.
Continue to implement the Library’s New Service Delivery Model. Action complete. The 2011-2013 Branch Libraries Action Plan was prepared to facilitate the review of the branch libraries and to ensure that the services provided are meeting the needs of residents within their catchment areas. Specifications for a new district library at Carnes Hill were completed.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 2 / Objective 9 69
Develop a sustainable Library system providing excellence in customer service. Action complete. The Library launched its “Library Anywhere App” with customers now able to access the Library’s services through their smart phones or tablets, implemented an automatic returns and sorter system and tagged all collections for improved management.
Create a Library that facilitates long stay use for study and other purposes. Action complete. The Liverpool City Library installed laptop benches for customers accessing the Library’s Wi- Fi services, new shelving, additional computers, desks with power points for customers using their laptops at the City Library and upgraded internet connections in all Council’s libraries. The library hosted five exhibitions. The library implemented grant funded improvements to re-energise ‘The.space’ as a recreational space within the City Library specifically for young adults. This includes a large interactive games screen, new technology and a new layout.
Monitor use of the Library and the Museum through a range of indicators. Action complete. The Library received positive feedback on the exhibitions, events and programs that it provided to the community.
STRATEGY 9.2 SUPPORT ACCESS TO THE INTERNET, IN PARTICULAR BROADBAND CONNECTION There were no actions planned for the period of the delivery program for this strategy.
STRATEGY 9.3 SUPPORT ACCESS TO POST SECONDARY EDUCATION, INCLUDING TAFE AND UNIVERSITY There were no actions planned for the period of the delivery program for this strategy.
STRATEGY 9.4 SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS REQUIRING ASSISTANCE There were no actions planned for the period of the delivery program for this strategy.
STRATEGY 9.5 SUPPORT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES THAT MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY Implement recommendations from Education Paper developed by Council’s Community and Recreation Panel. Action complete. Council engaged young people in the 2168 Youth Fashion Action, showcased its youth programs and services at The ‘Engaging School Forum’ organised by the Department of Education and Training, worked in partnership with The Street University and promoted education programs. Education opportunities in the community were disseminated.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 70 PART 2 / Objective 11
OBJECTIVE 10 LIVERPOOL HAS A RANGE OF BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Council and TAFE NSW - South Western Sydney Institute
HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 10.1 ENCOURAGE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF A VARIETY OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, WHICH PROVIDE FOR A RANGE OF SKILL LEVELS AND EMPLOYMENT CATEGORIES Ensure land is zoned to allow a range of employment types within a variety of locations to best meet local employment needs. Action complete. Potential for enlargement of existing and new centres was incorporated into the draft zonings prepared for the Austral and North Leppington Precincts.
Build a pathway of creative opportunities through community access programs in collaboration with the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre. Action complete. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre continued its relationship with the Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre (LMRC) tailoring tours and programs towards the need of LMRC clients, consulting with LMRC clients on the development of actions and making space available for the LMRC to deliver actions or workshops.
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STRATEGY 10.2 FACILITATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT submitted to support the establishment of social Develop further e-planning capabilities and online services enterprises in Liverpool, a social enterprise workshop was relating to development applications to facilitate simpler delivered in April and a new program is being finalised lodgement and determination of applications. with Miller Technology High School and Liverpool PCYC. Action continuing. Work started on the review of legislative references, development of fact sheets and Support local artists to develop art excellence that brings online reporting of development applications. Online economic benefits. lodgement of development applications will be dependent Action complete. Seven projects involving local artists on the success of the online lodgement of complying were conducted, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre’s development certificates. Marsden Gallery was developed into a community gallery presenting the stories of local artists with three exhibitions Actively promote Liverpool as a place for business to invest held. Local artists and art workers delivered workshops and grow. and activities. Action complete. Representations were made to the State government advocating for the relocation of State STRATEGY 10.3 SUPPORT ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT government services and offices to the Liverpool City AND TRAINING PARTICULARLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, Centre and to explore options to offer payroll tax relief OLDER PEOPLE, MIGRANTS AND THOSE EXPERIENCING or similar incentives to encourage private businesses to LONG TERM UNEMPLOYMENT relocate to or establish within the Liverpool City Centre. Conduct a program of training and learning activities at the Community 2168 Training and Research Centre. The development of Liverpool as a regional city is Action complete. Seminars were delivered on community being actively facilitated by Council. An Economic gardens, social cohesion in the Community 2168, Development team was created during the year to focus psychosocial needs of Sudanese refugee women and on development in the City Centre. Council operated a City health issues in Timor-Leste and an eight week learning Centre Community Advisory Committee to support the circle for workers and community members was organised advancement of the city. to discuss practical solutions to issues in social cohesion.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by TAFE Promote training opportunities for young people in NSW – South Western Sydney Institute and Liverpool City Liverpool. Council. This agreement formalised a partnership that Action complete. An Employment and Education Event for will seek to identify and deliver economic development the 2168 area was held in August 2011 with planning for initiatives in the Liverpool community. the August 2012 event underway.
