Department of Infrastructure Annual Report 1996-1997

DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE Annual Report 1996 –97 30 October 1997

The Hon. Robert Maclellan, MLA Minister for Planning and Local Government 80 Collins Street Melbourne 3000

The Hon. Geoff Craige, MLC Minister for Roads and Ports 80 Collins Street Melbourne 3000

The Hon. Robin Cooper, MLA Minister for Transport 80 Collins Street Melbourne 3000

Dear Ministers

Annual Report

In accordance with the provisions of the Financial Management Act 1994, I have pleasure in submitting for presentation to Parliament the Department of Infrastructure Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 1997.

Yours sincerely

(Dr) John Paterson Secretary Department of Infrastructure Contents

Message from the Secretary 1

What we do 2

ORGANISATIONAL CHART 3

HOW THE DIVISIONS CONTRIBUTE 4

Strategic Planning and Economic Services Division 4

Contracts, Regulation and Compliance Services Division 5

Local Government, Planning and Market Information Services Division 6

Organisational Development and Corporate Support Division 7

Corporate Finance Division 8

WORKING SMARTER 9

WORKING OVERSEAS 10

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS 11

Transport 12

STRATEGIES 12

PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES 13

ROAD AND ROAD USE MANAGEMENT 20

SAFETY AND REGULATION 22 Civic Projects and Development 25

MAJOR PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION 25

BUILDING SERVICES AGENCY 28

BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT 31

HERITAGE 33

Local Government and Statutory Planning 35

LOCAL GOVERNMENT 35

PLANNING 38

GOVERNMENT LAND MONITORING 40

Future Directions 41

Financial Statements 45

Appendixes 91

Departmental Contacts 142 Message from the Secretary

The 12 months to June 1997 has seen the consolidation of the Department of Infrastructure under one roof. The Department was created in April 1996 to strengthen the strategic capacity of government in infrastructure planning, investment and delivery in Victoria.

The scope of Infrastructure’s portfolio is broad and includes responsibility for:

■ Infrastructure ‘hardware’ – large projects such as Federation Square, Docklands, the Melbourne City Link and the Western Ring Road; – main road, rail and port works; and – planning, management and development of the built environment through statutory and land use planning, building More specifically, the value added by DR JOHN PATERSON AO and construction, urban design, heritage this Department is: SECRETARY, conservation and projects. DEPARTMENT OF ■ the improved alignment of the activities of INFRASTRUCTURE ■ Infrastructure ‘software’ the specialised agencies, particularly – public transport services such as train, in regard to committed and near-term tram and bus passenger services and rail projects; freight services; ■ simplified dealings between Infrastructure – public transport safety and regulation, and other elements of government, and road safety and regulation through between government and the private driver, taxi and tow-truck licensing; and sector; – oversight of the vital local government ■ strengthened forward ‘strategic’ planning sector. and assertively taking ‘higher level’ advice All of these facets of infrastructure underpin to government. This is particularly Victoria’s capacity to achieve sustained important for 1998-99 and beyond, when works now in progress, and capital budgets economic development and a high quality of now fully committed, begin to pass out of life for present and future generations. the development pipeline; and 1 The Department was assembled from pre-existing government bodies. Most of ■ a stronger regional presence for the these were performing well, and some were Department, offering improved access to ANNUAL REPORT 1996 -97 and remain the national leaders in their Infrastructure services for customers and respective fields. In most cases it would have speedier decision-making on most been counter-productive to pretend to tell matters. It will also enhance co-ordinated them how to do their jobs. Justification for strategic land use and transport planning. the new Department could only come from Beyond the 1996-98 time frame the adding value to their combined efforts - Department will be judged by its performance contributing ‘higher level’ strategic integration in the delivery of projects and services which in advice to government, tie-breaking where reflect a far stronger focus on co-ordination the perspectives of portfolio agencies and longer term strategic planning. This differed, and ‘browsing’ wider and better annual report describes the first year on the information in the endless search for path to a strengthened infrastructure capacity opportunities and pitfalls. for Victoria. What we do

This is the Department’s second annual The following statutory authorities and report. The Department of Infrastructure agencies are required to produce their own was formed in April 1996 from components annual reports: previously within the former Departments ■ Architects Registration Board of Transport, Planning and Development, and Treasury and Finance. It reflects the ■ Building Control Commission Government’s commitment towards strength- ening the strategic capacity of infrastructure ■ Docklands Authority to improve Victoria’s economy and to enhance the quality of life for Victorians. ■ Heritage Council The role of the Department is to support the ■ Marine Board of Victoria three ministerial portfolios of Planning and Local Government, Transport, and Roads and ■ Melbourne City Link Authority Ports. The portfolios include a number of ■ Plumbing Industry Board statutory authorities and other bodies. These bodies are described in Appendix 3, and ■ Public Transport Corporation range from large service agencies such as the Roads Corporation (VicRoads) and the Public ■ Roads Corporation Transport Corporation (PTC) to regulatory ■ bodies such as the Architects Registration Urban Land Authority Board of Victoria. ■ Port of Portland Authority The Departmental structure was modified ■ early in 1997 and now consists of five Port of Geelong Authority divisions. The divisions are: Strategic ■ Port of Melbourne Authority. Planning and Economic Services; Contracts, Regulation and Compliance Services; Local Government, Planning and Market Information Services; Organisational Development and Corporate Support; and Corporate Finance. This structure provides organisational capabilities in regulatory, strategic land use and transport planning and infrastructure investment areas; contract management services (predominantly transport, plus some inter-agency construction contracts); and project management. It also recognises the link between planning and local government, and enhances regional infrastructure services. 2 The organisational structure provides accountability for resource allocation and delivery against outputs. Each of the portfolio agencies reports to one of the Deputy Secretaries. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT ORGANISATIONAL CHART

DIVISION HEAD OFFICE FUNCTIONS AGENCIES REGIONS

Northern South-Western, DEPUTY SECRETARY Western

Contracts, ■ Contracted ■ Marine Board Regulation & Transport Services ■ Public Transport Compliance Services ■ National / Interstate Corporation Transport ■ Public Transport Safety ■ Victorian Taxi & Tow Truck Administration

DEPUTY SECRETARY Eastern, North-East

Organisational ■ Corporate & ■ Personnel and Development & Business Planning Corporate Services Corporate Support ■ Information ■ Human Resources Technology Development ■ Legal, Legislation ■ Employee Relations & Freedom of ■ Grievances Information ■ Organisational Consultancy

North-West Metropolitan DEPUTY SECRETARY

SECRETARY Local Government, ■ Planning & Building ■ Building Control ■ Architects Registration Planning & Market Development Commission Board of Victoria Information Services ■ Office of the Secretary Local Government ■ Docklands Authority ■ Building Advisory Council ■ Heritage Victoria ■ Heritage Council ■ Building Appeals Board ■ Land Monitoring ■ Office of Major Projects ■ Building Practitioners Board ■ Executive Services ■ Urban Land Authority ■ Building Regulations ■ Corporate Public Affairs ■ Victoria Grants Commission Advisory Committee ■ Cross-portfolio ■ Plumbing Industry Project Management & ■ Building Services Agency Board Co-ordination

DEPUTY SECRETARY South-East Metropolitan

■ Melbourne City Link Strategic Planning & ■ Infrastructure Economic Services Investment Programs ■ Roads Corporation 3 (VicRoads) ■ Public Transport Planning ■ Port of Melbourne Authority ■

Infrastructure ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Planning ■ Port of Geelong Authority ■ Strategic Planning ■ Port of Portland ■ Analysis & Forecasting Authority ■ Co-ordination & Ports Industry Support

CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER

Corporate Finance ■ Budget Monitoring & Reporting ■ Corporate Financial Management ■ Program Monitoring & Reporting ■ Financial Systems ■ Accounting Operations HOW THE DIVISIONS CONTRIBUTE

The Strategic Planning and Economic Services Division’s role is to:

DAVID BERRY ■ develop and maintain integrated DEPUTY SECRETARY State-wide and metropolitan plans for land STRATEGIC PLANNING use and transport services; AND ECONOMIC SERVICES ■ provide frameworks for regional and local planning;

■ prepare plans for larger projects and potentially significant impacts on land use and the environment;

■ develop and maintain planning for public transport;

■ provide a range of analytical tools and services to support policy and advice for land use, transport, roads and other infrastructure planning and review;

■ develop investment appraisal standards and capital priorities;

■ provide economic advice and appraisal of major infrastructure initiatives;

■ assess capital needs and potential funding; and

■ establish and maintain effective ports industry support within the Department.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ECONOMIC SERVICES, FROM LEFT, STANDING: GEOFF ANSON, DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC PLANNING; JOHN ROGAN, DIRECTOR, INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS; JOHN HANNA, DIRECTOR, ANALYSIS AND FORECASTING; DAVID BERRY, DEPUTY SECRETARY; MARK CURRY, DIRECTOR, MINISTERIAL LIAISON AND CO-ORDINATION.

DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT SEATED: GAIL MOODY, DIRECTOR, INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING AND RAY KINNEAR, DIRECTOR, PUBLIC TRANSPORT PLANNING. The Contracts, Regulation and Compliance Services Division’s role is to:

■ implement government policy on safe, efficient and reliable public transport services;

■ provide administration, management JOHN MCMILLAN

and regulation of public transport, taxi DEPUTY SECRETARY services, tow-truck operations and CONTRACTS, occupational registration across several REGULATION AND industry sectors; COMPLIANCE SERVICES

■ contract manage the delivery of transport services on metropolitan train, tram and bus services; urban and country bus services; private and interstate rail services; and contracted free school bus services;

■ ensure a customer focus in public transport and a ‘seamless’ service for fares, ticketing and timetabling;

■ establish and audit transport quality and safety standards;

■ provide national initiatives for passenger and freight transport; and

■ provide consultation with public transport users on services, facilities, safety, reliability, quality, performance, access for people with disabilities and heritage.

CONTRACTS, REGULATION AND COMPLIANCE SERVICES DIVISION MANAGEMENT. FROM LEFT, STANDING: TERRY 5 O’KEEFE, DIRECTOR, TAXI DIRECTORATE; IAN HARRIS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, BUSINESS PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION;

JOHN CONNELL, DIRECTOR, TOW TRUCK DIRECTORATE. SEATED: JOHN MCMILLAN, DEPUTY SECRETARY AND DARYL BYRNE, ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 DIRECTOR, PUBLIC TRANSPORT SAFETY. ABSENT: JOHN BOARDMAN, DIRECTOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT The Local Government, Planning and Market Information Services Division’s role is to:

■ manage Victoria’s system of local governance;

■ provide policy and statutory controls for planning, local government, heritage, and JON HICKMAN

development; DEPUTY SECRETARY LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ■ manage land use and development and PLANNING AND MARKET assess their effects on the environment; INFORMATION SERVICES ■ provide computer-based geographical and mapping services for land-use;

■ provide market-related information and project facilitation services to the building and development sector;

■ set standards and guidelines on building industry issues and management of public assets; and

■ ensure probity in government real-estate transactions.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT, PLANNING AND MARKET INFORMATION SERVICES, FROM LEFT, STANDING: RAY TONKIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HERITAGE; ROSEMARY COUSIN, DIRECTOR, PLANNING SYSTEMS AND MANAGEMENT REFORM; MICHAEL DONNELLAN, DIRECTOR, LAND MONITORING; BRIAN DUFFY, DIRECTOR, BUSINESS PLANNING AND SUPPORT SERVICES; PETER MCEWAN, DIRECTOR, PROJECT FACILITATION; PETER BETTESS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PLANNING, BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT. SEATED, FROM LEFT: LEIGH PHILLIPS, DIRECTOR, PLANNING OPERATIONS; PHYLLIS KAILIS, MANAGER, LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT; JON HICKMAN, DEPUTY SECRETARY; AND JOHN CINCOTTA, DIRECTOR, LOCAL GOVERNMENT INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT. ABSENT: VIRGINIA KIRTON, DIRECTOR, URBAN DESIGN AND SUE MACLELLAN,

DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT MANAGER, COMPLIANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY. The Organisational Development and Corporate Support Division’s role is to:

■ participate in the development of major SUE JAQUINOT corporate policies and strategies and DEPUTY SECRETARY provide advice on and support for organis- ORGANISATIONAL ational change and development issues; DEVELOPMENT AND CORPORATE SUPPORT ■ provide corporate support, standards and guidelines on human resources issues for the Department;

■ support corporate and business planning and co-ordinate government reporting;

■ support divisions in the development of legislation to implement policy decisions;

■ develop and advise on legislation to help divisions implement policy initiatives;

■ establish and implement Information Technology (IT) strategies for the Department, support business specific IT development and government IT and Telecommuncation policy directions; and

■ develop and implement a corporate Human Resources framework for the portfolio to improve organisational capabilities and performance.

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CORPORATE SUPPORT, FROM LEFT, STANDING: ANGY EGAN, MANAGER, EMPLOYEE

RELATIONS; GAIL NICHOLSON, MANAGER, PERSONNEL AND CORPORATE SUPPORT; KAREN VELLA, DIRECTOR, HUMAN 7 RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT; LOUISE HILL, DIRECTOR, CORPORATE PLANNING; JENNY SINGLETON, DIRECTOR, ORGANISATIONAL

CONSULTANCY; LAWRIE TOOHER, DIRECTOR, LEGAL AND LEGISLATION. SEATED, FROM LEFT: LYNDON THOMPSON, DIRECTOR,

CORPORATE IT; SUE JAQUINOT, DEPUTY SECRETARY AND HEATHER MURPHY, MANAGER, GRIEVANCE. ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 The Corporate Finance Division’s role is to:

BOB MCDONALD ■ CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER develop an effective portfolio budget to achieve government financial objectives;

■ produce financial information and systems to enable the evaluation and monitoring of outputs;

■ provide financial, business and contractual advice on complex issues and projects;

■ provide an efficient financial service including accounts payable, receivable and commitment systems and processes;

■ determine accounting policy applications and the future directions in financial management;

■ contribute to the implementation of government financial management reform policies and their application to the Department and its agencies; and

■ ensure reliability of accounting and budget data for industry benchmarking, Commonwealth grants, Industry Commission and other studies into comparative financial performance.

CORPORATE FINANCE MANAGEMENT, FROM LEFT, STANDING: KEVIN MARSHALL, DIRECTOR, ACCOUNTING OPERATIONS; STEPHEN GREGORY, DIRECTOR, BUDGET OPERATIONS. SEATED, FROM LEFT: BOB MCDONALD, CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER; FRED CILIA, DIRECTOR, SYSTEMS AND ACCOUNTING POLICY AND STEVE STANKO,

DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL PLANNING AND ANALYSIS. WORKING SMARTER

Administrative Arrangements Corporate Finance The majority of the Department, including A single financial system, Oracle 10.7, is its three Ministers, relocated to Nauru to be implemented in the Department on House, consolidating six separate head office 1 July 1997 which will replace the disparate locations in the central business district. A financial systems of the predecessor major refit of the building was funded by the departments. Department of Treasury and Finance, and All corporate finance functions have been project managed by the Building Services consolidated within the new division and new Agency on time and within budget. corporate finance organisational arrangements Relocation of regional Departmental staff in with clear lines of accountability have been the VicRoads regional office network is close implemented. to completion and will deliver planning, The financial systems capacity has been building, heritage and local government strengthened which will support the roll-out services in five country and two metropolitan of the Oracle financial system in 1997-98. regions, providing a stronger regional presence, improving access to infrastructure Linked to the introduction of the new and speeding decision-making. financial system, reviews have begun to re-engineer systems and procedures which A major review of records management has will streamline, improve and automate initiated reform to be delivered in two stages: financial processes throughout the a single paper-records management Department. Many of the changes will application by December 1997; and selection be introduced during the first half of the and implementation of an electronic-records 1997-98 financial year. management system in 1998-99. The Department is the pilot site for a joint CSIRO and Public Records Office project on long-term storage and retrieval of documents.

Information Technology The Departmental Information Technology Strategic Plan was completed in June 1997, setting directions for the IT infrastructure required to support the Department’s plans. A substantial program of PC hardware upgrades was completed in the first half of 1997, to prepare for the deployment of the Common Desktop Services Environment (CDSE) following relocation to Nauru 9 House. The development of the CDSE will modernise and standardise the Department’s IT platform. The Common Desktop complies ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 fully with whole of government policy, and will allow the Department’s businesses to build the systems they require to deliver output objectives. The CDSE will be fully implemented by December 1997 and the Lotus Notes environment activated in the first quarter of 1998. A comprehensive IT training program will support the IT strategy at all levels. WORKING OVERSEAS

The Minister for Planning and Local BUILDING SERVICES AGENCY PROJECTS: Government continued to represent ■ Asset management advice was provided in Melbourne on the Metropolis Association, Western Samoa. an international forum of political, administrative and technical decision-makers ■ Electrical and communication network of from the world’s major cities. The Minister computerised data centre for Malaysian chairs one of the four standing commissions bank and concepts for a retail and rail of Metropolis dealing with the impact of facility at Butterworth, Malaysia were airports on metropolitan development. The designed. Department is co-ordinating the work with representatives from State and Federal ■ Heritage advice was given on the Tianjin government departments, the City of Urban Heritage Conservation Strategy in Melbourne and the Manager of Melbourne China. Airport, assisted by the Tokyo Metropolitan ■ A conservation strategy was prepared for Government. the ancient quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam. Under the Metropolis Technical Assistance Scheme, the Department assisted the A significant number of overseas projects are Guangzhou Municipal Government in undertaken by VicRoads. Details relating to addressing urgent traffic management issues, those projects are published in the VicRoads completing phase I in October 1996. Phase II Annual Report. will continue later in 1997. The Department of Infrastructure participated in a Department of Industry, Science and Tourism project to redevelop a 24-hectare site in central Tianjin, China, and enhance Sino-Australian links to provide further opportunities for Australian industries. Through the Overseas Projects Corporation of Victoria, the Department participated in a number of projects. One involved work with the Public Works Department of Western Samoa to establish asset management planning, policies and practices. A register of non-current physical assets, training of key staff, an implementation manual and operational procedures were achieved through this project. A Management Information System was 10 established for a community infrastructure THE TIANJIN EAST BANK URBAN DESIGN MASTER PLAN project in North West Frontier Province, PROJECT SUCCESS PROMOTES A NEW LEVEL OF FRIENDSHIP Pakistan, providing basic infrastructure to WITH KEY CHINESE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES AND low-income communities and helping to develop their organisational capacity. This RECOGNITION OF AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL SKILLS IN project is being implemented in the North URBAN DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT. West Frontier Province with the financial assistance of the World Bank, the Swiss Development Corporation and UNICEF. A total of 19 information and training seminars were also conducted during 1996-97 for delegates mainly from China, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

■RELEASE OF TRANSPORTING MELBOURNE AND LINKING VICTORIA, BY THE DEPARTMENT AND VICROADS. THESE STRATEGIES FORM IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF A FRAMEWORK ENCOMPASSING LAND-USE, PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ROADS DEVELOPMENT. LINKING VICTORIA RECEIVED AN INTERNATIONAL AWARD FROM THE INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERS (TRANSPORT PLANNING COUNCIL BEST PRACTICES AWARD);

■ INTEGRATED STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDING DOCKLANDS AND THE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PRECINCT;

■ MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS INCLUDED PROGRESS WITH DOCKLANDS, WITH A STRONG SHORT-LIST OF DEVELOPERS; MELBOURNE SPORTS AND AQUATIC CENTRE, TO BE COMPLETED IN JULY 1997; REGENT THEATRE, COMPLETED IN AUGUST 1996, AND CITY LINK, AND THE NEGOTIATION OF THE EXHIBITION STREET CONNECTION;

■ NEW VICTORIA PLANNING PROVISIONS, IN DECEMBER 1996, SIMPLIFIED DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS PROCESS AND REDUCED RESIDENTIAL ZONES FROM 150 TO 5 AND BUSINESS ZONES FROM 250 TO 8;

■ LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN 55 COUNCILS IN MARCH 1997;

■ MARKET TESTING OF 50 PER CENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPERATING EXPENDITURE, VALUED AT AROUND $1.4 BILLION;

■ NEW CORPORATIONS – V/LINE FREIGHT CORPORATION AND VICTORIAN RAIL TRACK CORPORATION TO BE ESTABLISHED FROM 1 JULY 1997;

■ IMPROVED FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE PTC AND FURTHER GROWTH IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT USE;

■ MAJOR ROAD WORKS COMPLETED INCLUDE SECTIONS OF THE WESTERN RING ROAD (AIRPORT, MARIBYRNONG, BOUNDARY ROAD TO PRINCES FREEWAY SECTIONS) TO FULLY COMPLETE IT BETWEEN THE PRINCES HIGHWAY AND HUME HIGHWAY; BUNDOORA TO THOMASTOWN SECTION OF THE METROPOLITAN RING ROAD; NORTHERN SECTION OF THE DARNUM INTERCHANGE ON THE PRINCES HIGHWAY; AND

■ VICTORIA’S ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY, SAFETY FIRST, RECEIVED AN ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

AWARD AND THE PRIME MINISTER’S AWARD FOR INNOVATION. ANNUAL REPORT 1996 -97 Transport

The strategic planning for public transport and roads, integrated with land-use and major civic projects, will produce improvements for all Victorians.

STRATEGIES

Transporting Melbourne, an integrated preparation of a cruise ship strategy plan. The passenger and freight transport strategy for completion of a major refurbishment of the Melbourne, was released for comment in international passenger terminal at Station September 1996. It was the first integrated Pier brought the facilities up to world transport strategy for Melbourne since 1969, standard. and the first transport strategy since 1929 to be developed within a broad urban, social, land use, environmental and economic context.

ROADS AND PORTS MINISTER, GEOFF CRAIGE AND ALAN

BROWN, FORMER MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, LAUNCHED

TRANSPORTING MELBOURNE IN SEPTEMBER.

AN UPGRADE OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL AT STATION

PIER IS RAPIDLY PAYING DIVIDENDS. THE QE2 IS JUST ONE

OF MANY LUXURY CRUISE SHIPS WHICH HAVE CALLED

INTO PORT MELBOURNE THIS SUMMER.

The Southbank Area Transportation Study, LAND USE AND TRANSPORT MODELLING completed in February 1997, examined the impact of new developments in the A comprehensive review of the Department’s Southbank area on transport function, land use and transport modelling requirements particularly the opening of City Link, and was completed early in 1997 and presented 12 the impact of the Casino. to the Department’s Strategic Planning Committee. As a result: From April 1997 responsibility for the ■ co-ordination of cruise shipping activities in an invitation to tender for the supply, Victoria was transferred to the Department. installation and maintenance of land Work began toward the establishment of a use-transport modelling software was Melbourne Cruise Ship Committee and the advertised and at close of 1996-97 tender submissions were being evaluated;

■ guidelines and conditions for prequali- THE SOUTHBANK AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY fication of consultants for the provision WAS COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 1997. of modelling services were prepared (to be released in August 1997); and

■ negotiation of a service agreement with VicRoads for the provision of updated road network and travel demand data began. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES

An investigation of the traffic implications A primary role of the Department is the from the removal of the Flinders Street co-ordination and management of public overpass at King Street was completed in late transport services throughout Victoria. May 1997. Another study focused on tram In support of the public transport reform options for the Sports and Entertainment initiatives led by the Department of Treasury Precinct. and Finance, tenders were sought for the Four options for an integrated road and provision of advice on purchasing require- public transport strategy for the Scoresby ments, which should be specified as part of the Corridor between Ringwood and Frankston transport privatisation offer documentation. were identified and preliminary design and New data bases and analytical tools have assessment undertaken. Three rounds of been developed to upgrade long-term public public consultation included the June 97 transport planning. Modelling and analytical series of public displays and community tools will allow public transport investment workshops. The community responded with proposals to be considered on a similar basis considerable interest to the invitation to to road projects within the Department’s comment on detailed information about the investment appraisal process. road and public transport options. An Environmental Effects Statement will go on Negotiations to develop a 1997-98 service public exhibition early in 1998, including agreement between the Public Transport options incorporating the results of Corporation and the Department of community comments. Infrastructure have begun. Evaluation of 1997-98 capital works bids Substantial progress was made on a suburban was co-ordinated into a single Departmental rail strategy and the development of major program including outer metropolitan cross-town bus services. The Department is arterial road upgrading, increased rural road working to ensure integration between the funding, and the Jolimont train management three modes – train, tram and bus. and track rationalisation project. A $500,000 allocation was provided for modal interchanges in the metropolitan area, The Victorian Government Submission to including the northern side of Croydon the Commonwealth Parliamentary Inquiry Railway station, and the beginning of work into Federal Road Funding (Vaile Inquiry) at Heidelberg. proposed a wide ranging agenda for change including the expansion of the national road Service reviews brought rationalisation to the network in both rural and urban areas to south-eastern suburbs and the redeployment maximise the national economic benefit. of resources to new areas such as Rowville and Swinburne University, and improvements STATEGIC INFORMATION BASE in the Sunbury area. A project to develop a strategic information Automated Ticketing, being developed by the base, including data on development trends, PTC and the external contractor OneLink, 13 was established for infrastructure planning was introduced on Ventura bus services and review. operating from the Knox depot in August ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 1996. This was followed by the implementation of the system at the Ventura Oakleigh depot and the Driver Group in January 1997. These services represent 18 per cent of the metropolitan bus fleet. TENDERS FOR THE SALE OF THE REMAINDER OF THE MET BUS FLEET WERE SOUGHT IN 1996/97. THIS FOLLOWS THE SALE OF THE MAJORITY OF MET BUS TO THE NATIONAL BUS COMPANY IN 1993.

