Upper Council ANNUAL REPORT 2018-2019 [ COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS (In compliance with Section 428 of the Local Government Act 1993) Description Page No General Manager’s Review of Operations 2-5 Senior Staff Contact Details 6 Elected Councillors 7 Statement of Ethical Principles 8 Audited Financial Statements (A complete copy attached as Annexure “A”) 9 1. General Information 10-11 Strategic Task List Performance Indicators 12 Financial Summary 13-17 Council Organisation Structure 18 2 Operational Plan Principal Activities – Key Performance Indicators 19-48 3. State of the Environment Report 49-55 4. Condition of Public Works 56-60 5. Legal Proceedings Detail 60 6. Elected Members – Mayoral and Councillors’ Expenses and Facilities 61-73 7. Statement of Remuneration for Senior Staff; (b) per Clause 217 (1) 74 8. Contracts 75-76 9. Bush Fire Activities 77 10. Cultural, Library and Tourism Services 78-89 11. Private Works 89 12. Section 356 Contributions 90-91 13. Human Resources Activities 92-95 14. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Management Plan 96-99 15. Delegations to External Bodies 100-103 16. Noxious Weeds Report 104 17. Controlling Interest in Companies 105 18. Partnerships, Co-Operatives and Joint Ventures Statement 105 19. Rates and Charges Abandoned 105 20. Private Swimming Pools 105 21. Companion Animals 106 Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 requirements per Clause 217(1):- (a) Overseas Visits funded by Council 107 (c) Activities for Children 107 (d) Access and Equity Activity Summary 108 (e) Category 2 Businesses Activities and Competitive Neutrality 108 (f) Stormwater Management Services 109 Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and Regulation 110-114 Public Interest Disclosures Act Report 115 Privacy and Personal Information Act 1998 Compliance Requirements 116 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Planning Agreements 116 Delivery Program Action Report and Fit for the Future Action Plan Report (Included as Annexure “B”) 117-134 Social and Community Plan (attached as Annexure “C”) Disability Inclusion Action Plan (attached as Annexure “D”)

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

General Manager, Mr John Bell

General Manager’s Review of position and has the scale and capacity to meet all provisions and liabilities. Operations The independent external audit of the Council’s It is with satisfaction that Upper Lachlan Shire Financial Statements, by Audit Office NSW, Council presents the Annual Report. I am confirms an operating result for 2018/2019 privileged to have led a dedicated team of from all Council activities, totalling a net professional Council staff over the past year to operating surplus of $213,000 for the year efficiently and effectively deliver quality services (before capital grants and contributions). This to our community. equates to an Operating Performance Ratio of 1.43%. The Upper Lachlan Shire Council Annual Report is presented under the Local Government Act Within the Financial Statements, Council’s 1993, in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Performance Measures highlights Section 428, which sets out the Council’s Council’s Unrestricted Current Ratio of Assets to statutory reporting requirements. Such Liabilities as 5.14:1, which shows the adequacy reporting mechanisms are an important avenue of Council’s working funds to meet all liabilities by which Council is able to display to the local and other restrictions. community the results of Council’s positive, practical governance and prudent financial Further, Rates and Annual Charges Outstanding management. percentage is only 2.42%. Council’s Own Source Operating Revenue Ratio is 62.99%. The majority of Council's programs have completed their appropriate key performance The Office of Local Government has mandated indicators and Council has met all State and financial performance benchmarks for all Federal Government statutory requirements Councils; Council has achieved all 7 benchmarks within the required deadlines. in 2018/2019. Upper Lachlan Shire Council will continue to monitor all financial, infrastructure Financial Position Report and efficiency performance measures as the long-term financial sustainability of the Upper The Annual Report confirms that the Upper Lachlan Shire Council remains a high priority. Lachlan Shire Council is in a positive financial

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Organisation Structure Council for a new Community and Civic Centre in Crookwell. Council has reviewed its organisation structure in accordance with Section 333, of the Local In November 2018, Council accepted PD Mayoh Government Act 1993, maintaining Council’s Pty Ltd, Architects tender submission for the commitment to the operational performance design services for the proposed Community and services in each of Council’s three offices and Civic Centre, Crookwell. Community and two works depots. information sessions, presenting the building designs, were held in 31 July and 26 August Council employs 137 full time equivalent 2019. employees and these staff members persist in reinforcing an ongoing commitment to The design created for the proposed Community customer service and continuous improvement and Civic Centre will include new Council and will carry on meeting the needs and Chambers, which would double as a community expectations of our ever growing Shire within performance space, a new reception area for the available resources. ratepayers and Service NSW customers, space for the Crookwell Historical Society and the Council is in the process of re-evaluating all staff Crookwell Art Gallery, and a much needed position descriptions and conducting job revamp to office facilities for Council staff. evaluations utilising Oo-soft software to create an up to date holistic, integrated salary system. The proposed Community and Civic Centre project is subject to Council securing Community Strategic Plan appropriate grant funding to make the project viable. The NSW State Government Integrated Planning and Reporting requirements have been Main Road 258 Upgrade prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993:- The , from the • Tablelands Regional Community Strategic Goulburn/Oberon Road Intersection to the Plan 2016-2036; Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve, is in • Resource Strategy - containing the Long need of varying states of repair to address the Term Financial Plan, the Workforce Plan access problem. and the Infrastructure Plan; • Delivery Program; The full cost of the project is over $32.5M • Operational Plan; and however, the project has been broken up into • Social and Community Plan. six sections. The condition of the road is of vital importance to both user safety and economic Council held 4 community outreach meetings in prosperity. The 60km, eastern road lies within in May 2019, including Collector, Crookwell, the and is an unsealed, 4 Gunning and , to allow community wheel drive road that narrows to one lane in feedback and input into Council strategic plans. sections, hence, the Wombeyan Caves Road in the Upper Lachlan Shire is the predominant New Community and Civic Centre access to the Caves.

During the year, Council advertised an Council has secured $5 million in grant funding Expression of Interest for the provision of over a 3 year period, to improve the road access architectural design and related services to the to this heritage, recreational and nature reserve

3 [UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019 which will benefit the region by creating much • Gravel resheeting of unsealed rural roads needed tourist dollars and jobs. throughout the Shire at a cost of $761,057; • Wombeyan Caves Road Black Spot The presentation of the Wombeyan Caves roadworks totalling $227,808; tourist product will be improved as visitors to • Pejar Road roadworks and replacing pipes the Reserve are often ‘put off’ from continuing under road at a cost of $192,186; further when they travel on the gravel road. • MR256 Abercrombie River bridge replacement uncompleted works in A key to creating economic diversity in a Shire progress totalling $668,817; whose population is heavily reliant on • Crookwell Memorial Oval building Agriculture (36.9%), is to grow the Tourism construction uncompleted works in sector which at this point only directly employs progress totalling $966,818; 4.7% of the Shires workers. This would create a • Crookwell landfill construction upgrade local economy that is more resilient to uncompleted works in progress totalling economic, social and environmental shifts $677,336; particularly in the agricultural sector. • Grabine Road reconstruction and new bitumen sealing at a cost of $890,607; Given the excellent geographic location on the • Goodhew Park, Taralga revitalisation Sydney- corridor and the pre-existence project at a cost of $242,707; of a wonderful natural visitor attraction in the • Pat Cullen Reserve, Crookwell Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve and uncompleted works in progress totalling Caves, the Shire needs a quality road network to $212,290; allow tourists to confidently access the area. • Clifton Park, Crookwell toilet block and

pathway projects totalling $184,517. Asset Renewal and New Infrastructure

Highlights – Total Expenditure on Assets $11.68 Grabine Road million

Council has continued the reconstruction works Major construction and new infrastructure via a special grant program funding on Grabine highlights for 2018/2019 included the following Road. There is one year remaining of this projects:- program of $400K road reconstruction works. • Taralga Water Supply upgrades at a cost of The Grabine Road is a transport link priority 138,202; project to the Grabine State Recreational Area • Crookwell sewerage service main renewals Reserve and will continue to facilitate economic at a cost of $164,013; benefits to the region. • Bitumen resealing of urban and rural sealed local roads throughout the Shire at The sealing of Grabine Road is providing tourism a cost of $631,421; opportunities and the promotion of the region • Bitumen resealing of sealed regional roads as a tourism destination. throughout the Shire at a cost of $488,888; • Pavement Rehabilitation and road Council has been successful in attaining $3.5 reconstruction of regional road MR248E million grant funding to continue further Laggan Road at a cost of $635,458; reconstruction and sealing of Grabine Road in • Pavement rehabilitation, bitumen sealing the pursuit of regional economic growth and curve realignment of Bannister Lane at benefits and the improvement of road a cost of $516,151; infrastructure assets that have the potential to • Pavement Rehabilitation of MR241 Rye stimulate the local economy. The funds are to Park Road at a cost of $127,460; be expended by end of 2021.

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Conclusion General Manager Resignation

Council’s financial position remains sound and Following almost 44 years’ service in Local our long term financial strategy allows for the Government I tendered my resignation to ongoing development of a sustainable Council in June 2019 announcing my intention infrastructure renewal program whilst to retire. identifying opportunities for service delivery review. I would like to thank the community for providing me the opportunity to serve this area Council has infrastructure challenges ahead of the for the past 44 years including replacement of old timber bridges (via the former Council, former which will require significant investment in Gunning Shire Council and Upper Lachlan Shire future years. Council).

Council will remain focused on delivering good I would also like to thank all the Councillors and quality governance and services to the Upper Council staff over my journey for their support Lachlan Shire with continued attention to and their hard work in continuing to progress organisational, social and environmental Council’s mission and vision to the utmost. sustainability. I will sign off with a quote from Dr Seuss as I The Annual Report demonstrates that Council transition into retirement, with an adage that continues to deliver a wide range of quality my son has often quoted to me, “You’re off to services to the community and Council great places! Today is your day! Your mountain continues to communicate in a number of is waiting so... get on your way!” proactive and receptive ways. All the very best. The avenues utilised to communicate include:-

• The award winning quarterly “Voice Newsletter”, • Community surveys, • Media releases, • Informal meetings,

• Council’s website and FaceBook page, John Bell • Community outreach meetings and General Manager engagement forums.

I would like to thank the current Councillors and Council staff for their commitment to the Upper Lachlan Shire community during 2018/2019.

As General Manager of the Upper Lachlan Shire Council, I commend this Annual Report as definitive confirmation that the Upper Lachlan Shire Council is proceeding into the future with a stable foundation.

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UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL – SENIOR STAFF

General Manager: Mr John Bell Work Phone: 4830 1000

Director of Environment and Planning: Mrs Tina Dodson Work Phone: 4830 1027

Director of Finance and Administration: Mr Andrew Croke Council’s Senior Management Team – Work Phone: 4830 1008 Mursaleen Shah, Andrew Croke, John Bell and Tina Dodson. Director of Infrastructure: Mr Mursaleen Shah Work Phone: 4830 1063

Crookwell Memorial Oval building construction project

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UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ELECTED MEMBERS

MAYOR Cl John Stafford

70 Macarthur Street Taralga NSW 2580

M 0419 0145 40 E [email protected]

DEPUTY MAYOR Cl Darren O’Brien Cl John Searl 14 Crown Street PO Box 4002 Crookwell NSW 2583 Dalton NSW 2581 P (02) 4832 0501 P (02) 4845 6337 M 0409 821 003 M 0405 060 347 E [email protected] E [email protected]

Cl Paul Culhane Cl Richard Opie

6912 Road PO Box 108 Lost River 2583 Crookwell NSW 2583

P (02) 4836 2190 M 0418 821 972 M 0410 622 798 E [email protected] E [email protected]

Cl Ron Cummins Cl Brian McCormack

PO Box 204 Taralga Road Crookwell NSW 2583 Laggan NSW 2583

P (02) 4832 0645 P (02) 4837 3258 M 0427 368 305 M 0428 634 092 E [email protected] E [email protected]

Cl Pam Kensit Cl James Wheelwright

339 Fish River Road “Phils River” Crookwell NSW 2583 Crookwell NSW 2583

P (02) 4836 5203 P (02) 4834 2149 M 0400 360 331 E [email protected] E [email protected]

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

STATEMENT OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

The Upper Lachlan Shire Council activities of Councillors and Staff are guided by the following principles:-

Selflessness • Serving public over private interests • Avoiding private gain at public expense • Not accepting gifts and benefits of more than nominal value • Reporting all offers of inducement or suspected bribes

Openness • Giving and revealing reasons for decisions • Revealing other avenues available to the client or business • Offering all information not subject to legal or privacy restrictions • Communicating clearly

Honesty • Obeying the law • Following the letter and spirit of policies and procedures • Observing codes of conduct • Fully disclosing actual or potential conflicts of interest

Accountability • Recording reasons for decisions • Submitting to scrutiny • Keeping proper records and establishing audit trails • Maintaining confidentiality

Objectivity • Fairness to all • Impartial assessment • Merit selection in recruitment and in purchase and sale of Council resources • Considering only relevant matters

Courage • Having the courage to uphold these principles • Reporting suspected wrongdoing • Embracing necessary change • Giving advice fearlessly and frankly

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UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Pat Cullen Reserve footbridge at Kiamma Creek in Crookwell

Section 428 (2) (a) and (b)

Annexure Document “A” includes a copy of Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s audited Financial Statements for 2018/2019. This is included as an attachment at the end of the Annual Report.

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION

COUNCIL MEETINGS:

Council conducts business in an open forum, with the only exceptions being those matters pertaining to personnel (staff), litigation, commercial in-confidence matters and the private business of individuals where confidentiality has been requested. However, all such decisions are ratified in open Council Meetings. All ratepayers, press and the general public are welcome to attend meetings of Council.

During 2018/2019 Ordinary Council Meetings were held on the third Thursday evening of each month. Council Meeting agendas are available on Council’s website or at the three Council Administration offices and two branch libraries during business hours and in addition are provided at the meeting. The Business Papers for each Ordinary Council Meeting are generally prepared on the first Friday of each month, and any person wishing to bring a matter before Council must lodge it with the General Manager by that day.

Council Meeting at Crookwell Council Chambers

COMMUNITY OUTREACH MEETINGS:

In addition to Council Meetings, there were 4 community outreach meetings held in May 2019, directed at the facilitation of community involvement and dialogue with Council. The meetings were held in Collector, Crookwell, Gunning and Taralga.

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UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION OFFICES:

Crookwell Office Address: 44 Spring Street, Crookwell NSW 2583 Telephone: (02) 4830 1000 Email: [email protected] Website: www.upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au

Gunning Office Address: 123 Yass Street, Gunning NSW 2581 Telephone: (02) 4845 4100

Taralga Community Service Centre Address: 29 Orchard Street, Taralga NSW 2580 Telephone: (02) 4840 2099 Email: [email protected]

ALL CORRESPONDENCE SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:-

The General Manager PO Box 42 GUNNING NSW 2581

Crookwell Administration Office

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Strategic Task Performance Activities

Key Performance Activities Performance Annual Report and State of Environment Report Completed by statutory timeframe Financial Statements and Financial Data Return Completed by statutory timeframe Social and Community Plan Completed by statutory timeframe Loan Borrowings Return Completed by statutory timeframe Pecuniary Interest Returns Completed by statutory timeframe Noxious Weeds NSW Department of Primary Industries Grant Return Completed by statutory timeframe Pensioner Concession Subsidy Claim Completed by statutory timeframe Grants Commission ALGA National Local Roads Data Return Completed by statutory timeframe Grants Commission Local Roads and Bridges Data Return Completed by statutory timeframe Quarterly Budget Review Statements and Quarterly Reviews of the Operational Plan to Council Completed by statutory timeframe Delivery Program review reports biannually to Council Completed by statutory timeframe Monthly report on Council Investment Register / Portfolio Completed by statutory timeframe Adoption of the Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities Policy Completed by statutory timeframe Government Information (Public Access) (GIPA) Annual Report and Agency Information Guide Completed by statutory timeframe Quarterly Rates and Charges Notices posting to ratepayers Completed by statutory timeframe Rates Statement of Compliance Notional Income Return Completed by statutory timeframe Adoption of Integrated Plans and Resourcing Strategy by Council Completed by statutory timeframe Lodgement of Goods and Services Tax (GST) Certificate to OLG Completed by statutory timeframe Report to Council on senior staff contractual conditions Completed by statutory timeframe Adoption of Organisation Structure by Council Completed by statutory timeframe Adoption of Delegations of Authority by Council Completed by statutory timeframe Adoption of Code of Conduct by Council Completed by statutory timeframe Grants Commission Return of General Information Completed by statutory timeframe Public Interest Disclosures Annual Report – every six months Completed by statutory timeframe NSW State Library Public Library Annual Return Completed by statutory timeframe Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Regional Roads Block Grant Return Completed by statutory timeframe Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development - Roads to Recovery Annual Report Completed by statutory timeframe Code of Conduct Complaint Statistics report to Council – annual Completed by statutory timeframe

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FINANCIAL SUMMARY:

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2018/2019 Total Income - $32,107 ($'000)

Rates and Annual Charges

2,993 User Charges and Fees 10,580

8,777 Interest and Investment Revenue

Other Revenues 948 772 8,037

Grants & Contributions provided for Operating Purposes

Grants & Contributions provided for Capital Purposes

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FINANCIAL DATA

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

Organisation Mayor and Council Economic/Real Estate Council Committees Development Structure Citizenship Public Relations and Media Governance / Secretariat Mayoral Activities General Manager Civic Function Probity and Conduct

Director of Finance Director of Works Director of Environment and and Administration and Operations Planning Customer Service Water Supply Services Urban / Rural Planning (Land use) Payroll Sewerage Services Building Control Administration Domestic Waste and Recycling Services Environmental Planning Control Information Technology Waste Management Centres / Tips (LEP) Telephone/Switchboard Parks and Gardens / Sportsgrounds Pollution Control Records Management Swimming Pools (2 Pools) Development Control (DCPs) Human Resources Management Works Depots (2 Depots) Rangers Insurances Plant (Workshop) Stock Impounding Rates and Annual Charges Maintenance (roads, bridges, footpaths Heritage and Conservation Creditors and Debtors and kerb and guttering) Regulatory Functions Business Papers Construction (roads, bridges, footpaths Public Hall Management Privacy Management and kerb and guttering) Companion Animals Audit and Risk Committee Contract Management Food and Health Inspections Loans/Borrowings Management Design Works/Engineering Services State of Environment Investments State Emergency Services (SES) Septic Tanks Revenue Policy Rural Fire Service (RFS) Town Planning Community Strategic Plan Aerodrome - Community Survey Operational Plan Asset Management - Corporate Delivery Program Project Management Strategic Planning Long Term Financial Planning Forward Planning - Land use planning Financial Management - Recreation - Subdivision Accounting - Infrastructure Council Housing Management Annual Report Traffic Management Ordinance Control Community Technology Centre Road Safety Program Licence Monitoring Library (2 Branch libraries) Cemeteries Section 94 and Section 94A - Southern Tablelands Arts Council Drainage / Stormwater Management Development Contribution Plans Tourism Services and Committee Private Works Community Enhancement Programs Website/FaceBook/Internet RMCC RMS Roads Contract Pye Cottage Museum Taralga Community Service Centre Roads to Recovery Program Floodplain Management - Post Services Stores and Purchasing Social and Community Planning Service NSW Motor Registry Work Health and Safety (WH&S) Noxious Weeds Control Agency Services - Crookwell Asset and Risk Management Medical Centres Goods & Services Tax Compliance Consultative and WH&S Committees Building and Offices Maintenance Fringe Benefits Tax Compliance Caravan Park Rural Addressing Cultural Planning Gravel Pits Geographic Information System (GIS) Tree Preservation Order Compliance Framework Section 64 Development Contribution Plans

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2. OPERATIONAL PLAN Section 428 (2) (b)

Upper Lachlan Shire Council has adopted the Operational Plan in respect of its principal activities (functions) and corresponding performance targets within those principal activities.

Listed below is the comparison with Council's objectives and the achievements during 2018/2019.

Commencement of the MR256 Oberon Road, Abercrombie River timber bridge replacement

Official Opening of the Clifton Park Crookwell amenities block by the Hon. Angus Taylor MP

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COUNCIL’S PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES – Key Performance Indicators

FUNCTION

COMMUNITY Health Services, Medical Centres, Community Services, Aged and Disabled Services Public Halls, Cultural Services, Community Centres and Museums Animal Control Swimming Pools Sporting Grounds and Parks and Gardens Public Libraries Emergency Services and Fire Protection

ENVIRONMENT Town Planning and Development Control Building Control Environmental Systems and Protection Housing Noxious Weeds Control Food Control and Inspections

ECONOMY Financial Services Administration and Corporate Support General Purpose Revenue and Rates Information Technology Workforce (Human Resources and Work, Health and Safety) Caravan Parks Tourism Promotion and Business (Private Works, RMS State Road and Service NSW)

INFRASTRUCTURE Roads, Bridges, Footpaths, Cycleways, and Kerb and Guttering Stormwater and Drainage Quarries and Gravel Pits Waste Centres, Rubbish Tips and Street Cleaning Public Conveniences and Amenities Public Cemeteries Engineering, Purchasing and Works Supervision Plant and Equipment Operations Domestic Waste Management (DWM) Water Supply Services Sewerage Services

CIVIC LEADERSHIP Governance

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COMMENTARY REGARDING STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE MEASURES UNDERTAKEN Section 428 (2) (b)

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - COMMUNITY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - HEALTH SERVICES, MEDICAL CENTRES, AGED, DISABLED AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Liaise with health care Maintain lease for buildings. 1.1 - Support the retention Achieved - Council owned building service providers within the of medical and health care utilised for health care services in Shire. facilities in the towns. Crookwell and Gunning. Support the Youth Council Report each year in the 1.4 - Retain the youth Achieved. to promote youth Annual Report. population demographic engagement. and provide appropriate facilities. Support the NSW Council review the Disability 1.3 - Community services Not Achieved – review pending. Government rollout of the Inclusion Action Plan by for young, aged, disabled, National Disability Insurance December 2018. and people from diverse Scheme (NDIS). cultural backgrounds. Maintain a web based Review annually. 1.7 - Social inclusion for all Achieved - Annual review completed in community directory. disparate communities. October 2018.

