Bass Coast Profile
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Acknowledgement Bass Coast Shire Council acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first Australians and recognises that they have a unique relationship with the land and water. Council also recognises that we are situated on the traditional lands of the Bunurong / Boonwurrung, members of the Kulin Nation who have lived here for thousands of years. We offer our respect to their elders past and present and through them, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. CONTENTS 2 ABOUT BASS COAST 3 Welcome to the Report of Operations 2014-15 3 Snapshot of Council 4 Highlights of the year 5 Challenges and future outlook 6 THE YEAR IN REVIEW 7 Mayor’s message 7 CEO’s message 8 Chief Financial Officer’s Message 10 Description of operations 12 OUR COUNCIL 13 Bass Coast profile 14 Council offices 15 Councillors 16 OUR PEOPLE 17 Organisational structure 18 Council staff 19 Equal employment opportunity program 19 Other staff matters 20 OUR PERFORMANCE 21 Planning and accountability framework 21 Council Plan 22 Performance 37 Performance Statement 38 Sustainable Capacity Indicators 39 Service Performance Indicators 41 Financial Performance Indicators 44 Other Information 45 Certification of the Performance Statement 46 Performance Statement Independent Auditor’s Report 48 GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT AND OTHER INFORMATION 49 Governance 51 Management 52 Governance and management checklist 54 STATUTORY INFORMATION 55 Statutory information 58 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BASS COAST 2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT 1 ABOUT BASS COAST Welcome to the Report of Operations 2014-15 Council is committed to transparent reporting and accountability to the community and the Report of Operations 2014-15 is the primary means of advising the Bass Coast community about Council’s operations and performance during the financial year. Snapshot of council Demographic profile Bass Coast’s main centres are Wonthaggi, Cowes (Phillip Island), FAST FACTS Inverloch, San Remo and Grantville. In addition, the Shire comprises a further 28 towns. 162 Community Grants distributing over $250,000 It has an estimated residential population of 31,623 people (as at 30 June 2014); however, its proximity to Melbourne makes it also very attractive to visitors and to people wanting to make 16,298 library members a sea change. During peak periods, our population swells to over 80,000 and we welcome more than 4.3 million visitors every year. 26,506 hours of home care; 6,036 hours of The proportion of residents aged over 50 is significantly higher in personal care; 2,567 hours of respite; 1,359 hours of Bass Coast (45.7%) than across the state (32.2%). Further, 23.6% of home maintenance; 11,862 hours of planned activity our population is aged over 65 years, compared to 14.2% for the state. groups; 6,464 hours of HACC assessment Tourism is estimated to generate about $109 million in direct expenditure, and approximately $95 million indirectly and 547km sealed roads supports approximately 1247 jobs annually. Purpose 399km unsealed roads Vision Bass Coast Shire will be recognised as a unique place of 200km paths environmental significance where our quality of life and sense of community is balanced by sustainable and sensitive 23 pedestrian bridges development, population and economic growth. Mission 48 playgrounds To take a leading role in partnership with other levels of government, businesses, community groups and individuals to recreation reserves make our community’s vision a reality. 32 Values 555 planning permits issued Customer Focus We will continue to develop effective relationships with customers. 233,948 visitors and 21,161 phone calls Continuous Improvement to our Visitor Information Centres We are committed to improving our processes and service delivery. Pride events and 325,000 attendees We take pride in and promote our achievements, our staff and 66 our organisation. Integrity Over 13,000 We act and make decisions that are fair, honest, open and indigenous trees planted across 40 locations accountable. Respect 1,954,792 kerbside bins collected We treat people with dignity and respect. Commitment 3,434 tonnes of waste material recycled We value and recognise contributions towards achieving the Bass Coast Vision. We listen, understand, consult and respond to our community and staff. We provide accurate, timely and relevant information. BASS COAST 2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT 3 ABOUT BASS COAST Highlights of the Year Strategic Objective: Natural Environment Our unique natural environment is protected, maintained and enhanced for the enjoyment of all (see section on Our Performance for more details). Achievements: • Opening of Scenic Estate Conservation Reserve • Regional Public Place