Townsville City Council Annual Report 2015/16
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Townsville City Council 2015/16 Annual Report Townsville City Council 2015/16 Annual Report Acknowledgement We acknowledge the Bindal and Wulgurukaba people as the traditional custodians of this land that we work, live and play on, and pay our respect to their cultures, their ancestors and to the elders, past, present and all future generations. Where you see this icon, if you would like more information on the topic being discussed, simply go to our website at www.townsville.qld.gov.au and search for the key words listed. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy 1866 1916 1966 2016 1866 1916 1966 2016 Townsville City Council 2015/16 Annual Report Townsville City Council 2015/16 Annual Report Introduction Our vision Townsville, Capital of Northern Australia; the city with opportunity and great lifestyle. Our mission We are committed to delivering quality services to facilitate sustainable growth through inspired leadership, community engagement, and sound financial management. Our corporate goals Economic Sustainability - A strong, diverse economy which provides opportunities for business and investment, with an integrated approach to long-term planning where the city’s assets meet the community needs. Environmental Sustainability - A sustainable future where our environment is valued through the protection and enhancement of our unique, natural and built environment, with a commitment to reducing our environmental impact. Social Sustainability - A vibrant community that is accessible, safe, healthy, creative and knowledgeable, where we embrace diversity and our sense of community. Responsible Governance - A well-managed, transparent and effective organisation that gives the community confidence, demonstrates financial sustainability, where our customers are satisfied with our services and our employees are proud to work here. Our values Service People Integrity Respect Enjoyment ‘We commit to ‘We value each ‘We do the right ‘We learn through ‘We create a fun excellence’ other’ thing’ listening’ workplace’ • Deliver quality • Safety first • Be fair and • Listen with an • Show optimism service consistent open mind • Work as a team • Adopt a can-do • Take follow-up • Make ethical • Be honest attitude action • Develop our decisions people • Show • Share • Be proud of • Be transparent courtesy and achievements what we do and accountable understanding and celebrate success 3 1866 1916 1966 2016 1866 1916 1966 2016 Townsville City Council 2015/16 Annual Report Townsville City Council 2015/16 Annual Report Our five minute Annual Report 20I5| I6 The five minute Annual Report is designed to give a quick snapshot of our 2015/16 achievements, reflecting on the difference we make coming together as a community. 1,047,000 domestic and Economic Sustainability international visitors to the city Enhanced local business development and promoted employment and investment. • Council, State and Federal Governments committed to funding the Integrated Stadium and Entertainment Centre • Townsville City Waterfront Priority Development Area progressed to the implementation stage • Townsville Jobs and Investment Package introduced • First draft for Townsville and Regional Pathfinder project developed and circulated for feedback • CBD Utilities Upgrade project commenced. (More details on pages 72 to 95) Environmental Sustainability Protected our natural environment and reduced our environmental footprint. • LED lighting project completed at Dan Gleeson Gardens, West End Park, the Perfumed Gardens and The Strand Park • Natural Resource Management program delivered • Rowes Bay Sensory project launched 2,261 students, adults and • Coastal and Environmental Management program delivered. professionals visited Rowes Bay (More details on pages 98 to 117) for sustainability visits Social Sustainability Hosted vibrant community events and embraced diversity and inclusiveness. • “Townsville 150 years” celebration events facilitated • Street Art Activation Framework implemented • Secured funding for the city’s scenic Castle Hill summit upgrade • Ross River Management of Recreational Use Plan (2015-2018) revised to make sure natural resource management principles and practices are upheld. 