2019 2020

Bega Valley Shire Council Annual Report 2019-2020 Welcome

Bega Valley Shire Council is proud to present our Annual Report for 2019-2020. The Annual Report is a key point of accountability between Council and the community. This report outlines progress made against the Council’s 2019-2020 commitments in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan, and describes how Council is supporting achievement of the Community Strategic Plan. In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 the Annual Report also includes required statutory information and provides an overview of Council's financial position. More detailed information on the financial performance of Council during 2019-2020 can be found in the Annual Financial Statements, Attachment 2 to this report.

Acknowledgement

The Bega Valley Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Shire, the people of the Yuin nations, and show our respect to elders past, present and emerging.

2 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Contents

Mayor's message...... 4

General Manager's message...... 5

Our place...... 6

Our Elected Council...... 12

Our organisation...... 15

Our year in review...... 23

Achieving our plan...... 34 • Active and healthy communities.... 37 • Employment and learning opportunities...... 43 • Sustainable living...... 46 • Liveable places...... 51 • Connected communities...... 56 • Strong, consultative leadership...... 60 Statutory and other information .... 63

Attachment 1 - Operational Plan Progress Report Attachment 2 - Audited Annual Financial Statements

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 3 Message from our Mayor

This past year has been sobering for us all. responsibility of Council. We are just one of the organisations working hard to get this Shire back Every resident of the Shire is acutely aware of the on its feet. By working together with the broader challenges we face as we come to terms with the community, we can move forward on recovery, devastating effects on our homes, livelihoods and together; and I acknowledge the hard work families left by drought, the summer bushfires, and and determination of everyone involved—your a global pandemic. resilience and strength never cease to amaze me. Reflecting on this past year through our 2019- I would like to acknowledge the leadership of 20 Annual Report you will see the actions and Councillor Kristy McBain in her role as Mayor responses we have taken to guide and support the over the last four years. Her dedication and community through some of the toughest times commitment was acutely evident earlier this year we’ve faced. as she worked tirelessly to keep the community The very nature of local government means we informed during the summer bushfires. are always working at the coalface to keep the I would also like to thank former Councillor, wheels of a busy and active community in motion; Sharon Tapscott for her dedicated service to the whether in comparatively easier times or helping community both as a Councillor over the last eight the community as a natural disaster unfolds. years and as Mayor earlier this year. I am proud to be part of this team, working As Mayor of the Bega Valley Shire, it is my pleasure alongside my fellow Councillors and the dedicated to work with so many people in our community Council staff who have given their all to support our and I look forward to continuing that work over the community, many of whom have been personally coming year. impacted by the challenges the region has met. Cr Russell Fitzpatrick As we move forward, it is important to remember Mayor, Bega Valley Shire Council that recovery is not, and will never be, a sole

4 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Message from our General Manager

I mentioned in last year’s Annual Report that on without wavering from the delivery of everyday difficult times present the ultimate test for the services. community and the capability of any council. Despite these challenges, we took our role as It is with sadness and humility that a year later, I am a local organisation with global responsibilities justified in saying this again. seriously, and we proudly adopted our Climate Resilience Strategy 2050, paving the way to a The end of 2019 and the first half of 2020 were climate friendly community with a strong and indeed a time without compare. I would not be resilient economy. alone in feeling the push and pull of heartbreak for a community that has lost so much in the face We also continued to lead the way in waste of fires, floods, extended drought and a global management, with our FOGO service diverting pandemic, and the upswell of admiration for the 5000 tonnes of green waste away from landfill after people who paint a clear picture of hope through only one year, and we are now moving to a second courage, resilience, selflessness and outright stage of providing FOGO to local businesses. bravery. I acknowledge and note the financial pressures we It’s a year we will never forget. At a time when our have faced as an organisation. Council has been Shire should have been enjoying the recreational clear this is an area we need to focus on despite and economic benefits of summer. Instead, we the instability of the environment we are operating were thrust into an eerie darkness and had to insist in. We are working through an improvement plan that our much-loved visitors go home. and our clear focus is on getting clear, consistent, and ‘Plain English’ documents to the community in A threat of this scale was unprecedented, and a timely manner. people needed access to essential information. Our staff worked night and day supporting the These and many others are the services we provide community and other agencies, taking a lead role in every day, regardless of the challenges we face. I keeping people informed of threats and changes as am proud of our Council staff who found an extra they happened. gear to respond to the situations with even greater urgency, thoroughness, creativity and compassion In the fire’s wake, we provided immediate support this year. through our Recovery Centre and the Bega Valley Together web portal. These ongoing core services As we look towards the future, our focus on are there every day helping impacted people to partnering with the community will continue. This rebuild their lives, homes and businesses. is how we have moved towards recovery: by joining together. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who And then in March, when the COVID-19 pandemic helped in these difficult times. began to unfold, we had to pivot once again and focus on protecting our community from a threat Leanne Barnes, OAM we couldn’t see. This, alongside fire, flood and General Manager drought, saw our staff meet these challenges head-

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 5 OUR PLACE

The Bega Valley Shire is located at the south- eastern corner of New South Wales, half way between Australia’s two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, and three hours drive from the nation’s capital, Canberra. Our coastal fringe extends from Wallaga Lake in the north to Cape Howe and the Nadgee Wilderness and Victorian border in the South. At over 6,200 km2, the Shire is the largest local government area in coastal NSW. Our 225-kilometres of coastline forms the beautiful Sapphire Coast, the heart of Australia’s Coastal Wilderness. We are bordered by the Tasman Sea to the east and the tablelands to the west. Almost 70% of the Shire is National Park, State Forest or public reserve and large areas are used for agriculture. The Shire’s combination of natural beauty, temperate climate and its range of towns, villages, recreational opportunities and commercial enterprises have attracted visitors and new residents for many years.

6 6 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2017-182019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 YOUR PLACE OUR PLACE

The Yuin people are the traditional GREAT PLACE custodians of the Shire. Ancient stories, ceremonies, special places and sacred objects are embedded in the landscapes, trees, hills and waterways of the Shire, and form the basis of traditional lore, custom, spiritual connection and custodial obligations. Our place by numbers The Shire's total population of around 35,000 is dispersed, with a 1 Regional Art Gallery third of us living in rural areas and the remaining two thirds spread Regional Learning Centre amongst 12 villages, 4 major towns 1 and adjacent urban settlements. Our main industries are agribusiness 2 Ocean pools including fishing and aquaculture, health and social services, and 3 Museums tourism. The key industrial precincts are in North Bega, Eden and South Libraries Pambula and main retail areas in 4 the town centres of Bega, Eden and Merimbula. 6 Swimming pools Transport is predominantly by private car with limited bus services. 9 Skate parks Merimbula Airport provides air transport connectivity to Melbourne 11 Boat ramps and jetties and Sydney and the Port of Eden is an important working port able to Community halls berth large cruise ships. 21 We are a regional centre for schools 25 Sports fields and higher education institutions. There are currently 18 primary and 4 Estuaries high schools which include a mixture 29 of private and public facilities. 30 Natural reserves The University of Wollongong operates a campus in Bega. In addition, vocational courses and 43 Playgrounds trade skills are offered by the Bega TAFE Illawarra campus. Bega Valley 54 Tennis, netball, basketball courts Shire Council manages over $1.51 billion in assets that allow Parkland reserves visitors and community alike to live, 83 work and play in this beautiful part of the world. 101 Beaches

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 7 INDIVIDUAL WEEKLY INCOME HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION

0 to $499 42% 15% 8% 20%

$500 to $1,749 42% bachelor degree advanced diploma certificate III or higher or diploma or IV $1,750+ 5%

HOUSING TENURE HOUSEHOLD CAR OWNERSHIP

43% 26% 22% households homes owned households with a unencumbered mortgage renting no car 1 car 2 cars 3+ cars 4% 35% 35% 15%

DWELLINGS PROFILE AND OCCUPANCY ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT 50% ISLANDER PEOPLES 40 30 20 10 1,043 3.1% PEOPLE 0 1 2 3 4 5+ household size vs. number of bedrooms

METHODS OF TRAVEL TO WORK

0.7% 0.4% 4.9% 7.4% 69.7% PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO WORK CYCLE TO WORK WALK TO WORK WORK FROM HOME DRIVE TO WORK vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. Regional NSW 1.2% Regional NSW 0.6% Regional NSW 3.8% Regional NSW 6.2% Regional NSW 73.5%

8 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020

POPULATION FORECAST ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: 0.6%

2020: 34,746 2036: 38,138

FORECAST CHANGE IN HOUSEHOLD TYPE 2016-2036

-44 group households other families +40 one parent families +76 +1,174 couples with dependents +107 +1,532 couples single person households

FORECAST POPULATION CHANGE 2016: Age 0 to 17 19% 2036: Age 0 to 17 17% 2016: Age 18 to 34 13% 2036: Age 18 to 34 12% 2016: Age 35 to 59 33% 2036: Age 35 to 59 27% 2016: Age 60+ 35% 2036: Age 60+ 43%

2016 2036

Source: The data on page 8 and this 59% 50% page is sourced from .id the population experts based on the 2016 Census. Where percentages may not combine to total 100 this reflects a non-response to that question WORKING AGE POPULATION during the Census. (15-64 years)

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 9 Our Traditional Custodians

The Traditional Custodians of the Shire are the to Green Cape and west to the scarp of the communities of the Yuin-Monaro Nations. From Dividing Range), Bidawahal (just south of Green ancient times they have been the inhabitants and Cape) and Nulliker (Twofold Bay), Monaroo (on custodians of the land, sea and waterways. The the escarpment country) groups comprised the cultural geography of the south coast reverts to the Yuin-Monaro Nations in the area now known as coastal clans of the Murring, or especially the Yuin the Bega Valley Shire. This was the case for many clans. These clans claimed responsibility of country thousands of years. from Cape Howe to the Shoalhaven River in NSW. They formed two large sub-groups or sub divisions, The groups of the Yuin communities living in called respectively Guyangal and Kurial, from coastal areas are known as Katungal (from the the words guya, south and kuru, north, gal being word Katung) sea coast people and the Baianbal the possessive postfix. The inland extent of their or Paienbara (the tomahawk people) those who country included from the escarpment to the sea. lived in the forests. A third group, the Bemerigal or mountain people at Cooma belonged to the Evidence is limited but the tabulation of marriages Ngarigo people. makes it quite clear that the far south coast formed a distinct region marked by the intensity Sites throughout the Shire demonstrate occupation of intermarriage while demonstrating that there by these rich cultures to be in excess of 7,000+ were, nevertheless, links with Gippsland and years. These people nurtured and organised an the Monaro prior to colonisation as would be active culture many thousands of years older than expected, since few if any groups lived completely the creators of the great pyramids of Giza or the isolated from their neighbours. medieval monuments of Stonehenge. Some of the oldest physical records of human occupation and The Tadjera-Munji-Djiringanj-Yuin (from Cape activity to be found anywhere in the world are Dromedary south to beyond Bega, inland to located here in the Bega Valley Shire. the sharp scarp of the Dividing Range east of Nimmitabel), Thaua (north of Merimbula south

10 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Awards

Council has the privilege of playing a role in acknowledging the positive contributions of local organisations and individuals that make up our wonderful community. Each year the people of the Bega Valley Shire are invited to nominate fellow citizens for the NSW Local Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Sportsperson of the Year and Australia Day Local Awards. The awards aim to recognise outstanding achievement during the past year and/or contribution to the local community over a number of years.

