ISJO Board
Papers
Friday 26 June 2020 9.30 am – 1.00 pm
Via Zoom
Board Papers 26 June 2020
Contents 1. Welcome & Acknowledgement to Country ...... 3 2. Attendees and apologies ...... 3 3. Presentations & Guests including Parliamentary Members ...... 4 4. Meeting Opening...... 4 4.1 Confirmation of previous minutes...... 4 4.2 Actions arising from previous minutes ...... 4 4.3 Correspondence ...... 5 4.4 Consideration of Late Business ...... 5 4.5 Declaration of Interest...... 5 5. Reports ...... 6 5.1 Chair’s minute ...... 6 5.2 Department of Regional NSW Update ...... 7 5.3 DPIE Office of Local Government Update ...... 11 5.4 General Managers’ Committee report...... 14 5.5 Management Report of Chief Executive ...... 15 6. Matters for Strategic Decision Making ...... 18 6.1 Adoption of ISJO Budget and Statement of Revenue Policy 2020-21 ...... 18 7. Matters for Board Endorsement ...... 19 7.1 Regional Transport ...... 19 7.2 Illawarra Escarpment Walk ...... 21 7.3 Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Waste Initiatives ...... 23 8. Matters for Noting ...... 25 8.1 JO Advisory Meeting and Chairs Meeting Outcomes ...... 25 9. Late Business item ...... 27 10. Next Meeting ...... 28
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 2 Board Papers 26 June 2020
1. Welcome & Acknowledgement to Country to welcome Board and guests; and provide an Acknowledgement to Country.
2. Attendees and apologies Member Council voting delegates: Department of Planning Industry and Wollongong City Environment: Clr Gordon Bradbery, Chairman Regional NSW Clr David Brown Anthony Body, Director Illawarra Shoalhaven Kirstan Fulton, Deputy Director Illawarra Shellharbour City Shoalhaven Clr Marianne Saliba, Deputy Chairman Clr John Murray Department Planning, Industry & Environment: Kiama Municipal Office of Local Government Clr Mark Honey Elizabeth Dixon, Council Engagement Manager Clr Neil Reilly ISJO Shoalhaven City Leanne Taylor, Chief Executive Clr Amanda Findley Clr John Wells Guests Ms Kylie Bryden Smith, Director Stakeholder Member Council General Managers Relations & Industry Engagement, Resilience Non-voting Delegates NSW Carey McIntyre, Shellharbour City Ms Yvette Barrs, Regional Waste Manager, Kerry McMurray, Kiama Municipal ISJO Stephen Dunshea, Shoalhaven City Greg Doyle, Wollongong City Apologies
ISJO Affiliates Paul Knight, Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 3 Board Papers 26 June 2020
3. Presentations & Guests including Parliamentary Members Parliamentary Members:
Presentation: 1 Resilience NSW Presentation by Ms Kylie Bryden Smith, Director Stakeholder Relations & Industry Engagement
2 ISJO’s Regional Waste Research and Circular Economy Project – Ms Yvette Barrs, Regional Waste Manager ISJO
4. Meeting Opening 4.1 Confirmation of previous minutes Recommendation that the Board endorse the minutes of the meeting held on 8 May 2020.
4.2 Actions arising from previous minutes
Agenda Action Status Item 1 Adam Zarth be provided with SEATS’ Executive Officer Complete Andrew Martin’s contact details by Clr Marianne Saliba so that SEATS can provide support for the campaign.
2 ISJO become a campaign partner with the IBC. Complete
3 Clr Gordon Bradbery to follow up his invitation to Followed up Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons for either himself or a Resilience NSW presentation representative from Resilience NSW to attend next scheduled for 26 June Board Board Meeting or to meet with him at the Wollongong meeting. City Council offices.
4 Clr A Findley is to provide details of the Shoalhaven Complete Renewable Community Energy Project to Aaron Coutts- Smith.
5 Aaron Coutts-Smith to pass on details of future funding Ongoing opportunities for community energy projects as they arise to ISJO’s Chief Executive.
6 ISJO to contact local members asking them to lobby Complete Resilience NSW for regional funding for community renewable energy projects in the Illawarra Shoalhaven.
7 Out of session meeting to be scheduled for the election Meeting placeholder sent out for of the chair. 10 July 2020 8 ISJO Chief Executive to arrange a Board workshop to To do once the ISJO review is review ISJO’s regional priorities and strategies as the complete Strategic Plan needs to re-scoped to fit within a Post- Covid19 recovery phase context.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 4 Board Papers 26 June 2020
9 Resolve to implement a reduced budget to match Ongoing – General Managers budgetary constraints of member councils. The Chief will present the outcomes of Executive and member council General Managers to their review to the Board on 26 meet to determine the detail for how member council in- June. kind contributions can contribute to this.
10 Covid-19 - Each member Council General Manager to Complete circulate their infrastructure priority lists to better understand regional requests.
11 ESL increases - Resolved that ISJO and each Member Complete Council write to the Premier, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and relevant Ministers and Shadow Ministers objecting to the increase, (in particular the 100% increase over a 2 year period; the lack of communication and consultation; and the issues related to affordability in light of rates revenue being capped) and requesting a meeting.
4.3 Correspondence Nil
4.4 Consideration of Late Business The ISJO Constitution allows for the consideration of late business if, at the commencement of the meeting, items are listed for possible discussion at the conclusion of tabled business and if there is general agreement by delegates that it is appropriate to discuss the matters on the day.
