EYRE PENINSULA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Minutes of the Local Government Association Board Meetingheld at Regional Development Australia Board Room, 127 Nicholson Avenue, WhyallaNorrie on Friday7th December 2012, commencing at 10.30am.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT Julie Low (Chair) President, EPLGA Roger Nield Mayor, District Council of Cleve Eddie Elleway Mayor, District Council of Franklin Harbour Tim Scholz Chairperson, Pat Clark Chairperson, District Council of Elliston Bruce Green Mayor, City of Jim Pollock Mayor, John Schaefer Mayor, District Council of Kimba Laurie Collins Mayor, District Council of Tumby Bay

GUESTS / OBSERVERS Faye Davis Councillor, City of Port Lincoln Adam Gray Director, LGA SA Merton Hodge Councillor, Whyalla City Council Kevin May Region 6 Commander, CFS Richard Bingham Ombudsman SA Jodie Jones District Council of Cleve Peter Arnold CEO, District Council of Cleve Murray Mason Deputy Mayor, District Council of Tumby Bay Tony Irvine CEO, District Council of Tumby Bay Andrea Jorgensen Chief Project Officer, DPTI Donna Ferretti DPTI Terry Barnes CEO, District Council of Franklin Harbour Gavin Jackson D/Mayor, District Council of Franklin Harbour Peter Peppin CEO, City of Whyalla Deb Larwood A/CEO, District Council of Kimba Annie Lane Eyre Peninsula NRM Dean Johnson Deputy Mayor, District Council of Kimba Peter Hall DMITRE Josh Zugger Electranet Scott Haynes Electranet Rod Pearson CEO, District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula Diana Laube Executive Officer, EPLGA Tamara Humenick Minute Taker

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Welcome/Apologies Julie Low welcomed Board Members, Council representatives and guests.

Apologies were received from:

Stephen Marlow Mining Alliance Lachlan Miller CEO, District Council of Streaky Bay Rob Stephens Mayor, District Council of Streaky Bay DeanWhitford D/Mayor, District Council of Streaky Bay AllanSuter Mayor, District Council of Ceduna Geoff Moffatt CEO, District Council of Ceduna Rowan Ramsay Member for Grey Stephen Griffiths Member for Goyder, Shadow Minister State/LG Relations Michael Barry Office for State Local Govt Relations Mick Petrovski Director, Office for State/Local Government Relations Alan McGuire CEO, Wudinna District Council

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Neville Scholz D/Chair, Wudinna District Council Kym Callaghan D/Chair, District Council of Elliston PaulPedler D/Mayor, District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula Steve Kerrigan District Council of Elliston

Mayor Jim Pollock gave a warm welcome from the City of Whyalla to Board Members and visitors. Mayor Pollock gave a brief overview of what has been happening in the City of Whyalla including the recent storm which caused excessive damage, the ElectraNet Power Sub-station, the Port nearing completion, the hospital upgrade and the BHP release.

Mayor Low indicated to the floor that it is Diana’s last meeting and she will be on leave until a new EO is appointed.

1.2 Minutes of Previous Meeting

252/12 Moved Mayor Nield, seconded Pat Callaghan that the minutes of the Board Meeting of the EPLGA held in Port Lincoln on Friday 14th September2012 be adopted as a true and correct record of that meeting. CARRIED

2. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

2.1 NRM Issue Paper – June and September meetings The NRM Issue Paper was sent to the Minister who has made a comment via the Port Lincoln Times indicating that the ELGA is misguided. Diana added about the community connections meeting by DENR where there was opportunity to speak with Landcare and Coastcare. EPLGA have raised concerns that have been raised right around the state so these issues are back on the agenda with the LGA. A reply from the Minister arrived yesterday and Chairman Scholz indicated there was nothing new expressed.

2.2 Executive Officer Recruitment Mayor Low advised the Board that interviews for the EO position will occur Wednesday 12th December and CEOs will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible. In addition, EPLGA have received written confirmation that the LGA will fund the outreach component of the position. There was general discussion.

2.3 RDA Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula Funding Agreement Mayor Pollock indicated RDAWEP are continuing lobbying for State funding to be reconsidered and Council are not expected to cover costs due to the cut at this stage. The seven SA Regional RDAs have come together to address the issue of funding. A SAROC analysis endorsed by the State Executive to look at the impact of not having RDA in the regions will be conducted. Bruce Green raised a question regarding continuation of RDAWEP business and when the need for funding will arise. RDA WEP can continue to run into 2013 however they need funding guaranteed as soon as possible. Michael O’Neil (SA Centre for Economic Studies) has been commissioned to complete the study on the impact of loss of RDA. Work has been done to press the value of Regional Development Boardsinthe regions.