285,522 visitors to galleries (More details on pages 120 to 147) for art exhibitions and associated public programs Responsible Governance A continued focus on sound governance and continuous improvement processes and practice. • New council sworn in April 2016 • Legislative Compliance System implemented • Health and Wellbeing programs implemented for our employees • Community Engagement Group established. $4.6b worth of total (More details on pages 150 to 179) assets managed Our Financial No increase in Increased community Operating surplus net borrowings equity by $25.9m of $7.7m Status to $4.2b 4 1866 1916 1966 2016 1866 1916 1966 2016 Townsville City Council 2015/16 Annual Report Townsville City Council 2015/16 Annual Report Contents INTRODUCTION Water Sensitive City, managing the optimum use of water 111 Protecting coastal and marine areas, Mission/Vision 3 explore and enjoy our beautiful beaches 112 Our five minute Annual Report 4 A solar city, a smart city, a resilient city 114 The community we serve- profile 6 Environmental Sustainability Measures 116 Welcome to our Annual Report 8 What guides our operations 9 Goal 3: Social Sustainability Townsville celebrates 150 years 122 OUR YEAR IN REVIEW Events galore 126 Welcome by Mayor 10 Townsville getting active, encouraging healthy lifestyles 130 Community Financial Report 14 Calendar of Events 132 Lifelong learning community, empowering current and future generations 134 OUR COUNCIL Our galleries and theatres, creating a knowledgeable and Our organisational purpose and commitments 22 entertained community 136 Our services 23 Disaster preparedness, safety a top priority for our community 138 Your elected members 25 Celebrating community events, recognising their achievements 141 Councillor remuneration and expenses 32 Grants and sponsorship programs 143 Making informed decisions 34 Social Sustainability Measures 146 Openness and transparency 35 Goal 4: Responsible Governance OUR PEOPLE A responsible, open and transparent local government 152 Our organisational structure 38 Enterprise Risk Management 153 Our Executive Management Team 38 Statutory education and compliance 155 Our workforce profile 41 Complaints management 156 Employee demographic 42 Public Interest disclosure 158 What did our staff say 45 Internal Audit 159 We value and empower our staff 46 We are accountable and transparent with finances 162 Outstanding service 48 Asset management 163 Celebrating our achievements 49 Community engagement, contributing towards Volunteers 50 decision-making and the future 164 Innovative technology 168 Organisational efficiency, adding value OUR PERFORMANCE through continuous improvement 170 Our Business Model 54 Employee health, safety and wellbeing 171 Council’s planning, performance and reporting processes 55 Workers’ compensation 173 Our Community Plan Report Rehabilitation and early return to work 174 • Theme 1: A strong, connected community 56 2015/16 Inspire Wellness Calendar of Events 176 • Theme 2: Creating an environmentally sustainable future 61 Employee Assistance Program utilisation 177 • Theme 3: Sustaining economic growth 64 Responsible Governance Measures 178 • Theme 4: Shaping Townsville 67 Townsville Waste Services Operations Report 181 Delivering on the outcomes of our Corporate Plan Townsville Water Operations Report 193 Goal 1: Economic Sustainability Creating opportunities, driving community prosperity 74 OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Benefits to our community 75 Understanding our financial statements 207 Long-term plans, guiding our operations 78 Financial Statements 208-250 Delivering infrastructure, meeting our community needs 80 Encouraging business investments, creating jobs for our community 83 APPENDICES Strongly connected partnerships, building a strong economy 86 Index of Legislative Requirements i Project approvals, creating a vibrant destination for commerce 90 Appendix A: International Travel Register ii Major projects 92 Appendix B: Councillor attendance at meetings iv Economic Sustainability Measures 94 Appendix C: Council registers vii Appendix D: Mayor’s Community Assistance Fund viii Goal 2: Environmental Sustainability Appendix E: Together Townsville Program xi Reducing our environmental footprint, guarding our future Appendix F: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) xii generation 100 Preserving our natural environment, enjoy the outdoor lifestyle 102 Land protection and feral animal control, safe environment OUR REFERENCES for our community 106 Glossary xvi Partnering with and educating our community, Index xviii building a sustainable city 108 5 1866 1916 1966 2016 1866 1916 1966 2016 Townsville City Council 2015/16 Annual Report Townsville City Council 2015/16 Annual Report Snapshot of our community Population 193,946 Residents who volunteer 16.7%* Population born overseas 19.8%* Median weekly personal income $675* Median age 33 years* Median weekly rent $320* Number of families 45,319* Public swimming pools 5 Average household 2.6 persons* Libraries 4 Indigenous population 6.1%* Public parks 338 Average growth rate 2.1% Parks with playgrounds and Projected population growth shaded areas 130 rate by 2021 2.2%* Rateable properties 80,201 Year 12 or greater education 55.1% Visitors to the city 1,047,000 Residents with severe disability