PRIVATISATION About one-third of all passengers on metropolitan public transport use services operated by the private sector. In March 1997, the Government announced plans to privatise the balance of the public transport Passenger Services network. This decision follows the 1993 call for tenders for the operation of country rail METROPOLITAN BUS lines and metropolitan bus services then The metropolitan bus system carried 92.3 provided by the PTC. This resulted in the million passengers in 1996-97, including 6.05 establishment of the National Bus Company million carried by Met Bus (a business unit of as a major service provider in Melbourne and the PTC). the beginning of the operations of West Coast Railway and Hoy’s Roadlines. PTC PERFORMANCE The sale of the Met Bus attracted 34 registra- The continuing rise in public transport tions of interest, and the Department released patronage in 1996-97 reflects improvements the Request for Tender documentation to a in quality and efficiency during the past shortlist of registrants in June. A new financial year. operator is expected to be in place by During the year patronage rose significantly December 1997. This process will complete on V/Line passenger services and Met Train the privatisation of all bus services formerly services. Met Tram also recorded growth, operated by the PTC. The benefits include building on significant patronage gains significant cost savings and improved already made in previous years. services. The Department of Infrastructure and the Department of Treasury and Finance V/Line Passenger patronage grew to reach the are preparing for the privatisation of these highest levels experienced since 1954-55. services and reviewing purchasing options. A new Sprinter service was introduced on the Albury corridor, and V/Line Passenger CONSULTATION re-introduced rail passenger services to The Department administers four Public Echuca. Transport Consultative Committees – In terms of service quality, punctuality for the Victorian Public Transport Forum, the Met Trains has improved substantially in both Accessible Transport Consultative Committee, peak and off-peak services, with all-day the City Circle Tram Promotion Committee punctuality at the highest level since 1983. and the Heritage Advisory Committee. The initial Premium Station program was The Victorian Public Transport Forum completed in mid-1996. Capital funding conducted two meetings in Bendigo and was secured for an additional 10 Premium Traralgon with representatives from local 14 Stations, which will bring to 61 the number governments, local service providers and the of Premium Stations throughout the metro- general public. politan area. These are staffed from first train to last, have improved lighting, closed circuit television on platforms and stations surrounds and have enclosed, fully serviced booking offices and waiting areas. More than 90 per A NUMBER OF BUS EXCHANGES HAVE BEEN REDEVELOPED TO cent of graffiti was removed within 24 hours IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR CUSTOMERS. of it being detected, and general cleanliness TRANSPORT MINISTER ROBIN COOPER WAS ON HAND TO OPEN THE on trains has improved, reflecting an increase UPGRADED FACILITY AT SUNBURY. in customer focus. Tram fleet modernisation and the upgrade of Z1 and Z2 trams continued to schedule and the new Southbank tram depot was commissioned. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Freight Services

CORPORATISATION OF V/LINE FREIGHT AND V/LINE FREIGHT VICTORIAN RAIL TRACK CORPORATION V/Line Freight has had another successful The Department has worked with the year, and a favourable grain harvest resulted Transport Reform Unit of the Department of in a total revenue of $117.8 million and a Treasury and Finance to establish the V/Line 38 per cent increase in export grain tonnage Freight Corporation and the Victorian Rail over 1995-96. Total freight was nearly eight Track Corporation as new entities indepen- million tonnes, more than 15 per cent up on dent of the PTC. Separate boards of directors the previous year. Growth was also achieved have been formed and both organisations in other main market segments including begin operation from 1 July 1997. V/Line container transport, paper, stone and Freight Corporation will operate rail freight resource hire. Staffing reductions of nine services in Victoria and will compete with per cent were made. private sector rail providers in the interstate V/Line Freight secured a new five-year freight market. The Victorian Rail Track contract with the Australian Wheat Board, Corporation will manage construction, and provided locomotive and crew hire to maintenance, access and pricing of all pub- private operators on the interstate network licly-owned non-electrified rail infrastructure, including SCT, TNT and Patrick Rail including the interstate and intrastate Operations. Quality Certification to ISO broad-gauge and standard-gauge rail 9002 Standard was achieved in three of its networks. principal business units.

Improvements

NIGHTRIDER The NightRider service achieved a patronage level of approximately 80,000 a year, including increased services on New Year’s Eve and during the Grand Prix period. The Department extended the Night Rider contract period to May 1998. Other developments included the trial of a seven-day-a-week service in Craigieburn, direct service to the new Crown entertainment complex, and expenditure of $50,000 on promotion of service.

V/LINE FREIGHT SECURED A NEW FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE

AUSTRALIAN WHEAT BOARD AND PROVIDED LOCOMOTIVE AND CREW 15

HIRE TO PRIVATE OPERATORS ON THE INTERSTATE NETWORK. PICTURED

IS AN N-CLASS LOCOMOTIVE IN THE NEW V/LINE LIVERY. ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

THE NIGHTRIDER SERVICE CONTINUED TO OPERATE WITH A STABLE PATRONAGE LEVEL OF APPROXIMATELY 80,000 A YEAR. INCREASES TO NORMAL SERVICE LEVELS WERE MADE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE AND DURING THE GRAND PRIX WEEKEND. SERVICE DELIVERY AND PUNCTUALITY

Service Delivery Punctuality Target % Actual % Target % Actual %

Private Rail 1,2 West Coast 99.0 100.0 95.0 88.8 Hoys 99.0 99.6 95.0 95.8

Met Trains 3 All day 99.5 99.1 93.5 94.8 Combined peaks - - 89.0 92.4

Met Tram All day 99.6 99.8 86.0 86.0

Met Bus All day 99.5 99.8 86.0 86.0

V/Line Passenger Interurban 2 99.5 99.8 93.5 92.3 Intercity 1,2 99.5 99.9 96.0 94.5 Road coach 3 99.5 100.0 98.5 98.7 1. Punctuality is recorded as within 10 minutes of the Private Bus scheduled arrival time 2. Service delivery figures Country - 100.0 - 99.2 include coach substitutes Metropolitan - 100.0 - 87.0 3. Arrival within five minutes of schedule. 4. Services departing within 4 Freight 99.0 99.6 90.0 91.0 15 minutes and arriving within 30 minutes of schedule.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT PATRONAGE

1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 Million Million Million Million Metropolitan Rail 101.0 105.4 109.2 112.6 Tram 104.0 108.6 114.1 115.4 Bus1 89.8 91.8 94.2 92.3

Country V/Line 6.2 6.4 7.0 7.3 16 Private rail2 0.436 0.455 0.452 0.475 Private bus 11.21 11.41 11.1033 10.93

Interstate XPT and overland4 0.327 0.409 0.515 0.514

Total 312.937 324.422 336.617 339.469

Notes:

1. Met Bus, NBC buses and other privately operated services. 2. Private rail on Shepparton and Warrnambool services. Includes a small component of V/Line patronage 1993-94 so as to provide accurate yearly comparisons. Also includes patronage on the coach extension between Shepparton and Cobram. 3. Figure previously reported as 11.418 million. The previous figure was overstated by 300,000 due to double counting of Geelong Transfers. 4. Overland passenger services withdrawn in September 1994 (1994-95) to enable standard gauge works to be completed and

DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT has now been reinstated. Daylight XPT service commenced in period 7 (1994-95). DURING THE YEAR THE PATRONAGE OF MET TRAIN INCREASED BY 3.1 PER CENT. HERE A SIX-CAR COMENG TRAIN ENTERS THE BURNLEY LOOP AT SPENCER STREET STATION.

A number of enhancements were introduced on the Portland Town Service including an extension to a new housing estate and provision of a school town service to the Portland North Primary School. At Mildura, an additional service was introduced to UPFIELD RAIL LINE Irymple schools to meet increased demand. The Government announced the decision A major review of the Bellarine Transit system to retain the Upfield rail line and the began in April 1997. The review aims to Department has worked with Moreland City identify cost-effective service improvements Council and the PTC on the issues involved. through consultation with local councils, bus They include the closure of streets and the operators and the public. Sixty-eight public temporary closure of the Upfield rail line submissions have been received. between Flemington Bridge and Macaulay Railway Station for six months to allow for the safe construction of City Link.

COUNTRY AND INTERSTATE SERVICES A NEW SPRINTER SERVICE WAS INTRODUCED ON THE ALBURY CORRIDOR AND V/LINE PASSENGER REINTRODUCED RAIL The Department manages the operation of PASSENGER SERVICES TO ECHUCA. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: LOUISE all country route bus and private rail services DOBSON, ALAN BROWN, FORMER MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT and the State-wide operation of the contract AND DANNI ROCHE. school bus system, and monitors the provision of V/Line Passenger services and the interstate rail services operating to Sydney and Adelaide. The Department managed 495 route services carrying 11.4 million passengers and utilising more than 390 buses at an annual contract cost of $30 million, plus the service contract for the two private train services operating between Melbourne and Warrnambool and Melbourne and Shepparton, accounting for more than 450,000 passenger journeys a year.

COUNTRY BUS SERVICES A weekday service was introduced to residential areas in Bendigo East and to provide 17 access to the Victorian Training Group Employment Agency and Retail Skills Centre. The Shepparton Transit System was extended ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 to Kialla Lakes housing estate, and in Ballarat, Sunday services were initiated between the railway station and Sovereign Hill and the Botanic Gardens.

THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT FORUM CONDUCTED A MEETING IN TRARALGON FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. SCHOOL TRANSPORT School bus services were monitored for conformity with Department of Education policy and contractual conditions. Approximately 74,000 pupils were conveyed to and from school on each school day in WORK WAS CONTINUED WITH THE PTC TO IMPROVE 1996-97, using more than 1,600 school zcontract vehicles, at a total cost of $92.8 SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. million. Five additional services were introduced at an annual cost of $176,000

and 119 older vehicles were replaced. NEW CONTRACTS FOR BUS SERVICES More than 50 network reviews were New incentive-based contracts were conducted and savings of $1.25 million developed in consultation with the private were identified. bus industry to improve services to the New cost benchmarks for school bus public. The industry benchmarks provide the services have also been established and the basis of the contract offers for metropolitan negotiation and implementation of revised bus companies which are to be finalised contractual arrangements presents the major during the course of 1997-98. challenge in 1997-98. TRANSPORT COMPETITION ACT VICTRIP The Department prepared draft Public The Department began the implementation Transport Competition Regulations under of a ‘one-stop-shop’ for customer inquiries, the Public Transport Competition Act 1995. information and service reservations. VicTrip, These have been endorsed by the Bus Victoria’s Official Public Transport Internet Operator Accreditation Committee and a Site, was launched in 1997, and is the most regulatory impact statement is being prepared comprehensive and widely used public for legislative process and public comment. transport site in Australia. VicTrip contains timetables for all metropolitan train and tram DISABILITY SERVICES services, as well as country and interstate The Department continued meeting with trains. The site includes a photographic senior citizen and disability groups to raise archive, special events and tourism awareness of the benefits and services information. Over the next year, VicTrip will available to them, and liaised with the PTC become the provider of information to for similar improvements. The Disability customers requiring advice by telephone on Services Office on the Flinders Street Station all Victoria’s public transport services. Concourse was improved to allow people with disabilities access to the Department’s disability services unit. 18 BUS INTERCHANGES TRANSPORT MINISTER, ROBIN COOPER, LAUNCHES VICTRIP. Improvements have been made to facilities at a number of bus interchanges, including those at Warrnambool, Heidelberg, Sunshine and Croydon.

BICYCLE FACILITIES PROGRAM More than $400,000 was spent on bicycle facilities at suburban stations, including lockers, shelters and leaning rails. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT NATIONAL RAIL CORPORATION Victoria is a shareholder in the National Rail Corporation along with the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments. As required under legislation, a number of State-owned locomotives and wagons have been transferred to National Rail. VERY HIGH SPEED TRAINS Shareholders began a study into the possible Following the Nixon Committee Review sale of National Rail in line with the into the benefits of introducing very high Government’s policy for greater private speed trains, the Department participated in sector involvement in the provision of rail a review by the Commonwealth, New South services. Wales and ACT Governments of a proposal by Speedrail Pty Ltd for a very high speed TRACK ACCESS train between Sydney and Canberra. The The Department and the PTC have Government is calling for expressions of negotiated access arrangements with private interest for private sector consortia to rail operators resulting in SCT, TNT and develop, finance, construct and operate such Patrick Rail Operations now providing rail a service. The Department is represented on freight services between Melbourne, Adelaide the group which is managing the selection and Perth. Negotiations are continuing to process to ensure that the technology selected formalise access arrangements with the for the Sydney–Canberra service can be National Rail Corporation and other extended to Melbourne and can compete operators wishing to gain access to Victoria’s with air services between Melbourne and interstate and intrastate rail and tram Sydney. networks. OTHER DANGEROUS GOODS The City Circle Tram won a Certificate of The Department has worked with the Merit at the 1996 Victorian Tourism Awards, Commonwealth Government and other and patronage has increased to more than jurisdictions to develop national rules for the three million passengers a year. transport of dangerous goods by rail (Rail (Dangerous Goods) Rules). These rules form The Keep Australia Beautiful Stationeers a schedule to the Australian Code for the program has expanded and included land- Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and scaping work and the planting of flower Rail and are consistent with recently beds. introduced changes for road transport. The Department was involved in the placement of 52 Australian Posters passenger shelters in the metropolitan area at no cost to government. 19 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

THE KEEP AUSTRALIA BEAUTIFUL STATIONEERS PROGRAM HAS EXPANDED TO ENABLE MORE COMMUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED IN IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING THEIR LOCAL RAILWAY STATION. ROAD AND ROAD USE MANAGEMENT

MELBOURNE CITY LINK Between March 1996 and June 1997, the City Link project progressed from the negotiation stage to major construction activity. The total Design and Construct contract for the project is worth $1.2 billion, with the subcontract for the Western Link valued at $500 million. Construction expenditure is around $30 million monthly. The Melbourne City Link Authority has completed acquisition of approximately 90 AS A PRELIMINARY STAGE TO THE BUILDING OF FEDERATION per cent of all land required for the project SQUARE, THE JOLIMONT RAIL LINES WILL BE REDUCED FROM and issued the necessary licences; monitored 53 TRACKS TO 12. compliance by Transurban with its contractual responsibilities under the agreement and the State Works Agreement; consulted and co-ordinated with public bodies, and The Department deals with long-term monitored quality procedures. issues on the development of public and road transport and integrates this planning into the broader economic, land use, transport, environmental and social framework for the State. The Department works with VicRoads, Melbourne City Link Authority and others to provide an efficient road system and manage road use. Details of the authorities’ operations are included in their annual reports. Road System Development VicRoads is progressively implementing a number of key government strategies to improve business competitiveness and make Victoria a better place to live, work and do business:

■ Stitch in Time, road maintenance strategy; AS PART OF MELBOURNE CITY LINK PROJECT, ON THE

■ Linking Victoria, rural roads strategy; TULLAMARINE FREEWAY THE STRUCTURE OVER MOONEE PONDS CREEK HAS BEEN WIDENED AND RETAINING WALLS ■ 20 Transporting Melbourne, Metropolitan AND ABUTMENTS HAVE BEEN CONSTRUCTED. transport strategy;

■ the National Roads Strategy; and

■ Victoria’s Bridges, the bridge management strategy.

AS PART OF AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAM OF WORKS FOR THE JOLIMONT PRECINCT, IT IS PROPOSED TO EXTEND EXHIBITION STREET TO JOIN CITY LINK. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT THE EASTERN FREEWAY EXTENSION TO SPRINGVALE ROAD IS ON TARGET TO BE FINISHED BY THE END OF 1997.

ROADS AND PORTS MINISTER, GEOFF CRAIGE, OFFICIATES AS THE METROPOLITAN RING ROAD IS COMPLETED WITH THE OPENING OF THE PLENTY ROAD TO DALTON ROAD, THOMASTOWN SECTION.

RING ROADS Progress on Melbourne’s outer ring road saw completion of the Western Ring Road from the Princes Highway West to the Hume EASTERN AND SOUTH EASTERN FREEWAYS Highway and completion of the Metropolitan The extension of the Eastern Freeway to Ring Road, from Plenty Road to Dalton Springvale Road is on target to be completed Road, Thomastown. by the end of 1997. The South Eastern Freeway upgrade was completed to enhance access to major industrial and residential areas in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.

RURAL CORRIDORS Completion of four-lane divided conditions on the Princes Highway East from Melbourne to Traralgon was achieved in June 1997. The Ballarat Bypass duplication between Woodmans Hill and Sunraysia Highway is nearing completion to provide four lanes from Melbourne to west of Ballarat. Works on the Calder Highway are progressing to achieve mainly freeway conditions from Melbourne to Gisborne by May 1998. THE WESTERN RING ROAD FROM THE PRINCES HIGHWAY

WEST TO THE HUME HIGHWAY WAS COMPLETED.

AUSTROADS PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Austroads national performance indicators provide a benchmark for comparing road 21 system and agency performance. Eighty per

cent of Victoria’s expenditure has benefit ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 cost ratios greater than four, reflecting the superior economic significance of road projects being undertaken in Victoria compared to other States.

COMPLETION OF THE FOUR-LANE DIVIDED CONDITIONS ON THE PRINCES HIGHWAY EAST FROM MELBOURNE TO TRARALGON IN JUNE 1997. SAFETY AND REGULATION

Road System Maintenance Initiatives Progress towards implementation of Stitch in Policy and legislative initiatives within the Time and Victoria’s Bridges strategies included: roads portfolio included: ■ improved targeting of maintenance, ■ amendment to Section 92 of the Road resulting in a reduction in the length of Safety Act 1986 allowing information from undesirable rough pavements by 200 km, VicRoads registration and licensing data- a 0.9 per cent reduction over the past bases to be provided to law enforcement two years; agencies for the investigation and prosecution of crime; ■ improved cost effectiveness through the use of lower cost maintenance treatments; and ■ preparation and tabling of the Government’s response to the ■ bridge replacement and rehabilitation Parliamentary Committee Road Safety projects prioritised in accordance with Committee’s report on the Effects of Victoria’s Bridges; seven bridges were Drugs (other than alcohol) on Road Safety; replaced focusing on B-Double routes to improve road freight efficiency. ■ proposals to amend the tow truck provisions of the Transport Act 1983, including preparation of a public discussion paper Traffic and Road Use Management for release in July 1997. Traffic flow was improved for safer and less The Driver Instructor Consultative congested travel with 155 km of principal Committee, established by the Minister for routes treated during the year. The ‘Drive Roads and Ports, advised on the need for Time’ system is now operational along the minimum standards in the industry in a draft South Eastern Freeway between Punt Road report released for public comment in June and Wellington Road providing better traffic 1997. The final report is to be presented to information for road users. Victoria was the the Minister in August 1997. first State to implement a package of 10 national heavy vehicle reforms aimed at reducing the cost of moving freight and Road Safety improving safety. The Victorian road safety strategy, Safety Regulation of the transport environment First received an Engineering Excellence to provide safe and efficient travel for Award from the Institution of Engineers Victorians is a key priority for the Australia and the Prime Minister’s Award Department, the PTC and VicRoads. for innovation in government in the category of co-ordinated programs. VicRoads’ Road Safety Program has acted on 150 blackspot and blacklength hazardous 22 locations aiming for a reduction of 1500 casualty crashes over 15-20 years. The Government’s response to the Report of the Road Safety Committee of Parliament on the Effects of Drugs (Other than Alcohol) on Road Safety in Victoria will result in an integrated program of research, the development of roadside and standard impairment tests, legislation changes and public information campaigns in the next financial year. Heavy vehicle safety initiatives have been developed and implemented with 25 road transport industry bodies. These included the development of a draft Guide to Meeting Occupational Health and Safety Duty of Care code and the promotion of the Seat Belts in DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Trucks campaign. Registration and Licensing

Registration and licensing strategies are In February 1997 the final section of the new aimed at providing efficient and effective taxi-driver training program, the Knowledge nationally consistent, customer-orientated of Melbourne Test, was introduced. services for driver licensing, vehicle registration, revenue collection and driver From 1 July 1997, the administration of and vehicle information. buses (excluding route buses) in Victoria will transfer from VicRoads to the Department. Completed projects include the introduction of computerised testing of licence applicants’ A Taxi Driver Safety Committee chaired by knowledge and instant-issue driver licences. the Department and drawn from the taxi industry, education sector and the Victoria Other continuing projects include active Police was established in February 1995 to participation in the development of the advise on the safety of taxi-drivers. In May Electronic Service Delivery network, develop- 1997, taxi-drivers were surveyed on the ment of the National Exchange of Vehicle subject of violence and possible solutions. and Driver Licensing System, continued development of a National Vehicle Securities Eighteen joint enforcement exercises were Register, the development of national conducted with Victoria Police and the driver-licensing conditions and the redesign Sheriff ’s Office. Illegal touting at Melbourne of the driver-licensing system. Airport and the operation of unlicensed commercial passenger vehicles was also Taxi Regulation targeted. Officers issued 1,463 infringement notices, 1,323 defect notices, 24 notices of In December 1996 the Department entered unroadworthiness, investigated a further into an agreement with Central Booking 1,103 matters, and carried out 7,552 taxicab Systems Pty Ltd to operate the single booking inspections. and dispatch system for Melbourne’s 70 wheelchair-accessible multi-purpose taxis. The Department worked to ensure successful operations at major events, including the The Department invited expressions of Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, the opening interest for the re-engineering of the Multi of the Crown Casino, the Three Tenors Purpose Taxi Program, including improved concert and at Melbourne Airport during efficiencies and eradication of fraudulent the construction of the new forecourt and claims against the Program. car parks.

IN DECEMBER AN AGREEMENT WAS ENTERED INTO WITH CENTRAL BOOKING

SYSTEMS TO OPERATE MELBOURNE’S 70 WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE MULTI-

PURPOSE TAXIS. A SINGLE BOOKING AND DISPATCH SYSTEM WILL IMPROVE TAXI SERVICES FOR PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS. 23 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

THE NEW ‘SAFE CITY’ TAXI RANK. A TOTAL OF 1,184 TOW TRUCKS ARE LICENSED TO OPERATE IN VICTORIA.

Tow Truck Regulation The Department is responsible for the licensing of tow trucks, approval of operational depots, operation of accident allocation, issue of accident towing driver authorities, and the monitoring of industry standards. A total of 1,184 tow trucks are licensed to operate in Victoria - 722 accident tow trucks, 38 heavy accident and 424 trade. A total of 582 new applications for accident towing driver authorities and 379 renewals were received, areas are operating under local Codes of and 46 were refused on the ground of Practice. Regular monthly meetings are held ineligibility. with industry-representative organisations to The allocation of accident tow trucks to improve contact with the industry as a whole accident scenes within the controlled area is and to discuss developments. In addition, the undertaken by the Royal Automobile Club Department publishes a quarterly newsletter of Victoria (RACV) Ltd. Over 41,000 informing operators of matters of interest. allocations were made during the year, a 17 per cent increase largely attributable to the Department’s enforcement program, Public Transport Safety particularly audits of repair shops, depots and insurance company records. The Department provides specialist advice, develops and manages safety accreditation The Department administers a demerit point systems for all public transport, including system for towing offences, with a month’s rail, tram and road services, construction and suspension following the accumulation of six maintenance of rail infrastructure and points, three months for 12 points and two rolling stock. years for 18 points. Twenty-eight driver- authority-holders and five tow-truck licence- In October 1996 the Transport (Rail Safety) holders were suspended for one month, one Act 1996 came into operation to improve driver-authority-holder and one licence- rail-based transport by accrediting managers holder incurred three-month suspensions, of rail infrastructure and providers and and one driver-authority-holder lost his operators of rail based transport. The authority for two years. legislation also provides for the recognition of accreditation in another State or Field activities included investigation of com- competency and capacity to meet relevant plaints, random examination of vehicles and safety standards. depot inspections to educate and advise operators so that they are aware of their In April 1997 work began on a regulatory 24 responsibilities under legislation. From 227 impact statement to support the introduction complaints received, breaches of the legisla- of Regulations under the Act. The tion were detected in 129 instances, resulting Regulations will provide a framework for in two matters being referred to the Victoria the accreditation process. Police, 16 official warnings, 60 penalty During the year the Department set up its infringement notices and 51 prosecutions administrative unit and an Accreditation in Magistrate’s Courts. During the year, 283 Panel to evaluate applications and make depots and 613 trucks were inspected. recommendations for the review of rail safety Industry self-management has been promoted accreditation. in major rural centres. In December 1996, Twenty three audits on rail operators and/or Geelong introduced an accident allocation providers were carried out, including audits system funded by the Geelong licence-holders of PTC Business Units. The Public Transport and managed with the Department. Safety Accreditation Panel has reviewed eight Operators in the Ballarat, Cranbourne, applications for accreditation. In the coming Hastings/Mornington Peninsula, year the process will include commercial bus Melton/Bacchus Marsh and Warrnambool operations. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Civic Projects and Development

The management and delivery of large infrastructure projects throughout Victoria has been a major focus of the Department, particularly the Office of Major Projects and the Building Services Agency.

MAJOR PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION

The Office of Major Projects manages large public construction and property development projects. The Office’s primary objective is to achieve effective delivery and meet agreed political, financial, economic and social goals, including revenue, expenditure and time targets. Projects currently under way have an overall capital value in excess of $2 billion. These projects include those launched under the Government’s Agenda 21 initiative, Melbourne’s biggest civic projects program, DICK ROENNFELDT aimed at revitalising and restoring the city to DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF MAJOR its commercial and cultural leadership of PROJECTS Australia by the turn of the century.

25 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

OFFICE OF MAJOR PROJECTS. FROM LEFT, STANDING: DAMIEN BONNICE AND JOHN WESTON, PROJECT DIRECTORS. SEATED: DICK ROENNFELDT, DIRECTOR AND SUE TAYLOR PROJECT DIRECTOR. ABSENT; JON SHIELDS AND IAN HATFIELD, PROJECT DIRECTORS. THE NEW $65 MILLION MELBOURNE SPORTS AND AQUATIC CENTRE IN ALBERT PARK COMBINES DIVERSITY OF AQUATIC SPORTS, DRY-COURT SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN THE ONE CENTRE.

MELBOURNE SPORTS AND AQUATIC CENTRE MUSEUM OF VICTORIA - MORELAND ANNEXE Completion in June 1997 of the Sports and The $6.8 million Moreland Annexe was Aquatic Centre gave Melbourne an interna- completed in October 1996, comprising an tional standard facility. The $65 million off-site conservation laboratory and a secure, Albert Park complex houses eight basketball, atmosphere-controlled storage facility for the 10 squash, 12 badminton and 25 table-tennis bulk of the Museum of Victoria’s larger and courts, and facilities for their associated less frequently used collection items. This sporting bodies. A feature of the centre is the project involved the purchase, renovation 75-metre Olympic-standard swimming pool, and conversion of an existing factory to leisure pool with wave machine and supplement storage space at the new waterslide, and diving pool. The complex Melbourne Museum. also includes show courts, gymnasium and aerobic facilities, a creche, food and STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA beverage, retail and sports medicine outlets. The State Library of Victoria is being Announced under the Government’s Agenda renovated to provide expanded public display 21 program, construction began in January spaces, upgraded reading room facilities, 1996 and was completed ahead of time and automated book storage and retrieval within budget. The Centre will be open to systems, and improved client access. In April the public from July 1997. 1997 the Reference and Information Centre was completed, providing a quality reference REGENT THEATRE and information service. The new north-east Refurbishment has fully restored the grand courtyard will be completed by December Collins Street theatre to a 2,000 seat 1997, with planning for the south-east and auditorium for cinema and stage shows, and south-west courtyards already under way. converted the Plaza Theatre into a ballroom. The library design was developed in consulta- The $25 million project, between the tion with Heritage Victoria to ensure the Government, the City of Melbourne and sensitive treatment of the building while Staged Developments, was completed for a achieving a modern facility. gala opening in August 1996. Sunset Boulevard premiered at the theatre in October 1996.