Mayor Collins asked about the expanded role of EPLGA and whether there was consideration of taking on some of the functions of RDA. There is no such plan currently.

2.4 Road Strategy Review (tabled as item 2.7 in Agenda) EPLGA are working out the Eyre Peninsula Road Strategy which has not had a major review in 10 years.

253/12 Moved Jim Pollock, seconded Laurie Collins that the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association endorses the signing and sealing of the Contract and Work Specification with SMEC Australia Pty Ltd of Level 3, 190 Flinders Street, for the development of the Eyre Peninsula Regional Roads Strategy. The agreed contract price is $32,426.

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CARRIED

2.5 Combined Forum with Central Region (2.8 in Agenda) The combined forum is set for April. A firm commitment from politicians can only be given closer to the date. Diana will be talking to Anita on this topic next week. Mayor Green asked if this will be the day before or after the LGA conference. It will be the afternoon prior to the LGA conference in Adelaide when many members are already assembled.

3. GENERAL REPORTS

3.1 President’s Report – Mayor Julie Low Mayor Low reported on her calendar events over the past months inclusive of SAROC and LGA State Executive meetings in September and November, President’s dinner, EP Integrated Climate Change meeting, Regional Communities Consultative Committee meeting, Kimba airstrip opening ceremony, DEWNR Engagement meeting and the LGA Conference and AGM.

The President’s report included information on Starr Consultants meeting with three councils to produce a Shared Service draft report as a model to work together for the benefit of the region.

An update on progress of the EO recruitment process was given with gratitude expressed to Diana Laube for her invaluable contributions to EPLGA and assisting in her role replacement. Councils will be advised of the outcome following interviews next week.

3.2 Executive Officer’s Report – Diana Laube (included in agenda) Diana highlighted in the EO report in regard to video conferencing and suggested Councils give consideration to setting up this facility. LGA has gone to tender regarding the set up. The idea is to have a South Australian network between Councils so they can communicate with each other and with Adelaide Departments. Diana indicated that the cost is around $1500 per month per station however this would cut costs of staff travelling and spending time away from the region. Bruce Green asked Diana to draft a recommendation to initiate the video conferencing. It is on the LGA agenda and Diana asked members to look at anything that comes out regarding the feature.

There was brief discussion about Diana’ suggestion that Councils may like to review their Board Member in light of the expected changed focus for EPLGA operations.

Alf Brinkman has passed away which has affected the Cleve community as he was their Works Manager for a period of time. Diana acknowledged Mr Brinkman’s contributions to the region.

3.3 Local Government Association of SA Adam Gray presented his report to members and elaborated on the report content with contact details contained in relevance to each section of the report.

Councils who have positive experiences around community engagement that would raise the profile of Local Government were encouraged to submit their stories.

Mayor Collins raised concern about workforce planning for Councils who are losing required positions due to retirement. In particular, Mayor Collins raised issues in relation to the imminent retirement of most of the Building Staff around the region. The response was services would possibly go out to tender. Donna Ferretti suggested conversing with Uni SA on this issue.

Mayor Nield asked a question on waste management looking at lower input for smaller councils with transport costs going through the roof in regional SA. Adam acknowledged the issue and will raise with LGA SA.

Mayor Green asked about the agreement between Whyalla and EPA in regard to Environmental Nuisance. Whyalla indicated nuisance complaints are being better addressed with Council administering investigations.

3.4 Office of State/Local Government Relations

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A brief report was given on the Planning SA Draft Consultation and the possibility of a sustainability funding meeting in the region. Local Government to be informed.

3.5 Regional Development Australia – Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula Inc Alex Todd presented a brief summary on RDAWEP ventures with the major focus on funding and Grant Submissions. Alex indicated Michael O’Neil will be completing a review of ’s seven regional RDAs looking at performance indicators and the future role going forward with focus on structure, service delivery and budget processes. Surveys have been sent out to RDA Chairs, Councils and CEO’s regarding the role of Regional Development in the regions.

3.6 EP Natural Resources Management Board Annie Lane handed on Heather Baldock’s apology for today’s meeting. The annual business plan for EPNRM will be going to the Board meeting next Thursday in Ceduna and following this, Councils will be invited to provide comments.

