Twin Rivers Inc. Thanking Council’S Interim General Manager for Being the Guest Speaker at Their Meeting Held on Monday 3 July 2017

MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE REPORT ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL 8 AUGUST 2017

CLAUSE 1. CORRESPONDENCE

AUTHOR: Margot Stork, Interim General Manager TRIM REF:

RECOMMENDATION

That the information be noted.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

PART A

Nil.

PART B

B1/08: Local Government NSW Weekly Indices of General Circulars, Numbers 27/17, 28/17 and 29/17, have been forwarded to the Administrator and Senior Staff via email.

B2/08: Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) News Newsletters dated 14 July, 21 July and 28 July 2017 have been forwarded to the Administrator and Senior Staff via email.

B3/08: Local Health Medical Trust Thanking Council for supporting the Medicine and Allied Health Scholarship Program. A copy of the letter is attached as Appendix 1.

B4/08: Probus Club of Echuca/Moama Twin Rivers Inc. Thanking Council’s Interim General Manager for being the Guest Speaker at their meeting held on Monday 3 July 2017. A copy of the letter is attached as Appendix 2.

B5/08: Roads & Maritime Services Forwarding a Newsletter (July 2017) that gives an update about the restoration of the Barham Koondrook Bridge. The newsletter is being delivered to all households in Barham and Koondrook. A copy of the Newsletter is attached as Appendix 3.

This is Page No. 1 of the Correspondence Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL held on Tuesday 8 August 2017 at the Riverside Reception Centre, 15 Murray Street, Barham. 1114 B6/08: Local Government NSW Forwarding a Media Release of 21 July 2017 advising Aboriginal Elder Robert (Uncle Bob) Webb, former Leichhardt councillor and executive member of the Local Government Aboriginal Network, has backed the call by Local Government NSW and the Office of Local Government for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to get involved in local councils and nominate to become councillors in the upcoming elections. A copy of the Media Release is attached as Appendix 4.

B7/08: Local Government NSW Forwarding a Media Release of 22 July 2017 advising that the push is on to encourage more young people to stand for election to council in the September 9 local government elections. A copy of the Media Release is attached as Appendix 5.

B8/08: Local Government NSW Forwarding a Media Release of 24 July 2017 advising that the call has gone out for community-minded individuals to stand for office in newly amalgamated council areas across NSW. A copy of the Media Release is attached as Appendix 6.

B9/08: Murray Darling Association Forwarding a Media Release of 25 July 2017 in response to the Four Corners report of 24 July 2017. A copy of the Media Release is attached as Appendix 7.

This is Page No. 2 of the Correspondence Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL held on Tuesday 8 August 2017 at the Riverside Reception Centre, 15 Murray Street, Barham. 1115 APPENDIX 1

1116 APPENDIX 2

® PROBUS CLUB OF ECHUCA/MOAMA TWINRIVERS Inc.

.� .. ·-·,iAYR;:·-�: r-. .__ .. ., ...I l vOJN"fL "·'d ,t• . n , cc; .. lllj /. ... , · . .., .: . q 1 .ll...... 3rd July 2017 [,.,t)C fd• ••.••••••••••••••.•••••.•• ...... ". X ef: ('(. - .• t! . ·4!··�····· R nt,on Period� ··················· file·. ...•C -. ..-r.r ·&··�- ...... Ms Margot StoTk "t. � t;:;t;:,..·�.L.r: . ... ,, "--,rI•• A * � Interim General Business ManageT � ...-""\· . .. : ••.••••• ...... � •• F ...... Mumy River Council ...... ')!"� .•,� . ' ••• ...... ······ ...... • I . � MathouraNSW •'I j �::-..�·� .. t'"'t ...... ' .. ette ..•• . .. . - r.·• C , ...... � ...... ······ vt:l1L······· ··•·······••••• Dear Margot

Thank you forbeing our Guest Speaker and your excellent presentationof your journeythrough life and the Murray River Council.