A GLITTERING PARTY HERALDED THE REOPENING

OF THE REGENT THEATRE IN COLLINS STREET.

MUSEUM OF VICTORIA

26 Construction began on the Carlton Gardens

site in September 1996. The new $250 THE PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR THE ARTS, JEFF KENNETT million Melbourne Museum will incorporate OFFICIALLY OPENED WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS THE ‘MOST the restored Great Hall of the Royal IMPORTANT PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT TO DATE IN THE REDE- Exhibition Building, and will include three VELOPMENT OF THE STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA’ – THE primary exhibition spaces, a Children’s TRESCOWTHICK INFORMATION CENTRE. Museum, an Aboriginal Centre, a travelling exhibition hall, an Imax Theatre and Gallery of Life. The Imax Theatre is scheduled for completion by March 1998, and the entire Museum by mid 2000.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE UNDERGROUND SECTION OF THE MELBOURNE MUSEUM’S IMAX THEATRE AT CARLTON. IT WILL BE THE FIRST SECTION OF THE MUSEUM OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN LATE 1997. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT FEDERATION SQUARE DOCKLANDS STADIUM The demolition of the Gas and Fuel Towers A new high technology multipurpose sports on Flinders Street in May 1997 has made stadium is to be built by the private sector way for the creation of Federation Square, a within Melbourne Docklands to cater for a civic precinct comprising a modern winter- wide range of sporting events, concerts and garden, gallery and performance spaces and a large conventions. Assisting the Docklands cinemedia centre. An architectural design Authority, the Office of Major Projects has competition attracted 177 entries from managed the design development of the around the world. These were shortlisted to base concept for the stadium; documented five in April 1997. The second design stage and tendered bulk earthworks and decontam- of the competition was then undertaken and ination; begun clearance work including a winning design selected by the judging relocation of rail tracks and drainage; panel in June 1997. On-site construction will documented and tendered the construction begin in early 1998 for completion by the of a new freight facility at North Dynon for end of 2000. the relocation of PTC and private freight businesses operating in Docklands, and assisted with the selection of the bidders for the development and operation of the stadium.

OTHER PROJECTS

■ State Archive Centre

■ Spencer Street footbridge

■ Customs House (Immigration Museum)

■ National Air and Space Museum of Victoria

■ National Gallery of Victoria redevelopment

■ Melbourne Park (riverside parkland)

BID PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE MELBOURNE ■ Jolimont residential precinct DOCKLANDS WERE LODGED IN APRIL AND JUNE. ■ Kensington Banks residential development

■ Mont Park (Bundoora) residential development

■ South Wharf cargo sheds

■ Commonwealth Games Bid (2006) preparation 27 ■ Victorian Arts Centre

■ Beacon Cove residential development. ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

A MODEL OF THE REDEVELOPED NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA, SEEN FROM STURT STREET. BUILDING SERVICES AGENCY

The Building Services Agency (BSA) was formed in January 1996 to provide consultancy and project management services to government departments. BSA managed a diverse range of programs and projects. BSA operated solely on the revenue received for services provided, its income achieved on a competitive fee-for-service basis complying with Competition Policy guidelines. The Agency separated from the Office of Building in February 1997 to reinforce its indepen- MIKE MILESI, dence as a property-related consultancy GENERAL MANAGER, service. In April 1997 an Advisory Board BUILDING SERVICES of public and private sector experts was AGENCY appointed to advise BSA on its direction, and progress to corporatisation. BSA retained ISO.9001 1994 certification of its Quality System. All processes have been reviewed and redocumentation of the Quality System began. The revised format will produce a system tuned to the evolving needs of BSA and its employees. The challenge is to achieve continued improvement in quality of service. In May 1997 an independent survey was conducted among 89 clients, measuring their perception of BSA’s performance on 14 key attributes. The results demonstrate that BSA has already exceeded its targets for 1998 in all cases except one. The majority of clients perceive a process of ongoing improvement. During 1996–97 BSA received three awards – the Prime Minister’s Award for people management, the Lightweight Structures Design Award for the amphitheatre at Scienceworks, and the Serif Award for communication through newsletters.

28 BUILDING SERVICES AGENCY MANAGEMENT, FROM LEFT, STANDING: NOEL JENKIN, DIRECTOR, PROPERTY SERVICES;

PETER SINCOE, DIRECTOR, ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT; DAMIEN MEAGHER, MANAGER, FINANCIAL SERVICES. FROM LEFT,

SEATED: MICHAEL MILESI, GENERAL MANAGER; STEPHEN CURNOW, DIRECTOR, DESIGN SERVICES AND PAUL MULGREW, DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. ABSENT: ROBYN NEESON, DIRECTOR, MARKETING. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT PARLIAMENT HOUSE. THE STUNNING FACADE OF THIS MAGNIFICENT MELBOURNE ICON HAS BEEN REVEALED FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF $2.64 MILLION OF STONE CONSERVATION WORKS FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT HERITAGE RESTORATION PROGRAM. BALLARAT POLICE AND COURT COMPLEX BSA designed the new $27 million Ballarat Police and Court complex for the Department of Justice. This consists of a 24-hour police station, custody facility, community correction service, sheriff ’s office, and a six-court complex including a children’s, magistrate’s, county and supreme court. The project, on the former Gas and Fuel site in the heart of Ballarat, will transform this neglected area into a vibrant legal precinct. The siting of the buildings allowed realignment of Grenville Street and construction of a new civic park opposite the courthouse. BSA architects followed the tradition of existing public buildings in Ballarat, providing architectural, structural, civil, hydraulic, cost and project management consultancy services. PARLIAMENT HOUSE EXTERNAL RENOVATION

JANEFIELD/KINGSBURY REDEVELOPMENT The Parliament House stonework restoration and landscaping project which began in PROJECT March 1995 was completed in June 1997 Project management of the $22.1 million using a variety of stone conservation capital program for the Janefield/Kingsbury techniques. redevelopment project involved the purchase, renovation and construction of 46 purpose- built and modified dwellings for people with intellectual disabilities. The construction of the Plenty Residential Service, a new purpose-built residential facility for approximately 100 people with intellectual disabilities, was completed on 10.5 hectares of land at the former Janefield Training Centre. The 23 streetscaped stand-alone BSA CARRIED OUT THE PURCHASE, RENOVATION AND dwellings comprise three, five and six-bed- CONSTRUCTION OF 46 PURPOSE-BUILT AND MODIFIED room units and houses each constructed DOMESTIC DWELLINGS FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL and specially equipped to suit the needs of DISABILITIES. the individual residents and provide a variety of spaces for individual development. Each dwelling reflects the modern accommodation 29 available within the Victorian community and includes innovative equipment and building details. ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

SCHOOL BUILDING ASSESSMENTS A five-month assessment was conducted into the condition of every room in every building of 1,700 schools in the Physical Resource Management System project for the Department of Education. Trained auditors recorded the condition of rooms on hand- held pen computers, and validated data was provided to individual schools and the Department of Education. MILL PARK SECONDARY COLLEGE BSA designed and project managed all stages of both campuses of the Mill Park Secondary College. After completing the $10 million four-stage junior campus, the School Council ALL STAGES OF BOTH CAMPUSES OF MILL PARK SECONDARY engaged BSA as architect and project manager COLLEGE IN MELBOURNE’S NORTHERN SUBURBS, WERE for their $10 million senior campus. The $2.5 million third and final stage is under PROJECT MANAGED BY BSA IN CONSULTATION WITH THE construction. The senior campus is the first SCHOOL. THE SENIOR CAMPUS IS THE FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT purpose-built VCE campus in Victoria. VCE CAMPUS IN VICTORIA. The design draws from both secondary and tertiary education philosophies, and has produced a dynamic, spacious, state-of-the-art learning centre for 1,500 VCE students.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS WITHIN AUSTRALIA ■ Government technical adviser for three new privately-owned prisons, with building works of $150 million.

■ Project management, design and documentation of construction and fit-out on Treasury Reserve for Department of Education - 2 Treasury Place, 33 St Andrews Place, and 2A Treasury Place.

■ Facilitated briefing, client liaison and relocation for the Department of Infrastructure into Nauru House.

■ Provision of strategic advice for Latrobe Regional Hospital.

■ Project managed renovations to BUILDING WORKS OF $12.6 MILLION WERE CARRIED Melbourne Assessment Prison. OUT AT THE MALMSBURY JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTRE. ■ Undertook compliance and condition audits of all police stations, courthouses and TAFE colleges.

30 ■ Managed major maintenance and upgrade work for 49 schools.

■ Project managed Malmsbury Juvenile Justice Centre building works of $12.6 million.

■ Managed the asbestos removal program in schools.

■ Advised Latrobe and Melton councils on asset management.

■ Project managed the refurbishment of Wangaratta Base Hospital. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

BUILDING POLICY INITIATIVES APPLYING THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT The Department has continued its In December 1996 the Department and the participation with peak industry groups at Facility Managers Association of Australia, State and national level. Outcomes include presented a half-day seminar on the the production, of a set of guidelines for risk Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act management entitled Infrastructure through 1992 for building owners and managers. The Private Resourcing, through the Australian seminar was attended by private industry and Procurement and Construction Council. all three levels of government, and key Ongoing seminars were held jointly with the speakers included a human rights lawyer, an Facility Management Association of Australia Atlanta Para-Olympian and an access and and discussion papers produced with the disability design consultant. A practical Construction Industry Institute. application of the Act has been the draft action plan for the Department’s occupancy A program to assist government purchasers of Nauru House. to procure building and development industry services in an efficient, fair and economical SUCCESSFUL BETTER CITIES PROGRAM way included hosting of Inside Storey, a seminar at RMIT’s Storey Hall in March Victoria achieved near completion of its 1997 on infrastructure purchasing. In obligations under the six-year addition Tendering Guidelines for the Commonwealth- State Better Cities Victorian Public Sector were released in Agreement, and an Agreement of Variation February 1997, and Draft Guidelines on to the Area Strategy milestones in the Project Initiation and Qualification Criteria Commonwealth-State Agreement resulted in were released in March 1997. full Commonwealth payments of outstanding funds to Victoria. Ministerial Direction No. 2, Contractual Provisions for Public Construction, came into VICTORIA IN FUTURE effect on 1 December 1996, standardising contractual arrangements for government Population projections to 2021, published building works and related consultancy in Victoria in Future in November 1996, services, and facilitating security of payment presented as an agreed set of forecasts, have in the industry. become an important tool for the co-ordination of infrastructure and other investment across the State. The projections cover total populations, age and sex of those populations and households, and provide the most sophisticated sub-State population forecasts. They are a useful tool for anyone investing in Victoria and contribute to better investment decisions. Demographic information has been matched with data on land availability and regional economies to produce a likely future 31 development pattern for Victoria. More than 40 workshops have been held to promote the use of the projections. ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

JON HICKMAN, DEPUTY SECRETARY ADDRESSING THE LAUNCH OF VICTORIA IN FUTURE.

THE DEPARTMENT HOSTED THE SUCCESSFUL INSIDE STOREY, A SEMINAR AT RMIT’S STOREY HALL, WHICH ATTRACTED MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE INVOLVED IN INFRASTRUCTURE PURCHASING FOR VICTORIAN AGENCIES. GOOD URBAN DESIGN The Growth of Melbourne, 1840 to 2021 40km 35km The Department has provided creative urban 30km 25k m 20km design input to key projects and programs, 15km 15k m 10km 10k m 5km 5km 5km supporting the development of design guidelines, improved processes and outcomes.

1840 1928 1951 Urban design will become a key component Population Population Population 10,000 1,000,000 1.4 million of the next phase of planning reform. Urban

40km 40km 40km 35km 35km 35km design aspects of several significant medium 30km 30km 30km 25k m 25k m 25k m density housing developments in Central 20km 20km 20km 15k m 15k m 15k m 10k m 10k m 10k m Melbourne and Southbank were facilitated, 5km 5km 5km and assistance in civic projects including City Link, Docklands and Federation Square, was 1971 1971 2021 Population Population Population 2.5 million 2.5 million 3.8 million provided.

Source: 1840 to 1971 - ABS, Victorian Year Books 1993 and 1994 (Cat. No. 1300.2) The Department participates in the Safer Cities and Shires program, with urban design as an essential component of the strategy VICTORIA’S POPULATION IS PREDICTED TO TOP aimed at reducing crime and violence. 3.8 MILLION BY 2021 SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS The Construction Supplier Register Advisory Group was established to enhance communication with clients and peak industry bodies

THE TRANSPORT RESEARCH CENTRE over the selection of suppliers for government projects. For the past three years, the Department has supported the development of a strategic During 1996-97, two industry forums featur- transport data base for Melbourne. The ing visiting international experts were held survey, undertaken by the Transport Research for the local construction industry. Centre, collects information on trips and Design resolution of the proposed visitors’ other activities of Melburnians. It is unique centre at the Nobbies was achieved through in its scope and potential application. Sample a communication strategy which included sizes make the survey a valuable planning workshops with the various stakeholders. tool for business, and provide information on user characteristics of destinations such as Customer surveys to establish demand for shopping centres and participants in sporting and satisfaction with planning and heritage activities, etc. The survey also details the products and services have led to the devel- daytime location of people, complementing opment of a Products and Services Strategy census information for activities including and the establishment of a Client Information retail planning. Service. Work began on a contact database to link customer usage. 32 VICTORIA IN TIME The Department’s Leadership and Strategic Published in November 1996, Victoria in Management Program received a high Time summarises census data for the 78 local commendation in the 1997 Prime Minister’s government areas from the 1981, 1986 and Awards for Excellence in the Public Sector. 1991 census and shows important trends pertinent to the Ministerial Strategic Statements. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT HERITAGE THERE IS AN INCREASED DIVERSITY OF HERITAGE PLACES PROTECTED AND FOOTSCRAY PARK WAS THE FIRST GARDEN ADDED TO THE VICTORIAN HERITAGE REGISTER.

The Department identifies, assesses and recommends places for addition to the Victorian Heritage Register. During the first full year of operation, implementation of the new Heritage Act 1995 increased the diversity of heritage places protected including, along with more than 50 significant historic mining sites: ■ St Vincent’s Place;

■ Federal Oak at Parliament House, the first INNOVATIVE GOVERNMENT HERITAGE tree on the register significant for its asso- RESTORATION PROGRAM ciation with the Australian Federal Convention of 1890-91; and In its third year of operation, the $16 million Government Heritage Restoration Program ■ Footscray Park the first garden on the has funded the restoration of more than 160 register, the largest and most intact historic public buildings in urgent need of Edwardian period garden in Victoria. repair. A total of $4.2 million was spent on buildings across the State. Melbourne’s Assessments have been finalised at Moonee Queen Victoria Women’s Centre was Valley, Moreland, Maribyrnong and converted from the remaining tower of the Manningham and during 1997 will place a historic Queen Victoria Hospital Complex, focus on the municipalities of Bendigo and supported by a $130,000 contribution Mt Alexander. towards the restoration of the external Three new interpretive guides have been facade. published. Wrecks on the Reef enhances visitor The facade of Melbourne’s Parliament House understanding of more than 40 historic was revealed following the completion of shipwrecks around Port Phillip Heads and $2.64 million worth of stone conservation can be used by underwater and land-based works to the main entry. The dilapidated enthusiasts alike. The Bay, Barwon and exterior of the Edwardian timber Corryong Beyond – Heritage Places of Geelong, a guide Magistrates Court was restored with a to the cultural tourism attractions of Geelong. $15,414 grant. The restoration of the facade Warrock, is a colourful guide to the Warrock of the 1887 building, Gordon Institute of homestead in far western Victoria, one of TAFE in Geelong, was funded with a Australia’s most significant heritage $167,000 grant. properties. Beechworth Primary School, a 1875 building, had $89,000 spent on repairs to the slate roof and the reinstatement of the belltower. A $44,000 grant was also provided for the restoration of the side and rear facades of 33 Kyneton District Hospital. The surviving buildings, structures and ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 features in Pipemakers Park, Maribyrnong, including three outstanding examples of nineteenth century factories featuring local basalt stone, will be restored.

THE COLOURFUL GUIDE TO THE 57 PICTURESQUE TIMBER BUILD- INGS THAT MAKE UP THE WARROCK HOMESTEAD IN WESTERN VICTORIA IS ONE OF THREE NEW INTERPRETIVE BOOKS PRODUCED DURING THE YEAR. BOOST FOR LOCAL HERITAGE HERITAGE LEGISLATION A total of $150,000 has been provided to Implementation of the Heritage Act 1995 has 30 municipalities to employ heritage advisers. been smooth and its processes are clearer and All municipalities administering heritage more accessible. Amendments to the Act in controls can apply for assistance under this 1997 addressed technical errors identified program – an important example of State through the ongoing monitoring and and local government protection of Victoria’s consultation with key stakeholders. Heritage heritage. Municipalities are required to Victoria and the Melbourne City Council match the Heritage Adviser Program’s have instituted a pilot program to trial the contribution on a dollar-for-dollar basis. delegation of Heritage Act permits to local councils designed to reduce turnaround time. FEDERATION SITES The granting of permit exemptions at the Victoria has been selected to manage the time of registration has improved efficiency National Estate Grants Centenary of for building owners and reduced associated Federation project on behalf of all States and workload. More than $23,000 has been the Commonwealth. The two-year project raised from the introduction of fees for will result in a comprehensive inventory of permits under the Act. places associated with the Federation of Australia and a history of Federation. The Government Policy for the purchase and sale of land is currently being reviewed. REVIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS The reviewed policy confirms existing government policy and provides all REGISTER government departments with an opportunity The Department is conducting a rigorous to obtain a level of accreditation reflective of reappraisal of the Government Buildings their level of expertise and experience. Register, to reduce confusion over the operation of dual registers for private and publicly owned buildings and to ensure that important historic buildings previously included on the Register but no longer in government ownership are protected by the Victorian Heritage Register. The Department is working with government agencies to identify the heritage assets under their management.

CONSTRUCTED BETWEEN 1890 AND 1895, THE BENDIGO LAW COURTS IS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S FINEST NINETEENTH CENTURY PUBLIC BUILDINGS. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Local Government and Statutory Planning

The Department’s responsibilities for local government, planning and development include policy direction, setting of standards, and statutory controls and facilitation of economic activity.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The majority of Victorian councils had their COMPULSORY COMPETITIVE TENDERING rates frozen to 1995-96 levels, ensuring The Compulsory Competitive Tendering councils examine their expenditure priorities (CCT) provisions of the Local Government carefully and focus on providing services to Act required councils to submit 50 per cent the community. In 1997-98, rates will be of their operating expenditure to competitive capped to increase no more than the rate of tendering during 1996-97. Realising the inflation less one per cent (that is, 0.7 per Benefits, a report on the second year of CCT cent). Councils can vary rates by a maximum contained a summary of the CCT achieve- of three per cent to meet unfunded superan- ments of each council and explanations from nuation liabilities. Councils which retained the nine councils which failed to meet the 30 proceeds from the privatisation of electricity per cent target for 1995-96. Almost $940 distribution businesses in 1995 will not be million worth of local government work in permitted to raise additional rate revenue to 1995-96 was subject to competitive tender, meet unfunded superannuation liabilities. representing about 37 per cent of the aggre- Certain councils have been allowed to raise gate operating expenditure. An independent additional rates and charges, principally to panel appointed to review the implementation meet EPA capital requirements for waste of CCT received more than 130 submissions management. and made recommendations to streamline councils’ tendering processes. A number of NATIONAL COMPETITION POLICY these were included as part of the Local From 1 July 1997 all councils must comply Government (Further Amendment) Bill 1997, with competitively neutral pricing principles in which was passed during the autumn session accordance with National Competition Policy. of Parliament. A Guide to Implementing Competitively Neutral Pricing Principles, published by the LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION Department of Treasury and Finance in May The Local Government (Further Amendment) 1997, forms a guide for State and local Bill 1997 also defined the Chief Executive government agencies. The Department of Officer’s powers, alterations to the provisions 35 Infrastructure is working with the Department of the payment of interest on overdue rates of Premier and Cabinet to develop guidelines

and charges, the establishment of local ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 to assist all councils in preparing in-house bids government panels in place of the Local and reviewing their local laws to ensure they Government Board. The changes also require do not restrict competition. councils to notify the Minister formally before resolving to dismiss a CEO or decide their remuneration.

IN FEBRUARY 1997 A NEW INTERNET FACILITY WAS LAUNCHED BY ROBERT MACLELLAN, MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AT THE TOORAK- SOUTH YARRA LIBRARY CUSTOMER SERVICE INITIATIVES In June 1997, the Department received a Improved local government customer grant of $2.5 million from the Community service included publication of the quarterly Support Fund to expand and upgrade mobile newsletter, SuperService; the establishment library services in country Victoria, by of an advisory committee to oversee the installing wheelchair hoists and mobile introduction of service charters for councils, trailers to improve access for people with specifying time frames and quality levels; and disabilities. the development of ‘Maxi’, an electronic service delivery system developed with LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS Multimedia Victoria as part of the State Elections were held for 55 of Victoria’s 78 Government’s Victoria 21 strategy. councils in March 1997, completing the Manningham City Council and Moira Shire return to elected councillors for all Victorian Council participated in the pilot program for municipalities except Melton Shire Council, this project and will be included on Maxi where residents voted to retain when the system is launched later in 1997. Commissioners until March 1999. A total of 1,392 candidates contested the 394 vacancies SERVICES TO KOORIE COMMUNITIES across the 55 councils, representing an A major study examining the interaction average of 3.5 nominations for each vacancy, between Koorie communities and councils compared to 1.6 nominations in the 1993 in delivering services was launched by the elections. An overall voter participation rate Minister for Planning and Local Government of 72.4 per cent was achieved, representing in November 1996. The study, Building an increase of 2.4 per cent over 1993. Relationships, focused on seven Koorie com- Participation rates were higher among the 39 munities and highlighted situations where councils using postal voting (75 per cent) councils and the communities are working than among the 16 councils using attendance closely to define service requirements and voting (70 per cent). A total of 1.2 million provide services. The report was widely ballot papers were distributed for councils disseminated among Victorian councils and holding postal elections and more than Koorie communities. 900,000 postal votes were cast, representing Australia’s biggest postal ballot to date. MULTICULTURAL FORUM In May 1997 the Department and the Multicultural Affairs Unit of the Department of Premier and Cabinet hosted a seminar to showcase examples of local government service provision to multicultural communities. More than 230 delegates attended the conference which is expected to become an annual event. 36 LIBRARY SERVICES Total funding of $21 million was provided for public library services, and a major review of public library funding programs was undertaken by the Libraries Board of Victoria. The review recommended the introduction of negotiated triennial service agreements with councils and regional library corporations for the receipt of government library grants. This concept received widespread support during the consultations. The Department has established an industry-based working group to assist it in introducing the agreements during 1997-98. THE NEWLY ELECTED MONASH COUNCIL. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Other key features of the election were: 23 MUNICIPAL SERVICES per cent of candidates were women; 21 per The Department works with councils in cent (84) of the vacancies were filled by their economic development activities. women; 28 per cent of candidates had Together with the Department of Treasury previously been councillors, and 50 per cent and Finance, it evaluates applications for the of the vacancies were filled by candidates approval of municipal enterprise projects who had previously been councillors. under section 193 of the Local Government Following the elections, four applications Act 1989. A summary of these activities can were made to convene the Municipal be found in Appendix 5. Electoral Tribunal. Findings of the Tribunal The Victorian Government provides funding can be found in Appendix 5. to assist councils with the provision of translation and interpreting services. In 1996- MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION 97, $226,000 was made available for this The Department undertook two major purpose. A line of credit, which provided investigations dealing with possible breaches access to services provided by Victorian of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Interpreting and Translating Services, was Local Government Act 1989 by a allocated on the basis of the number of Commissioner of the Strathbogie Shire residents in each council area with low Council; and possible breaches of the proficiency in English. electoral provisions of the Act relating to The Department administers the the conduct of candidates and other persons Government’s beach-cleaning-subsidy at 25 councils during the March 1997 program, and paid 47 councils a total of elections. $1 million to clean sanded areas of beaches, In December 1996 a Commissioner was lakes and waterways. appointed to undertake an inquiry into matters at the Darebin City Council. The Commissioner’s report, tabled in Parliament in May 1997, pointed to a failure of the Council to maintain good governance. Subsequently, an Administrator of Darebin was appointed following the suspension of councillors.

37 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 PLANNING

The Victoria Planning Provisions (VPPs) STATE PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK introduced in December 1996 established Existing land use planning policy was co- new format planning schemes. They were ordinated in one easy-to-use source, the State developed in partnership with local govern- Planning Policy Framework, a key component ment and include: State Planning Policy of the new Victoria Planning Provisions. One Framework; 25 standard zones; 19 overlays; of the main thrusts of planning reform is to Particular Provisions; and administrative link State policy with local planning and to requirements. Councils must now incorporate move beyond a narrow regulatory focus. The Municipal Strategic Statements which guide Framework supports this by providing a decisions and outline the future directions for simple, well-integrated statement of State their land use and development. policy for land use and development in The new provisions provide clarity for land Victoria. owners and property developers and contain The Framework will be periodically extended a heritage overlay control which identifies and modified as particular policy issues are places of heritage significance at a local level, reviewed and government policy is revised. as well as all places included in the Victorian Various changes will be incorporated as a Heritage Register. The VPPs are more flexible result of the series of policy reviews conducted and promote permits as the usual form of during the year. planning approval, reducing the need for planning scheme amendments. The enabling POLICY REVIEWS legislation for this new format, the Planning and Environment (Planning Schemes) Act Policy reviews completed include: Issues on 1996, was proclaimed on 17 December 1996. the Urban Fringe; Car Parking Provisions in Eighteen councils met the 30 June 1997 Victorian Planning Schemes; Advertising target date for the exhibition of new format Signs Policy along Major Routes; planning schemes. Development Control Techniques to Achieve Good Built Form and Design Outcomes; Planning Policies for Cinema Based Entertainment Facility Developments, and the Victorian Code for Residential Development - Subdivisions and Single Dwellings MINISTER ROBERT MACLELLAN AT THE LAUNCH (VicCode1). Reviews under way include the OF THE VICTORIA PLANNING PROVISIONS. review of Subdivision (Body Corporate) Regulations 1989; Implied Easements Provisions in the Subdivision Act and the review of Referral Authorities.

