LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
About this Report 2 About the Association 3 Vision, Mission, Core Values and Goals 4 Membership 2004 – 2005 5-6 Local Governing Bodies in the Northern Territory 7 Executive Committee Members 8 Executive Profiles 9-11 Staff 13-15 Organisational Structure 16 Service Providers & Sponsors 17 President’s Report on Behalf of the Executive 18-27 Chief Executive Officer’s Report 28 Strategic Plan Achievements 2004/2005 29-40 Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2005 41 Independent Audit Report to the Members of the Local Government 42-43 Association of the Northern Territory Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2005 44 Statement of Income and Expenditure for the Year Ended 30 June 45-49 2005 Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 30 June 2005 50 Notes to, and forming part of, the Financial Statements for the Year 51-55 Ended 30 June 2005 Local Government Association of the Northern Territory 2004/2005 56-58 Actual versus Budget to 30 June 2005
Official publication of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory ©
1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Members of the Association
This report is the 14th Annual Report of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory and it is for the financial year 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005.
This report has been prepared in compliance with the Association's Constitution for the members of the Association. However, many other persons and organisations will find it informative for their own purposes.
The report details the financial position and performance of the Association for the financial year, as well as background material on local government in the Northern Territory, the Association’s membership, directions and achievements during the year.
Clause 10 of the Association’s Constitution requires this report to be part of the agenda for the Annual General Meeting. This has been done and the meeting will be held in Alice Springs on 13 October 2005.
If anyone has any queries about the report they can contact the Association. Contact details are as follows:
Telephone: (08) 8936 2888 Facsimile: (08) 8941 2665
Kerry Moir PRESIDENT
September 2005
2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (the Association) was first incorporated in 1992 as the single peak body representing local government in the Northern Territory. The Association is established as an incorporated body under section 224 of the Local Government Act of the Northern Territory.
Membership of the Association is voluntary and open to all local governing bodies eligible to receive Australian Government Financial Assistance Grants. These are grants paid to local governments throughout Australia. The Association is also able to admit associate members under Clause 6.4 of its constitution. During 2004 – 2005 the Association did not have any associate members.
The office of the Association is housed on the first and second floors of the CML Building, 59 Smith Street, Darwin.
The Association undertakes advocacy work for councils in the Northern Territory and provides a wide range of services of benefit to them, the details of which are included in this report.
The Executive and staff reviewed the Association’s strategic plan in February 2005 and this report includes feedback on achievements against the plan.
The Association, along with other State Local Government Associations and the Government of the Australian Capital Territory together are members of, and form, the Australian Local Government Association. The Australian Local Government Association represents local government throughout Australian at the national level.
The Association is a member driven organisation. All policies and actions taken are circulated to members on a regular basis largely by email (‘This Week at LGANT’) or through the dissemination of Executive Committee minutes. Between meetings the eight (8) person Association Executive, elected by members, has power to make decisions.
The Chief Executive Officer has delegated authority for staff matters and reports through the Executive and also at general and regional meetings. A policy manual has been prepared and is regularly updated.
The Association has chosen not to invest in property or significant assets and has no loans outstanding.
3 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Vision
Our vision is for constitutional recognition of local government with jurisdiction over the entire land mass of the Northern Territory and providing efficient, effective and a sustainable range of agreed services for the entire population.
Mission
To provide a voice for, and services of benefit to, member councils and to facilitate the development of strong, efficient and responsive Local Government in the Northern Territory in partnerships with other spheres of government.
Core Values
To achieve the mission and vision identified, the guiding principle of the Association is to be responsive to the needs of its members and, in doing so, the broad values to be applied shall be:
Professionalism Innovative
Transparency Progressive
Honesty Open Minded
Accountability Consultative
Goals
The Association’s goals are in its strategic plan. They are:
• to develop and maintain strong, efficient and responsive local government in the Northern Territory • to effectively advocate for and represent member councils • to encourage communication amongst our members and between our members and the community • to increase the capacity and skill of elected members and staff to deliver more responsive local government • to ensure the effective and efficient management of the Association’s resources and services • to pursue an equitable distribution of all forms of funding to local government.
4 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
63 local governing bodies in the Northern Territory are eligible to join the Association as members. Only three (Amoonguna, Ikuntji and Tapatjatjaka) chose not to take up membership.
Number Council Name in Alphabetical Order Incorporation
1 Aherrenge Association Incorporated Association 2 Ali Curung Council Association Incorporated Association 3 Alice Springs Town Council Local government 4 Alpurrurulam Community Government Council Local government 5 Angurugu Community Government Council Local government 6 Anmatjere Community Government Council Local government 7 Aputula Housing Association Association 8 Areyonga Community Incorporated Association 9 Arltarlpilta Community Government Council Local government 10 Belyuen Community Government Council Local government 11 Binjari Community Government Council Local government 12 Borroloola Community Government Council Local government 13 Coomalie Community Government Council Local government 14 Cox Peninsula Community Government Council Local government 15 Daguragu Community Government Council Local government 16 Darwin City Council Local government 17 Elliott District Community Government Council Local government 18 Galiwinku Community Incorporated Association 19 Gapuwiyak Community Incorporated Association 20 Imanpa Community Incorporated Association 21 Jabiru Town Council Special purpose 22 Jilkminggan Community Government Council Local government 23 Kaltukatjara Community Council Incorporated Association 24 Katherine Town Council Local government 25 Kunbarllanjnja Community Government Council Local government 26 Lajamanu Community Government Council Local government 27 Litchfield Shire Council Local government 28 Ltyentye Apurte Community Government Council Local government 29 Maningrida Council Incorporated Association 30 Marngarr Community Government Council Local government 31 Mataranka Community Government Council Local government 32 Milingimbi Community Incorporated Association 33 Milyakburra Community Council Incorporated Association 34 Minjilang Community Incorporated Association 35 Nauiyu Nambiyu Community Government Council Local government
5 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Number Council Name in Alphabetical Order Incorporation
36 Nganmarriyanga Council Incorporated Association 37 Ntaria Council Incorporated Association 38 Numbulwar Numburindi Community Government Council Local government 39 Nyirranggulung Mardulk Ngadberre Regional Executive Local government Council 40 Nyirripi Community Incorporated Association 41 Palmerston City Council Local government 42 Papunya Community Council Association 43 Peppimenarti Community Council Incorporated Association 44 Pine Creek Community Government Council Local government 45 Ramingining Community Council Incorporated Association 46 Tennant Creek Town Council Local government 47 Thamarrurr Community Government Council Local government 48 Timber Creek Community Government Council Local government 49 Tiwi Islands Local Government Local government 50 Umbakumba Community Council Incorporated Association 51 Urapuntja Council Aboriginal Corporation Association 52 Walangeri Ngumpinku Community Government Council Local government 53 Wallace Rockhole Community Government Council Local government 54 Walungurru Council Incorporated Association 55 Warruwi Community Incorporated Association 56 Watiyawanu Community Government Council Local government 57 Yirrkala Dhanbul Community Association Incorporated Association 58 Yuelamu Community Incorporated Association 59 Yuendumu Community Government Council Local government 60 Yugul Mangi Community Government Council Local government
Number of Local Governing Bodies in the Northern Territory as at 30 June 2005
Municipalities 6 Community Government Councils 30 Incorporated Associations 26 Special PurposeTowns 1
TOTAL 63
6 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Clause 14.4 of the Constitution requires the Association’s Executive to be made up of eight (8) members. Seven members are elected and one is appointed by the Darwin City Council. Of the eight member Executive, four members (three elected and one appointed), make up the representation from municipal councils and one special purpose town (Jabiru). The other four members are elected from community government and association councils.
As at 30 June 2005 the Executive consisted of the following members:
President Alderman Kerry Moir Darwin City Council Vice President President Ray Wooldridge Pine Creek Community Government Council Vice President Mayor Rod Swanson Tennant Creek Town Council
Executive Members: President Gus Williams Ntaria Council Alderman Helen Galton Darwin City Council Councillor Geoff Selems Coomalie Community Government Council President Tony Scrutton Anmatjere Community Government Council Alderman Jane Muré Alice Springs Town Council
Profiles of Executive members appear on pages 9 – 11 of this report.
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Alderman Kerry Moir President of the Association
Kerry has served on the Darwin City Council for four consecutive terms since 1992. In that time Kerry has been Deputy Lord Mayor as well as Chairman of the Corporate Services Committee.
Kerry has served on many other committees including: Town Planning, Corporate and Economic Development, Town Planning and Sister Cities Management.
Kerry was first appointed as the Darwin City Council representative on the Executive in 2000. Kerry retained this position until October 2004 when she was elected as the Vice President of the Association. In April 2005 the Executive appointed Kerry as President of the Association. Kerry is a director on the Australian Local Government Association Board. Kerry is employed by the Northern Territory Department of Employment, Education and Training as Director of the International Unit.