Recommendation that any items of late business be noted for later discussion.
4.5 Declaration of Interest In accordance with ISJO’s Code of Meeting Practice and specifically Section 451 for the Local Government Act 1993, declarations of interest are required by Councilors and designated staff attending the meeting.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 5 Board Papers 26 June 2020
5. Reports 5.1 Chair’s minute
Recommendation That the information be received and noted.
2020 has certainly been a challenging year for our region. Now that we have progressed to the recovery phase for both bushfire and Covid-19 crises, it is even more important that we remain focused on partnerships and working collaboratively. Recently the State Government established a new Agency – Resilience NSW - to provide support to regional NSW for recovery from disasters. I am keen for our partnership with Resilience NSW to be a strong one, where our priorities and resources are aligned. Our guest presentation from Resilience NSW at our June Board meeting is a good first step. It will also assist Board discussion when we meet to review our regional priorities and strategies in the next few months.
Recent events have required us to be agile and make decisions to change operations and customer service delivery in ways that we never previously thought we would have to. For that I commend all of you in leading these changes. This has stretched our IT infrastructure, industrial processes and customer service delivery in directions never considered possible previously. I’m pleased to note that our region has managed to maintain employment for all our member council staff through flexible approaches including redeployment and commend all our members on achieving this. The impact on member councils however has been significant and will take some years to recover.
The impact of these crises on our region has also been significant – for our economy as well as our people. It’s going to be a long road to recovery. As a region we have significant infrastructure projects that, as they are funded, will enable local providers to be part of the supply chain. In addition to that there has never been a better time for us to champion our transport connectivity with Western Sydney. I expect the ISJO led Western Sydney Illawarra Shoalhaven Cross Regional Transport Forum will achieve the level of attention from the state government that is required for this to be a priority for funding. We also need to do all we can to remain focused on our domestic tourism experiences to help our visitor economy recover.
Even with all these challenges, I remain optimistic for our region and know we have the capacity to lead the recovery phase successfully.
Clr Gordon Bradbery AM ISJO Chair
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Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 6 Board Papers 26 June 2020
5.2 Department of Regional NSW Update Referred by: Anthony Body, Director Illawarra Shoalhaven Attachments:
Recommendation That the Board accept and note the report.
NSW Government Update Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) The Secretary of DRNSW outlined the Department’s focus to ‘respond, recover and reform’ in order to support the regional communities affected by drought, bushfires and COVID-19. The Department will explore how it better ‘value-adds’ including how it works with local government.
COVID-19 Details on stimulus measures announced by the NSW Government since the last ISJO Board meeting are provided ‘Funding Announcements’. The Department of Premier and Cabinet has established a COVID-19 Taskforce with nine Taskforce Workstreams across areas such as fiscal and economic, priority cohorts, aboriginal affairs, employee relations and national cabinet. The Department of Regional NSW is represented on key workstreams – issues identified by clusters can be escalated to the Workstreams for resolution. At the local level, the Department of Regional NSW has been working with businesses to raise awareness of support available, connect ‘business to business’ procurement opportunities and escalate risks and issues as required. The role of the ISLE in the COVID-19 Governance Framework is to gather local intelligence to support and refine programs and policy and communicate and implement Government policy in the regions. A Small Business support COVID-19 webinar was held on 25 June 2020 to provide information on workplace legislation, getting a better understanding of wellbeing and how to access resources, looking after business and other Government programs of interest. As at 16 June, applications for the $10,000 COVID-19 Small Business Support Grants across the Illawarra Shoalhaven are: o Wollongong – 944 o Shellharbour – 239 o Kiama – 144 o Shoalhaven – 729
Bushfire Recovery The Southern Regional Action Plan has been endorsed by the State Recovery Committee. The Action Plan will focus on the key areas of waste, business, tourism and industries, animal and agriculture, health and wellbeing and local government. Governance arrangements are being finalised to assist in tracking the implementation of the Action Plan.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 7 Board Papers 26 June 2020
Following a recent survey of the Southern Regional Recovery Committee about the frequency and purpose of the group, the group will now meet monthly. Detail on initiatives led by the Department of Regional NSW to support bushfire recovery (Business Support Drop-In Centres and Hospitality and Tourism Centre of Excellence) is provided further below.
Office of Regional Youth The Office of Regional Youth now sits in the Department of Regional NSW. The Regional Youth Framework and Action Plan were approved for release by NSW Cabinet on 27 April 2020. A public release date is yet to be determined but is expected shortly. The next Regional Youth Taskforce meeting will be held in Queanbeyan on 19 July. The meeting will focus on the ‘Wellbeing’ pillar.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Leadership Executive The Illawarra Shoalhaven Leadership Executive (ISLE) met on 15 May to review outcomes achieved throughout 2019-20 and agree a Statement of Intent for 2020-21. Initiatives on the Statement of Intent are aligned to the four pillars of bushfire and COVID-19 recovery, priority cohorts, Local Decision Making and economic development and jobs growth. Leanne continues to represent ISJO on joint projects with the NSW Government, including the Western Sydney Illawarra Shoalhaven Roadmap to Collaboration, the Hydrogen Development Strategy and the Precinct Activation Strategy.