In 2020 the Bega Valley Regional Gallery (BVRG) was highly commended in The Leo Kelly OAM Community award Arts and Culture Award for it’s ongoing project BVRG:TARMAC, a commercial exhibition space for categories and winners Bega Valley based artists at the newly renovated for 2020 Merimbula Airport Terminal. The Award recognises councils that are leaders in arts and culture, and have excelled in strategic policy, planning, delivery and evaluation. This  Citizen of the Year includes:  Winner - Mrs Michelle Bootes • integrated cultural planning and policy • creative stakeholder engagement Young Citizen of the Year  • building capacity of the arts and cultural  Winner - Miss Kate Lewis sector. BVRG has again been nominated for an IMAGinE  Senior Citizen of the Year Award for its BVRG AT HOME program, delivered  Winner - Mr Colin Dunn as a response to the COVID-19 lockdown response. BVRG commissioned Australian  Sportsperson of the Year artists to deliver online workshops, studio tours. Additionally BVRG delivered education programs  Winner - Ms Kiarna Woolley- for school students online during March, April, Blain May and June. The IMAGinE awards recognise the people who  Australia Day Local Award work in museums and galleries across NSW and  Joint winners the contributions they make. IMAGinE celebrates - Miss Clair Mudaliar all institutions and pays homage to those - Miss Jennie Keioskie organisations with limited budgets and minimal resources. The IMAGinE Awards will be announced via an online event on November 25.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 11 OUR ELECTED COUNCIL

Our Councillors for 2019-20

Councillor Councillor Councillor Sharon Tapscott Russell Fitzpatrick Tony Allen

Councillor Councillor Councillor Robyn Bain Jo Dodds Cathy Griff

Councillor Councillor Councillor Kristy McBain Mitchell Nadin Liz Seckold

Elected Council

Bega Valley Shire Council is governed by nine elected Councillors who provide leadership and establish the strategic direction for the organisation and the future of the Shire. The Councillors are elected every four years with the last election being held in September 2016. Council elections were due to take place in September 2020 but were delayed until 4 September 2021 due to COVID. During 2019-2020 Councillor Kristy McBain was Mayor with Councillor Sharon Tapscott as Deputy Mayor. Councillor McBain stepped down as Mayor in May 2020 to contest the Federal seat of Eden- Monaro resulting in Councillor Tapscott being elected Mayor and Councillor Fiztpatrick as Deputy Mayor. There are no wards or ridings in the Bega Valley Shire which means the nine Councillors are elected by the people to represent the interests of all residents. The Councillors elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. A decision of Council, which requires a majority vote from the 9 elected Councillors, then becomes a resolution. These resolutions are the formal decision-making process of Council.

12 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 How Council Operates

Council is the third level of government and is directly accountable to the local community. The Local Government Act 1993 provides Council with the framework and powers to provide community services and facilities.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STATE GOVERNMENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Foreign affairs, defence, Public hospitals, public schools, Planning, cultural development, trade relations, communications, police services, ambulance services, fire libraries, waste collection, water, immigration, pensions. brigades, state roads, sewerage, community services, e.g. Princes Highway. local/regional roads and recreation facilities. Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au) Council Meetings

All Council meetings are carried out in accordance During 2019-2020: with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice. Council’s meeting schedule, agendas and minutes are • 20 ordinary meetings of Council were held available on our website • 49 speakers participated in the Public www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au Forums • 5 community members made a The agenda for meetings is available from 5pm on Presentation to Councillors across a range the Thursday prior to the meeting. Hard copies of of topics including SES, RFS, Moodji Food the agenda are made available at the Zingel Place, Farm, Hemp Opportunities and Eden Trails Council Administration Office and in the Council Bicycle Tourism Strategy. Chambers on the day of the meeting. Extraordinary Meetings are held from time to time to attend to In the weeks Council meetings are not held, urgent matters which require the decision of the Councillors attend briefing sessions with the full Council. Council meetings are lived streamed General Manager and Leadership and Executive and can be viewed from Council’s website. Group. These briefings are an opportunity for Councillors to receive further information to assist Commencing in March 2020, in line with COVID them in performing their role and achieving the restrictions, Council meetings were held via Zoom best outcomes for the community. and the public could request to speak to Council via a Public Forum facilitated on Zoom prior to the Council meeting.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 13 Council Meeting Views

Month Live Views Archived Total Views Views 2019 July 30 109 139 August 146 137 283 September 185 101 286 October 251 172 423 November 152 160 312 December 95 73 168 2020 January 188 48 236 February 130 121 251 March 16 46 62 April 113 125 238 May 190 170 360 June 152 94 246 Total 1,648 1,356 3,004

14 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 OUR ORGANISATION

Our Structure

Council’s General Manager, Leanne Barnes is responsible for the implementation of Council’s policies as well as the administration and management of all Council day-to-day business. The General Manager reports to the elected Council (Councillors). In March 2020 the General Manager appointed Chris Horsburgh as the Project Lead for our Recovery, Rebuilding and Resilience Program for a two year period.

irector 2 year appointent

Anthony McMahon Iliada Bolton Dr. Alice Howe Chris Horsburgh Assets and Opera� ons Business and Governance Community, Environment Bushfi re Recovery, and Planning Rebuilding and Resilience Project Team Leader

Assets and Works Business and Governance Cer� fi ca� on and Economic Strategy and Assets and Opera� on Coordina� on Compliance Projects Coordina� on Communica� on and Communica� on and Health and Wellbeing Leisure and Recrea� on Technology Servicies Events Infrastructure and Services Property and Project Execu� ve Support Community, Environment Services Financial Management and Planning Coordina� on Waste Services Informa� on, People and Community Connec� ons Water and Sewer Services Governance Planning and Sustainability Procurement and Contract Management Revenue and Customer Service Risk and Internal Audit Commenced March 2020

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 15 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires

On Sunday 29 December 2019, bushfires at Werri Thirteen evacuation centres were stood up across Berri and on the Shire’s southern border began the Shire. The main centres were located at Bega what is now known as the Black Summer bushfires. Showgrounds, Bega Basketball Stadium, Eden Council immediately established an Emergency Fishermen’s Club, Merimbula’s Club Sapphire, Tura Operations Centre (EOC) in Bega, working closely Beach Country Club and Bega Civic Centre. with local emergency services, which remained in operation until 11 February 2020. During the response phase, detailed bushfire impact assessments were commenced A Section 44 State of Emergency was declared immediately to assist residents to begin recovery. across the Bega Valley Shire by the NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner. Almost every town and Council staff played a vital role in the bushfire locality was impacted by the six bushfires that response. Staff worked in rotating shifts to raged across the Valley: provide many essential services, including water cartage, dozers for clearing, clean-up operations • Myrtle Mountain Road Fire impacting at evacuation centres, managing road closures, Wyndham staffing the Emergency Operation Centre, supply • Werri Berri Fire north of Bemboka of equipment such as generators, catering for the impacting Bemboka, Numbugga, Pollocks Emergency Operation Centre, donations and goods Flat, Desert Creek and Brogo logistics, and support for Australian Defence Forces • Badja Forest Road Fire in the Countegany personnel. area and Wadbilliga National Park The local government family stepped up from impacting Brogo, Upper Brogo, Wandella, early January, with Councils across New South Yowrie, Verona, Quaama, McLeods Hill, Wales providing on ground and remote support Cobargo, Coolagolite, Bermagui, Regatta in a heart-warming demonstration of solidarity. Point, Wallaga Lake, Wallaga Lake Heights, Support also came from the Australian Defence Fairhaven, Tinpot, and Murrabrine Force; mobilising on a number of fronts including • Border Fire impacting Wonboyn, Kiah, setting up a water purification and desalination Narrabarba, New Buildings, Burragate, system to help supplement drinking water supplies Towamba, Pericoe, Nethercote, Eden, Mila, in the north and working to clear burnt vegetation Rockton, Nungatta, Warrawilla, Rosemeath, beside major roads. Cathcart, Bondi Gulf, Paddy's Flat, and Bombala The Bega Valley Recovery Centre was established on 13 January 2020 at the Bega Valley • Big Jack Mountain Fire impacting Commemorative Civic Centre. The Recovery Burragate, New Buildings, Devils Hole, Centre provided immediate emergency response Rocky Hall, Mount Darragh, Myrtle assistance for bushfire-impacted people, including Mountain, Wyndham and Honeysuckle emergency housing, food and clothing, and • Creewah Road Fire impacting the psychological support needs. This effort was Tantawangalo area. provided through eight Mobile Outreach Centres

16 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 located in Bemboka, Quaama, Cobargo, Bermagui, The NSW and Commonwealth governments Eden, Wyndham, Towamba and Wonboyn. The announced funding to support recovery, with the Recovery Centre operated as a partnership NSW Government pledging to cover all site clean- between Bega Valley Shire Council and the NSW up costs for damaged and destroyed properties Office of Emergency Management; completing and providing rate relief for people who had lost operations on 25 March 2020. their home or business in the fires. This rate relief was extended to cover the full 2020 calendar As our bushfire response was winding down, year. Council received $1.3 million from the Council turned its focus towards recovery and Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement with the rebuilding, taking the lead in advocacy and Commonwealth and NSW governments and was regional recovery Council formed the Bega Valley allocated $250,000 from the Bushfire Community Local Bushfire Recovery Committee (LRC), with Resilience and Economic Recovery Fund towards valued input from a range of government agencies. business recovery, tourism marketing and events. The committee focused on the key areas of health In addition, $6,510,000 was received by Council and wellbeing, agriculture and livestock, business from Department of Regional NSW (Public Works and tourism, infrastructure and waste, planning Advisary) to enable receival and processing of and environment, donations and disaster relief, bushfire clean-up waste, and $1,204,681 funding communication and community engagement. was approved by Resilience NSW for the Bega During this time, Council also established its Valley Recovery Support Service to operate until Recovery, Resilience and Rebuilding (RRR) April 2021. program. RRR delivers key bushfire recovery Twice during the early months of recovery the programs including the Bega Valley Recovery region endured flood events, adding to the Support Service, Health and Wellbeing, Economic challenges of recovery and, in March, amid Development, Business Recovery Support and these efforts, a new international challenge Infrastructure Rebuilding Services. Council’s emerged—COVID-19. Despite COVID, Council directorates also contributed to bushfire recovery remained focused on the needs of the community, priorities, in addition to returning their focus delivering support to bushfire affected people towards ‘business as usual’ priorities, and and businesses, and rebuilding bushfire impacted councillors set about resolving and delivering on infrastructure across the Shire. a detailed framework for minimising and waiving rates, fees and charges.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 17 COVID-19 the CISP is to articulate response and recovery objectives, potential impacts to Council, escalation Physical distancing, coronavirus and social isolation triggers, required response actions, duties and have now cemented themselves in our vocabulary responsibilities, and determine how information is in what has been a truly extraordinary start to communicated. this decade. The local impacts of COVID-19 largely Council moved quickly to adopt a Regional commenced in March 2020 and while it was Pandemic Management Procedure and Work from impossible to predict the severity of the pandemic, Home procedure, along with other Canberra Joint Council took several steps to be prepared with Region Organisation (CRJO) member councils, appropriate management plans in place to and a dedicated Sharepoint page and a range minimise the impact of, and expedite recovery of factsheets to support staff and contractors to from, the pandemic. At the same time, Council safely undertake their work. began adapting to legislative changes enacted by the NSW Parliament designed to allow councils to Our ‘new normal’ continue to operate under changing conditions. In line with NSW Health advice, a range of Council Continuity Management services were impacted including our face-to-face customer service at Zingel Place and our bushfire As the pandemic began to unfold overseas, Council recovery service, as well as many other services stood up its Continuity Management Team (CMT) including libraries, swimming pools, playgrounds, to monitor the evolving situation and manage saleyards, community halls, skateparks and the impacts on Council and our community more our Civic Centre. As the pandemic response broadly. This was in line with our established evolved throughout the first half of 2020 so too business continuity and risk management did our services, adhering to the relevant state framework which provides for the recovery of key government advice. business processes following a crisis. The CMT followed and implemented advice from NSW Health, which was leading the NSW response. Advocacy

From April, Council transitioned its ordinary Council advocating on behalf of the Bega Valley Council meetings and public forums to a totally community is central to achieving the outcomes online format using video conferencing technology outlined in the Bega Valley Shire Community following the passing of the COVID-19 Legislation Strategic Plan 2040. Throughout 2019-2020 Amendment (Emergency Measures) Bill 2020. we have continued to build upon our strong The bill made amendments to a range of NSW relationships with both the State and Federal legislation, including the Environment Protection Government and have participated in a variety of Act and Local Government Act, allowing Council to conferences, committees and campaigns. Council make the necessary adjustments to planning and made several submissions on issues impacting our other processes. community. Council was allocated a $250,000 share in the Representing our community, Council provided NSW Government’s local government economic submissions covering a range of important issues. stimulus package announced in May and invested These included: these funds in local business and tourism-related initiatives. • NSW Bushfire Inquiry • Royal Commission into National Natural Leading with a plan Disaster Arrangements The CMT was guided by Council’s Pandemic • NSW Upper House Inquiry into Funding Critical Incident Sub Plan (CISP). The purpose of arrangements