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TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - COMMUNITY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - PUBLIC HALLS, CULTURAL SERVICES, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND MUSEUMS

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Review the Social and Report on actions every 1.2 - Support provision of Not Achieved – review to be completed Community Plan 2013-2018 year in the Annual Report. ageing population services by June 2020. and Council to readopt by and aged accommodation. June 2019. Implement Cultural Plan for Report on actions every 1.3 - Community services for Achieved - Cultural Plan 2017-2020 Council. year in the Annual Report young, aged, disabled, and adopted by Council on 15 June 2017. people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Achieved - Cultural funding program completed in 2018/2019. 1.6 - Protect all significant heritage sites to preserve Achieved - Heritage grants endorsed the diverse history of the by Council in October 2018. Shire. Maintenance and Annual AGM and audits for 1.8 - Manage and upgrade Being Achieved – Committee audits management of Council Committees. Council’s public buildings undertaken and minutes reported to public facilities. and community centres. Council.

Review Plan of 1.8 - Manage and upgrade Achieved - Plan of Managements Management for public Council’s public buildings reviewed and completed. Note: All buildings every five years. and community centres. Plan of Managements will be reviewed and require Council endorsement by June 2021 in accordance with Crown Lands Act amendments.

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TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - COMMUNITY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - ANIMAL CONTROL

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Registration of companion Monthly report to Office of 1.9 - Encourage Achieved - monthly reports submitted animals. Local Government. recreational and leisure to the Office of Local Government. activities while maintaining public safety standards. Maintain a Complaint Complaints closed out within 1.9 - Encourage Being Achieved – not all complaints Handling Register. two weeks. recreational and leisure can be finalised within 2 weeks. activities while maintaining public safety standards. Maintain an Impounding Statistics reported in Annual 1.9 - Encourage Achieved. Register. Report. recreational and leisure activities while maintaining public safety standards.

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - COMMUNITY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - SWIMMING POOLS

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Swimming pool guidelines. Annual review of 1.9 - Encourage recreational Achieved – Council’s Swimming Pool guidelines. and leisure activities while Operational Plan was updated prior to maintaining public safety commencement of the season which is standards. now finished.

Water quality testing. Daily testing and water 1.9 - Encourage recreational Achieved – Water quality testing is sample compliance. and leisure activities while undertaken prior to opening and during maintaining public safety pool opening hours. Four (4) tests are standards. completed at two hour intervals. Results Page 23

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KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status are recorded, and corrective action taken, in compliance with Department of Health guidelines. All results are filed in Council Records Management System. Swimming pool patronage Report annually to 1.3 - Community services Achieved – Daily attendance records are numbers and financial report. Council. for young, aged, disabled, maintained for both Swimming Pools. and people from diverse Income and expenditure reports, as well cultural backgrounds. as patronage reports, are provided to Council in June 2019.

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TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - COMMUNITY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - SPORTING GROUNDS AND PARKS AND GARDENS

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Sports field maintenance and Report to Council 1.9 - Encourage recreational Achieved – A meeting was held where Playing Fields Committee annually. and leisure activities while Council advised sporting fees and meetings. maintaining public safety associated charges. standards. Prepare Plans of Management Review Plans every five 1.9 - Encourage recreational Being achieved - Council is developing an for land where Council is the years. and leisure activities while Asset Register in consultation with the trustee. maintaining public safety NSW Lands and prepare plans of standards. management over 3 years. Towns and villages streetscape Implement main street 1.8 - Manage and upgrade Being achieved – The plans are accepted improvement program. streetscape works. Council’s public buildings by Streetscape Committee and a quote is and community centres. being secured for components of the project. Towns and villages mowing and Implement town 1.9 - Encourage recreational Achieved – Townspersons working in maintenance program and fire beautification initiatives. and leisure activities while towns and village including, Crookwell, risk minimisation. Improve maintaining public safety Bigga, Gunning and Taralga. maintenance of public parks standards. facilities on weekends of special or community events.

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - COMMUNITY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - PUBLIC LIBRARIES

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Quarterly Reports for library Report to Council by 1.9 - Encourage recreational Achieved – Quarterly Reports for both services to Council. deadline. and leisure activities while branch libraries are prepared within a Page 25

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KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status maintaining public safety month of the end of the quarter. standards. Complete NSW State Library Completed by State 1.9 - Encourage recreational Achieved – Library Return was completed Return of Local Priority Grant Library deadline. and leisure activities while and sent to NSW State Library in Report and Statement of maintaining public safety November 2018. Library Operations. standards. Increase membership and Increase by 1% per 1.3 - Community services Achieved – statistics prepared by Library number of library loans. annum. for young, aged, disabled, Manager for the 2018/2019 Annual and people from diverse Report. cultural backgrounds. Develop policies and Become an operational 1.3 - Community services Not achieved – to be completed in guidelines for user access and eSmart Library by 30 for young, aged, disabled, 2019/2020. use of technology in the June 2019. and people from diverse libraries. cultural backgrounds.

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - COMMUNITY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - EMERGENCY SERVICES AND FIRE PROTECTION

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Maintain Section 94 Register for Annual Audit of Section 1.8 - Manage and upgrade Achieved – Section 94 Register audit each individual Bushfire 94 Register. Council’s public buildings completed for 2018/2019 and the register Brigade. and community centres. was provided to RFS in September 2019. Complete review of DISPLAN Report to Council every 1.9 - Encourage recreational Achieved – Consequences Management and creation of Consequence two years. and leisure activities while Guide are completed and were reported Management Guides. maintaining public safety to the Local Emergency Management standards. Committee. Complete review of RFS Council adoption by 1.9 - Encourage recreational Not achieved – there is no current Service Level Agreement. August 2018. and leisure activities while Service Level Agreement, discussions maintaining public safety with RFS are yet to be finalised. standards. Page 26

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TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ENVIRONMENT: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY – TOWN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Prepare LEP amendments and LEP Amendments 2.2 - Promote Being Achieved. submit to Department of submitted to environmentally sustainable Planning and Environment. Department of Planning developments (ESD). and Environment for gateway approval in 2018/2019. Review and implementation of Review of Section 94 2.4 - Pursue Section 94A Being Achieved – Awaiting further draft Section 94 and Section 94A Plans by December Development Contributions report from consultant. Development Contributions 2018 and annual audit payments for all State Plans. of Section 94 Register. Significant - Designated Developments. Section 355 Committees of CEF agreements 2.4 - Pursue Section 94A Achieved – Gullen Range Wind Farm, Council commence operations signed. Funds Development Contributions Range Wind Farm and Taralga to facilitate the Community distributed annually. payments for all State Windfarm CEP project funding has been Enhancement Fund (CEF). Committees resourced Significant - Designated allocated for 2018/2019. to benefit target Developments. communities. Completion and issue of Section Complete within 7 days. 2.2 - Promote Achieved. 149 Certificates. environmentally sustainable developments (ESD)

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TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ENVIRONMENT: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - BUILDING CONTROL

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Ensure ongoing accreditation of Minimum CPD points 2.2 - Promote Achieved. Building Surveyors is are obtained annually. environmentally sustainable maintained. developments (ESD). Construction Certificate (CC) Determine 80% of CC’s 2.2 - Promote Not Achieved - 75% of CC’s were assessment and determination within 30 days. environmentally sustainable determined within 30 days for 2018/2019. developments (ESD). Development Application (DA) Determine 80% of DA’s 2.2 - Promote Not Achieved - 47% of DA’s were assessment and determination. within 40 days. environmentally sustainable determined within 40 days for 2018/2019. developments (ESD).

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ENVIRONMENT: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS AND PROTECTION

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status State of Environment Reporting. Complete and include 2.3 - Promote use of green Being Achieved. in Council Annual and renewable energy. Report.

Investigate and report Deal with complaints in 2.1 - Address environmental Being achieved – not all compliance action environmental complaints in accordance with degradation issues; i.e. can be finalised within the 30 day timeframe. accordance with legislation. Service Delivery Policy. noxious weeds control.

Assist community groups to Number of grants per 2.5 - Support land care Being achieved - Ongoing liaison with seek grant funding for annum. initiatives to restore and relevant government agencies in seeking environmental initiatives for beautify natural resources. funding for environmental initiatives. Council land and waterways. Page 28

[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ENVIRONMENT: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - HOUSING

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Regular inspection of housing House inspections each 2.2 - Promote Being Achieved. by independent management year. environmentally sustainable agent. developments (ESD). Annual house maintenance and Repairs completed 2.2 - Promote Achieved. repair program derived from within 30 days of environmentally sustainable inspections. notification. developments (ESD).

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ENVIRONMENT: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - NOXIOUS WEEDS CONTROL

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Property inspections - the type Inspection statistics 2.1 - Address environmental Achieved – 962 property inspections have and density of noxious weed reported to Council degradation issues, i.e. been undertaken during 2018/2019. infestations to be recorded and monthly. noxious weeds control. reported to Council. Suppression of noxious plants Roads to be surveyed 2.1 - Address environmental Achieved - monthly updates are included in on road reserves. annually and control degradation issues, i.e. the Council Business Paper. work conducted. noxious weeds control. Regular education programs 3 programs per year. 2.5 - Support land care Being Achieved - regular government and (field days and press releases) initiatives to restore and non-government meetings attended. Weed for landowners on the most beautify natural resources. control information included in Councils effective control methods. information page and newsletters.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ENVIRONMENT: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - FOOD CONTROL AND INSPECTIONS

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Conduct food premise Annual inspection of 1.9 - Encourage Achieved – inspections were carried out in inspections of retailers and all food premises. recreational and leisure May 2019. service providers. activities while maintaining public safety standards. Re-inspection of food retailers Follow up within 90 1.9 - Encourage Achieved - None identified for 2018/2019. issued with infringement notices. days of notice. recreational and leisure activities while maintaining public safety standards.

Swimming Pool register and Ensure Swimming 1.9 - Encourage Being achieved – compliant and ongoing. inspection program. Pool register is recreational and leisure maintained. activities while maintaining public safety standards.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ECONOMY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - FINANCIAL SERVICES

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Council’s Investment Policy Review biennially. 3.2 - Prudent financial Achieved – Investment Policy was reviewed and Investment Strategy. management. by Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee and adopted by Council on 18 July 2019. Maintain Employee Leave Minimum 40% cash 3.1 - Ensure financial Achieved – Council ELE cash reserve is 46% Entitlements (ELE) internal reserve of total ELE viability of Council. of total ELE expense as at 30 June 2019 restricted cash reserves to expense. based on age profile and accumulated leave fund leave as it becomes entitlements accrued. payable. Implementation of Council’s Complete 2 internal 3.2 - Prudent financial Being achieved – Grant Thornton conducted Strategic Internal Audit Plan audits annually. management. an internal audit review of Information and report actions to Audit, Technology General Controls and was Risk and Improvement reported to the April 2019 Audit, Risk and Committee. Improvement Committee Meeting.

Progressively complete Asset Audited annually. 3.1 - Ensure financial Achieved - the buildings, other structures, Fair Valuation for all asset viability of Council. operational land and plant and equipment classes. asset classes were revalued by Scott Fullarton Valuations at 30 June 2018. Infrastructure assets including roads and bridges are due for revaluation in 2019/2020. Improve Long Term Financial 10 year plan reviewed 3.1 - Ensure financial Achieved – Long Term Financial Plan was Plan (LTFP) modelling. annually. viability of Council. reviewed and adopted by Council on 20 June 2019. Accurate and timely Council Quarterly Reports. 3.2 - Prudent financial Achieved – provision of Quarterly Budget budget reporting and review. management. Review Statements and KPIs report to Council each quarter within 2 months of end of the quarter.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ECONOMY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - ADMINISTRATION AND CORPORATE SUPPORT

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Manage Council’s Accounts 90% of tax invoices are 3.1 - Ensure financial Not achieved – 72% of tax invoices were paid Payable and Purchasing paid within credit terms. viability of Council. by Council in accordance with credit terms. systems. There were 5,361 tax invoices processed by accounts payable in 2018/2019.

Manage Council’s Accounts 90% of payments 3.1 - Ensure financial Achieved – 96.67% of sundry debtor invoices Receivable system. recovered within sixty viability of Council. were recovered within 60 days of tax invoice days. date. There were 751 accounts receivable tax invoices processed in 2018/2019. Council electronic document Monthly records task 3.1 - Ensure financial Achieved - Monthly reports provided to records management system assignee action report viability of Council. management for outstanding task actions. complies with State Records to management. New electronic acknowledgment to customer requirements. enquiries was implemented in December 2018. Participate in Canberra JO Report annually to 3.2 - Prudent financial Achieved – Council are participating in human advocacy and resource Council. management. resources, Tourism and Economic sharing projects. Development, Infrastructure and IT working groups in Canberra Joint Organisation. CRJO Chairperson will make a presentation to Council in late 2019.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ECONOMY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - GENERAL PURPOSE REVENUE AND RATES

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Proportion of rates accounts Less than 5% 3.2 - Prudent financial Achieved - 2.42% rates and charges outstanding at year end. outstanding. management. outstanding percentage as at 30 June 2019.

Completion of statutory 95% completion rate 3.2 - Prudent financial Achieved – 98.65% of Section 603 certificates i.e. Section 603 within 5 days. management. Certificates were processed within the Certificates. deadline. There were 287 Section 603 Certificates issued in 2018/2019. Completion and audit of Annual Completion by 3.2 - Prudent financial Achieved – audit completed by the statutory Schedule - Permissible Rates due date free of error. management. deadline of 30 October 2019. Income Calculation. Process land revaluations and Monthly reconciliation 3.2 - Prudent financial Achieved – all reconciliations signed and monthly supplementary land and signoff by management. authorised in 2018/2019. valuations from the Valuer management. Generals Office.

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ECONOMY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Council’s Information Implement actions 3.1 - Ensure financial Being achieved - IT Strategic Plan reviewed Technology (IT) Strategic Plan within specified viability of Council. and adopted at the 21 February 2019 Council and Business Continuity Plan timeframes. Meeting. Business Continuity Plan to be to be reviewed and updated. reviewed in 2019/2020. Implement Council PC Annually install 100% of 3.1 - Ensure financial Achieved – computer replacement program (computers) replacement PC’s scheduled. viability of Council. completed. program on a four year rotational basis. Review, upgrade and update Updated on a weekly 3.1 - Ensure financial Achieved - Council website and FaceBook Council’s Website and basis. viability of Council. page updated each week, timely media Page 33

[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

FaceBook page information. releases. E-newsletter and Post Weekly publications released each week. Implementation of new Complete each year 3.1 - Ensure financial Being achieved - telephone system project servers, software and within budget estimate. viability of Council. finalised in October 2018. Microwave databases, telecommunication communication project completed and systems and Customer operational in May 2018. Server upgrade is Request Management System pending and CRM is operational with added upgrade. on-line components remain to be finalised.

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ECONOMY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - WORKFORCE (HUMAN RESOURCES AND WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY)

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Review and implement Review biennially. 3.4 - Assist facilitation of Not achieved – will be reviewed after the Council Succession Plan. employment opportunities. realignment of Council Infrastructure Department and subsequent job evaluations and grading under Oosoft system. Proportion of Council Less than 10%. 5.4 - Ensure the retention Not achieved – 19% employee turnover rate employee turnover per year. and attraction of quality in 2018/2019, this includes Council staff staff. retirements and resignations. Conduct annual performance Complete by 31 May 3.4 - Assist facilitation of Not achieved – 60% of staff performance reviews, reissue and sign-off each year. employment opportunities. reviews for 2018/2019 were completed as at for all employee’s position 30 June 2019. descriptions and training plans. Review and implement the Review Annually. 3.4 - Assist facilitation of Achieved – the reviewed Workforce Plan was human resources four year employment opportunities. adopted by Council at 20 June 2019 Council strategy in Council’s Meeting. Workforce Plan. Conduct on-site work safety 80% of worksites are 3.4 - Assist facilitation of Being achieved – New procedure developed inspections of works sites and audited each year by employment opportunities. and adopted by MANEX in September 2019. offices. Information provided to WH&S Committee. Asbestos Management Plan adopted by Council WH&S Committee and Council for worksites. management.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status All new employees to attend Within 2 months of 3.4 - Assist facilitation of Being achieved – induction is completed Corporate and WH&S commencing employment opportunities. every 2-3 months by Council. Induction. employment. Maintain a database of Quarterly updated by 5.4 - Ensure the retention Achieved – Procedures developed, approved hazards and risk management Section Managers and and attraction of quality and being implemented. of all Council activities. reported annually by staff. WH&S Coordinator. Identification of need for and 80% of WH&S 3.4 - Assist facilitation of Being achieved – Estimate 80% of Council implementation of safe work corrective actions will employment opportunities. services have SWMS implemented. method statements (SWMS) be completed within for specific worksites. agreed timeframes.

Increase awareness training of Training provided 3.4 - Assist facilitation of Achieved – Training is provided, attendance back and manual handling every two years. employment opportunities. by staff at conferences. A Council staff WH&S injuries such as sprains and Day was organised to educate staff on strains for all staff. reporting requirements, site inductions and staff meetings. Establish corporate safety Incident reporting by 3.4 - Assist facilitation of Achieved - Safety inspection results, incidents management objectives, employee within 2 employment opportunities. and injuries reported to MANEX and the strategies and targets in the days to senior WH&S Committee bi-monthly are reported WH&S section. Minimisation of management. 95% on-time. Toolbox talks being routinely lost time incidents, injuries and completed by outdoor works crews. workers compensation claims. Identify and address WH&S Quarterly reporting to 3.4 - Assist facilitation of Achieved – WH&S issues reported regularly issues identified as critical to WH&S Committee and employment opportunities. to the WH&S committee and senior ensure a safe worksite. management. management for consultation, review and Identify "Hotspots" within work action. groups and concentrate training programs on identified problem areas.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ECONOMY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - CARAVAN PARKS

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Implement Crookwell caravan Cost neutral facility. 3.5 - Encourage and Achieved – in 2018/2019 Council operated park user charges. support viable local the facility with a profit. Increase in overnight businesses. visitation and bookings consistently in past 5 years, despite a 4% decline in 2018/2019 for overnight stay accommodation. Implement Plans of Review and update 3.3 - Encourage sustainable Not achieved. Management for all Council every 2 years. population growth and controlled caravan parks and provision of associated camping areas. infrastructure. Provide improvements to Continue to promote 3.3 - Encourage sustainable Achieved – Crookwell caravan park promotion Crookwell caravan park facility and seek population growth and ongoing, new electronic booking system facilities. external grant funding. provision of associated utilised at VIC, toilet amenities upgrade infrastructure. completed and grounds maintained.

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - ECONOMY: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - TOURISM PROMOTION AND BUSINESS

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Upper Lachlan Tourist Review annually. 3.5 - Encourage and Being achieved – Strategic Plan reviewed by Association (ULTA) review support viable local ULTA with revised tourism marketing Tourism Strategic Plan and businesses. communications. An action plan to be implement actions. developed in line with 2020 Destination Southern NSW Destination Management Plan and Tablelands Community Strategic Plan. Coordinate the Crookwell Provide annual event 3.6 - Promote tourism Achieved – a successful event coordinated on Potato Festival event. summary. opportunities and 11 May 2019. community events. Presentation of tourism Present to Tourist 3.6 - Promote tourism Achieved. function statistics each Association. opportunities and quarter. community events.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status In conjunction with Canberra Complete the new 3.5 - Encourage and Not achieved – Destination Southern NSW JO inform the Destination plans by 30 June 2019. support viable local has experienced unexpected delays. Management Plan 2018-2020 businesses. for Destination Southern NSW. Council prepare a Destination 3.6 - Promote tourism Action Plan, Industry opportunities and Development Plan and community events. Marketing Communications Plan. Annually coordinate the Increase visitation and 3.6 - Promote tourism Achieved – the 2018/2019 Cultural Funding tourism grants, events and $ spend. opportunities and Program and Events Funding program have cultural funding programs. community events. been completed. Delivering the ULTA membership program benefits. Prepare and distribute tourism Distribution within 3.6 - Promote tourism Achieved – media publications completed. publications; i.e. Destination program deadlines. opportunities and The new Upper Lachlan Destination Guide is Guide. community events. completed. Facilitate provision of RV Investigate sites for 3.6 - Promote tourism Being achieved – Willis Park Public Reserve Friendly Town program in Taralga and Crookwell. opportunities and potential site was deemed unsuitable by towns within the Shire. community events. Council. The potential railway corridor site at Park Street requires further investigations and approval by Council and a licence agreement application to Transport NSW for a RV Friendly Town camping site. Business activity of the State Generate profit in 3.2 - Prudent financial Achieved - RMCC and works orders being Road MR54 RMCC contract accordance with management. completed in accordance with contract and and work orders to retain RMS contract limits. satisfactory contractor performance reports accreditation. achieved. Contractor corrective actions are required to be issued to RMS within 18 month period.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - INFRASTRUCTURE: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - ROADS, BRIDGES, FOOTPATHS, CYCLEWAYS, AND KERB AND GUTTERING

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Implement Roads Hierarchy Review Road 4.3 – Bitumen sealing all Achieved – Road Hierarchy completed and Classification in strategic Hierarchy annually. urban streets in towns. asset condition assessment data is being planning of forward road collated and refined by relevant asset programs. standards. Completion of annual capital Complete 90% of 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Not achieved – 62% of General Fund capital works expenditure program in works program implemented for new works program was completed, delays in accordance with budget annually. capital works, asset completion of Crookwell landfill project, allocation. renewal and upgrades Kiamma Creek bridge replacement and covering a 10 year period. Crookwell Memorial Oval building project. Reconstruction and upgrade of Complete Stages 5 4.13 - Transport link Achieved – Stages 5 and 6 completed in Grabine Road as part of the and 6 within budget priority projects to State 2018/2019. The last stage of the existing Special Grant program with allocation in Parks including the Transport for NSW grant program for Grabine RMS and Transport for NSW 2018/2019. Wombeyan Caves Road Road reconstruction will be undertaken in (8 year program commenced and Grabine Road 2019/2020 financial year. 2013). reconstruction and The Restart NSW Growing Local Economies upgrade to facilitate Fund grant application was successful and economic benefits to the this project will commence in 2019/2020. region. Call and evaluate tenders for To review tenders 4.1 - Improve local road Achieved – new Bitumen Sealing contract civil works contract plant and every two years. and regional road approved at 18 October 2018 Council labour hire, and capital works transport networks. Meeting. New gravel crushing tender in place. projects. Gravel resheeting programme Resheet every road in 4.1 - Improve local road Achieved – gravel re-sheeting program for submitted to and adopted by a 30 year cycle. and regional road Section 94 and Roads to Recovery projects Council in June each year. transport networks. was completed in 2018/2019. Number of kilometres per year Provide cost report to 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Not achieved – 10 year Capital and cost per kilometre for road Council annually. implemented for new Maintenance Program will be developed as maintenance, dissecting capital works, asset part of the Asset Management Planning. bitumen and gravel roads. renewal and upgrades Performance will be reported against the

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

covering a 10 year period. delivery of the public works program approved by Council and re-sheeting program in 2020. Continuation of footpath Complete within 4.9 - Develop new and Achieved – maintenance completed. replacement program in budget allocation. upgrade existing footpaths Completion of Pat Cullen reserve footpath, accordance with Footpath and cycleway networks. Hill Street Taralga and Colyer Street Policy. footpaths and Clifton Park pathway project. Bridge Replacement and To review program 4.11 - Progressively Achieved – Bridge assessments received and maintenance program update every two years. replace timber bridges on recommendations implemented. Construction and review. local and regional roads. of bridge bypass work commenced. Complete the replacement of Complete by 4.11 - Progressively Achieved – The project was completed on 27 the Abercrombie River timber December 2018. replace timber bridges on August 2019. bridge on MR256 Taralga to local and regional roads. Oberon Road. Regional road repair and Complete within 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Being achieved – 85% of the road pavement reconstruction budget and finalisation implemented for new reconstruction on MR248E Laggan Road was program on MR248E report completed to capital works, asset completed. Crookwell to Laggan Road. RMS. renewal and upgrades covering a 10 year period.