President Ray Wooldridge Vice-President of the Association Representing Community Government and Association Councils
Ray served for two and a half years as a councillor with the Pine Creek Community Government Council before taking on the position of President, a position he has now held for three consecutive terms. Ray is on the Steering Committee for the Top End Rural Region group of councils and is also a member of the Katherine Regional Development Board. Ray has served on the Association’s Executive since 2002 and was elected as Vice President representing community government and association councils in October 2004. Ray is a director on the Australian Local Government Association Board. Ray is also a chartered Chemist and principal of North Australian Laboratories Pty Ltd in Pine Creek.
Mayor Rod Swanson Vice President of the Association Representing Municipal Councils and Special Purpose Town
Rod Swanson was elected as Mayor of Tennant Creek in May 2004. Rod has served on a number of committees including Chairman of the Barkly Regional Development Board, the Tennant Creek Hospital Board and the Barkly Region Safer Community Committee. In June 2005 at a special general meeting of the Association Rod was elected to the Association Executive as the Vice President representing municipal councils and special purpose towns.
9 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Alderman Helen Galton Member of the Association’s Executive Committee Representing Municipal Councils and Special Purpose Towns
Helen commenced as the appointed Darwin City Council representative on the Executive in October 2004. Elected to Darwin City Council in the Lyons Ward in May 2004 Helen holds positions on a number of council committees including community services, capital cities and the Top End Regional Organisation of Councils. Helen is currently Deputy Lord Mayor of Darwin. Helen was also the former General Manager of Tourism Top End.
Chairman Gus Williams OAM Member of the Association’s Executive Committee Representing Community Government and Association Councils
Gus has been Chairman and CEO of Ntaria Council (Hermansburg) for 28 years, since 1977. Gus is the longest serving member of a member council on the Executive. Gus is also Chairman of Nguratjuta Aboriginal Corporation (since 1987), a delegate to the Central Land Council, Chair of the Western Aranda Health Corporation, President of the Country Music Association, and sits on many other boards in a voluntary capacity. Gus was elected to the Association’s Executive in October 2004.
Councillor Geoff Selems Member of the Association’s Executive Committee Representing Community Government and Association Councils
Geoff has been a councillor with the Coomalie Community Government Council since 1995 and was elected to the Association’s Executive in October 2004. Geoff is a member of the Steering Committee for the Top End Rural Region group of councils and the Human Services Advisory Council and is Chairman of the Council’s Staff Standing Committee. Geoff is self employed as a Horticulturalist specialising in the production of mangoes and feed hay.
10 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Alderman Jane Muré Member of the Association’s Executive Committee Representing Municipal Councils and Special Purpose Town
Jane was elected to the Alice Springs Town Council in May 2004. Jane is a member of the community computers committee, the swimming pool centre advisory and swimming pool redevelopment committees and the Arauluen access grants committee. Jane was elected to the Executive in June 2005. Jane operates two businesses, a web design business and therapeutic massage business.
President Tony Scrutton Member of the Association’s Executive Committee Representing Community Government and Association Councils
Tony was elected to the Amnatjere Community Government Council in October 2004 as a member of the Alyuen Ward and was later elected by the Council as its full time Chairman. Tony is a member of the Pmara Jutunta Store Committee. Tony was elected to the Executive in June 2005.
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The following members of the Executive vacated their positions during the year:
Councillor Kwementyay Gunner (deceased) Urapuntja Council Aboriginal Corporation
Kwementyay Gunner was a member of Urapuntja Council from 1990 to 2005. During this time he held the position of Chairman for a period of 11 years so his experience as an elected member of a council was significant. Kwenemtyay also worked for the Council as its works supervisor and he completed an important technical role in maintaining Council’s road network.
Kwenmentyay passed away on 2 April 2005. The Association extended its condolences to his family and friends (see President’s Report).
Mayor Fran Kilgariff Alice Springs Town Council
Fran was an Alderman on the Alice Springs Town Council for six years before becoming Mayor in 2000, an office Fran was re-elected to in May 2004 and still retains. Fran was chair of several of Council’s committees and was a member of the Northern Territory Grants Commission. As a full time Mayor, Fran, was heavily involved in the Alice Springs community. Fran was also a former director on the Australian Local Government Association Board. Fran resigned from the Executive in April 2005 to contest the seat of Greatorex in the Northern Territory election.
12 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Association employs a Chief Executive Officer, four divisional managers and 19 other professional staff as indicated in the organisational structure diagram on page 16.
In addition, there are consulting arrangements for the delivery of some services and an affiliation agreement for the provision of the employee relations service to members.
Tony Tapsell Chief Executive Officer
Tony has worked continually in the Northern Territory since 1972 having served in a range of fields including finance and senior management positions with the Australian and Northern Territory Governments and as a Chief Executive Officer in Local Government. Tony has been employed with the Association as its Chief Executive since 2002.
Phil Maynard Manager Information Services
Phil will reach the milestone of ten years service with the Association in July 2005. Phil commenced with the Association as its Aboriginal Policy Officer and later in 1998 served as its Member Services Manager. Phil is now the Manager Information Services and as such is responsible for a range of information products such as the Association’s annual directory, weekly email of events and information and Intranet and Extranet service content. Phil organises Association meetings as well as elected member and staff training courses utilising the expertise of the Western Australian Local Government Association.
Peter McLinden Manager Transport & Infrastructure
Peter has had 20 years experience working in local government in Northern Australia including working for then Nguiu Council on Bathurst Island and Port Keats Council before being recruited to the Association from the Christmas Island Shire Council in 1995. Peter’s main responsibilities at the Association are to do with the implementation of transport and infrastructure projects and issues on behalf of member councils.
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Louise Fuller Programs & IT Manager
Louise has been in the Northern Territory since 1985 and one of her earlier positions was as Executive Director of the Keep Australia Beautiful Council of the Northern Territory. Louise was later a Board Member on the Council for over 12 years. Louise has been employed with the Association since 1997 in management positions with responsibility for environmental management and more recently information technology. Louise has extensive experience and knowledge about Federal and Territory Government funded programs.
Louise currently has responsibility for the management of the Association’s information technology services provided to member councils.
Jill Hunt Manager Human Resource Support & Development
Jill came to the Territory in 1997 and has worked in local government in two States for over 20 years including eight years for the Local Government Association of South Australia. Jill has extensive experience in industrial relations and human resource management. Jill worked for four years as the Human Resource Manager for Darwin City Council.
Currently working for the Association, Jill’s responsibility is to supply human resource support and development to all the councils in the Territory. This includes providing on-site elected member and staff training.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Auditor Kevin Blacker & Associates PO Box 38170 WINNELLIE NT 0821
Bankers Westpac Bank Smith Street DARWIN NT 0800
Insurance Jardine Lloyd Thomson PO Box 2321 FORTITUDE VALLEY BC QLD 4006
Association Sponsors
The Association offers thanks and acknowledges the assistance provided to it by its four major sponsors in the 2004/2005 year.
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Dear Members,
I am pleased to present you with an overview of the principal activities of the Association for the 2004/2005 financial year.
The Executive
As most of you would know I have not been long in the position of President having taken over from Mayor Fran Kilgariff in April 2005. Following Fran’s resignation the Executive appointed me (as allowed under the Association’s constitution) to the position until the next Executive election in October 2006. On behalf of the Executive I express our sincere thanks to Mayor Kilgariff for her strong contribution as both President and a member of the Executive.
During the year the Association lost one of its most avid supporters from the Executive in Councillor Kwementyay (name substitute for cultural reasons) Gunner who passed away on 2 April 2005. Kwementyay was well respected not only in his own community at Urapuntja (where he served as Chairman for 11 years) but also amongst Association members. We all miss his leadership and good nature. The Executive is grateful for his worthy contribution to its affairs.
In June 2005 the Association held a special general meeting which included elections for the positions on the Executive left vacant by the above circumstances and because of my appointment as President (thereby creating a vacancy for the Municipal Vice President position).
The results of the elections saw Mayor Rod Swanson of Tennant Creek Town Council elected as Municipal Vice President, Alderman Jane Mure of Alice Springs Town council elected to the vacant municipal and special purpose town position and President Tony Scrutton of Anmatjere Community Government Council to the vacant community government and association position. I welcomed all new members to the Executive and it is gratifying to know the Executive has a full complement of members to carry on its important work.
18 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Continued
Highlights for the Year
There were many highlights throughout the year which reflect the depth of activity the Association provided for member councils.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
The Association continued much of its work under the Australian Government funded program Networking the Nation and other programs which came to an end this financial year (in terms of funds released) although work will be carried forward to next financial year. The Association has to sustain its information and technology services and subsequently it approved user charges in April 2005 to commence in the 2005/2006 financial year.