We enjoyedyour topics and wish you and your staffthe verybest of success forthe future

Please accept our letter of appreciation foryour time

Yours sincerely

Keith Robertson

PRESIDENT

Postal Address: P.O. Box 731, ECHUCA 3564

1117 APPENDIX 3

Barham Koondrook Bridge restoration work – project update July 2017

Roads and Maritime Services, in partnership with VicRoads, is continuing the restoration of Barham Koondrook Bridge over the Murray River. The NSW and Victorian governments are funding this $17 million essential maintenance work to ensure the bridge will continue to meet current vehicle loads and volumes, as well as the growing needs of the local and travelling community into the future. would disrupt traffic flow and could impact local Temporary bridge open to traffic businesses. Traffic and pedestrians have been using the The intent was to make operation of the temporary temporary bridge since late May 2017. bridge as close as possible to the existing bridge The temporary bridge allows the community to to avoid major changes for local traffic. carry on as usual while restoration work is The temporary bridge will be removed after underway – minimising economic impacts and completion of the restoration work. We expect keeping the connection between Barham and road users to be using the temporary bridge for up Koondrook. to 12 months. It is a single lane, 4.2 metre wide bridge with a give way sign. It carries the same loads as the existing bridge – B double General Mass Limit load capacity of 62.5 tonnes. Since the opening of the temporary bridge, local traffic has been adjusting to the new traffic arrangements. To address community concerns we installed additional line marking to help guide motorists as they drive up to the bridge to give way. We are continuing to monitor traffic movements and will carry out further improvements if required. It has been our preference to avoid closing parts The temporary bridge has been built next to the existing bridge and opened to traffic on 30 May of Murray Street and install traffic lights as this 2017.

1118 New pedestrian walkway  Replacing timber traffic barriers with steel traffic barriers We recently received approval from the Heritage  Replacing parts of the bridge deck Council of New South Wales to modify the pedestrian walkway.  Removing paint from the lift span towers and repainting Previously pedestrians shared the road with  vehicles at the lift span. Upgrading mechanical parts of the lift span  Installing a new steel pedestrian walkway Building a new walkway, in keeping with the heritage values of the bridge, will significantly  Reconstructing the approach roads to the improve safety for pedestrians including mobility bridge scooter users.  Installing scour protection along the river bank on the Victorian side We are pleased a solution has been achieved and thank the community for continuing to raise this  Installing new lighting safety issue during community consultation  Restoring and landscaping park areas activities. The restored bridge will remain single lane with a B-double General Mass Limit load capacity of 62.5 Heritage interpretation and tonnes. landscape design Council park areas either side of the bridge will be improved after the restoration is finished. A draft heritage interpretation strategy and landscape design plan has been developed for council consideration. The plan recommends ways to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the heritage and cultural values of Barham Koondrook Bridge and surrounding river landscape. Interpretation ideas include signage and outdoor furniture made from bridge materials. A landscaping design proposes areas to Truss span two being assembled in the Koondrook site compound. revegetate using various species of plants. Further information will provided during the For more information consultation process. For more information about the project please contact the project team by: Restoration activities on the bridge Phone: 1300 NSW VIC (1300 679 842) Key work activities over the next 12 months include: Email: [email protected] www.rms.nsw.gov.au  Removing and installing truss and approach Website: spans To view marine notices go to www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/using-  Installing piles in the river for new pier and waterways/restrictions-closures/marine-notices abutment work

July 2017 RMS 17.333

1119 APPENDIX 4

From: Local Government NSW To: Kerri Keogh Subject: Media Release - Aboriginal Elder Backs Call for Aboriginal Peoples to have a say in Local Government Date: Friday, 21 July 2017 11:35:02 AM

If this email does not display properly, view online

Local Government Weekly 21 July 2017

Media Release

>> Read more here

ABORIGINAL ELDER BACKS CALL FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLES TO HAVE A SAY IN NSW LOCAL GOVERNMENT

An Aboriginal Elder has backed the call by Local Government NSW and the Office of Local Government for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to get involved in local councils and nominate to become councillors in the upcoming elections.

Elder Robert (Uncle Bob) Webb, former Leichhardt councillor and executive member of the Local Government Aboriginal Network, has urged Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders to take up the opportunity to have a greater say in the decisions that affect their community.

"There are two important things you can do: make sure you're on the electoral roll, especially people living in regional areas; and if you think you've got what it takes, run for election as a local councillor," Mr Webb said.

"It's a big job being a councillor but very rewarding. You get to be an Aboriginal voice on council about local transport, building development, the environment and services for the community," Mr Webb said.

To support decisions about nominating to become a councillor, LGNSW has launched Collaborate NSW, a one-stop information hub aimed to support local government to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples.

The candidate support section of Collaborate NSW includes information for potential candidates to consider in order to make an informed decision about standing for election.

The site steps out the process required to nominate and includes campaign tips, useful information on working with local media, advertising, important campaign finance rules, links to training opportunities and other support resources.