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - INFRASTRUCTURE: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - STORMWATER AND DRAINAGE KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Stormwater Levy for all towns Maintain an external 4.10 - Upgrade stormwater Achieved – works program is included in to assist in funding capital restricted cash reserve. and kerb and guttering in Operational Plan. Collector stormwater works works improvements in the towns. commenced in May 2019. Shire towns Creation of Floodplain Risk Implement projects 4.12 - Flood Risk Achieved. Management Study and Plans. outlined in the Plan. Management Plans created for Crookwell, Gunning, Taralga and Collector. Implement Stormwater Implement Stormwater 4.10 - Upgrade stormwater Achieved. Included in the public works Management Plan. works outlined in Plan. and kerb and guttering in program as published on the Council’s towns. website. Page 39

[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - INFRASTRUCTURE: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - QUARRIES AND GRAVEL PITS KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Prepare annual stocktake of Complete by June 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan Achieved - Gravel stocks are reduced to gravel pits stock held and each year. is implemented for new target value. movements. Review quantity capital works, asset of gravel stock held for each renewal and upgrades gravel pit/quarry. covering a 10 year period. Maintain a gravel pit Review cash reserve 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Achieved – Rehabilitation reserve created and rehabilitation cash reserve in annually. implemented for new capital funds being credited to reserve. accordance with gravel works, asset renewal and restoration liability upgrades covering a 10 year requirements. period.

Review gravel royalty payment Review and update 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan Achieved – internal gravel charge reviewed pricing model and internal gravel royalty payment is implemented for new and updated. charge rate and procedures. annually. capital works, asset renewal and upgrades covering a 10 year period. Erect signage as warning of Install signage as 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan Being achieved – signs erected. Quarry potential hazard at quarries remote supervision. is implemented for new Management Plans are being created. where Council have Quarry capital works, asset Management agreements. renewal and upgrades covering a 10 year period.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - INFRASTRUCTURE: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - WASTE CENTRES, RUBBISH TIPS AND STREET CLEANING

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Complete the Crookwell Remediation works 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Not achieved – Council is implementing Waste Centre landfill upgrade project in accordance implemented for new alternative strategy for waste disposal. EPA and remediation project in with EPA requirement capital works, asset has been advised. Public Works Authority 2018/2019. and consultants renewal and upgrades have been engaged by Council to assist in design. covering a 10 year period. project management of waste transfer station.

Waste transfer station design Remediation works 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Achieved – Upgrade works have been carried development and construction project in accordance implemented for new out at Taralga Transfer Station and Transfer for Taralga, Collector, with EPA requirement. capital works, asset Stations have been established at Collector and Bigga, including closure Transfer stations renewal and upgrades and Gunning. Additionally, Tuena and Bigga plans for existing landfills. constructed to service covering a 10 year period. are also operational as transfer stations. All standard. waste from these facilities is transferred to Crookwell Landfill for disposal. Closure Plans are not complete. Review and re-measurement To be completed by 30 4.7 - Provide waste pickup Not Achieved – Council is implementing a of remediation and restoration June 2018. service for towns and transfer stations and have engaged Public provisions and determine of villages, and reduce the Works Authority to assist with project the useful lives of Council’s amount of waste going to management. waste centres. landfills.

Ensure compliance with No non-compliance 4.7 - Provide waste pickup Achieved – DECCW annual return for DECCW licence for Crookwell incidents. service for towns and Crookwell landfill completed on time and waste centre (landfill). villages, and reduce the submitted. There have been asbestos amount of waste going to disposal incidents at the landfill requiring landfills. management during the year.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - INFRASTRUCTURE: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - PUBLIC CONVENIENCES AND AMENITIES

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Maintain public toilet facilities Weekly maintenance 4.4 - Develop town main Achieved – weekly maintenance and according to health schedule undertaken. street and CBD cleaning. requirements. beautification programs.

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - INFRASTRUCTURE: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - PUBLIC CEMETERIES

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Prepare Plans of Management Review every five 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Not achieved – pending until the land for all Council controlled years. implemented for new register and crown land identification cemeteries. capital works, asset process is finalised. A register is being renewal and upgrades developed. covering a 10 year period. Gunning cemetery expansion Negotiate land 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Being achieved - negotiations are underway of existing site to cater for acquisition with implemented for new to purchase additional land for the expansion future requirements. surrounding land capital works, asset of Gunning Cemetery. owner. renewal and upgrades covering a 10 year period. Columbarium construction Annually complete a 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Achieved – construction of a columbarium program for all Council new columbarium. implemented for new completed at Gunning cemetery and a controlled cemeteries. capital works, asset columbarium completed at Dalton cemetery. renewal and upgrades covering a 10 year period. Undertake maintenance Within 5% of budget 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Achieved – maintenance activities activities according to the allocation. implemented for new completed in accordance with annual adopted works schedule. capital works, asset program and budget allocation. renewal and upgrades covering a 10 year period.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - INFRASTRUCTURE: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - ENGINEERING, PURCHASING AND WORKS SUPERVISION

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Implementation and review of Assets reporting in 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Being achieved – OLG yet to mandate Asset Management Plan. accordance with Office of implemented for new capital audit requirements. Changes were made Special Schedule 7 audit Local Government (OLG) works, asset renewal and to Financial Statements requirements compliance. Annual asset requirements. upgrades covering a 10 which now exclude previously reported inspection and condition year period. asset condition - Special Schedule 7. reporting program. Asset data capture equipment was purchased in 2018/2019 and a ten year asset management program will be developed in 2020. Six monthly Stores Stocktakes Less than $500 stock 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Achieved – stores re-organisation with a proportion and value of write down from a implemented for new capital ongoing. Stores stocktakes were Stores stock control bin errors stocktake. works, asset renewal and conducted in December 2018 and June being minimised. upgrades covering a 10 2019. year period. Implementation of Risk Complete annually within 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Achieved – 2018/2019 Continuous Management Action Plan allocated deadline. implemented for new capital Improvement Pathway programme (RMAP) to meet Statewide works, asset renewal and benchmarking completed on 4 services; Mutual Public Liability audit upgrades covering a 10 Roads, Playgrounds, Swimming Pools verification requirements. year period. and Bitumen and Asphalt Resurfacing. Implement Risk Management Review and update. 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Not achieved - Infrastructure Department Assessment Plan and Risk implemented for new capital to develop risk framework to control Management Policy. works, asset renewal and infrastructure liability risks. Risk upgrades covering a 10 Management Policy was not reviewed. year period. Review Council Underground No environmental 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Achieved - UPS tank outside Crookwell Petroleum Storage (UPS) impact. implemented for new capital office was removed in first quarter systems; including diesel and works, asset renewal and 2018/2019. petrol bowsers. upgrades covering a 10 year period.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - INFRASTRUCTURE: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Prepare a plant and equipment Review and update 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Achieved – Plant and Motor Vehicle 10 year forward plan. annually. implemented for new Replacement Schedule has been capital works, asset prepared and approved by Council. renewal and upgrades covering a 10 year period.

Annual Plant Replacement Replacement cost is 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Achieved - Plant replacements were schedule. within 5% of budget implemented for new completed in accordance with Plant allocation. capital works, asset Replacement Schedule in the 2018/2019 renewal and upgrades Operational Plan. covering a 10 year period.

Maintain a plant replacement Review annually 4.1 - Improve local road Achieved – plant hire rates were reviewed cash reserve and achieve plant adopted plant hire rates. and regional road transport in 2018/2019. hire surplus each year. networks.

Management of Council Review annually. 4.1 - Improve local road Achieved – leaseback program and lease employee motor vehicle and regional road transport fees are reviewed annually and was leaseback program. networks. completed in July 2018.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - INFRASTRUCTURE: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - DOMESTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT (DWM)

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status DWM service charge includes a Establish Fund and 4.7 - Provide waste pickup Achieved – DWM makes a disposal cost disposal cost as a costed entity review annually. service for towns and contribution to landfill generally in as part of the annual DWM villages, and reduce the accordance with volume of waste reasonable cost calculation. amount of waste going to disposed. DWM made a $677K landfills. contribution to Crookwell landfill upgrade work that is in progress. Average number of garbage bin Less than 2% of weekly 4.7 - Provide waste pickup Achieved – Assisted with the service collections missed per pickups. service for towns and implementation of return and earn and month and number of villages, and reduce the this has reduced waste going into the complaints received. amount of waste going to landfill. landfills. Implementation of a new Provision of new service 4.7 - Provide waste pickup Achieved – Service commenced in kerbside pickup of organic green in 2018/2019. service for towns and September 2018 and currently bins are waste collection service (during villages, and reduce the being picked once a fortnight in Spring, Summer and Autumn). amount of waste going to accordance with the approved “service landfills. levels”. The service take up will be reviewed at the end of the 2019 calendar year. Prepare and review DWM long- Reviewed annually. 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Achieved – Council’s waste and recycle term plant replacement implemented for new capital collection fleet consisting of three side schedule. works, asset renewal and loading compactor trucks being replaced upgrades covering a 10 on a staggered rotation. Council is year period. intending to keep the fleet longer to pay for the increased size of the fleet from two trucks to 3 trucks. A tender for the purchase of a new compactor truck was approved by Council.

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019

TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - INFRASTRUCTURE: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - WATER SUPPLY SERVICES

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Carry out weekly water quality Complying water quality 4.6 - Improve water supply Achieved – daily water quality testing standard testing. test samples. and sewerage facilities to undertaken for the Crookwell, Taralga, towns. Gunning and Dalton systems.

Implement user pay best 50% water supply 4.6 - Improve water supply Achieved – user pay water charges practice pricing water charges in income from user pay and sewerage facilities to implemented. accordance with State charges. towns. Government Guidelines.

Integrated Water Cycle Complete IWCM 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Not achieved – funding application lodged Management (IWCM) Strategy strategy by December implemented for new capital however yet to be approved. Review of for the town water supplies. 2018. works, asset renewal and the Integrated Water Cycle Management upgrades covering a 10 year (IWCM) Strategy to be completed within period. 2019/2020 subject to the approval of funds. Maintain Section 64 Audited annually. 4.6 - Improve water supply Achieved – Section 64 Development Development Contributions Plan and sewerage facilities to Contributions Plan Register updated and Register. towns. audited in 2018/2019.

Surplus Water Fund operating Within 10% of budget. 4.6 - Improve water supply Achieved – water supply fund in result. and sewerage facilities to 2018/2019 had an operating deficit. The towns. previous 3 financial years there was an operating surplus result.

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TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR - INFRASTRUCTURE: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - SEWERAGE SERVICES

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Number of sewer chokes per Less than 5 per month. 4.6 - Improve water supply Achieved – problem sewer main areas in month per five kilometres of and sewerage facilities to Crookwell and Gunning have been relined mains. towns. as part of the CEEP program.

Implement Trade Waste Consider charges in 4.2 – Infrastructure Plan is Not achieved –charges are included in the Charges. 2018/2019. implemented for new capital fees and charges. The policy is to be works, asset renewal and implemented during 2019/2020. upgrades covering a 10 year period. Surplus Sewerage Fund Within 10% of budget. 4.6 - Improve water supply Achieved – operating result surplus in operating result. and sewerage facilities to 2018/2019 provides for future towns. infrastructure replacement needs. The past 6 financial years has been an operating surplus result.

Maintain Section 64 Audited annually. 4.6 - Improve water supply Achieved – Section 64 Development Development Contributions Plan and sewerage facilities to Contributions Plan Register updated and Register. towns. audited in 2018/2019.

Sewerage Treatment Plants Satisfactory report from 4.6 - Improve water supply Achieved – EPA Annual Return comply with EPA conditions. NSW EPA. and sewerage facilities to completed on time. NSW Office of Water towns. regional inspector provided satisfactory report for Crookwell, Gunning and Taralga Sewerage Treatment Plants.

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TABLELANDS REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR – CIVIC LEADERSHIP: PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY – GOVERNANCE

KPI Performance Measure Delivery Program Actions Performance Status Implement organisation Reviewed regularly and 5.4 – Leadership and Achieved. structure in accordance with after local government commitment to integrated Local Government Act elections. planning and reporting. requirements. Council Policy development and Continual policy review 5.3 - Promote community Achieved – KPI achieved with review. and upgrade each year. engagement and involvement continual policy development and in decision making processes. reviews undertaken. Council Meeting Business Paper Released one week prior 5.3 - Promote community Achieved – Provision of iPads to creation and distribution. to meeting date. engagement and involvement Councillors, agenda distribution in decision making processes. within required timeframes. Complaint handling and service Complete service 5.4 – Leadership and Being achieved – endeavouring to delivery. requests within 15 commitment to integrated achieve target of 15 days. business days. planning and reporting. Complete Council Annual Completed and sent to 5.3 - Promote community Achieved - forwarded to Office of Report. OLG by 30 November engagement and involvement Local Government in November every year. in decision making processes. 2019. Implement the Office of Local 4 year Action Plan 5.1 - Participate in resource Achieved – actions were reported to Government (OLG) “Fit for the incorporated in Delivery sharing initiatives. Council as part of Delivery Program Future” Council Improvement Program. review report in December 2018 and Proposal and Action Plan. July 2019. Compliance with Office of Local Circulars to be reviewed 5.2 - Lobby other levels of Achieved – circulars complied with Government Circulars and monthly. Government for increased and placed before Council as compliance with legislative and share of funding distribution. requested by the Office of Local statutory amendments. Government. Upper Lachlan Shire Council to Meet all seven Fit for the 5.4 – Leadership and Achieved - 2018/2019 all 7 financial remain sustainable in the long Future benchmarks. commitment to integrated benchmarks by OLG were achieved. term. planning and reporting.

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3. STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT

production, history and picturesque 1. Introduction countryside. Under section 428A (1) of the Local Government Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s tourism slogan Act 1993 (the LG Act), in the year of an ordinary is “The Shire of Villages”. There are three election of councillors, Council’s annual report towns and ten villages within the shire must include a report as to the state of the boundaries. These include Crookwell, environment in the Shire in relation to such Gunning, Taralga, Laggan, Dalton, Bigga, environmental issues as may be relevant to the , Tuena, Collector, , Big environmental objectives established by Hill, and Breadalbane. Council’s community strategic plan. As required Despite its proximity to major centres, by section 428A (2) of the LG Act, this state of Upper Lachlan Shire has a strong rural the environment report has been prepared in character. Agricultural endeavour is accordance with the integrated planning and historically and currently a feature of the reporting guidelines established by the Director- Shire’s economic and social fabric. General of the Office of Local Government under section 406. 2.2 Area and Population 2. Shire profile Upper Lachlan Shire has an area of 7,242 square kilometres. According to the 2.1 Location Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census Upper Lachlan Shire is located in the data of 2016, the Shire’s population is at Southern Tablelands of . that time was 7,702 (3,917 male and 3,785 The centre of population is Crookwell, female), with a median age of 48 years. located one hour and fifteen minutes from Figure 1 illustrates the proportions of age Canberra, two and a half hours from Sydney, groups in the Shire. one and a half hours from Bathurst and

thirty minutes from Goulburn. The area is known for its fine wool and potato

Figure 1: Upper Lachlan Shire population’s age distribution, ABS Census 2016.

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3. Community Strategic Plan Environmental • Waste Objectives: • Noise Council’s Community Strategic Plan specifies • Heritage. two environmental objectives: 4.1 Land use • To protect and enhance the environment, The Shire predominantly consists of rural and land, punctuated by scattered small towns • Implement environmental and planning and villages. Whilst agriculture is historically regulations and controls to maximise health and currently the main land use in the Shire, and safety. Council has no detailed data on the proportion of rural land actively used for 4. Environmental indicators commercial agricultural production. As required by section 428 (3) of the LG Act, this state of the environment report establishes Council’s development application records relevant environmental indicators for the indicate that the Shire has attracted environmental objectives specified by Council’s considerable residential development in Community Strategic Plan, reports on and recent years. As illustrated by Figure 2, from updates trends in each such environmental 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2017, most indicator, and identifies any events and applications for consent to use land activities that have had a major impact on proposed residential and ancillary environmental objectives. The state of the development (e.g. dwelling houses, carports, environment report establishes seven pergolas and the like) in both rural and environmental indicators: urban/village localities.

• Land use • Air • Water • Biodiversity

Figure 2: Percentages of land uses proposed by development applications determined from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2017 (Note: Development applications proposing subdivision of land are not shown).

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The proportion of determined commercial The LEP is available online at and industrial development applications has www.legislation.nsw.gov.au  Browse  been consistently small, although 2016/17 Browse In Force  EPIs  U  Upper saw the highest proportion of urban/village Lachlan Local Environmental Plan 2010. commercial development applications made The DCP can be downloaded at since 1 July 2012. www.upperlachlan.nsw.gov.au  Planning Council’s main statutory means of regulating  Strategies, Plans & Policies  Upper development is Upper Lachlan Local Lachlan Development Control Plan 2010. Environmental Plan 2010 (the LEP), 4.2 Air underpinned by Upper Lachlan Development Control Plan 2010 (the DCP). The LEP’s Air emissions within the Shire include particular aims are: particulates (e.g. dust) and airborne chemicals arising from agricultural activities, (a) To provide planning controls for Upper domestic and commercial solvents and Lachlan and to update and consolidate aerosols, and smoke from domestic solid into one instrument the various planning fuel heaters. There are no facilities in the controls that [previously applied] to Shire that reported air emissions data to the Upper Lachlan, National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) during the (b) To encourage the sustainable reporting period. management, development and conservation of natural resources, Overall air quality in the Shire is not (c) to promote the use of rural resources for considered to have changed significantly in agriculture and primary production the reporting period from 1 July 2012. including fishing, forestry, mining and Urban/village localities may see seasonal air related processing, service and value quality impacts due largely to concentration adding industries, of vehicle emissions and particularly solid (d) To protect and conserve the fuel heater usage. The Shire’s cold winter environmental and cultural heritage of climate necessitates effective domestic Upper Lachlan, heating, and wood combustion heating is (e) To encourage new residents to Upper popular in the Shire, perhaps due to Lachlan by providing a range of housing increasing costs and limited choice of opportunities in the main towns and alternative domestic heating methods. villages, 4.3 Water (f) to allow development only if it occurs in a manner that minimises risks due to Microbial and chemical quality of water environmental hazards, and minimises supplies in the Shire continue to consistently risks to important elements of the meet the requirements of the Australian physical environment, including water Drinking Water Guidelines. quality, 4.3.1 Crookwell (g) To promote and coordinate the orderly Crookwell’s drinking water is sourced from and economic use and development of the Crookwell Dam. In 2018, Council land in Upper Lachlan, commissioned a new Dissolved Air Flotation (h) To protect and enhance watercourses, and Filtration (DAFF) water treatment plant. riparian habitats, wetlands and water The treatment process is best practice and quality within Upper Lachlan’s drinking includes both UV light and chlorine water catchments so as to enable the disinfection systems. The old Water achievement of the water quality Treatment Plant has been decommissioned. objectives.