Virtual Business Support Drop-In Centres The Virtual Business Support Drop-In Centres is an initiative of Ernst & Young, in partnership with NSW Government, to provide intensive, targeted support to businesses in the bushfire-affected communities of Kangaroo Valley and Southern Shoalhaven, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Snowy Monaro. Local Community Leads are engaged to be a key contact in each community to assist businesses to navigate a wide variety of bushfire and COVID-19 support options from government and non-government sources. The four Centres launched on 18 May 2020 and the pilot will run for ten weeks. The Community Leads have reported positive feedback from businesses and a strong demand for services. A mid-term evaluation report for the pilot is being finalised.
NSW South Coast Hospitality and Tourism Centre of Excellence The NSW Government has engaged Ernst & Young to deliver a business case that articulates the feasibility of establishing a Tourism and Hospitality Centre of Excellence on the South Coast. It is anticipated the Centre would facilitate targeted training to hospitality and tourism workers to better service high-yield customers and high-end restaurants and establishments on the South Coast. The aim is to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers that will enable future sector growth opportunities and higher tourism yield through high-end product development and investment attraction. A targeted stakeholder workshop will be held in early July. For this project, the South Coast is defined as Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley LGAs.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 8 Board Papers 26 June 2020
Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan Review The Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan was released in 2015 and is currently being reviewed. The review is likely to have a strong focus on places, resilience and sustainability with an emphasis on integrating land use planning with economic development. The review is being conducted in strong partnership with local government and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation. It is expected that community consultation will commence in July 2020, with a draft plan submitted to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces in October. The refreshed Regional Plan will go on community exhibition across November and December before being finalised in early 2021.
Western Sydney – Illawarra-Shoalhaven Roadmap to Collaboration The Roadmap to Collaboration Steering Committee met on 19 June to discuss progress against Roadmap Actions and to identify strategic priorities to progress over the upcoming quarter. The Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation will host the Cross-Regional Transport Forum on 9 July.
NSW Government Announcements COVID-19 On 17 March, the NSW Government announced an economic stimulus package in response to COVID- 19 to support jobs, healthcare, small business and the community. Features of the package, announced since 8 May 2020, include: $1.6 billion for a Digital Restart Fund for digital transformation projects $50 million for an arts and cultural support package Extension of the $10,000 Small Business Support Grants to 30 June $12.5 million to repair and renew showgrounds across NSW 40 new Business Connect advisors across the state to provide advice and guidance $750 million in loan guarantees to support universities to recover from COVID-19 $27.3 million for a Community Sport Recovery Package to help local sport return $13 million to boost regional exports, including a $10,000 Exporter Assistance Grant A new $3,000 Small Business Recovery Grant open from 1 July 2020
Bushfire Recovery The NSW Government’s unprecedented bushfire support has delivered $2.3 billion in funding. Features of the package, announced since 8 May 2020, include: $8.5 million for Operation Outreach to ensure bushfire-impacted families and individuals are accessing the raft of support available. An additional 22 Community Recovery Officers will be deployed in bushfire impacted communities across NSW. The Australian Government has committed over $650 million to accelerate locally-led bushfire recovery. The includes $448.5 million for the Local Economy Recovery and Complementary Projects Fund. The NSW Government is finalising the co-contribution to this fund to ensure the best outcomes are achieved for our bushfire-affected communities. The vast majority of properties damaged or destroyed by bushfire will be cleared by Laing O’Rourke by 30 June.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 9 Board Papers 26 June 2020
Country University Centres Joint state and federal funding of $2 million over three years to 2023 has enabled the establishment of a Country Universities Centre (CUC) in Southern Shoalhaven, including funding for student places. The NSW Government committed $1.27 million to this initiative in December 2019 to address skills gaps and improve access to tertiary education in regional NSW. An Affiliation Agreement between CUC Southern Shoalhaven and the central CUC entity has been established. CUC Southern Shoalhaven is exploring a suitable premise location.
Planning System Acceleration Program Local councils can now tap into the tools, guidance and support of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program to fast-track council-led planning projects to help boost jobs and investment in their communities. Shoalhaven City Council is one of the first 11 councils to opt-in to the program. Councils interested in taking part in the program should register their interest online or through the Office of Local Government.
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Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 10 Board Papers 26 June 2020
5.3 DPIE Office of Local Government Update Referred by: Elizabeth Dixon, Council Engagement Manager Attachments: Nil
Recommendation That the Board accept and note the report.
Local Government election date The Minister has announced that the next Local Government Election will occur on 4 September 2021. Joint Organisations still need to have their election for the chair position two years after their first meeting.
Amendments to Local Government Act and Regulation Provided councils with a one-month extension to adopt their 2020-21 operational plans and budgets and submit their 2019-20 audited financial statements and annual reports. Councils will also have an extra month to submit their last quarterly budget review statement for 2019-20; Removed the requirement for documents to be made available for inspection at council offices, if the document is published on the council’s website or available electronically; and Removing the requirement for council notices to be advertised in newspapers and instead allow the relevant notice to be published on the council’s website. Current councillors and popularly elected mayors will continue to hold their civic offices until the rescheduled local government elections are held. Mayoral elections for mayors elected by councillors in September 2018 will need to be held when their two-year terms expire this year.