18 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 • Review of the Local Government Rating • Community Environment Grants System Committee • Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas • Community Events and Festivals Grants Evaluation Committee Representing our community, Councillors attended the following conferences: • Heritage Grants Committee • Integrated Water Cycle Management • National General Assembly of Local Reference Panel Government • Local Traffic Committee and Traffic • LGNSW Annual Conference Development Advisory Committee • LGNSW Tourism Conference • Police Liaison Committee In 2019-2020 Council also participated in the • Bega Valley Local Recovery Committee following corporations, partnerships, trusts, joint • Continuity Management Team (COVID-19 ventures and syndicates: management) • Southern Phone Company • Consultative Committee • Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief • Strategic Leadership Group Fund Australian Coastal Councils Particularly in 2020 Council has played a key role Association Inc in regional an Statewide emergency management • Batemans Marine Park and recovery committees and liaison group. These • Bega Valley Bush Fire Management have included: • Bega Valley Business Forum • Southern NSW Regional Recovery • Biamanga National Park Committee General Managers Working • Country Mayor’s Association Group • Local Government NSW • Southern NSW Regional Recovery • Mumbulla Foundation Committee • NSW Public Library Association • NSW Office of Local Government COVID-19 liaison group • Sapphire Coast Tourism Limited Board • NSW Victorian Cross Border Commissioner • South East Arts liaison group • South East Australian Transport Strategy (SEATS) Under Section 355 of the Local Government Act, • Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO) Council may delegate a function of Council to a committee. In 2019-20 the following Section 355 • Southern Joint Regional Planning Panel committees exercised functions delegated by • South East Regional Leadership Executive Council: • The Global Foundation • Access and Inclusion Committee In 2019-20 Council coordinated or participated in • Bega, Eden, Merimans Local Aboriginal the following Internal or Community Committees. Liaison Committee • Awards and Scholarships Committee • Bega Valley Medallion Committee • Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee • Coastal Planning and Management Panel • Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief • General Cemetery Advisory Committee Fund • General Community Halls Committee • Central Waste Facility Community • General Sportsground Committee Consultation Committee • Montreal Goldfields

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 19 What we do We enhance our community by: • listening to community views Provide and maintain community facilities • holding citizenship ceremonies and Australia such as: Day Celebrations • parks and sportsgrounds • offering services for seniors, young people, new migrants and people with a disability • playgrounds and skate parks • Sapphire Aquatic Centre and swimming pools • providing grants to community organisations • sports and recreation facilities • supporting local community groups such • local libraries in Bega, Bermagui, Eden and as sporting clubs, arts, migrant groups and Merimbula charities • preschools and childcare centres in Bega and • encouraging and promoting volunteering in Eden, and our mobile service for Candelo and our communities. Bemboka We plan for the future by: • Merimbula Airport, Bega Saleyards and cemeteries throughout the Shire. • planning and managing the urban environment We care for the environment by: • preserving heritage sites • managing and enhancing bushland areas • Consulting with the community about its • Providing environmental and waste education needs and recycling services • developing long term strategic plans for • responding to pollution incidents and Council and the Shire.

prosecuting polluters 1 • monitoring the water quality of the Shire’s COMMUNITY estuaries VISION 10 years + • planting trees and controlling noxious weeds • beneficially recycling and reusing treated effluent. We create a safer place to live by: • maintaining and improving roads, footpaths and stormwater drains oring toar • working with emergency organisations such as the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency our FUTURE Service, NSW Police and NSW Surf Life Saving our place ur place reat place • managing the keeping of companion animals • Inspecting food premises

Actie ealthy ployent Sutainale ieale Connecte Conultatie • treating and supplying drinking water to our Counitie earning iing lace Counitie eaerhip community pportunitie • treating sewage to a high standard to protect human health. Bega Valley Shire COMMUNITY 2040STRATEGIC PLAN

BA VA SR CC BAVASVA C SRAC A 200 CS

20 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Our People

We are one of the Shire's largest employers and it is the dedication, skill and willingness of our staff to deliver great outcomes for the community that have ensured we were able to continue, with some adjustments, on the delivery of our 2019-2020 Operational Plan. The commencement of this decade has brought with it an enormously challenging time for our global and local community, including our staff, and we acknowledge their efforts in continuing to focus on the future and deliver quality services to our community. Our staff are led by the General Manager and three Directors who make up the Leadership and Executive Group. The Leadership team is supported by a Project Team Leader on a two-year appointment to lead the bushfire recovery and rebuilding efforts across the Shire. The leadership team is supported by a team of Managers and Coordinators who are responsible for the delivery of a range of services across our community.

381 people in permanent and fixed-term roles

29.2% Baby Boomers 37.4% Generation X 33.4% Generation Y 43% are women 11 Council employees self-identify as Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people

During 2019-20 there were: 20,810 hits to our webpage and other sites advertising positions available at Council 60 new starters

*(based on Council records at 30 June 2019)

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 21 Community Engagement

One key activity in the 2019-20 Operational Plan Council maintains a range of communication was the review and adoption of an updated platforms and seeks to simplify and make Community Engagement Strategy (CES). The accessible the way we listen and share. CES was adopted in December 2019 and reflects Council’s commitment to encourage open and In 2019-2020 there were: transparent relationships between Council and the • 243 media releases distributed to regional community. We understand that through effective news outlets engagement, we can work together to achieve the • 782,486 visitors to Council’s website, best outcomes for the broader community. viewing 1,839 pages Our commitment is that Council will: • 17,699 followers on Facebook • encourage everyone with an interest in the • 164 Facebook live videos Shire to understand, be understood and • 1,101 subscribers receive our fortnightly learn from each other through a productive email newsletter Council News and inclusive exchange of views • 1,201 subscribers receive our fortnightly • ensure that people receive information email newsletter Bushfire Recovery Support that is timely, free of bias and easy to • 657 subscribers receive our fortnightly access email newsletter Business News • be transparent, strengthen relationships and build mutual respect through ongoing engagement activities • be open, responsive and respectful of differing points of view • articulate our commitment and deliver it. We aim to ensure that people are: • informed about issues and decisions that could affect their current or future way of life • encouraged to share their views with Council • able to raise issues and have their say in a way and at a time that suits them • able to be involved in decision making processes if they wish to be • confident their views and feedback have been considered • able to get feedback on how their input has been reflected in Council decisions and actions.

22 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 OUR YEAR IN REVIEW

July 2019 • Fifty local families helped Council with a compostable nappy trial. • Seniors experiencing memory loss • A marine geophysical survey further and their carers took part in the informed the Merimbula Sewage Intergenerational Community Activities Treatment Plant (STP) Upgrade and project. Ocean Outfall Project. • The Wide Angle Film Festival presented • The site was chosen for the new Barclay award-winning short films reflecting the Street Sports Complex pavilion building. lived experience of people with disability. • BVSC joined ten other Councils in a new October 2019 regional recycling campaign, Recycle Right. • The first electric vehicle charging station • Synth Surfers, the Bega Valley’s very first for the Bega Valley was installed thanks to synth festival, was held at the Murrah a Council partnership with the NRMA. Hall. • Council partnered with the Merimbula August 2019 Chamber of Commerce to bring Retail Revamp to Merimbula and Eden. • New mobile shelving and a new children’s • ‘Jobs and Skills Bega Valley’ provided reading nook were installed at the Eden insights into our labour market, our Library. future direction, challenges and • Free technology training for seniors was opportunities to set up our community expanded to Candelo and Wallaga Lake. for the job demands of the future. • The ClubGRANTS program resulted in • Council publicly exhibited the draft Bega 38 local community projects going ahead. Valley Shire Climate Resilience Strategy • A new Aboriginal liaison committee 2050 for public comment. entered the local scene to support the implementation of Council’s Memorandum November 2019 of Understanding (MoU) with the Local Aboriginal Land Councils. • The Merimbula Airport terminal extension project moved into the final September 2019 stages, with a live transition into the upgraded terminal building. • Council asked the community for feedback on the future of the pools.

23 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual ReportBega 2017-18 Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 23 • The location of the new ocean outfall in • Council installed essential sediment and Merimbula Bay was decided. erosion controls in bushfire affected • Council resolved to proceed with a Special estuaries and waterways around Rate Variation to fund our six swimming Wonboyn. pools. • The Australian Defence Force assisted • The first year of FOGO diverted almost Council in its ongoing efforts to continue 5,000 tonnes of food and garden waste to supply reliable and high-quality water away from landfill, five times more than to the northern part of our Shire. initial targets. • Council’s Fleet Facilities team worked hard to help keep Rural Fire Service vehicles in December 2019 fire-fighting service. • Major work continued on the Candelo Pool March 2020 shell, following the discovery of serious defects in the structure during routine • A proposal to utilise the Shire’s Central maintenance. Waste Facility to safely dispose of the • Local Government NSW recognised Bega large amount of damaged building Valley Shire Council for the way it managed material took significant steps forward. the clean-up of Reedy Swamp, Vimy Ridge • Council started a trial of waste and Tathra fire. dehydrators in aged care facilities to • Contract lifeguards from the Australian support the community in reducing the Lifeguard Service (ALS) returned to patrol amount of food that goes to landfill. the Shire’s beaches for the summer • Over 6000 customers benefited from holiday period. a $50 water rebate (equivalent to approximately 16,500L) when they January 2020 received their quarterly water notices. • The Black Summer fires raged throughout April 2020 the Shire, with all visitors directed to leave immediately and evacuation centres • Despite Covid-19, the innovative use of established. technology allowed library services and • Council started planning for recovery collections to be made available 24/7. to support individuals, families and • Bushfire-affected material started arriving businesses as they safely moved back into at the Central Waste Facility (CWF) in an their communities. important step towards helping residents • The Bega Valley’s Bushfire Recovery Centre rebuild their lives after the summer’s opened in the Bega Valley Commemorative devastation. Civic Centre. • The Bushfire Royal Commission visited • Councillors voted unanimously to defer the area, with Council making a written further consideration of a Special Rate submission, community members Variation to fund pools. attending the two local hearings, and the Mayor addressing the hearing in Eden. February 2020 • The proposed Lake Street shared path in Merimbula took a huge step forward with • Council resolved on a suite of measures to the announcement the State Government further support our community, especially was committing a further $1.74 million to those impacted during the ongoing the project. bushfire disaster.

24 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 May 2020 • The NSW Government (through Services NSW) completed payment of the third and fourth quarter rates for all properties destroyed in the summer’s bushfire crisis. • Cr Sharon Tapscott was elected as Mayor, with Cr Russell Fitzpatrick appointed Deputy Mayor at an extraordinary meeting of Council. • As one of the regions hardest hit by the Black Summer bushfires, Council welcomed news of the $650 million Regional Bushfire Recovery and Development Program from the Federal Government.

June 2020 • Council entered an industry partnership with Ducere to design a decision making framework and analysis tool to assist with presenting business cases based on Volunteers in our quadruple bottom line impacts. • An Aboriginal heritage chapter including community cultural heritage landscape maps was drafted for inclusion in the Development The Bega Valley Shire is well known for its large Control Plan, and publicly exhibited. number of volunteers, with 25% of residents reporting as volunteers, well over the NSW and • Balancing the financial pressures being felt Australian average (ABS, 2016). Volunteers are across our community drove changes to the lifeblood of our communities and are vital several key Council plans. to our economic and social wellbeing. Council’s • Council’s ability and capacity to effectively Community Directory is a great place to find out assist bushfire impacted property owners more about volunteering opportunities in our received a huge boost through the Shire. Council has over 500 registered volunteers appointment of a dedicated Environmental who contribute across a range of program areas, Health and Building Surveyor. generously providing their time, knowledge, • The upgrade works at the Merimbula and expertise. Volunteers help Council manage Airport were given another exciting boost, halls, sports grounds and cemeteries. They with the Federal Government announcing contribute to our visitor experience in libraries a $4.5 million funding injection. and at the Bega Valley Regional Gallery, they run community assets such as the Montreal Goldfield and they help care for our reserves and parklands.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 25 Community Grants and Donations

Council contributes to a wide range of organisations and community groups under Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993. In 2019-2020 Council budgeted for the following contributions which helped to support a range of events, community groups, safety organisations and education programs. A range of rate and fee relief was also provided to community groups.

Project 2019 - 2020 Contribution

Community Waste Assistance Grants 30,000 Community Festivals and Events 50,000 Community Group Fees and Charges 10,000 Access Improvements 5,000 Club Grants Category 3 60,000 Community Environmental Grants 50,000 Local Heritage Assistance Grants 20,000 Youth Week 5,000 Seniors Week 10,000 Further Education Scholarships 5,000 International Women’s Day’s Young Women's Day 2,500 South East Arts 25,000 Mumbulla Foundation 30,000 Total $302,500

26 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 48,810 782,486 visits to calls through the call 20 ordinary Council's Website meetings of centre Council with 141 17,699 likes on minutes as the 6,115 Council's Facebook average duration counter enquiries

10 exhibitions held at 500 volunteers the Regional Gallery 121,253 registered with Library Loans with 29,856 Council gallery visitors

761 members at 377 Sapphire Aquatic 669 groups and development Centre organisations applications registered on Council's determined 21,963 swimming Community Directory program attendees

3,500km 11,179 1,171,923 road reserve toilet cleans and domestic bins sprayed for services across emptied weeds 56 toilet blocks

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 27 Financial Snapshot

Where did our money come from ($'000)?