The Association:
• installed computer equipment, network and telecommunications upgrades for five community councils and four municipal councils (bringing the total to 52 community councils since commencement of the project) • enhanced council networks to enable faster and more reliable Internet connectivity and migrated to a wireless solution where possible • provided a ‘help desk’ service which averaged 400 calls per month (4,959 to May 2005) for systems enquiries and 170 calls per month for general accounting and business system (ITVision Synergy Soft) enquiries • provided email services (which includes deployment, support, configuration, management, training and virus protection) which handled 3000 emails per day on behalf of members • developed an additional 20 council websites (bringing the total to 57 since commencement of the project - 46 of which are ‘live’) with ‘hits’ of 1000 per month for most websites • trained and supported an additional 89 council staff (bringing the total to 145 since commencement of the project) in updating and maintaining their websites with local content and information • developed the ‘CouncilNet’ website which is an Intranet site for member councils only to access specific information about local government • deployed e-services software to Alice Springs, Katherine and Palmerston councils to enable residents to make payments to the councils online over the Internet • created an extranet site for the above municipal councils to enable Alderman, staff and other users to obtain access to council data over the Internet • assisted seven Councils to migrate to the IT Vision Synergy Soft business system (bringing the total to 18 since commencement of the project)
19 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Continued
• trained 74 council employees in the use of the IT Vision Synergy Soft business system (bringing the total to 130 employees since commencement of the project) • provided five communities with hardware, software and training under the I’ve Got Email 2 project to enable residents to have public internet access and to use it (bringing the total number of communities to 22 and the total number of persons trained to 946 since commencement of the project) • played a major role in securing $4.5M for broadband telecommunications between Daly River and Wadeye with project commencement in 2006 • provided accounting services to seven councils • 259 residents from mainly remote Council areas throughout the Northern Territory were given training in the use of e-mail and the internet
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
Activities in this area increased markedly throughout the year for the Association. The range of human resource management services provided include recruitment, mediation and conflict resolution, provision of model human resource management policies, organisational reviews, workplace agreements, probationary assessments and performance appraisals for Chief Executive Officers and industrial relations services.
The Association was able to provide services from user charges and using funds from a grant from Northern Territory Department of Local Government. For specialist industrial relations advice the Association commissioned the services of the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA).
The Association:
• provided specialist recruitment services to 87 council positions (20 CEOs, 67 other) • many councils were provided with relief and temporary CEOs • carried out probationary assessments for CEOs of nine councils • assisted with 25 significant human resource management issues such as termination of employment, organisational reviews, mediation and conflict resolution and workplace agreements • assisted with the annual performance appraisal of CEOs at three councils • gave advice on 70 other human resource management issues to do with performance management, remuneration, position descriptions, contracts of employment, superannuation and industrial legislation • enabled councils to make 735 contacts with WALGA over industrial relations issues, 91 of which the Association referred to WALGA. • enabled councils to be represented in the Industrial Relations Commission on 18 occasions courtesy of WALGA
20 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The Association manages transport and infrastructure projects in primarily the regions of Katherine, Alice Springs, Borooloola, East Arnhem and Tennant Creek in unincorporated areas and on behalf of councils in their areas. The projects include those funded under the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery programs and Local Roads Financial Assistance Grants as well as the BlackSpot program all of which are largely to do with local road construction and maintenance.
The Association also:
• contributed $38 000 towards road safety audits in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Infrastructure for the Council areas of Tiwi Islands Local Government, Belyuen and Cox Peninsula Community Government Council • contributed $14 000 towards the Top End Rural Region group of councils with its road condition report for its draft regional council management plan • assisted the Tennant Creek Regional Development Board to develop its regional road strategies • negotiated funding and assisted Councils with the marketing and implementation of the 50 Klm default speed limit in their areas • negotiated and submitted a road alliance with the Northern Territory Government for the purpose of coordinating efforts for the administration of Roads to Recovery programs in unincorporated areas • contributed $ 5000 towards the publication of a manual for councils (done in conjunction with Northern Territory Police and Emergency Services) to do with risk management for natural disaster plans in remote areas.
ELECTED MEMBER AND STAFF TRAINING
The Association provided a range of training courses for elected members and staff during the year which was funded from both user charges and a grant from the Department of Local Government.
The Association undertook the following courses:
• recruitment training was undertaken with the elected members of the nine councils of Yugal Mangi, Gapuwiyak, Aherrenge, Walungurru, Tiwi, Peppimenarti, Numbulwar, Imanpa and Kunbarllanjnja • probationary assessment training was undertaken with the elected members of nine councils at Aherrenge, Kunbarllanjnja, Dagaragu, Gapuwiyak, Katherine, Angurugu, Yugal Mangi, Anmatjere and Numbulwar • performance appraisal (of CEOs) training was undertaken with the elected members of the nine councils of Imanpa, Nganmarriyanaga, Nauiyu Nambiyu, Milingimbi, Wallace Rockhole, Walungurru, Dagaragu, Yugal Mangi and Timber Creek • governance or elected member role training was provided for 116 elected members from Imanpa, Nganmarriyanaga, Nauiyu Nambiyu, Milingimbi, Wallace Rockhole, Walungurru, Dagaragu, Yugal Mangi, Timber Creek, Tiwi and Warruwi councils • Local government finance course was held for 19 elected members from Tiwi Islands Local Government • Taxation training was organised for the councils of Katherine, Angurugu, Yirrkala and Alice Springs
Continued
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MEETINGS AND NETWORKING
Meetings are an important mechanism for creating opportunities for member councils to network and for the Association to reach decisions on issues. The minutes of most meetings end up on the agenda of Executive meetings. Minutes and agendas of Association meetings are emailed to member councils and placed on the Association’s CouncilNet site. The most prominent meetings the Association was involved in during the year are listed below:
• attended all four meetings of the Australian Local Government Association at which matters such as national policy, 2005/2006 federal budget submission, outcomes from the Hawker Inquiry, Ministerial Council representation and reporting and the Association’s corporate plan and budget were dealt with • held meetings in most months of the Executive Committee including an annual review of the Association’s corporate plan in February 2005 • held general meetings in Darwin in October 2004 (105 delegates from 42 councils) and April 2005 (89 delegates from 36 councils) at which a wide range of issues were discussed and actioned • held two meetings of municipal councils, one in August 2004 at Darwin City Council and the other at Palmerston City Council in February 2005 • held regional meetings of councils in Katherine in July 2004, in Nhulunbuy in July 2004 and June 2005, in Darwin in July 2004 and in Alice Springs in August 2004 and March 2005.
REPRESENTATION AND ADVOCACY
The Association takes up issues or advances them with governments principally through meetings and by submissions. Major issues dealt with in this fashion during the year included:
Transport and Infrastructure • increasing local roads financial assistance grants – submission completed November 2004 • road alliance with the Northern Territory Government –submission completed October 2004
Representation on Committees
Swimming Pool Grants Program Committee – met to progress the construction of pools in remote communities
• Local Roads Committee – contributed to: • the organising of the 2005 National Local Roads and Transport Congress • development of the National Road Asset Data Set • regional airport security arrangements • heavy vehicle reform agenda • AUSLINK program for local government
Timber Creek Council’s committee on regional roads - provided administrative assistance and chaired the meetings
Roads and Transport Advisory Committee – met to progress national roads and transport issues
Continued
22 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY Environment
• National Resource Management Plan for the Northern Territory - Submission completed February 2005
Representation on Committees
Darwin Regional Weeds Advisory Committee – Progressed strategies to do with Weeds Management Integrated Natural Resource Management Technical Advisory Group – Progressed NRM technical issues Integrated Natural Resource Management Community Advisory Group – Progressed NRM community issues Darwin City Council Environmental Management Plan Advisory Committee (Observer) – Progressed on Environmental Management Plan NT Parks and Conservation Masterplan Community Advisory Committee Coomalie Community Government Council Gamba Action Planning Group – implementing strategies for removing the spread of gamba grass Northern Territory Landcare Support Group – charged with supporting Landcare initiatives Australian Local Government Natural Resource Management Network – met to progress work of facilitators throughout Australia Northern Territory Natural Resource Management Facilitators Network – met to progress work of facilitators in the Northern Territory
Legislation
• Review of the Ombudsman (NT) Act – submission completed October 2004 • Outcomes of the review of the NT Planning Act – report completed in January 2005 • Review of the Pastoral Land Act – submission completed October 2004 • Review of Local Government (Administration) Regulations – submission completed July 2004 • Review of the Local Government Grants Commission Act – submission completed July 2004 • Review of the Local Government Act – submission completed November 2004 • Power and Water Corporation Act – submission completed November 2004.