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Samples have been continuously taken and 4.4 Biodiversity assessed for E. coli since 1 July 2012. None The Shire has a moderately rich biodiversity. returned a positive sample for organisms. It includes 53 different vegetation types, 36 Chemical samples were also taken during the of which are of conservation significance, reporting period and assessed for 31 with at least 788 native and introduced plant different inorganic compounds. All samples species. Fauna species in the Shire include returned results within Drinking Water 163 bird species, 21 fish species, 61 Guidelines. Dalton mammal, 53 reptile and 16 amphibian Dalton’s drinking water is sourced from the species. new Gunning water filtration plant and The Shire contains occurrences of four pumped to Dalton via an 11km pipeline. endangered ecological communities, and Samples have been taken from both systems populations of six plant and thirty three with all test results complying with the animal species that are vulnerable or Drinking Water Guidelines. endangered nationally or in NSW. 4.3.2 Taralga It is impracticable to accurately assess Taralga’s drinking water is sourced from changes to the extent and condition of Woolshed Creek. The supply is currently native vegetation across the Shire. processed using a new water filtration plant However, Council’s Biodiversity Planning that was constructed in 2013. The treatment Framework (BPF), developed in the process includes membrane filtration and formulation of Upper Lachlan Local chlorine disinfection. Environmental Plan 2010 (the LEP), Samples were regularly taken and assessed facilitates improved management and for E. coli over the reporting period from 1 protection of biodiversity and therefore July 2012. None returned a positive reading ecological communities. The BPF was for organisms. Chemical samples were also prepared to provide guidance for protecting taken during the reporting period and and enhancing the Shire’s biodiversity values assessed for 31 different inorganic while accommodating sustainable compounds. All samples returned results development, and thus facilitates within Drinking Water Guidelines. management by Council officers of biodiversity values, including in the 4.3.3 Gunning development assessment process. Gunning’s drinking water is sourced from the The BPF ranks biodiversity values using Lachlan River. The supply is processed using standardised criteria and based on best the new DAFF plant that uses both UV light available environmental data and advice. It and chlorine to disinfect the water. The plant identifies the best natural resource became operational in 2014. information available, including the Samples were regularly taken and assessed distribution of remnant native vegetation, for E. coli over the reporting period from 1 important wetlands and rivers, wildlife July 2009. None returned a positive sample corridors, habitat for threatened plants and for organisms. Chemical samples were also animals and endangered vegetation taken during the reporting period and communities. It also outlines further data assessed for 31 different inorganic and research needed to improve the compounds. All parameters are now within information base and enhance the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. management. Biodiversity values are considered within the context of the Shire’s traditional and

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019 emerging rural land-use setting. Processes Noise that threaten values are identified and The relatively few noise complaints received addressed through recommendation of by Council in the reporting period since 1 strategic measures for protection, recovery July 2012 related to matters including: and enhancement of biodiversity values. A set of Council management actions has been • Barking dogs prioritised, including staff training, • Roosters education and community partnership • Pet birds actions. • Motor vehicles (e.g. recreational motorcycles) To meet its aims, the BPF seeks to achieve • gains in the extent/quality of native Construction noise vegetation, increased security for regionally • Agricultural plant such as bird scare guns significant vegetation communities and • Wind farms. fauna habitats (through a reserve system, Council holds no records of noise complaints planning, and community supported made to NSW Police. Council officers programs), recognition, support and generally respond to and address noise enhancement of a comprehensive network complaints on a case by case basis having of biodiversity corridors, and protection of regard to relevant legislation, which may riparian vegetation and waterways. include the Companion Animals Act 1998 The LEP includes provisions that apply to and the Protection of the Environment proposals for development on land Operations Act 1997. identified as “sensitive land” on the “Natural 4.6 Heritage Resources Sensitivity—Biodiversity Map”. Council adopted the Community Heritage The overarching aim of those provisions is to Study 2007 – 2008, coordinated by heritage maintain terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity consultant Dr Jennifer Lambert Tracey, on including: 18 February 2010. In the carrying out of the (a) Protecting native fauna and flora, and Study, Council and members of the Upper (b) Protecting the ecological processes Lachlan community recognised the heritage necessary for their continued existence, significance of many items and places and throughout the Shire. The Study aimed to (c) Encouraging the recovery of native comprehensively identify those items and fauna and flora, and their habitats. places of heritage significance, with the 4.5 Waste purpose of enhancing their historical perspective and thereby enabling a more From 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2017, Council vibrant integration of local history and dealt with 4,497 tonnes of waste, 1,237 heritage within a cultural landscape context. tonnes of which was recyclable, including kerbside comingled recyclables, scrap metal, The Study’s focus was community based, mattresses, engine and hydraulic oils, requiring extensive community consultation, batteries and chemical containers discussion and contribution. This included (Drummuster initiative). No detailed data of former residents who retained an ongoing the total amounts of various waste types attachment to the Shire’s history and disposed to landfill are available. heritage. The Study facilitated inclusion of heritage provisions and the listing of identified local and State significant heritage items in Upper

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Lachlan Local Environmental Plan 2010 (the sustainability, preservation of our history LEP), providing a statutory tool to: and a sense of belonging in our community”. (a) Conserve the environmental heritage of the Shire, To achieve its Vision, Council aspirations are: (b) Conserve the heritage significance of • A built environment enhancing the lifestyle heritage items and heritage conservation of a diverse community; areas, including associated fabric, • Community liaison to preserve and enhance settings and views, community facilities; (c) Conserve archaeological sites, and • A healthy natural environment; (d) Conserve Aboriginal objects and • A prosperous economy with the balanced Aboriginal places of heritage use of our land; significance. • People attaining health and wellbeing; In addition, Council’s Local Heritage Fund • Resilient and adaptable communities; Grant Program provides support to property • Responsible and efficient use of resources; owners to undertake work to conserve local and heritage items. It is part funded by the • Transparent and accountable governance. Heritage Branch of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Beneficiaries of 6. Limitations grant funding are required to complete their Opinions and recommendations contained in funded projects within a given timeframe. this report are based upon data provided by The Program generally attracts positive employees and/or representatives of Upper interest from property owners seeking to Lachlan Shire Council, and information gained maintain and improve items and places of from contacts with relevant government heritage significance. authorities and other organisations. 5. Evaluation and Planning for the Future This report addresses the current State of the Upper Lachlan Local Environmental Plan Environment in Upper Lachlan Shire Council as 2010 (the LEP) and Upper Lachlan at 30 June 2017, based on relevant in-house Development Control Plan 2010 (the DCP) information available at that time. provide Council with a robust platform to This State of the Environment Report has been facilitate Council’s Vision for the Shire’s prepared for the purpose described solely in the future: “To be a diverse local government Local Government Act 1993 and no area that provides various lifestyle, business responsibility is accepted for use of any part of enterprise, leisure and recreation this report in any other context or for any other alternatives, whilst ensuring environmental purpose.

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The Crookwell Water Treatment Plant commissioned in 2018

Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman MP with Oberon Shire Council Mayor and Upper Lachlan Shire Council Mayor and senior staff at the Oberon Road, Abercrombie River Bridge worksite

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4. CONDITION OF PUBLIC WORKS Section 428 (2) (d)

a) Urban Roads and Streets In addition to this $1,906,624 was expended on local roads from the Financial Assistance Grants Council endeavours to provide a regular roads component allocation. The Federal maintenance program throughout the year for Government, Roads to Recovery funding of all of the urban roads and streets in the towns $1,018,050 was utilised to gravel resheet 27 and villages within the Shire. The 98 kilometres unsealed local roads and pavement construction of urban roads are mostly in “Good Condition” on Grabine Road. with some of the bitumen pavement wearing surfaces nearing the end of their useful lives and d) Bridges on Local Roads these streets are prioritised for resealing or rehabilitation in programs within the next five Council is responsible for the maintenance of years. concrete and timber bridge assets on local roads. There are a total of 66 concrete bridges / b) Local Roads - Sealed culverts and 14 timber bridges that are greater than six metres on road length on Local Roads. A program of regular ongoing maintenance is carried out throughout the year, which The timber bridges and a number of concrete incorporates a program of resealing, sealed bridges were inspected and condition rated rural local roads. The 490 kilometres of sealed through a CENTROC awarded contract to local roads are in “Good to Average Condition” consultants Pitt and Sherry. however eight percent of these roads are deteriorating in condition and will need Council has allocated funding to implement rehabilitation over the next five years. bridge bypasses and fund bridge replacements as a consequence of the Pitt and Sherry report c) Local Roads - Unsealed recommending implementation of temporary weight load restrictions on 12 timber bridges. 3 A program of continuous gravel resheeting concrete bridges were assessed and are now upgrades is incorporated in Council's annual deemed fit for no weight load restrictions with capital works program and regular gravel modified traffic conditions to be applied. maintenance works are carried out throughout the year. The 1,146 kilometres of unsealed local Council has endorsed a strategy to replace all roads varies in condition from road to road. timber bridges in a three year timeframe There are an estimated fourteen percent of commencing in 2019/2020. Council has secured unsealed local roads which require further grant funding for a number of local road improvement to bring to a satisfactory bridges; including Woodville Road bridge and condition. Kangaloolah Road bridge. Council has allocated cash reserves to fund the Harley Road Crookwell The 2018/2019 Council own source funded bridge and will utilise borrowings to assist with roads maintenance, asset renewals, bitumen external funding to deliver the bridge reseals and grading expenditure on local roads replacement program. totalled $2,604,188.

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e) Regional Roads – Sealed and Unsealed

Council has 213 kilometres of sealed Regional Roads and 38 kilometres of unsealed Regional f) Bridges on Regional Roads Roads that are subject to a regular maintenance and resealing program. Regional Roads include Council is responsible for the maintenance and MR241 (Rye Park Rd), MR248E (Laggan and improvements on concrete and timber bridge Taralga Rd), MR248W (Boorowa Rd), MR52 assets on Regional Roads. The majority of (Grabben Gullen and Rd), MR256 bridges were considered to be of a satisfactory (Goulburn - Oberon Rd), MR258 (Wombeyan condition. Caves Rd). Council utilises Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Block Grant and regional road There are a total of 32 concrete bridges / REPAIR program funding as well as Council’s culverts that are greater than six metres on road own source funds to maintain and upgrade length on Regional Roads. There also remains 1 regional roads. timber bridge at the Kiamma Creek Bridge on MR248E and Council has grant funding from the In 2018/2019 total asset renewal and NSW Government and Federal Government to maintenance expenditure on all Regional Roads complete this project. and bridges in the Shire, for both sealed and unsealed sections, totalled $4,201,975. The Abercrombie Bridge has had $1.525 million funds allocated from the NSW Government The above total expenditure highlights were Fixing Country Roads Program and the Federal major Regional Road projects which included Government Bridges to Renewal Program and the following:- Council funding to replace the timber bridge. • Reconstruction road works on Regional The new bridge is completed and open. Road MR248E (Laggan Road, Crookwell). Expenditure from the RMS Repair The Kiamma Creek Bridge has $1.062 million Program and Council funds, totalled funds allocated from the NSW Government $635,458. Fixing Country Roads Program, Federal • Replacement of the timber bridge at Government Bridges Renewal Program and Abercrombie River, Oberon to Taralga Council funding to complete the timber bridge Road MR256 (Tablelands Way). replacement in 2019/2020. Expenditure from the RMS and Council funds, totalled $668,816, total project cost is $1.525 million. • Road improvements for the Black Spot program on Wombeyan Caves Road MR258. Expenditure from the RMS totalled $227,808. • Bitumen resealing program expenditure from RMS totalled $488,888.

Kiamma Creek Bridge

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DRAINAGE CONDITION OF WATER SUPPLIES Urban and rural drainage works are considered to be in a reasonable condition with a condition Crookwell Water Supply rating majority in 1-3. Drainage maintenance is carried out on an ongoing basis as the need The Crookwell water supply system was first arises. commissioned in 1937. The water treatment plant has progressively been augmented, the INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS last major upgrade being in 1990. The written down value, at fair valuation, for Council’s physical infrastructure assets as at 30 Council was successful in securing $6.1 million in June 2019, are as follows:- funding to assist with the construction of a new $ ‘000 Water Treatment Plant in Crookwell. The new ♦ Roads – Sealed and Unsealed: $ 76,207 plant will utilise the Dissolved Air Filtration and ♦ Roads – Non Depreciable Flotation process, providing Crookwell with Bulk Earthworks: $215,610 superior water quality, both efficiently and ♦ Bridges: $ 24,795 reliably. The new water treatment plant will ♦ Footpaths: $ 1,635 provide capacity for significant growth in ♦ Buildings: $ 26,399 Crookwell. The treatment plant was operational ♦ Tip Assets $ 2,801 and officially opened in 2018. ♦ Quarry Assets $ 321 ♦ Other Structures: $ 1,004 The majority of water mains in Crookwell are ♦ Stormwater Drainage: $ 1,690 asbestos cement and are currently being replaced with PVC pipe as part of a 10-year ♦ Water Supply Network: $ 24,591 replacement program. This program has been ♦ Sewerage Network: $ 14,251 running for a number of years now. Studies ♦ Other Asset classes: $ 23,186 have been completed to determine Crookwell TOTAL: $412,490 Dam’s flood and earthquake handling capacity.

The Dam remains a robust and quality asset. The water supply and sewerage network assets were re-valued at “fair value” as at 30 June 2017. The buildings and other structures asset classes were valued at “fair value” as at 30 June 2018. The infrastructure asset classes of roads, bridges, footpaths and stormwater listed above were valued at “fair value” as at 30 June 2015.

Council works supervisors inspect all local and regional roads on a regular basis in accordance with road classification in the Council adopted road hierarchy. Councillors and senior staff conduct an annual inspection of roads and facilities to ensure that the correct priorities are established for the maintenance of Council’s Crookwell Dam asset base.

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Dalton Water Supply Village Bores The Dalton Water Supply underwent a major upgrade during 2013-2014. Council undertook Groundwater production bores and public the construction of a 10.8km pipeline linking access standpipes continue to be maintained in Dalton to the new Gunning water supply Crookwell, Bigga, Binda, Tuena, Jerrawa, system. As a result Dalton now enjoys superior Gunning, Breadalbane and . These water quality and reliability in supply. bores support the local communities with water during dry periods. Gunning Water Supply CONDITION OF SEWERAGE NETWORK The Gunning Water Supply underwent a $10.8 million major upgrade during 2013-2014. The Gunning Sewerage project is now complete and has been operating well. The upgraded system is considered The Gunning sewerage treatment plant consists comprehensive and first class, providing secure of an intermittently decanted extended aeration and quality drinking water for the Gunning (IDEA) pasveer channel. The system is operating community well into the future. The project well and currently complies with EPA licence included the construction of a water supply requirements. The sewerage system of Gunning reservoir and water supply treatment plant in is considered satisfactory to meet the Gunning. immediate needs of the Gunning community, with a current capacity to service 1000 people. Construction of an extension of sewer in Grosvenor Street was completed in June 2017.

Crookwell Sewerage

Crookwell’s sewerage transportation system was originally commissioned in 1961. Upgrading and augmentation of the sewerage treatment plant occurred in 1993 with the addition of an intermittently decanted extended aeration (IDEA) tank. This augmentation work increased the capacity of the STP to an equivalent

population of 4,200. The augmentation Gunning Water Filtration Plant was completed in 2014 provided ability for increased nutrient removal and compliance with EPA licence conditions. At Taralga Water Supply the same time the trunk sewer main and major pump well were also upgraded to provide for The water supply of Taralga underwent a major peak flow conditions. Infiltration of stormwater upgrade during 2013-2014. The new equipment is a shortcoming of the system; however, the is working well. The new water supply sewerage treatment plant is functioning treatment plant provides Taralga with a high satisfactorily and generally complies with EPA quality drinking water supply, consistently licence conditions. Several kilometres of the meeting the requirements of the Australian worst of the leaking mains were lined with a Drinking Water Guidelines 2011. special PVC material during the reporting period. Council continues to invest in a sewer main relining program.

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Taralga Sewerage

A sewerage reticulation service, together with a new Intermittently Decanted Extended Aeration (IDEA) sewerage treatment plant was commissioned in Taralga in 2010. All septic tanks have now been decommissioned with the entire town now connected to a first class sewerage system.

Aerial view of Taralga Sewerage Treatment Plant

5. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS DETAILS

Section 428 (2) (e)

In 2018/2019 Council incurred legal expenses in Pikes and Verekers Lawyers is engaged by the sum of $32,979. These expenses were Council to provide legal opinion relating to incurred in the following areas:- various aspects of Council’s operations, including rates issues, wind farm issues, advice  Rates Recovery: $ 19,929 on contracts, interpretations of legislation and planning and development matters.  Planning and Development: $ 1,820 Robert J McCarthy and Co Solicitors is engaged  Administration, Engineering to act for Council in preparation of contracts, and Rural Fire Services: $ 11,230 leases, for conveyance purposes and land acquisitions. Court proceedings were required for certain accounts, which remained outstanding after Upper Lachlan Shire Council was part of the statutory payment deadlines were exceeded. Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO) Rates recovery legal costs were incurred in the regional panel tender for legal services in 2017. recovery of unpaid debts to Council and are Council resolved to adopt 5 legal firms as the charged to the outstanding account holder and Upper Lachlan Shire Council legal services panel. Council does not incur any further costs. This panel is to be utilised by Council at its discretion for the provision of legal services. The Council has utilised the services of two legal legal services panel commenced in August 2017. firms: - Pikes and Verekers Lawyers and Robert J McCarthy and Co Solicitors.

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6. ELECTED MEMBERS – MAYORAL AND Therefore, telecommunications expense COUNCILLOR’S EXPENSES AND totals $8,856. FACILITIES  Attendance at conferences and seminars by Section 428 (2) (f) (r) of the Local Government Councillors; the Mayor and General Act 1993 and Clause 217 (1) (a1) of Local Manager attended the Local Government Government (General) Regulation 2005 NSW (LGNSW) Conference. The conference

registration and accommodation expense Upper Lachlan Shire Council provided an annual totalled $2,078. Mayoral Fee of $25,880 and provision of a motor vehicle for undertaking official  The Mayor attended Country Mayors engagements and mayoral duties. There are Association Meetings, Canberra Region Joint nine elected members of Council (Councillors); Organisation (CRJO) Meetings at Parliament each is paid an annual fee of $11,860. House in Sydney and in Canberra with costs Councillors were reimbursed for expenses totalling $3,000. incurred in carrying out their responsibilities during the financial year including training,  Liverpool City Council hosted Australian travelling and sustenance expenses. Women in Local Government conference,

attended by Clr Kensit with costs of $982. The total amount expended on Upper Lachlan

Shire Council’s elected Councillors in 2018/2019  Training and skill development of Councillors was $191,711 and the expenditure included the included the following:- following:- • LGNSW Mayors Weekend Seminar

attended by Clr Stafford and Clr  Mayoral Fees: $25,880 Searl, at a cost of $2,400.  Councillors Fees and Allowances: $106,140 • LGNSW training for Chairing and  Councillors/Delegates Expenses: $59,691 Effective Meeting Procedures,

attended by Clr Stafford and Clr Searl (Please note the delegates’ expenses incorporates the below mentioned Councillor at a cost of $1,400. • training, travelling, telephone and conference LGNSW Model Code of Conduct expenses). training, attended by Clr McCormack, Clr O’Brien, Clr Opie, Clr Culhane, Clr  Provision of office equipment allocated to Searl, Clr Cummins and senior staff, Councillors; the Mayor is allocated an cost of $3,600. (Note: All other iPhone and all associated costs with this Councillors attended training in device are paid by Council. There is an September 2019). annual data plan total expense of $411 for  the Mayor. All Councillors are supplied No Councillors have undertaken interstate with an iPad the annual data plan expense and / or overseas visits as representatives of is $3,384 for all 9 Councillors. Council.

  Telephone calls made by Councillors; all No expenses were paid by Upper Lachlan nine Councillors have an annual Shire Council in the provision of child care telecommunitcations allowance of $984 in and / or care of an immediate family accordance of with Council’s Payment of member of a Councillor.

Expenses and Provision of Facilities Policy.

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COUNCIL’S POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF Office of Local Government’s Guidelines for FACILITIES FOR USE BY COUNCILLORS AND the payment of expenses and provision of PAYMENT OF COUNCILLORS’ EXPENSES facilities to Mayors and Councillors in NSW.

The Payment of Expenses and Provision of The policy sets out the maximum amounts Facilities Policy must ensure that Councillors are council will pay for specific expenses and reimbursed for expenses reasonably incurred in facilities. Expenses not explicitly addressed in their performance of their role as a Councillor. this policy will not be paid or reimbursed.

This Policy does not seek to remunerate The main expenses and facilities are Councillors for all expenses which may be summarised in the table below. All monetary incurred by individuals in performing the role of amounts are exclusive of GST. Councillor. Nor does it seek to remunerate Councillors for all of the time, expense and Expense or Maximum amount Frequency effort associated with the role of Councillor. facility General travel Councillors: Per year This policy complies with Section 252 of the expenses Local Government Act, 1993 and relevant Vehicles under 2.5 departmental guidelines, by stipulating the litres - $0.68 per/km limit, level and nature of any reimbursements for expenditures incurred in the reasonable Vehicles over 2.5 performance of the role of Councillor. litres - $0.78 per/km

The policy also describes the facilities provided As calculated on a to Councillors while excluding annual fees paid per kilometre basis by the rate set by to Councillors under Sections 248-251 of the the Local Local Government Act, 1993, which are a matter Government (State) for the Local Government Remuneration Award. Tribunal. As per the NSW Crown Employees POLICY SUMMARY: Accommodation (Public Service and meals Conditions of This policy enables the reasonable and Employment) appropriate reimbursement of expenses and Reviewed Award 2009, adjusted provision of facilities to councillors to help annually them undertake their civic duties. Per day Sustenance It ensures accountability and transparency, (Meals) $110 and seeks to align councillor expenses and associated facilities with community expectations. Sustenance $100 Per day Councillors must not obtain private or within Shire political benefit from any expense or facility Professional $2040 per Per year provided under this policy. development councillor

The policy has been prepared in accordance Conferences and $102 per councillor Per day with the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) seminars and Local Government (General) Regulation ICT expenses $82 per councillor Per month 2005 (the Regulation), and complies with the ICT expenses $82 Per month

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Expense or Maximum amount Frequency 1.3. The purpose of this policy is to clearly facility state the facilities and support that are Mayor available to councillors to assist them in fulfilling their civic duties. Access to facilities Provided to all Not in the Council councillors relevant 1.4. Council staff are empowered to question Chambers or refuse a request for payment from a Council vehicle Provided to the Not councillor when it does not accord with and fuel card mayor relevant this policy.