Council worked in partnership with the Australian STRATEGY 10.4 FACILITATE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW Taxation Office to provide support for small business TOURIST BUSINESSES BASED ON LOCAL ATTRACTIONS through seminars to facilitate small and medium business retention and growth AND CULTURE-IN-TOURISM AS WELL AS OTHER CREATIVE INDUSTRIES An agreement was confirmed with the Department of Investigate ways to encourage use of identified heritage Education Employment and Workplace Relations to provide items for tourist activities. funding for a position focussed on creating employment Action continuing. Preliminary meetings of the Heritage of opportunities for priority groups such as the culturally and Western Sydney Working Group have been held. The group linguistically diverse and youth. is made up of heritage advisors and planners of various Councils and aims to promote regional tourism in Western A partnership with Western Sydney Business Connection Sydney through thematic heritage trails. was progressed to facilitate marketing, branding, business exposure, investment attraction, economic growth and Develop a creative industries strategy that includes cultural improved employment prospects. tourism. Action continuing. A broad range of activities and actions A Chinese Government delegation from the Vocational were developed to attract visitation from outside the Education and Training sector visited Liverpool which Liverpool area including: Niu Warrior, Sweet As, Afro-Latino benefits our community by fostering global economic ties, Festival, 48 Machinima, No Added Sugar, Casula for Kids marketing and investment opportunities with the Asian Festival and ghost tours. and global economies through interconnectedness.
Facilitate the development of social enterprise initiatives across Liverpool. Action complete. Research was undertaken to identify seed funding and support available for the establishment of new social enterprises. Grant applications were
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 72 PART 2 / Objective 11
OBJECTIVE 11 DECISION MAKING PROCESSES ARE TRANSPARENT AND THE COMMUNITY HAS OPPORTUNITIES TO BE INVOLVED
Citizenship ceremony, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 11.1 ENCOURAGE THE COMMUNITY TO ENGAGE IN COUNCIL INITIATIVES AND ACTIONS Support and resource the Committees of Council. Action complete. The Community and Recreation Panel, Access Committee, Youth Council and Aboriginal Consultative Committee were convened every month with minutes reported to Council.
Support community engagement processes other than Committees of Council and investigate options for improving the reach of current engagement processes. Action complete. A review of the operation of community forums was completed and considered by the Council.
Explore opportunities to create new opportunities for community engagement. Action complete. An ethnic leaders forum was established in partnership with Liverpool Migrant Resource Centre. The review of the community engagement toolkit policy and procedure was completed - public exhibition will be undertaken in 2012-2013.
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Create a volunteer program at Casula Powerhouse Arts Use a variety of means to promote the Library’s and Centre. Museum’s services, including the issuing of press releases Action complete. Volunteer procedure, manual and and the development of promotional materials. handbook were finalised and regular volunteer briefings Action complete. The Library featured in 257 articles within held. Volunteers are now involved in a range of actions the local newspapers including exhibitions, children’s from exhibitions to festivals. programs and special programs like Skype for Seniors. Partnerships with the Liverpool Genealogical Society and Include words of encouragement to engage with Council in the Liverpool and District Historical Society continued. all relevant promotional material. The Library and Museum Image Committee upgraded the Action complete. Council used words of encouragement in signs within the City Library, redesigned all promotional all its external media and promotional campaigns. materials, implemented new book display techniques and implemented new shelving within all libraries. Promote corporate sponsorship opportunities to community. Action complete. Corporate sponsorship opportunities were Provide informative reports that let people know about promoted extensively to the community resulting in the Council’s achievements and progress. approval and distribution of more than $26,000 to twelve Action complete. All corporate reports were completed in community organisations. accordance with legal requirements.
STRATEGY 11.2 PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT Promote Council’s Committees. COUNCIL’S SERVICES, ROLES AND DECISION MAKING Action complete. A fact sheet on Council Committees was PROCESSES completed. Provide timely and accurate information to residents. Promote Council’s services and facilities to the general Action complete. All website content was reviewed, more community in Liverpool. than 100 stories and media releases were published, a Action complete. Council services and programs were page dedicated to rural specific news was published in the promoted at six community events and Speakouts within quarterly residential newsletter and the delivery method the 2168 area. for distribution of the residential newsletter was reviewed and now includes the website, rural noticeboard locations, Promote Council’s services and facilities to people from all libraries and childcare centres. Additional signs were culturally and linguistically diverse communities. also placed under existing gateway signage for specific Action complete. Six discovery tours were conducted campaigns such as No Intermodal. with various services including the LMRC, Miller TAFE, Settlement Services International, MTC training Solutions, The purchase of an electronic sign board was transferred and senior’s social groups. to 2012-2013 when an application for an environmental grant will be made. It is hoped that a solar powered Support the operation of Liverpool Local Traffic Committee. electronic sign board will be purchased as a result. Action complete. The Liverpool Local Traffic Committee met six times during the year and provided advice to Council Promote details of upgrades and new infrastructure built in on matters relating to traffic control devices and facilities. the Liverpool LGA. Action complete. Information updating residents of road Provide educational opportunities on the services provided and other infrastructure upgrades was included in the by Council, Council’s role within the community and the residential newsletter and in the weekly newspaper. decision making process. Action complete. Presentations to primary school students Keep the development industry up to date with changes and other interested groups were provided on request. and improvements to Council’s assessment process. Action complete. A review of the format and frequency Provide business papers for Council meetings and deliver of developers’ focus group was completed and Council Council minutes. continued to hold Developers Forum meetings to inform Action complete. Council business paper and minutes local developers on emerging trends and pertinent were provided in a timely manner, with community access planning issues. available via the internet and hard copy.