Many of the 46 NSW councils going to election on 9 September are also running candidate briefings in the lead up to nominations opening on 31 July (closing midday 9 August 2017).

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Keith Rhoades said the very short nomination period kicks off in ten days, so now is the time for future community leaders to put their

1120 hands up.

"Local government is the voice of local communities, so it is critical that our elected councillors reflect the demographics of our state," Cr Rhoades said.

At present, the proportion of Aboriginal councillors falls well short of the 2.5 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the NSW population.

Media Enquiries LGNSW President, Cr Keith Rhoades: 0408 256 405 Media Toni Allan: 0412 774 441

Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM President Local Government NSW

T: 02 9242 4000 | F: 02 9242 4111 | E: [email protected] | W: www.lgnsw.org.au GPO Box 7003, Sydney NSW 2001 | Level 8, 28 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000

Email Subscription Subscribe to receive the Local Government Weekly and Media Releases directly by email on the LGNSW website lgnsw.org.au/subscribe. If you no longer wish to receive Local Government Weekly please update your preferences.

1121 APPENDIX 5

From: Local Government NSW To: Kerri Keogh Subject: Media Release- Young People have Significant Contribution to Make Date: Saturday, 22 July 2017 8:59:45 AM

If this email does not display properly, view online

Local Government Weekly 22 July 2017

Media Release

>> Read more here

Young People have Significant Contribution to Make

The push is on to encourage more young people to stand for election to council in the September 9 local government elections.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Keith Rhoades said the elections, which will be held for 46 councils across the state, are an opportunity to help take local government into a new era.

"For too long local government has been seen as a place for older people, with the average male councillor aged in his 60s and the average female councillor from mid-40s up.

"Older councillors have significant life and professional experience to bring to the table, but they don't have a monopoly on good ideas.

"What we're looking for is a good balance that reflects the community and has a future focus.

"It's absolutely critical that our councils cover the full breadth of the community, and that includes young people with a commitment to building their communities and making life better."

Clr Rhoades said the role of contemporary councillors encompassed an incredibly broad remit, and went well beyond the hackneyed old claim that their sole focus was on 'roads, rates and rubbish'.

"Local Government employs some 50,000 staff across the state, and has an annual spend of $10 billion - as a sector we're active in almost every sphere of daily life," he said.

"That means modern councillors are not only representing their communities but working together within a board-like structure to help govern multi-million-dollar businesses.

"That's why we need top-quality councillors from the full gamut of age, backgrounds, gender and political affiliation, who are able to not only serve as the voice of their communities but operate at the strategic level to help deliver the first-rate services and infrastructure that communities need."

Clr Rhoades said local government was one of the most direct, logical and practical paths to

1122 help improve the quality of life in any community.

"I would urge anyone interested in contributing to the strength and growth of this state to consider nominating for election," he said.

A total of 46 councils will go to the polls on September 9: 20 newly amalgamated councils, 14 councils pending forced amalgamation, and 12 regional councils originally slated for amalgamation which have been granted a reprieve.

All but one* of the September 9 elections will be conducted by the Electoral Commission of NSW, with nominations open to prospective candidates on July 31.

"Nominations are only open for a very short period, and close on August 9," Clr Rhoades said.

"LGNSW is currently working with councils to hold candidate briefing sessions similar to those run before previous local government elections.

"These programs are designed to give anyone interested in becoming a councillor a better understanding of the responsibilities they would have as an elected member of council.

"I would encourage anyone thinking of standing on September 9 to contact their local council and enquire about any potential candidate sessions they may be running, so they can make the right decision for them, and for the community."

Media Enquiries

LGNSW President, Cr Keith Rhoades: 0408 256 405 Media Toni Allan: 0412 774 441 *Maitland City Council will conduct its own election, as permitted under the Local Government Act (1993).

Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM President Local Government NSW

T: 02 9242 4000 | F: 02 9242 4111 | E: [email protected] | W: www.lgnsw.org.au GPO Box 7003, Sydney NSW 2001 | Level 8, 28 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000

1123 APPENDIX 6

From: Local Government NSW To: Kerri Keogh Subject: Media Release - Call for Potential Candidates Date: Monday, 24 July 2017 4:08:48 PM

If this email does not display properly, view online

Local Government Weekly 24 Jul 2017

Media Release

Call for Potential Candidates

The call has gone out for community-minded individuals to stand for office in newly-amalgamated council areas across NSW.

Some 46 councils - including those newly amalgamated - will go to the polls on September 9.