REFERENCE GUIDE TO PLANNING POLICIES AND GUIDELINES Published in 1997, the Reference Guide to 38 Planning Policies and Guidelines brings together a range of sources of information about policy directions which may affect planning decisions. It is designed to support strategic planning and decision making on land use at local and State level and is published in book form and on diskette. It will be regularly updated. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT THE DEPARTMENT COMPLETED THE MOUNT STIRLING EES WHICH GENERATED MORE THAN 600 SUBMISSIONS

ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT In February 1997, the Government announced its decision to retain Mount Stirling as an all-season, nature-based recreational and educational destination, and ruled out the development of downhill skiing CAPITAL CITY POLICY on the mountain for at least 15 years. The The second annual review of Victoria’s decision was based on the recommendations Capital City Policy was published in of an independent panel which considered November 1996 as a joint initiative of the more than 600 submissions on the Victorian Government and the Melbourne Environment Effects Statement. City Council. It highlighted progress on all Other inquiries under the Environment Effect commitments of the Capital City Policy, Act 1967 were completed for the upgrade of including restoration of the Yarra as a living the Black Forest Section of the Calder artery of Melbourne. Highway, the Fosterville Gold Mine and the Eastern Gas Pipeline. The latter inquiry was PLANNING LEGISLATION conducted jointly under the Victorian In addition to framing the 1996 amendments Pipelines Act 1967 and the NSW to the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act the planning legislation support function 1979. advised on legislation and regulations, As a result of investigations set in train by including proposed reform of administrative the June 1996 assessment for the Point Lillias tribunals, body corporate inquiries, covenants, chemical storage project, it was announced planning and regulation of brothels, adult sex on 24 June 1997 that the relocation of the bookshops, access to easements, and Coode Island chemical storage facility would subdivision procedures. not proceed. The Government is now satisfied that adequate safety standards can GOOD DESIGN GUIDE be achieved at Coode Island. Seminars were conducted in suburban Three mining projects in Bendigo, the and country Victoria to assist designers, Shepparton Bypass, the prescribed wasteland developers and builders to use the Good fill at Werribee and the Webb Dock Design Guide as a tool for improving design development are currently subject to quality and to ensure that medium-density Environmental Effects Statements. housing developments are sensitive to their environment. The Department has commissioned a series of 10 practical notes on the Guide, covering visual privacy, building bulk, lot configuration options, problems on slopes, tree protection, innovative architectural styles, car parking, 39 access to sites and traffic management. The MINISTER MACLELLAN PROMOTES QUALITY notes will be published in late 1997. URBAN DESIGN OUTCOMES AT A GOOD DESIGN ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 GUIDE SEMINAR. ALPINE PLANNING Under the new management system for Alpine resorts announced on 11 March 1997, planning responsibilities will be transferred from the Alpine Resorts Commission to the Minister for Planning and Local Government. Draft provisions have been prepared in accordance with the new State-wide Victoria Planning Provisions. They will ensure consistent application of standard zones and sound environmental management. MONITORING AND FORECASTING PANELS MELBOURNE’S GROWTH Independent panels are appointed to The Department has extended its monitoring consider planning scheme amendments, and forecasting program to cover all of Environmental Effects Statements and metropolitan Melbourne in recognition of planning permits referred to the Minister the more balanced pattern of housing for decision. The panels are also providing development between the inner suburbs and consultation for policy review, both generally the outer growth areas. The publication of and for specific projects through the appoint- the first Residential Redevelopment in ment of advisory committees under Section Melbourne report and the Residential Land 151 of the Planning and Environment Act Bulletin will culminate in the release, in late 1987. During the year, 224 panels and 1997, of the first Residential Land Release advisory committees were appointed and 202 Forecast. These activities will assist decision- reports prepared. The Minister accepted 93 making on matters such as infrastructure and rejected eight of the panels’ recommen- investment, and promote strategic planning dations on planning scheme amendments. in both public and private sectors. PLANNING/ADVISORY COUNCIL ELECTRONIC RURAL PLANNING SCHEMES Established in September 1993 the Planning The conversion of hard copy rural planning Advisory Council provides independent scheme maps into digital format for the advice on land-use planning and development. Geographic Information System was Its activities included a review of the tribunal completed. This system will provide quality systems within the Administrative Appeals coloured maps of municipal schemes and Tribunal and a review of the building and planning scheme maps over regions of planning approvals process. the State.

The Department assisted some councils by GOVERNMENT LAND digitising their proposed reform schemes. MONITORING The conversion of planning scheme maps will further the Department’s objective of providing councils, business and the public The Government Land Monitor (GLM) with consolidated digital planning scheme ensures real estate transactions undertaken by data across Victoria. government departments and agencies comply with the Government Policy for the In partnership with a Victorian company, Purchase and Sale of Land. GLM provides Stratagem Infobase Ltd, the rural digital advice on all aspects of real estate transactions planning schemes project will expand pData’s including sale and purchase by negotiation or mapping coverage which provides planning compulsory acquisition. GLM has introduced scheme maps and ordinance on CD ROM. electronic scanning enabling on-line communications with government depart- 40 ments and agencies. The Department processed 700 property submissions for the purchase and sale of land, dealt with Redevelopment Sites Inner Melbourne approximately 300 property inquiries and September 1996 to March 1997 Outer Melbourne attended 200 valuation conferences. 40000

35000

30000

25000

20000

15000

Number of Dwellings 10000

5000

0 Detached Houses Medium Total Dwellings & Higher Density THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY EXTENDED ITS

Type of Dwelling MONITORING AND FORECASTING PROGRAM TO

DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT COVER ALL OF METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE. Future Directions

Now that the groundwork for establishing the Department has been addressed the challenge for 1997-98 and beyond will be greater co-ordination, consolidation and integration between infrastructure agencies to deliver better outcomes for the State’s infrastructure.

The Department Organisational Issues Strategic Planning and Policy ■ Relocation of Departmental staff in regional areas to enhance co-ordinated ■ Support the Department of Premier and planning, customer service and effectiveness Cabinet in the development of rural policy; and the development of Departmental ■ Development of a medium-term infrastruc- resources in regional centres and ture and planning framework encompassing devolution of planning responsibilities infrastructure investment planning and best dealt with at regional level; evaluation, maintenance and renewal of ■ Development of the Department’s assets, and appraisals of projects and capabilities and leveraging knowledge in infrastructure capacity; policy, planning, projects and contract ■ Delivery of an integrated land use- management across divisions and agencies; transport modelling capability including ■ Support for the introduction of output multi-modal transport; management; ■ Development of a long-term economic ■ Implementation of a new reporting outlook for infrastructure investment in framework to include financial and Victoria; non-financial key performance data and ■ Completion of the airport rail-link study; developing accrual budgeting concepts;

■ Establishment of effective co-ordination ■ Re-engineering of accounting operation arrangements for cruise shipping to processes and implementation of techno- Melbourne, and finalisation of a logically based solutions, utilising available cruise-ship strategy plan; technology to simplify purchasing and payments procedures; ■ Establishment of a performance monitoring framework for key ports and a ■ Exploration of financial system integration consultative mechanism on port industry within Oracle and developing electronic matters; data exchanges; 41 ■ Review of restrictions on competition in ■ Participation in the pilot CSIRO and legislation, beginning with the Road Safety Public Records Office project on document

Act 1986; storage and retrieval; ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

■ Preparation of guidelines for the ■ The promulgation of IT policy throughout expenditure of funds from the sale of land the Department, with the maximum use of from the Better Cities Commonwealth- on line publishing. State Agreement. ■ Participation in the Electronic Services Delivery project under the Government’s Victoria 21 Strategy to promote economic activity; and

■ Implementation of corporate IT strategies to maximise the development and use of on-line services and information sharing. Transport

PUBLIC TRANSPORT ■ Development with VicRoads of an invest- ■ Completion of strategies covering all ment and financing analysis to identify metropolitan train and tram services, solutions to traffic congestion; major bus routes and modal interchanges; ■ Selection of future road projects making ■ Maintenance of a seamless public the greatest contribution to Victoria’s transport service in a multi-operator economic development, through complet- environment, continuing to develop ing gaps in the network and upgrading linkage between transport modes to existing roads; improve their efficiency, accessibility and ■ A review of responsibilities and policies cost effectiveness; to clarify the responsibilities of VicRoads, ■ Development of the purchasing require- local government and, in some cases, the ments for privatised public transport; PTC in managing local roads;

■ Sale of Met Bus, AN, V/Line Freight and ■ In consultation with the private bus V/Line Passenger. This will involve the industry, implementation of a system of negotiation of service contracts and operator accreditation ensuring high subsidies to ensure compliance with standards of training, safety and customer obligations and to encourage innovation, service; continuous improvement and competition; ■ Continued encouragement of the tow ■ Finalisation of the renegotiation of flexible truck industry towards self regulation; and and incentive-based private bus service ■ The re-engineering of the Multi Purpose contracts (including metropolitan, country Taxi Program. and school bus services);

■ Continued development of VicTrip, the Civic Projects and Development one-stop-shop passenger information ■ Begin the construction of Federation service. VicTrip is to be tendered and Square and continued progress on City service contracts negotiated between Link; the contractor, transport operators and the Department; ■ Completion of the Sports and Entertainment Concept plan; ■ Ongoing reform of the transport system, including improving patronage, efficiency ■ Finalisation of the design and a call for and service delivery, initially within tenders for construction for the $136 VicTrack and V/Line Freight; and million redevelopment of the National Gallery of Victoria to increase exhibition ■ A review of draft Disability Discrimination space, add storage and enhance education Act Standards to deal with funding issues, and visitor facilities; 42 while achieving improved public transport services to people with disabilities. ■ Selection of a private-sector partner for the $180 million residential development of the 115 hectare Mont Park Precinct ROADS site, extending the La Trobe University ■ Implementation of the key recommenda- campus; tions of the review of minimum standards for driving instructors; ■ Construction at Old Custom House in preparation for the Immigration Museum; ■ Beginning of a major freight movement study; ■ Construction of the Melbourne Museum, Carlton, with the opening of the Imax ■ Seeking increased federal road funding Theatre in the first half of 1998 and the for Victoria as an outcome of the Vaile overall project in 2000; Inquiry; ■ Progress towards corporatisation of the ■ Completion of the Scoresby Transport BSA, including managing services on Corridor EES; commercial principles by supplying realistic, innovative and creative solutions, DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT and reviewing financial and management systems; ■ Achievement of agreed performance PLANNING targets in the Framework Agreement and ■ Enhancement of the capacity for Management Plan for the BSA, and exchanging geospatial (GIS) data, and the alignment of performance indicators establishment and utilisation of indicators with industry best practice; and related statistical tools for planning;

■ Replacement of the BSA’s existing project ■ Examination of the State Planning Policy management application (PROBIS), Framework and how it can be improved; and monitoring and adopting other ■ Policy reviews, including the Development technologies to provide a competitive Controls review, emphasising urban design advantage; and initiatives, the VicCode 1 Review, the ■ Development and implementation of Urban Fringes review, and the Parking on-line, electronic, interactive service review; delivery to clients through the ■ Development of an integrated State-wide Construction Supplier Register. land use framework in regional Victoria to guide the allocation of Departmental Local Government And resources and assist local government Statutory Planning planning; ■ Participation in the Electronic Services LOCAL GOVERNMENT Delivery project under the Government’s ■ Support for local governments in the Victoria 21 Strategy, including contribution development of regional land use and to the development of a Land Channel, transport strategies; the first stage of which will provide land- related information on the Internet; ■ Assistance to councils in complying with National Competition Policy, particularly ■ Implementation of Housing 2020, a joint in preparing in-house bids for competitively project initiative with the Master Builders neutral pricing; implementing customer Association of Victoria, dealing with service charters for local government demographic factors, sustainability, specifying time frames and quality affordability and design innovations of standards, including self-imposed penalties twenty-first century housing; where commitments are not met; ■ Implementation of pre-qualification ■ Implementation of planning reforms by criteria for consultants and contractors local councils and consolidation of local through the Construction Supplier government reforms, including competitive Register Advisory Group; and tendering, rate capping and benchmarking; ■ Collaboration with the Australian ■ Development of a comprehensive series Bureau of Statistics to improve investors’ 43 of performance indicators for local knowledge of markets. government, contributing to greater

accountability in council operations; ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

■ The introduction of triennial funding agreements with councils and regional library corporations for the receipt of government funding; and

■ Implementation of revised government policy to lift rate capping from 1998/99, subject to councils establishing and meeting performance and financial related targets. 44 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS

The Department of Infrastructure comprises the following entities:

• Core Department

• Architects Registration Board

• Building Control Commission

• Building Services Agency

• Docklands Authority

• Heritage Council

• Marine Board of Victoria

• Melbourne City Link Authority

• Office of Major Projects

• Plumbing Industry Board

• Public Transport Corporation

• Roads Corporation

• Urban Land Authority

The financial statements presented in this Annual Report relate strictly to the controlled operations of the Department of Infrastructure known as the ‘core department’ and includes the Building Services Agency and the Office of Major Projects. All other agencies within the portfolio prepare their own Annual Reports (including financial statements) and report separately.

The year ended 30 June 1997 was the first full year of operation for the Department of Infrastructure following the amalgamation on 2 April 1996 of components previously within the former Departments of Planning and Development, Transport and from the Department of Treasury and Finance. 47 The increase in net assets from operations after abnormal items of $8.3M is mainly attributable

to an abnormal gain of $8.5M due to the accounting treatment of fit out costs for the ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Department’s relocation to Nauru House. The Directions of the Minister for Finance under the Financial Management Act 1994 requires capital ‘funding’ to be treated as revenue while the asset is capitalised, significantly contributing to the reported result. Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

FINANCIAL RESULTS - CONTROLLED OPERATIONS

Note 1997 1996 $M $M

Operating Revenue 1. 321.4 303.3

Operating Expenses 2. 765.6 765.8

Revenue from Government 3. 444.4 468.4

Increase in net assets from operations after Abnormal Items 4. 8.3 61.9

Total Assets 5. 164.6 147.7

Total Liabilities 6. 90.6 85.8

1. Revenues increased mainly due to an increase of $11.0M in Commonwealth Government Grants to Local Government and an increase in the Building Service Agency fee income of $4.4M.

2. Operating expenses overall remained static, but major movements related to Transport Contract Services and payments to Local Government which increased by $10.1M and $11.0M respectively with a decrease of $25.0M in the Building Better Cities program which is phasing down.

3. The decrease in revenue from Government mainly reflects the reduction in Building Better Cities funding.

4. ‘Increase in net assets from operations after Abnormal Items’ reduced to $8.3M from $61.9M mainly due to significant “once off” abnormal items which occurred in the 1996 financial year.

5. Total assets increased by $16.9M to $164.6M mainly due to an increase in properties and fixed assets ($15.2M), an increase in cash and trust funds (held on behalf of client agencies of $8.0M) and a reduction in land inventories of $4.5M.

6. The majority of liabilities relates to payments due to contractors for works undertaken on behalf of client agencies managed through the Building Services Agency and the Office of 48 Major Projects. Capital works totalling $236.3M (1996 - $234.8M) were managed on behalf of client agencies by the Building Services Agency and the Office of Major Projects. These capital works are not included in the Department’s financial statements as they are reflected in the client agencies accounts as completed works or works in progress. Projects include the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, the new Museum and the construction of schools on behalf of the Department of Education. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT PORTFOLIO AGENCIES

A further $958.5M (1996 - $879.5M) of State Budget funding was allocated to expenditure programs of portfolio agencies such as the Public Transport Corporation, Roads Corporation, Marine Board, Docklands Authority, Melbourne City Link Authority and Heritage Council.

During the year portfolio agencies collected some $675.8M (1996 - $681.6M) of revenue (mainly related to motor vehicle registration, stamp duty and driver licence fees) on behalf of the Government which was remitted directly to the Consolidated Fund. A further $778.5M (1996 - $732.5M) of transport accident charges were collected on behalf of the Transport Accident Commission. These revenue collections do not appear in the operating statements of the Department or its agencies but are included as notes to the accounts of the other government entities for which the funds were collected.

The net assets of all agencies within the portfolio totalled $16.327 billion (1996 - $13.341 billion), the major agencies being the Roads Corporation $11.816 billion (1996 - $8.969 billion) and the Public Transport Corporation $4.071 billion (1996 - $4.123 billion). The major increase related to some $2.855 billion in road earthworks being taken up in Roads Corporation’s financial statements for the first time.

49 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

OPERATING STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 1997

NOTE: 1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Operating Revenue 3. 321,380 303,275

Operating Expenses 3. 765,595 765,818 ————— ————— Net Cost of Services (444,215) (462,543) ————— ————— Revenue from Government

Special Appropriation 4. 755 808

Recurrent Appropriation 4. 406,901 401,259

Works and Services Appropriation 4. 36,773 65,347

Other Government Departments 12 950

————— ————— 444,441 468,364

Net Cost from Disposal of Non-Current Assets 5. (424) (64) ————— ————— INCREASE IN NET ASSETS BEFORE ABNORMAL ITEMS (198) 5,757 ————— ————— Abnormal Items 6. 8,541 57,946 ————— ————— Increase in Net Assets After Abnormal Items 8,343 63,703

Net Cost from Restructure of Department - (1,850)

INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM ————— ————— OPERATIONS AFTER ABNORMAL ITEMS 8,343 61,853 ————— ————— 50 ————— —————

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT OF ACCUMULATED SURPLUS AS AT 30 JUNE 1997

NOTE: 1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Accumulated Surplus at 1 July 61,853 -

Net assets previously taken up by the Department now transferred to the Melbourne Heritage Restoration Fund 7. (503) -

Increase in Net Assets from Operations after Abnormal Items 8,343 61,853

————— ————— Accumulated Surplus at 30 June 69,693 61,853 ————— —————

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.

51 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 1997

NOTE: 1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Current Assets

Cash and Trust Funds 8. 66,321 58,300

Debtors 9. 28,444 30,494

Prepayments 389 347

Land Inventory 13,288 12,272

Inventories 303 287

Total Current Assets 108,745 101,700

Non-Current Assets

Land Inventory 12,117 17,486

Properties and Fixed Assets 10. 43,697 28,516

Total Non-Current Assets 55,814 46,002

Total Assets 164,559 147,702

Current Liabilities

Creditors & Accruals 11. 74,657 69,398

Bank Overdraft 8. - 12

Provisions for Employee Entitlements 12. 3,933 3,796

Total Current Liabilities 78,590 73,206

Non-Current Liabilities

Creditors & Accruals 11. 707 2,366

Provisions for Employee Entitlements 12. 11,330 10,278

52 Total Non-Current Liabilities 12,037 12,644

Total Liabilities 90,627 85,849

Net Assets 73,933 61,853

Equity

Asset Revaluation Reserve 13. 4,240 -

Accumulated Surplus 69,693 61,853

Total Equity 73,933 61,853

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 1997

NOTE: 1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Inflow/ Inflow/ (Outflow) (Outflow) Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Operating Revenue 318,941 286,968

Interest received 640 328 ————— ————— 319,581 287,296

Payments to Retailers, Suppliers and Employees (420,775) (393,138)

National Road Transport Commission Contribution (592) (595)

Transport Contract Services (317,404) (338,484) ————— ————— (738,771) (732,217)

Net cash provided by Operating Activities 14. (419,190) (444,921)

Cash Flows from Government

Special Appropriation 755 808

Recurrent Appropriation 406,901 436,610

Works and Sevices Appropriation 36,773 63,987 ————— ————— 444,429 501,405

Payments to Government (10,328) (12,511) ————— ————— Net Cash Provided by Government 434,101 488,894

53 Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash from Building Services Agency Trust - 16,220 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

Payment for Properties and Non-current Assets (6,997) (6,778)

Proceeds from the Disposal of Non-current Assets 119 942

Capital Return to Government - (475) ————— ————— Net cash used in Investing Activities (6,878) 9,909

Net increase in Cash Held 8,033 53,882

Cash Held at the Beginning of the Financial Year 58,288 4,406

Cash at the End of the Financial Year 8. 66,321 58,288

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements. Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Accounting

The form and content of the Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994, Australian Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

Except for certain assets which are at market value and long service leave liabilities which are measured at present value of expected future payments, the Statements have been prepared on an historical cost basis.Where a change in presentation in the Financial Statements has been adopted, the comparitive figures have been altered to provide comparison with the current year. (b) The Reporting Entity

In accordance with approval received under the Financial Management Act 1994, the Department’s Annual Report and Financial Statements incorporate the ‘Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure’ as a body corporate created under the Project Development and Construction Management Act 1994. The body corporate includes the functions performed by the Building Services Agency and the Office of Major Projects. (c) Rounding off to the Nearest Thousand Dollars

Rounding off to the nearest thousand dollars has been adopted for the Financial Statements. (d) Appropriations

Amounts appropriated for controlled transactions are recognised as Government revenue in the Operating Statement. Amounts appropriated for administered transactions are not recognised in the Operating Statement or Statement of Cash Flows but are reported as administered government revenue in the Program Schedule Note 15. (e) Depreciation

Assets with a cost in excess of $1,000 are capitalised and depreciation has been provided on depreciable assets so as to allocate their cost or valuation over their estimated useful 54 lives using the straight-line method.A full year’s depreciation is charged against the value of assets except for current year additions, improvements and disposals where depreciation commences or ceases in the month in which the asset is purchased or sold. (f) Inventories (Including Land Inventories)

Inventories have been valued at the lower of cost and net realisable values. (g) Non-Current Assets

The basis for valuation of non-current assets is as follows:-

Land Only:

- Land has been valued at cost and at 1996 and 1997 valuations by licensed valuers.

Land and Buildings:

- Buildings purchased during the year have been valued at cost and those purchased

DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT in an earlier period have been valued at 1996 valuation by a licensed valuer. Plant, Furniture and Equipment:

- Assets with a market valuation or historical cost value of more than $1,000 have been capitalised and included as depreciable assets.

Leasehold Improvements:

- Throughout the 1996/97 financial year the Department progressively consolidated its location from a number of office premises in the central business district to Nauru House, 80 Collins St. Melbourne.

- The cost of fit out was provided as a resource received free of charge from the Department of Treasury and Finance and the asset component which is treated as a leasehold improvement totalled $8,541,422. This amount is reflected in the balance sheet and is subject to depreciation over the 10 year life of the lease.

Motor Vehicles:

- At historical cost. As a result of change in policy from 1 July 1995 no depreciation has been charged on motor vehicles as the sale/ disposal prices compare favourably with acquisition costs (which exclude sales tax). (h) Administered Resources

The Department administers but does not control, certain resources on behalf of the Government. It is accountable for the transactions involving those administered resources, but does not have the discretion to deploy the resources for achievement of the Department’s objectives. For these resources, the Department acts only on behalf of the Government. The accrual basis of accounting has been used in accounting for administered resources.

Transactions and balances relating to these administered resources are not recognised as departmental revenues, expenses, assets or liabilities, but are disclosed in Note 15.

In accordance with Bulletin 12 issued under the Financial Management Act 1994 revenue arising from user charges for the provision of goods and services is accounted for as controlled revenue even though these revenues are remitted to the Consolidated Fund. (i) Employee Entitlements 55 The Department has recognised and brought to account employee entitlements accruing for annual leave and long service leave as follows:- ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 (i) The liability for accrued annual leave has been calculated using the actual leave outstanding for each employee at 30 June 1997 and pay rates applicable at that date.

(ii) The liability for long service leave is calculated at the net present value of estimated future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards AAS30 ‘Accounting for employee entitlements.’

The liability for both long service leave and annual leave includes on costs for payroll tax, workcover levy and superannuation.

The amount anticipated to be paid during the next 12 months is shown as a current liability. Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

(iii)As it is considered that non-vesting sick leave to be taken in future reporting periods will not exceed entitlements which are expected to accrue in those periods, no provision has been made.

(j) Treatment of Capital Works Carried Out on Behalf of Client Agencies

The Department (through the Building Services Agency and the Office Major Projects) manages new building projects and the maintenance of existing buildings on behalf of a number of State Government Agencies.

Capital works expenditure during the financial year totalling $236.3M (1996 - $234.8M) was undertaken on behalf of client agencies and has not been included in the Department’s Operating Financial Statements as it has been included in the client agencies’ accounts as either completed works or works in progress. Whilst the Operating Statement does not include the income or expenditure of client Agencies, the Balance Sheet does reflect funds owing to or by the Department for project works and monies held on behalf of client Agencies.

(k) Parliament House Completion Authority

In accordance with the Parliament House Completion Authority (Repeal) Act 1997, all assets and liabilities of the Authority were transferred to the Department of Infrastructure on behalf of the State on 22 April 1997, the date the abolition of the Authority was proclaimed.

Net Assets transferred to the Department of Infrastructure comprised:

$000’s

Furniture & Fittings 6

EDP Equipment 13

Office Machines & Equipment 1 ——— 20

56 Less - Accumulated Depreciation (3) ——— Total Non Current Assets 17

Bank (2)

Debtors - Accrued Income 675

Creditors & Accrued Expenses (679) ——— Net Assets Transferred 11 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. Programs of the Department

The identity and purpose of each program’s objectives and outputs undertaken by the Department during the year ended June 1997 are summarised as follows:

Program 683 - Departmental Corporate Services

To develop strategic infrastructure policies and plans, to allocate the portfolio’s financial resources to maximise services to the community at the most efficient cost to users and to the Government, to review the provision of transport services against Government policies and priorities and to support the Ministers in the management of the portfolio.

Program 684 - Transport Regulation and Contract Services

To ensure provision of public transport services through contract arrangements with private operators, to ensure the provision of school transport services for students in rural and outer metropolitan locations, to monitor service provision and to ensure integration of private and public (Public Transport Corporation) transport services to improve customer satisfaction, to ensure public services are reliable, convenient and accessible and to ensure that all operations are competent and properly accredited in terms of both safety and service standards.

Program 685 - Ports and Marine Management

To develop policies which will facilitate trade through Victorian ports and support the efficient delivery of quality port services to end users, to provide facilities for recreational boating, to regulate boating and shipping activities and oversee marine safety and to prevent and minimise oil pollution.