Deliver an education program to raise community awareness of legislative requirements of fire safety, swimming pools and food handling. Action continuing. An educational program to students of local schools on healthy eating and food hygiene was planned and will be delivered.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 74 PART 2 / Objective 11
STRATEGY 11.3 UNDERTAKE COMMUNICATION STRATEGY 11.4 SUPPORT COMMUNICATION AND PRACTICES WITH THE COMMUNITY AND CONSULTATION METHODS THAT ARE ACCESSIBLE STAKEHOLDERS ACROSS A RANGE OF MEDIA FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS OR WHO MAY Seek customer feedback on services, programs and EXPERIENCE BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION facilities. Develop and implement communication strategies that Action complete. Feedback was received from 293 library are appropriate for culturally and linguistically diverse customers who completed the Tell us about your library communities in Liverpool. experience postcards with the majority of feedback very Action complete. Language Aide Officers were utilised positive. Customer Focus Groups were held quarterly more than 260 times by Council staff. Council’s website providing an opportunity for customers and residents to was expanded to use Google Translate and key Council raise issues and provide feedback to Council. documents and sections of the Council website were translated into community languages. Council provided five online survey opportunities for residents on Council’s website including Overland Flood Develop and implement community engagement methods Plain Risk Management, Carnes Hill, Sportsground hirer that are culturally appropriate for Aboriginal communities survey and sportsground user survey. in Liverpool. Action complete. A guide on consulting with Aboriginal A survey postcard for provision at forums and events was communities was completed. developed and will be used in the coming events such as Australia Day and Open-air Cinema events. Develop local stories through supporting local artists to work with the community in theatre and visual arts Identify and develop media information that raises wide programs. community awareness on various legislation and Council Action complete. Eight projects employing local artists and programs and operations. or working with local community members to develop Action complete. A range of media information was their creative skills were delivered. developed to raise community awareness of issues such as illegal dumping, disability parking, parking meters and Review communication delivery methods to those with alcohol free zone signage installation throughout the City special needs. Centre. Action complete. Council increased the number of advertisements placed in culturally and linguistically Notify and consult with local residents prior to major works diverse media to raise the awareness of its services and an being undertaken. audio version of each quarterly residential newsletter was Action complete. Local residents were notified and uploaded to Council’s website for residents who are sight consulted prior to major works being undertaken. impaired.
Raise awareness of new rules, changes to legislation and penalties and NSW Police initiatives in relation to driving and road safety. Action complete. E-mails and maps detailing changes to parking arrangements were distributed to schools. Information was also provided in rates notices, posters and flyers, media releases and articles.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 2 / Objective 12 75
Objective 12 The community is supported by a well managed and responsive Council
Liverpool City Council staff
HOW COUNCIL WORKED TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE DURING 2011-2012 STRATEGY 12.1 DEVELOP, IMPLEMENT AND REGULARLY REVIEW A FINANCIAL STRATEGY THAT BALANCES COMMUNITY ASPIRATIONS AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY Manage Council’s Investment Portfolio. Action complete. Council reviewed its investment strategy in conjunction with investment advisors and invested surplus funds in accordance with cash flow requirements.
Manage Council’s Loan Portfolio. Action complete. Council reviewed its Debt Management Policy and borrowing strategy with no new borrowings undertaken.
Maintain vendor ledger, process authorised invoices and petty cash disbursement. Review Internal Control procedures to ensure compliance with purchasing- procurement and petty cash policies. Action continuing. Council improved its internal controls. A review of the petty cash policy and associated limits is scheduled for 2012-2013.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 76 PART 2 / Objective 11
Revenue and Treasury Operations: Revenue cycle other than Convert the OHS audit tools to the new five stream auditing rates, maintenance of debtors and the administration of systems as used by WorkCover NSW. Council’s Grants register. Action continuing. Council commenced review of policies Action continuing. Council reviewed its debtors, Debt and procedures to align with new WorkCover requirements Recovery Policy and the grants register. and completed an action plan. The review of the Corporate Credit Policy will be completed in 2012-2013. Develop a policy and process that delivers a performance based culture. Rates: Maintain rates ledger and issue of 59,000 annual Action complete. Council developed a Performance and rates assessment and quarterly rates instalment notices. Misconduct policy and checklist. Action complete. Council issued all rate instalment notices by the due date and all requests for 603 certificates were Revise the policy and process for addressing disciplinary issued within 36 hours. issues and grievances. Action complete. Council policy and process for Financial Reporting and Internal Control: Maintenance of disciplinary issues and grievances were addressed in the General Ledger, Asset Register and Statutory Reporting Performance and Misconduct policy and checklist. including monthly reporting of annual Financial Statements to the Council and to the Division of Local Government. Conduct discipline and grievance interviews in response to Action complete. Council lodged returns in accordance issues raised in the workplace. with required timeframes including annual financial Action complete. Interviews were held for all grievances reports which were unqualified by Council’s external and issues raised. auditor with recommendations implemented. Council maintained and reconciled its financial asset registers. STRATEGY 12.3 DELIVER SERVICES THAT ARE CUSTOMER FOCUSSED Planning and Budgeting: Including the preparation and Provide staff with the necessary skills and resources to reporting of ten year Long Term Financial Plan. provide excellent customer service. Action complete. Council adopted Budget, Fees and Action complete. Library staff were trained in roving Charges with Quarterly Budget Reviews completed in customer service techniques, OverDrive, eBook Service, the accordance with statutory time frames. Council upgraded automatic returns and sorting system, Ebsco databases, technology by implementing the Technology One drug information resources and all Library staff attended “Enterprise Budgeting” module. fire warden training.