Local Government Finances
• Member subscriptions and user charges – proposal put to member councils in April 2005 • Future of CDEP – submission completed March 2005
Representation on Committees
National Procurement Network – met to progress leverage of councils in accessing national contracts for goods and services
Continued
23 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY Information Technology
• 20/20 Final Report – report completed May 2005 • Local Government International Exchange and Cooperation Seminar – Presentation given on NT Connect Project November 2004 • I’ve Got Email – report completed June 2005
Representation on Committees
Online Council Officials Working Group – met to progress strategies for improving telecommunications in Indigenous communities
Governance
• Report on Audit of Indigenous Governance Training – submission completed October 2004 • Model Procedures for Council Meetings and Council Committee Meetings – Paper completed October 2004
Representation on Committees
Indigenous Governance Training Working Group – met to advance coordination of Indigenous governance training Top End Rural Region Steering Committee – met to progress proposal for regional authority West Arnhem Region Steering Committee – met to progress proposal for regional authority Groote Etylandt Steering Committee – met to progress proposal for regional authority
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND POLICIES
The Association provides information and advice to member councils principally by means of email and use of the CouncilNet site. Each year the Association adopts policies at General and Executive meetings. The Association’s products and policies approved and published during the year include:
Information Products
1. This Week at LGANT – weekly email to councils and other interested parties on matters of interest to local government.
2. 2005 Directory of Local Governing Bodies – provides contact, budget and representation details of all 63 local governing bodies in the Northern Territory.
3. Resourcing Local Government for the Future – NT Election 2005 – provides a list of issues of relevance to local government in the Northern Territory and calls on the major parties to provide responses in the lead up to the 2005 NT Election.
4. Background Paper and Questionnaire on the Review of the Australian Citizenship Pledge - prepared for councils to consider in light of changes proposed by the Local Government Association of New South Wales.
Continued
24 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
5. Risk Management for Natural Disaster Plans in Remote Areas – provides procedures for councils and other organisations in remote areas to manage risk in terms of natural disasters.
6. Local Government Association of the Northern Territory, Annual Report 2003-2004 - presented in September 2004 the report details the financial position, performance, staffing and achievements of the Association.
7. Press Clippings – weekly email service to member councils containing newsworthy items pertaining to local government.
8. Association Websites - includes both the Association’s public website and the CouncilNet site which is for member councils only.
9. Media Releases
20/08/2004 Launch of Blueprint for Building Better Communities
09/09/2004 Federal Opposition support for increased local road funding for the Northern Territory
14/09/2004 The demise of the Jabiru Town Council
08/10/2004 The Association’s Annual General Meeting
15/10/2004 Election of Executive Committee of the Association
03/12/2004 Councils have codes of conduct
17/02/2005 50Klm default speed limit
07/04/2005 Regional meeting in Alice Springs
22/04/2005 Association’s NT Election Paper
07/04/2005 April 2005 General Meeting
11/05/2005 2005/2006 Federal Budget
01/06/2005 Resignation of President of the Association
27/05/2005 Operational subsidy increase
23/06/2005 Release of Federal Government’s response to the Cost Shifting Inquiry
28/06/2005 New Executive members
Continued
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Policies Reviewed and Adopted
1. Northern Territory Elections
2. Use of petroleum products to reduce petrol sniffing
3. Representation on planning authorities
4. Rating of properties within local government boundaries
5. Member subscriptions and user charges
6. Local government as the appropriate body for delivery of services
7. Support for the establishment of larger councils subject to provisos being met
The Association continued its efforts to secure changes in a host of areas affecting local government. Perhaps the most significant ‘win-win’ was the Northern Territory Government’s announcement at the April 2005 general meeting that it would fund Aboriginal Community Police Officers for their support services. This was a ‘breakthrough’ in terms of removing the practice of cost shifting onto councils although it will take a number of years to implement.
Another sound result for member councils was the Northern Territory Government’s decision over public library funding. Municipal councils were instrumental in assisting the Association to put forward their claims for bringing about change in the funding of this service and stability of funding seems assured at least in the short term.
Structural reform remained high on the agenda for the Association during the year and it has taken strong commitment from councils involved in this change. The process has been difficult and there are many hurdles to overcome along the way but those councils that remained focused on the end result of forming a regional council are making progress.
The Association has supported councils, as much as possible, having carriage of the process so that they and their communities can have the strongest input into the establishment of regional local governments. This is necessary because ultimately the Territory Government has power to constitute local governments and it has been paramount in the Association’s message to councils that they not leave it to others to decide their futures.
The Association assisted a number of groups of councils with these efforts during the financial year and there is no doubt the Association’s policy supporting the establishment of a business case for ‘the proposal, management plans, consultation and funding for establishment ’ is appropriate.
Continued
26 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
On a final note I wish to thank all member councils for their valuable support and contributions during the year. Your engagement in Association processes is vital to the future of the organisation and in achieving results for the good of all local governments in the Northern Territory.
I also gratefully acknowledge and give thanks to the former Minister for Local Government, the Hon John Ah Kit MLA and the Department responsible for Local Government for the financial support that was given to the Association to provide human resource management and elected member and staff training for member councils. I also welcome the appointment of the new Minister for Local Government, Elliot McAdam. I look forward to a positive partnership between LGANT, The Minister and his Department. Finally, I offer sincere thanks to the Australian Government for its increased confidence in the Association to deliver programs on its behalf for member councils.
Kerry Moir PRESIDENT
27 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Alderman Kerry Moir President LGANT PO Box 4502 DARWIN NT 0801
Dear Madam President
In accordance with clause 18.3 of the Constitution I present the 2004 – 2005 Annual Report and audited financial statements of the Association to the Executive and member councils.
The financial position and performance of the Association as at 30 June 2005 was pleasing in that the Association was able to meet its debts as they fall due and a surplus existed from operating activities.
The Association recorded again a significant surplus, however member councils should note carefully that much of it has been generated from grants that were either received close to the year’s end or remain unexpended at year’s end. These are not funds that the Association has discretion to use as it wishes. They are funds that are tied for specific purposes (see page 55 of this report) and as such need to deducted (along with liabilities) from the recorded surplus to arrive at a more realistic operating figure.
Once again the bulk of the Association’s revenue has come from Territory and Australian Government sources (which are gratefully acknowledged) although ‘user charges’ with member councils (which is also vital for the Association) have become far more prominent with the Association increasing the extent of its service delivery to member councils.
I am most pleased with the efforts of staff who in many instances have more than met my expectations. The culture of teamwork and focus on results was prominent. The Executive enabled staff to perform their roles appropriately while at the same time successfully fulfilling its own role of advocacy, strategy, policy and decision making.
Finally I give much thanks to the Association’s service providers, sponsors (see page 16 of this report) and consultants. The Association’s consultants provided expertise in areas the Association was unable to complete itself. Grateful acknowledgement is given to Collins Anderson, Grosvenor McCorkell, Convergence, Perry Morrison, Maree McLinden and the Western Australian Local Government Association for their valuable support during the year.