Budget: $152,028 Income 2019-2020 Result: $128,671 Income Amount The result was $23 million lower due to lower source ($'000) than anticipated capital grant income of $37 million offset by higher than anticipated Rates and annual $52,260 operating grant income of $13 million. charges User charges and $20,026 fees and other Operating grants $29,316 and contributions Capital grants and $23,719 contributions Investment $2,097 revenue Other income $1,253 Total $128,671

41% Rates and annual charges

16% User charges and fees and other

23% Operating grants and contributions

18% Capital grants and contributions

2% Investment revenue

1% Other income

28 28 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2017-182019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Where did our money go ($'000)?

Budget: $97,638 Expenditure 2019-2020 Result: $103,447 Expenditure Amount The result was $5.8 million higher due to type ($'000) several factors including an increase in depreciation following land and building Employee costs $37,263 revaluations, Council's response to multiple Borrowing costs $1,776 natural disasters and COVID-19 resulting in an increase in expenditure related to Materials and $31,338 materials and contracts and increased contracts employee costs. Depreciation $25,446 Other expenses $6,898 Net loss or $726 disposal of assets Total $103,447

36% Employee costs

2% Borrowing costs

30% Materials and contracts

25% Depreciation

7% Other expenses

1% Net loss on disposal of assets

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 29 Grants Received

During 2019-20, Council continued to advocate for funding from the Federal and NSW governments to support infrastructure projects and services to benefit our community. This table outlines the grants we received, noting that work on some of these projects will continue into the next financial year.

Grant Amount Source Description Coastal and Estuary Program $40,000 NSW Department Bega River Estuary – Planning Stream Council contribution Planning Industry and Riparian Restoration $20,000 Environment Project Coastal and Estuary Program $80,000 NSW Department Riparian Assessment and – Planning Stream Council contribution Planning Industry and Rehabilitation Works $40,000 Environment Pambula Lake Coastal and Estuary Program $80,000 NSW Department Bega Valley coast and – Planning Stream Council contribution Planning Industry and estuary scoping study $40,000 Environment Marine Estate Management $156,952 NSW Local Land Initiative 1 – Nethercote Strategy, Initiative 1 Council contribution Services Road, Nethercote Roads $71,545 and Tracks Project South Eastern NSW PHN - $164,046 Coordinare Tathra Bushfire Recovery Contract of services Support Project – Tathra Together 2019-20 Active Transport $20,000 Transport for NSW Bega Street Pedestrian Program Crossing 2019-20 Regional Road Block $1,275,000.00 Transport for NSW 2019-20 Block Grant first Grant instalment for Bega Valley Shire Council Community Development $400,000 Department All abilities playground Grants Programme Infrastructure, Eden Transport, Cities and Regional Development Dementia Friendly $10,000 Dementia Australia BVSC Dementia Friendly Communities Program Communities Project Drought Extension - Roads to $1,221,983 Department Additional Roads tor Recovery Program November Infrastructure, Recovery Program funding 2019 Transport, Cities and 2019-20 to 2020-21 Regional Development Drought Stimulus Package $4,000,000 Department of Merimbula Airport – Planning, Industry and Commercial Aviation Environment Tourism Precinct Early Childhood Education $3,250 NSW Department Sapphire Mobile Service Directorate, 2019 Drought Education Support Payment

30 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2017-18 30 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Grant Amount Source Description Early Childhood Education $4,100 NSW Department Bandara Children’s Directorate, 2019 Drought Education Services Support Payment Early Childhood Education $4,100 NSW Department Eden Early Learning Centre Directorate, 2019 Drought Education Support Payment Floodplain Management $90,000 Office Environment Bega and Brogo Rivers Program Council contribution Heritage Flood warning system $45,000 scoping and feasibility Floodplain Management $90,000 Office Environment Wolumla Creek Flood Program Council contribution Heritage Study $45,000 Infrastructure Investment $2,300,000 Department of Murrabrine Bridge Infrastructure, Upgrade, Cobargo Transport, Cities and Regional Development Infrastructure Investment $700,000 Department of Whipstick Bridge upgrade, Infrastructure, Wyndham Transport, Cities and Regional Development My Community Project $120,000 NSW Department Eden Fitness Trail – (EFT) Premier and Cabinet Reducing barriers to Exercise NSW Bike Week 2019, Roads $4,000 Transport for NSW Bega Valley 2019 Bike and Maritime Services Week event NSW Government Natural $87,106 NSW Office Repairing essential public Disaster Relief Assistance of Emergency assets damaged in the Program Payment Management 2016 East Coast Storm and Floods Regional Arts Fund NSW $20,000 Create NSW The NOW+ project 2020 Council contribution - Bringing together $138,000 community, art and sustainability Roads to Recovery $1,221,983 Department Roads to Recovery Infrastructure, Estimated Allocation 19-20 Transport, Cities and Regional Development Seniors Festival Grants $3,900 NSW Department Never Too Late to Make It Program Category 3 Council contribution Communities and – 2 Day Festival $5,000 Justice Tech Savvy Seniors $11,352 State Library NSW 2019/2020 Tech Savvy Seniors program on behalf of Bega Valley Shire Libraries Stronger Communities $8,000 Department Refurbishment of the Bega Programme EOI Council contribution Infrastructure, Valley Regional Gallery - fit $8,000 Transport, Cities and for purpose flooring Regional Development

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 31 Grant Amount Source Description Safer Roads and Black Spot $1,401,465 Transport for NSW Candelo Bega Road Program Safer Roads and Black Spot $584,903 Transport for NSW Mogilla Road Program Safer Roads and Black Spot $42,534 Transport for NSW Newtown Road Program Waste Less, Recycle More, $153,883 NSW Environment Trust Choose the Right Bin Organics Collections Grants Council contribution Program - Business Stream $341,640 Fixing Country Roads Round $500,500 Transport for NSW MR272 Bridge 3 - Roads and Bridges Assessments - 47 Bridges Construction Stream Stronger Country $160,000 NSW Department Bermagui Multipurpose Communities Fund Round 3 Council contribution Premier and Cabinet Outdoor Courts Upgrade $44,710 Stronger Country $300,000 NSW Department Eden Skate Park Upgrade Communities Fund Round 3 Contribution matched with Premier and Cabinet Building Better Regions Fund Round 4 - $300,000 Stronger Country $90,000 NSW Department Quaama Memorial Park Communities Fund Round 3 Council contribution Premier and Cabinet Playground Upgrade $20,000 Stronger Country $100,000 NSW Department Bega Maker Space Communities Fund Round 3 Council contribution Premier and Cabinet in-kind to the value of $100,000 2020-2021 Australian $506,125 Australian Government Evans Hill Tathra Road Government Black Spot Program 2020-2021 Australian $691,236 Australian Government Sapphire Coast Drive Government Black Spot Program 2019/20 Arts and Cultural $55,000 CreateNSW 2020 Bega Valley Regional funding program Gallery Annual Program annual organisation funding High Pedestrian Activity Area $15,000 Transport for NSW 40km/h HPAA Merimbula (HPAA) design Town Centre Bushfire affected coastal $1,149,000 NSW Department Catchment stabilisation waterways grants Planning Industry and estuarine ecological Environment health protection works Bushfire affected coastal $427,281 NSW Department Regional waterways waterways grants Planning Industry bushfire recovery plan Environment Marine Estate Management $132,558 Local Land Services Initiative 1 - Bega Bank Strategy, Initiative 1 Protection and Riparian Rehabilitation

32 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Grant Amount Source Description Annual Organisation - ACF $55,000 Create NSW 2019/2020 Bega Valley Program Round 1 Council contribution and Regional Gallery Annual in-kind to the value of Program $436,440 Supporting Communities in $3,950 South Eastern NSW Where There's Smoke Recovery Program Primary Health Network writing workshops COORDINARE NSW Disaster Assistance $100,000 NSW Office Emergency Blaze Aid Cobargo Camp Guidelines C.3 Management Bushfire Community $250,000 NSW Department of Bega Valley - Phase 1 Resilience and Economic Planning, Industry and Recovery Fund - Phase 1 Environment Drought Communities $1,000,000 Department Bega Valley 2020 Drought Programme - Extension Infrastructure, Communities Project Transport, Cities and Regional Development Funding boost for council $4,000 Office Local COVID–19 council pound pounds Government funding support $2.3 billion health boost and $583,000 Transport for NSW Boundary Road, Bega economic stimulus package Council contribution $241,637 Building Better Regions $2,470,363.00 Department Bega Valley Cultural and Round 4 Drought Support – Council contribution Infrastructure, Recreational Infrastructure Infrastructure Stream $2,170,364 Transport, Cities and Project Matched Stronger Country Regional Development Communities Fund $300,000 Building Better Regions $50,000 Department Bega Valley Driving Round 4 Drought Support – Council contribution Infrastructure, Economic Growth by Community Stream $50,000 Transport, Cities and Researching Key Sector Regional Development Development NSW Public Library $192,800 State Library NSW Make space for Bermagui Infrastructure Grants Council contribution Makerspace 2019/20 $65,000 Regional Airports Program $4,500,000.00 Department Merimbula Regional Round One Council contribution Infrastructure, Airport Runway Upgrade $3,450,000 Transport, Cities and Other contribution Regional Development matched NSW State funding $8,390,000 NSW Disaster Assistance $60,000 NSW Office Emergency Blaze Aid Camp - Towamba Guidelines C.3 Management Showgrounds Stimulus $263,450 NSW Department Complete Showground Funding Planning Industry and works as per Pambula Environment Sporting Complex Masterplan

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 33 ACHIEVING OUR PLAN

Our community sets the vision for the future through the Community Strategic Our community Plan. In response, the elected Council adopts a four year Delivery Program and one year Operational Plan which outlines vision our commitment to implementing this vision. By working Each year the General Manager, together, supported by staff, implements the program of services, capital works and the Bega Valley Shire projects set out in the annual Operational Plan. Progress is monitored and reported community to the community every six months in the Operational Plan Progress Report and integrates quality of life, annually in the Annual Report. enterprising business, The performance against our 2019/2020 Operational Plan activities is set out in sustainable development Attachment 1 to this Annual Report. and conservation of the Following are some highlights from across the 2019/2020 financial year that environment. show progress towards achieving the Community Strategic Plan vision.

34 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2017-18 34 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Council’s Integrated The relationship between the Planning and community's input and Council's Reporting plans. Framework

COMMUNITY INPUT ntergration ith tate an regional plan an other aopte Council plan an trategie

COMMUNITY DELIVERY OPERATIONAL UARTERLY STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRAM PLAN ANNUAL REPORTING 10 year plan 4 year plan 1 year plan Yearly C CCS AA CC AA AS R RRA RC RC R B ACVS B CS C SRV SA VR

RESOURCING STRATEGY 4 year plan A CC RC R B C SRV

inancial anageent echnology anageent ororce anageent lant leet anageent Aet anageent

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 35 Our Community Strategic Plan Framework How the aspirations of our community will be delivered...

The priorities identified by the community are reflected through the following six outcome areas:

1. Active and healthy communities 2. Employment and learning opportunities 3. Sustainable living 4. Liveable places 5. Connected communities 6. Strong, consultative leadership

Sitting under these outcomes are a series of 12 goals that reflect the community’s key ambitions for our future. From these outcomes and goals a series of 109 actions have been developed that detail how Council, other government agencies and our community can work together to achieve our goals. The Delivery Program and Operation Plan work towards delivery of these outcomes. The Community Strategic Plan will be reviewed every four years. Throughout the life of the Plan, we will be listening to our community to ensure it continues to reflect their long-term aspirations.

36 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 1

ACTIVE AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Goal 1: We are co-operative, caring and enjoy a culturally rich community life. Goal 2: We are an active, healthy community with access to good quality recreation and sporting facilities, and medical health care.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 37 Outcome 1: Active and healthy communities

Bermagui Create and Make Crew offers digital skills In July 2019, the Bega Valley Shire Library provided an opportunity for young people, aged between 16-25 years, who were looking to gain hands- on digital media experience, to be part of the Bermagui Create and Make Crew. The Crew, which was funded through a Youth Opportunity grant from the NSW State Government, created three interactive, audio- visual public events to showcase the skills of the participants. It was a unique and exciting opportunity for the youth involved to learn a range of digital skills in sound, lighting, events management and more. The program aimed to equip participants with skills and training opportunities by accessing the expertise of artistic mentors in fields such as media, photography, performance, installation, sound and music. Participants also had access to a range of creative technologies based at Bermagui Library and received a Statement of Attainment for accredited units delivered by TAFENSW, giving them a kick start for any future vocational courses.