Program 686 - Taxi and Tow Truck Services

To regulate the operation of Victoria’s taxi and tow truck industries, to work co-opera- tively with the industries to achieve services for Victorians, to manage a program of subsidised, accessible taxi services for people with disabilities and to manage the tow 57 truck allocation scheme.

Program 690 - Corporate Services - Roads Corporation ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

To provide timely advice to the Minister for Roads and Ports and the Roads Corporation executive and to service freedom of information requests, to provide effective property inquiry services, to support the external agencies of AUSTROADS and the Australian Road Research Board in their road and transport development programs and to provide statutory planning information.

Program 691 - Road Safety

The goal of the Road Safety Program is to achieve a sustainable reduction in the number and severity of road crashes, and the resultant cost of road trauma. Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

Program 692 - Road System Management

To contribute to economic and regional development by improving accessibility, reducing travel costs, and providing road users with safe, reliable and efficient road conditions.

Program 693 - Traffic and Road Use Management

To ensure the efficient and orderly movement of road users and road freight.

Program 694 - Registration and Licensing

To provide efficient and effective customer oriented services for registration of vehicles, licensing of drivers, collection of revenue and driver and vehicle information services.

Program 703 - Corporate Services - Public Transport

To provide administrative and financial support at a Corporate level to ensure that the strategic objectives of the Public Transport Corporation are met and to contribute towards the revenue earning capacity of the Corporation through the identification and development of commercial opportunities.

Program 704 - Passenger Services

To develop, operate and maintain an accessible and integrated passenger transport service (involving train, tram and bus for metropolitan, regional and interstate travel) which is safe, reliable, clean and comfortable and to market the services effectively so as to maximise customer usage of the system, and to minimise net cost to Government.

Program 705 - Freight Services

To develop, operate and maintain integrated public freight transport services and to market these services effectively so as to make a significant contribution to the cost of services provided.

Program 706 - Local Government

To enhance Local Government performance in providing efficient and effective services to the community assisting economic and social development and to provide an effective focus for State/Local Government relations. 58 Program 707 - Urban and Regional Planning (In 1996 - was Program 554)

To plan for and manage the equitable, orderly, economic and environmentally sustainable use and development of land in Victoria, to achieve the protection of buildings of historical and architectural importance, to co-operate with the Commonwealth by facilitating the implementation and delivery of the Better Cities program and to achieve probity in public land transactions. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Program 708 - Major Projects (In 1996 - was Program 558)

To deliver nominated major projects to achieve agreed project outcomes (economic, social, financial return, cost, time, quality), to protect the Government’s financial exposure while maximising returns and achieving capital and current outlay targets, to establish viable arrangements where required for ownership and operation of the delivered facility and to promote, encourage and facilitate development of the Docklands area.

Program 709 - Building

To provide policy, standards, guidelines and advice to government on building industry issues and strategic management of public assets, to provide a range of specialised building related consultancy services to client agencies, including project management, design and documentation, asset management, maintenance management, strategic facility master planning, advisory and other specialist services.

59 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. Operating Revenue and Expenses

NOTE: 1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Operating Revenue Commonwealth Government General Purpose Grants 286,796 275,659 Fee Income - Building Services Agency 22,417 18,003 Proceeds from Land Sales 8,190 7,420 Miscellaneous Receipts 2,787 743 Interest Income 720 379 Casino Area Contribution (Schedule 5, Act No. 62/1996) 470 - Melbourne Heritage Restoration Fund Income 7. - 1,071 ————— ————— 321,380 303,275

Operating Expenses Transport Contract Services 16. 317,629 307,482 Payments to Local Governments 286,796 275,659 Administration Expenses 17. 86,043 84,175 Library Grants 20,881 25,679 Building Better Cities 11,096 36,035 Special Project Grants 18. 12,199 2,277 Capital Charge 7,603 6,339 Payment of Land Sale Proceeds to Government 6,100 2,511

60 Cost of Land Sales 4,596 4,624 Heritage Buildings Restoration Expenses 5,383 6,632 Other Payments to Government 4,228 10,000 Resources Provided Free of Charge 19. 1,101 1,019 Land Transferred to the Dep’t of Natural Resources and Environment 1,032 - National Road Transport Commission Contribution 592 595 Compensation Payments under the Planning and Environment Act 316 900 Melbourne Heritage Restoration Fund Expense 7. - 1,891 ————— ————— Total Expenses 765,595 765,818 ————— ————— Net Cost of Services (444,215) (462,543)

DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT ————— ————— Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE The Department of Infrastructure is dependent on Government funding by way of Appropriation for a large 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS proportion of its costs. The following table summaries costs for individual Programs and illustrates the extent

4. Summary of Compliance with Financial to which the Department has complied with the spending limits authorised by Parliament for the Department Directives for the year ended 30 June 1997 itself and agencies under its responsibility. Refer Note 2 for program descriptions.

Actual Appropriations Actual Appropriations Actual Controlled Actual Administered Total Actual Original Final (Departmental) Payments (Agencies) Payments Payments

1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s Recurrent Appropriation Programs Departmental Corporate Services 18,195 7,273 19,517 13,414 19,517 13,414 - - 19,517 13,414 Transport Regulation and Contract Services 298,994 281,339 292,712 282,462 292,712 282,462 - - 292,712 282,462 Ports and Marine Management 5,001 3,875 4,882 3,863 - - 4,882 3,863 4,882 3,863 Taxi and Tow-truck Services 37,173 32,900 32,244 30,527 32,244 30,527 - - 32,244 30,527 Corporate Services - Road Corporation 5,328 2,822 5,328 2,822 - - 5,328 2,822 5,328 2,822 Road Safety 18,452 18,333 18,452 18,333 - - 18,452 18,333 18,452 18,333 Road System Management 298,851 269,113 303,764 273,010 - - 303,764 273,010 303,764 273,010 Traffic and Road Use Management 54,620 59,538 54,620 58,015 - - 54,620 58,015 54,620 58,015 Registration and Licencing 31,363 31,737 31,363 31,737 - - 31,363 31,737 31,363 31,737 Corporate Services - Public Transport 47,783 45,490 47,783 45,490 - - 47,783 45,490 47,783 45,490 Passenger Services 117,038 96,538 111,569 96,538 - - 111,569 96,538 111,569 96,538 Freight Services 23,145 22,428 22,614 22,428 - - 22,614 22,428 22,614 22,428 Local Government 27,002 31,495 26,316 30,228 26,316 30,228 - - 26,316 30,228 Urban and Regional Planning 24,663 25,564 22,893 22,256 22,893 22,256 - - 22,893 22,256 Major Projects 6,332 4,148 5,940 5,239 1,225 1,235 4,715 4,004 5,940 5,239 Building 10,149 25,213 8,760 21,876 8,287 21,876 473 - 8,760 21,876 ______1,024,089 957,806 1,008,757 958,238 403,194 401,998 605,563 556,240 1,008,757 958,238 Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

Actual Appropriations Actual Appropriations Actual Controlled Actual Administered Total Actual Original Final (Departmental) Payments (Agencies) Payments Payments

1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s Plus: Treasurer’s Advance Departmental Corporate Services - - 381 44 381 44 - - 381 44 Transport Regulation and Contract Services - - 115 16,615 115 16,615 - - 115 16,615 Ports and Marine Management - - 47 17 - - 47 17 47 17 Taxi and Tow-truck Services - - 115 38 115 38 - - 115 38 Corporate Services - Public Transport - - - 10,005---10,005 - 10,005 Passenger Services - - - 9,000 - - - 9,000 - 9,000 Local Government - - 124 95 124 95 - - 124 95 Urban and Regional Planning - - 605 - 605 - - - 605 - Major Projects - - 5,831 - 1,831 - 4,000 - 5,831 - Building - - 536 - 536 - - - 536 - ______- - 7,754 35,814 3,707 16,792 4,047 19,022 7,754 35,814 Plus: Payment under Sec. 35 Financial Management Act 1994 Transport Regulation and Contract Services - - - 16,460 - 16,460 - - - 16,460

Total Recurrent Appropriation 1,024,089 957,806 1,016,511 1,010,512 406,901 435,250 609,610 575,262 1,016,511 1,010,512

Less: Receipts credited, Sec. 29 Financial Management Act 1994 Road System Management 93,700 102,625 98,613 106,872 - - 98,613 106,872 98,613 106,872

Total State Recurrent Expenditure 930,389 855,181 917,898 903,640 406,901 435,250 510,997 468,390 917,898 903,640 Actual Appropriations Actual Appropriations Actual Controlled Actual Administered Total Actual Original Final (Departmental) Payments (Agencies) Payments Payments

1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s Works & Services Appropriation Programs Departmental Corporate Services 9,620 11,870 9,620 11,810 120 110 9,500 11,700 9,620 11,810 Ports and Marine Management 798 2,520 698 1,954 - - 698 1,954 698 1,954 Taxi and Tow-truck Services 4,680 - 217 - 217 - - - 217 - Road Safety 2,700 2,700 10,900 2,700 - - 10,900 2,700 10,900 2,700 Road System Management 216,978 166,796 194,553 171,428 - - 194,553 171,428 194,553 171,428 Traffic and Road Use Management 6,400 4,600 6,400 4,600 - - 6,400 4,600 6,400 4,600 Registration and Licencing 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 - - 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 Corporate Services - Public Transport 5,397 6,956 5,397 6,956 - - 5,397 6,956 5,397 6,956 Passenger Services 112,543 121,624 117,932 119,674 - - 117,932 119,674 117,932 119,674 Freight Services 20,309 22,419 20,309 22,419 - - 20,309 22,419 20,309 22,419 Local Government 1,320 1,320 1,001 1,432 1,001 1,432 - - 1,001 1,432 Urban and Regional Planning 41,962 67,069 33,472 53,302 33,472 53,302 - - 33,472 53,302 Major Projects 2,070 3,970 1,688 6,664 1,688 6,664 - - 1,688 6,664 Building 6,275 3,702 2,354 3,839 275 3,839 2,079 - 2,354 3,839 ______433,052 417,546 406,541 408,778 36,773 65,347 369,768 343,431 406,541 408,778 Plus: Treasurer’s Advance Ports and Marine Management - - 1,700 - - - 1,700 - 1,700 - Road System Management - - 5,049 13,000 - - 5,049 13,000 5,049 13,000 Passenger Services - - 9,000 1,600 - - 9,000 1,600 9,000 1,600 Freight Services - - 540 - - - 540 - 540 - Major Projects - - 245 - - - 245 - 245 - ______- - 16,534 14,600 - - 16,534 14,600 16,534 14,600 Total Works and 433,052 417,546 423,075 423,378 36,773 65,347 386,302 358,031 423,075 423,378 Services Appropriations Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

Actual Appropriations Actual Appropriations Actual Controlled Actual Administered Total Actual Original Final (Departmental) Payments (Agencies) Payments Payments

1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s Less: Receipts credited, Sec. 29 Financial Management Act 1994 Road System Management 139,428 142,600 117,722 145,278 - - 117,722 145,278 117,722 145,278 Urban and Regional Planning 11,263 - 11,096 - 11,096 - - - 11,096 -

Total State Works and Services Expenditure 282,361 274,946 294,257 278,100 25,677 65,347 268,580 212,753 294,257 278,100

Special Appropriations Ports and Marine Management - - 68 6 - - 68 6 68 6 Road System Management - - 178,833 169,857 - - 178,833 169,857 178,833 169,857 Corporate Services - Public Transport - - - 28,446 - - - 28,446 - 28,446 Urban and Regional Planning - - 755 808 755 808 - - 755 808 - - 179,656 199,117 755 808 178,901 198,309 179,656 199,117

Total Appropriations 1,457,141 1,375,352 1,619,242 1,633,007 444,429 501,405 1,174,813 1,131,602 1,619,242 1,633,007

Less: Commonwealth Funds (see above) 244,391 245,225 227,431 252,150 11,096 - 216,335 252,150 227,431 252,150

Total State Appropriations 1,212,750 1,130,127 1,391,811 1,380,857 433,333 501,405 958,478 879,452 1,391,811 1,380,857 Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Net Revenue (Cost) from Disposal of Non-Current Assets

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Proceeds from Sale of Non-Current Assets 2,114 941

Written down Value of Assets and Cost of Sales (2,537) (1,005)

——— —— Net Revenue (Cost) from Disposal of Non-Current Assets (424) (64) ———–––––– ——

6. Abnormal Items

8,541 57,946 ——— ———— Abnormal Items-1997

The Department of Treasury and Finance has provided office fit out costs for the Department’s relocation to Nauru House (refer to Note 19.) as a ‘resource received free of charge’. This has been treated as a ‘one off’ abnormal item as follows.

Resource received free of charge - Revenue 9,754

less: Relocation and Fitout Costs Expensed 1,213 ———

Abnormal gain 8,541 ––––––

Abnormal Items-1996

Additional funding was received from Government to pay out the Warana 65 Valley arrangement relating to private bus contracts. 33,040

Adjustment to accounting treatment of Building Services Agency Trust ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Account whereby the net Trust Fund balance as at 1 July 1995 previously treated as an administered Trust Fund has now been taken up for the first time in the Department’s Financial Statements. 16,220

Land which had been previously acquired (and expensed) in previous financial periods is brought to account as assets of the Department. 8,686 –––––––––––– 57,946 –––––––––––– Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7. Melbourne Heritage Restoration Fund

Trust fund transactions relating to the Melbourne Heritage Restoration Fund (the Fund) previously reflected in the Department’s Financial Statements were transferred to the Fund on 30 June 1997 in accordance with the Deed establishing the Fund as an Incorporated Association. The Department currently still holds the Fund’s bank account on behalf of the Fund.

8. Cash at Bank (Including Overdraft) and Trust Funds *

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Cash at Bank 13,360 7,250

Trust Funds 52,961 51,050 ————— ————— 66,321 58,300

Less: Bank Overdraft - (12) ————— ————— 66,321 58,288 ————— —————

* The majority of the above funds relate to payments received from client agencies for works in progress undertaken on their behalf by the Building Services Agency and the Office of Major Projects. Funds are held in Treasury Trust accounts or with Treasury Corporation Victoria and interest earnings are generally paid into the Consolidated Fund.

9. Debtors

66 1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Trade Debtors 9,687 8,385

Others (including client agencies) 18,919 22,167

Less:

Provision for Doubtful Debts (162) (58) –––––––– ––––—— 28,444 30,494 –––––––– ––––—— DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10. Properties and Fixed Assets

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Properties

Land Only - at cost 5,320 9,960 - at 1996 Valuation 5,416 5,416 - at 1997 Valuation 9,910 -

Land and Buildings - at cost 1,094 582 - at 1996 Valuation 2,175 2,175

Accumulated Depreciation

- Buildings (32) -

Total Properties 23,883 18,133

Fixed Assets

Plant, Furniture and Equipment - at cost 11,217 5,618 - at 1989 Valuation - 185 - at 1993 Valuation 6,246 10,936 - at 1995 Valuation 172 172

Accumulated Depreciation (10,346) (10,218)

Total Plant, Furniture and Equipment 7,289 6,693

Leasehold Improvements 8,835 296 67 Accumulated Depreciation

- Leasehold (238) (108) ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

Total Leasehold Improvements 8,597 188

Motor Vehicles at cost 3,928 3,503

Total Fixed Assets 19,814 10,384

Total Net Written Down Value 43,697 28,516

Depreciation for the Year (Note 17.) - Properties 32 - - Plant, Furniture and Equipment 2,340 3,967 - Leasehold Improvements 130 59

2,502 4,026 Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11. Creditors and Accruals *

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Creditors and Accruals 23,014 21,658

Project Costs Payable 52,214 49,989

Security Deposits and Trust Moneys 136 117 ————— ————— 75,364 71,764 ————— ————— Payable

Within One Year - Current Liability 74,657 69,398

Over One Year - Non-Current Liability 707 2,366 ————— ————— 75,364 71,764 ————— —————

* The majority of the amount payable relates to payments due to contractors for works undertaken on behalf of client agencies managed through the Building Services Agency and the Office of Major Projects.

12. Employee Entitlements

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Provisions

Long Service Leave 10,398 9,831

Annual Leave 2,645 2,651 68 Executive Remuneration 2,220 1,592 ————— ————— 15,263 14,074 ————— ————— Payable

Within One Year - Current Liability 3,933 3,796

Over One Year - Non-Current Liability 11,330 10,278 ————— ————— 15,263 14,074 ————— ————— DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

13. Asset Revaluation Reserve

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Balance at 1 July - -

Revaluation of Land 4,240 -

Balance at 30 June 4,240 -

14. Note to the Statement of Cash Flows

(i) Reconciliation of Cash

For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash includes cash on hand and in bank (net of outstanding bank overdrafts) and Trust Funds. Cash at the end of the reporting period as shown in the statement of cash flows is reconciled to the related items in the statement of financial position as follows:

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Reconciliation of Cash

Cash is made up of: (also refer Note 8.)

Cash in Hand and at Bank (including overdraft) 13,360 7,250

Trust Funds 52,961 51,050

Cash at end of Year 66,321 58,300

(ii) Reconciliation of Net Cash Used in Operating Activities to Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations: 8,343 61,853 69

Depreciation 2,502 4,026 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Increase in the provision for employee entitlements 1,190 1,283 Increase in Creditors 3,600 14,046 Decrease in Debtors 1,946 (15,193) Provision For Doubtful Debts 104 1,850 Decrease in Land Inventory (Work in Progress) 4,353 1,303 Increase in Prepayments (42) (352) Net Cost from the Disposal of Non-current Assets 424 63 Net Cash Provided by Government (434,101) (488,894) Abnormal Items (8,541) (24,906) Land Transferred to the Dep’t of Natural Resources and Environment 1,032 -

Cash Flow from Operating Activities (419,190) (444,921) Financial Statements In addition to Departmental (controlled) operations which are included in the Balance Sheet, Operating Statement and Statement of Cash Flows, the Department administers or manages certain other activities on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure Government. These administered transactions are determined on an accrual basis and give rise to revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and are reflected only in this note to the Financial Statements. Administered revenues include taxes, fees and fines and the proceeds from the sale of surplus land and buildings. Administered assets include government revenues earned but yet to be collected and assets held by Ministers on behalf of the Government. Departmental (controlled) and administered transactions are disclosed by class and by program in the NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS following tables. Refer Note 2. for program descriptions. 15. Departmental (Controlled) and Administered Transactions

Departmental Transport Regulation Taxi & Tow Truck Urban & Regional Departmental (Controlled) Transactions Local Government Major Projects Building Total Corporate Services & Contract Services Services Planning

1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s Controlled Revenues Commonwealth Government General Purpose Grants ------286,796 275,659 ------286,796 275,659 Fee Income - Building Services Agency ------22,417 18,003 22,417 18,003 Proceeds from Land Sales ------8,190 7,420 - - 8,190 7,420 Miscellaneous Receipts - - 21 - - - 21 - 2,490 - 251 736 4 7 2,787 743 Interest Income 36 - - - - - 18 14 110 9 146 356 410 - 720 379 Casino Area Contribution (Schedule 5, Act No. 62/1996) ------470-----470- Melbourne Heritage Restoration Trust Income ------1,071 -----1,071 Revenues from Government 20,030 13,568 292,827 282,496 32,576 30,565 27,441 31,755 57,725 76,366 4,744 7,899 9,098 25,715 444,441 468,364 Net Revenue (Cost) from Disposal of Assets (26) 66 - 20 - 32 (28) - (93) (154) (9) (68) (268) 40 (424) (64) Net Revenue from Restructure - (576) - (39,635) - (1,843) - (205) - 2,119 - 36,786 - 1,504 - (1,850) Abnormal Items (Refer Note 6.) 2,778 - - 33,040 - - 969 - 2,856 8,686 - - 1,938 16,220 8,541 57,946 ______TOTAL 22,818 13,058 292,848 275,921 32,576 28,754 315,217 307,223 63,558 88,097 13,322 53,129 33,599 61,489 773,938 827,671

Controlled Expenses Transport Contract Services - - 289,766 281,148 27,863 26,334 ------317,629 307,482 Payments to Local Governments ------286,796 275,659 ------286,796 275,659 Administration Expenses 15,650 10,522 3,252 3,184 3,007 3,066 2,322 6,008 20,232 22,041 16,019 4,535 25,561 34,819 86,043 84,175 Library Grants ------20,881 25,679 ------20,881 25,679 Building Better Cities ------11,096 36,035 ----11,096 36,035 Special Project Grants 1,684 1,880 - - - - 1,000 - 9,515 397 ----12,199 2,277 Capital Charge 10 4 - - 281 - 237 162 5,500 4,660 980 1,235 595 278 7,603 6,339 Payment of Land Sale Proceeds to Government ------6,100 2,511 - - 6,100 2,511 Cost of Land Sales ------4,596 4,624 - - 4,596 4,624 70 Heritage Buildings Restoration Expenses ------4,336 5,078 - - 1,047 1,554 5,383 6,632 Other Payments to Government ------2,397 - 1,831 - - 10,000 4,228 10,000 Resources Provided Free of Charge 80 ------1,021 1,019 ----1,101 1,019 Land Transferred to the Dep’t of Natural Resources and Environment ------1,032 - ----1,032 - National Road Transport Commission Contribution 592 595 ------592595 Compensation Payments under the Planning and Environment Act ------316900----316900 Melbourne Heritage Restoration Fund Expense ------1,891 -----1,891 ______TOTAL 18,016 13,001 293,018 284,332 31,151 29,400 311,236 307,508 55,445 72,021 29,526 12,905 27,203 46,651 765,595 765,818 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE OF DEPARTMENT Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

15. Departmental (Controlled) Transactions continued

Departmental Transport Regulation Taxi & Tow Truck Urban & Regional Local Government Major Projects Building Total Controlled Assets and Liabilities Corporate Services & Contract Services Services Planning for the year ended 30 June 1997 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s

Assets Current 1,383 512 310 243 76 12 373 387 6,529 5,668 36,131 28,883 63,943 65,995 108,745 101,700 Non-Current 6,901 454 337 487 377 434 817 700 19,675 16,334 22,266 23,392 5,441 4,201 55,814 46,002

TOTAL 8,284 966 647 730 453 446 1,190 1,087 26,204 22,002 58,397 52,275 69,384 70,196 164,559 147,702

Liabilities Current 2,765 322 9,689 9,005 1,588 1,698 593 420 1,747 3,324 13,640 9,043 48,568 49,394 78,590 73,206

Non-Current 2,352 1,175 752 548 940 600 689 832 2,609 3,503 880 2,441 3,815 3,545 12,037 12,644

TOTAL 5,117 1,497 10,441 9,553 2,528 2,298 1,282 1,252 4,356 6,827 14,520 11,484 52,383 52,939 90,627 85,849

72 73 ANNUAL REPORT 1996-97 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE OF DEPARTMENT Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

Administered Transactions Departmental Ports & Roads Corp. Road Road System Traffic & Road Registration & Public Trans. Corp. Serv. Marine Corp. Serv. Safety Management Use Mg’ment Licencing Corp. Serv.

1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996* 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s

Administered Revenues Planning Fees, Permits & Other Minor ------Recovery of Compensation ------Loan Repayment Income ------Sale of Government Property ------3,593 ------DSA Fees and Charges ------Appropriation of Former Years ------Recoveries of Previous Expenditure ------Reimbursement of Court Costs ------Rents and Hirings ------Vehicle Registrations ------389,105 ------Driver Licencing ------66,168 ------Taxi Licence Fees ------3------Boat Registrations ------5,302 ------Revenue from other Government ------Revenues from Government 9,500 11,700 7,395 5,840 5,328 2,822 29,352 21,033 465,864 375,145 61,020 62,615 33,363 33,737 53,180 90,897 Revenues from Federal Government ------216,335 252,150 ------Recoup of Panel Costs ------Sale of Publications ------Survey Fees, Rates, Charges, Penalties - - 197 190 ------Miscellaneous Receipts 4 ------437------

TOTAL ADMINISTERED REVENUES 9,504 11,700 7,592 6,030 5,328 2,822 29,352 21,033 682,199 1,091,903 61,020 62,615 33,363 33,737 53,180 90,897

Administered Expenses Boating Facilities - - 2,228 2,164 ------Administered Projects - - 2,398 1,955 ------74 SERB Contribution - - 37 42 ------Capital Charge - - 284 249 ------Rate Concessions to Local Gov’t Authorities ------Transfer Payments 4 - 2,642 1,623 5,328 2,822 29,352 21,033 682,199 1,091,903 61,020 62,615 33,363 33,737 53,180 90,897

TOTAL ADMINISTERED EXPENSES 4 - 7,589 6,033 5,328 2,822 29,352 21,033 682,199 1,091,903 61,020 62,615 33,363 33,737 53,180 90,897

Administered Revenues less: Administered Expenses 9,500 11,700 3 (3) ------

* The responsibility for reporting revenue collections under this program is with the Department of Treasury and Finance in 1997. Administered Transactions Continued PTO DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE OF DEPARTMENT Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

Administered Transactions Passenger Freight Local Urban & Reg. Major Services Services Government Planning Projects Building Total

1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s

Administered Revenues Planning Fees, Permits & Other Minor ------179 1,755 - - - - 179 1,755 Recovery of Compensation ------62-----62 Loan Repayment Income ------202-----202 Sale of Government Property - - - - 18 29 - 19 - - 62 42 80 3,683 DSA Fees and Charges ------2,034 - 2,034 Appropriation of Former Years - - - - 108 20 - 4,822 - - - - 108 4,842 Recoveries of Previous Expenditure ------7720877208 Reimbursement of Court Costs - - - - 1 - - - - - 15 12 16 12 Rents and Hirings ------1-1 Vehicle Registrations ------389,105 Driver Licencing ------66,168 Taxi Licence Fees ------3 Boat Registrations ------5,302 Revenue from other Government - - - - - 30,675 ------30,675 Revenues from Government 238,501 226,812 43,463 44,847 ----8,960 4,004 2,552 - 958,478 879,452 Revenues from Federal Government ------216,335 252,150 Recoup of Panel Costs ------314 - - - - - 314 Sale of Publications ------100-----100 Survey Fees, Rates, Charges, Penalties ------197190 Miscellaneous Receipts ---- 3068165792---11991,298

TOTAL ADMINISTERED REVENUES 238,501 226,812 43,463 44,847 157 30,792 344 8,066 8,960 4,004 2,706 2,298 1,175,669 1,637,556

Administered Expenses 76 Boating Facilities ------2,228 2,164 Administered Projects ------2,398 1,955 SERB Contribution ------3742 Capital Charge ------284249 Rate Concessions to Local Gov’t Authorities - - - - - 30,675 ------30,675 Transfer Payments 238,501 226,812 43,463 44,847 157 117 344 8,066 8,960 4,004 2,706 2,298 1,161,219 1,590,774

TOTAL ADMINISTERED EXPENSES 238,501 226,812 43,463 44,847 157 30,792 344 8,066 8,960 4,004 2,706 2,298 1,166,166 1,625,859

Administered Revenues less: Administered Expenses ------9,503 11,697 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE OF DEPARTMENT Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

Administered Transactions cont’ Departmental Ports & Roads Corp. Road Road System Traffic & Road Registration & Public Trans. Corp. Serv. Marine Corp. Serv. Safety Management Use Mg’ment Licencing Corp. Serv.