Tony Tapsell CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
28 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
GOAL 1: TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN STRONG, EFFICIENT AND RESPONSIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Objective: 1.01 Ensure that appropriate support is provided to councils pursuing structural reform
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 1.01.01 Actively seek endorsement •Commissioned Collins Continue to assist of, and provide input to, Anderson to complete a draft councils to play a major planning processes for management plan for the Top role in the formulation establishing larger councils End Rural Region group of of management plans for councils the constitution of new •Attended meetings of councils councils and provided them with advice and information 1.01.02 Assist councils with plans to •Provided advice to councils Continue to attend implement their amalgamation about commitment, processes steering committee with other councils and need for adequate meetings of councils planning when moving undertaking reform towards reform
Objective: 1.02 Develop and promote policies and procedures consistent with, and conducive to strong and effective local government
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 1.02.01 Review all existing LGANT •Seven policies reviewed and Undertake a major policies and develop new adopted during the year (see review in conjunction policies where required page 26 of this report) with the corporate plan review 1.02.02 Develop model policies for •Model policies provided Continue development of councils on priority issues online to councils model policies including including equal employment •Literacy and numeracy policy that to do with opportunity, occupational not completed governance charters health and safety and literacy and numeracy 1.02.03 Make available procedures •Facilitated attendance at Develop procedures in- that can be used by member workshops run by the Office house which can be councils to satisfy the of the Information used by members requirements of the Commissioner councils Information Act
29 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Objective: 1.03 Maximise the benefits of a partnership approach within all spheres of government
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 1.03.01 Develop partnership •Road alliance put to the Sign road alliance and agreements with appropriate Territory Government for commit to its operation government agencies consideration Recommence •Delay in the development of negotiations for a a partnership agreement with partnership agreement the Territory Government with the Territory due in part to the 2005 NT Government election 1.03.02 Provide input (through ALGA) •Attended meetings and Continue to advance the towards the development of provided support to ALGA process in conjunction an Intergovernmental and the Australian with other parties Agreement (IGA) which would Government over the see a clear definition of development of an IGA responsibilities amongst all three spheres of government
Objective: 1.04 Maintain high standards of ethical conduct within local government
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 1.04.01 Encourage staff and elected •Code of conduct placed on Take part in proposed members to adhere to a code CoucilNet site for member review of a code of of conduct councils to access conduct for elected •Provided individual advice to members and staff members about the need for ethical conduct
Objective: 1.05 Support the achievement of best practice in local government in the Northern Territory
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 1.05.01 Promote continuous •Promoted examples of best Continue to promote improvement and best practice at regional and best practice at LGANT practice for local government general meetings including meetings at general and regional financial management and meetings in the Northern CEO recruitment and Territory performance appraisals
30 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
GOAL 2: TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR AND REPRESENT MEMBER COUNCILS
Objective: 2.01 Ensure adequate consultation with governments and stakeholders is undertaken on all relevant issues What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 2.01.01 Consult with and seek to •Sought to influence Continue with advocacy influence government and government and stakeholders roles on significant stakeholders on relevant on a host of issues as issues issues indicated in the President’s report 2.01.02 Maintain regular meetings •In addition to those Continue to meet and with NT and Commonwealth committees mentioned communicate with agencies on matters affecting elsewhere in this report Australian and Territory local government participated in the activities Government of the following committees: representatives •Steering Committees for West Arnhem, Top End Rural Region and Groote Eylandt •Darwin and Katherine •Regional Development Boards •Federal Road Safety Black Spot Committee •Australian Road Rules •Maintenance Group •ABS Population Intelligence Working Group •Held regular meetings with both Australian and Territory Government representatives Objective: 2.02 Fairly represent the diverse views of member councils What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 2.02.01 At each executive and •Member councils encouraged Adopt a governance general meeting of the to provide agenda items for charter which sets out Association ensure that the regional and general meetings processes for dealing agenda drafted reflects the •Proceedings from regional with agendas issues of interest to member meetings are considered for councils adoption at Executive meetings 2.02.02 Conduct regular surveys of •Surveys undertaken on Conduct surveys to gain member councils to ensure the review of Australian understanding of member views are incorporated into Citizenship Pledge councils views LGANT policies and •50 Klm Default Speed Limit decisions •Project management services for Roads to Recovery projects •Council staff housing 2.02.03 Review and undertake •A comprehensive satisfaction Undertake a satisfaction survey of member councils’ survey was undertaken in survey before the end of satisfaction with the November 2004 with member the calendar year performance of LGANT councils and used by the Executive as part of its corporate plan review in February 2005 31 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Objective: 2.03 Achieve changes in government plans and legislation to reflect the priorities of local government in the Northern Territory
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 2.03.01 Review the Local •Submission prepared in Participate in the forthcoming Government Act and November 2004 review of the Local Government proposals for its amendment •Response has been to Act once a discussion paper is and prepare submissions to include proposals in future released the NT Government review 2.03.02 Review planning legislation •Prepared a report on the Assess implications for local and prepare proposals to the outcomes of the review of government once NT Planning NT Government for this legislation (see Scheme legislation comes into amendments President’s report) force 2.03.03 Prepare proposals for •Proposals prepared for a Review legislation that impacts legislative changes number of pieces of on Local Government legislation (see President’s report) 2.03.04 Provide input to the •Policy adopted (see Assess impacts of the review development of land use President’s report) once announced agreements for councils •Matter deferred pending the operating on Aboriginal land outcomes of the review of the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 2.03.05 Seek the endorsement of •Sought local government Review strategy and adopt local government as the representation on the policy which confirms local primary representative body Indigenous Housing Authority government’s role in the for delivering housing of the Northern Territory provision of public housing construction and maintenance services in local and regional areas
Objective: 2.04 Maintain the capacity of the Association to nominate and remove directly its representatives on boards and committees
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 2.04.01 Approve the nomination of, The Executive endorsed Continue to provide and seek reports from, nominations for the endorsements for members on committees committees of: nominations to external to LGANT •National Local Government committees Drug and Alcohol Advisory Committee •Area Consultative Committee •NT Place Names Committee •NT Childrens Services •Planning Committee •NT Road Safety Committee 2.04.02 Retain membership of •Membership on committees Continue membership on relevant committees and was retained (see President’s committees so long as participate and report on their report) and reports furnished relevant activities in the agenda of Executive meetings
32 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Objective: 2.05 Utilise the Australian Local Government Association to ensure the interests of local government are promoted at the national level
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 2.05.01 Actively participate in ALGA •President and CEO attended Continue attendance at activities ALGA meetings in August and ALGA meetings in November 2004 and accordance with the President, Vice President and Association’s CEO attended meetings in governance charter once February and May 2005 adopted •Outcomes reported in Executive and General meetings 2.05.02 Provide information and •Responded to requests for Provide for further support to the ALGA where information and provided delegation of required support for a range of responsibility in order to activities although not able to meet requests deal with all requests
Objective: 2.06 Achieve an increase in funding from Territory and Commonwealth agencies
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 2.06.01 Identify and prepare Submitted applications for : Pursue funding options applications to relevant •human resource management for the Association funding programs •information technology •environmental management •transport and infrastructure Success achieved in all four areas (see financial statements) 2.06.02 Facilitate discussions with •Most successful facilitation Pursue implementation Territory and Commonwealth was for $2M funding for of telecommunications agencies to ensure telecommunications between project and continue appropriate funding for local towns of Daly River and discussions with government priorities Wadeye Territory and Commonwealth agencies
33 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
GOAL 3: TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNICATION AMONGST OUR MEMBERS AND BETWEEN OUR MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY
Objective: 3.01 Utilise various forms of media to inform the wider community of the activities of local government
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 3.01.01 Prepare regular media •16 media releases issued Continue to issue media releases on the activities of during the year (see releases on issues of local government President’s report) and posted importance to local on the LGANT website and government CouncilNET
3.01.02 Maintain the Public Relations •Executive considered a policy Pursue with Local and Communications strategy but decided against its Government Public adoption due to a lack of Relations Association its consensus on detail plans to develop a policy •Local Government Week was on media for Councils held in October 2004 and Local Government Associations 3.01.03 Prepare and seek the •Articles were published in Continue to submit publication of articles in Local Government Focus on articles to Local Territory-wide publications two occasions from the Government Focus and President other newspapers •A two page article was prepared for Local Government Week during October 2004 •Articles were also prepared for regional newspapers and the NT News
3.01.04 Hold radio and television •The President and Vice Continue to hold interviews on relevant local Presidents collectively held interviews about local government issues and numerous radio and television government issues activities interviews throughout the year
3.01.05 Prepare a local government •The Directory was published Councils will be asked to directory for the Northern and sent to all member check and update details Territory by March each year councils in February 2005 in November 2005 for the 2006 Directory
Objective: 3.02 Keep members informed of issues relevant to them