38 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 1: Active and healthy communities

Tathra Headland Walk opened A spectacular walkway with sweeping ocean views that links the Tathra Headland and the Tathra Wharf was officially opened by the Member for Bega, the Hon. Andrew Constance MP in December 2019. The project was conceived by the Tathra Headland Wharf Access Group, which formed in 2014, to provide a safe, accessible path linking the historic Tathra Wharf to the Tathra Headland and Lions Park. The iconic walk that has been created is a testament to the vision, passion and dedication of the Tathra community and was made possible through financial support from the NSW Government of more than $1.2 million as part of the Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund. The all-abilities 300-metre walkway features a series of boardwalks and walking paths, as well as an elevated viewing platform with sensational views. The successful completion of this project fits perfectly with the commitment of our Council and the broader community to establish our area as a ‘must-visit’ destination.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 39 Outcome 1: Active and healthy communities

Celebrating pioneer program for people with memory loss A special event to mark the success of a pioneering there alongside Program Coordinator, Hayley program called Connecting Through Memory was Reynolds. held at the Bega Library in December 2019. Connecting Through Memory started in May 2019 The program, which is the first of its kind in and has helped address some of the stigma around Australia and funded by Dementia Australia, ageing and memory loss that older community supports people who may be experiencing members and their carers face every day. some memory loss or social isolation to remain engaged and active as valued members of their The program has boosted the self-esteem of communities. participants by sharing and celebrating their memories and providing opportunities to create At the event, participants shared their experiences positive memories based around meaningful through performances, displays and craft activities, activities with the preschool children. including live music from program participant and local country singer Ross Lowe. Reductions in isolation, loneliness and depression are among the significant benefits coming out of Children and staff from Bandara and Eden Early this ground-breaking program. Learning Centres, where some of the Connecting Through Memory sessions took place, were also

40 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 1: Active and healthy communities

Rural villages playground project

Bega Valley’s children are enjoying four upgraded playgrounds funded under the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund and a Council co-contribution. The NSW Government provided $300,000 for the upgrades and Bega Valley Shire Council contributed an additional $110,000. Apex Park in Cobargo, Lions Park in Mogareeka, Memorial Park in Wyndham and Bicentennial Park in Bemboka now offer something the whole community can enjoy, including barbeques, shelters, tables, seating, accessible parking and footpaths, and fantastic play equipment, with some accessible play items. Cobargo’s Apex Park is receiving great patronage and feedback from the community. It features a range of play equipment including a climber with tube slide, a 25-metre flying fox and swings. There is also a new barbeque and picnic shelter. Lions Park on the Tathra side of Mogareeka Bemboka playground features a large timber pirate ship, some low-level balance and climbing equipment and a nest swing. It is a great playground to inspire imagination in younger children. Wyndham’s Memorial Park includes a climber with tube slide, swings and a spinning dish that is not for the faint hearted. It also has a barbecue, shelter and seating. The pathways have increased accessibility to the playground, barbecue and picnic facilities and the war memorial. Bemboka’s Bicentennial Park comprises timber retaining walls made from old bridge timbers, a picnic/barbeque area overlooking the playground, an Aboriginal flag themed swing-set and some rural themed pieces. The upgrading of these playgrounds gives local children access to functional, safe and imaginative play spaces and provides areas for families and community groups to gather in a social setting.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 41 Outcome 1: Active and healthy communities

Regional Gallery continuing to support artists The Shirley Hannan National The Myer House Residency Portrait Award 2020 The 2020 $5,000 residency at Bithry Inlet in the pristine Mimosa Rocks National Park just outside Tathra was awarded to Leyla Stevens and Seth Birchall. The residency is a partnership between the Bega Valley Regional Gallery and NSW National Parks to offer significant Australian artists time to reflect, create and experience the stunning Sapphire Coast. Leyla Stevens is an Australian-Balinese artist and researcher who works predominately within moving image and photography. Leyla exhibited at the BVRG in 2020 as part of the Gangguan Tenggara - Edisi Indonesia exhibition. She has recently completed a Doctoral thesis at University of Technology Sydney where she lectures. Seth Diego Birchall is an artist based in Sydney The Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award is Australia. He is of dual American and Australian one of Australia’s most loved and richest prize nationalities, born in New Jersey in 1979 before for realistic portraiture. The $50,000 biennial emigrating to Australia in 1987. He holds a award is non-acquisitive and in 2020 attracted Bachelor of Fine Arts from the National Art School over 350 entries from many of Australia’s most Sydney and a Masters of Arts from the College Of respected artists across all states and territories. Fine Arts at the University of NSW. Seth exhibits Previous winners include Shaun Gladwell and Sally regularly in Sydney, Melbourne, Copenhagen and Robinson, both represented in significant public New York. collections internationally. The Director of the National Portrait Gallery Canberra, Karen Quinlan AM was the 2020 guest judge. The exhibition ran from 25 July to 11 September with 1486 visitors onsite. While these numbers are down on previous years, online visitation increased by 300% to 2400 unique visitors who took advantage of the newly available 360 degree tours now offered for each exhibition. The 2020 winner was Perth based artist Cameron Richards with a painting of his friend, ‘Miss Priya Premkumar’.

42 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 2

EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Goal 3: Our economy is prosperous, diverse and supported by innovative and creative businesses. Goal 4: We have meaningful employment and learning opportunities for people in all stages in life.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 43 Outcome 2: Employment and learning opportunities

Building our tourism brand

Building the region’s brand as a unique destination was the focus of the Sapphire Coast Tourism Industry Vision Launch and Networking Event in December 2019. The Sapphire Coast Vision and Platform sets an achievable vision for our future that is inclusive, focussed on our unique points of difference, complements our key tourism partner positioning and builds the capacity of industry and the people it employs, to deliver on our promise. It also aligns closely with key strategies in the Destination Southern NSW Destination Management Plan and was drafted to build on Sapphire Coast Tourism strategies and direction of previous years, notably Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Experience Development Strategy and Sapphire Coast Heritage Tourism Strategy. Assisting tourism businesses, both existing and new, with a focused approach to further developing tourism, guiding experience and industry development, marketing and promotion through to 2030 was another focus of the design and assists different levels of government, local tourism organisations and other interested stakeholders to understand the current state of play and the roles and opportunities that the visitor economy brings to the local community.

44 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 2: Employment and learning opportunities

Jobs and Skills Bega Valley

Council commissioned research for the Jobs and help us realise our opportunities to sustain and grow Skills Bega Valley labour market project with the local jobs. aim of creating a better environment for meaningful The Practical Resources Guide outlines activities and employment and learning opportunities in the region. ideas to help strengthen the Shire’s job opportunities, The Western Research Institute partnered with address labour market challenges, and connect local employment services provider, Campbell our community to quality skills development and Page; interviewing business owners, organisations meaningful work. and individuals across a broad spectrum to gain an Jobs and Skills Bega Valley targets business owners, understanding of the needs and attributes of the area, entrepreneurs, young people and career changers; including a focus on a deeper analysis of Eden’s job anyone with an interest in the employment future of market needs. the Shire. It is also useful for local, state and federal This comprehensive research and analysis resulted government program designers, to assist them in in the development of a Labour Market Capabilities creating programs with a higher likelihood of success. Report and a Practical Resources Guide, providing Although the summer bushfires and COVID-19 have analysis of our current labour market and an estimate temporarily changed the landscape and delayed some of future labour market needs. projects, the data and evidence to support business The Labour Force Capabilities Report provides insight decisions and plans that make an impact for our labour into the current occupations, skills and employment market are still valid and inform Council’s advocacy environment, and addresses the challenges that may work. This document is also referenced in working groups and meetings at a state and federal level.

Business News online newsletter Bega Valley’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy. In March 2020, Council launched a new fortnightly e-newsletter, Business News, to provide business owners throughout the shire with the latest local, state and national business information. The launch date of Business News was timely. The evacuation of tourists at the peak of the bushfire emergency had a devastating flow-on effect on nearly every local business and industry. At that time, Council was (and continues) working across many fronts to get businesses and our community back to, not just surviving, but thriving. Business News has been a vital link for Council to share opportunities and information with the business community.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 45 Outcome 3

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Goal 5: Our air and water is pristine and our natural environment and rural landscapes are protected. Goal 6: We are leaders in sustainable living and support innovative approaches to resource recovery and the production of renewable energy and food.

46 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 3: Sustainable living

Climate resilience strategy adopted

Significant change comes from people working together. This was the driving force behind our new Climate Resilience Strategy, an updated and completely reworked plan that shifted its focus from Council’s activities to a partnership with the community. The new strategy outlines achievable local actions everyone can take to tackle the challenges of climate change head-on. Detailed in the strategy are the challenges and opportunities that face us as we work towards change. Pointing towards positive outcomes for our local environment, economy and community welfare, the strategy sets out seven key response areas: • Protecting out natural systems • Preparing for natural hazards • Liveable and connected places SUSTAINABLE LIVING • Safe, healthy and inclusive communities • Diverse and thriving economies (including dairy and agriculture; tourism; transport and logistics; aquaculture; fishing and forestry) • Energy security • Food security Areas of vulnerability and risk are identified across each of the seven areas, addressed with key local actions to steer us towards success and a climate friendly community with a strong and resilient economy by 2050. The Bega Valley Shire Climate Resilience Strategy 2050 is the product of a strong community partnership, developed with key community stakeholders and formally adopted by Council in 2020.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 47 Outcome 3: Sustainable living

Recycle Right The key messages are: campaign with  Keep it simple: Only recycle paper and CRJO Councils cardboard, steel and aluminium cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic It’s the eternal question: bottles and containers. standing before your red and yellow bins, a bagful of empty  Keep out soft plastics: This includes all plastic bottles and containers in bags, even if they have a hand, you ask yourself, what recycling symbol. bin do I put it in?*  Keep out small items: Any With the Bega Valley Shire’s recycling being items smaller than a credit processed in Canberra, a group of councils in the card. Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO) got together to address a growing problem: an increase  Keep it safe: Keep out in contamination of recycled materials. strapping, hose, netting, To address this issue, the CRJO councils developed wires, building materials the 'Recycle Right' campaign. and other hazardous The public awareness campaign aimed to answer materials. the questions so many of us ask when taking the recycling out to the yellow bin. Six key messages  Keep it clean: Wipe or were developed to improve the likelihood of landfill rinse any excess food or organics waste finding their way into recycling facilities. and drink from all bottles, Recycle Right is run alongside Council’s other waste containers and tins before education programs delivered to schools and the placing them in your community, where the key aim is to change the recycling bin. No food way we all think about waste. scraps, nappies and soiled *The answer to the eternal question is: bottles in paper. the yellow bin, the soft plastic bag in the red bin (or better still, take it to your nearest RedCycle bin for  Keep it loose: Don’t recycling), and the plastic lids in the red bin. bag, box or contain your recyclable items.

48 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 3: Sustainable living

Solar The 2019-2030 Clean Energy Plan seeks to provide feasible installations pathway options to achieve In 2019, Council continued leading exploration into 100 percent renewable energy powering many of our key assets with energy from consumption across the the sun. organisation while addressing The installation of a 30 kilowatt solar PV energy our energy and budgetary system and the retrofitting of LED lighting at needs. Merimbula’s Bega Valley Regional Learning Centre was a key implementation from our new Clean Energy Plan that aims to protect the environment and reduce the cost of our operations. The installation and retrofit is reducing the net annual power consumption at the centre by a massive 67,300 kilowatt hours and preventing more than 55 tonnes of carbon emissions reaching the atmosphere each year. These energy savings equate to the planting of 30,000 trees over the life of the system and reducing the centre’s energy bill by more than 60 percent. Further environmental benefits and operational savings were achieved with the installation of a solar array at the Bemboka Water Filtration Facility, and planning is well underway for the Shire’s water and sewer assets to be powered by solar energy.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 49 Outcome 3: Sustainable living

Love our Lakes program relaunched

Our popular Love our Lakes program made a return in December with a big community effort to clean up and rehabilitate Merimbula Creek. Joining us were staff and volunteers from NSW National Parks and Wildlife, Atlas of Life on the Coastal Wilderness, the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Bega and Eden Local Aboriginal Land Councils, the South Coast Shorebird Recovery Program, Merimbula Lake oyster farmers, and the Merimbula Knights Cricket Club who ran the BBQ and kept everyone going. It was a fun day with a serious message and inspiring outcomes. Before the event, Merimbula Creek was degraded with many species of weeds, and litter coming from the catchment and town centre. Now there are 100 new plants growing near the bridge, and weeds and litter are significantly reduced. Love our Lakes aims to increase community and industry awareness about the value of our waterways. Getting people together for a Love our Lakes working bee has proven to be a successful way to highlight and improve the health of our local creeks, rivers and lakes. Another event in March had Love our Lakes partnering with Clean-up Australia Day to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the litter-busting initiative. Once again, many hands made light work, with people taking to paddle boards, kayaks and even scuba diving to remove rubbish from Merimbula’s Top Lake. With more events planned for the coming year, there will be plenty of opportunity to get your feet wet and join in the fun!