Amendments also enable a council that does not apply the full percentage increase of the rate peg (or any applicable Special Variation) this year or in any future year to set rates in any one or more of the next 10 years to return it to the original rating trajectory; and prevent councils from commencing legal action to recover rates and charges for six months unless the specific matters have been considered: whether the payment of the rate or charge could be made in instalments or by way of some other financial arrangement, whether the person should be referred to a financial counsellor, whether mediation or alternative dispute resolution should be attempted first; and whether interest on the unpaid amount should be deferred or waived. (the council making a payment to an employee in lieu of annual leave where that employee will still have a balance of at least four weeks of leave remaining)
COVID-19 The minister appreciates the work councils are doing to keep staff and communities safe and functioning. A range of further relaxation measures commenced on 13/14 June 2020. The next significant scheduled amendment to the Public Health Order (PHO) is due to occur on 1 July 2020. Councils have worked hard to meet all the requirements of the gradual relaxation of the measures to reduce the chance of a second wave of COVID 19. A range of support materials have been available to Councils during this time including template COVID Safe Plans and FAQs to assist them to interpret the PHO.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 11 Board Papers 26 June 2020
Financial Assistance Grant advance payment The Federal Government has announced an advance payment of approximately fifty percent of councils’ entitlement. The advance payment amount was paid to councils on 26 May 2020. The balance of the grants will be paid with a corresponding reduction to the quarterly instalments during 2020-21.
The first quarterly instalment is expected to be paid to councils in mid-August 2020, with subsequent instalments in November 2020, February 2021 and May 2021.
All councils will be advised by letter of individual councils’ estimated entitlements for 2020-21 FAGs.
Delayed of rates notices – A COVID 19 response On 17 April 2020 changes were announced to section 747B of the Local Government Act 1993. Councils were provided with the option to delay issuing rates notices to ratepayers until 1 September 2020. The collection of the first quarter rates instalment (whether a single or quarterly instalment) is due by 30 September 2020. Councils electing to take up the extended period of time can issue their rates notices by 1 September, with the single instalment or first quarter rates instalment payable by 30 September 2020. For those councils that do not take up the extended period of time to issue their rates notices and issue them as normal, ratepayers can pay their rates by the normal due date, however under the temporary provisions all ratepayers have the ability to delay making payment of their rates instalment until 30 September 2020. When issuing the 2020-21 first quarter rates notices, councils should encourage ratepayers who have the capacity to pay their rates early to do so, while acknowledging that many members of the community have been affected by COVID-19 financial pressures and that first quarter rates instalments are now due by 30 September 2020.
Bushfire Recovery Support Group The Local Government Bushfire Recovery Support Group, a joint undertaking between the OLG, City of Sydney, Sydney Resilience Office and Local Government NSW is beginning to ramp up operations as COVID- 19 restrictions ease across the State. There are still many requests for assistance and opportunities for those councils not affected by the bushfires to help. Affected Councils are encouraged to continue to reach out for assistance.
Webinars The Minister for Local Government has hosted a number of webinars to provide an opportunity for Mayors and General Managers to connect with a range of her Cabinet colleagues during COVID 19. These include the Premier, Minister for Planning, Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Minister for Health, Minister for Customer Service and the Minister for Finance and Small Business. Further webinars are planned for July with the Minister for Youth and Women, Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation and the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services.
Pound funding A $500,000 funding boost for council-run pounds to help cover veterinary, staff and food costs as well as minor capital works. Councils should now have received this funding.
Accelerated planning decisions Local councils can now tap into the tools, guidance and support of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program to fast-track council-led planning projects to help boost jobs and investment in their communities.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 12 Board Papers 26 June 2020
Eleven councils (including Shoalhaven) have already agreed to develop a Council Accelerated Assessment Program with the Government to help their communities rebound from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic faster.
Councils that agree to run their own accelerated assessment program will receive: Key tools and documents from the State’s Planning System Acceleration Program that will enable councils to implement a transparent and robust fast-tracked assessment process at a local level; Access to the Government’s new ‘One Stop Shop’ that has been set up to manage complex planning projects and coordination between government agencies; Training and support from senior planners within the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to establish local accelerated assessment programs; and Direction from the NSW Government to State and regional planning panels to support efforts by councils to get shovel-ready projects out the door faster.
For more information visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Council-AcceleratedAssessment-Program
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Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 13 Board Papers 26 June 2020
5.4 General Managers’ Committee report Referred by: Leanne Taylor, Chief Executive Attachments: Nil
Recommendation 1 That the Board receive and note the report. 2 Discuss outcomes to date and agree to an out of session Board workshop to finalise the review
As requested by the Board’s resolution made at the 8 May 2020 meeting as set out below, member council General Managers have met several times in the interim to undertake an organisational review of ISJO. Accordingly, there was no formal ISJO initiated General Managers’ Committee meeting held this period. The four General Managers will present the outcomes of their review at the Board meeting on 26 June.
Extract from ISJO Board Minutes 8 May 2020:
6.3 Confidential: ISJO FY20/21 Draft Statement of Revenue Policy and Budget Closed Session with only voting Delegates, General Managers and ISJO’s Chief Executive present. Resolved that the Board: Min: 16 1. Receive and note the report. 2. That 10% of grants received by ISJO to always contribute to the administration costs of the Joint Organisation. 3. Resolve to implement a reduced budget to match budgetary constraints of member councils. The Chief Executive and member council General Managers to meet to determine the detail for how member council in- kind contributions can contribute to this. Motion moved by: Clr G Bradbery Seconded by: Clr J Murray Carried.
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Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 14 Board Papers 26 June 2020
5.5 Management Report of Chief Executive Prepared by: Leanne Taylor, Chief Executive Attachments: Nil
Recommendation That the Board receive and note the Report.