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 3.02.01 Prepare and publish a range •Information was made Review material placed of information products in available on the CouncilNET on the CounciNET site printed and electronic format site as well as in agenda for members papers for meetings
Objective: 3.03 Provide organised opportunities for networking amongst members 34 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 3.03.01 Organise two general •General meetings were held Continue to hold general meetings of the Association in October 2004 and April meetings in April and each year 2005 October 2006
3.03.02 Organise regular regional Eight regional meetings were Organise meetings meetings to promote the held throughout the year: outside of legislative discussion of region specific •Alice Springs in August 2004 assembly sitting days issues and strategies and March 2005 where possible •Darwin in July 2004 •Katherine in July 2004 •East Arnhem in July 2004 and June 2005 •Municipal council meetings in July 2004 and February 2005
3.03.03 Provide specific briefing •A special general meeting of Hold sessions for sessions for councils on the Association was held in upcoming issues like the particular topics June 2005 review of the Local •Briefing sessions were Government Act normally held in conjunction with regional and general meetings
35 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
GOAL 4: TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY AND SKILL OF ELECTED MEMBERS AND STAFF TO DELIVER MORE RESPONSIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Objective: 4.01 Ensure that local government’s information technology needs are given adequate support What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 4.01.01 Provide and support the •Provided support to 18 Continue support for common business system councils that were using the those councils using the application for councils in the system system Northern Territory
4.01.02 Provide on-going training •Training provided to 89 Provide training on and support to member council staff on use of demand and particularly councils in information websites for new staff technology usage •Training provided to 74 council staff on use of IT Vision •Provided training to 259 residents in ten council areas on use of e-mail and the Internet Objective: 4.02 Assist in meeting local government's human resource management needs for elected members and staff What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 4.02.01 Provide a specialist •Recruited to 87 Council staff Offer a recruitment recruitment service for local positions 20 of whom were service to councils government in the Northern CEOs Territory to assist with Provide governance identifying and retaining training for new and quality staff existing CEO’s 4.02.02 Provide specialist advice •25 significant human Continue to offer a regarding human resource resource management issues range of services management processes and dealt with procedures to ensure •gave advice on 70 issues to Provide advice on capacity of member councils do with performance demand for the full is enhanced management, remuneration range of issues and other issues 4.02.03 Provide a specialist Human •elected members of nine Continue to assist Resource Development councils given training in councils in the service which enhances the probationary assessments and management of their capacity of elected members performance appraisals of CEOs and staff through learning and CEOs as well as recruitment development programs training
36 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 4.02.04 Co-ordinate and provide and •Materials were made Review materials and industrial relations service to available on the Association’s make them available for member councils including CounciNET site councils developing materials to assist •40% of the the Western councils with the industrial Australian Local Government relations requirements under Association’s industrial the Local Government Act relations work was done in the Northern Territory 4.02.05 Provide a specialist service •Organisational review Provide or facilitate in undertaking organisational undertaken as part of the organisational reviews reviews to assist members management plan prepared for councils with their readiness and for the Top End Rural Region capacity to move towards group of councils regionalisation 4.02.06 Hold regular training courses •Media skills training was Continue to facilitate in Alice Springs and Darwin undertaken on two occasions courses for elected for elected members and and taxation training for members and staff staff on identified areas elected members and staff of municipal councils •19 elected members from Tiwi Islands Local Government were given training in local government finances 4.02.07 Undertake introductory local •Governance or elected Review course content government courses for member role training was and prepare submission newly elected members provided for 116 elected for funds members from 11 councils Objective: 4.03 Increase the capacity of local government to meet its environmental management responsibilities What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 4.03.01 Identify and undertake •Management projects Undertake projects as environmental management undertaken for the Darwin and required projects for member councils Coomalie Councils •Gave presentations at regional meetings on natural resource management issues
4.03.02 Lobby for resources to assist •Resources obtained to Examine opportunities councils in developing employ a Natural Resource for increasing natural environment management Management Facilitator to resource management plans for their areas work on a natural resource activities management plan for the Northern Territory Implement waste oil •Lobbied for funds to project in conjunction undertake a waste oil project with councils in the Northern Territory
37 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Objective: 4.04 Work with member councils to address transport and infrastructure needs
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 4.04.01 Administer LGANT’s, and on •Maintained regional road Continue to maintain request, member councils', networks in the Katherine, regional road networks transport and infrastructure Alice Springs, Borrooloola, where required contracts East Arnhem and Tennant Creek Complete Roads to •Completed six Roads to Recovery projects for Recovery projects in the LGANT and individual Northern Territory councils
4.04.02 Develop an asset management •Worked with ALGA to Work towards completing system for use by member progress the National Road the data management councils Asset Data Management project project 4.04.03 Support and promote road •LGANT delegate on NT Road Continue to advance the safety initiatives in local Safety Council work of road and rail government areas •Obtained funds for road safety committees safety audits in Council areas Pursue funding for •Provided representation on completing additional the Federal Road Safety Black road safety audits Spot Committee and Rail Safety Committee •Assisted councils to implement the 50 Km default speed limit
4.04.04 Promote the development of •Provided administrative Continue to support regional road networks which support to the Timber Creek existing and new boards will oversee the efficient Regional Roads Board with administration maintenance and construction of local roads Objective: 4.05 Investigate and report on joint scheme cost reduction proposals
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 4.05.01 Examine methods for •Negotiated a deal with Examine options for reducing purchasing and Telstra for reducing further reducing costs advertising costs to councils telecommunications costs for for councils councils •Obtained agreement from NT Treasurer for councils to access NT Government contracts (however unable to extend this to advertising) •Negotiated a deal with Corporate Express for councils to obtain reduced costs for printing and stationery •Held talks with insurers about potential cost reductions 38 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
4.05.02 Investigate proposals •Representation on the Continue to support interstate that have led to National Procurement initiatives of National cost reductions for councils Network to progress leverage Procurement Network and assess their application of councils to access national for Northern Territory contracts councils
GOAL 5: MANAGEMENT OF LGANT RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Objective: 5.01 Manage the implementation of the Strategic Plan What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 5.01.01 Report on performance •Report included in annual Review performance against the LGANT Strategic report for 2003/2004 indicators in the plan Plan •Specific reports included in business papers for Executive meetings 5.01.02 Develop an annual financial •A business plan for the Present a business plan plan, including funding 2005/2006 financial year was at the general meeting opportunities linked to the adopted at the general in April 2006 Strategic Plan meeting in April 2005
Objective: 5.02 Improve the delivery and management of the Association’s services
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 5.02.01 Develop and implement •Training plans developed in Develop plans and annual staff training and conjunction with performance review with staff development plans appraisals and training and professional development implemented
5.02.02 Implement records •Completed a draft Finalise procedures management system procedures paper to enable paper LGANT to comply with the Information Act
5.02.03 Review human resource •Review undertaken on Review staff delegations management policies and specific matters and complete procedures comprehensive review of policies and procedures 5.02.04 Ensure that appropriate •Association migrated to IT Review reporting and financial management Vision software during the account classifications systems are in place year 5.02.05 Provide regular financial •Bank reconciliations, Review reports for reports to the Executive investments, budget potential improvements comparison and debtors reports provided at Executive meetings 5.02.06 Examine options for meeting •Investigations undertaken Complete report and LGANT’s office and draft report prepared implement decision accommodation needs
39 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
GOAL 6: TO PURSUE AN EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF ALL FORMS OF FUNDING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Objective: 6.01 Maintain the case for a more equitable distribution of funds to local government in the Northern Territory
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future? 6.01.01 Each year, submit proposals •Participated in ALGA’s Provide support to ALGA for changing the interstate development of the to have the IGA signed in distribution of Commonwealth Intergovernmental Agreement 2006 Financial Assistance Gran (IGA) which has, as one of its Participate in the objectives, a proposed Productivity increase in funding for local Commission’s Inquiry in government by means of an 2006 increase in the share of taxation revenue
6.01.02 Lobby for growth in the level •Lobbied for growth in both Continue to pursue of the NT operational and subsidies as evidenced by efforts to have growth in public library subsidies paid to publication Resourcing Local funding councils Government for the Future – NT Election 2005 •NT Government announced increases in both sources of funds for the 2005/2006 financial year 6.01.03 In conjunction with the •Lobbied and obtained the Lobby for issue to be Northern Territory support of ALGA for the issue included in ALGA’s Government, pursue the to be included in that Federal Budget Australian Government for Association’s Federal Budget submission for large increases in funding for Submission for 2005/2006 2006/2007 Indigenous housing to alleviate overcrowded living conditions in remote areas
40 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I, Kerry Moir, President of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory, state that in my opinion, the financial statements (as set out) are properly drawn up so as to present fairly the state of affairs of the Association as at 30 June 2005 and of the results and cash flows of the Association for the year then ended.
July 2005 PRESIDENT
STATEMENT BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Tony Tapsell, being the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory, state that to the best of my knowledge and belief the financial statements (as set out) present fairly the state of affairs of the Association as at 30 June 2005 and of the results and cash flows of the Association for the year then ended.