1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s Administered Assets Shares in National Rail Corporation (at cost) 35,100 25,600 ------Trust Funds 196 64 ------8,951 - - - - - 2,740 - Heritage Property Loans ------

TOTAL ADMINISTERED ASSETS 35,296 25,664 ------8,951 - - - - - 2,740 -

Administered Liabilities SERB Contribution - - - 3 ------Trust Funds 196 64 ------8,951 - - - - - 2,740 -

TOTAL ADMINISTERED LIABILITIES 196 64 - 3 - - - - 8,951 - - - - - 2,740 -

Table continues below

Administered Transactions cont’ Passenger Freight Local Urban & Reg. Major Services Services Government Planning Projects Building Total

1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s $000s Administered Assets 78 Shares in National Rail Corporation (at cost) ------35,100 25,600 Trust Funds - - - - 197 161 526 - - - 2,001 2,757 14,611 2,982 Heritage Property Loans ------3,060 4,935 - - - - 3,060 4,935

TOTAL ADMINISTERED ASSETS - - - - 197 161 3,586 4,935 - - 2,001 2,757 52,771 33,517

Administered Liabilities SERB Contribution ------3 Trust Funds - - - - 197 161 526 - - - 2,001 2,757 14,611 2,982

TOTAL ADMINISTERED LIABILITIES - - - - 197 161 526 - - - 2,001 2,757 14,611 2,985 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE OF DEPARTMENT Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

16.Transport Contract Services

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Private Bus and Rail Contracts 195,946 193,250

School Bus Contracts 92,570 87,897

Multi Purpose Taxi 27,504 26,335

Tow Truck Allocation Scheme 359 -

Ancillary Services 1,250 -

317,629 307,482

17. Administration Expenses

NOTE: 1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Salaries, Wages and Overtime 36,367 33,955

Salary Oncosts 8,690 7,719

Travel and Subsistence 1,841 1,541

Office Rental and Accommodation 7,264 4,342

Office, Services & Utilities 1,901 1,333

Stationery and Office Requisites 4,722 4,523

Electronic Data Processing Expenses 3,194 2,618

Building Services and 80 Technical Consultants 2,674 2,450

Project Expenses 12,717 17,410

Audit Fees 147 81

Doubtful and Bad Debts 104 (197)

Depreciation 10. 2,502 4,026

Voluntary Departure Packages 2,153 2,374

Other 1,767 2,000

86,043 84,175 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

18.Special Project Grants

During the year funds have been expended on projects with objectives to enhance transport services and significant local government developments for community and social interests and benefits.

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Transport related projects:

- Rail (level) crossing safety works 400 75

- School Bus Interchanges 138 -

- Rail safety campaigns 100 75

- Keep Australia Beautiful campaign 85 65

- Charlton Secondary College Safety Education Unit 52 52

- French Island Ferry 61 68

- Water Safety / Boating grants 190 220

- Other, comprising 53 projects 652 1,722

Local Government Developments:

- Steampacket Plaza Waterfront (Geelong) 5,260 -

- Market Square Development ( Mount Alexander Shire) 2,250 -

- Rural Transport Project (Mount Alexander Shire) 380 - 81 - Other, Comprising 13 Projects 2,631 -

12,199 2,277 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

19.Resources Received/Provided Free of Charge

Resources Provided Free of Charge

During the year, the Department provided certain facilities including staff resources free of charge to the following agencies:-

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Heritage Council 1,021 1,019

Marine Board of Victoria 80 n/a

1,101 1,019

Resources Received Free of Charge

The cost of office fit out at Nauru House has been provided by the Department of Treasury and Finance as a resource received free of charge totalling $9,754,996 and is made up of assets $8,541,422 and relocation and fitout costs of $1,213,574. These amounts have been taken up in the Financial Statements.

20.(i) Commitments for Operating Leases

At the reporting date the Department had the following obligations under non-cancellable operating leases (these obligations are not recognised as liabilities):

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Operating Lease Commitments outstanding at year end

82 Within 1 year 5,115 3,760

Between 1 and 2 years 5,052 6,391

Between 2 and 5 years 9,995 8,734

Greater than 5 years 21,246 Nil

41,408 18,885

(ii) Commitments for Finance Leases

At the reporting date the department had no finance lease arrangements. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

21. Commitments for Capital Expenditure

At reporting date the Department had entered into contracts as agent for client Departments when operating under the Project Development and Construction Management Act 1994 through the Building Services Agency and the Office of Major Projects for the following construction expenditures:

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Capital Commitments outstanding at year end*

Within 1 year 148,375 129,544

Between 1 and 2 years 83,200 Nil

Between 2 and 5 years Nil Nil

Greater than 5 years Nil Nil

231,575 129,544

* Summary of commitments

Client Agencies

Arts 284 894

Attorney-General 2,066 5,948

Natural Resources and Environment 1,350 1,839

Corrections 2,515 1,546

Treasury and Finance 18,231 5,882

Human Services 14,651 6,967

Parliament 14 8 83 Police and Emergency Services 7,781 3,315

Premier and Cabinet 174,470 56,440 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

Public Prosecutions 10 19

School Education 6,389 33,810

Sport and Recreation 51 107

State Development 1,393 1,878

T.A.F.E. 872 5,397

Treasurer - 5

Other 1,498 5,489

Total 231,575 129,544 Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

22. Superannuation Schemes - Liability and Contributions

No liability is shown for the Department’s notional share of unfunded superannuation in the Balance Sheet. In line with Government policy, the unfunded superannuation liability has been reflected in the Financial Statements of the Department of Treasury and Finance. However, superannuation contributions for the reporting period are included as part of salaries and associated costs in the Operating Statement of the Department of Infrastructure.

Details of major Employee Superannuation funds and contributions made by the Department are as follows:

Contribution Contributions Contribution Contributions for the Year outstanding at for the Year outstanding Fund Year End at Year End 1997 1997 1996 1996 $$$$

State Superannuation Scheme (Revised & New) 2,500,617 - 2,524,952 - Victorian Superannuation Fund 333,158 - 253,144 - Water Industry Superannuation Fund 261,715 - 292,745 - Transport Superannuation Fund 114,454 12,827 59,342 9046 Commonwealth Life Ltd 91,644 - 86,065 353 GIO Life Limited 49,154 - 44,340 194 Various Other 109,887 - 89,692 896

Total 3,460,629 12,827 3,350,550 10,489

The basis for contributions are determined by the various schemes and also relate to salary sacrifice 84 arrangements. The requirements of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 are fully complied with. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

23.Contingent Liabilities

Contingent liabilities arise from guarantees, indemnities and other forms of support provided by the Government and from legal disputes and other claims against the Government.

Contingent liabilities by definition are not actual liabilities. They represent circumstances under which there is the possibility due to some future event that an actual liability could arise.

The following is a summary of contingent liabilities:

- Four claims relate to compulsory site acquisition and financial property loss claims in respect of operations undertaken by the Office of Major Projects and the Local Goverment Planning and Marketing Information Services Division of the Department. These claims total some $2.611M.

- Five claims relate to personal injury matters ranging from asbestos related issues to construction site incidents involving the Office of Major Projects and the Building Services Agency. Four of these claims are quantifiable and total some $483,000 and one is not quantifiable.

- Two claims relate to contract disputes with the Building Services Agency and total some $85,000.

- Two other claims are unspecified and relate to a defamation action involving the Building Services Agency and a legal dispute relating to an alleged breach of contract involving the Contracts Reform and Compliance Services Division.

- Under the Shareholder Agreement establishing the National Rail Corporation (NRC), Victoria is required to make payments and transfer certain assets. These transactions due to be completed in 1996/97 under this Agreement were deferred pending resolution of outstanding issues between the Shareholders and the NRC. The actual liability cannot be accurately quantified at this stage. 85 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

24.Disclosures Relating To Ministers and the Accountable Officer In accordance with the Directions of the Minister for Finance under the Financial Management Act 1994, the following disclosures are made for the Responsible Ministers and the Accountable Officer. (i) Persons who held the above positions in relation to the Department at any time during the reporting period are: Responsible Ministers The Hon Robert Maclellan, MLA Minister for Planning and Local Government

The Hon Geoff Craige, MLC Minister for Roads and Ports

The Hon Robin Cooper, MLA Minister for Transport (from 6/1/97)

The Hon Alan Brown, MLA Minister for Transport (to 6/1/97)

Accountable Officer Dr John Paterson Secretary

(ii) Remuneration Remuneration receivable by the Accountable Officer during the year in connection with the management of the Department was in the range: Income Between Number $220,000 - $229,999 (1/7/96 - 30/6/97) 1 Remuneration receivable by the Accountable Officers during the previous year ended 30 June 1996 in connection with the management of the Department was in the range: Income Between Number $50,000 - $59,999 (2/4/96 - 30/6/96) 1 86 $120,000 - $129,999 (1/7/95 - 2/4/96) 1 $140,000 - $149,999 (1/7/95 - 2/4/96) 1 The relevant amounts relating to Ministers are reported separately in the Financial Statements of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

(iii) Other Transactions (a) Shares held on behalf of the State of Victoria- under the National Rail Corporation Shareholders Agreement, the Minister for Transport holds on behalf of the State of Victoria shares in the National Rail Corporation with a paid up value of $35.1M. This amount has been taken up as an Administered Asset. (b) Other related transactions and loans requiring disclosure under the Directions of the Minister for Finance have been considered and there are no matters to report. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

25. Executive Officers Remuneration The number of executive officers, other than the Responsible Ministers and the Accountable Officer as at June 30 1997, whose total remuneration exceeded $100,000 during the reporting period, are shown below in their relevant income bands:

Income Range 1997 1996 No. No. $100,000 - 109,999 8 12 $110,000 - 119,999 3 - $120,000 - 129,999 3 3 $130,000 - 139,999 3 1 $140,000 - 149,999 - - $150,000 - 159,999 - 2 $160,000 - 169,999 2 1 $170,000 - 179,999 - - $180,000 - 189,999 1 -

1997 ($000’s) 1996 ($000’s)

Total remuneration for the reporting period of executive officers included above amounted to: 2,467 2,235 Bonuses paid during the year on completion of employment contracts included above amounted to: 130 117

87 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE 1997 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

26.Consolidation Elimination Entries

During the 1996/97 financial year, transactions were undertaken with other State Government controlled entities, giving rise to the need for elimination entries in relation to resultant account balances.

The aggregate eliminations included within the consolidation worksheet required to be prepared for input to the State’s Annual Financial Statements are as follows:

Intra Inter $000’s $000’s

Assets 6 16,100

Liabilities - 202

Revenues - 1,651,579

Expenses 1,725 32,655

The preparation of prior period comparative information has not been practicable or relevant for this financial year.

27.Post Balance Date Events

Sale of Motor Vehicles

In accordance with Government policy, motor vehicles owned by the Department were sold to the Commonwealth Bank in July 1997. These vehicles are being leased back to the Department.

88 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE STATEMENT BY THE ACCOUNTABLE OFFICER AND THE CHIEF FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER

In our opinion,

(a) the accompanying Financial Statements of the Department of Infrastructure present fairly the financial transactions of the Department for the year ended 30 June 1997 and the financial position of the Department as at that date, in accordance with applicable Australian Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional requirements.

(b) the Financial Statements of the Department have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994 and comply in all material respects with the directions (Part 9) issued by the Minister under the Act.

At the date of signing this Statement, we are not aware of any circumstances which would render any particulars included in these Financial Statements to be misleading or inaccurate.

COLIN JORDAN ACTING SECRETARY

DATED:......

BOB McDONALD ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER

DATED:...... Financial Statements Department of Infrastructure

AUDITOR GENERAL REPORT

90 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT 91 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Appendixes Appendix 1

LEGISLATION 94

Appendix 2

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION 105

Appendix 3

STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES 108

Appendix 4

MAJOR PUBLICATIONS 1996/97 121

Appendix 5

LOCAL GOVERNMENT 124

Appendix 6

MULTICULTURAL SERVICES 127

Appendix 7

COMPETITION POLICY 133

Appendix 8

OTHER AVAILABLE INFORMATION AND COMPLIANCE INDEX 136

Appendix 9

STAFF PROFILE 140

Appendix 10

CONSULTANTS ENGAGED 142 Appendix 1

LEGISLATION

As at 30 June 1997 the following Acts were administered by the Minister for Planning and Local Government, the Minister for Roads and Ports, and the Minister for Transport.

Minister for Planning and Local Government

Architects Act 1991

The purposes of the Act are to: • provide for the registration of architects and the approval of architectural partnerships and architectural companies; • regulate the professional conduct of architects and provide a procedure for handling complaints against architects; • regulate the use of the words ‘architect’, ‘architecture’ and ‘architectural’; and • establish the Architects Registration Board of Victoria.

Bayside Project Act 1988

The purpose of this Act is to facilitate the development and use of certain land at Port Melbourne. Much of this Act was specific to the Sandridge development and has been repealed. Provisions of the Act that have been retained include provisions dealing with approval of plans of subdivision, reclamation of land, allowing for reclaimed land to be placed within a municipality, and allowing for land to be revested in the Port of Melbourne Authority.

Bourke Street Mall Act 1982

This Act provides for the financing of the Bourke Street Mall.

Building Act 1993

The Act, which came into operation on 1 July 1994, provides for the regulation of building and building standards. The Act establishes the Building Control Commission to oversee the administration and effectiveness of the Act.

The Act facilitates the adoption of national uniform building standards and reforms aspects of legal liability for building matters. The Act also regulates building practitioners in order to provide for both private building surveyors and qualified municipal employees to issue building and 94 occupancy permits.

Amendments to the Act were made in 1996 with the object of facilitating the implementation of water reforms and promoting better regulation of plumbing, gasfitting and draining. To achieve this the law concerning the occupational regulation of plumbing was transferred, with changes, from the Building Control (Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainers) Act 1981 to the Building Act 1993, together with the transfer of most of the power to make regulations concerning plumbing work from the Water Act 1989 and the Water Industry Act 1994 to the Building Act 1993.

The amendments replaced regulation by water agencies of on-site water and wastewater plumbing with regulation by a single body, the Plumbing Industry Board.

Caravan Parks and Movable Dwellings Act 1988 (all but Part 6 of the Act is administered by the Minister for Fair Trading)

Part 6 provides for the establishment of a registration system and minimum standards for caravan parks. The standards and registration of caravan parks are administered by councils. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Casino Control Act 1991

(sections 128H to 128L, excluding 128K(2) which is administered by the Minister for Finance)

The Act is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Gaming. The Minister for Planning and Local Government, however, administers provisions related to the acquisition of land, road closures and the development of Crown land for the purposes of the Melbourne Casino.

Chinatown Historic Precinct Act 1984

(jointly administered with the Minister for Tourism)

The purpose of the Act is to provide for the operation, management, development and promotion of Little Bourke Street between Exhibition Street and Swanston Street as the Chinatown Historic Precinct. The Act also establishes the Chinatown Historic Precinct Committee.

The Ministers for Tourism and Planning and Local Government have accepted the recommendations of the Committee of Review for the Chinatown Historic Precinct Act 1984. The Committee recommended that the Act be repealed. This recommendation was endorsed in the Review of Redundant Legislation undertaken by the Redundant Legislation Subcommittee of the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee. It is expected that the Act will be repealed after consultation with the Melbourne City Council.

City of Greater Geelong Act 1993 (excluding Part 5, which is administered by the Minister for Rural Development)

This Act provides for the restructuring of certain councils in the Geelong region, the constitution of the City of Greater Geelong and the abolition of the Geelong Regional Commission.

City of Melbourne Act 1993

Under the Act the city’s municipal boundaries were re-drawn to incorporate the city’s existing and future major assets. The Act created a new City of Melbourne with a clear focus on the administration and enhancement of key assets.

Como Project Act 1994 95 The main purposes of the Act are: • to repeal the South Yarra Project Act 1984; ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 • to end the Agreement ratified by that Act; and • to amend the South Yarra Project (Subdivision and Management) Act 1985.

Crown Lands (Reserves) Act 1978 (only in so far as it relates to land known as the Old Treasury Building Reserve. The remaining provisions are administered by the Minister for Conservation and Land Management.)

The Act provides for the temporary and permanent reservation of Crown land and for its management.

Cultural and Recreational Lands Act 1963

This Act provides for concessional rating for open space, cultural and recreational land. Appendix 1

Development Areas Act 1973

The Act provides for the investigation and designation of areas which are considered suitable for accelerated development, or which are deemed to require controlled development.

It is expected that the Act may soon be repealed following the recommendation for its repeal by the Redundant Legislation Subcommittee of the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee in its Review of Redundant Legislation.

Docklands Authority Act 1991

The purpose of this Act is to facilitate the development of the docklands area and to establish a Docklands Authority to encourage that development.

Environment Effects Act 1978

The Act sets up a procedure whereby the potential environmental impacts of proposed developments which are likely to have significant environmental effects are assessed before decisions are made.

Geelong Market Site Act 1983

The purpose of the Act is to allow the Greater Geelong City Council to redevelop the land known as the Geelong Market Site, either in its own right or in association with other persons, and to borrow money for that purpose.

Health Act 1958

While the Minister for Health and the Minister for Youth and Community Services have primary responsibility for the Act, the Minister for Planning retains a provision providing a capacity for the making of regulations regarding certain buildings and premises.

Heritage Act 1995

The Act provides a new framework for heritage protection and conservation in Victoria. The Act, which came into operation on 23 May 1996, provides for the Historic Buildings Act 1981 to continue to apply to government buildings for two years. The Heritage Act 1995 will repeal the Historic Buildings Act 1981 at the end of the two year period. On commencement in May 1996 it 96 replaced the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1981 and incorporated the provisions of the Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 relating to non-Aboriginal archaeological sites and relics.

Historic Buildings Act 1981

The Heritage Act 1995, which came into operation on 23 May 1996, provides for the Historic Buildings Act 1981 to continue to apply to government buildings for two years. The Historic Buildings Act 1981 is to be repealed by the Heritage Act 1995 on 23 May 1998.

Impounding of Livestock Act 1994

The Act provides for and regulates the impounding of livestock trespassing on any land or roads across the State. It sets out who is authorised to impound, and the rights and obligations of those persons. It repeals the Pounds Act 1958 and amends other Acts dealing with impoundment of livestock on Crown land. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Land (Goonawarra Golf Course) Act 1988

The Act authorises the sale of the land known as the Goonawarra Golf Course to the Municipality of the Shire of Bulla.

Libraries Act 1988

This Act is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for the Arts. The Minister for Planning and Local Government however administers Part IV, which relates to Library Purposes Trusts.

Local Government Act 1989

(Excluding sections 44-46, 48-49, section 243 in so far as it relates to municipal electoral tribunal and schedule 4 excluding clause 1(b). These provisions are administered by the Attorney General. Also excluding clauses 4 and 9(3) of Schedule 11 and section 123 in so far as it relates to the revocation of local laws made pursuant to the powers conferred by those clauses by reason of section 207. These provisions are administered by the Minister for Roads and Ports).

The Act provides administrative and legislative powers for local government, outlines the broad purpose and functions of councils, provides for electoral processes, financial, accounting and rating arrangements, establishes the Local Government Board and provides for the restructuring of councils. The Act incorporates recent amendments relating to ‘designated positions’, Chief Executive Officers, competitive tendering, the dates of the municipal financial year, the dates of council elections, regional corporations, rates and charges, audit arrangements, electoral arrangements, the size of councils, the payment of allowances to councillors, probity requirements of councillors, the annual reports, corporate plans and budgets of councils, declaration of rates, payment of rates by new owners and a number of other measures to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of local government.

Local Government (Consequential Provisions) Act 1989

This Act provides for the necessary repeals and transitional arrangements required to implement the change from the Local Government Act 1958 to the Local Government Act 1989.

Melbourne City Link Act 1995

The Act ratifies the Agreement between the State and Transurban relating to the construction and operation of the Melbourne City Link; gives the Melbourne City Link Authority certain powers in 97 relation to land affected by the project; gives the Link Corporation certain powers in relation to

roads in the project area; and empowers the fixing, charging and collection of tolls in relation to ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 the use of vehicles on toll zones.

Melbourne City Link Authority Act 1994

The Act establishes the Melbourne City Link Authority, and facilitates the project for the development of the Southern Link and Western Link.

Municipal Association Act 1907

This Act provides for the establishment of the Municipal Association of Victoria as a statutory body corporate. Appendix 1

Municipalities Assistance Act 1973

This Act provides for the payment of moneys to councils in relation to concessional rates for pensioners.

Nudity (Prescribed Areas) Act 1983

This Act permits the establishment of optional-dress beaches in prescribed areas.

Planning and Environment Act 1987

The purpose of the Act is to establish a framework for planning the use, development and protection of land in Victoria in the present and long term interests of all Victorians. It does this by establishing a system of planning scheme controls and providing for them to be amended, administered and enforced.

The Act also provides for appeals to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for compensation in certain circumstances for those who may be adversely affected by the operation of a planning scheme, and for necessary administrative arrangements.

Planning Authorities Repeal Act 1994

The main purposes of the Act are: • to provide for the winding up of the Loddon-Campaspe Regional Planning Authority and the Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Authority; • to repeal the Acts which established these authorities; and • to provide for the continuation of the approved regional strategy plan made under the Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Authority Act 1976.

Project Development and Construction Management Act 1994

(parts 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 and section 46. The remainder of the Act is administered by the Premier).

The Act facilitates the delivery of infrastructure projects in which government is involved and establishes new provisions for arranging and managing public works. Important elements of the Act include the establishment of the Secretary to the Department of Infrastructure as a body 98 corporate, provision for the setting of standards and the issuing of directions in relation to public construction, repeal of the Public Lands and Works Act 1964, the transfer of certain matters from the Urban Land Authority to the Secretary to the Department of Infrastructure, amendments to the Bayside Project Act 1988 and the granting of powers to the Minister to acquire land for a nominated project.

Public Authorities Marks Act 1958

This Act protects ‘trade marks’ of public authorities.

Southgate Project Act 1994

The Act facilitates the Southgate project by making special provision for the subdivision, the integrated management of and the application of modified planning and building controls to the project land. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT South Yarra Project (Subdivision and Management) Act 1985

The purpose of the Act is to provide a legal structure for the subdivision and management of certain land at South Yarra. Amendments in 1994 limited its operation to Stage 1 of the South Yarra project and made provision in relation to development contributions, rates and taxes in respect of certain lands in that stage.

Subdivision Act 1988

(Except in so far as it relates to the management of the Office of the Registrar-General and the Land Titles Office. Those provisions are administered by the Minister for Conservation and Land Management.)

The purposes of the Act are to set out the procedure for the subdivision and consolidation of land, including buildings and airspace, and for the creation, variation or removal of easements or restrictions, and to regulate the management of, and dealings with, common property and the constitution and operation of bodies corporate.

The Act specifies the procedures for obtaining council approval, service authority approval, and registration of a wide range of subdivisions in the Office of Titles, and contains power for the establishment and operation of bodies corporate. It combines subdivision procedures previously included in the Strata Titles Act 1967, Cluster Titles Act 1974 and Local Government Act 1958, and provides for complex concepts such as staged development, multiple bodies corporate and variations to plans.

Urban Land Authority Act 1979

The Act establishes an Authority to facilitate the provision of developed and development allotments for housing; to arrange for the disposal of surplus Government land; and to assist the implementation of State planning policies.

Victoria Grants Commission Act 1976

This Act establishes the Victoria Grants Commission to distribute money allocated by the Commonwealth Grants Commission through the States to councils.

Minister for Roads and Ports 99 Chattel Securities Act 1987

(part 3. The rest of the Act is administered by the Minister for Fair Trading) ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

This Act makes provision for security interests in motor vehicles, trailers and vessels, including registration of interests.

Local Government Act 1989

Clauses 4 and 9(3) of Schedule 11 and section 123 in so far as it relates to the revocation of local laws made pursuant to the powers conferred by those clauses by reason of section 207 of the Act.

This Act provides generally for matters to do with local government in Victoria. The provisions administered by the Minister for Roads and Ports relate to traffic control. Appendix 1

Marine Act 1988

(excluding Division 2 of Part 11 which is administered by the Minister for Finance)

This Act establishes the Marine Board of Victoria and provides for the objects, powers and functions of the Board. The Act also provides for registration of vessels, regulation of the operation of vessels, offences involving alcohol, prevention of pollution of State waters, the adoption of certain international conventions, enforcement of various offences through the issue of marine infringement notices and for other matters.

Pollution of Waters by Oil and Noxious Substances Act 1986

Part of the Act is administered by the Minister for Roads and Ports, part by the Minister for Conservation and Land Management, and part of the Act is administered jointly.

This Act provides for the protection of the sea and other waters from pollution by oil and other noxious substances.

Port of Geelong Authority Act 1958

(excluding section 13 which is administered by the Minister for Finance).

This Act establishes the Port of Geelong Authority and provides for the operation of the Port of Geelong. Note that the major assets of the Authority have now been sold to private operators.

Port of Melbourne Authority Act 1958 (excluding section 36 which is administered by the Minister for Finance).

This Act establishes the Port of Melbourne Authority and provides for the operation of the Port of Melbourne. Note that the assets and commercial functions of the Authority have been assumed by two new statutory corporations, the Victorian Channel Authority and the Melbourne Port Corporation and its declared subsidiary the Melbourne Port Services Pty Ltd.

Port of Portland Authority Act 1958

This Act establishes the Port of Portland Authority and provides for the operation of the Port of Portland. Note that the major assets of the Authority have now been sold to private operators.

100 Port Services Act 1995

Some of the Act is administered by the Minister, and some by the Minister for Finance. As from 7 October 1996 most of the Act is administered by the Treasurer.