Annie detailed the parliamentary enquiry into water resources. A committee comprised of parliament have visited regions and heard submissions to aid in conjunction with the assistance of an independent reviewer to provide a report on the condition of water resources.

Operational report for NRM included issues with buffel grass and lovegrass particularly on roadsides with requests for Council to assist in reporting and assisting in controlling. 2012 has been one of the worst years for foxes with 38000 fox traps set in total. Dingos in Far West have been in high numbers and a baiting program has been initiated.

A meeting of 35 Aboriginal women from across EP to talk about perspectives and involvement in EPNRM was reported as a successful event.

The two recent fires on Lower EP has posed as an issue and created considerable work for DEWNR staff.

A changeover of members for EPNRM is set to occur with a vacancy on the Board for a member with Local Government experience to have voting rights and an influence to strengthen relationship between EPLGA and EPNRM.

ACTION: Diana to send letter to Minister regarding Mayor Laurie Collins on the EPNRM Board.

3.7 CFS Report Kevin May spoke about employees and members of Council attending fires with plant and equipment. There has been exceptionally good support from Council with the fire season and Lower Eyre and Tumby’s plant and staff have assisted with fire management and prevention. On the issue of a Policy document – this should have occurred during winter not in the middle of fire season. CFS and DEWNR assisted with the fires and foster this working relationship for the future. Last bushfire management meeting – patch burning in national parks – the last 2 fires were actually on private land not on national parks land. Burns need to meet the criteria and meeting targets for scheduled burns depends on conditions. Fire issues are going to continue until the first winter rains. Kevin May thanked and showed appreciation to all Councils and organisations involved for their cooperation during events.

3.8 Mining Alliance No representative in attendance.

4. FINANCIAL REPORTS Diana has amended the budget with what she believes we will need for the next few months.

4.1 Income Statement for period ending November 21st 2012, Balance Sheet as at November 21st 2012.

254/12 Moved Mayor Pollock, seconded Mayor Nield that the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association Board adopts the amended budget included with the December

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Financial reports and receives the financial reports for the period 1 July to November 21st 2012. CARRIED

5. DEPUTATIONS AND PETITIONS

5.1 Deputations/Presentations

 Scott Haynes – Electranet (EP Reinforcement Project) Scott Hayes outlined the plans for an upgrade and replacement of the existing 132KV transmission line from Cultana to Yadnarie to Port Lincoln and Wudinna. The line is due for replacement by about 2020. Current transmission line cannot support mining growth and is near capacity. ElectraNet are working to develop solutions for increased demand and their plan from 2013-2018 is currently with the Australian Energy Commission for consideration. ElectraNet are calling for support for their proposal and requested support letters from attendees at the meeting. For some time, they have been undertaking extensive consultation with landholders who may be affected by the transmission upgrade and this will see them “project ready” when the upgrade project becomes vital.

Submissions and support from RDA and EPLGA to the AER Draft Decision www.aer.gov.au close 19th February 2013.

Bruce Green asked how much of the line needs to be completely new or how much will follow the existing line. Electranet will follow the existing corridor to reduce environmental impact. Information packs that are being given to landowners are available for council members.

 Peter Hall, DMITRE re EP Electranet Project (added comments) Peter presented his role within DMITRE and getting information from State Government. DMITRE have a number of offices, Case Manager of Major Projects. There are a range of government departments involved in the Electranet project and Peter will act as a signpost and asked councils to contact him with any issues around the project.

 Richard Bingham – Ombudsman SA Appreciated opportunity of addressing regional Councils and enjoys meeting with members. Briefly outlined what has kept office busy this year and what is on agenda for next year. Four reports were briefed. The principal message of the Annual Report was complaints about Local Government are up 10% and comprise approx 24% of their workload. Confidentiality Provisions Report is available on website main message is a target of 3% of items should be dealt with in confidence. ICAC legislation changes have affected office roles and responsibility regarding conduct of elected members and this causes most complaints about Local Government. Rules are going to change with Mandated Code of Conduct and recommendations about sanctions for code of conduct are being taken. New regime will create more targeted method of dealing with complaints/concerns.

 Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (Donna Ferretti, Planning SA) Donna Ferretti acknowledged work by ElectraNet with community engagement and liaison with landowners, etc as they are mindful of requirements of communities in the regions.

Contributions to the Eyre and Western regions plan. The regional plan is complete. DPTI are working closely with Lower EP and Port Lincoln structure plan and Tumby Bay structure plan to assist council development. Acknowledged there are still outstanding DPAs from regional councils which have been with them for an unacceptable time.