50 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 4

LIVEABLE PLACES

Goal 7: Our Shire continues to be a vibrant, enjoyable, safe and affordable place to live. Goal 8: Our places retain their character and scale, development is well planned, and a range of goods and services are available within our Shire that meet local needs.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 51 Outcome 4: Liveable places

Milestones reached in STP and Ocean Outfall project The Merimbula Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and public health improvements over the existing Ocean Outfall Project continues to progress, with a beach outfall and exfiltration ponds - taking the number of key milestones reached in 2019-20. treated discharge off the beach and away from the ponds, with better protection for the public and Improving environmental and public health the health of our lakes. outcomes from the Merimbula Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) remains the overarching focus and aim. The plan allows Council to address fluctuating demand for reusing treated wastewater, while In October 2019, Council resolved to construct the also ensuring that any wastewater that cannot new outfall on a northern alignment 2.6 kilometres be reused is managed in an environmentally out to sea and 30 metres underwater, providing responsible way. Unfortunately, there are no a sustainable disposal option to return treated feasible options for 100 per cent reuse in all wastewater back to the environment when it weather conditions. cannot be reused. A decision on the location of the ocean outfall In addition, the decision was made to treat the diffuser means the project team has now moved water to a higher standard including an additional into the design and investigation phase. sand filtration step, further phosphorous removal and UV disinfection. Further moves are also being made to increase reuse on the Pambula-Merimbula Golf Course to When constructed the new ocean outfall will complement this project. deliver significant environmental, cultural and

52 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 4: Liveable places

Parking officer introduced Town parking throughout the Shire includes a mix of time-restricted and all-day free parking, designed to encourage parking turnover and give as many people as possible convenient access to key shopping and service areas within our towns. The continuation of a permanent parking officer, after a four-month trial, showed a marked improvement in the availability of parking spaces in time-restricted areas. As well as promoting increased economic activity and supporting the local business community, a significant number of infringement notices were issued to drivers who were not eligible to park in disabled parking bays. Complementing this work was an update to the long-term parking signage and a thorough review of timed parking in all towns.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 53 Outcome 4: Liveable places

Strategies will grow a prosperous and liveable Shire Council adopted four new land use planning documents that identify trends impacting our Shire and new opportunities for developers, industry and small business. The documents are the Bega Valley Shire Residential Land Strategy 2040, the Bega Valley Shire Commercial Land Strategy 2040, the Rural Residential Land Strategy 2020 and the Bega Valley Shire Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040 (LSPS). These forward-thinking documents will ensure sustainable growth in the Shire is properly managed and will set priorities for building a prosperous and liveable Shire. The LSPS is a high-level strategic land use planning statement that consolidates several existing strategies to provide direction for future land use and reflects the community values described in the Bega Valley Community Strategic Plan. All four documents commit Council to key land use actions, particularly those that support our local economy, community and natural environment. For example, the documents capture our support for a diversified and productive agricultural sector, new agricultural industries and agricultural education facilities, and facilitate renewable energy generation and storage on rural land. They also express our commitment to an affordable housing strategy and increased diversity of housing stock. Our aim is to support compact and vibrant town centres and will identify opportunities to increase the use of public land for activities such as al fresco dining, events and markets; and we encourage investment in industrial land and will help identify business and cultural tourism development opportunities for Aboriginal-owned land.

54 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 4: Liveable places

GreenShore Connections improve Lake Street reserve A large group joined in the fight against Polygala at This event was part of the three-year GreenShore the Lake Street Foreshore Reserve in Merimbula in Connections project - funded by NSW National December 2019. Trust. Council will organise more events focused on restoring the reserve in the future. Polygala is a tough garden escapee weed but the many dedicated volunteers who turned up to help Through the focal point of Littoral Rainforest were tougher, and together they hand-pulled 4,000 restoration, the project will connect cultures, and square meters of Polygala seedlings. connect locals to the reserve on their doorstep. Council staff praised the residents and volunteers On-ground works including weed removal and for their dedication to improving and protecting upgrades to the existing walking track are being the natural values of the reserve. complemented by a ‘Littoral Rainforest’ education program, to increase the awareness of local Participants completed a huge amount of weeding residents of the natural and cultural values of the in addition to collecting several bags of litter reserve and encourage local stewardship of the which would have eventually found its way into site. Merimbula Lake.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 55 Outcome 5

CONNECTED COMMUNITIES

Goal 9: We have opportunities to work, learn and socialise through the provision of affordable public transport and telecommunications services. Goal 10: We have a network of good quality roads, foot paths and cycleways connecting communities throughout the Shire and beyond.

56 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 5: Connected communities

New amenities building at Bruce Steer Pool The functionality and appeal of Bermagui’s Bruce Steer Pool has been improved dramatically with the construction of an accessible amenities building. This work represented the start of the implementation of the master plan for the site and is part of the larger 'Bega Valley Shire – A Destination For All' project that also includes Merimbula’s Short Point and the Pambula Surf Club precinct. The accessibility-focused master planning of these three key sites explored issues and opportunities, site specific challenges, community comments and ideas for site improvements. The plans provide intent, recommendations and cost estimates for a framework for the future implementation of prioritised and budgeted works. The 'Bega Valley Shire – A Destination For All' project see the transformation of these three key coastal locations into signature accessible destinations. This work is intended to be the catalyst for the establishment of our Shire as a leader in accessible tourism. Image: Bruce Steer Pool, Bermagui

CONNECTED COMMUNITIES

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 57 Outcome 5: Connected communities

Twofold Bay and Towamba River Flood Study

The local community was encouraged to provide feedback on the draft Eden, Twofold Bay and Towamba River Flood Study in November 2019. The public exhibition phase represented the extension of the ongoing conversation between Bega Valley Shire Council and those living and working in Eden, the upper catchment and around the bay on how to manage the risk of flooding in the area and ocean storms impacting Twofold Bay. The project study area covers the entire catchment of Twofold Bay with a focus on understanding the flood behaviour and risk in the foreshore locations of Eden, Lake Curalo, Quarantine Bay, and Boydtown, and the catchment localities of Rocky Hall, Wyndham, New Buidlings, Burragate and Towamba. A key component of the public exhibition period was community drop-in sessions held in Towamba and Eden. The sessions included a project presentation and provided an opportunity for the public to ask questions, provide comments and gain assistance with the preparation of detailed written submissions. The community feedback gleaned from the public exhibition period informed the preparation of the final documents. The study will establish the basis for subsequent floodplain management activities.

58 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 5: Connected communities

Hospital connectivity gets a major boost

The accessibility of the South East Regional Hospital precinct in Bega received a huge boost through the construction of a shared path along Tathra Road. The project saw the existing footpath network that previously terminated in the vicinity of Glebe Lagoon extended to meet the path further south, which now means there is an unbroken link between the Bega CBD and hospital. Along with the construction of new sections of path, the project also included new kerb and guttering, some drainage improvements and tree planting along the route. With the new path utilising the service road footprint, that section of the road has become one-way, increasing the safety of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in the area.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 59 Outcome 6

STRONG, CONSULTATIVE LEADERSHIP

Goal 11: We are an informed and engaged community with a transparent, consultative and responsive Council. Goal 12: Our Council is financially sustainable and services and facilities meet community need.

60 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Outcome 6: Strong, consultative leadership

Supporting the Bega Valley In February 2020, Bega Valley Shire Council Funding Finder also highlights other options such partnered with GrantGuru to provide the Bega as loans and subsidies, as well as commercial Valley Funding Finder to all community groups, funders and private philanthropic organisations. not-for-profits, local businesses and individuals in our Shire. The value of this platform has been particularly evident during the bushfire recovery and Funding Finder is an easy to use portal providing rebuilding phase, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 free access to a comprehensive database of grant pandemic, with 525 users accessing it in the first and funding opportunities including federal, state three months. and local government grants plus local funders such as service clubs, building societies and banks.

STRONG, CONSULTATIVE LEADERSHIP Getting messages to the community Times don’t get harder for a community than those With staff embedded in the EOC, Council’s website we endured during summer, as relentless infernos and Facebook page were soon established and threatened lives and property for over a month. regarded as the source of truth for locals and those further afield. Regular video updates with key Along with providing staff, logistics and personnel across the agencies and the then Mayor, infrastructure for the Emergency Operations Councillor Kristy McBain, drew in audiences of Centre (EOC), supporting the establishment of the thousands. various evacuation centres and the unrelenting work of the outdoor teams on the ground, one Highlighting the community’s faith in the work of Council’s vital contributions through the being done in this key area was the fact that visits emergency was providing high quality, timely and to Council’s website increased by a remarkable clear public messaging and information. 228,554 on 2018-19 figures and followers of our Facebook page spiked by approximately 300%.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 61 Outcome 6: Strong, consultative leadership

Next step for local Aboriginal liaison A new Aboriginal liaison committee entered the local scene to support the implementation of Council’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bega, Eden and Merrimans’ Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs). The Bega, Eden and Merrimans (BEM) Liaison Committee is a formal community committee (i.e. established under section 355 of the Local Government Act 1993) with the job of providing advice and making recommendations to Council to support the cultural, environmental, social and economic interests of local Aboriginal people. The Committee is made up of nine members - two representatives from each LALC, the Mayor or representative and two members of Council staff; with members of the Committee being appointed for the term of Council. An exciting aspect is that a youth representative from each LALC is invited to attend meetings as an observer and this bodes well for our combined future. Council first entered into an MoU with the Bega, Eden and Merrimans’ LALCs in 2001. The intent of the MoU is to support reconciliation and the advancement of Aboriginal people within the Bega Valley. From time to time the MoU has been reviewed and updated to ensure its intent is relevant to the needs of the communities. Formal reviews happen in line with local government elections and the next review will involve extensive engagement with local Aboriginal people.

62 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 STATUTORY AND OTHER INFORMATION

Councillors and Council Staff

Overseas visits by Councillors and Council staff No overseas visits were undertaken by Councillors, Council staff or other persons while representing the Council in 2019-2020.

Mayoral and Councillor fees, expenses and facilities In 2019-2020 the Mayoral allowance was $41,090, allowance for the nine Councillors was $168,000. $13,357 was paid for catering of meetings and civic functions and $11,531 was paid in the Mayor’s vehicle expenses. The following payments and facilities were provided to Councillors in relation to their civic functions: Expense ...... $ Office equipment ...... $546 Telephone calls ...... $4,814 Conferences and seminars ...... $9,774 Training and skill development ...... $3,985 Interstate visits ...... $Nil Overseas visits ...... $Nil Spouse / partner expenses...... $Nil Childcare...... $Nil

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 63 General Manager and senior staff remuneration In 2019-2020 Council had three senior staff and a General Manager in the executive structure. During this period the General Manager had a remuneration package of $293,960 and the combined total remuneration for Directors was $597,500 this was lower than anticipated due to a vacancy in the role of Director of Business and Governance.