STRATEGY 12.2 DEVELOP, IMPLEMENT AND Provide ‘one stop shop’ for customers and deliver prompt REGULARLY REVIEW A WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT and efficient service at Council’s Customer Service Counter. PLAN TO SUPPORT COUNCIL’S DELIVERY PROGRAM Action complete. Council’s Customer Service Centre AND OPERATIONAL PLAN delivered effective service and conducted over 48,800 Co-ordinate review and maintain the workforce transactions during the year. management plan. Action continuing. Council reviewed the Workforce Provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week phone service Management Plan, commenced preparation of a Workforce answering phone calls promptly and efficiently through Management Handbook and updated recruitment policies. Council’s Customer Contact Centre and After Hours phone service. Provide learning and development opportunities to all staff Action complete. Council attended to 148,878 phone calls that equip them for their ever changing roles, provide them through the Contact Centre and 11,437 calls through the with sound knowledge of their workplace responsibilities after-hours number. and encourage them to contribute to better systems and services for the community. Create customer requests within Council’s computer system Action continuing. Council conducted training Committees and forward them onto the relevant officer for actioning and a survey to identify the learning needs of the and also provide 24 hour and 7 days per week online organisation. services for ease of access to customers and residents in submitting their customer requests to Council. Maintain and operate Council’s OHS system to comply with Action complete. Council received 61,124 customer the self-insurers requirements of WorkCover NSW. requests and 514 online requests. Action continuing. Council completed actions on reported risks, hazards and incidents. Audits were conducted mainly in accordance with the Audit Schedule with a few deferred to 2012-2013.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 2 / Objective 12 77
Carry out the registration and maintenance of all planning Continue to implement Council’s OHS policies, practices and and building applications, including online applications, procedures on all of Council’s activities. within Council’s computer system within the specified 24 Action complete. All Risk Assessments and Safe Work hour turnaround time. Method Statements were reviewed and updated. Action complete. Registration and maintenance of planning and building applications, including online Develop and implement strategies to minimise plant and applications, within Council’s computer system were fleet “down time” and review replacement program. completed in half a day on average. Action complete. All data has been entered as required and the Ausfleet system is fully operational. Obtain customer feedback through customer satisfaction surveys carried out quarterly relating to Customer Service Implement, review and maintain procurement policy and Counter and Contact Centre services and operations. procedures. Action complete. One hundred and sixty one counter Action continuing. Procurement policy and procedures surveys were received and 240 Contact Centre surveys have been reviewed as part of a broader departmental were carried out with over 90 per cent of respondents functional and procedural review. stating they had excellent or good service. Monitor and report on procurement compliance. Organise the accreditation and appointment of language Action complete. Statutory reports completed on time. aides within Council to assist Liverpool’s multicultural residents when attending Council. Monitor legislative, regulatory, technological and Action complete. Seventeen Language Aide Officers were commercial environment changes that may affect used more than 260 times for 12 languages. procurement. Action complete. Legislative, regulatory and commercial Provide high level support to the Mayor and Councillors to environments monitored with changes notified to enable them to effectively carry out their roles within the management team. community. Action complete. Mayor and Councillors received all Develop, schedule and deliver procurement training across committee and Council business papers on time and Council. were notified of legislative changes. Training sessions Action continuing. Training delayed pending approval of on sustainability, legal and ethical responsibilities and draft procurement policy and procedures. risk management as well as 14 briefing sessions on key Council issues were held. Manage Council investment properties. Action complete. No rent reviews were negotiated during Provide high level support to the General Manager to the financial year for Council’s investment properties. enable him to effectively carry out his role within the organisation. Disposal of surplus Council land. Action complete. Correspondence and inquires directed to Action complete. Three properties were disposed of. the General Manager were responded to within adopted timeframes. Reports were provided by the Executive Acquisition of land under the Moorebank Voluntary team at weekly and monthly meetings with progress on Acquisition Scheme for flood works. action recorded and monitored. All committee and Council Action complete. One property was acquired under the business papers were provided to General Manager on Moorebank Voluntary Acquisition Scheme. time. Implement a program of operational, financial and STRATEGY 12.4 OPERATE A WELL DEVELOPED compliance audits and advisory services. GOVERNANCE SYSTEM THAT DEMONSTRATES Action complete. Fifteen operational, financial and ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY, ETHICAL CONDUCT, compliance audits, and nine actions were completed. A SAFE WORKPLACE AND MANAGES RISK Investigate reports and allegations relating to fraud and Continue to refer development applications to the corrupt conduct. Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel for Action complete. Thirty seven instances which included a consideration in accordance with the approved charter. number of Public Interest Disclosures, Section 11 reports to Action complete. Twenty eight development applications ICAC and other allegations were reported. were referred to Council’s Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel, allowing for independent expert Implement a program of OHS audits that meets WorkCover’s consideration of contentious applications. requirements for self-insurers. Action complete. Eleven WHS audits were completed and Facilitate the Environment Advisory Committee and reported. Environment Group Sub Committee. Action complete. Four Environment Advisory Committee (EAC) meetings and two Environment Group Sub Committee meetings were held.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 78 PART 2 / Objective 11