Recycling Project • Completion of the Sustainable Street-light Project • Grantville Landfill Rehabilitation • Completion of the Cuttriss Street Activity Area Plan • Construction of Grantville Leachate Pondage. Strategic Objective: Sustainable Development and Growth Our built environment complements our landscape, lifestyle and climate (see section on Our Performance for more details). Achievements: • Adoption of the Drainage Services Asset Management Plan • Development of the Capital Investment Framework • Adoption of the Urban Roads and Drainage Improvement • Planning approvals within statutory timeframe risen from Policy 35% to 63% • Development of the Nature Strip Planting Guidelines • Completion of the Cowes Activity Centre Plan Strategic Objective: Healthy Communities Our community feels connected, safe and strong (see section on Our Performance for more details). Achievements: • Arts and Culture Plan adopted • Implementation of new Animal Management System • Cowes Cultural and Civic Precinct business case and • 100% compliance with Municipal Emergency Management design commenced Plan Audit • Bass Valley Children’s Centre business case completed • Implementation of the Low Income Energy Saver Project • Completion of the design of the Bass Coast Aquatics Centre. Strategic Objective: Effective Governance Our leadership will be achieved through good governance, community engagement and excellence in service delivery (see section on Our Performance for more details). Achievements: • Adoption of the Long Term Financial Plan and Rating Strategy • Leadership Development Program introduced • Adoption of the People Plan 2015-2018 • 2015/16 Budget adopted • Commenced Service and Business Improvement Program • Communication and Engagement Strategy developed. • Delivery of the Wonthaggi Cemetery Master Plan Strategic Objective: Economic Development Our economy is supported by diverse, local and innovative businesses and employment (see section on Our Performance for more details). Achievements: • Re-establishment of Bass Coast Business and Tourism Partnership • Collaboration with all Gippsland Councils to deliver the • Implementation of Phillip Island Visitor Navigation Signage Project Gippsland Small Business Festival 2014 • Hosting of the inaugural Southern Gippsland Sustainability • Introduction of the Small Business Mentoring Service Festival in Bass Coast in Bass Coast • Launch of the new Visitor Information Centre website. 4 ABOUT BASS COAST Challenges and Future Outlook Challenges The future • Ensuring an informed and engaged community via the • Bass Valley Children’s Centre design and construct implementation of the Communication and Engagement • Cowes Cultural and Civic Precinct design Strategy • Adoption of Electronic Gaming Machine Policy • Ensuring we are delivering efficient services that meet • Review and adoption of Youth Action Plan the needs of our community via a structured program of Service Reviews • Review of the Disability Action Plan • Securing State and Federal funding to bring the Bass Valley • Place-based consultations with Waterline communities on Children’s Centre and the Cowes Cultural and Civic Precinct dog/horses on beaches to fruition • Review of Community Grants Program • Planning quality health, education and social outcomes • Develop the Mobility Strategy for our youth through the development of the Youth • Continue the Service and Business Improvement Program Action Plan • Implement the Communication and Engagement Strategy • Ensuring that our building infrastructure is well managed by • Introduce Financial and Performance Reporting development of a Building Services Asset Management Plan • Develop Property Strategy • Understanding and prioritising the demand for renewal, upgraded and new facilities/infrastructure • Electoral Review completion • Securing funding to commence implementation of the • Adoption of the Building Services Asset Management Plan Cowes Activity Centre Plan • Sunset Strip Road Drainage Upgrade • Adoption of the Waste Management Strategy • Pioneer Bay Road Drainage Upgrade • Mitigating the forecasted impacts of climate change by • Completion of Land Subject to Inundation Overlay integrating the predictions into our decision making for • Development of Playground Plan Infrastructure, Services, Utilities and Coastal Adaptation. • Development of 20 year Tourism Plan for Phillip Island • Implementation of Essential Safety Measures and Pool Safety Audits • Adoption of the Economic Development Strategy • Adoption of Natural Environment Sustainability Strategy 2015-2025. BASS COAST 2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT 5 Photo: Ron Ekkel THE YEAR IN REVIEW Mayor’s Message CEO’s Message What a year! I’ve really enjoyed my time On behalf of Bass Coast Shire Council it as Mayor of Bass Coast. is a great pleasure to present Council’s I thank every person that has invited