Learning and Development Program Council provides a Learning and Development program which contributes to corporate objectives by assisting employees to: • formulate career development plans which reflect the individual’s goals and the needs of Council • achieve personal excellence in work performance in a satisfying, non-discriminatory, safe and healthy work environment • develop appropriate skills. Each year we deliver training to meet all relevant legislative requirements of the NSW Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011; Australian Standards; NSW WorkCover Codes of Practice; Environmental Protection Authority; requirements of other regulatory bodies; and our own various work procedures. The following training, inductions and information session opportunities were recorded in 2019-2020:

Course Type Number of Training Places Leadership and Management 35 Professional Development 20 Workplace Health and Safety 50 Mandatory ticketing and licenses 127 Wellbeing 250 Total 482

Workplace Wellbeing Council has an obligation under legislation to minimise risk to its employees but also recognises that it has a moral duty to provide a safe and healthy workplace. Health programs conducted during 2019-20 included provision of Flu shots for employees. Council also provided the required vaccinations and health checks for at risk workers. Staff were provided access to a program of annual skin checks, hearing tests, and lung screening as part of workplace wellbeing. Council maintains an employee assistance program for council employees and their immediate family. Whilst these initiatives are in place to assist our employees, we do experience work related injuries from time to time. Over the past year Council saw 44 workers compensation incidents lodged. Of these there were nine lost time injuries. The balance of claims did not result in lost time and were swiftly resolved. Council conducts regular reviews and audits of its work practices, procedures and provisions to ensure that we have all possible measures in place to minimise the risk and incidence of injury to our employees.

64 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 In light of the events that have impacted our employees along with the entire community, Council provided a number of wellbeing initiatives, training, development, and support to its employees. In February and March 2020, staff were engaged in critical incident debriefs and later participated in trauma informed care and practice training. These sessions were designed to provide support to employees who were responding to the needs of the community in the aftermath of the 2020 Summer Bushfires.

Equal employment opportunities Council has an ongoing commitment to ensuring the principles of equal employment opportunity underpin policy, procedures and activities across Council. We do this to enhance overall performance, attract and retain talent, and provide more effective service delivery. We are committed to the inclusiveness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our organisation and we continue to engage and support a number of identified Aboriginal positions across our organisation. As part of our succession planning approach, we currently employ a number of cadets, trainees, and apprentices in areas such as engineering, finance, human resources, environmental health, library services, children services, assets and works, and fleet management.

Government Information Applications During 2018-19 Council received 24 formal applications under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. All applications were determined within the required statutory decision period. Details of the formal applications are available in the Disclosure Log on Council’s website. Council dealt with 138 informal applications, with 93 of these lodged by the same organisation.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 65 Finance

Contracts Contracts over $150,000 awarded by Council in 2019-20:

Contract Title Contractor Value (Inc GST) Water Mains Renewal of Howard Avenue in RD Miller Pty Ltd $156,190.00 Bega Specification Tcc220 Cab Chassis Ud Trucks A Division Of $159,766.00 Volvo Group Australia Bruce Steer Pool Amenities Building Davone Construction $164,089.00 Water Mains Renewal of Meringo Street RD Miller Pty Ltd $168,495.00 Candelo Pool Repair and Remediation Works National Concrete Solutions $183,209.96 Pty Ltd Purchase of Vehicles - Nissan Ron Doyle Motors $209,153.00 Sewer Relining - Merimbula – August 2019 Interflow Pty Ltd $257,107.81 Vehicles Operating Lease - RRR Summit Auto Lease $262,495.20 Australia Pty Vehicles Operating Lease - RRR Toyota Fleet Management $279,595.20 Pambula Squash Courts – Fitout ABS Squash $299,261.00 Brogo WTP Owners Engineer GHD Pty Ltd $319,000.00 Tathra Headland Walking Path - Timber GDB Excavations and $328,710.00 Landscaping Quarantine Bay Floating Pontoon Upgrade Sea-Slip Pontoons and $409,490.00 Products Pty Ltd Tathra Headland Walking Path - Concrete GDB Excavations and $422,747.00 Landscaping Pambula Squash Courts Building Construction Davone Construction $430,909.00 Project Management Services - Sealing GHD Pty Ltd $540,000.00 Towamba and Burragate Road Purchase of Vehicles - Isuzu Harrigan Motor Group $657,010.00 Tathra to Kalaru Bike Track John Michelin and Son Pty $671,943.00 Ltd

66 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Legal proceedings Legal proceedings taken by or against the Council in 2019-2020:

Court Details Result Cost to Council Local Court, Parking Infringement - Park vehicle For the Council $209.27 Bega for longer than maximum period allowed (Sapphire Market Place Carpark) Local Court, Infringement - Stop on path / strip Infringement $209.27 Bega in built up area dismissed Local Court, Claim of unlawfully impounding an Claim $3,188.00 Nowra article (animal) dismissed Fees and charges associated with impounding and holding livestock until completion of hearing $12,200 (this amount has been invoiced to the owner of the livestock but has not been paid) Land and Illegal occupation of land Ongoing, Estimated $10,000-$15,000 Environment awaiting court Court date Federal Court Native Title Claim by South Coast The matter is $1,772.65 of Australia People ongoing

Private works In 2019-2020 Council did not make any Resolutions concerning work carried out on private land.

Written off rates and charges In 2019-2020 the following was written off rates and charges: • $84,414 Voluntary Conservation Agreements • $9,938 Postponed rates

Coastal Protection Services Council does not administer an annual charge for coastal protection services.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 67 Stormwater Management Levy The Stormwater Levy implemented in 2006 under laws introduced by the NSW Government is used for projects designed to improve the urban stormwater quality within towns and villages across the Shire, including improving old infrastructure below the road surface and roadside drainage. In 2019-2020 the Stormwater Levy was used as a contribution towards urban drainage improvements in Merimbula, Bega and Pambula. • Total Stormwater Levy Income 2019-2020: $295,363 • Total Uncommitted Funds from previous year: $0 • Total Unspent Stormwater Levy Funds as at 30 June 2020: $0

Project Council Funds Grant Funds Levy Funds Total Merimbula Urban Drainage $0 $0 $132,550 $132,550 Improvement Bega Urban Drainage $0 $0 $101,454 $101,454 Improvements Pambula Beach Drainage $0 $0 $61,359 $61,359 Improvement

Environmental Levy The Environmental Levy has been in place since 2003. Permanent approval for the Environmental Management Levy of 2.52% was issued by the Minister for Local Government in 2006. • Total Environmental Levy Income 2019-2020: $442,410 • Total Uncommitted Funds from previous year: $203,807 • Total Unspent Environmental Levy Funds as at 30 June 2020: $205,607

Project Council Funds Grant Funds Levy Funds Total Parks and Reserves Hazard $51,791 $0 $40,000 $91,791 Reductions Works Bega River Foreshore $0 $43,458 $82,300 $125,758 Environment & sustainability $0 $0 $251,000 $251,000 Dune Enhancement Program $0 $6,382 $10,910 $17,292 Wonboyn Aquaculture Industry $11,232 $0 $40,000 $51,232 Protection

68 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Special Rate Emergency Services The 2006-2007 Operational Plan implemented a Special Rate (SR) variation approved by the Minister for Local Government of 5%. These funds are committed to support emergency services. This variation was approved on an ongoing basis. • Total Emergency Services SR Income 2019-2020: $879,670 • Total Uncommitted Funds from previous year: $0 • Total Unspent Emergency Services SR as at 30 June 2020: $0

Category + Project Council Funds Grant Funds SRV Funds Total Service NSW Levies for State $0 $103,838 $657,920 $761,758 Emergency Services, NSW Fire and Rescue and NSW Rural Fire Service Engineering Administration for RFS $0 $0 $55,040 $55,040 Loan Repayments $3,063,377 $134,868 $166,710 $3,364,955

Special Rate Libraries, Gallery, Tourism Centres and Weeds The 2007-2008 Operational Plan implemented a Special Rate Variation approved by the Minister for Local Government of 5.54%. These funds were targeted at infrastructure, continuing services in branch libraries, the Regional Gallery, tourism Visitor Information Centres (VIC) and the weeds program. This variation was approved on an ongoing basis. • Total Libraries, Gallery, Tourism Centres and Weeds SR Income 2019-2020: $1,001,550 • Total Uncommitted Funds from previous year: $0 • Total Unspent Libraries, Gallery, Tourism Centres and Weeds SR as at 30 June 2020: $62,098

Category + Project Council Funds Grant Funds SRV Funds Total Libraries- operations $897,015 $138,620 $208,480 $1,244,115 Regional Gallery- operations $146,020 $116,122 $139,000 $401,142 Visitor Information Centres- $52,960 $0 $208,480 $261,440 operations Weeds Management-operations $60,334 $82,294 $445,590 $588,218

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 69 Special Rate Various Transport and Recreation Infrastructure and Lifeguards The 2008-2009 Operational Plan implemented a Special Rate Variation approved by the Minister for Local Government of 6.15%. These funds were directed at infrastructure rehabilitation and provision of ocean lifeguards over the busy summer holiday season at beaches not serviced by a Surf Lifesaving Club, but still popular with visitors. This variation was approved on an ongoing basis. • Total Various Transport and Recreation Infrastructure and Lifeguards SR Income 2019-2020: $1,195,590 • Total Uncommitted Funds from previous year: $1,556,643 • Total Unspent Various Transport and Recreation Infrastructure and Lifeguards SR as at 30 June 2020: $1,827,850. These funds are partially committed in the 2021 Budget.

Category + Project Council Funds Grant Funds SRV Funds Total Road stabilisation and urban $0 $0 $60,940 $60,940 road rehab program - Pambula stabilisation Timber bridge rehabilitation- Pretty $55,567 $0 $184,686 $240,253 Point Bridge Armco culvert restoration-Tathra $0 $0 $2,274 $2,274 Bermagui Road Footpath trip hazards $100,224 $0 $7,000 $107,224 Recreation buildings and pools $0 $0 $94,280 $94,280 Ocean lifeguards $0 $8,409 $195,101 $203,510 Urban street construction- Cobargo $0 $0 $322,102 $322,102 Quaama stabilisation Kerb and Guttering- Lamont St $148,573 $0 $58,000 $206,573

Special Rate Tourism Promotion and Merimbula Airport In 2011-2012, a Special Rate Variation was approved by IPART under the new assessment process. It continued the single year 2010-2011 approval for tourism related funding. The approval is for 20 years. The amount of variation also includes an amount of 0.14% for a ‘Crown Land Adjustment' which the Council is able to apply for under the Local Government Act 1993 and which the Office of Local Government recommended be included in the Council’s Special Variation approval. • Total Tourism Promotion and Merimbula Airport SR Income 2019-2020: $718,070 • Total Uncommitted Funds from previous year: $362,948 • Total Unspent Tourism Promotion and Merimbula Airport SR as at 30 June 2020: $435,018

70 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Category + Project Council Funds Grant Funds SRV Funds Total Merimbula Airport-Repayments for $0 $0 $396,000 $396,000 Airport improvements Tourism Promotion and $0 $0 $250,000 $250,000 Development- Eden wharf extension contribution

Special Rate Collector Roads, Recreation Facilities, Public Domain Areas and Buildings IPART approved the Special Rate Variation for 2013-2014 as part 1 of 3 covering the years from 2013- 2014 to 2015-2016. The overall general rate income increase for Year 1 is 5.4% which includes a Special Rate Variation of 2% to be used to help fund renewal and upgrade of collector roads. IPART approved the Special Rate Variation for 2014-2015 as part 2 of 3 covering the years from 2013-2014 to 2015-2016 of 2% to be used to help fund renewal and upgrade of recreational facilities. IPART approved the Special Rate Variation for 2015-2016 as part 3 of 3 covering the years from 2013-2014 to 2015-2016 of 5% to be used to help fund renewal and upgrade of public domain areas and buildings. • Total Collector Roads, Recreation Facilities, Public Domain Areas and Buildings SR Income 2019- 2020: $1,511,170 • Total Uncommitted Funds from previous year: $1,266,763 • Total Unspent Collector Roads, Recreation Facilities, Public Domain Areas and Buildings SR as at 30 June 2020: $993,548

Category + Project Council Funds Grant Funds SRV Funds Total Collector Roads (included in Long $0 $0 $0 $0 Term Financial Plan) Recreation Facilities: • Sport asset maintenance $0 $0 $51,200 $51,200 • Bruce Steer Coastal Accessibility Project $0 $334,779 $66,901 $401,680 Public Domain Areas and Buildings: • Airport Terminal $1,200,000 $1,200,000 • Tura Library Design $30,000 $30,000 • Bega Depot Staff $400,000 $400,000 • Accommodation Zingel Place $36,284 $36,284

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 71 Public Interest Disclosures During 2019-2020 there were no disclosures made under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994.

Financial assistance In 2019-2020 Council provided $302,500 in grants and subsidies to a wide range of community groups. Following the Black Summer Bushfires and effects of COVID 19 on the residents of Bega Valley Shire, Council resolved in April to offer support to ratepayers by removing any interest on rates and charges along with support for a range of businesses leasing Councils facilities in reduced rent and extension of time to make lease payments. With over 450 houses destroyed in the Black Summer Bushfires, Council also resolved to waive development application fees for the rebuild of these homes.