Prepare and submit an Equal Employment Opportunity Continue review of the building and open space asset Management Plan that forms part of the integrated management plans. planning process. Action complete. Scheduled performance reviews of air Action continuing. The review of the EEO Management conditioning systems were completed. Plan was completed and is awaiting final approval. Provide a suite of documents that clearly state the Enable people’s access to Council information according to community’s views on the future for Liverpool and Council’s law while maintaining privacy requirements. intentions in addressing the community views. Action complete. Council processed 1,150 informal Action complete. Growing Liverpool 2021 was placed requests for information with an average turnaround time on Council’s website and distributed at Community of four working days. The amount of Council information forums. The 2011-2015 Delivery Program and 2011-2012 available on the website was expanded. Operational Plan was adopted by Council in June. Work commenced on the review and improvement of all the Provide access to legal services and advice, whether in- integrated planning documentation. house or via external providers. Action complete. The new legal services procedure Let people know about Council achievements through adopted in 2011 was in operation and will be reviewed in accurate and timely reports. June 2013. Action complete. Quarterly reports submitted in accordance with requirements. Work commenced on End of Term Develop and implement an Enterprise Risk Management Report and Annual Report. Program in conjunction with Westpool and United Independent Pools through whom Council insurances are Seek community views on the importance and performance placed. of Council services. Action continuing. Work commenced to identify and Action complete. Annual satisfaction survey of residents document risks on a unit by unit basis. Due to the size conducted with the report on findings received and and complexity of the action it will take some time to circulated on time. complete. Develop and maintain Council’s Long Term Financial Plan Maintain and operate the payroll system. in compliance with the Division of Local Government Action complete. Payroll successfully processed every requirements. fortnight. Audit scheduled for next financial year. Action continuing. Work commenced on the implementation of a new system to develop and review Ensure that the payroll system is current and meets the Long Term Financial Plan. The review of the plan will legislative changes that may occur. be completed in late 2012. Action complete. Reports are produced monthly or as required and are meeting the needs of the users. STRATEGY 12.6 ACTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT, FUNDING AND STRATEGY 12.5 UNDERTAKE INTEGRATED PLANNING SERVICES THAT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE Undertake advocacy to relevant state and federal bodies to GOVERNMENT improve services, infrastructure and facilities. Review, monitor and report on the progress of action Action complete. Council contributed to discussions implementation within the Integrated Environmental with State agencies and service providers to encourage Sustainability Action Plan. the delivery of State services and facilities within the Action complete. The implementation of Integrated precincts of Austral and North Leppington. Council strongly Environmental Sustainability Action Plan was monitored advocated for appropriate acquisition plans to be in place and progress will be reported in the State of Environment to facilitate the delivery of these services and facilities. Report. Research and pursue relevant grants as an alternative Report on the State of the Environment. means of funding priority actions for the Library and Action continuing. Work commenced on the Museum. comprehensive State of the Environment Report. Action complete. Council received a grant of $36,300 from the Council of NSW to deliver an innovative Family History Provide demographic data to internal and external Website and establish a Genealogy Learning Centre at the customers. Liverpool Regional Family History Centre. Action complete. Demographic data and analysis was provided on request and a training session for Council staff was held on the Liverpool Community Profile.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 2 / Objective 12 79
Lobby State and Federal Government for increased Implement new and update existing information and community service provision and additional funding. technology systems. Action complete. Input was provided into the Master Action complete. Council has upgraded to Microsoft Office Planning of East Leppington, Austral and Leppington 2010 and all corporate systems are certified and updated. North, and Edmondson Park. Council received more than Council’s internet and intranet software and records $700,000 in grants for community development activities. document management system was upgraded.
Seek ongoing funding from the Australia Council for Review and update information technology Disaster the Arts, Arts NSW and other relevant programs and Recovery Plan and processes. Departments for actions at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Action complete. The Disaster Recovery Plan was updated Centre. and a comprehensive review scheduled for November Action complete. Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre was 2012. Tests of selected server and data recovery processes successful in receiving funding support for more than 50 completed. per cent of applications submitted. STRATEGY 12.8 TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE QUADRUPLE Find opportunities for State or Federal funding for different BOTTOM LINE IN THE DESIGN COUNCIL DECISION types of accredited training. MAKING PROCESSES Action complete. During the year Council supported more than 30 traineeships across various disciplines. Monitor progress on improving community wellbeing. Action complete. Data on social indicators in relation to STRATEGY 12.7 UTILISE UP-TO-DATE AND INTEGRATED community wellbeing were collected with an annual report on community wellbeing provided. INFORMATION SYSTEMS Participate in review of current Human Resource STRATEGY 12.9 UNDERTAKE CONTINUOUS Information Systems (HRIS) and assist in selection of appropriate system that meets the needs of the IMPROVEMENT IN GOVERNANCE, OPERATIONS AND organisation. LEADERSHIP Action complete. Review of HRIS completed with a new Advance ethical standards across the organisation. system purchased. Action complete. Key governance policies were reviewed.
Implement a new integrated human resource information system that includes recruitment, payroll, establishment, training and OHS. Action continuing. New HRIS system installed. Training and implementation has commenced. The e-recruitment system is due to go live in October 2012.
Maintain a Records and Document Management system to register, distribute, store and retrieve and report inwards and outwards correspondence. Action complete. More than 10,000 documents were registered by Records staff. The records stored in Council’s internal and external paper storage locations were validated and updated.