July 2005 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
41 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
42 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
43 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2005
2005 2004 $ $ ASSETS Notes
Current Assets Cash (2) 9 153 913 6 119 706 Debtors (3) 156 615 55 929 Prepayments 15 427 17 463 9 325 955 6 193 098 Non-Current Assets Motor Vehicles (4) 129 928 60 628 Furniture and Fittings (4) 171 102 318 786
301 030 379 414
Total Assets 9 626 985 6 572 512
LESS LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities Creditors 492 920 524 827 Accruals 4 000 4 000 Motor Vehicle Leases (5) 39 571 48 241 Provision – Annual Leave 122 807 75 717 659 298 652 785
Non-Current Liabilities Motor Vehicle Leases (5) 88 277 0 Provision – Long Service Leave 42 153 13 000 130 430 13 000
Total Liabilities 789 728 665 785
NET ASSETS 8 837 257 5 906 727
ACCUMULATED FUNDS
Balance at the beginning of the year 5 906 727 3 520 561 Surplus (Deficit) for the year 2 930 530 2 386 166 Balance at the end of the year 8 837 257 5 906 727
44 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005
INCOME Notes 2005 2004 $ $
Local Government Development
Structural Reform • Structural Reform 63 000 0 • Building Stronger Regions Conference 32 750 80 000 • ALGA Business Plan 0 10 000 • Indigenous Governance Conference 0 85 909 Partnership Agreements • East Arnhem Business Development Funds 2 545 13 463 Member Skill Development • Member Training Grant 60 000 60 000 • Training Income 16 775 37 213 Total Local Government Development 175 070 286 585
Advocacy
ALGA Reimbursements Travel 12 087 12 280 Total Advocacy 12 087 12 280
Communication & Promotions
Conference and Meeting Charges 24 509 15 837 Total Communication & Promotions 24 509 15 837
Assist Members with Services
Information and Technology Networking the Nation • NT Connect 1 268 284 2 998 481 • I’ve Got Email 0 205 436 • 20/20 0 20 000 1 268 284 3 223 917
Accounting Services 141 608 5 782 Total Information and Technology 1 409 892 3 229 699
45 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005 (continued)
INCOME Notes 2005 2004 $ $ Human Resource/Industrial Relations Support Human Resource Grant 240 000 200 000 Human Resource Recruitment Services 202 540 104 826 Human Resource/Industrial Relations Income 155 390 76 978 Temporary Staff Services 4 508 29 657 Audit of Indigenous Employment 216 570 0 OIPC Communities Programme (10) 400 000 0 Total Human Resource/Industrial Relations Support 1 219 008 411 461
Natural Resource Management Natural Resource Facilitor 43 247 80 000 Environment NT Project 6 500 0 Waste Oil Project 619 000 0 Total Natural Resource Management 668 747 80 000
Roads and Infrastructure Local Roads 778 521 753 493 Roads to Recovery 384 104 201 896 Road Safety Audit 35 000 0 Bagot Community Consultancy 180 000 0 Crab Farm Consultancy 350 000 0 OIPC Communities Programme (10) 2 400 000 0 Swimming Pool Funds 124 045 2 550 000 Public Relations 50 K Default 106 650 0 Roads Alliance 0 5 000 Total Roads and Infrastructure 4 358 320 3 510 389
Total Assist Members With Services 7 655 967 7 213 549
Manage Association Services
Subscriptions 480 290 479 068 Other Income • Interest 62 828 48 336 • Sponsorship 21 227 26 000 • Sundry Income 922 2 925 • Conference Room Hire 220 0 • Profit from Sale of Asset 50 957 0 Total Manage Association Services 616 444 556 329
TOTAL INCOME 8 484 077 8 102 579 Less Expenses (5 553 547) (5 716 413) Surplus(Deficit) for the year 2 930 530 2 386 166
46 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005 (continued)
EXPENDITURE Notes 2005 2004 $ $
Local Government Development
Reform • Structural Reform 71 147 1 510 • Building Stronger Regions Conference 100 968 0 • ALGA Business Plan 0 2 200 • Indigenous Governance Conference 0 155 909 • Yirrkala Plan 0 20 000 Member Skill Development • Member Training 66 673 103 473 • Ethical Conduct 2 915 850 Policy Development 10 323 12 222 Partnership Agreements 4 263 4 991 East Arnhem Business Development Funds 7 560 0 Autonomy & Best Practice 4 364 1 479 Total Local Government Development 268 213 302 634
Advocacy
Liason with Governments 5 535 3 203 Member Input 7 976 5 782 Information on Changes to Legislation 6 302 4 121 Representation on Committees 3 825 3 686 Australian Local Government Association • Subscriptions 43 212 42 365 • Travel – executive meetings 28 319 28 667 • Employee Expenses 6 819 0 Federal and Territory Funding 5 531 6 521 Total Advocacy 107 519 94 345
Communication and Promotion
Local Government Promotions 7 538 8 488 Member Information 5 178 3 147 Networking and Consultations • General Meetings 44 822 33 059 • Regional and Municipal Meetings 22 664 13 528 • President’s Allowance 4 500 6 000 • Executive Meetings 19 125 22 356 Total Communication and Promotion 103 827 86 578
47 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005 (continued)
EXPENDITURE Notes 2005 2004 $ $ Assist Members With Services
Information and Technology Networking the Nation • NT Connect 2 254 420 3 389 374 • I’ve Got Email 2 102 468 107 709 • 20/20 212 643 61 767 2 569 531 3 558 850 Accounting Services 51 969 1 530 Other Information Technology Projects • Technology Dreaming 0 18 597 • East Arnhem Images of Yolgnu 0 6 530 0 25 127 Total Information and Technology 2 621 500 3 585 507
Human Resource/Industrial Relations Service Human Resource Management 198 233 182 212 Member Recruitment/Human Resource Assistance 218 921 130 040 417 154 312 252 Industrial Relations Service – Subscription 47 500 69 503 Industrial Relations Assistance 3 488 1 699 50 988 71 202 Temporary Staff 5 433 25 536 Total Human Resource/Industrial Relations Service 473 575 408 990
Natural Resource Management Support Natural Resource Facilitator 61 158 1 357 Environment NT Project 522 0 Environmental Resource Officer 0 718 Greenhouse Forum 0 133 Total Natural Resource Management Support 61 680 2 208
Transport and Infrastructure Local Roads 913 932 726 019 Roads to Recovery 446 919 247 673 Alliance 1 200 0 Road Safety Audit 5 598 0 Public Relations 50 K Default 72 239 0 Swimming Pool Project 41 917 0 Total Transport and Infrastructure 1 481 805 973 692
Investigate Joint Schemes Expenditure 2 708 4 777 Total Assist Members With Services 4 641 268 4 975 174
48 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005 (continued)
EXPENDITURE Notes 2005 2004 $ $ Manage Association Services
Strategic Plan 9 205 5 553
Employee Expenses 77 932 54 499 Motor Vehicle and Travel Expenses 14 723 17 704
Telephone 11 182 14 769 Stationary 3 458 2 203 Computer Maintenance and Equipment 4 371 583 Postage and Freight 3 927 2 414 Printing and Photocopying 6 146 4 114 Publications, Public Relations and Subscriptions 1 814 1 706 Minor Office Equipment Replacement 746 682 Sundry Expenses 1 942 2 212 Fringe Benefits 5 861 4 951 Bank Fees and Charges 3 312 3 698 Rent/Electricity/Cleaning 23 908 49 190 Insurance General 805 3 663 Accounting Costs 23 391 16 695 Audit Fees 3 600 4 000 Depreciation 170 372 34 727 Amortisation 48 240 21 551 Doubtful Debts 8 503 9 318 Loss on Disposal of Assets 4 214 0 Total Manage Association Services 427 652 254 332
Local Government Funding 5 068 3 450
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 5 553 547 5 716 413
49 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005
Cash Flows from operating activities Notes 2005 2004 $ $
Payments to Suppliers and Employees (5 283 075) (5 741 103) Borrowing Costs (3 312) (3 736) Receipts from members (11) 523 701 534 136 Interest received 62 828 113 539 Interest received for other projects 173 258 0 Northern Territory Government 510 696 358 463 Commonwealth Government 6 543 419 7 109 422 Other Project Funds 475 058 329 825 Other Funds 45 511 233 693 Net Cash Flows used in operating activities 3 048 084 2 934 239 Cash Flows from Investing Activities Purchase of fixed assets (5 049) (299 396) Proceeds from sale of fixed assets 56 637 0 Net Cash Flows used in investing activities 51 588 (299 396) Cash Flows from Financing Activities Finance Lease principal repayments (48 240) (21 551) Finance Loan principal repayments (17 225) (0) Net Cash flows used in financing activities (65 465) (21 551) Net Increase/(Decrease) in cash held 3 034 207 2 613 292 Cash at the beginning of the year 6 119 706 3 506 414 Cash at the end of the year 9 153 913 6 119 706
50 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
NOTES TO, AND FORMING PART OF, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005
1. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES a) Basis of Accounting
This special purpose financial report has been prepared for distribution to the members. The accounting policies used in the preparation of this report are consistent with the previous year and are described below.
(i) The accounts have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting including the historical cost convention and the going concern assumption. (ii) The requirements of Australian Accounting Standards promulgated by the accounting profession do not have mandatory applicability to the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory in relation to the year ended 30 June 2005 because the entity is not a “reporting entity” as defined therein. The Association has, however prepared the financial statements in accordance with all Australian Accounting standards, with the following exceptions: AAS33: Presentation and Disclosure of Financial Instruments. b) Economic Dependency
The Association is reliant upon the receipt of government grants and members subscriptions to operate as a going concern. c) Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are carried at cost. Depreciation is provided on a straight line basis on all fixed assets recorded in the balance sheet at rates calculated to allocate the cost less estimated residual value at the end of the estimated useful lives of the assets of the Association against revenue over those estimated useful lives. d) Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the entity and the revenue can be reliably measured. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognized:
51 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
NOTES TO, AND FORMING PART OF, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005 (continued)
• Grants
All grants are brought to account as revenue in the statement of income and expenditure when received and the unexpended portion is to take up as a liability in the Balance Sheet. Unexpended grants being grants recognized as revenues which were obtained on the condition that they be expended in a particular manner or used over a particular period, and those conditions were undischarged at year end are not taken up as a liability in the balance sheet.