72 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Disability Inclusion Action Plan

During the 2019- 2020 financial year the following progress was made in the four focus areas of the DIAP.

Building positive attitudes

ACTION: Establish partnerships that address community wide barriers to access and inclusion • Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee (AIAC) meetings were held on 5/8/19, 12/11/19, 2/3/20 and 11/5/20. The AIAC assisted in determining the Community Access Improvement Grant program that contributed up to $14,795 to five local projects. They also provided feedback on access design to a range of projects including a member advising on major projects by council. This has resulted in important improvements to a range of strategies based on advice from the AIAC, including: the development of the Public Toilets Strategy adopted in June 2020; an area to allow for the needs of guide dogs in the re-design of the Merimbula airport; and a revised and updated community project proposal form to enable better consideration of accessibility issues in the development applications for these projects. • During the 2019-20 bushfire disaster Council worked with the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Police and other emergency services on the evacuation and accommodation and medical needs of people with a disability. The multi-agency Health and Wellbeing Committee was subsequently established with representatives from disability services to coordinate recovery efforts and ensure the needs of people with a disability are considered by all agencies. ACTION: Celebrate inclusive practice and access outcomes • Access and inclusion continue to be a focus across Council. The Communications and Events team has used social media, media releases, Councils website and regular newsletter, Council News, to promote projects and programs. • The Council holds annual awards to recognise staff who have worked to uphold the PLaCE values (People matter, Learning is important, and we Can do, Engaging the whole organisation is key.) ACTION: Improve staff awareness of disability issues • Council’s corporate induction program includes a session on Council’s Code of Conduct and PLaCE values. These sessions provide an overview of Equal Employment Opportunity legislation and customer service which includes staff responsibilities concerning inclusive service provision. • Council engages with its employees through a Consultative Committee which meets every six weeks. The committee has a designated position for a staff member with disability which focuses on disability inclusion and awareness in the workplace. • Council applies an Engagement Toolkit which requires employees to consult, engage, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders on associated work projects and development across the organisation. • Council has a work experience program which supports young people with disability to apply for and participate in work experience in areas of interest within the organisation. Details of this work experience program can be found on the ‘Careers at Council’ webpage.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 73 Creating liveable communities

ACTION: Advocate for improved access and inclusion outcomes across all levels of Government • Council has continued to advocate for people with disability and their families on a range of issues including housing and transport. In 2019-2020 Council actively supported the Physical Disability Council of NSW’s call for the NSW Government to provide secure, permanent funding for independent disability advocacy, information and peak representative organisations in NSW.

ACTION: Contribute towards programs which aim to increase social inclusion and community connections • The Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee awarded access improvement grants to Cobargo School of Arts for accessible parking, Bemboka Lions Club for accessible toilets, On the Perch Bird Park for accessible parking and pathway (funding subsequently returned unspent when the Park decided to close), and Bega Showground Trust for an access ramp. The AIAC also invested surplus grant funds to upgrade path links, amenities, the BBQ and playground at Cocora Beach. It also constructed accessible furniture and paths at Merimbula Boat Ramp surrounds and improved access from the carpark to the BBQ facilities at Kianinny Bay, Tathra. • Council’s library services runs a growing number of inclusive programs such as Bega Lego Club, Intergenerational Playroom and Storytime and has begun delivering Storytime videos accompanied by AUSLAN interpretation. Our libraries also offer chair yoga videos for those with mobility issues and supports the local Adult Literacy group to offer free tuition. • In 2019, the library hosted the Wide Angle Film Festival, which screened award-winning short films reflecting the lived experience of people with disability, in partnership with Tulgeen Disability Services. • Children’s Services successfully applied for a $3,450 grant under the Disability Inclusion Program (DIP). These small grants (from Education NSW) provide additional staff hours to enable improved staff to child ratios for children with disability. The improved staffing ratios and support for identified children increases their ability to participate in our early childhood education and care programs. • Bega Valley Regional Gallery (BVRG) has a long working relationship with Tulgeen Disability Services operating in the Bega Valley and through this delivers an annual exhibition or similar opportunity. In 2019 BVRG initiated a partnership between Tulgeen, the University of NSW Art and Design and The Junction Works Disability Services from Western Sydney. This involved a peer to peer workshop where artists developed animated collages made specifically for the Dream States Come True exhibition. These works were the centre piece for the PARKLIGHT community art project held in Littleton Gardens, Bega on 11 September 2019. ACTION: Contribute towards liveable and accessible public places • Council has established a Community Engagement Strategy which seeks to obtain community input at concept design stage on identified projects in public places. • Council’s main administrative building is undergoing a redesign to improve the entrance to customer service and access to Council’s offices.

74 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 ACTION: Increase access to community assets • Council has prioritised access outcomes in renewals and upgrades of community assets. Example projects include the accessible Tathra Headland Walk and replacement of the fire damaged Tathra Lions viewing platform. Council's Rural Village Playground Program utilised the Everyone Can Play Guidelines to make sure all projects included access improvements. Work has continued with Council's Coastal Accessibility Projects (Pambula – Detailed design and works procurement, Short Point – Detailed concept development, Bruce Steer Pool – Site works Public amenities and paths).

Supporting access to meaningful employment

ACTION: Develop and enhance employment opportunities for people with a disability and deliver continued Support Coordination and plan management for NDIS participants • Council is a member of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO) which has been developing a regional workforce strategy using research to identify current drivers and trends affecting employment in regional NSW. The regional strategy is currently in draft form and is expected to be adopted in 2020-21 by CRJO members. The strategy will include a number of focus areas, one of which will include equal employment opportunities and support of people with disability in the local government industry. • Following a successful work experience placement of a student with disability, the library has engaged this student as the first library school-based trainee, who will complete a Certificate 3 in library studies while completing the Higher School Certificate. • To support local employment opportunities Council contracts a local disability service provider to deliver a cleaning service for Council’s library.

ACTION: Investigate improvements to the administration building to facilitate employment opportunities • Council’s main administrative building at Zingel Place has a fully developed redesign plan to improve accessibility for staff and the community. ACTION: Provide volunteering opportunities for people with all abilities • Our library services actively encourage and support high school work experience placements for students with disability and current volunteers with disability are engaged in digitisation, local history, collections and support projects. • Bega Valley Regional Gallery has a history of providing volunteering positions for people of all abilities, including young people with mental health challenges. BVRG is a safe space for all and strives to provide inclusive and meaningful engagement through contemporary art.

Accessible systems, information or processes

ACTION: Continuously improve processes to achieve access and inclusion outcomes • The library is a cornerstone for inclusive community borrowing as it actively collects materials in a range of accessible formats for adults and children including books in large print and dyslexic fonts, physical audiobooks and audio-readers, electronic audiobooks via a number of free

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 75 platforms, and eBooks and eMagazine platforms with large print, dyslexic and comfortable font options. On request the library can source materials in accessible formats through the State Library of NSW and inter library loan. • Library services are delivered through a range of accessible options such as live webchat, phone and email plus a Home Library Service that delivers library materials to those who cannot access the library due to medical reasons. This service was expanded in response to COVID-19 and re- named Library Link, to deliver materials to anyone who has trouble accessing the library due to disability, health vulnerability or lack of connectivity. • The Gallery is also a keen user of new technologies for improving inclusive access. Over the past 12 months descriptive audio tours have been offered on appropriate exhibitions. The COVID-19 health crisis provided an impetus for a greater online presence for temporary exhibitions such as offering audience members who cannot attend in person online interactive 360 degree engagement. • The new library and gallery websites are W3C compliant for multi device accessibility. • The process for developing and monitoring the next Disability Inclusion Action Plan for 2021-25 has been improved to include more engagement with stakeholders and to more fully embed its progress in the Integrated Planning and Reporting framework. ACTION: Include access and inclusion consideration in project management, design and strategy development • All current projects consider access and inclusion design elements in line with project scope and budgets, the aim being to make improvements to accessibility in the finished outcome. Council applies inclusive design principles such as those in the Every One can Play Guidelines to identify and include improvements in recreation project development. • A Project Management module is in development for Council with specific consideration of access and inclusion embedded in its process. This will be implemented in 2020-21.

How we are meeting the needs of people with disability Council has implemented a range of actions to meet the needs of people with disability, including through the improvement of communication and engagement strategies; local and state advocacy on disability issues; and asset improvements that offer increased accessibility for people with disability. Council is also looking closely at how inclusion can drive local economic benefits through an accessible tourism strategy and encouraging businesses to embrace inclusion in their practices.

Challenges and successes in delivering the DIAP The major bushfires of 2019-2020 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic has affected all areas of council business including service closures, infrastructure damage, reduced staff on-site and volunteer numbers. The bushfires also highlighted the need for more accessible and appropriate evacuation facilities for people with disability. This will be a major project of advocacy and planning during the recovery and preparation for future events. A key challenge of the DIAP is to ensure that its actions provide meaningful and measurable progress towards inclusion. The next DIAP (to cover the period 2021-25) will have its progress identified through clear measures and embedded through its connection to the fully implemented Integrated Planning and Reporting framework.

76 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 The DIAP has provided a focus for inclusive activity and for the work of the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee. The combination of the AIAC, the DIAP and Council’s planned approach to disability inclusion has driven many improvements over the last 12 months and the preceding three years. One example of Council intentionally growing its resources is the library evolving its website, providing large format books, audio books, webchat and expanding its home library services to better reach those isolated by age and disability, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 77 Other information

Companion animal management Council collected $46,951 in companion animal registration fees which was used to offset the costs of companion animal management. Council was also provided a $4,000 grant from the Office of Local Government to assist with pound expenses during the COVID-19 response. During 2019-2020 animal control officers managed 180 cats and dogs. Of these animals there were: • 73 cats • 107 dogs • 1 dog returned to the owner before impounding • 12 cats and 59 dogs returned to their owners after impounding • 23 cats and 24 dogs released to animal welfare organisations for rehoming • 38 cats and 23 dogs euthanized • 4 cats and 20 dogs surrendered and 4 dogs held in custody on behalf of NSW Police. During 2019-2020 Council received 97 customer enquiries relating to dog attacks. Of these: • 32 dog attacks reported and investigated involving 38 attacking dogs • 34 animal victims (25 killed) • 24 human victims (3 requiring hospitalisation) • 3 dangerous dog declarations • 3 manacing dog declarations • 1 dog seized and 2 euthanized following an attack • 8 Penalty Infringement Notices issued • 8 attacks where responsible dog could not be identified. Council's Rangers undertake proactive and reactive activities including regular patrols of dog prohibited, wildlife protected and on leash areas within the Shire. In 2019-2020 Council received 954 companion animal control customer service requests.

Parking Enforcement During the 2019-20 Financial year, 1020 Penalty Infringement Notices (PIN) were issued with a face value of $246,849. Revenue NSW manage all PINs issued by Council staff and figures supplied by Revenue NSW show that approximately 60.69% of PINs issued by Council were paid in full (either at PIN or Enforcement Order stage) and only 14% of fine revenue remained outstanding at the end of the financial year. $1,412 in PIN revenue is being recouped through the Revenue NSW Work Deployment Order program which allows suitable candidates to ‘pay off’ their fine through a range of community service initiatives.

78 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 Impounding vehicles, articles and stock Council Rangers are the responsible authority for impounding abandoned and unattended vehicles, articles and livestock under the Impounding Act 1993. In the 2019-2020 financial year Council Rangers impounded 24 abandoned vehicles and 22 animals (17 horses and 5 sheep). Fourteen horses were returned to their owners and 5 sheep were rehomed as the owner was unable to be identified. Eighteen vehicles were destroyed and 4 returned to their registered owner upon payment of impounding fees.

Planning Agreements In 2019-20 there were no Planning Agreements in force.

Environmental Upgrade Agreements In 2019-20 no Environmental Upgrade Agreements were entered into.

Swimming pool inspections In 2019-2020 Council performed 56 swimming pool barrier compliance inspections. Of these 56 inspections: • 17 inspections related to tourist and visitor accommodation • 19 inspections were carried out on premises containing a maximum of 2 dwellings • 10 inspections were carried out on premises being 2 hectares or more in site area • 52 inspections resulted in Council issuing Certificates of Compliance • 4 inspections resulted in Council issuing Certificates of Non-Compliance.

Bega Valley Shire Council - Annual Report 2019-2020 79 Zingel Place, Bega M. PO Box 492 Bega P. 02 6499 2222 F. 02 6499 2200 ABN. 26 987 935 332 DX. 4904 Bega

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