Upper Spencer Gulf development place based strategy resulting from a reference group with a draft going around soon for consultation. Federal government has money for Local Government development which should be utilised.

5.2 Petitions [Nil]

6. GENERAL BUSINESS

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6.1 Emergency Management Role for EPLGA There was a proposal from the Emergency Management Planning workshop with CEOs for a further s43 regional subsidiary to be set up to coordinate the assembling of schedules of council plant and staff available for an emergency. The EO explained that this role really belongs with EPLGA rather than set up a further s43.

255/12 Moved Mayor Collins, seconded Mayor Elleway, that the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association Board agrees to include the function of collating schedules of Council plant and staff available to work with Emergency Services during an even as a role of the Association subject to risk services funding. CARRIED

6.2 Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association position on catastrophic fire days. General discussion about an approach to EPLGA meetings in the fire season. Members believe no further action is required at this point of time.

6.3 Development (Private Certification) Amendment Bill Laurie Collins spoke about private certification of residential development. Planning people will push to have private certifiers and officers locally should be getting applications through. Mayor Nield suggested this method may be open to greater levels of corruption. Donna Ferretti spoke on the Bill that passed through parliament and DPTI are working on reducing the possibility of corruption in the process. Mayor Collins has spoken with DPTI regarding his concerns re this Bill and the need for safeguards being put in place. Donna suggested complaints about building certifiers can be made.

6.4 Communities Partnership Program Franklin Harbour Council is interested in being part of the Community Partnership Program with the support of other councils. The meeting considered the current arts arrangements between Streaky Bay and Ceduna. Mayor Green indicated it is a cost sharing exercise and it’s not just about bringing touring programs to regions there is also an expectation that councils partner with Country Arts SA to have an Arts Officer in the region. Mayor Green encouraged members to consider the partnership program. Elliston would be interested in the program. Mayor Low suggested Mayoy Elleway liaise with Country Arts SA for more investigation and bring back to next meeting.

September Late Report

L1 Coastal Access Management Rod Pearson spoke to the motion from Lower Eyre Peninsula. Lower Eyre has continued to get queries from public re: coastal damage, erosion, camping, safety, litter, etc. Seems like coastal access is a common issue with various problems. Rod suggested that the coastal councils work together to develop strategies for managing beaches and coasts. Consistency is required to address the issue including signage, access, speed limits, restrictions and by laws. Needs to be done as a combined project to ensure consistency. Support was shown around the room for this plan. Bruce Green discussed possibly getting on board with NRM on the project. Coast protection board was suggested by Donna as a contact.

256/12 Moved Lower EP Julie Low, seconded Mayor Elleway, that the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association Board supports a regional approach to developing a strategy to manage access to coastal areas by off-road vehicles and that a meeting of the Coastal Councils Group be convened to discuss a suitable approach to developing such a strategic document. CARRIED Diana Laube introduced members to the Coastal Inundation project funded by the LGA and coordinated by EPLGA. The desktop study done by URPS has provided a valuable framework to assist coastal councils to determine the DEM standard they could use in developing basic inundation mapping for their future planning. She also spoke about the bathtub modelling done by Aerometrex for DC Tumby Bay simultaneously with their structure planning process.

Tony Irvine – Structure Planning

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Tony explained the reasons for Tumby Bay to undertake such a broad planning framework which is really essential for the expansion they are facing as well as the flooding damage they witnessed from the 127mm downpour two years ago. Tony encouraged councils to have a structure plan to continue planning. Community input is crucial and there was general discussion about how you introduce such “disaster” scenarios to your community. Diana also referred to a report held by the EPNRM in conjunction

7. CORRESPONDENCE

7.1 Correspondence for decision Nil

7.2 Correspondence for information

7.2.1 Reply from Minister Rankine re Police Checks

7.2.2 MOU for Placed Based Approach to Upper Spencer Gulf

7.3 Correspondence summary

7.3.1 Summary of correspondence schedules for period ending 21st November 2012.

257/12 Moved Mayor Nield, seconded Mayor Pollock that the correspondence for period ending 21st November 2012be received. CARRIED

8 NEXT MEETING/COMING EVENTS Suggestion every second meeting be in Wudinna. There will be a proposal regarding this to be endorsed at the next meeting.

258/12 Moved Mayor Collins, seconded Chairman Scholz, the next meeting of the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association will be on Sunday February 24th 2013 in Elliston commencing at 2.00pm.

CARRIED

Meeting closed at 14:35

______President

______Date

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