Support and manage Councils information and technology requirements. Action complete. IT leases renewed except for some where they have been extended to review processes and equipment required. Council’s information technology operations. Continued to be supported by the operation of a Helpdesk and after hours service. The security of Council systems was maintained through regular backups and audits.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 3: Our statutory reporting requirements
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements 81
Overseas visits by councillors and council staff There were no overseas visits by Councillors or Council staff during the year. Mayoral and councillor fees, expenses and facilities Council is required to have a policy for the Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Mayor and Councillors. A copy of this policy is available from Council’s Customer Contact Centre or online at www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/ formspublicationspolicies.htm. The fees, expenses and facilities received by the Mayor and Councillors are detailed below.
MAYORAL AND COUNCILLOR FEES HARDWARE FEES TOTAL AND FACILITIES ALLOWANCE Mayor Allowance $56,488 $900 Councillor Allowance $21,259 Total Mayor $77,747 $900 $78,647
Councillors Ali Karnib $21,259 $900 $22,159 Mazhar Hadid $21,259 $900 $22,159 Anne Stanley $21,259 $900 $22,159 Peter Harle $21,259 $0 $21,259 Gary Lucas $21,259 $0 $21,259 Jim McGoldrick $21,259 $900 $22,159 Ned Mannoun $21,259 $900 $22,159 Nadia Napoletano $21,259 $0 $21,259 Ghulam Gillani $21,259 $900 $22,159 Tony Hadchiti $21,259 $0 $21,259 Total Councillors $212,592 $5,400 $217,992
Overall total $290,338 $6,300 $296,638
COUNCILLOR EXPENSES TOTAL Attendance to Joint Regional Planning Panel $10,200 Dedicated Office Equipment $860 Telephone Calls $1,768 Conferences and Seminars $22,694 Training Nil Interstate Visits Nil Overseas Visits Nil Expenses of Spouse/Partner Nil Provision of Childcare Nil Miscellaneous $4,420
Total $39,942
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 82 PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements
Contracts awarded by council During 2011-2012 Council awarded the following contracts for amounts greater than $150,000 (other than employment contracts):
Contract Contract Contract Contractor Description of Work Award Price Number Type GST incl.
Whitlam Leisure Centre, External Pool WT2107 Ichor Constructions Tender $749,388 Shade Structure
Casula Parklands Riparian Restoration ST2037 Toolijooa Pty Ltd Tender $228,319 Stage 2
Supply, Delivery, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of ST2106 Reino International Tender $1,557,362 Off-Street and On-Street Parking Machines
Kurrajong Road Reconstruction and WT2090 Downer EDI Works Widening, Bernera Road to Kookaburra Tender $4,174,632 Road
ST2111 Transpet Pty Ltd Provision of Stray Animal Pound Tender $286,440
PST2096 Aurion Corporation Human Resources Information System Tender $366,685
Moore Street Streetscape Improvement, WT2109 Sam The Paving Man Tender $1,176,421 George to Bigge Streets
Bernera Road Reconstruction and WT2089 Nace Civil Engineering Widening between Kurrajong Road and Tender $8,948,995 Camden Valley Way
Construction of Detention Basin, WT2129 MandM Prpic Pty Ltd Road and Drainage at Jardine Drive, Tender $1,173,737 Edmondson Park
Brewster Hjorth Architectural Design Services for Carnes PST2149 Tender $236,500 Architects Hill Community and Recreation Precinct
WT2163 Keystone Projects Rose St Operations Centre Refurbishment Tender $1,280,156
WT2150 Celtic Civil Pty Ltd City Centre Trunk Drainage, George Street Tender $1,758,378
The total value of contracts greater than $150,000 awarded during 2011-2012 was $21,937,013.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements 83
Amounts incurred in relation to legal proceedings In 2011-2012 Council was involved in the following legal proceedings and incurred costs as shown in the table below:
Matter Status Outcome Costs
The proceedings were only A W Preston Pty Ltd initiated filed on 26 June 2012. At the class 2 proceedings in the Land Matter not determined time of reporting, Council had Nil as at time and Environment Court appealing as at the date of just engaged a firm of solicitors of reporting against an order to bring premises reporting. and was in the initial stages of to a safe and healthy condition. preparing for the hearing. Council has engaged a firm of NSW United Turkish Islamic Centre solicitors and is preparing for Inc initiated class 1 proceedings in the hearing. the Land and Environment Court Matter not determined In accordance with the court appealing Council’s refusal of a as at the date of $13,700 rules there have been two development application for a reporting. section 34 conferences which cemetery at 31 Greendale Road aim to narrow the scope of the Bringelly. issues in dispute. Council has engaged a firm of solicitors and is preparing for Robert Itaoui initiated class 1 the hearing. proceedings in the Land and In accordance with the Matter not determined Environment Court appealing court rules there has been a as at the date of $18,000 Council’s refusal of a development section 34 conference and a reporting. application for a cemetery at 41 conciliation conference which Greendale Road Bringelly. aim to narrow the scope of the issues in dispute. Direct Freight initiated class 1 proceedings in the Land and Council has engaged a firm of Environment Court appealing solicitors and is preparing for Matter not determined Council’s refusal of a development the hearing. as at the date of $14,987 application to modify an existing A hearing was scheduled for 3 reporting. consent so as to allow 24 hours, and 4 October 2012. 7 days operation – 20 Scrivener Street, Warwick Farm Council was successful. The land has now been Council initiated class 4 transferred to Council. proceedings in the Land and Council also obtained an Environment Court seeking an order that Cosmopolitan $131,226 order that Cosmopolitan Homes Finalised. Homes pay Council’s (recovered) transfer land to Council for use as a legal costs. This too Public Reserve as was required in has been finalised the development consent. (Cosmopolitan have paid)