Reserved parking Provided to the Not 1.5. Expenses and facilities provided by this space at Council mayor relevant policy are in addition to fees paid to offices councillors. The minimum and maximum Furnished office Provided to the Not fees a council may pay each councillor are (when available) mayor relevant set by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal as per Section 241 Executive Provided to the Not Assistant to mayor and relevant of the Act and reviewed annually. Council support Mayor councillors must adopt its annual fees within this set and Councillors range. 2. Policy objectives Additional costs incurred by a Councillor in 2.1. The objectives of this policy are to: excess of these limits are considered a personal  enable the reasonable and expense that is the responsibility of the appropriate reimbursement of Councillor. expenses incurred by councillors while undertaking their civic Councillors must provide claims for duties reimbursement within three months of an  enable facilities of a reasonable expense being incurred. Claims made after this and appropriate standard to be time cannot be approved. provided to councillors to support them in undertaking their civic Detailed reports on the provision of expenses duties and facilities to Councillors will be publicly  ensure accountability and tabled at a council meeting every twelve transparency in reimbursement months and published in full on council’s of expenses and provision of website. These reports will include expenditure facilities to councillors summarised by individual Councillor and as a  ensure facilities and expenses total for all Councillors. provided to councillors meet community expectations Part A - Introduction  support a diversity of 1. Introduction representation 1.1. The provision of expenses and facilities  Fulfil the council’s statutory enables councillors to fulfil their civic responsibilities. duties as the elected representatives of Upper Lachlan Shire Council. 3. Principles 1.2. The community is entitled to know the 3.1. Council commits to the following extent of expenses paid to councillors, as principles: well as the facilities provided.  Proper conduct: councillors and staff acting lawfully and honestly,

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exercising care and diligence in 4.5 Campaigns for re-election are considered carrying out their functions to be a political benefit. The following  Reasonable expenses: providing are examples of what is considered to be for councillors to be reimbursed a political interest during a re-election for expenses reasonably incurred campaign: as part of their role as councillor  production of election material  Participation and access:  use of council resources and enabling people from diverse equipment for campaigning backgrounds, underrepresented  use of official council letterhead, groups, those in carer roles and publications, websites or those with special needs to serve services for political benefit as a Councillor  fundraising activities of political  Equity: there must be equitable parties or individuals, including access to expenses and facilities political fundraising events for all councillors Part B - Expenses  Appropriate use of resources: 5 General expenses providing clear direction on the 5.1 All expenses provided under this appropriate use of council policy will be for a purpose specific resources in accordance with to the functions of holding civic legal requirements and office. Allowances for general community expectations expenses are not permitted under  Accountability and transparency: this policy. clearly stating and reporting on 5.2 Expenses not explicitly addressed in the expenses and facilities this policy will not be paid or provided to councillors. reimbursed. 6 Specific expenses 4 Private or political benefit General travel arrangements and expenses 6.1 All travel by councillors should be 4.1 Councillors must not obtain private or undertaken using the most direct political benefit from any expense or route and the most practicable and facility provided under this policy. economical mode of transport. 4.2 Private use of council equipment and 6.2 Each councillor may be reimbursed facilities by councillors may occur from in accordance with their authorised time to time. For example, telephoning expenditure per year, and the mayor home to advise that a council meeting may be reimbursed in accordance will run later than expected. with his/her authorised expenditure 4.3 Such incidental private use does not per year, for travel expenses require a compensatory payment back incurred while undertaking official to council. business or professional 4.4 Councillors should avoid obtaining any development or attending approved greater private benefit from Council than conferences and seminars within an incidental benefit. Where there are NSW. This includes reimbursement: unavoidable circumstances and more  for public transport fares substantial private use of council  for the use of a private vehicle or facilities does occur, councillors must hire car reimburse the council.  for parking costs for Council and other meetings  for tolls

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 by Cabcharge card or equivalent 6.9 Councillors seeking approval for any  for documented ride-share overseas travel must submit a case programs, such as Uber, where to, and obtain the approval of, a full tax invoices can be issued. council meeting prior to travel. 6.3 Allowances for the use of a private 6.10 The case should include: vehicle will be reimbursed by  objectives to be achieved in kilometre at the rate contained in travel, including an explanation the Local Government (State) of how the travel aligns with Award. current council priorities and 6.4 Councillors seeking to be business, the community reimbursed for use of a private benefits which will accrue as a vehicle must keep a log book result, and its relevance to the recording the date, distance and exercise of the councillor’s civic purpose of travel being claimed. duties Copies of the relevant log book  who is to take part in the travel contents must be provided with the  duration and itinerary of travel claim.  a detailed budget including a Interstate, overseas and long distance statement of any amounts intrastate travel expenses expected to be reimbursed by 6.5 Given Council’s location near an the participant/s. interstate border, travel to the 6.11 For interstate and long distance Australian Capital Territory will be intrastate journeys by air of less considered as general travel. than three hours, the class of air Arrangements and expenses for this travel is to be economy class. travel will be governed by Clauses 6.12 For interstate journeys by air of 6.1 - 6.4. more than three hours, the class of 6.6 In accordance with Section 4, air travel may be premium economy. Council will scrutinise the value and 6.13 For international travel, the class of need for councillors to undertake air travel is to be premium economy overseas travel. Councils should if available. Otherwise, the class of avoid interstate, overseas and long travel is to be economy. distance intrastate trips unless direct 6.14 Bookings for approved air travel are and tangible benefits can be to be made through the general established for the council and the manager’s office. local community. This includes travel 6.15 For air travel that is reimbursed as to sister and friendship cities. council business, councillors will not 6.7 Total interstate, overseas and long accrue points from the airline’s distance intrastate travel expenses frequent flyer program. This is for all councillors will be reimbursed considered a private benefit. by a resolution of Council only per Travel expenses not paid by Council year. An amount will be set aside in 6.16 Council will not pay any traffic or Council’s annual budget. parking fines or administrative 6.8 Councillors seeking approval for any charges for road toll accounts. interstate and long distance Accommodation and meals intrastate travel must submit a case 6.17 In circumstances where it would to, and obtain the approval of, the introduce undue risk for a councillor general manager prior to travel. to travel to or from official business in the late evening or early morning,

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reimbursement of costs for Employment) Reviewed Award accommodation and meals on the 2009, as adjusted annually. night before or after the meeting Professional development may be approved by the general 6.24 Council will set aside $2040.00 per manager. This includes where a councillor annually in its budget to meeting finishes later that 9.00pm facilitate professional development or starts earlier than 7.00am and the of councillors through programs, councillor lives more than 50 training, education courses and kilometres from the meeting membership of professional bodies. location. 6.25 In the first year of a new council 6.18 Council will reimburse costs for term, Council will provide a accommodation and meals while comprehensive induction program councillors are undertaking prior for all councillors which considers approved travel or professional any guidelines issued by the Office development outside the Upper of Local Government (OLG). The cost Lachlan Shire Council local of the induction program will be in government area. addition to the ongoing professional 6.19 The daily limits for accommodation development funding. and meal expenses within Australia 6.26 Annual membership of professional are to be consistent with those set bodies will only be covered where out in Part B Monetary Rates of the the membership is relevant to the NSW Crown Employees (Public exercise of the councillor’s civic Service Conditions of Employment) duties, the councillor actively Reviewed Award 2009, as adjusted participates in the body and the cost annually. of membership is likely to be fully 6.20 The daily limits for accommodation offset by savings from attending and meal expenses outside Australia events as a member. are to be determined in advance by 6.27 Approval for professional the general manager, being mindful development activities is subject to of Clause 6.19. a prior written request to the 6.21 Councillors will not be reimbursed general manager outlining the: for alcoholic beverages.  details of the proposed Refreshments for council related meetings professional development 6.22 Appropriate refreshments will be  relevance to council priorities and available for council meetings, business council committee meetings,  relevance to the exercise of the councillor briefings, approved councillor’s civic duties. meetings and engagements, and 6.28 In assessing a councillor request for official council functions as a professional development activity, approved by the general manager. the general manager must consider 6.23 As an indicative guide for the the factors set out in Clause 6.27, as standard of refreshments to be well as the cost of the professional provided at council related development in relation to the meetings, the general manager must councillor’s remaining budget. be mindful of Part B Monetary Rates Conferences and seminars of the NSW Crown Employees 6.29 Council is committed to ensuring its (Public Service Conditions of councillors are up to date with contemporary issues facing council

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and the community, and local 6.34 Reimbursements will be made only government in NSW. for communications devices and 6.30 Council will set aside a total amount services used for councillors to of $1020 annually, in its budget to undertake their civic duties, such as: facilitate councillor attendance at  receiving and reading council conferences and seminars. This business papers allocation is for all councillors. The  relevant phone calls and general manager will ensure that correspondence access to expenses relating to  diary and appointment conferences and seminars is management. distributed equitably. 6.35 Councillors may seek 6.31 Approval to attend a conference or reimbursement for applications on seminar is subject to a written their mobile electronic request to the general manager. In communication device that are assessing a councillor request, the directly related to their duties as a general manager must consider councillor, within the maximum factors including the: limit.  relevance of the topics and Special requirement and carer expenses presenters to current council 6.36 Council encourages wide priorities and business and the participation and interest in civic exercise of the councillor’s civic office. It will seek to ensure council duties premises and associated facilities  cost of the conference or seminar are accessible, including provision in relation to the total for sight or hearing impaired remaining budget. councillors and those with other 6.32 Council will meet the reasonable disabilities. cost of registration fees, 6.37 Transportation provisions outlined transportation and accommodation in this policy will also assist associated with attendance at councillors who may be unable to conferences approved by the drive a vehicle. general manager. Council will also 6.38 In addition to the provisions above, meet the reasonable cost of meals the general manager may authorise when they are not included in the the provision of reasonable conference fees. Reimbursement for additional facilities and expenses in accommodation and meals not order to allow a councillor with a included in the conference fees will disability to perform their civic be subject to Clauses 6.18 - 6.21. duties. Information and communications 6.39 Councillors who are the principal technology (ICT) expenses carer of a child or other elderly, 6.33 Council will provide or reimburse disabled and/or sick immediate councillors for expenses associated family member will be entitled to with appropriate ICT devices and reimbursement of reasonable services up to a limit of $984 per carer’s expenses for attendance at annum for each councillor. This may official business, plus reasonable include mobile phones and tablets, travel from the principal place of mobile phone and tablet services residence. and data, and home internet costs. 6.40 Child care expenses may be claimed for children up to and including the

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age of 16 years where the carer is good faith of a function under not a relative. the Local Government Act 6.41 In the event of caring for an adult provided that the outcome of person, councillors will need to the legal proceedings is provide suitable evidence to the favourable to the councillor general manager that  a councillor defending an action reimbursement is applicable. This in defamation, provided the may take the form of advice from a statements complained of were medical practitioner. made in good faith in the course Home office expenses of exercising a function under 6.42 Each councillor may be provided the Act and the outcome of the with minor items of consumable legal proceedings is favourable stationery for the maintenance of a to the councillor home office, such as a ream of plain  a councillor for proceedings paper, on request and approval by before an appropriate the general manager. investigative or review body, provided the subject of the 7 Insurances proceedings arises from the 7.1 In accordance with Section 382 of performance in good faith of a the Local Government Act, Council is function under the Act and the insured against public liability and matter has proceeded past any professional indemnity claims. initial assessment phase to a Councillors are included as a named formal investigation or review insured on this Policy. and the investigative or review 7.2 Insurance protection is only body makes a finding provided if a claim arises out of or in substantially favourable to the connection with the councillor’s councillor. performance of his or her civic 8.2 In the case of a code of conduct duties, or exercise of his or her complaint made against a councillor, functions as a councillor. All legal costs will only be made insurances are subject to any available where the matter has been limitations or conditions set out in referred by the general manager to the policies of insurance. a conduct reviewer and the conduct 7.3 Council shall pay the insurance reviewer has commenced a formal policy excess in respect of any claim investigation of the matter and accepted by council’s insurers, makes a finding substantially whether defended or not. favourable to the councillor. 7.4 Appropriate travel insurances will be 8.3 Legal expenses incurred in relation provided for any councillors to proceedings arising out of the travelling on approved interstate performance by a councillor of his or and overseas travel on council her functions under the Act are business. distinguished from expenses 8 Legal assistance incurred in relation to proceedings 8.1 Council may, if requested, indemnify arising merely from something that or reimburse the reasonable legal a councillor has done during his or expenses of: her term in office. For example,  a councillor defending an action expenses arising from an arising from the performance in investigation as to whether a

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councillor acted corruptly would not specified council building at no cost. be covered by this section. Rooms may be booked through the 8.4 Council will not meet the legal costs: Executive Assistant in the general  of legal proceedings initiated by a manager’s office or other specified councillor under any staff member. circumstances 9.3 The provision of facilities will be of a  of a councillor seeking advice in standard deemed by the general respect of possible defamation, manager as appropriate for the or in seeking a non-litigious purpose. remedy for possible defamation Stationery  for legal proceedings that do not 9.4 Council will provide the following involve a councillor performing stationery to councillors each year: their role as a councillor  letterhead, to be used only for 8.5 Reimbursement of expenses for correspondence associated with reasonable legal expenses must civic duties have Council approval by way of a  business cards resolution at a council meeting prior Administrative support to costs being incurred. 9.5 Council will provide administrative Part C - Facilities support to councillors to assist them 9 General facilities for all councillors with their civic duties only. Facilities Administrative support may be 9.1 Council will provide the following provided by a member of council’s facilities to councillors to assist them administrative staff as arranged by to effectively discharge their civic the general manager or their duties: delegate.  Use of the Council Chambers, 9.6 As per Section 4, council staff are when and where available, expected to assist councillors with appropriately furnished to civic duties only, and not assist with include telephone, desk and matters of personal or political appropriate refreshments interest, including campaigning. (excluding alcohol) 10. Additional facilities for the mayor  Postage of official 10.1. Council will provide to the mayor a correspondence – all mail is to maintained vehicle to a similar be directed through the standard of other council vehicles, Council’s own mailing system with a fuel card. The vehicle will be  Personal protective equipment supplied for use on business, for use during site visits professional development and  Use of a Council Lap Top attendance at the mayor's office. Computer or Tablet, if required 10.2. The mayor must keep a log book  Minor items of consumable setting out the date, distance and stationery purpose of all travel. This must  A name badge which may be include any travel for private worn at official functions, benefit. The log book must be indicating that the wearer holds submitted to council on a monthly the office of a councillor and/or basis. mayor or deputy mayor. 9.2 Councillors may book meeting 10.3. The mayoral allowance will be rooms for official business in a reduced to cover the cost of any

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private travel recorded in the log 11.4. Final approval for payments made book, calculated on a per kilometre under this policy will be granted by basis by the rate set by the Local the general manager or their Government (State) Award. delegate. 10.4. A parking space at council’s offices Direct payment will be reserved for the mayor’s 11.5. Council may approve and directly council-issued vehicle for use on pay expenses. Requests for direct official business, professional payment must be submitted to the development and attendance at the General Manager for assessment mayor’s office. against this policy using the 10.5. Council will provide the mayor with prescribed form, with sufficient a furnished office incorporating a information and time to allow for computer configured to council’s the claim to be assessed and standard operating environment, processed. telephone and meeting space, when Reimbursement available or at least, access to the 11.6. All claims for reimbursement of Council Chambers as a meeting expenses incurred must be made on room. the prescribed form, supported by 10.6. In performing his or her civic duties, appropriate receipts and/or tax the mayor will be provided with invoices and be submitted to the administrative and secretarial Manager of Finance and support, as determined by the Administration. general manager. Advance payment 10.7. As per Section 4, staff provided to 11.7. Council may pay a cash advance for the mayor’s office are expected to councillors attending approved work on official business only, and conferences, seminars or not for matters of personal or professional development. political interest, including 11.8. The maximum value of a cash campaigning advance is $102 per day of the Part D - Processes conference, seminar or professional 11. Approval, payment and reimbursement development. arrangements 11.9. Requests for advance payment must 11.1. Expenses should only be incurred by be submitted to the general councillors in accordance with the manager for assessment against this provisions of this policy. policy with sufficient information 11.2. Approval for incurring expenses, or and time to allow for the claim to be for the reimbursement of such assessed and processed. expenses, should be obtained before 11.10. Councillors must fully reconcile all the expense is incurred. expenses against the cost of the 11.3. Up to the maximum limits specified advance within one month of in this policy, approval for the incurring the cost and/or returning following may be sought after the home. This includes providing to expense is incurred: council:  Local travel relating to the  a full reconciliation of all conduct of official business expenses including appropriate  Carer costs receipts and/or tax invoices  ICT expenditure.  reimbursement of any amount of the advance payment not spent

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in attending to official business 13. Return or retention of facilities or professional development. 13.1. All unexpended facilities or Notification equipment supplied under this 11.11. If a claim is approved, council will policy are to be relinquished make payment directly or reimburse immediately upon a councillor or the councillor through accounts mayor ceasing to hold office or at payable. the cessation of their civic duties. 11.12. If a claim is refused, council will 13.2. Should a councillor desire to keep inform the councillor in writing that any equipment allocated by council, the claim has been refused and the then this policy enables the reason for the refusal. councillor to make application to the Reimbursement to council general manager to purchase any 11.13. If council has incurred an expense such equipment. The general on behalf of a councillor that manager will determine an agreed exceeds a maximum limit, exceeds fair market price or written down reasonable incidental private use or value for the item of equipment. is not provided for in this policy: 13.3. The prices for all equipment  council will invoice the purchased by councillors under councillor for the expense Clause 13.2 will be recorded in  the councillor will reimburse Council’s annual report. council for that expense within 14. Publication 14 days of the invoice date. 14.1. This policy will be published on 11.14. If the councillor cannot reimburse council’s website. council within 14 days of the invoice 15. Reporting date, they are to submit a written 15.1. Council will report on the provision explanation to the general manager. of expenses and facilities to The general manager may elect to councillors as required in the Act deduct the amount from the and Regulations. councillor’s allowance. 15.2. Detailed reports on the provision of Timeframe for reimbursement expenses and facilities to councillors 11.15. Unless otherwise specified in this will be publicly tabled at a council policy, councillors must provide all meeting every twelve months and claims for reimbursement within published in full on council’s three months of an expense being website. These reports will include incurred. Claims made after this expenditure summarised by time cannot be approved. individual councillor and as a total 12. Disputes for all councillors. 12.1. If a councillor disputes a 16. Auditing determination under this policy, the 16.1. The operation of this policy, councillor should discuss the matter including claims made under the with the general manager. policy, will be included in council’s 12.2. If the councillor and the general audit program and an audit manager cannot resolve the dispute, undertaken at least annually. the councillor may submit a notice 17. Breaches of motion to a council meeting 17.1. Suspected breaches of this policy are seeking to have the dispute to be reported to the general resolved. manager.

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17.2. Alleged breaches of this policy shall  Government Information (Public Access) Act be dealt with by following the 2009; processes outlined for breaches of  Government Information (Public Access) the Code of Conduct, as detailed in Policy; the Code and in the Procedures for  Harassment Policy; the Administration of the Code.  ICAC publication “No Excuse for Misuse, PART E - Appendices preventing the misuse of council resources”; Appendix I: Related legislation, guidance and  Independent Commission against Corruption policies. Act (ICAC) 1988;  Interaction between Councillors and Staff Relevant legislation and guidance: Policy;  Local Government Act 1993, Sections 252  Internal Reporting – Protected Disclosures and 253 Policy;  Local Government (General) Regulation  Internet and Email Policy; 2005, Clauses 217 and 403  Local Government Act 1993;  Guidelines for the payment of expenses and  Local Government (General Regulation) the provision of facilities for Mayors and 2005; Councillors in NSW, 2009  Local Government (State) Award 2017;  Local Government Circular 09-36 Guidelines  Mobile Phone Policy; for Payment of Expenses and Facilities  NSW Ombudsman - Good Conduct and  Local Government Circular 05-08 legal Administrative Practice (Guidelines for State assistance for Councillors and Council and Local Government) June 2006; Employees.  NSW State Records Act 1998;  Privacy and Personal Information Protection Related Council policies: Act 1998;  A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax)  Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994; Act 1999;  Public Interest Disclosures Policy;  Access to Information Policy;  Purchasing and Acquisition of Goods Policy  Bribes, Gifts and Benefits Policy; and Procedures;  Code of Business Practice;  Salary Sacrificing Policy;  Code of Conduct for Councillors, staff and  Section 355 Committee Code of Meeting delegates of Council; Practice;  Code of Meeting Practice;  Section 355 Committee Policy;  Complaints Management Policy;  Staff Training Policy;  Corporate Credit Card Policy;  Statement of Ethical Principals.  Crimes Act 1900;  Delegations of Authority Procedure;  Office of Local Government – Model for the Payment of Expenses and the Provision of Facilities for Mayors and Councillors for Local Councils in NSW.  Division of Local Government Circular No. 05- 08: Legal Assistance for Councillors and Council Employees.  Environmental Planning and Assessment (EPA) Act 1979;  Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy;

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Appendix II: Definitions summarised in Appendix 1 The following definitions apply throughout this NSW New South Wales policy. official business Means functions that the Term Definition mayor or councillors are accompanying Means a spouse, partner or required or invited to person de facto or other person attend to fulfil their who has a close personal legislated role and relationship with or responsibilities for council provides carer support to a or result in a direct benefit councillor for council and/or for the appropriate Means food and beverages, local government area, and refreshments excluding alcohol, provided includes: by council to support • meetings of council councillors undertaking and committees of the official business whole Act Means the Local • meetings of Government Act 1993 committees facilitated (NSW) by council clause Unless stated otherwise, a • civic receptions hosted reference to a clause is a or sponsored by reference to a clause of this council policy • meetings, functions, Code of Conduct Means the Code of Conduct workshops and other adopted by Council or the events to which Model Code if none is attendance by a adopted councillor has been Councillor Means a person elected or requested or approved appointed to civic office as by council a member of the governing professional Means a seminar, body of council who is not development conference, training course suspended, including the or other development mayor opportunity relevant to the General Manager Means the general manager role of a councillor or the of Council and includes mayor their delegate or authorised Regulation Means the Local representative Government (General) incidental Means use that is Regulation 2005 (NSW) personal use infrequent and brief and year Means the financial year, use that does not breach that is the 12 month period this policy or the Code of commencing on 1 July each Conduct year long distance Means travel to other parts intrastate travel of NSW of more than three hours duration by private vehicle maximum limit Means the maximum limit for an expense or facility provided in the text and

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7. SENIOR STAFF Part 9, Division 7, subdivision 1 and Clause 217 Acting General Manager (part year): (1) (b) and (c) of the Local Government Mr Andrew Croke (General) Regulation 2005 Acting General Manager’s Total Remuneration: In accordance with Section 332(2), of the Local Gross Salary component of package: Government Act 1993, there are four $33,600 designated Senior Staff positions within Council. Employer Superannuation Contribution: During the 2018/2019 financial year, the $ 3,192 remuneration package applicable for Upper Fringe Benefits Tax for non-cash benefit: Lachlan Shire Council’s General Manager was:- $526 Salary Package Allowances (IPad data plans, General Manager: Mr John Bell sustenance allowance and housing) $313 General Manager’s Total Remuneration: Professional Development $0 Gross Salary component of package: Total Remuneration $ 37,631 $277,625 Employer Superannuation Contribution: $26,375 Designated Senior Staff: Fringe Benefits Tax for non-cash benefit: $7,356 The remuneration package applicable for the Salary Package Allowances Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s Designated Senior (IPad and iPhone data plans, internet) Staff was:- $2,855 Professional Development Director of Environment and Planning - Tina $1,695 Dodson Total Remuneration $ 315,905 Director of Finance and Administration - Acting General Manager (Fixed term part year): Andrew Croke (10 months part year) Mr Gary Woodman Acting Director of Finance and Administration – Acting General Manager’s Total Remuneration: Daniel Cooper (contract - 2 months part year) Gross Salary component of package: $44,590 Director of Infrastructure – Mursaleen Shah Employer Superannuation Contribution: $ 4,236 Senior Staff Total Remuneration: Fringe Benefits Tax for non-cash benefit: $0 Gross Salary component of package: Salary Package Allowances (IPad data plans, $552,471 sustenance allowance and housing) Employer Superannuation Contribution: $3,505 $49,690 Professional Development Fringe Benefits Tax for non-cash benefit: $0 $12,940 Total Remuneration $ 52,331 Salary Package Allowances (IPad data plan & telephone rental) $6,384 Total Remuneration $621,485

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8. CONTRACTS contracts for purchase of land and/or buildings Section 428 (2) (h) are not included in the contracts detailed.