• Subscriptions Subscriptions are recorded on an accrual basis e) Cash
For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Association considers cash to include cash on hand and in banks. f) Employee Entitlements
Provision is made for employee entitlement benefits accumulated as a result of employees rendering service up to the reporting date. The benefits include wages and salaries, annual leave and long service leave. g) Taxation
The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory is an exempt body under the Income Tax Assessment Act. h) Superannuation
The contribution made to the Local Government Superannuation Scheme was at the rate of 11% for contributory association employees and 9% for non-contributory Association employees. i) Leases
Finance leases, which effectively transfer to the entity substantially all of the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item, are capitalized at the present value of minimum lease payments, disclosed as leased property and amortised over the period the entity is expected to benefit from the use of the leased assets.
Operating lease payments, where the lessor effectively retains substantially all of the risks and benefits of ownership of the leased items, are included in the determination of the operating profit in equally installments over the lease period.
52 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO, AND FORMING PART OF, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005 (continued)
2. CASH Cash at bank at 30th June 2005 at Westpac Darwin comprised as the following:
2005 2004 $ $ LGANT Reserve Account 108 316 26 802 Project Holding Account 2 201 416 1 244 733 Networking the Nation Account 703 467 185 082 Natural Resource Management Account 73 789 0 Swimming Pool Term Deposit 2 627 936 2 550 000 Community Infrastructure OIPC Account 2 700 000 0 Waste Oil Account 619 000 0 Operating Account 119 289 2 112 589 9 153 213 6 119 206 Petty cash 700 500 9 153 913 6 119 706
3. DEBTORS 2005 2004 $ $ Debtors 183 937 75 680 Provision for Doubtful Debts (27 322) (19 751) 156 615 55 929 4. FIXED ASSETS 2005 2004 $ $ Motor Vehicles at Cost 11 468 21 600 Less Accumulated Depreciation 11 468 10 114 0 11 486 Leased Motor Vehicles 100 822 100 822 Less Accumulated Amortisation 100 822 51 680 0 49 142 Bank Loans - Motor Vehicles 145 073 0 Less Accumulated Amortisation 15 145 0 129 928 0 Total Motor Vehicle 129 828 60 628 Furniture and fittings at cost 406 470 404 420 Less Accumulated Depreciation 235 368 85 635 171 102 318 785
Total Fixed Assets 301 030 379 413
5. EXPENDITURE COMMITMENT 2005 2004 Bank Loan - not later than 1 year 47 774 52 448 - later than 1 year but not later than 2 years 92 040 0 139 814 52 448
- less future finance charge 11 966 4 208 - lease liability 127 848 48 240 - current liability 39 571 48 240 - non current liability 88 277 0 127 848 48 240
53 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO, AND FORMING PART OF, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005 (continued)
6. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 2005 2004 $ $ a) Reconciliation of Cash
Cash at Bank 9 153 213 6 119 206 Petty Cash Imprest 700 500 9 153 913 6 119 706 b) Reconciliation of Net Cash Used in Operating Activities to Operating Result
Operating result 2 930 530 2 386 166 Depreciation 153 147 34 727 Amortisation 65 465 21 551 Proceeds on Sale of Fixed Assets (56 637) 0 Book Value of Fixed Assets Sold 9 895 0 Increase/(Decrease) in Trade Creditors and Accruals (31 909) 392 027 Increase/(Decrease) in Provisions 76 243 38 943 (Increase)/Decrease in Debtors (100 686) 72 762 (Increase)/Decrease in Prepayments 2 036 (11 937) Net Cash used in operating activities 3 048 084 2 934 239
7. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Local Government Association manages grants and other Government funded monies on behalf of councils in the Northern Territory. The Association operates in Darwin, Australia.
54 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO, AND FORMING PART OF, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005 (continued)
8. UNEXPENDED GRANT MONIES CARRIED FORWARD TO THE 2005/06 FINANCIAL YEAR
The Association has contingent liabilities to repay grants received but not fully expended at year end for projects of $7 787 204.
2005 2004 NT Connect 479 722 1 471 469 20/20 101 461 313 233 I’ve Got Email 0 97 726 Collaboration Across the North 68 127 68 127 ERO 9 784 9 784 NRM 60 730 78 642 Greenhouse Forum 5 867 5 867 Environment NT Project 5 978 0 Waste Oil Project 619 000 0 Local Roads Funding 218 663 367 809 Roads to Recovery 0 62 815 Roads Alliance 3 800 5 000 Road Safety Audit 29 402 0 50 K Default 34 411 0 Bagot Community 180 000 0 Crab Farm Project 350 000 0 Swimming Pool Funds 2 508 083 2 550 000 HR/IR Member Assistance 0 0 Audit of Indigenous Employment 216 570 0 Member Training 51 754 20 634 State of the Regions Conference 11 782 80 000 Regional Development 32 070 37 085 Community Services Programme 2 800 000 0 TOTAL UNEXPENDED GRANTS 7 787 204 5 168 191
9. OTHER FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD TO THE 2005/06 FINANCIAL YEAR
2005 2004 HR/IR Member Assistance 316 580 139 168 Training 16 775 37 213 Accounting Services 89 639 4 251 Technical Support Pool Projects 124 045 0 TOTAL FUNDS 547 039 180 632
10. OIPC COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME Funds totaling $2,800,000 were dispersed as follows:- Human Resource Support: $400,000 Project Manager Position & Training Transport & Infrastructure: $2,400,000 Specific projects
11. RECEIPTS OF MEMBERS Funds are made up of subscriptions and other income.
55 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 2004/2005 ACTUAL V BUDGET TO 30 JUNE 2005
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 2004/2005 ACTUAL V BUDGET TO 30 JUNE 2005 INCOME EXPENDITURE PROGRAMMES Original Actual Income to Comparison of Actual to Original Actual Expenditure Comparison of Actual Budget 30/6/04 Original Budget Budget to 30/6/04 to Original Budget over(under) over(under) $ $ $ $ $ $ Local Gov Development 100,000 175,070 75,070 140,000 268,213 128,213 Advocacy 10,000 12,087 2,087 113,000 107,518 -5,482 Communication & 20,000 24,508 4,508 87,000 103,827 16,827 Promotions Assist Members with Services: • Information 1,322,000 1,409,892 87,892 3,775,000 2,621,500 -1,153,500 Technology • Human Resources 370,000 1,209,217 839,217 324,000 422,587 98,587 • Industrial Relations 5,000 9,791 4,791 65,000 50,988 -14,012 • Natural Resources 0 668,747 668,747 0 61,680 61,680 • Transport & 1,180,000 4,358,320 3,178,320 1,180,000 1,481,805 301,805 Infrastructure • Investigation of 0 0 0 5,000 2,708 -2,292 Joint Schemes LGANT Management 535,000 616,444 81,444 218,000 419,149 201,149 Local Gov Funding 0 0 0 10,000 5,068 -4,932 TOTALS 3,542,000 8,484,076 4,942,076 5,917,000 5,545,043 -371,957 Notes to Comparison for Annual Report
Local Government Development
Included are income and expenditure towards Local Government Structural Reform and the Northern Territory Government State of the Regions 2004 Conference. The Conference funds were administered by LGANT on behalf of the Northern Territory Government.
Information and Technology
Rollout of Information Technology Equipment did not proceed as quickly as anticipated in the 2003/04 financial year. The project is expected to reach completion by December 2005.
Human Resources
The income figure includes funds for an additional project “Audit of Indigenous Employment”. Also included in the income figure are funds received towards training under the Community Development Programme. Reimbursement income was higher than anticipated due to the increased demand for recruitment services.
Natural Resources
The income figure includes funds for the position of Natural Resource Facilitator and Oil Waste Project.
Transport and Infrastructure
The income figure includes funds for the following projects: • Community Development Programme – infrastructure portion • Bagot Community Project • Crab Farm Project
LGANT Management Actual expenditure figure of $419149 includes:- • Amortisation $48,250 • Depreciation $170,372 Total actual LGANT management expenditure is $200,527.
56 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
1% Breakup of Tot al Act ual Expendit ure for t he 2004/ 05 financial year 4%
2% 8% 1% Training 2% 4% Local Gov Development 9% 2% Advocacy
2% Communication & Promotions 9% Human Res/ Indust rial Relations 27% 27% Roads 47% 47% Information Technology
8% LGANT Management
Breakup of t ot al act ual income received for t he 2004/ 05 financial year
Subscriptions, bank interest, etc 8% 7% 7% Roads & Infrast ruct ure 1 7 % 10% 17% OIPC Communities Programme 1% 33% Environment 8%
17% Information Technology 17%
Training 1%
Human Res/ Industrial Relations 10% 8% 32% Other Projects 8%
57 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Source of funding for t he 2004/ 2005 financial year
7% 6% Nort hern Territ ory Government 4% Funding 6% 6% Commonwealth Government Funding 77%
Subscriptions, Meeting Charges 6%
Bank Int, Sponsorship, Misc 4%
Other Project Revenue 7%
77%
58