This Act establishes the Melbourne Port Corporation and the Victorian Channels Authority and amends various ports and marine legislation to give effect to Government policies on port reform.

Road Safety Act 1986

This Act provides for the registration of motor vehicles, licensing of drivers, offences involving alcohol or other drugs and other provisions regulating the operation and use of motor vehicles. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Road Transport Charges (Victoria) Act 1995

This is the Victorian Act which adopts the national uniform road use charges for heavy vehicles.

Transport Act 1983

Part of the Act is administered by the Minister for Roads and Ports, part by the Minister for Transport, and part of the Act is administered jointly.

This Act establishes and sets out the functions and powers of the Department of Infrastructure in relation to transport matters, the Public Transport Corporation and the Roads Corporation. The Act also provides for the licensing of commercial vehicles and for various offences.

Westernport Development Act 1967

This Act ratifies an agreement between the Sate of Victoria and Hematite Petroleum Pty Ltd and Esso Exploration and Production Inc. for the construction of additional port facilities at Westernport.

Westernport (Crib Point Terminal) Act 1963

This Act assists the development and operation of a petroleum terminal at Crib Point by providing for certain existing and new easements, and clarifying the status of existing agreements relating to the pipeline running from the terminal site to Dandenong. The Act also vests Crown land used for port facilities near the terminal site in the Port of Melbourne Authority. (Note: this Act was formerly known as the Westernport (Oil Refinery) Act 1963).

Westernport Steel Works (Development Control) Act 1970

This Act extends the municipal and regional planning area of the Shire of Hastings and declares all permits granted to John Lysaght (Australia) to be valid.

Minister for Transport

Border Railways Act 1922

This Act ratifies an agreement between the States of Victoria and New South Wales as to the construction, maintenance and operation of railway lines and the construction and maintenance of bridges across the Murray River. 101 National Rail Corporation (Victoria) Act 1991 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 This Act approves and gives effect to an agreement made between the Commonwealth and the States of Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia relating to the establishment and operation of the National Rail Corporation Limited.

Public Transport Competition Act 1995

This Act provides for the accreditation of passenger bus operators and implements a system of service contracts for route service operations.

Railways (Standardisation Agreement) Act 1958

This Act ratifies an agreement between the Commonwealth, Victoria and New South Wales as to the standardisation of certain railways. Appendix 1

River Entrance Docks Railway Construction Act 1970

This Act authorises the construction of a railway line to connect with the line at Port Melbourne and terminating at or near the mouth of the Yarra River.

Sale (Land Development) Act 1984

This Act required the City of Sale to transfer certain lands to the State Transport Authority and makes provision for the development of land in and around the former station site.

Sale Station Relocation and Development Act 1981

This Act authorises the relocation of Sale Railway Station and the development of the land.

South Australian and Victorian Border Railways Act 1930

This Act ratifies an agreement between Victoria and South Australia as to the connecting railways between the States.

Transport Act 1983

Some of the Act is administered by the Minister for Roads and Ports, some by the Minister for Transport, and part of the Act is administered jointly.

Very Fast Train (Route Investigation) Act 1989

This Act establishes a permit system for entry to land for the purposes of survey and testing of possible routes for a very fast train.

Wattle Park Land Act 1991

This Act provides for the transfer of ownership and responsibility of Wattle Park from the Public Transport Corporation to the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (now known as Melbourne Water).

102 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT LEGISLATION PASSED IN 1996/97 The significant primary legislation passed by the Parliament during the year is summarised below.

Minister for Planning and Local Government Local Government (Amendment) Act 1996

The Act amends the Local Government Act 1989 to remove the requirement that buyers of land pay all current rates owing on the land as soon as they obtain the land. The Act also makes various changes concerning the annual report, corporate plans, budgets and the declaration of rates.

Local Government (Further Amendment) Act 1997

This Act amends the Local Government Act 1989 to: • abolish the Local Government Board; • make changes concerning competitive tendering by councils; • clarify provisions relating to Council management; and • make changes concerning the payment of rates and charges and interest on overdue rates and charges.

Melbourne City Link (Further Amendment) Act 1997

The Act amends the Melbourne City Link Act 1995 and the Melbourne City Link Authority Act 1994 and authorises the extension of Exhibition Street.

Planning and Environment (Planning Schemes) Act 1996

The main purpose of the Act is to amend the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to • reform the structure of planning schemes; • provide for the preparation of municipal strategic statements; • provide for the making of Victoria Planning Provisions; and • provide a co-ordinated procedure for the issue of planning permits with the approval of related amendments to planning schemes. 103 Project Development and Construction Management (Amendment) Act 1997

The Act clarifies the power of Ministers to enter into contracts on behalf of the Crown and ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 provides additional powers relating to land.

Minister for Roads and Ports

Road Safety (Amendment) Act 1996

The purpose of the Act is to make several changes to the Road Safety Act 1986 in relation to the inspection of motor vehicles, the demerits register, objections to certain infringement notices and the issuing of number plates. The Act also amends the Transport Act 1983 to transfer responsibility for bus licensing from the Roads Corporation to the Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure. Appendix 1

Road Safety (Disclosure of Information) Act 1997

The Act amends the Road Safety Act 1986 with respect to disclosure and use of information held by the Roads Corporation.

Road Safety (Wheel Clamping) Act 1996

This Act is the Government’s response to the Parliamentary Community Development Committee’s Report Upon the Review of the Practice of Immobilising and Removing Trespassing Vehicles on Private Property.

The purpose of the Act is to adopt the major recommendations of the Report by prohibiting the detention, seizure or immobilisation of vehicles trespassing on private property, except in rare cases, and by enabling a breach of parking restrictions on private property to be prosecuted by a municipal council where the owner or occupier has entered into a parking services agreement with the council.

Minister for Transport

Rail Corporations Act 1996

The main purpose of this Act is to establish V/Line Freight and Victorian Rail Track and to provide for the transfer of property, rights and liabilities to them.

Transport (Rail Safety) Act 1996

The purpose of this Act is to improve the operation of rail-based transport by providing a legislative scheme for the accreditation of managers of rail infrastructure and the providers and operators of rail-based transport.

The model proposed in the Act will meet Victoria’s national obligations while introducing a co-regulatory safety scheme which will be very effective and be truly independent of Government-owned rail operators. It will also be cost effective.

ACTS REPEALED IN 1996-97

Building Control (Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainers) Act 1981

104 The Act was repealed by section 16(1) of the Building (Amendment) Act 1996.

Loddon-Campaspe Regional Planning Authority Act 1987

The Act was repealed by proclamation of section 7(1) of the Planning Authorities Repeal Act 1994.

Parliament House Completion Authority Act 1986

The Act was repealed by proclamation of section 3 of the Parliament House Completion Authority (Repeal) Act 1997. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Appendix 2

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Principal officer

Dr John Paterson Secretary, Department of Infrastructure

Authorised officers

Don Coulson Department of Infrastructure (except Office of Major Projects)

Tracey McDonald Office of Major Projects

Categories of Documents

The files maintained by the Department are in categories: • Subject files • Finance files • Personnel files

Main Record Keeping Systems

Planning and Heritage files are held at 477 Collins Street, Melbourne, and are sequentially numbered depending on the category of file required (ie. between 1 and 7). The file titles are grouped under subject headings on a computerised system.

A microfiche record is available which covers all items which have been deposited with the Public Records Office. Copies of pages from the microfiche record may be obtained (at a cost of 20 cents per page).

Town Planning Permit files are consecutively numbered with appropriate subject details recorded on the file and in a permit register.

Building records are located at 80 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Records no longer in current use are transferred to the custody of the Public Records Office or destroyed under the appropriate authority. 105 Local Government records are held at 80 Collins Street, Melbourne, and unless of a general nature, are grouped under individual municipality headings. Files are also cross-indexed under subject matter. The Office of Local Government operates a computerised file registry and files ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 are numbered sequentially prefixed by the year (ie. 96/0001).

Major Projects records are held at 55 Swanston Street, Melbourne, and are grouped under subject headings on a computerised system.

Transport documents are held at 80 Collins Street, Melbourne. Documents are generally held on subject based files maintained by the registry section. Control of these records is by a computerised records management system called FACCTS (File And Correspondence Control & Tracking System). Indexing is computerised and is subject and name based.

In addition to this filing system, individual sections of the Office of Transport maintain separate files of material for reference purposes. The accounts, stores and pay, the bus group, the Taxi Directorate, and the Tow Truck Directorate maintain their own operational records. Appendix 2

FOI access arrangements

Requests for access to records of the Department (including requests for access to documents kept at district centres and country branches) are handled centrally by the FOI Manager.

All requests should be made in writing and include the following information: • Full name of person making request • Address and telephone number of person making request • Type of access requested (ie. inspection, photocopy or other form of access appropriate to request) • Sufficient information to identify the document(s) (see below)

Requests should be accompanied by a $20 application fee and sent to:

The FOI Manager Department of Infrastructure GPO Box 4910 Melbourne 3001 Telephone (03) 9655 6718

Upon receiving the request, the FOI Manager will forward a receipt and an acknowledgment to the applicant.

Identification of documents

A request can relate to a single paper, or an entire file or information gathered from a computer or other equipment as set out in Section 5 of the Freedom of Information Act.

Requests must contain sufficient detail concerning the document to enable the Department to identify it. Information about the document’s subject and date should be indicated as precisely as possible.

Where a request does not provide the necessary information to identify a document, the FOI Manager will assist the applicant to clarify the request to aid in identifying the document sought.

106 Charges

A charge may be levied prior to granting access to the document. All charges will be calculated in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Freedom of Information (Access Charges) Regulations 1993. In general, these charges are:

Application fee: $20 must accompany request Photocopy fees: 20 cents per A4 page Search fees: where the Department has to identify and locate documents: $20 per hour Supervision fees: where a document is inspected by an applicant within the Department: $5 per 15 minutes Deposits: where charges will be substantial, a deposit of $50 may be requested before processing a request. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Charges, other than the application fee, are not levied if the applicant is a Member of Parliament, or if the documents sought relate to the personal affairs of the applicant. Charges may be waived or reduced if availability of the information is assessed as in the public interest or if the applicant is impecunious (Section 22). The application fee ($20) can only be waived on the grounds of hardship.

Processing of requests

If all, or a portion, of the document requested is exempt from disclosure under Part IV of the Act, the applicant will be notified in writing of this determination. This notice (under Section 27 of the Act) will inform the applicant of the reasons for the determination and of the rights of review under the Act.

Where the subject matter of a document requested is more closely connected with the functions of another department or agency, the request may be transferred (Section 18).

Authorised officers responsible for FOI decisions are required to notify an applicant of the decision within 45 days of receipt of the $20 application fee or, where this fee has been waived, on receipt of evidence of hardship.

If access to the requested document is granted, the applicant will be informed of this decision and of any charges that may be due. After payment of the required charges, access will be provided.

Normally, photocopies of requested documents will be mailed to the applicant.

Inspection of documents will usually take place at the Department’s offices at 80 Collins Street, Melbourne. However, alternate inspection locations may be arranged.

Further information may be obtained from: • Freedom of Information Act 1982 • Freedom of Information handbook • Freedom of Information (Access Charges) Regulation 1993 • Freedom of Information (Prescribed Authorities) Regulations 1993 which are available from the Information Victoria Bookshop. 107 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Appendix 3

STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Architects Mr Peter The Board’s role is to • Commissioned a legal review of current 1 exec Registration Williams administer the Architects regulations, from which it developed 3 non- Board of Act 1991 and regulations proposals for substantial reduction of exec Victoria made under the Act. regulation of architectural practice. The Act requires the • Developed and submitted draft regulations Board to: to accord with competition policy. • maintain a register of • Made submissions to the competition policy architects, including reviews of Architects Acts in the Northern architectural compa- Territory and in New South Wales. nies and partnerships; • Reviewed and accredited three architectural • regulate the courses, contributed to and adopted new professional conduct guidelines for such accreditations, and of architects; and participated in the review of a privately • regulate the use of provided architectural course. the words architect, • Undertook two detailed reviews of architecture, and professional experience requirements for architectural to architects, which will be further reviewed, ensure that any with national input, in September. person or firm claiming those titles, or who use them, is properly able to do so. Arising from these responsibilities, the Board assesses architects for suitability for registration and assesses 108 and accredits courses for architecture. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Building Mr Max Administers the Victorian • Achieved Parliamentary passage of 4 exec Control Croxford building regulatory legislative amendments binding the Crown 52 non- Commission (Commissioner) system, and reports to to requiring building permits and paying exec and advises the Minister the building permit levy; raised the building for Planning and Local permit levy threshold to $10,000; and set a Government on all threshold of $5,000 for requirement of a building control matters. building permit. • Streamlined the building permit reporting process, and developed and trialed an electronic building activity statistical information system (BASIS). • Played a leading role in the national development of a performance based Building Code of Australia which is now available, and will be adopted in Victoria from 1/8/97. • Substantially strengthened building practitioner investigation capacity – with 352 investigations being concluded. • Developed and released an Essential Services Maintenance Manual for multi-storey building owners. • Developed and commenced an extensive television campaign to encourage the public to use registered building practitioners. • Developed a Safepool campaign to publicise the introduction of retrospective swimming pool barrier legislation from 1/7/97. 109 • Oversaw the approval of $3.7 million of building works at AFL Grounds to ensure a

minimum level of safety. ANNUAL REPORT 1996 -97 • Sponsored the development through HIA and MBA of an Advanced Building Management and a Building Industry OH&S Program. • In partnership with HIA undertook a research program into the cause of plaster- board peaking in the building industry. • Sponsored a research program into Fire Safety Systems in steel framed, multi-storey shopping centres. Appendix 3

STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Building Mr Max Advises the Minister for • Provided advice on the development of the staffed from Advisory Croxford Planning and Local Building (Further Amendment) Act 1997. Building Council Government on adminis- • Assisted in the review of Vic Code 1. Control tration and impact of Commission • Contributed to the review of draft guide- the Building Act 1993 on lines under the Disability Discrimination Act. the building industry and the community, and • Provided input to the review of domestic also on issues relating to builder registration, and advised on the the building permit levy. operation of the Domestic Building Contracts and Tribunal Act 1995.

Building Mr Peter Determines disputes and • Issued 121 Appeals determinations and staffed from Appeals Board Jacobs appeals arising from the 1,869 Modification determinations. This is a Building Building Act 1993. 21.5% and 6.4% increase respectively over Control Determines applications the previous year. Commission for modification of the • Produced and distributed volume 6 building regulations. Modification and Appeals Book on the decisions and operations of the Board. • Reviewed and updated the Board’s Policy Manual and Explanatory Notes. • Developed and implemented a PC-based computerised system.

Building Mr Brian Administers the registra- • Total building practitioner registrations staffed from 110 Practitioners Morison tion of all building increased from 18,484 to 20,447. Building Board practitioners in Victoria. • Completed 23 formal Inquiry procedures Control Monitors their conduct into the conduct of building practitioners. Commission and their ability to • Enhanced categories of registration by practise. including Fire Safety as a classification of Engineer, and by dividing Building Inspectors into limited and unlimited. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Building Mr Max Advises the Minister for • Prepared and formally released for staffed from Regulations Croxford Planning and Local comment draft Building (Amendment) Building Advisory Government on draft Regulations 1996, Building (Amendment) Control Committee regulations. Regulations 1997 and Building (Further Commission Provides accreditation of Amendment) Regulations 1997. building products, • Advised on the preparation and finalisation construction methods, of Amendment 10 to the Building Code of designs and compo- Australia 1990, the Building Code of nents, and systems Australia 1996 and Amendment 1 to the associated with building Building Code of Australia 1996. works. • Advised in the preparation of 5 Practice Notes for dissemination through the Commission’s Information Service. • Accredited 3 building products and designs.

111 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 -97 Appendix 3

STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Docklands Mr Eric Mayer, The Docklands • Marketed and promoted the Docklands to 6 exec to Authority AM Authority’s mission is to potential users, developers and the public. 16 non- promote, encourage and • Evaluated the 250 Expressions of Interest exec co-ordinate the success- against the assessment criteria and ful development of shortlisted developers for the five precincts Melbourne Docklands as marketed and accounted to the a waterfront place of Government. character and quality in • Designed, created and issued detailed Bid which to live and work, Documents to shortlisted developers for the creating both a tourism five precincts and for the provision of asset and a boost to Docklands Trunk Infrastructure. Melbourne’s prosperity. • Obtained Government approval for the Stadium at the Docklands, prepared detailed Bid Documents and short listed bidders. • Negotiated and obtained AFL User Agreement for the Stadium to enhance the Stadium proposals from bidders. • Prepared amendment to the Melbourne Planning Scheme to take account of the Stadium, expected to be gazetted by September 1997. • Obtained high quality bids from short listed developers for each of the five precincts, the Stadium and Trunk Infrastructure. • Ensured the community was kept informed of the bids process.

112 • Finalising the arrangements to obtain title to air rights over PTC railway land west of Spencer Street. • Established rigorous and detailed processes for evaluating both Expressions of Interest and subsequent developers’ bids, which included the use of independent experts, probity processes and probity audit. • Determined and published five assessment criteria for evaluation of the Expressions of Interest and the bids, namely; design and amenity, finance and risk, viability, integration and other factors such as benefit to Victoria. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Heritage Dr Jan Penney The Heritage Act 1995 • The approval of more than $840,375 in 2 non- Council established a Heritage loans and grants to owners of registered exec Council appointed by the heritage properties across the State. The Governor-in-Council money will be used for urgent restoration upon the recommenda- and repair work and will create a catalyst tion of the Minister for for the enhancement of whole streets or Planning and Local neighbourhoods. The restoration of historic Government. buildings and general enhancement of Comprising 10 members, historic areas also adds to the tourist and representing a broad economic potential of regional Victoria and cross-section of the instils pride in local communities. community, the Heritage • The comprehensive heritage assessment of Council is the State’s more than 241 places across Victoria, with main decision making 130 places being added to the Victorian body on heritage issues. Heritage Register. The Heritage Council: • Alterations and developments to registered • advises the Minister heritage places were facilitated by Heritage of Planning and Local Victoria with 285 approvals for alterations Government on to registered heritage places being granted. heritage issues; • determines which heritage places and objects are added to the Victorian Heritage Register; • hears appeals on permit applications determined by the Executive Director; 113 and

• approves or rejects ANNUAL REPORT 1996 -97 recommendations for loans and grants from the Heritage Fund. Appendix 3

STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Local Dissolved The functions of the • Reviewed local government arrangements Dissolved Government Board, as set out in the in the Albury Wodonga area. A report was Board Local Government published in December 1996 concluding (General Amendment) that further consideration be given to Act 1993, are: merging the two councils into a single • to advise the Minister cross-border municipality. on improving the • Reviewed the long term financial efficiency and effec- sustainability of the Ararat Rural City tiveness of local gov- Council. ernment in Victoria; • Finalised the review of the local laws • to advise the Minister provisions of the Local Government on local government Act 1989. financial issues; • The Local Government (Further • to conduct reviews Amendment) Bill 1997 abolished the Local relating to local Government Board and provided for the government boundary establishment of local government panels. changes; and • to advise the Minister on any other matters he or she refers to the Board.

114 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Marine Board Captain John The Board was • Restructured the organisation, including the 1 exec of Victoria Bicknell established under the establishment of a regional office at Lakes 18 non- Marine Act 1988 and is Entrance. exec responsible for develop- • Implemented the recommendations of the ing and maintaining major oil spill exercise “George Bass” and standards of seaworthi- completed a comprehensive review of the ness of Victorian State Contingency Plan, to improve oil spill commercial vessels, the response arrangements. competence of their • Contributed to the national marine safety crews, and navigation reform program, including chairing the and safety on Victorian National Marine Safety Committee, waters. developing the National Transition Program The Board licences pilots to introduce competency based training and harbourmasters and, into the marine industry and reaching in consultation with the agreement on a national boating safety Environment Protection information database. Authority, has • Investigated marine incidents in State responsibility for waters and implemented a series of marine ensuring an effective safety initiatives based on the findings. response to oil pollution incidents in State waters. • Implemented recommendations of the report into the operation of personal water The Board services the craft. State Boating Council, which advises the • Successfully raised awareness of boating Minister for Roads and safety through media and Boat Show Ports on all aspects of initiatives and implemented, with the Water recreational boating. Police, an on-water boating safety program.

115 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 -97 Appendix 3

STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Melbourne City Mr John Laurie The Melbourne City Link • October 1996: Minister for Planning and 5 exec 18 Link Authority Authority is a single Local Government announced that the non- exec purpose agency with a Government will be exploring an extension clearly focussed mission of Exhibition St. to facilitate the City Link • March 1997: Awarded the $40m contract project. It does this on to design and supply the state-of-the-art the basis of a private tolling system to SAAB Combitech Traffic sector build, own, Systems; opened Melbourne City Link operate and transfer Display Centre. undertaking. • Replaced existing Brentwood Ave pedestrian overpass with new 45 metre long pre-cast beam. Completed reinstated Grant St between St Kilda Rd and Wells St. • May 1997: Completed and opened to traffic the widening of Mt Alexander Rd, duplicated the bridge across Moonee Ponds Creek and constructed a new northbound entry ramp to the Tullamarine Freeway and poured the pile cap for the central pier of the Yarra Bridge. This was one of the largest concrete pours undertaken in Victoria in recent times, with over 3,000 cubic metres of concrete being placed over a period of 36 hours. • June 1997: Passage of Melbourne City Link (Further Amendment) Act 1997; Batman Ave relocated to original alignment; Burnley driven tunnel reaches approx 600 metres 116 from the portal; Headings of Burnley and Domain driven tunnels reach 160 metres east of St Kilda Rd under Kings Domain; Tunnelling from the shaft at Swan St proceeded 100 metres east and 30 metres west.

Parliament Dissolved The Authority was • Completed the Concept Design phase Dissolved House established to manage of the project, reflected in a 9 Volume Completion the refurbishment, Consultants’ Report, and reported to Authority extension and Parliament in April. completion of Parliament • The Authority was abolished on 22 April House 1997. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Plumbing Mr Michael The Plumbing Industry • The Minister for Planning and Local 1 exec 28 Industry Board Kefford Board consists of eight- Government has worked closely with the non- exec members representing Board to achieve regulatory reform with the industry bodies, water introduction of self-regulation within the agencies, consumers and industry on 24 March 1997. plumbers. The Board licenses plumbers, promotes high standards of work and professional conduct and protects public health and safety in plumbing matters.

Public Mr Lindsay The Public Transport • Metropolitan patronage grew from 229.5 57 exec Transport Maxsted Corporation operates million to 234.1 million boardings, a 2% 8,963 Corporation trains, trams and buses increase, the best result in over 20 years. non-exec in the Melbourne metro- • V/Line country services carried 7.3 million politan area and both passengers, building on four years of solid passenger and freight growth. services in rural Victoria. • V/Line Freight carried 19% more goods this Formed on 1 July 1989, years - a total of 8.19 million tonnes. the Corporation aims to • Revenue from passenger and freight services provide safe and reliable grew by 5.7% to $469.1 million. services that recognise the needs and interests • The PTC further reduced its call on of both customers and government funding by $19.2 million, or Victorian taxpayers. 12.5% on a comparative basis. The PTC has an annual • Service delivery again reached 99.5% or 117 turnover from customers above on all metropolitan tram and bus in excess of $550 services and on all country services.

million, has more than • Safety standards continued to improve with ANNUAL REPORT 1996 -97 240 million passenger all businesses at three star rating or above. boardings and carries • The record for staff safety improved for the more than six million third year running, with staff injuries tonnes of freight, reduced by a further 21.5% this year. making it a major player Passenger and public safety also showed an in Australia’s transport aggregate improvement of 34.7% and 24% industry. respectively over the past three years. • The PTC’s achievements were recognised by major external awards: Met Trams for Achievement in Business Excellence and a Victorian team award by the Australian Quality Council; and the City Circle Tram, and one of its staff, were also winners in the 1996 Victorian Tourism Awards. Appendix 3

STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Roads Mr Colin The Corporation serves • Completed the South Eastern Freeway 62 exec Corporation Jordan the community by upgrade, Western Ring Road between the 2,403 (VicRoads) managing the Victorian Princes Highway and Hume Highway and non-exec road network and its use the duplication of Princes Highway East as an integral part of the between Melbourne and Traralgon. These overall transport system. will boost economic productivity, community amenity and road safety in Victoria. • Launched Linking Victoria, a framework for managing and developing Victoria’s rural road network. Close consultation with road users occurred to present a range of affordable and closely targeted initiatives to provide Victoria with a quality rural road network. Linking Victoria won an international engineering award from the Institute of Transport Engineers. • Implemented the Government’s Safety First road safety strategy, targeting high risk groups and behaviours through research, education, enforcement, promotion and engineering. It is a key part of ‘The Victorian Solution’, which won a Prime Minister’s Award for innovation for the unique partnership formed by VicRoads, the Victoria Police, TAC and the Department of Justice. • Developed and launched ‘Community 118 Participation Strategies and Guidelines’, to ensure VicRoads staff are aware of environmental obligations, and community awareness of VicRoads’ system for public participation in planning and construction. • Opened Burwood East registration and licensing office, offering the latest registration and licensing technologies including state-of-the-art computerised licence testing. This office is a model for future delivery of VicRoads registration and licensing services. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Urban Land Mr Marek The Urban Land • The Authority had a successful year, selling 5 exec Authority Petrovs Authority was 1,338 lots and exceeding sales targets in a 52 non- established under the patchy market. Net profit before tax and exec Urban Land Authority abnormals for the year was $14.9 million. Act 1979. In 1994, the Returns to Victorian Government in the Authority was declared a form of payment for land, proceeds from reorganising body under vested land and taxes during the year was the State Owned $18.68 million. The successful sales result is Enterprises Act 1992. due to the effort of staff, especially the The Authority produces estate based sales teams. and sells residential l • The Authority’s HomePlus initiative offered and, facilitates the devel- during the year attracted buyers to selected opment and disposal of lots across estates. The package included surplus land and project up to $3,000 of incentives per lot including manages the paving, driveway and landscaping. development of complex • Key projects for the year were Roxburgh or difficult sites. Park, Copperfields (Delahay), The Range (Williamstown), Gresswell Grange (Bundoora), Timbarra (Berwick), Forest Glen (Forest Hills), Former Gas and Fuel Site (Port and South Melbourne) and Cathedral Place.