The months of May and June have been productive with the majority of business conducted online over Zoom or Microsoft Teams with the following outcomes:
Illawarra Shoalhaven Leadership Executive (ISLE) The Chief Executive represented member councils at the meeting held on 15 May where Kylie Bryden Smith addressed the meeting giving an update on the establishment of Resilience NSW. Discussion focused on Covid19 recovery plans and bushfire recovery in the Shoalhaven (ie Planning’s accelerated approvals to achieve public benefit, Training Services for a skilled workforce where our region’s infrastructure project lists have provided direction; health; Service NSW providing business support).
Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan Review – Working Groups and Steering Committee ISJO’s Chief Executive and Planning staff from member councils have met fortnightly with DPIE’s Planning team to progress the review. The focus this period has been on ensuring that each member council’s LSPS is reflected in the Regional Plan; and that Sustainability and climate change resilience is embedded in the narrative. ISJO’s regional programs such as regional waste, weed management and water sensitive urban design have been included in the scope. DPIE have commenced videoing regional stakeholders and community members collecting their stories of the region to be used in community engagement activities. For more information on the project see: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-your-area/Regional-Plans/Illawarra-Shoalhaven/Stakeholder- Visioning-Workshop
ISJO HR Policy Toolbox The OLG Capability Funds paid to ISJO in March had $15,000 allocated for ISJO to engage an HR specialist to develop an ISJO HR Policy Toolbox. Following a competitive RFQ process, Qulture a locally based HR Consultancy has been engaged to develop a streamlined set of HR policies and remuneration policy that fits a small organisation like ISJO while complying with the LG Award. The Toolbox is being developed using a consultative process and is expected to be complete in early August 2020.
Illawarra Peak Bodies Meeting RDAI facilitate regular meetings with other peaks such as UDIA, IBC, The Property Council, i3net, UOW and have extended an invitation to ISJO and Greg Doyle to attend as guests from time to time to share information for collaboration. Since the May Board meeting there have been two meetings held where discussion centered on the development of a regional Covid19 Recovery Plan. An analysis by sector was undertaken, with further work to be undertaken on economic drivers and supply chains per sector. From a local government perspective our input to the recovery will need to be progression of our infrastructure projects and ensuring our supply chains have an adequate level of local providers; as well as ensuring Development Approvals are fast tracked where appropriate to enable the construction sector.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 15 Board Papers 26 June 2020
Circular Economy A partnership with NSW Circular Network has been established – ISJO has met with NSW Circular Network Executive to provide information on ISJO’s Research and Circular Economy regional waste initiatives (the Board will have a presentation on this at the 26 June meeting). NSW Circular Network are reviewing their operations to establish state-wide Task Forces and priority projects. They are now considering ISJO’s regional waste initiatives and where it fits in with their review.
Regional Transport Plan Review The Chief Executive participated in a Workshop with Transport for NSW and other regional stakeholders to provide input into priorities and future needs for consideration in the Regional Transport Plan (a 20 year strategic transport plan for the region) on 4 June. The review is being conducted at the same time as the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan is being reviewed to ensure alignment and aims to reflect the visions of DPIE, Regional NSW and ISJO/member councils with regards movements within, to and from the region.
Visitor Economy The new Visitor Economy Working Group is scheduled to meet on 26 July and comprises Tourism Managers, Economic Development Managers and Infrastructure Managers from member Councils along with DSSS, RDA and ILALC. Representatives from Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire Councils have also been invited. The Chief Executive has been holding discussions with the Senior Manager Community Stakeholder Engagement from the NRMA as they are keen to work collaboratively with the region to identify tourism infrastructure needs across the region that they can invest in. They are also interested in investing in cultural tourism strategies in the region. This will be workshopped with the Working Group and reported back to the General Managers in due course.
Regional Procurement ISJO’s Chief Operations Officer has worked closely with member council Procurement Managers over the past two months to firm up the Regional Procurement Strategy which is focused on the following: 1. Review of upcoming tenders (preferably from Tier 1 contract) to identify a new delivery model for Regional Tendering, which sees a lead Council manage both the tender and contract management. 2. Develop an internal audit tool to quantify savings within current Regional Procurement arrangements. 3. Develop a business case for a regional Contractor Management System. 4. Engagement with Local Industry to promote buy local strategies. Delivery of these strategies involves ISJO facilitating a Regional Procurement/Buy Local Working Group.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Smart Water Project Stage 1 of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Smart Water Project will be complete as at 30 June 2020. This project has been managed by Project Manager Vanessa Vecovski and led by ISJO’s member council Wollongong City Council on behalf of all ISJO member councils and project partners Lend Lease and the University of Wollongong. Stage 1 has comprised the distribution of smart sensors across key stormwater locations, including new subdivisions, as well as gross water pollutant traps. The data from these sensors is now being transmitted to the UOW’s Internet of Things where a regional dashboard has been established to display waterflows, gross water pollutant trap efficiency etc in order to provide data for real time decision making. Funding for this project was only for Stage 1, which means that future
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 16 Board Papers 26 June 2020 stages cannot be progressed until future funding becomes available. Wollongong City Council has extended the employment arrangements of the Project Manager until the end of 2020 while further funding is being explored.