And the countdown to that date is well underway according to Local Government NSW President Keith Rhoades.

"Nominations to stand as a councillor open on July 31, and only remain open until August 9, so the time to decide to stand is now" Clr Rhoades said.

"Some of the September 9 local government elections this time around will involve Administrators handing control of amalgamated councils back to elected councillors.

"It's the return of local democracy in these areas, and it's in the best interests of the community that they get to vote for the candidates they truly feel represent them."

Clr Rhoades said while former councillors may run in the September 9 elections, and have the potential to bring a wealth of experience to the role, there is always room for new blood.

"Local government has made enormous strides since the old days, and the role of contemporary councillors encompasses an incredibly broad remit - it's a lot more than the 'roads, rates and rubbish' of the old days," he said.

"Local Government employs some 50,000 staff across the state, and has an annual spend of $10 billion - as a sector we're active in almost every sphere of daily life.

"That means modern councillors are not only representing their communities but working together within a board-like structure to help govern multi-million-dollar businesses.

"We need top-quality councillors from a wide variety of backgrounds, who are able to not only serve as the voice of their communities but help deliver the first-rate services and infrastructure that communities need.

"LGNSW's goal is to help ensure we have the best possible candidates to represent their community and serve as the voice of their constituents."

1124

Clr Rhoades said LGNSW was working with councils who are holding candidate briefing sessions similar to those run before previous local government elections.

"These programs are designed to give anyone interested in becoming a councillor a better understanding of the role and responsibilities they would have as an elected member of council, he said.

"Councillors play a critical role in giving the community a voice on day-to-day life in their area.

"If you care about your community; if you're committed to working with fellow councillors to help improve the day-to-day existence of the people who live in your local neighbourhoods, then I'd urge you to think seriously about nominating to stand for election."

Media Enquiries LGNSW President, Cr Keith Rhoades: 0408 256 405 Media, Toni Allan: 0412 774 441

Councils holding elections on Saturday 9 September 2017

1. Armidale Regional Council (formerly Armidale Dumaresq and Guyra) 2. Bathurst Regional Council 3. Bayside Council (formerly Rockdale and Botany Bay) 4. Blayney Shire Council 5. Burwood Council 6. Cabonne Shire Council 7. Canada Bay Council 8. Canterbury-Bankstown Council (formerly Bankstown and Canterbury) 9. Central Coast Council (formerly Gosford and Wyong) 10. Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (formerly Cootamundra and Gundagai) 11. Cumberland Council (comprising part of the former Parramatta, Auburn and Holroyd councils) 12. Dubbo Regional Council (formerly Dubbo and Wellington) 13. Dungog Shire Council 14. Edward River Council (formerly Conargo and Deniliquin) 15. Federation Council (former Corowa and Urana) 16. Georges River Council (formerly Hurstville and Kogarah) 17. Hills Shire Council 18. Hilltops Council (formerly Boorowa, Harden and Young) 19. Hornsby Shire Council 20. Hunters Hill Council 21. Inner West Council (formerly Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville) 22. Ku-ring-gai Municipal Council 23. Lane Cove Municipal Council 24. Maitland City Council 25. Mid-Coast Councils (formerly Gloucester, Great Lakes and Greater Taree) 26. Mosman Municipal Council 27. Murray River Council (formerly Murray and Wakool) 28. Murrumbidgee Council (formerly Jerilderie and Murrumbidgee) 29. Newcastle City Council 30. North Sydney Council 31. Northern Beaches Council (formerly Manly, Pittwater and Warringah) 32. Oberon Council 33. Orange City Council 34. Parramatta Council, City of (comprising parts of the former Parramatta, The Hills, Auburn, Holroyd and Hornsby)

1125 35. Port Stephens Council 36. Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (formerly Palerang and Queanbeyan) 37. Randwick City Council 38. Ryde City Council 39. Shellharbour City Council 40. Snowy Monaro Regional Council (formerly Bombala, Cooma-Monaro Shire and Snowy River) 41. Snowy Valleys Council (formerly Tumbarumba and Tumut) 42. Strathfield Municipal Council 43. Waverley Council 44. Willoughby City Council 45. Wollongong City Council 46. Woollahra Municipal Council

Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM President Local Government NSW

T: 02 9242 4000 | F: 02 9242 4111 | E: [email protected] | W: www.lgnsw.org.au GPO Box 7003, Sydney NSW 2001 | Level 8, 28 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000

1126 APPENDIX 7

From: Emma Bradbury To: Emma Bradbury Subject: Media Release: Murray Darling Association response to Four Corners report - for distribution among your reginal media networks and to all councillors Date: Tuesday, 25 July 2017 12:24:21 PM Attachments: image001.png image003.png image004.png

The Murray Darling Association has renewed its call for local government to be given a voice in the implementation of the Basin Plan to support the continuing implementation and avoid a repeat of the problems revealed in last night’s Four Corners report.