Payments for goods and services, under Contracts for greater than $250,000, including contractual arrangements during 2018/2019 of the name of the contractor, the nature of the greater than $250,000, are shown below and goods or services supplied by the contractor and are in accordance with the Local Government the total amount paid to the contractor are Act 1993, Local Government Regulations, and provided below. Please note that the contract Tendering Guidelines. payments listed below may exceed the nominated contract value, due to variation of Employment contracts (that is contracts of contract terms and conditions. service), employee superannuation payments,

Total Paid (GST Inclusive) Name of Contractor Description of Goods and Services (Tender unit rates to the value of) Water truck and excavator hire, Yass Earthmovers contract labour; road gravel $260,987 resheeting civil works. Truck hire, plant hire and water Top Water Carters Pty Ltd $264,242 carting hire. $294,254 Goulburn Country Motors Purchase of Council fleet vehicles.

Interflow Pty Ltd Sewer Rehabilitation. $311,820 Ashton LT & MA Pty Ltd Plant Hire for tree removal, tree (trading as Lloyds Tree $319,406 trimming and mulching trees. Services) Skip bins rubbish removal at transfer Cleanaway stations and waste transfer from $325,045 Gunning landfill. Geissler Motors Purchase of Council fleet vehicles. $335, 148 Purchase of heavy plant equipment, Komatsu $336,739 Spare parts and services. Stabilfix Pty Ltd Road repair services $343,415

Sprayed bitumen surfacing; heavy Roadworx Surfacing Pty Ltd patching roadworks; supply cold mix $374,172 and emulsion.

Southern Truck Centre Purchase of Council fleet vehicles. $382,979

Supply and installation of road safety $445,216 Euro Civil Pty Ltd barriers, guardrails and supply of

fencing materials.

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Supply of electricity various Origin Energy $449,077 sites/locations.

Coopers Earthmoving and Road rehabilitation civil works and $541,944 Haulage Pty Ltd plant hire.

Crookwell Hay Contractors Plant Hire. $784,863

Park Fuels Pty Ltd Supply of Fuel and Diesel. $785,928

Building construction of Crookwell ARW Multigroup Construction $990,912 Memorial Oval building. Specialists Win, crush and stockpile gravel; Road, Denrith Pty Ltd (trading as Bridge rehabilitation civil works; truck Divalls Bulk Haulage and $1,600,352 and excavator plant hire; sand and soil Earthmoving) supplies. Sprayed bitumen surfacing; heavy

patching roadworks; supply cold mix $1,796,935 Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd and emulsion.

Work on the MR52 Gunning Road Devil’s Elbow section road reconstruction

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9. RURAL FIRE SERVICE ACTIVITIES BRIGADE CALLOUTS – 2018/2019 Section 428 (2) (i) Fire and Other Incidents GENERAL There were no fires reported in Environmentally Upper Lachlan Shire Council, Sensitive Areas within the Shire during the and Goulburn Mulwaree Council have agreed to reporting period. enter into a rural fire district zone and service level agreement with the NSW Rural Fire Service For the financial year 2018/2019, the RFS in the (RFS) pursuant to Section 12A, of the Rural Fire Upper Lachlan Shire local government area Services Act 1997. Council supports the RFS by responded to:- making an annual financial contribution to them for undertaking the day to day management of • Grass/forest/scrub fires/explosions 67 the rural fire services on behalf of the three Councils. The Councils also provide • Motor vehicle accident/car fire 25 administration and finance resources support for the RFS operations. • Hazardous Chemical 1

Upper Lachlan Shire Council collects and • Service Calls 10 expends Section 94 developer contributions • Good intent Calls 6 related to emergency service contributions on behalf of individual brigades as necessary. • Other 1

HAZARD REDUCTION The above statistics represents a total of 110 These duties are now undertaken by the NSW incidents attended for the twelve month period Rural Fire Service and include such activities as to 30 June 2019 fire trail maintenance and assisting land owners and other agencies with hazard reduction operations if requested.

Council carried out hazard reduction work such as slashing of road verges and controlled mowing of open spaces and ensuring these areas are free of undergrowth that may be likely to constitute a bushfire hazard.

STATUATORY BUSHFIRE DANGER PERIOD

1 October 2018 to the 31 March 2019 (this may be varied subject to local conditions).

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10. CULTURAL SERVICES

PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE SERVICES AND ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR PEOPLE OF DIVERSE CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC BACKGROUNDS Section 428 (2) (j)

Programmes undertaken by Council to promote services and access to services for residents included those activities listed below. Council believes these programs provide access to all residents of the Shire given the nature of the close knit rural communities that exist within the Shire.

Council undertook the following initiatives: - • Ongoing implementation of the 2017-2020 Cultural Plan that underpins support for local activities. • Cultural events funding program of $3,000 annually. • Continuation of activities outlined within the Social and Community Plan for the Shire. • Continues support to the Access Committee of Council. • Youth Week Events. • Community Technology Centre access to services in the villages of Bigga and Tuena. • Continuation of the library service for the towns of Gunning and Crookwell. • Countined partnership with Southern Tablelands Arts on program delivery.

10a) LIBRARY SERVICES

MISSION STATEMENT: To assist residents to fulfil their informational, cultural and recreational needs by providing appropriate library resources and services.

Key Performance Performance Delivery Action Delivered Indicator Measure

Quarterly reports Report to Council by 1.9 Encourage Achieved - quarterly reports for for library deadline recreational and library services to Council was services to leisure activities while completed by the Council deadlines. council maintaining public safety standards

Complete NSW Completed by State 1.9 Encourage Achieved – Library Return was State Library Library Deadline recreational and completed and sent to the NSW Return of Local leisure activities while State Library in November 2018. Priority Grant maintaining public Report and safety standards Statement of Library Operations

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Develop policies Become an 1.3 Community Not achieved – to be completed in and guidelines operational eSmart services for young, 2019/2020. for user access Library by December aged, disabled, and and use of 2019 people from diverse technology in the backgrounds libraries

Increase Increase by 1% per 1.4.1 Community Achieved - 223 new members joined membership and annum Services for young, the library number of library aged, disabled, and loans people from diverse Achieved - 35,076 physical items cultural backgrounds borrowed and renewed; 7,920 digital items borrowed and renewed through BorrowBox and RB Digital

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OVERVIEW: • 293 adults and children attended The Upper Lachlan Shire Library Service other events held by other groups had a very busy twelve months, finishing in and outside the library; the replacement of stock from the storm • 216 adults participated in damage at the Crookwell Library, workshops/talks/tech savvy preparing for the implementation of the seniors classes; new Library Management System, and a • 62 adults attended author talks; range of new titles added to our physical • 31 requested and 10 supplied Inter and digital collections. Library Loans; 2 bulk loans of Italian books from the NSW State The 2018 - 2019 Community Survey found Library; that 97% of residents surveyed were • 40,713 visitors. satisfied with the Shire’s library service. The Upper Lachlan Shire Library Service Usage of the services and resources at continued to operate under a Service both our libraries remained at high levels Level Agreement with Goulburn throughout the year. There was an Mulwaree Council. Under the agreement increase in visitors to our libraries and the Goulburn Mulwaree provides cataloguing number of digital items borrowed and services and library members continue to renewed through BorrowBox and RB have access to the shared collections. Digital increased by 403.5%. Crookwell Library staff completed the Upper Lachlan Shire Library Service had: cataloguing of the new books received • 223 new members joined the from the library supplier ALS. All the library; damaged books have now been replaced • 35,076 physical items borrowed and are available for loan. and renewed; • 7,920 ebooks, audiobooks and Our libraries started Lego Clubs for emagazines borrowed (from RB children ages 5 years and up after school Digital and BorrowBox); during the school term. Lego Club has • 6,784 Internet sessions; proved to be very popular.

• 1,299 children attended storytime The preparation for the implementation /giggle and wiggle; of the new Library Management System • 256 children attended activities; (LMS) called Spydus kept library staff busy • 141 children from Crookwell Public leading up to the go live date of July 2019. School attended storytime and Library staff attended training; created craft sessions in term 3 2018; the back end settings; built the new OPAC • 224 adults participated in (library catalogue) for our members; knitting/scrabble sessions; undertook User Acceptance Testing (UAT); checked the migration of data; and

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019 implemented and tested the new community members. Participants found equipment required for the system. All that the courses were very useful and felt collections across our libraries were that they were empowered with their new skills and knowledge. weeded thoroughly before the migration of data to the new system. This year the Upper Lachlan Shire Library Service utilised a range of promotional EVENTS AND PROMOTION: activities through print media (e.g. Voice, Crookwell Gazette, and Lions Club of Our Library Service hosted a number of Gunning Noticeboard), digital media events and activities for adults, including: (library’s website), radio and social media • Workshops/talks – talking suicide (Library Facebook, Upper Lachlan Shire prevention; what men can do to Facebook) including: stop violence against women; bees • Print media – multiple references and gardens; dementia; reducing • Library Facebook posts – 236 posts loneliness and isolation; geology of ABC Radio West interviewed the Library Manager about the new books replacing Gunning/Dalton; avoiding scams; the storm damaged items at the and rural crime and stock theft. Crookwell Library. The interview aired on • Activities – Gunning knitting Circle; the radio on the morning of Friday the 7th Crookwell Scrabble. September as a news item. • Author visits – Kim Hodges, Pam Local Government (LG) Focus newspaper Kensit and Helen Joy Buck. ran a story on the Friends of the Crookwell

Library Lend a Helping Hand.

Both libraries promoted the Renew our Libraries campaign. The Renew our Libraries campaign by the NSW Public Library Association aim was to increase the funding to NSW Public Libraries which was considerably less than other states and territories. The NSW Public Library Association was successful in gaining more funding for NSW Public Libraries.

Pam Kensit’s Book Talk CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE EVENTS: Upper Lachlan Shire Library Service Our library facilities are regularly used by partnered with Telstra and the State Play Groups, Pre-schools, local primary Library of NSW to facilitate “Tech Savvy and high schools, After School Care and Seniors” classes designed for the over 65 Vacation Care groups, and Crookwell age group. The classes covered iPads; Essential Services. smartphones, Android tablets; sharing photos and other attachments online; The Library’s early childhood literacy email; social media; and online shopping. programs continue to attract large The classes were attended by 41 numbers and are aimed at the 0-5 age

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019 group and their parents/carers. Activities bookmark; scrunch art; make a included: Christmas cracker; waterbugs; • Regular storytime sessions. butterfly and bugs; under the sea • National Simultaneous Storytime. murals; summer reading club • Special Storytimes, such as party; stained glass light catcher; Indigenous reader Joel Bulger, and Helen Joy Buck. and Mother’s Day craft.

Children and young people activities were also well attended and included: • Summer Reading Club. This year 49 children participated in the program across our two libraries. There were 58% more children participating in the program in 2018-2019 than they did in 2017- 2018. The participants read over two hundred and fifty books over

the summer. Butterfly and Bug School Holiday Activity

• Gunning and District after School Care, Crookwell after School Care and Crookwell Vacation Care all visited our libraries throughout the year. • Infant’s classes from Crookwell Public School visited the Crookwell Library every Tuesday morning during term 3. Children enjoyed a themed based story and craft activity related to the school’s curriculum. This was the second year of running this very successful program. One hundred and forty- one children participated in this program.

COLLECTIONS, RESOURCES AND FACILITIES: • School holiday and after school Library buildings, facilities and resources workshops, included, Ngunnawal continue to be upgraded and well bush tucker; make your own maintained.

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Collections • A selection of audiobooks received The Upper Lachlan Shire Library Service from another public library. collections continued to be enhanced with • The Crookwell Friends of the the addition of new items and a weeding Library bought an Android tablet and discard program. Some Library to help facilitate the Android collections were moved to more tablet and smartphone Tech Savvy prominent places in the library. Crookwell seniors’ classes and for staff to and Gunning Libraries swapped a assist library customers with selection of DVDs in order to refresh their queries. collections.

A new service called the Public Selection Tool was added to the library’s website. The Public Selection Tool allows library members to vote on books to purchase. Goulburn Mulwaree Library reviews the votes and this helps to inform their selection decisions.

Items were weeded from the adult fiction; youth fiction; junior easy; magazine; legal Crookwell Friends of the Library DVD and drug information; non-fiction; Donations sustainable living kits; graphic novels; Resources biography; bird; audiobooks; large print; Ian Wilson; pedometer; western; and Our Library Service received extra funding literary collections. from a number of grants this year, including: Our collections were boosted by a number of extra purchases/donations, including: • Tech Savvy Seniors Grant to facilitate computer classes across our libraries. • Early readers donated by the • A Law Week grant though the NSW Friends of Gunning Library, worth State Library to hold an Avoiding $400. Scams by the NSW Fair Trading Office at both of our libraries. • Three books donated by the CWA • Evening Branch. The books are Support letters were sent to the Upper AgGuides focussing on bees and Lachlan Landcare and Gunning District drought proofing your farm. Landcare for grants to run school holiday workshops at both libraries • Two book kits which were and two Q-Fever Information Sessions acquired from another library to at the Crookwell Library. use for the Read and Connect Book

Clubs. • Sixteen new DVD titles donated to Volunteers continue to assist at our the Crookwell Library by the libraries, completing five hundred and Crookwell Friends of the Library, fifteen and a half hours in 2018/19. worth $350.

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Crookwell Library hosted a work exams. As well as the library being a experience student from Crookwell High people place, bringing people together School on Fridays during Term 3 2018. with diverse backgrounds through a range of informal social activities and structured Facilities group activities, including: • Crookwell Memorial Hall Remediation and repair work was Committee for their quarterly undertaken at both library buildings. meetings and AGM;

• The Crookwell Archives and As part of Council’s commitment to District Historical Society for providing excellent public access meetings and research during their computer facilities, four new PCs were renovations of their space; their installed during the year. Our up-to-date AGM afternoon tea; and Christmas computer technology, fast Internet and afternoon tea; free Wi-Fi facilities provide an excellent • The Country Arts Support Program service to library members and the many visitors to our Shire. The NBN was held a meeting at the Gunning Library; connected at the Crookwell Library in • May. The Crookwell Library continues to The Southern Tablelands Arts held offer print-on-demand services for a grant writing workshop at the customers with Bring Your Own Devices Crookwell Library. (BYOD). LIBRARY FRIENDS: The PCs and equipment (A4 printers, The Library Friend’s continue to provide scanners and slip printers) required for support for our libraries and raise funds the Spydus implementation were for purchasing items for our collections. implemented into our libraries. The AMLIB PCs and equipment from Goulburn The Crookwell Friends of the Library Mulwaree Council were returned to catered for events; purchased books, Goulburn Mulwaree Council IT at the end magazines (Choice and Grahiher), DVDs of June. and an Android tablet; provided gifts for authors and volunteers; purchased lucky Booth seating was installed in the youth dips for the Summer Reading Club; craft area at the Crookwell Library. A power supplies for school holiday events; and point was also installed to enable paid for the butterfly and bug school customers to charge their devices whilst holiday activity. The Crookwell Friends of working. This are is very popular with the Library held two successful book sales. students and adults. The Friends of Gunning Library purchased This year saw a continuation of the library early readers, adult fiction books and being a place where school, university and DVDs. The Friends of Gunning Library held TAFE students can study and undertake four book sales during the year.

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10c) REGIONAL TOURISM and promotional priorities for tourism in the Shire with the four key objectives being:- General Overview 1. Upper Lachlan delivers a unique, The Upper Lachlan Tourist Association (ULTA) consumer valued tourism experience; has continued to work with tourism operators and local groups to develop and promote the 2. The Upper Lachlan’s tourism industry is Upper Lachlan Shire throughout 2018/2019. The prosperous and attracts ongoing main local and regional tourism projects and investment; activities implemented during this year include - 3. The tourism sector takes a leading role in - Launch of the revamped Visit Upper protecting and enhancing our history, Lachlan website; culture and built and natural - Exhibiting at the Canberra Home and environments; and Leisure Show and the Collector Pumpkin Festival; 4. The Upper Lachlan Tourist Association is - Development of new Self-Guided able to effectively and comprehensively Heritage Walks for Crookwell and promote the region, provide guidance Gunning in collaboration with the local and relevant information and services to Historical Societies; the sector and visitors. - Release of a new Upper Lachlan Destination Guide; The 2018/19 plan review also took into - Production of new Scenic Drives consideration the objectives and actions of the - Development of new suggested Destination Southern New South Wales itineraries; Destination Management Plan 2020 with - Development of a Shire wide cycling respect to the Tablelands sub-region. strategy; - Post Weekly newspaper column; The ULTA aims to support and encourage the - Crookwell Potato Festival event development of authentic products, informed coordination; by consumer research as to people’s desires - Significant updates to the Australian when it comes to visiting regions. To this end Tourism Data Warehouse; the ULTA works at both a regional and local - New and existing event funding level with government agencies, regional programs; development bodies, niche interest groups, - Upper Lachlan Tourist Association industry operators and potential industry Membership Scheme; operators. Existing products can be developed - Expanded presence in “The Voice”; or new products including events can be - Meet the Locals campaign; developed as motivators to visit, stay and spend - Fridge calendar of events distribution; in the region. - Product trade fact sheets; - Instagram channel development; Festivals and Events

Tourism Strategic Plan Implementation Events play an important role across the region as a major driver of overnight stays and During 2018/2019 the Upper Lachlan Tourist expenditure in the towns and villages. The types Association again reviewed the 2020 Tourism of events range from cultural to sporting to Strategic Plan that lays down the development special occasions particularly weddings.

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It is an ongoing role of the Upper Lachlan work of these many small businesses as they Tourist Association through the tourism staff to strengthen the offering to visitors. assist minor and major events with planning, promotion and evaluation. Tourism staff are directly involved in the Crookwell Potato Festival and organise the Crookwell Australia Day celebrations.

The 2019 Crookwell Potato Festival added its first country theme with the initial choice being Ireland. The festival was very pleased to host Eamon Robinson, the Deputy Head of Mission from the Irish Embassy in Canberra as a special guest along with celebrity chef Lyndey Milan OAM as the key attraction in the demonstration Fully renovated Hillcrest House in Binda kitchen.

In 2018/2019 the ULTA through its Events Funding program was pleased to be able to Tourist Information assist the organisers of the Crookwell Garden Festival, Crookwell Squash Open, Sculpture in In addition to private attractions, tourism staff the Village and the Mary Gilmore Weekend. work on a range of experience development projects. In 2018/2019 staff completed a complete revamp of the self–guided historic walks for Crookwell and Gunning, cycling trails and scenic driving routes across the Shire. This was particularly important with the final sealing of State Road MR54 to Bathurst and Orange which not only provides a vital link into the NSW central west but is also a scenic drive.

Tourism Promotion Crookwell Garden Festival Markets Promotion of the Shire to visitors and potential Attractions and Activities visitors is an everyday occurrence through the Visitor Information Centres, telephone, email, At an individual operator level, the ULTA website, social media, print advertising, editorial supports its member businesses and groups and poster distribution. through a range of services including promotional opportunities, business The region was again well received by visitors to enhancements such as online accommodation the Canberra Home, Leisure and Travel Show booking, access to industry databases, access to with many Canberra people keen to explore statistics for business proposals and the like. their own backyard and fascinated by the Tablelands region and the many attractions and Throughout the year staff have provided advice activities on offer. and information to a range of new and proposed tourism product operators and we Every two years, staff develop a new look forward to the region benefitting from the Destination Guide for the region. This guide showcases the many attractions of the region,

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019 places to stay and eat, outlines the villages and ways to engage with the rich history. The guide Project 6 – Canberra Leveraging and Partnership is distributed across the state through the Strategy – framework for a more strategic Accredited Visitor Information Centre network relationship released in April 2019. and various businesses. The 2018 edition of the guide features the new scenic drives and a Project 7 – Visitor Data Evaluation and selection of suggested itineraries to inspire Assessment – Destination NSW have announced visitors to explore options across the Shire. a partnership with Westpac Bank to use credit card transactions to provide visitor economy Social media is a key promotional tool in the statistics. digital age and hence staff spent a considerable proportion of their time working on digital marketing. This year there was particular focus on building our facebook community through regular, relevant posts. As a result, for the year we averaged over 10000 engagements per month and growing.

Regional Representation and Co-operation

The Upper Lachlan has been working with Destination Southern NSW and our neighbouring local government areas on the New Destination Guide implementation projects identified in the Destination Southern NSW Destination Management Plan 2020. Tourism Statistics

Six of the seven projects are of particular The statistics for 2018/2019 show some very relevance to our region – positive signs:

Project 1 – Product Audit, Gap and Capacity - Social media engagement up by 26%; Analysis – aimed at determining where - Website sessions up by 16%; opportunities lie for investment. This project is - Sales at the VIC were up by 6%; almost complete. - Crookwell Caravan Park nights were down slightly in a soft market. Project 2 – Industry Development and Growth Support – targeting training opportunities have Visitation to the region for the been identified and continue to be rolled out in year ended March 2019 was up 6.6% to 4.8m conjunction with Destination NSW. visitors with spend up 1.6% to $852 million.

Project 3 – Southern Tablelands Destination 10d) MULTI CULTURAL ACCESS Development – Project proposal being tabled in Quarter 1 of 2019/2020. The demand for services for persons from non- English speaking backgrounds and / or from the Project 5 – Touring Routes – early success with Aboriginal community has not been evident in the inclusion of a route in the NSW Great Road the Upper Lachlan Shire local government area. Trips campaign. Further work to be undertaken.

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Lachlan Shire Council area. The policy is 11. PRIVATE WORKS designed to protect public funds and the Section 428 (2) (k) integrity, security and reputation of the Council and its Staff and maintain a high level of In accordance with Section 67, of the Local services to the community. Government Act 1993, a Council may, by agreement with the owner or occupier of any Upper Lachlan Shire Council carries out work private land, carry out on the land any kind of on private land in accordance with plant hire work that may lawfully be carried out on the and labour rates established by Council when land. Examples of the kind of work that a setting the Schedule of Fees and Charges. In Council might carry out under this section 2018/2019 there were water supply, sewerage, include: paving, road access construction, noxious weeds and roads related private water and sewer connections and kerb and works, the total of such work was $44,874. In gutter works. addition, Council undertook the private works project of reconstruction of Woodhouselee Upper Lachlan Shire Council has adopted a Road North for Crookwell Developments - Private Works (Projects and Plant Hire) Policy Crookwell 2 Wind Farm development for $1.1 to regulate and stipulate the requirements for million. the undertaking of private works within the Upper

Former Mayor Brian McCormack OAM and the NSW Deputy Premier, the Hon. John Barilaro MP

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12. AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTED OR GRANTED UNDER SECTION 356 Section 428 (2) (l)

Section 356, of the Local Government Act 1993, permits Councils to resolve to contribute money or grant financial assistance to persons as a means of exercising Council functions. Council has established a Section 356 - Financial Assistance Policy and allocates funding annually in Council’s Operational Plan for financial assistance / contributions to community, sporting and charity organisations.