ISJO’s Communications and Media As advised at the May Board meeting, Waples have been selected as ISJO’s communication and media partner after a competitive procurement process was followed. Since that time, an ISJO Communications and Media Strategy has been drafted, ISJO newsletter drafted and media planned to promote ISJO’s Cross Regional Transport Forum.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 17 Board Papers 26 June 2020
6. Matters for Strategic Decision Making 6.1 Adoption of ISJO Budget and Statement of Revenue Policy 2020-21 Referred by: Leanne Taylor, Chief Executive Prepared by: Melinda Liberato, Chief Operations Officer Attachments: ISJO Budget and Statement of Revenue Policy 2020-21
Recommendation That the Board 1. Note and receive and note the Report. 2. Endorse the ISJO Budget and Statement of Revenue Policy 20-21 as an interim pending the review of ISJO which will result in a new budget.
The draft ISJO Budget was reviewed at the 8 May 2020 meeting, and in keeping with legislative requirements was placed on public exhibition until 26 June. There have been no comments received during this exhibition period.
It is also noted that the ISJO Budget and Statement of Revenue Policy 20-21 is an interim budget, pending the outcomes of the ISJO Review by the General Managers (as requested by the ISJO Board at its 8 May 2020 meeting) and ultimately the ISJO Board. After which a revised budget will be developed based on a new set of assumptions.
In the meantime the Interim ISJO Budget and Statement of Revenue Policy 20-21 is required to be posted on the ISJO website. This will be replaced when the revised budget is developed and approved by the Board.
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Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 18 Board Papers 26 June 2020
7. Matters for Board Endorsement 7.1 Regional Transport Referred by: Leanne Taylor, Chief Executive Prepared by: Attachments: Nil
Recommendation That the Board: 1. Note and receive the Report. 2. Participate in the Western Sydney Illawarra Shoalhaven Cross Regional Transport Forum on 9 July 2020.
New Regional Transport Working Group
As previously reported, ISJO undertook a review of the 13 Working Groups and Committees it facilitates to ensure a greater alignment with regional priorities and the delivery of regional strategies and plans. Under the regional priority of Connectivity, the Transport Working Group was identified as one of our key regional advocacy platforms to enable a forum for not only for specific managers drawn from our four member councils but also for state and regional stakeholders to partner with us. The Transport Working Group’s first meeting was held in early June where the primary focus was to identify areas of regional advocacy; scope how to deliver on regional plans and strategies; and explore opportunities for new initiatives. This Working Group has also been actively involved in determining the priorities for ISJO’s Western Sydney Illawarra Shoalhaven Cross Regional Transport Forum which will be held online on 9 July 2020. For more details see below.
The Western Sydney Illawarra Shoalhaven Cross Regional Transport Forum
As reported on last Board meeting, ISJO is hosting the Western Sydney Illawarra Shoalhaven Cross Regional Transport Forum on Thursday 9 July 2020 from 10 – 1pm. The Forum will be held online and will comprise a mix of Ministers, Senior Bureaucrats as well as thought leaders and business leaders to highlight the issues, solutions and discuss the opportunities that come about through both regions coming together to work collaboratively with key transport and freight decision makers. This Forum was one of the key strategies allocated to ISJO to deliver from the Western Sydney Illawarra Shoalhaven Roadmap to Collaboration which was launched in September 2019.
Following a competitive RFQ process, The Infrastructure Collaborative led by Ms Jillian Kilby was selected to be ISJO’s partners in planning for and facilitating the Forum. The funds for this engagement were allocated in the OLG Capability Funding received by ISJO in early March.
Board Delegates should have received their invitations to the Forum on 12 June – the Forum’s Run Sheet is a work in progress as guest speakers are confirmed – refer to the ISJO website for the latest version. In summary though the Forum will cover the following:
Western Sydney Aerotropolis and the importance for connectivity to the south; SWIRL Research and the Picton Road Duplication; Outer Sydney Orbital Corridor and the Orbital Extension (Mt Ousley + Wilton); Fast and Faster Rail - Bomaderry to Sydney + Canberra to Sydney;
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 19 Board Papers 26 June 2020
The Western Sydney City Deal, Wilton Lands, and evolution of transforming cities; Mega trends in transport during and post Covid-19; Princes Highway Upgrades including Albion Park Bypass.
Success for the forum means a number of things. Equal representation and input from both regions, stakeholders to share information about progress and research, the incorporation of feedback, effective advocacy ensuring relevant infrastructure projects get funding allocations and beyond the Forum, the potential for a Cross-Regional Advisory Group to be developed for ongoing consultation and advice.
For more information and to register see www.isjo.org.au.
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Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 20 Board Papers 26 June 2020
7.2 Illawarra Escarpment Walk Referred by: Leanne Taylor, Chief Executive Prepared by: Attachments: Literature Review and Mapping Analysis – Illawarra Escarpment Walk
Recommendation That the Board: 1. Receive and note the report. 2. Consider Mayor Honey’s request for ISJO to be the regional champion to progress the Illawarra Escarpment Walk concept
Mayor Mark Honey has asked that this paper be included in the Board papers for consideration. He believes the opportunity to establish the Illawarra Escarpment Walk requires regional leadership to bring this opportunity to fruition and would like the Board to consider if ISJO could take on this role.
Background
Back in the 1980s when ISJO’s earlier iteration was known as IROC, the Chair was Mr Neville Fredericks. It was during his time as Chair that Mr Fredericks became personally interested in the opportunity of establishing a walking track along the escarpment and has been a champion of the concept ever since. At this time (ie mid 1980s) considerable focus was given to scoping the project – ISJO’s archived files contain a large number of reports related to the matter.