Note: Council was also joined as a party to proceedings initiated by Hoxton Park Residents Action Group. The proceedings were filed against the owners of development consent for a School at Hoxton Park. The proceedings sought orders that the consent was invalid. These proceedings were actively defended by the owner of the consent. Council, in accordance with legal advice it received, filed submitting appearances only.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 84 PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements
• Lot 7 Sirius Road, Voyager Point (Defence Housing Private works and financial Australia) relates to the residential development of the assistance land and requires works including the embellishment and dedication of land adjacent Williams Creek. Land During 2011-2012 Council did not carry out work on private dedication and embellishments are not yet due to be land. undertaken. Planning agreements in • Amarino Pty Ltd Lot 29 Cowpasture Road, Hinchinbrook relates to the industrial development of the land and force requires works including embellishment and dedication of Hinchinbrook Creek foreshore and drainage land, and The following planning agreements were held with construction of a signalised intersection on Cowpasture developers and landowners during the reporting period: Road. A development application has been lodged for part of this land, dedication and embellishments are not • George’s Fair Estate Lot 2127 DP 11452258 Georges yet due to be undertaken. Fair (Boral Bricks Pty Ltd) and relates to the residential subdivision and provision of the necessary roads and • Mirvac Homes (NSW) Pty Ltd and Landcom Lot 11 public open space for the estate (including the link DP 1139171 Elizabeth Hills relates to the residential road). The conditions of the agreement have been development of the land and requires works including complied with to date. embellishment and dedication of Hinchinbrook Creek foreshore and drainage land, provision of public • 146 Newbridge Road, Moorebank also known as recreation facilities, and public open space for the Benedict Sand and Gravel (Tanlane Pty Ltd) relates to estate. Construction of works and land dedication has the commercial and residential development of the land been undertaken, handover of these works to Council and requires works including the embellishment and will occur in the next reporting period. dedication of Georges River foreshore land and drainage land, and the construction of a bike/pedestrian path and road bridge. Works and land dedication stipulated in the agreement are not yet due to be undertaken.
• 124-144 Newbridge Road, Moorebank also known as Flower Power Nursery site (Syesun Pty Ltd) relates to the commercial development of the land and requires works including the embellishment and dedication of Georges River foreshore land and drainage land, and the construction of a bike/pedestrian path. Works and land dedication stipulated in the agreement are not yet due to be undertaken.
• Former Hoxton Park Airport, Lot 22 DP 1042996 Cowpasture Road (Hoxton Park Airport Limited Freehold Pty Ltd and Mirvac Projects Pty Ltd) relates to the industrial, commercial and residential development of the land and requires works including the embellishment and dedication of land along Hinchinbrook Creek, construction of drainage detention basin, road bridge, bike/pedestrian path and signalised intersection at Cowpasture Road.
Certain items of work have been completed in relation to drainage facilities and a further $10.2 million worth of bank guarantees have been lodged to Council in respect to upcoming delivery of the road bridge, and stormwater detention Basin 6. The required approvals for these works have been obtained by Mirvac, and construction has been undertaken, handover of these works to Council will occur in the next reporting period.
Council meeting, Francis Greenway Centre
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements 85
External bodies, corporations and partnerships Council is a member of Westpool, a joint insurance and risk management venture that provides liability protection for nine western Sydney member councils. Member councils are Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama.
Council has a strategic alliance with and is a member of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC). WSROC’s primary role is to lobby and make representations to government and industry on behalf of councils and communities of western Sydney.
Council is also a member of the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW which was established to provide advocacy for Local Government for the benefit of local communities and deliver services to member councils.
In 2007, Council formed an inter-council relationship with Narromine Shire Council in the State’s Central West, with the aim of sharing knowledge, skills and resources for the benefit of both organisations.
Council has a Sister City Relationship with Toda City in Japan which began in 1991 to encourage a regular exchange of student groups.