The following is the list of Council Section 356 Contributions for 2018/2019 in $: -

Bigga Golf Club (Ordinary Rates and Waste) $2,429 Bigga Primary School P and C $1,000 Crookwell and District Arts Spring Fling $500 Crookwell and District Historical Society $900 Crookwell AP and H Society (Ordinary Rates) $3,188 Crookwell A P and H Society (water use reduction) $500 Crookwell CWA (Ordinary Rates) $857 Fullerton Anglican Church Property Trust (Ordinary Rates and Waste) $552 Goulburn and District Education Foundation $2,000 Goulburn Crookwell Heritage Railway Inc. (Waste, Water & Sewer Rates) $1,639 Crookwell Community Men’s Shed (Rates) $414 Gunning Medical Centre $10,000 Middle Arm Hall Progress Association (Ordinary Rates and Waste) $642 Narrawa and District War Memorial Hall (Ordinary Rates and Waste $510 Katelyn Croker – Sporting Representation Donation $250 Bridget Anable – Sporting Representation Donation $250 Jesse Croker – Sporting Representation Donation $250 KA Staples – Sporting Representation Donation $500 Chris McCarthy – Sporting Representation Donations $750 Australian Agriculture Centre Donation $20,000 Christmas in the Park ULSC $500 Willowtree Sculpture Garden Sponsorship $1000 Dalton Hall Reserve Trust $500 Bannister District Hall Association (Rates) $595 Southern Tablelands Regional Arts Council (STARTS) Membership $2,185 St Vincent De Paul (Ordinary Rates and Waste Charges) $2,248 Taralga Australia Day Committee – Rodeo Contribution $1,000 Taralga Historical Society (Ordinary Rates and Water) $1,201 Taralga Medical Clinic (Ordinary Rates and Waste) $1,106 Taralga Playgroup $500 Taralga Public School $1,000 Taralga Small Schools Sports Sponsorship $582 Lions Club of Gunning Sponsorship of noticeboard $375

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In-kind Contributions Crookwell Picnic Race Club (in kind watering - Binda Picnic Races) $500 Gunning Focus Group - Court House Rent $750 St Vincent De Paul (Mattress disposal) $180 Taralga Australia Day Committee - Rodeo DA fee $220 Gunning Roos Rugby League Club (Showground fee and water use waiver $3,500 estimate) TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS $48,568

In addition to the financial contributions listed above Council also provide in kind support to Committees of Council and waive public hall hire fees and Development Application fees for various community groups.

2019 Gunning Australia Day event and Award winners pictured with Council Mayor John Stafford and Australia Day Ambassador, Lyndey Milan OAM

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13. HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITIES The Workforce Plan Section 428 (2) (m) The Workforce Plan identifies the Council’s Human Resources section strengths and weakness of Council in the encompasses a broad range of area of human resource management and responsibilities which impact on Council’s to outline the broad strategies to move ability to operate efficiently and forward in the next four years. effectively, having regard to employment law, best practice, workplace relations The Workforce Plan identifies and focuses and remuneration management. Human on six (6) key strategic areas:- resources initiatives also include recruitment and selection, annual 1. Employee Attraction and performance reviews, workplace Retention; relations, training and development for 2. Employee Training, Learning and employees to meet the business needs of Development; Council. In accordance with the State and 3. Organisational Development; Federal Industrial Relations legislation, 4. Performance Management; Council supports a consultative process 5. Work Health and Safety (WH&S); between management, employees and and union representatives. 6. Employee Relations.

The Human Resources section is The Workforce Plan is designed to support responsible for providing advice and Council objectives including; being a professional assistance designed to assist responsible employer, working together in the attainment of business goals and as a team, fairness to all and an impartial objectives. Human resources aims to assessment. maximise the potential of Council’s employees through shared goals, Recruitment and Selection consultation and participation in the decision making processes, and working in In accordance with relevant legislation, an environment free from all forms of Council has continuously developed and discrimination. implemented protocols and procedures for the recruitment and selection of The Upper Lachlan Shire Council employees that will complement endeavours to see that organisational organisational performance and ensure human resources activities are carried out compliance with EEO principles. Protocols within a clear and concise framework of are subject to review within agreed policies, procedures and service timeframes to ensure currency. standards. The human resources policies and procedures are continually subject to The Human Resources section has review in consultation with relevant developed and implemented new stakeholders and through consultative recruitment strategies for the mechanisms. organisation.

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Council employee positions advertised Performance Reviews externally and recruited:- All Council employees are assessed o Finance Officer - Crookwell annually against the documented o Library Assistant – Gunning accountabilities, responsibilities and o Expenditure Officer – Gunning performance measures applicable to their o Horticulturist individual positions. The assessment o Casual Swimming Pool Attendant process allowed staff the opportunity to o Development Control Officer document the skills and knowledge they o Council Ranger had acquired since the previous o Apprentice Plant Mechanic performance review. Acquisition of skills o Cleaner Taralga Community Centre and knowledge allows for progression o Townsperson - Bigga through Council’s salary system. The o Strategic Planner process encourages two way feedback o Work Health and Safety (WHS) & and prompts discussion on career Environmental Officer objectives, advancement opportunities o Management Accountant and desired training. o Manager of Infrastructure Delivery o Manager of Assets and Design The annual performance appraisals for o Manager of Environment and Council employees continue to play an Planning important part in the Council’s o Manager of Regulatory organisational structure with employees Compliance & Biosecurity Services gaining the skills required to progress o Coordinator of Assets and Planning through to higher positions. This process and Programming also identifies training needs for the organisation. Council also advertised internally a number of positions to allow developing Policy and Procedure Review and employees to progress to higher position Development within the organisation:- Upper Lachlan Shire Council reviews o Senior Storeman policies and procedures to keep up-to- o Executive Assistant to General date with legislative changes and best Manager (Maternity Relief) practice initiatives. The following policies o Biosecurity Officer were revised and implemented:- o Skilled Labourer (Gunning) o Child Protection Policy o Skilled Labourer (Maintenance o Drug and Alcohol Policy Gang) o Phased-In Retirement Policy o Gunning Townsperson o Work Experience Placement Policy o Plant Coordinator o Equal Employment Opportunity o Skilled Labourer Bridge Gang Management Plan o Plant Operator Truck o Equal Employment Opportunity o Taralga Townsperson and Anti-Discrimination Policy o Plant Operator Truck – Water Cart o Women in Local Government o Plant Operator Roller Framework – Upper Lachlan Shire Action Plan

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Industrial Relations enhance their competence, and is of benefit to the Council’s service Council undertook a Realignment process provision, and the employee’s of Council’s Works and Operations ability to fulfil their position Department. This has now been realigned requirements. as the Infrastructure Department. This * To facilitate the development of a process will include the implementation of Training Plan that will match Oosoft within Council salary system training and development performance management system and processes to the current and position description evaluations in future skill requirements of Council accordance with the Local Government and the career development needs (State) Award 2017. of employees. * To ensure that expenditure in Human Resources Training Plan training matters is used in a cost effective manner. Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s Staff * To comply with Local Government Training Plan is primarily designed to (State) Award and other legislative satisfy and maintain its needs for a and regulative provisions related workplace which has up to date to Council. knowledge, skills and potential necessary for the effective and efficient functioning Training and Development of the organisation. This plan is designed to assist Council to develop the Council has an on-line training system that competency of its people and to develop a provides compliance packages that all more highly skilled and flexible workforce. staff can access. The training programs that are available includes:- OBJECTIVES: • Bullying and Harassment * To encourage employees in their • EEO personal and professional • Alcohol and Other Drugs development and to assist them • Work, Health and Safety where necessary to maintain high levels of competence in their Council has a contract with a training respective positions and vocations. provider ELMO and has implemented the * To provide development learning platform in 2018/2019. opportunities via a range of sources including training Training plans are developed and conducted by recognised private reviewed every twelve months following providers, training/coaching in the annual performance reviews. Council specific skills areas provided by has established a comprehensive training designated staff, on the job plan for all Council employees, the training by managers and team following courses were undertaken leaders, and approved tertiary throughout the financial year:- studies. * To provide assistance to o Working Safely Near Live Electrical employees where a course of Apparatus & Provide study can be demonstrated to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

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o HLTAID003 First Aid o Conduct Backhoe/Loader Operations o OOSOFT Training o Level 1 Playground Inspection Training o Alcohol and other Drugs Information/Training Sessions o Council Induction Training o Water Industry Treatment (Wastewater) Cert III o Water Industry Treatment (Drinking Water) Cert III o Code of Conduct Training for Councillors & Senior Staff o Code of Conduct Training – all staff o Elevated Work Platform – Yellow Card – BL, SL and TL o General Construction Induction Training o National WHS General Construction Induction Training o Government Information (Public Access) Act – Introductory Course o Government Information (Public Access) Act – Advance Course o Prepare Work Zone Traffic Management Plant

In 2018/2019 total staff training costs were $113,000 this includes the employees’ time, salaries and training course fees. The training costs excluding salaries and wages totalled $73,413.

There were also staff recruitment expenses incurred that totalled $74,348 including medical examinations, advertising and interview expenses; however, this amount excludes staff salaries and wages expenses.

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14. IMPLEMENTATION OF EQUAL selection of employees that will EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY complement organisational performance MANAGEMENT PLAN and ensure compliance with EEO Section 428 (2) (n) principles and ethos.

Council has in recent years recruited The purpose of Council’s EEO individuals from many culturally diverse Management Plan and Policy are to backgrounds from different countries, ensure that:- cultures, and religion. These include • The best available person is individuals from Pakistan, Bangladesh, selected (merit based selection) Iran, Laos, USA and New Zealand. A for each position; number of these individuals are appointed to senior management roles; examples • The right people are trained in the include the Director of Infrastructure and correct and most appropriate Manager of Assets and Design. functions; Council have employed women in senior • The most suitable/best person is management roles; examples include the promoted; Director of Environment and Planning and • Every employee is developed to Manager Library Services and also reach their full potential; appointed women in roles such as the Senior Storesperson, Senior Revenue • Every employee is able to work Coordinator, IT Systems Coordinator. productively in a non-threatening

and non-harassing environment. The purposes of Council’s EEO Policy are Council has adhered to the goal of an EEO to ensure that:- programme that ensures that for any • The best available person is position the best available person is selected for each position; selected. In other words, a person’s race, • The right people are trained in the sex, marital status, membership of an correct and most appropriate ethnic or migrant group or physical, functions; intellectual or psychiatric impairment or • The most suitable/best person is sexuality, should not reduce a person’s promoted; chance of employment or promotion or • Every employee is developed to access to employment benefits. reach their full potential no matter what sex, age, race and so on; Equal Employment Opportunity • Every employee is able to work Management Plan is designed to ensure productively in a non-threatening that there is no discrimination or and non-harassing environment. harassment e in the workplace. The EEO Management Plan encompasses a range The goal of an EEO Programme is to of responsibilities and below is a sample ensure that for any position the best of activities:- available person is selected. In other words, a person’s race, sex, marital status, Recruitment and Selection membership of an ethnic or migrant group In accordance with relevant legislation, or physical, intellectual or psychiatric the Council has implemented protocols impairment or homosexuality, etc., should and procedures for the recruitment and not reduce his / her chance of

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019 employment or promotion or access to EEO PROGRAM ACTIVITIES employment benefits. EEO Policy Statement In practical terms, a commitment to EEO means that staff selection must be 1. Objective accurate, fair, accountable and systematic and promotions should be based solely on To demonstrate management and merit. Decisions about Staff selection organisational commitment to EEO, must be made on job-related criteria and ensure there is an understanding of EEO should not render Council, as the principles, and keep staff informed about responsible employer, to charges of the EEO Management Plan. unlawful discrimination. 2. Strategies EEO Plans have been developed to ensure To ensure there is organisational adequate training and exposure is given to commitment to EEO and an all staff to ensure they are aware of EEO understanding of EEO principles by all principles and the Council's adopted employees. policy. Council continues to place great emphasis on its Equal Employment 3. Target Group Opportunity Management Plan to All existing and prospective employees of ascertain its relevance in relation to Council, elected Councillors, Committees Council's operations. of Council and Council volunteers.

Throughout the year, Council continued to 4. Actions implement EEO Policies. All newly 4.1 Review the policy statement to appointed Council employees are ensure it contains the following:- provided with a copy of Council's EEO Management Plan to enable them to be a) A positive commitment by Council fully aware of the principles and to implementing the EEO program guidelines that Council has adopted as and incorporating EEO principles part of their induction procedure. into all Council operations; b) Brief explanation about EEO and the Also, all staff members have been positive benefits EEO will bring to provided with a copy of Upper Lachlan Council as an organisation and to all Shire’s adopted Code of Conduct. Upper Council Staff; Lachlan Shire Council has also adopted an c) A brief statement about the Anti- Equal Employment Opportunity Discrimination Act and the Management Plan and an Equal responsibility of Council to ensure a Employment and Anti-Discrimination discrimination-free workplace; Policy which states the following EEO d) A brief outline of the EEO program activities and sets EEO Management Plan and proposed performance targets. activities including; e) Articulates the aims and summary of objectives; f) Priority strategies in various areas i.e. recruitment, training;

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g) A clear statement of responsibility 5.2 Communication and Awareness of all Mangers / supervisors in Raising preventing discrimination and promoting EEO; 5.2.1 All new employees attend EEO h) The Council Resolution adopting the sessions as part of Induction training EEO Policy and Management Plan; programs. i) Endorsement of the General Manager and Mayor. 5.2.2 Put into practice as part of all new staff Induction Process. 4.2 Gain management and staff commitment. 5.2.3 Random sampling of employees’ awareness / understanding of EEO is 4.3 Seek union/s agreement. undertaken on a regular basis through mediums such as selection interviews and 4.4 Submit EEO Policy to Council for exit interviews. adoption. 5.2.4 EEO questions are implemented 4.5 Keep employees involved and into the selection criteria as well as the updated on EEO issues by distribution EEO questions in the interview process for through the following channels:- all positions. a) Memo/circular or with pay advice/packets; 5.2.5 Quarterly progress reports on EEO b) Notice boards; achievements are prepared and c) Shire Newsletter; distributed to all staff. d) Include in personnel manual/induction booklets; 5.2.6 Department monthly and quarterly e) Include in staff induction and meetings are held and all Departments training courses. are aware of their responsibilities under the provisions of the EEO policy. 4.6 Inform local residents in pamphlets; distribute with rate notices/in 5.2.7 Report on EEO Management Plan library, local press, etc. is prepared annually for inclusion in Council’s Annual Report. EEO Performance Targets 5.2.8 The Human Resources Coordinator 5.1 EEO Policy Statements in concurrence with the Department Directors and General Manager, review, 5.1.1 EEO policy publicised and amend and forward document to Council distributed to staff. meeting for adoption.

5.1.2 Copy of the EEO Policy is issued to 5.3 Appointment, Promotion and all staff, and human resources discuss the Transfer contents and requirements of the EEO policy in their initial Employee Induction 5.3.1 Immediate and ongoing. Process. 5.3.2 The Human Resources Coordinator in concurrence with the Department

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Directors and General Manager, review, amend and forward the Recruitment and 5.5.1 Immediate and ongoing. Selection Policy to Council annually, with the provisions outlined. 5.5.2 All conditions of employment will o All employee recruitment and be in accordance with Council’s selection will be in accordance with Recruitment and Selection Policy and equal employment opportunity procedures in complying with equal principles and EEO Management employment opportunity principles and Plan, Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, EEO Management Plan, Anti- the Local Government Act 1993 and Discrimination Act 1977, the Local the Local Government (State) Award Government Act 1993 and the Local 2017. Government (State) Award 2017.

5.4 Training and Development 5.6 Harassment and Grievance Procedures 5.4.1 Immediate and ongoing. 5.6.1 EEO Annual Report is produced on 5.4.2 The Human Resources Coordinator an annual basis for the year ending 30th in concurrence with the Managers and June. supervisors from their relevant Departments, review, amend and forward 5.6.2 EEO Management Plan is reviewed training needs analysis annually. This data on an annual basis and amended as is collated from the annual performance necessary. reviews, and is prioritized to meet organisational objectives in a timely and 5.6.3 Bullying and Harassment cost effective manner. The process is Prevention training was completed On designed to avoid and / or eliminate any Line by all staff members throughout the opportunity of discrimination outlined in year with all the supervisory positions Council’s EEO Management Plan. being given priority to assist their skills in identifying and addressing issues relating All Council staff have completed the to bullying and harassment. There will be Bullying and Harassment and EEO online ongoing training for new staff each year. training courses over the past three years.

5.5 Conditions of Employment

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15. DELEGATIONS TO EXTERNAL BODIES Council policies and within any funds that may Section 428 (2) (o) be voted by Council.

The following external bodies were delegated Collector Pumpkin Festival functions by Council during 2018/2019:- Functions of the Committee: The care, control, Bigga Memorial Hall Committee management and organisation of the Collector Pumpkin Festival in accordance with the Functions of the Committee: The care, control requirements of the Local Government Act and and management of the Bigga Memorial Hall in Regulations, 1993, Council policies and within accordance with the requirements of the Local any funds that may be voted by Council. Government Act and Regulations, 1993, Council policies and within the funds voted by Council. Collector Wind Farm Community Enhancement Program Committee Binda Hall Committee Functions of the Committee: To provide Functions of the Committee: The care control recommendations to Council prioritising and management of the Binda Hall in available project funding involving the accordance with the requirements of the Local Community Enhancement Program for the Government Act and Regulations, 1993, Council benefit of the eligible target community. policies and within the funds voted by Council. Community Technology Centre Committee Breadalbane Community Hall Committee Functions of the Committee: The care, control, Functions of the Committee: The care, control, management and organisation of the management and organisation of the Community Technology Centres in accordance Breadalbane Community Hall in accordance with with the requirements of the Local Government the requirements of the Local Government Act Act and Regulations, 1993, Council policies and and Regulations, 1993, Council policies and within any funds that may be voted by Council. within any funds that may be voted by Council. Crookwell and District Art Gallery Building Review Committee Functions of the Committee: The care, control, Functions of the Committee: To provide management and organisation of the Crookwell recommendations to Council on options for Arts Council in accordance with the possible locations for a relocation of the requirements of the Local Government Act and Crookwell Works Depot in accordance with the Regulations, 1993, Council policies and within requirements of the Local Government Act and any funds that may be voted by Council. Regulations, 1993, Council policies and within any funds that may be voted by Council from Crookwell and District Historical Society time to time. Functions of the Committee: The care control Collector Oval Committee and management of the history of the Crookwell portion of the area in accordance Functions of the Committee: The care, control, with the requirements of the Local Government management and organisation of the Collector Act and Regulations, 1993, Council policies and Oval in accordance with the requirements of the within the funds voted by Council. Local Government Act and Regulations, 1993,

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Crookwell II and III Wind Farm Community • To develop and pursue strategies to Enhancement Program Committee improve the services, infrastructure and lifestyle of the shire. Functions of the Committee: To provide • To increase the job opportunities in the community representation with regards to the Shire allowing existing businesses to be Community Enhancement Program for the successful and expand. benefit of the eligible target community. • To increase the population of the shire in a controlled manner by promoting the Crookwell Memorial Hall Committee residential qualities, relaxed lifestyle and attractiveness of the area. Functions of the Committee: The care, control • To identify, plan and attract and management of the Crookwell Memorial professionals, businesses and light Hall in accordance with the requirements of the industry to the Shire. Local Government Act and Regulations, 1993, • To build on the Shire’s rural strengths. Council policies and within the funds voted by Council. A Plan of Management for the facility Gunning Arts Festival Committee for a period of five years is agreed in accordance with the management arrangement with Functions of the Committee: The care, control, Council. management and organisation of the Gunning Arts Festival in accordance with the Crookwell Potato Festival Committee requirements of the Local Government Act and Regulations, 1993, Council policies and within Functions of the Committee: The care, control, any funds that may be voted by Council from management and organisation of the annual time to time. Crookwell Potato Festival in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act Gullen Range Wind Farm Community and Regulations, 1993, Council policies and Enhancement Program Committee within any budget that is voted by Council. Functions of the Committee: To provide Cullerin Wind Farm Community Enhancement recommendations to Council prioritising Program Committee available project funding involving the Community Enhancement Program for the Functions of the Committee: To provide benefit of the eligible target community. recommendations to Council prioritising available project funding involving the Gunning Golf Club Management Committee Community Enhancement Program for the benefit of the eligible target community. Functions of the Committee: The care, control, management and organisation of the Gunning Economic Development Task Force Committee Golf Club in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act and Regulations, Functions of the Committee: To consider and 1993, Council policies and within any funds that improve economic development strategies for may be voted by Council. the Upper Lachlan Shire with the Taskforce's aims being: Gunning Shire Hall and Showground Precinct Advisory Committee • To work closely with Shire staff and Council, via the Economic Development Functions of the Committee: To provide advice Officer. with respect to the care, control, management

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[UPPER LACHLAN SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT] 2018-2019 and organisation of the Gunning Shire Hall and Showground Precinct in accordance with the Streetscape Committee requirements of the Local Government Act and Regulations, 1993, Council policies and within Functions of the Committee: To provide higher any funds that may be voted by Council. level guidance and advice (not on operational matters) in relation to the Streetscape Project to Pool Review Committee Council and to act as a conduit between the Functions of the Committee: To provide advice Community and Council’s Project Control Group with respect to the investigation of a that is responsible or delivering the Streetscape hydrotherapy pool, a heated pool and the Project in accordance with the requirements of performance and adequacy of the existing pools the Local Government Act and Regulations, within the Upper Lachlan Shire Council local 1993, Council policies and within any funds that government area. may be voted by Council.