For a range of reasons the project never got traction and in more recent years Mr Fredericks has been meeting with a range of regional stakeholders to get this project reactivated. In late 2019 ISJO provided copies of all the archived documents related to this matter to Destination Southern Sydney and Surrounds (DSSS) who then engaged Cardno to undertake a Literature Review and Mapping Analysis of the opportunity to better understand the opportunities and the constraints. (see attached report)
Current Situation
Each member council area has walking tracks located along the escarpment – none of which are connected.
The Literature and Mapping Analysis Report from Cardno highlights that this is a good opportunity with a considerable level of community support. For the project to be seriously considered however, it needs to advance beyond the ídea’ phase into a well-researched feasibility study that will refine the concept of the trail and then test that concept to determine if it will perform both practically and feasibility. If the proof of concept could be obtained, then concept design and associated studies followed by a detailed design would be required to obtain the necessary approvals. Cardno have estimated that up to $5m would be required to get the construction of the new 26km of track and minimal allowance for existing track/fire trail/access roads; and excludes large capital costs such as a crossing of Mount Ousley and property acquisitions.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 21 Board Papers 26 June 2020
Cardno have suggested that a Multi-Agency Working Party be established that would include NPWS, ISJO member councils, Transport for NSW, Destination Wollongong, Water NSW, DPIE, National Parks Association and the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council along with DSSS.
As the proposed track traverses multiple parcels of land with varied tenure, the key issues that Cardno have identified requiring resolution include: Access through Barren Grounds Nature Reserve (I have been advised by Kiama Municipal Council’s Tourism Manager that the Plan of Management is due for review) Overall environmental impacts (clearing, erosion, weeds) Private landowner agreements Crossing of critical infrastructure (Mount Ousley Road and Bulli Pass) Key ‘pinch points’ such as the track between Panorama House and the Gateway Centre and Bulli Pass as well as the lands west of Balgownie (where additional land may need to be transferred to NPWS) Availability of capital and maintenance funding Public access through Sydney Water Catchment areas Inter-agency cooperation Cross jurisdictional boundary Project leadership
Other Considerations
In researching this paper, Destination Southern Sydney and Surrounds was contacted. They have indicated they are not supportive of this concept as they believe there are too many problematic hurdles associated with it and are putting their resourcing into progressing what is known as the Great South Coast Walk. This is a walk that follows the coastline of the NSW south coast, from the Royal National Park to just south of the Victorian border. This walk includes those coastal walks initiated by member councils as well as those further south, but still has gaps between each section. For more information see: www.greatsouthcoastwalk.net.
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Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 22 Board Papers 26 June 2020
7.3 Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Waste Initiatives Referred by: Leanne Taylor, Chief Executive Prepared by: Yvette Barrs, Regional Waste Manager, ISJO Attachments: Nil
Recommendation That the Board: 1. Receive and note the report which supports the 26 June Board meeting presentation.
Background ISJO’s regional waste program is funded by the EPA until 30 June 2021. While the program has been primarily focussed on a coordinated regional waste strategy, a new component has been added to their scope involving specialised research into our region’s waste streams and research investigating circular economy opportunities based on research outcomes. At the 26 June Board meeting Yvette Barrs, ISJO’s Regional Waste Manager will be reporting on these elements. Here is a summary for your information:
Current Situation - Regional Waste Research and Innovation projects
1. Benchmarking study – characteristics of bulky waste and opportunities for increased diversion A partnership has been developed between the ISJO regional waste team and the University of Wollongong (UoW)’s Global Challenges team who have recruited a multi-disciplinary research team to enable ISJO to make informed recommendations for improvements to member council’s existing practices in the kerbside bulky waste collection model. The following investigations have been undertaken as part of this project:
Analysis of weight to volume conversion for estimated landfill space saving Analysis of makeup of the bulky waste stream from quantitative data Overview of collection models across the Illawarra/ Shoalhaven region and more broadly across the State Literature review of best practice globally Qualitative data gathering through interviews and focus groups with Council staff, contractors and residents Assessment of current practices that could be implemented to enable diversion through recycling or reprocessing of materials from within the stream to create circular economy investment opportunities locally
Research outcomes will be compiled into a report by the UoW team by September 2020.
2. Circular opportunities for waste outputs from manufacturers in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region
ISJO’s Regional Waste team in partnership with the University of Wollongong’s Global Challenges team engaged a PhD Intern to undertake the research for this circular economy project. The circular economy
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 23 Board Papers 26 June 2020 research project identified a significant regional waste stream – the offcuts from joinery and cabinet maker businesses in the region, who make up 15% of the total number of manufacturers in the region.
This research was undertaken using a qualitative methodology to develop a scenario-based business model illustrating the highest realised net value when waste MDF, PB & sawdust is diverted from landfill. Over a series of interviews and correspondence with joineries and cabinet makers in the region, the research project has identified the amount of waste medium density fibre board (MDF) and particleboard (PB) produced each fortnight ranges from 7m3 to 15m3. Averaging these figures, 11m3 of waste is produced fortnightly across the kitchen and joinery sector accumulating to around 42,042m3 annually.
Over a period of five months, desktop research, interviews and site inspections were conducted identifying the following scenarios for diversion from landfill. These scenarios are presented in order of possible implementation with all requiring a centralised collection and processing centre.
Processing of MDF, Particle Board and sawdust into a fuel. Converting this material into fuel is the easiest and cheapest means to divert this material from landfill making it currently the Highest Realised Net Value (HRNV) for waste MDF, PB and dust.