The report asserted that billions of litres of water purchased by the Commonwealth for the environment have been pumped from the Barwon-Darling system into private dams in line with New South Wales Government water extraction rules.

In the wake of the report the MDA, which represents over 100 member councils across the Basin, has made a renewed push for local government to be afforded a long-overdue formal role in informing decisions on the implementation of the Basin Plan.

MDA chairman Cr David Thurley said the best way to ensure local knowledge informed the decisions that affected local communities was to give the association a seat on the Basin Officials Committee.

“Our local communities and councils across the Basin have worked hard and borne the pain of adjusting to reduced allocations,” he said.

“They have been aware of the anomalies and irregularities that affect their local areas for a long time, and have sought to be heard.

“Our local government members in the far west of NSW are today feeling vindicated that their concerns were not misplaced, and are looking forward to working together with their state and federal counterparts, with the irrigators and farmers in their communities, and with local government across the Basin to ensure the Basin Plan is implemented, and that rules are applied in a fair and equitable way.”

Mayor of Broken Hill City Council, chairing council of MDA’s Region 4, Cr Darriea Turley added “It was painful to watch what has been allowed to happen and the impact our communities have suffered. In recent years we have been made to look ungrateful for a pipeline that is totally

1127 unnecessary if the water was allowed to flow down the Darling River instead of being illegally taken.

“Our community is outraged, and call for those involved in any wrongdoing to be held accountable. My heartfelt thanks to the Philip O'Connor, Mayor of Brewarrina and the former public servants for their commitment and honesty for helping to bring this story to the public arena and to our local community for their ongoing strength and passion.”

MDA chief executive officer Emma Bradbury said the issues identified in the Four Corners report were those of compliance and enforcement of rules under the relevant water sharing plan.

“These matters will no doubt be considered by the responsible authorities to determine whether further action is appropriate,” she said.

“It is important that rigorous checks and balances are in place, and that effective compliance and enforcement activities enable the community to have faith in the Basin Plan, and in the state-run water sharing plans that support its implementation.”

Ms Bradbury said rules for water allocation, access and extraction were governed by water resource plans, with the Basin Plan requiring that by July 2019 all Basin water resources are to be covered by plans approved by the MDBA to ensure that the sustainable diversion limits are achieved.

“There are 36 water resource plan areas across the Basin. Clearly, not every plan has the settings right, and work to complete the plans must continue,” she said.

Ms Bradbury said the matters raised in the Four Corners report did not compromise the integrity of the Basin Plan, but emphasised the need for communities and all levels of government to work together and stay the course.

Contact Cr David Thurley Ms Emma Bradbury National President Chief Executive Officer Phone 02 6023 8111 03 5480 3805 0419 510 274 0429 905 017 Email [email protected] [email protected]

Emma Bradbury B.Soc Sci, Grad.Dip Ed, GAICD Chief Executive Officer Murray Darling Association Inc. A: 463 High Street, Echuca VIC 3564 | P: (03) 5480 3805 M: 0429 905 017 E: [email protected] | W: www.mda.asn.au

1128 MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL SUNDRY DELEGATES REPORT ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL 8 AUGUST 2017

CLAUSE 1. SUNDRY DELEGATES REPORT

AUTHOR: Margot Stork, Interim General Manager TRIM REF:

RECOMMENDATION

That the report be received and reasonable out of pocket expenses be met by Council.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Murray River Council’s Administrator, Mr David Shaw, reported on his attendance at the following meetings and functions:

 Meeting with local developer, in company with Interim General Manager & Director Planning, Environment & Economic Development – Moama ...... 18/07/17  Ordinary Meeting of Council – Moama ...... 18/07/17  Meeting with local developer, in company with Interim General Manager & Director Planning, Environment & Economic Development – Mathoura ...... 19/07/17

This is Page No. 1 of the Sundry Delegates Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of MURRAY RIVER COUNCIL held on Tuesday 8 August 2017 at the Riverside Reception Centre, 15 Murray Street, Barham. 1129