119 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 -97 Appendix 3

STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND OTHER BODIES

AUTHORITIES, CHAIRPERSON ROLE OF MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 1996/97 STAFF AT BOARDS, AT 30 JUNE ORGANISATION 30 JUNE COMMITTEES 1997 1997 OR COUNCILS

Victoria Grants Mr John Lester The Victoria Grants • Continued the introduction of the distribu- 5 non- Commission Commission operates tion of financial assistance grants to reflect exec under the Victoria the relative financial needs of restructured Grants Commission Act councils. 1976. The role of the • Allocated $208.8m of financial assistance Commission is to grants and $76.8m of local roads funding determine allocations of to municipalities throughout Victoria. All Commonwealth general- funding is untied as to its application. purpose grants to • Further developed the methodology for the councils in accordance distribution of grants. with principles developed in consultation with • Arbitrated between electricity generating State and Local companies and Latrobe Shire Council on Governments. payment in lieu of rates. The principles are set out in the 1996 Annual Report of the Victoria Grants Commission.

Victorian • Responsibility for the first three bodies was Channels transferred to the Treasurer, and the Authority, Municipal Electoral Tribunal to the Justice Melbourne Port Portfolio during the year. Refer to the Corporation, Department of Treasury and Finance and Melbourne Port the Department of Justice respectively for Services Pty further details. Ltd, Municipal Electoral 120 Tribunal DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Appendix 4

MAJOR PUBLICATIONS 1996/97

Building

Building Ties Issues 1 and 2

Information Sheets - The Roles of Principal and Superintendent - Construction Health and Safety - Condition Assessment - The Domestic Building Contracts and Tribunal Act 1995

Ministerial Direction No. 2 - Contractual Provisions for Public Construction

National Public Works Council: Process Principles for Infrastructure Projects

Tendering for Public Constructions and Related Consultancy Services - A Better Purchasing Guideline for the Victorian Public Sector

Corporate

Introducing the Department of Infrastructure, English and Spanish versions

Heritage

Reclaiming our Heritage - The Government Heritage Restoration Program

Local Government Board

Review of Local Laws

Office of Local Government

1997 Victorian Local Government Elections

A Guide for Councillors in Victoria (Second Edition)

A Helping Hand, Guidelines for Councillor Support

Benchmarking by Victorian Councils

Building Relationships - ‘Initiatives in consultation and Co-Operation between Victorian Councils and Aboriginal Communities’, Working group on the provision of local government 121 services to aboriginal communities

Competitive Tendering - Realising the Benefits, Minister’s Report on the Second Year of CCT ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

Delivering Tomorrow’s Services Today, ESD Easystart Kit, Office of Local Government & Multimedia Victoria

Directory of Public Library Services in Victoria 1996

Guidelines for Evaluating Local Government Capital Projects, Department of Infrastructure & Standing Committee on Local Government Financial Management

Review of CCT Implementation - Report of the review panel to the Minister for Planning and Local Government, CCT Review Panel

State-Local Government Funding Guide 1996

Super Service, Issue 3, 4, 5, 6

Victoria Grants Commission Annual Report for Year ended 31 August 1996, Victoria Grants Commission Appendix 4

Office of Major Projects

Agenda 21 Quarterly Issues 11, 12, 13, 14,

Federation Square Architectural Design Competition Registration Information

Federation Square Design Brief

Mont Park Expression of Interest

Office of Major Projects Corporate Brochure

Planning

A lot is happening in Victoria

Body Corporate Code of Practice

Development Control Techniques Report

Freeway Service Centres Design Guidelines

Planning Reform News, various dates

Planning System Reform Update Newsletter

Reference Guide to Planning Policies and Guidelines

Reference Guide to Planning Policies and Guidelines Database Manual

Regional Sand Extraction Strategy Lang Lang to Grantville

Residential Land Bulletin (quarterly)

Residential Redevelopment in Melbourne - Consolidating our City

Review of Development Control Techniques to achieve good built form and design outcomes

Surveying for Land Settlement in Victoria

Tennis Court Code of Practice

The Framework in Place - A better future for Victorians

Understanding Planning 122 Urban Village Report - Bayswater Case Study Report

Urban Village Report - North Geelong Case Study Report

Urban Village Report - Preston Case Study Report

Urban Village Summary Report

Victoria in Future Book

Victoria in Future Compact Disk

Victoria in Time

Victorian Population Bulletin DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Victoria Planning Provisions

- folder and disks

- Guidelines on preparing new format planning schemes

- Planning for the future - a brief guide to Victoria’s new planning schemes

Strategic Planning and Economic Services

Victorian Government Submission to the Inquiry into Federal Road Funding

Capital Project Priorities and Program Process guidelines for 1998/99

The Victorian Government’s Response to the Inquiry into Federal Road Funding

Transport

1996 Community Transport Catalogue

Bus Services and Public Transport Competition Act Brochure

City Circle Tram

Public Transport Community Consultative Committees - 1996 Report

Transporting Melbourne - A summary of public consultation

123 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Appendix 5

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

MUNICIPAL ELECTORAL TRIBUNALS

Maribyrnong City Council: Saltwater Ward

It was alleged that: • the Returning Officer had a close association through employment with two candidates; • there were electoral roll irregularities including excessive numbers of voters at single addresses; • electoral material was plagiarised; and • that there were other irregularities (unspecified in the application).

The Tribunal dismissed the application and awarded $2,546 costs against the applicant.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council: Hanging Rock Ward

This application alleged confusion about new ward boundaries. There was also a complaint that the Macedon Primary School polling place ran out of ballot papers between 5.00 pm and 5.20 pm and voters attending after that time could not vote.

Evidence was given that a number of voters that should have been enrolled in the Hanging Rock Ward were actually enrolled for other wards and polling staff did not give them an as of right opportunity to vote as unenrolled voters.

The Tribunal found that on the balance of probabilities the irregularities did affect the result of the election, which was declared void.

The applicant sought an award of costs, but the Tribunal adjourned this to a date to be fixed.

Hume City Council: Woodland Ward

The application was primarily based on several aspects of the count that prevented scrutineers from satisfactorily carrying out their task, including a claim that scrutineers were asked to leave the counting area for about 15 minutes during the count of votes. It was also claimed that informal votes were not properly determined.

The application was dismissed and a request for costs was refused because irregularities were identified. The Tribunal observed that training of electoral staff is critical.

124 Strathbogie Shire Council (unsubdivided municipality) An unsuccessful candidate sought a hearing by the Tribunal because of eleven separate concerns about the conduct of the election. After two days of hearings, the applicant discontinued the case.

The Tribunal formally dismissed the application and awarded costs of $15,000 in favour of the Returning Officer and the Council. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT MUNICIPAL ENTERPRISE PROJECTS APPROVED 1996-97

Municipality and Project LG Contin- Status Structure Exem- Head Employ Project Value Equity gent ptions Of ment Description $M $M Liability Power $M

Melbourne City 6.40 6.40 6.40 Approval for the Council Company S193 Council to finalise the formation Limited by Corporatisation of the of the company known Shares Melbourne Wholesale as the Melbourne Fish Market. Wholesale Fish Market Pty Ltd and transfer of assets.

Melbourne City 33.00 33.00 33.00 Approval for the Council Company S190 S193 Council to finalise the formation Limited by Corporatisation of the of the company known Shares Queen Victoria as the Queen Victoria Market. Market Pty Ltd and transfer of assets.

Melbourne City 1,000.00 80.00 Nil Approval for the Council Company S186 S193 Council to participate in the con- Limited by To participate in a sortium known as Shares consortium bidding Melbourne Airport for the purchase of Limited. the lease to Melbourne Airport.

Monash City Council 30.00 5.00 Nil Approval for the Council Partnering S189 S193 160 The sharing of profit to enter into a Partnering Development & 190 with the ULA from Deed with the ULA. Agreement the development and sale of surplus land known as Herriott’s Glen.

Wodonga Rural City n.a. n.a. n.a. Approval for councils to Company S 193 134 Council/ Indigo Shire form a company with Limited by Council/Towong eight NSW councils under Guarantee Shire Council - Corporations law to Upper Murray establish Upper Murray Regional Library Regional Library. Corporation.

Wyndham City 3.60 2.90 0.70 Approval to become Company S193 Council equal member of the Limited by Management of the Werribee Sports Centre Guarantee Werribee Basketball Limited with the and Recreation Werribee Basketball Centres. Association. Appendix 5

LATE ANNUAL REPORTS

Councils and regional library corporations are required to submit annual reports within three months of the end of the financial year.

Sections 126(5) and 196(7)(d) of the Local Government Act 1989 requires the Minister for Planning and Local Government to report any council or regional library’s failure to submit its annual report within the time allowed.

The following councils failed to submit their 1995-96 annual reports on time: • Buloke Shire Council • Hepburn Shire Council • Indigo Shire Council • Nillumbik Shire Council • Northern Grampians Shire Council.

The following regional library failed to submit its 1995-96 annual report within the required time:

• North Central Goldfields Regional Library Corporation.

126 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Appendix 6

MULTICULTURAL SERVICES

VicRoads - Multicultural services usage data:

Interpreter Tests 1996-97 Handbooks Computer Learners Tests

Albanian 83

Amharik 116

Arabic 130 570 3857

Armenian 6

Assyrian 125

Auslan 1

Bengali 7

Bosnian 8

Bulgarian 5

Burmese 19

Cambodian 40 736

Cantonese 69

Chaldean 22

Croatian 34 360 2207

Czech 8

Dari 96

Filipino 178

French 20

German 1 61

Greek 28 420 658 127 Hakka 24

Hararic 9 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

Hebrew 8

Hindi 54

Hmong 15

Hungarian 51

Indonesian 120

Italian 21 360 483

Japanese 82

Korean 81

Kurdish 4 Appendix 6

Interpreter Tests 1996-97 Handbooks Computer Learners Tests

Laotian 6 74

Latvian 1

Lithuanian 1

Macedonian 59 260 1210

Maltese 12

Mandarin 47 1300 8513

Oromo 36

Persian 164

Polish 9 210 362

Portuguese 61

Punjabi 82

Pushtu 47

Romanian 9 277

Russian 58 447

Samoan 10

Serbian 71 210 1498

Sinhalese 223

Slovak 2

Slovene 1

Somali 165

Spanish 13 360 1105

128 Tamil 133 Teocheow 7

Tetum 3

Thai 125

Tigrigna 90

Tongan 8

Turkish 45 470 2581

Ukrainian 4

Urdu 26

Vietnamese 40 880 6877

Yiddish 2 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT

Total 3055 5400 30946 PLANNING DEVELOPMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Program Details

Interpreting and Translating Services The Office of Local Government administers a line of credit for councils with VITS to assist with the cost of providing interpreting and translating services to clients. The Victorian Government provides $223,000 a year to local Government for interpreting and translating services, allocated to municipalities with more than 200 residents who speak little or no English.

Seminar for Councils In conjunction with the Multicultural Affairs Unit of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Office of Local Government held a seminar in May 1997 show- casing examples of superior local responses to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Facilities The Department has provided a site in north-west Melbourne for the Australian Islamic Social Association to conduct its activities.

ROADS

Program Details

Equal Access Policy VicRoads’ policy is that all people should have equal access to all VicRoads services. To obtain a driver’s licence it is not necessary to speak or read English.

Interpreting Services Interpreter services are provided on request through- 129 out the entire network of VicRoads Registration and

Licensing Offices, at no cost to the customer. ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

Learner Permit and Licence Computerised knowledge tests have replaced the Knowledge Tests written component of the driver learner and licence tests and is available in 17 community languages including English. The tests are both visual and aural and can be taken without the delay involved in pre-booking an interpreter.

Translated Information Brochures on getting a licence are available in 14 community languages.

Victorian Traffic Handbook The handbook is available in 11 community languages. Appendix 6

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Program Details

Ethnic Media Advertising In 1996/97, $40,589 was spent on advertising in the ethnic media. This includes publicity material and special events.

International Symbols in Signage International pictograms are used on all signage and information to assist customers from language back grounds other than English.

Translated Information General transport guides are available in 16 community languages and are distributed through Migrant Resource Centres, AMES, the ECCV and other specialised ethnic retail outlets. Brochures for customers with disabilities are produced in 13 community languages.

130 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Appendix 7

COMPETITION POLICY

REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE RESTRICTIONS ON COMPETITION

As part of the National Competition Policy agreements signed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in April 1995, all governments agreed to adopt the following guiding legislative principle:

‘Legislation should not restrict competition unless it can demonstrated that: • the benefits of the restriction to the community as a whole outweigh the costs; and • the objectives of the legislation can only be achieved by restricting competition.’

To give effect to this principle, governments have agreed to: • review and, where appropriate, reform all existing legislative restrictions on competition against the guiding legislative principle; and • ensure that all new legislative proposals are assessed against the principle.

The Victorian Government Timetable for Review of Legislative Restrictions on Competition published in June 1996 contains major legislation relating to transport, ports, roads, local government, planning and heritage (including local laws, planning schemes and regulations). All reviews and reforms are required to be completed before 2000.

Current situation

A Departmental Steering Committee, established in accordance with the Cabinet guidelines, oversees the legislation review program within the Department of Infrastructure.

The Committee commenced its work by re-assessing the timing of specific reviews to reflect the current strategic priorities and investigating the nature and scope of restrictions on competition in specific pieces of legislation.

Progress achieved in respect of legislation scheduled for review in the 1996/97 financial year

Legislation under investigation includes: • Transport Act 1983 • Border Railways Act 1922 • Local Government Act 1989 • Planning and Environment Act 1987 131 • Planning Authorities Repeal Act 1994 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 • Marine Act 1988 • Public Transport Competition Act 1995.

Legislation assessed as redundant or not restrictive on competition and proposed to be removed from the Timetable or to be repealed includes: • Railways (Standardisation Agreement) Act 1958 • South Australian & Victorian Border Railways Act 1930 • Cultural & Recreational Lands Act 1963 • Impounding of Livestock Act 1994 • Public Authorities Marks Act 1958 • Project Development & Construction Management Act 1994 Appendix 7

• Environment Effects Act 1978 • Land (Goonawarra Golf Course) Act 1988.

Restrictive legislative provisions repealed include: • Bourke Street Mall Act 1982 • City of Greater Geelong Act 1993 • City of Melbourne Act 1993.

Review arrangements approved for:

Road Safety Act 1986 - to commence in August 1997.

COMPETITIVE NEUTRALITY

The Victorian Government Statement on Competitive Neutrality published in June 1996 sets out the policy and implementation timetable for extending competitive neutrality policies to other areas of government business activity to ensure that those businesses do not enjoy net competitive advantages over private businesses simply as a result of public ownership. It also sets out conditions under which competitive neutrality policies will apply to tax-funded activities within the Government sector.

The Statement describes two models for applying competitive neutrality policies: Model 1 - corporatisation, and Model 2 - structural and pricing principles reflecting full cost. Within the Department of Infrastructure the following activities are listed as significant business activities to which Model 2 should apply.

APPLICATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE OF COMPETITIVE NEUTRALITY (CN) PRINCIPLES TO SIGNIFICANT GOVERNMENT BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

Significant government business Status of application of CN activity of Department

132 VicRoads Arrangements for compliance with Model •Land Information Survey 2 have been developed and approved. •Road and Bridge Design •Bituminous Surfacing Arrangements for compliance with Model •Printing Services 2 have been developed and approved.

•Implementation of Urban Traffic Control This activity is only a minor component of Systems (refers to the implementation of VicRoads’ business. The Model 2 compli- the Systems interstate or overseas) ance arrangements developed for other significant business activities will be applied to this activity in future.

Building Services Agency Competitive Neutrality Pricing principles are fully implemented. Full cost attribu- DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT tion is reflected in Operating Statement. Appendix 8

OTHER AVAILABLE INFORMATION AND COMPLIANCE INDEX

Other available information

The Directions of the Minister for Finance pursuant to the Financial Management Act 1994 require a range of information to be prepared in relation to the financial year. This material is itemised below and, where not published in this report, is retained by the accountable officer and can be made available to ministers, Members of Parliament and the public on request, subject to the limitations of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

• Declarations of pecuniary interests completed by all relevant officers of the Department for the year ended 30 June 1997.

• Details of shares held by senior officers as nominees or held beneficially in a statutory authority or subsidiary.

• Details of publications produced by the Department of Infrastructure and where the publications can be obtained.

• Details of changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies charged by the Department.

• Details of major external reviews carried out on the Department.

• Details of major research and development activities undertaken by the Department.

• Details of overseas visits, including a summary of the objectives and outcomes of each visit.

• Details of major promotional, public relations and marketing activities undertaken by the Department to develop community awareness of the Department and the services it provides.

• Details of assessments and measures undertaken to improve the occupational health and safety of employees.

• A general statement on industrial relations within the Department and details of time lost through industrial accidents and disputes.

• A list of the major committees sponsored by the Department, the purpose of each committee and the extent to which the purpose has been achieved.

Building Act Compliance 133 The Directions of the Minister of Finance requires this Annual Report to include a statement on the extent of compliance with the building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 1993, for publicly owned buildings controlled by the Department. The Department does not own or control any Government buildings. Appendix 8

Compliance Index

The Annual Report of the Department of Infrastructure is prepared in accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994 and the Directions of the Minister for Finance. This index is to facilitate identification of compliance with statutory disclosure requirements and refers to clauses in the Directions of the Minister for Finance.

CLAUSE DISCLOSURE PAGE

Report of Operations

Charter and Purpose

9.1.3 (i) (a) Manner of establishment and Ministers 1,2 9.1.3 (i) (b) Objectives, functions, powers and duties 2,1 9.1.3 (i) (c) Nature and range of services provided 2

Management and Structure

9.1.3 (i) (d) (i) Name of Secretary 1 9.1.3 (i) (d) (ii) Names of senior office holders and brief description of responsibility 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 9.1.3 (i) (d) (iii) Chart setting out organisational structure 3

Financial and Other Information

9.1.3 (i) (e) Statement of workforce data and merit and equity 136, 137, 138, 139 9.1.3 (i) (f) Application and operation of freedom of information 105, 106, 107 9.1.3 (ii) (a) Summary of the financial results for the year 47, 48, 49 9.1.3 (ii) (b) Significant changes in financial position 134 during the year 50, 52, 65 9.1.3 (ii) (c) Operational and budgetary objectives and performance against objectives 61, 62, 63, 64 9.1.3 (ii) (d) Major changes or factors affecting achievement 65 9.1.3 (ii) (e) Events subsequent to balance date that may have a significant effect 88 9.1.3 (ii) (f) Details of consultancies over $100,000 140 9.1.3 (ii) (g) Details of consultancies under $100,000 140 9.1.3 (ii) (i) Statement of availability of other information 133 9.1.3 (ii) (k) Statement on competition policy 131, 132 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT CLAUSE DISCLOSURE PAGE

Financial Statements

Operating Statement 9.2.3 (ii) (a) Operating revenue by class 50, 60 9.2.3 (ii) (c) Net cost from disposal of non current assets 50, 65 9.2.3 (ii) (e) Depreciation 67, 80 9.2.3 (ii) (f) Bad and doubtful debts 66 9.2.3 (ii) (g) Financing cost (capital charge) 60 9.2.3 (ii) (i) Audit expense 80

Balance Sheet

9.2.3 (iii) (a) (i) Cash at bank and trust funds 52, 66, 78 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (ii) Inventories 52 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (iii) Receivables, including trade debtors, loans and other debtors 56, 66, 78 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (iv) Other assets, including prepayments 52 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (v) Investments 78 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (vi) Property, plant and equipment 52, 67 9.2.3 (iii) (b) (iii) Trade and other creditors 52, 68 9.2.3 (iii) (b) (v) Provisions, including employee entitlements 52, 68 9.2.3 (iii) (c) (ii) Issued capital 78 9.2.3 (iii) (d) Reserves, and transfers to and from reserves 52, 69

Statement of Cash Flows

9.2.3 (i) (c) A statement of cash flows during the year 53 135

Notes to the Financial Statements ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97

9.2.3 (iv) (b) Contingent liabilities 85 9.2.3 (iv) (c) Commitments for expenditure 82, 83 9.2.3 (iv) (d) Government grants received or receivable 50, 53, 61-64, 70-71, 74-77 9.2.3 (iv) (e) Employee superannuation funds 84 9.4 Transactions with responsible persons and their related parties 86, 87 Appendix 9

STAFF PROFILE

Status Male Female Total Staff FTE Number

Executive Officers 50 14 63.3 64

Non-Executive Officers 369 221 577.1 590

Temporary 36 38 70.5 74

Casual 0 5 4.4 5

Total 455 278 715.3 733

Staff : Number by employment status at 30/06/97

Classification Male Female Total

EO-1 3 0 3

EO-2 6 2 8

EO-3 41 12 53

Total 50 14 64

Executive Staff : Number by Classification at 30/06/97

136 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Classification Male Female Total

Executive

Executive Officers 50 14 64

Broadbanded

VPS-1 12 26 38

VPS-2 67 97 164

VPS-3 127 59 186

VPS-4 117 45 162

VPS-5 78 28 106

Sub-Total 401 255 656

Ministerial Staff

Ministerial Staff 4 9 13

Sub-Total 4 9 13

Total 455 278 733

Staff : Numbers by Classification/Category at 30/06/97

137 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Appendix 9

MERIT AND EQUITY

Grievance Management

The Department of Infrastructure continues to administer a comprehensive grievance process. In 1996/97 all eighteen grievances received were resolved via conciliation without the need to convene formal tribunals. The focus on future relationships and outcomes has lead to the process expanding to provide conflict resolution services to staff and managers to assist in minimising workplace conflict and maintenance of positive on-going work relationships. No grievances were rejected, as issues of concern need to be addressed.

Managing Diversity

The Department has maintained its approach of addressing Merit and Equity issues through improved integrated human resource management strategies. Merit and Equity are intrinsic in all procedures and policies.

Flexible Working Arrangements

The Department has revised and reissued flexible work options to assist employees in managing work and family issues and to assist in achieving business goals. These include carer’s leave, flexible hours worked over a seven day week, and a working from home policy. 52% of staff negotiated variations to working hours in their employment agreements.

The new work flexibility enables staff to more easily balance the responsibilities of work and family. Negotiated outcomes indicate that flexibility was of more value than increased remuneration for many staff, and the Department will continue to develop and promote similar policies that assist in attracting and retaining quality staff.

School Holiday Programs

The Department established a work-based program to assist staff with child care arrangements during school holidays. The program provides a secure, stimulating and entertaining environment for children aged between five and twelve years. Positive feedback was received from participants and parents/carers. A limited number of places have been made available to staff from other government agencies.

138 Access to Training and Development

The Department’s competency based training programs, including the establishment of relevant learning pathways and application of the Recognition of Prior Learning process, provides a range of learning opportunities and wider access to formal qualifications for staff and management. The opportunities are directed at the continuous improvement of the organisation, and simultaneously provide the flexibility to link formal learning pathways and tertiary accredited management training. The program has provided increased opportunities for staff members who previously have not undertaken formal studies, and is of particular benefit to staff juggling work, family and study commitments, or who have had interruptions to employment.

The Recognition of Prior Learning facilitates the recognition of learning and skills acquisition, irrespective of how they have been acquired. It allows existing competencies gained through on-the-job experience, life experience and informal courses to be recognised, in addition to those gained through formal education. DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT The Department’s competency based training and development program, utilising learning pathways, provides the opportunity for staff to gain formal qualifications and credits for a range of courses.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

As part of its health and safety management system, the Department has undertaken work site assessments for staff, following the relocation and consolidation of its central business district offices into Nauru House.

Vision tests have been carried out for eligible staff as part of the Department’s health monitoring program with other successful programs such as the Employee Assistance Program continuing to operate.

Claims management including the rehabilitation and return to work of injured employees is being successfully managed centrally significantly contributing to the reduction in the Department’s premium of 36%.

139 ANNUAL REPORT 1996 - 97 Appendix 10

CONSULTANTS ENGAGED

The following table lists the consultants engaged in 1996/97 where the cost of the engagement exceeded $100,000. In addition 42 consultancies costing less than $100,000 were engaged with total cost of $676,801.

The following consultancies are not yet completed:

SMS Consulting: Implementation of the Common Desktop Environment

Flagstaff Consulting: Jolimont Area Coordination and Assessment - Stage 2

Sinclair Knight Merz: Scoresby Transport Corridor Environment Effects Statement

Total Project Payments Future Consultant Project Cost 1996/97 Commitment

Sinclair Knight Merz Scoresby Transport Corridor Environment Effects Statement $1,395,610 $476,077 $537,835

SMS Consulting Implementation of the Common Desktop Environment $147,000 $50,365 $96,635

Flagstaff Consulting Flagstaff Consulting: Jolimont Area Coordination and Assessment - Stage 1 $103,575 $103,575 Nil

Flagstaff Consulting Flagstaff Consulting: Jolimont Area Coordination and Assessment - Stage 2 $360,240 $165,390 $194,850

Henshall Hansen Integrated Strategy Plan and Associates for LaTrobe Shire $180,000 $180,000 Nil (jointly funded by Federal Government, State Government 140 and Shire)

Sinclair Knight Merz Environment Effects Mount Stirling Statement $412,500 Nil DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT Departmental Contacts

PRINCIPAL OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Office of the Secretary Level 26 Nauru House 80 Collins St Melbourne 3000 9655 3311

Major Projects 8th Floor 55 Swanston Street Melbourne 3000 9655 5255

Building Services Agency Level 10 Nauru House 80 Collins St Melbourne 3000 9655 6288

Taxi and Tow Truck Directorate Taxis - 598 Lygon St Carlton South 3053 9435 4321

Tow Truck - 560 Lygon St Carlton South 3053 9345 4027

VicRoads 60 Denmark St Kew 3101 9854 2666

Public Transport Corporation Transport House 589 Collins St Melbourne 3000 9619 1111

Planning Regional Office Cnr Fenwick and Barwon South/West Little Malop Sts Geelong 3220 (03) 5226 4560

Planning Regional Office Cnr Doveton and Mair Sts Central Highlands and Wimmera Ballarat 3350 (03) 5333 6714

Planning Regional Office Suite 4, 29 Breed St Gippsland Traralgon 3844 (03) 5174 1733

Planning Regional Office 426 Hargreaves St Loddon and Mallee Bendigo 3550 (03) 5444 9902

Planning Regional Office State Government Offices 142 North/Eastern Goulburn 1 McKoy St West Wodonga 3690 (060) 55 6255

ISBN 0 7306 8620 5

Production by the Public Affairs Branch of the Department of Infrastructure

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