The manufacture of new Particle Board using waste Particle Board (PB). Interviews with two of the three onshore PB manufacturers confirmed 20% of waste PB can be remanufactured back into new PB. Interviews confirmed companies have established the logistics for the collection of this waste for remanufacturing, however in this region it is currently only the collection of a small amount of construction PB
Development of a composite material. Mechanical processing technology developed by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers the opportunity in mixing waste MDF, PB & sawdust with waste glass, plastic or textile to form a composite material that has many potential uses. The glass, plastic or textiles form a seal over the waste engineered timber and also offer an aesthetic finish. Testing is still being carried out to determine weight bearing and water holding capabilities as well as emissions from drilling or cutting the material once sealed.
Recovery of fibres from waste MDF through MDF Recovery technology. A UK based company, MDF Recovery has developed a patented concept to recover fibres from waste MDF. Through email exchange with the company director, it is understood that the technology has been developed in line with requirements from manufacturers and is nearing commercialisation in the EU.
This research sits as a unique opportunity to provide these manufacturers with alternatives to landfill which in turn provide them with an improved triple bottom line. Currently, it is conservatively estimated to be costing local cabinet makers and joineries over $1.4 million per annum for the collection and disposal of End of life (EOL) MDF, PB and sawdust. Beyond extending the life of local landfills, a circular approach to waste management provides employment (9.2 full time equivalents (FTE’s) per 10,000 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill versus 2.8 FTE’s through landfilling); efficient resource use; opportunities for innovative partnerships; and flow on effects to the local economy. This issue is not unique to the ISJO region or to cabinet makers and joineries specifically. Scenarios presented provide a scalable opportunity for other regions and manufacturing industries utilising MDF and PB. Recently the outcomes of the research were showcased in a RENEW webinar, to view the video on YouTube click here Back to top
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 24 Board Papers 26 June 2020
8. Matters for Noting 8.1 JO Advisory Meeting and Chairs Meeting Outcomes Referred by: Leanne Taylor, Chief Executive Attachments: Nil
Recommendation That the Board: 1. Receive and note the report. 2. Discuss the option of ISJO providing funds to support an independent secretariat function for the JO Chairs and JO EO Network meetings and make a recommendation to the Chair for communicating back to the next JO Chairs meeting.
Background
JO Advisory Meeting 8 May 2020
The meeting was held via Zoom where the following is a summary of items discussed:
The Minister for Local Government’s response to the JO’s letter sent in February requesting support was discussed. The issue of no additional financial support prompted the Minister’s Adviser Troy Wilkie to remind the meeting of how stretched the state government’s budget was currently so that expectations could be managed. Both ISJO and Namoi Unlimited JO discussed budget issues being experienced - which is resulting in them scaling back on delivery and expectations. The Minister’s Adviser Troy Wilkie advised that the NSW Government will be undertaking a review of Joint Organisations in late 2020. This timing was so that the review could be based on 2 years of financial reporting. OLG’s Melissa Gibbs reported that OLG wants JOs to be a part of Council’s recovery from Covid- 19. ISJO Chair Clr Gordon Bradbery suggested JOs engage with Resilience NSW so that as they shape the new department that JOs are factored in as co-partners. OLG have a portal for JOs to post and share information. ISJO’s new HR Policy Toolbox will be shared on this portal once developed.
JO Chairs Meeting 28 May 2020
The meeting was held via Zoom where the following is a summary of the meeting:
Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons of Resilience NSW was a guest speaker. He described the formation of his Department www.resilience.nsw.gov.au and how it fit the remit of JOs where he saw a strong and necessary relationship between both. He described his role as being at the heart of the operating framework for emergency management – from the state to national level. The Hon. Melinda Pavey, Minister for Water Property and Housing addressed the meeting discussing the Regional Water Strategy.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 25 Board Papers 26 June 2020
Dr Suzanne Pierce from the Office of Chief Scientist and Engineer addressed the meeting discussing the Federal Government’s Prosperity Agenda with a focus on harnessing R&D in defense, smart sensors and the circular economy network. Ms Lisa McLean, CEO of NSW Circular Network addressed the meeting discussing the taskforces they are developing to support innovation in the circular economy. The OLG discussed the stimulus packages and why the inclusion of the condition for current members being required to support their JO for the next two years; and that the LG election now held in 2021. The issue of undersubscribed stimulus funds for JobKeeper was discussed with Melissa Gibbs saying a review of criteria was being undertaken to enable better uptake of funding state-wide. A large amount of the meeting was dedicated to Chairs discussing ongoing issues of their JO’s financial viability. The general consensus was that the JO value to the state was not being recognised. Minister Hancock’s Adviser Troy Wilkie told the meeting that if JOs had been set up by Minister Hancock things would have been very different. There will definitely be changes post the review of JOs in late 2020. He also advised that JOs need to approach agencies themselves to explore partnership opportunities. The matter of JO Chairs and JO EO Network secretariat was discussed, with Chair Clr Rowena Abbey asking each JO to consider contributing funds to pay for the secretariat function which could be undertaken by outgoing CRJO CEO. Each Chair was asked to take this back to their Board for consideration and report back to the next meeting.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 26 Board Papers 26 June 2020
9. Late Business item
Referred by: Attachments:
Recommendation That the Board: 1. Receive and note the report.
Background
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 27 Board Papers 26 June 2020
10. Next Meeting The next scheduled meeting for 2020 will be held on Thursday 24 September 2020. Venue will be determined closer to the date (historically this meeting is held at NSW Parliament House).
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Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation 28