During 2011-2012 Council was engaged in resource sharing with a number of organisations including other councils, State Government bodies, various learning institutions on programs as follows:
• Be Sharp Be Safe Community Sharps Management • Biodiversity Capacity Building Working Group • Chemical Cleanout • Climate for Change Protection Program • Floodplains Management Authority - NSW • Georges River Combined Councils Committee • Grants Network • Liverpool Local Emergency Management Committee • Local Action for Biodiversity Project • Macarthur Bushfire Management Committee • NSW Local Government and Shires Association • Southern Hoxton Park Aerodrome Agreement • Sustainability Blitz • Water For Life Council Partnership • Western Sydney Environmental Education Network • Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping Squad • Western Sydney Salinity Working Party • Agreement with Tharawal LALC and LCC
Council did not have a controlling interest in any companies during the year.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 86 PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements
Rates and charges written off during the year There were no rates and charges written off during the year. Senior Staff remuneration As at 30 June 2012 the General Manager’s total remuneration, including salary, bonus payments, superannuation and motor vehicle, is detailed below:
Remuneration less FBT Position FBT (Gross+super+car) General Manager $314,616 $5,804
As at 30 June 2012 total expenditure on Senior Staff remuneration (other than the General Manager) including salary, bonus payments, superannuation and motor vehicle is shown in the following table:
Total Remuneration less FBT Position FBT (Gross+super+car) Director, City Assets Director, City Services Director, City Planning $868,623 $30,054 Director, Corporate Services
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Management Plan During 2011-2012 Council reviewed its Equal Employment and purchased a portable system to be used in conjunction Management Plan and Policy in accordance with the with training. This system is also useful for one to one requirements of the Local Government Act 1993. conversations with employees with some hearing loss. Council provided interpreters for meetings and training Council developed e-learning training for staff regarding as needed. Council’s Joint Consultative Committee Equal Opportunity and Code of Conduct, which aims to set (JCC) includes a position of Spokeswoman to review all standards and influence positive workplace behaviours and submissions made to the JCC and to advocate for women values. where it is considered change could impact unfairly on women. During the year Council installed a mandatory hearing loop system within the newly refurbished Council Chambers
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Council has undertaken a proactive approach to the removal Companion animal of feral cats within the local government area. Council has management removed over 50 cats with the assistance of residents who set the Council traps up in their yards. Liverpool City Council delivered a range of activities during 2011-2012 to ensure compliance with the Companion Animal management policies and procedures are reviewed Animals Act 1998 which included enforcement and education on a regular basis to ensure they meet any changes in the activities and programs. provisions of the Companion Animals Act 1998 and the regulations. Council’s subsidised de-sexing program was reviewed with the reimbursement rate remaining at $50 for cats and $75 Liverpool City Council utilised the Companion Animal Funds for dogs. This program is permanent and provides assistance in accordance with the guidelines of Section 85 (1a) of the to pensioners to de-sex their companion animal. Council Companion Animal Act 1998 which states “Any money paid provided 38 subsidies for the 2011-2012 financial year. It was to Council from the fund is to be applied by the Council only promoted through Council’s website and in local papers. for the purpose that relate to the management and control of Companion Animals in its area”. Liverpool City Council’s Micro-chipping Day is an annual event held for the purpose of providing the local community During the year Council: with a free service to have their companion animals micro- chipped as required by the Companion Animals Act 1998. It • Employed a full time Animal Compliance Officer and Ranger was held on Saturday 15 September 2011 with more than • Employed a full time Administration position working 150 companion animals micro-chipped and a large range specifically on animal management issues and projects of educational material from associated stakeholders and such as registrations, education letters, updating of educational show bags provided to the community. The event companion animal database etc. was advertised in local papers, on Council’s website, through • Engaged Dog Pound Contractor for the impounding of flyers and on banners around the city. collected companion animals • Carried out repairs to off-leash areas Council’s Animal Management team continued the • Organised a free Micro-chipping Day for cats/dogs owned registration program which has been immensely successful by residents living in Liverpool in informing Companion Animal owners of the requirement • Distributed education materials to residents to register their pets. This program has increased the number of lifetime registrations. 1,322 companion animals were The total cost of providing these services during 2011-2012 registered during the year. was $345,120.
Liverpool City Council is required to inform the Division of Local Government of dog attack incidents at the completion Workplace health and safety of each investigation. Liverpool City Council has embraced (WHS) the new and more efficient process of reporting dog attacks via the Companion Animal Register. Council reported 77 dog As an employer in NSW, Council is required to comply with attacks during the year. relevant legislation including the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011. Liverpool Council completes the pound data statistics on a monthly basis and these reports are forwarded annually During 2011-2012 a major review of our WHS Management to the Division of Local Government at the end of each System was progressed and relevant changes implemented financial year. Council has introduced a review process of all in accordance with legislative requirements. The WHS impounded animals to identify repeat offenders in order to Management Plan was updated to include targets and take further action such as penalties and education to assist objectives that are relevant to reducing the injuries that owners with their dogs and address any problem behaviours. occur within Council and to ensure that we can provide a safe Council has found a noticeable reduction in repeat offenders working environment for our workers. An electrical testing since the introduction of this process. program and Emergency Procedures were completed across all work sites. Council provided influenza vaccination for all Council now has two off-leash areas: Lieutenant Cantello staff under its health immunisation program. Reserve, Stewart Drive, Hammondville and Hoxton Park Reserve, Wilson Drive, Hinchinbrook. Council is looking at new Council established a Workplace Health and Safety Committee locations to further increase the number of off-leash areas with membership comprising staff and management and also to improve the facilities we provide at the existing representatives. The Committee meets on the third locations. Wednesday of every month to discuss issues, review changes to processes, statistical information and the WHS Liverpool City Council, along with our authorised impounding management system in accordance with Part 5, Division 1 of facility is investigating ways to reduce the rate of euthanasia the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011. of companion animals. We do this by using the services of other recognised organisations such as animal rescue groups In accordance with the National Audit Tool a copy of the to help in the placement of unclaimed animals. Last financial current Health and Safety policy is provided. year Council released 396 dogs and 551 cats to these organisations for re-homing.
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT 88 PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT PART 3 / Our Statutory Reporting Requirements 89
Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT Liverpool City Council, Level 2, 33 Moore Street, Liverpool NSW 2170 Phone 1300 36 2170 Visit www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au E-mail: [email protected] NRS: 133 677 (for hearing and speech impaired callers only)
If you need this information translated call the interpreter service on 131 450 and ask them to contact Council on 1300 36 2170. Liverpool City Council ANNUAL REPORT