Pye Cottage Precinct Committee Taralga War Memorial Hall Committee

Functions of the Committee: To provide advice Functions of the Committee: The care, control, with respect to the care, control, management management and organisation of the Taralga and organisation of the Pye Cottage and Memorial Hall in accordance with the Precinct in accordance with the requirements of requirements of the Local Government Act and the Local Government Act and Regulations, Regulations, 1993, Council policies and within 1993, Council policies and within any funds that any funds that may be voted by Council. may be voted by Council. Taralga Wind Farm Community Enhancement Rye Park Wind Farm Community Enhancement Program Committee Program Committee Functions of the Committee: To provide Functions of the Committee: To provide community representation prioritising available recommendations to Council prioritising project funding involving the Community available project funding involving the Enhancement Program for the benefit of the Community Enhancement Program for the eligible target community. benefit of the eligible target community. Tony Foley Memorial Gunning District Sport and Recreation Committee Community Centre Committee

Functions of the Committee: To advise Council Functions of the Committee: The care control on matters involving the use, maintenance and and management of the Tony Foley Memorial improvement of Sporting Fields and Gunning District Community Centre in Recreational Facilities throughout the Upper accordance with the requirements of the Local Lachlan Shire. Government Act and Regulations, 1993, Council policies and within the funds voted by Council. Stonequarry Cemetery Committee Local Traffic Committee Functions of the Committee: The care control and management of the Stonequarry Cemetery Functions of the Committee: Primarily a in accordance with the requirements of the technical review committee that advises Council Local Government Act and Regulations, 1993, on traffic related matters in the Upper Lachlan Council policies and within the funds voted by Shire Council area. Council.

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Tuena Hall and Recreation Area Committee Youth Council (YA’MAD)

Functions of the Committee: The care control Functions of the Committee: The care, control, and management of the Tuena Hall and management and organisation of the Upper Recreation Area in accordance with the Lachlan Shire Youth Council in accordance with requirements of the Local Government Act and the requirements of the Local Government Act Regulations, 1993, Council policies and within and Regulations, 1993, Council policies and the funds voted by Council. within any budget that is voted by Council annually. Upper Lachlan Access Committee Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Functions of the Committee: Provide input to Council on access issues and to assist with the Functions of the Committee: The Audit, Risk and ongoing development of the Disability Action Improvement Committee will act as an advisory Plan. Committee to Council. The primary role of the Committee is to assist Council in the effective Upper Lachlan Tourist Association operation of its responsibilities for financial reporting, risk management, governance, Functions of the Committee: The care control investments, to maintain and review the internal and management of the tourist function of the control systems and to facilitate the Upper Lachlan area in accordance with the organisation’s ethical development. The Audit, requirements of the Local Government Act and Risk and Improvement Committee will liaise with Regulations, 1993, Council policies and within Council’s external auditor and internal auditor to the funds voted by Council. facilitate achieving the organisational goals and maintaining efficient work practices. Upper Lachlan Australia Day Committee Biala Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund Functions of the Committee: The Australia Day Committee Committee will be responsible for the co- ordination of the official Australia Day Functions of the Committee: To provide celebrations across the Upper Lachlan Shire recommendations to Council prioritising available subject to the Australia Day Council Guidelines project funding involving the Community the Committee‘s responsibilities in respect of Enhancement Program for the benefit of the this event are as follows: eligible target community. a) The Committee will: organise the Ambassador, provide recommendations to Council on the annual Australia Day Awards and the Sportsperson of the Year Awards and be responsible for expenditure as per Operational Plan allocation. b) The Council will: be responsible for any administrative assistance to the Committee and be responsible for funding as per the Operational Plan each year.

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16. NOXIOUS WEEDS REPORT

Under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (former Noxious Control of Noxious Weeds on Privately Owned Weeds Act 1993), Council has the responsibility, Land as the Local Control Authority, to control Noxious Weeds Inspection noxious weeds on lands under its jurisdiction During the year, Weed Officers conducted a and to also ensure that landowners within our private property inspection program which area carry out their responsibility to control relied heavily on the local experience of the noxious weeds on land they own or occupy. inspectors and also surveys conducted to target specific noxious weed problem areas. Control of Noxious Weeds on Council Land During 2018/2019, 607 private property In 2018/2019, Council’s Noxious Weeds Section inspections, 96 high risk pathway sites and implemented a weed control program to control 1,262 kilometres of transport pathway surveys noxious weeds on roadsides, reserves and parks were conducted with a range of actions taken to that are under Council’s control. Council’s Staff ensure that a maximum level of noxious weed conducted this weed control program, which control compliance was achieved. The aim of aimed to control noxious weeds to the this inspection/survey program was to identify standards specified in the control measures of new weed incursions and gain the co-operation the weed control orders made by the NSW of landholders to participate in control Government. The outcomes of this weed programs. control program were regularly reported to Council during the year. Where it was found that landholders were not carrying out their responsibilities to control Council’s noxious weed control program noxious weeds an enforcement procedure was focused on priority noxious weeds and new utilised to initiate weed control work. weed incursions with this program aimed at preventing the spread of noxious weeds from During the year information on a range of weed land under the responsibility of Council to land related issues were addressed in Council’s free of noxious weeds or where weeds had been newsletter, however the most effective method controlled. of communication and education with our community continued to be conducted on a one The intent of this control program is to set a on one basis between Weed Officers and positive example for weed control within our Landholders during the private inspection community. All complaints received during the programs. Weed staff also attended and spoke year were investigated by Weed Officers and at a number of meetings and Field Days during appropriate action taken to control infestations the year and weed control information was as specified in the control class. available from Inspectors at each of Council’s offices.

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17. CONTROLLING INTEREST IN 19. RATES AND CHARGES ABANDONED COMPANIES Section 428 (2) (r) and Clause 132 of Local Section 428 (2) (p) Government (General) Regulation 2005

Upper Lachlan Shire Council does not hold a During the 2018/2019 financial year an amount controlling interest in any company. of $12,666 was written-off related to water supply user charges. The income abandonment 18. PARTNERSHIPS, CO-OPERATIVES OR related to water usage accounts for undetected JOINT VENTURES water leaks in accordance with Council policy, faulty water meter accounts and Council Section 428 (2) (q) Resolutions to waiver water use bills; for Partnerships, co-operatives or other joint example the Gunning Roos Rugby League Club ventures to which Council was a party in and Greater Southern Area Health Crookwell 2018/2019 are as follows:- Neighbourhood Centre water use account.

1) Upper Lachlan Shire Council is a member Upper Lachlan Shire Council provided rate relief of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation to pensioners during the financial year totalling of Councils (CRJO) which facilitates $205,892, including the following distributions:- regional cooperation and resource sharing. General Purpose Pension Abandonment $ 96,867 Water Supply Pension Abandonment $ 32,432 2) Upper Lachlan Shire Council, Yass Valley Sewerage Services Pension Abandonment $ 29,188 Council and Goulburn Mulwaree Council Domestic Waste Pension Abandonment $ 47,405 are parties to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration between the Councils. 20. PRIVATE SWIMMING POOLS 3) Southern Tablelands Regional Arts Council Swimming Pools Act 1992, Section 22F (2) (STARTS) – is a partnership between Arts Clause 23 of Swimming Pools Regulation 2018 NSW and Upper Lachlan Shire Council, , Goulburn Mulwaree, Details of inspections of private swimming Palerang Regional Council, pools, include:- Wingecarribee Shire, and - Number of inspections of tourist and Yass Valley Councils. visitor accommodation - NIL 4) Southern NSW Regional Tourism - Number of inspections of premises with Organisation – Upper Lachlan Shire more than 2 dwellings - NIL Council is a member. - Number of inspections that resulted in 5) Southern Tablelands and South Coast issuance a certificate of compliance Regional Noxious Plant Committee. under Section 22D of the Swimming 6) South East Resource Recovery Regional Organisation of Councils (SERRROC). Pools Act 1992 – 3 7) StateWide Mutual Limited for Local - Number of inspections that resulted in Government (Jardine Lloyd Thompson’s issuance a certificate of non-compliance Mutual Liability Scheme and Risk under Clause 21 of the Swimming Pools Management). Regulation 2018 - NIL

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21. COMPANION ANIMALS Where this approach has failed, regulatory Companion Animals Act and Clause 217 (1) (f) action was commenced in the way of penalty of Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 notice and the impounding of the offending animal. Upper Lachlan Shire Council is obligated to provide education and enforcement in relation The 2018/2019 Upper Lachlan Shire Council to the Companion Animals within the Local pound data collection return showed that 35 Government Area. dogs had been seized and transferred to Council’s pound facility. From the 35 animals In the 2018/2019 financial year Council saw an seized; 2 were euthanized, 27 were released to increase in animal related complaints from the owners and 2 were rehomed and 4 stolen from members of the public. These included dog the pound. attacks, straying dogs and noise complaints. In response to the concerns of the community, Upper Lachlan Shire Council total expenditure Council’s Ranger, where possible, attempted to for Companion Animal and Straying Stock educate pet owners on their responsibilities. related activities equated to $91,818.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT (GENERAL) Swimming Club and the Primary Schools in the REGULATION 2005 – CLAUSE 217 (1) district. a) OVERSEAS VISITS FUNDED BY COUNCIL Council has provided a skate ramp for the community at Goodhew Park in Taralga for over During the 2018/2019 financial year there were a decade. Three years ago Council, in no overseas visits undertaken by Councillors, conjunction with the community and Veolia Council employees or other persons on behalf of Mulwaree Trust, has installed a new skate park Upper Lachlan Shire Council. in Gunning. Further, Council in conjunction with the NSW Government, Veolia Mulwaree Trust, b) STATEMENT OF REMUNERATION FOR community, youth of Crookwell and Lions Club SENIOR STAFF (as per No. 7 above). has installed the Crookwell skate park at Clifton Park. c) ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN Clifton Park Crookwell has been revitalised with Council has continued its programme to expand new cricket practice nets and cricket pitch, new the provision of modern playground equipment recreation pathway and outdoor gymnasium. in Council’s parks and gardens operations. Council is replacing older equipment with Council maintains numerous sportsgrounds modern safer items that meet all relevant safety within the Shire, which are in an excellent standards. condition. These sporting grounds are utilised for a variety of sports competitions such as Council has playground equipment in all the 13 tennis, cricket, rugby league, rugby union, touch towns and villages within the Shire, with football, soccer, hockey, athletics, pony clubs multiple playground facilities provided in the and golf. towns. Council indirectly supports children by way of In conjunction with various community donations to primary and secondary Schools organisations, Council is continuing to provide within the Shire, and leases Crown land to the barbeque areas in its parks and gardens SDN Children’s Services who provide a pre- together with additional shaded areas that school in Crookwell. enable families and children to access these areas on a frequent basis.

The Council provides two Branch Library services for the community at Crookwell and Gunning. The libraries continue to provide free public access to computers and Wi-Fi, as well as a range of children library services and school holiday children activities at the libraries.

Council provides the community with two outdoor swimming pools which are owned and operated by Council. The swimming pools are located in Crookwell and Gunning and operate for 4-5 months of the summer period and are well patronised by children and by the local

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A Crime Prevention Plan has not been d) ACCESS AND EQUITY ACTIVITY SUMMARY completed.

i. SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY PLAN Please see the complete copy of the reviewed and updated Social and Social and Community Plans are a key Community Plan provided as Annexure mechanism by which to build a healthy and Document “B” and the Disability Inclusion vibrant community to enhance the Action Plan 2017 – 2020 at the end of the everyday lives for residents and cater to Annual Report. This details the Action Plan community needs. Council is committed to performance against identified targets. developing at least one social and community plan every five years to assist e) COMPETITIVE NEUTRALITY Council to take into account the needs of its community and provide or advocate for i. The pricing principles and requirements of appropriate and accessible services and competitive neutrality have been applied facilities for the benefit of the community. by Upper Lachlan Shire Council for the three Category 2 businesses:- Council adopted its first Social and • Water Supply service; Community Plan 2007 – 2012 in 2006. This • Sewerage service; and Plan was then reviewed and revised in • Domestic Waste Management service. 2013 and again in 2014 with the Social and Community Plan 2013 – 2018 adopted on ii. CATEGORY 1 BUSINESS ACTIVITIES the 19 June 2014. The Social and Community Plan includes demographic Under the principle of competitive information about the population of the neutrality, Council does not have any LGA in addition to looking at the needs of Category 1 businesses that meet the people with disabilities, people from specific requirements of competitive culturally and linguistically diverse neutrality and consequently have no backgrounds, Aboriginal people, children, performance comparison requirements. young people, women, and older people as required. Council also included men, iii. CATEGORY 2 BUSINESS ACTIVITIES mental health and wellbeing, the farming community and transport as issues and As at 30 June 2019, Council has three groups examined. Category 2 businesses, namely the Water Supply, Sewerage service and Domestic Council adopted a Disability Inclusion Waste Management service for the Upper Action Plan 2017–2020 in June 2017. Lachlan Shire Council area. Council is working towards creating a Shire that provides equal opportunity for people The Water Supply business unit operates with disability, their carers and families to for the following towns; Crookwell, use and enjoy the public spaces and Gunning, Dalton and Taralga. The opportunities out Shire has to offer. The Sewerage service operates in the following Plan demonstrates Council’s commitment towns; Crookwell, Gunning and Taralga. to improving the quality of services, The Domestic Waste Management service facilities, systems and programs over a four operates in all towns and villages on the year period. designated collection route within the Upper Lachlan Shire Council area.

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Details of the three Category 2 businesses performances can be found in Council’s f) STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SERVICES Special Purpose Financial Statements, which are presented as an attachment at Stormwater drainage maintenance and the end of the Annual Report. construction is carried out according to the needs and resources available and allocated by iv. CATEGORY 2 COMPETITIVE NEUTRALITY Council’s Infrastructure Department. Council’s PRICING Operational Plan outlines that all town’s stormwater drainage works including the Council has established a Complaints cleaning, clearing and maintenance are to be Management Policy to deal with completed in accordance with the Operational Competitive Neutrality complaints in Plan budget allocation. conjunction with Council’s Code of Business Practice. The Complaints Council levied a Stormwater Management Management Policy and Code of Business Charge for the specific purpose of improving the Practice are available to the public in the existing stormwater and drainage infrastructure. main customer service area of Council's The annual charge is levied in accordance with Administration Offices in Gunning and the Local Government (General) Amendment Crookwell, is included in Council’s Policy (Stormwater) Regulation 2006, under Section Register and is available on Council’s 496A, of the Local Government Act 1993. The website. The documents state the charge is applicable to all urban land within a objectives and intent of handling customer city, town or village that is categorised as complaints in an efficient and effective Residential and Business, excluding vacant land. manner and include an application form for registering and dealing with all The Stormwater Management annual charge is customer complaints within set response levied in four towns; those towns are Collector, timeframes. Crookwell, Gunning and Taralga. The income raised by the annual charge in 2018/2019 v. CATEGORY 2 PERFORMANCE totalled $46,536. The income generated from COMPARISON the stormwater levy is in Council’s externally restricted reserve fund that currently totals Throughout 2018/2019, Upper Lachlan $247,256. Shire Council did not receive any competitive neutrality complaints in Upper Lachlan Shire Council also maintains relation to its Category 2 businesses stormwater operational expenditure each year operations. exclusive from the Stormwater Management levy of $15,000. Council expended $51,362 on stormwater asset renewals in 2018/2019.

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GOVERNMENT INFORMATION (PUBLIC Planning Agreements ACCESS) ACT – 2018/2019 ANNUAL • Rye Park Wind Farm Voluntary Planning Agreement REPORT • Pedestrian Access Mobility Plan (PAMP) 2017 Clause 8A: Details of the review carried out by • New Community and Civic Centre the agency under Section 7 (3) of the Act Architectural Plans during the reporting year and the details of any • Application for Burial Reservation Permit information made publicly available by the agency as a result of the review. • Upper Lachlan Strategic Business Plan water and sewerage 2014

Section 7 of the Act - Authorised proactive • Social and Community Plan release of government information – at • Disability Inclusion Action Plan subsection (3), provides that… An agency must, • Community Engagement Programs – at intervals of not more than 12 months, review Cullerin Range Wind Farm, Taralga Wind Farm its program for the release of government and Gullen Range Wind Farm information under this section to identify the • Upper Lachlan Shire Council Community Survey kinds of government information held by the 2018/2019 agency that should in the public interest be • Lease-Licence Request Form made publicly available and that can be made • Financial Statements publicly available without imposing • The Voice unreasonable additional costs on the agency. • Annual Reports

Yes – a review was carried out by Upper Lachlan • Rural Living Handbook Shire Council in 2019 and information made • Driveway Specifications publicly available. A review of Council’s Agency • Crookwell Landfill Upgrade Information Guide was readopted by Council on 19 September 2019. The focus by Council is on 8 (b) The total number of access applications ease of access to information and to provide as received by the agency during the much information wherever practicable via the reporting year (including withdrawn Council website. applications but not including invalid applications). As a result of the review Council proactively releases the following information:- There was four (4) valid Access Application • Australia Day Event of the Year received by Council during 2018/2019. Nomination 2020 • Australia Day Citizen and Young Citizen of 8 (c) The total number of access applications the Year Nominations 2020 received by the agency during the • Australia Day Citizen and Young Citizen of reporting year that the agency refused, the Year Nominations 2020 either wholly or partly, because the • Australia Day Sportsperson and Young application was for the disclosure of Sportsperson of the Year Nomination 2020 information referred to in Schedule 1 to • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the Act (Information for which there is between Goulburn Mulwaree Council, conclusive presumption of overriding Upper Lachlan Shire Council and Yass public interest against disclosure). Valley Council

• Biala Wind Farm Voluntary Planning Zero Access Applications wholly or partly Agreement refused by Council in regards to Schedule 1.

• Crookwell 2 and 3 Windfarms Voluntary

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SCHEDULE 2 - STATISTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT ACCESS APPLICATIONS TO BE INCLUDED IN ANNUAL REPORT

Table A: Number of applications by type of applicant and outcome* Access Access Access Information Information Refuse to Refuse to Application granted granted refused not held already deal with confirm/deny withdrawn in full in part in full available application whether information is held Media 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Members of 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Parliament Private Sector 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 business Not for profit organisations 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 or community groups Members of the public (application by 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 legal representative) Members of the public 3 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 (other) Total 3 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 *More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision. This also applies to Table B.

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Table B: Number of applications by type of application and outcome Access Access Access Information Information Refuse to Refuse to Application granted granted refused not held already deal with confirm/deny withdrawn in full in part in full available application whether information is held Personal information 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 applications* Access applications (other than 3 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 personal information applications) Access applications that are partly personal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 information applications and partly other Total 3 1 0 2 1 1 0 0

*A personal information application is an access application for personal information (as defined in clause 4 of Schedule 4 to the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual).

Table C: Invalid applications Reason for invalidity No of applications % of Total Application does not comply with formal requirements 0 0% (section 41 of the Act) Application is for excluded information of the agency 0 0% (section 43 of the Act) Application contravenes restraint order (section 110 of 0 0% the Act) Total number of invalid applications received 0 0% Invalid applications that subsequently became valid 0 0% applications

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Table D: Conclusive presumptions of overriding public interest against disclosure: matters listed in Schedule 1 of the Act Number of times consideration % of Total used* Overriding secrecy laws 0 0% Cabinet information 0 0% Executive Council information 0 0% Contempt 0 0% Legal professional privilege 1 100% Excluded information 0 0% Documents affecting law enforcement and 0 0% public safety Transport safety 0 0% Adoption 0 0% Care and protection of children 0 0% Ministerial code of conduct 0 0% Aboriginal and environmental heritage 0 0% Total 1

*More than one public interest consideration may apply to a particular access application and, if so, each such consideration is to be recorded (but only once per application). This also applies in relation to Table E.

Table E: Other public interest considerations against disclosure: matters listed in table to section 14 of Act Number of times consideration % of Total used Responsible and effective government 0 0% Law enforcement and security 0 0% Individual rights, judicial processes and 0 0% natural justice Business interests of agencies and other 0 100% persons Environment, culture, economy and 0 0% general matters Secrecy provisions 0 0% Exempt documents under interstate 0 0% Freedom of Information legislation Total 0

Table F: Timeliness Number of applications % of Total Decided within the statutory timeframe 4 100% (20 days plus any extensions) Decided after 35 days (by agreement with 0 0% applicant) Not decided within time (deemed refusal) 0 0% Total 4

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Table G: Number of applications reviewed under Part 5 of the Act (by type of review and outcome) Decision Decision varied upheld Total % of Total Internal review 1 1 1 25% Reviewed by Information Commissioner* 1 0 1 25% Internal review following recommendation 25% 1 0 1 under section 93 of the Act Review by NCAT 0 1 1 25% Total 3 1 4 100%

*The information Commissioner does not have the authority to vary decisions, but can make recommendations to the original decision-maker. The data in this case indicates that a recommendation to vary or uphold the original decision has been made by the Information Commissioner.

Table H: Applications for review under Part 5 of the Act (by type of applicant) Number of applications for review % of Total Applications by access applicants 0 0% Applications by persons to whom 0 0% information the subject of access application relates (see Section 54 of the Act) Total 0

Table I: Applications transferred to Other Agencies Number of applications transferred % of Total Agency - Initiated Transfers 0 0% Applicant - Initiated Transfers 0 0% Total 0

Taralga Wind Farm

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PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURES ACT – ANNUAL REPORT

Report to the NSW Ombudsman Reporting Period: July 2018 to June 2019 Submitted On: 23 July 2019

Made by public Under a All officials statutory or other performing their other legal PID’s day to day obligation functions No of public officials who made public interest disclosures to your public authority 0 0 0 No of public interest disclosures received by your public authority 0 0 0 Of public interest disclosures received, how many were primarily about: - Corrupt conduct 0 0 0 - Maladministration 0 0 0 - Serious and substantial waste 0 0 0 - Government information contravention 0 0 0 - Local government pecuniary interest contravention 0 0 0 No of public interest disclosures (received since 1 Jan 2012) that have been finalised in this reporting period 0 Have you established an internal reporting policy? Yes Has the head of your public authority taken action to meet their staff awareness Yes obligations? If so, please select how staff have been made aware Training provided to new staff during induction

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PRIVACY AND PERSONAL INFORMATION ACT ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND 1998 ASSESSMENT ACT 1979 Section 33 (3) Section 93 (G) (5)

The Privacy Code of Practice for Local Upper Lachlan Shire Council has entered into a Government was approved by the Attorney Voluntary Planning Agreement with AGL Energy General and was made by Order published in Ltd on 11 September 2012 in relation to critical the Government Gazette on 30 June 2000. By infrastructure project known as the Dalton Gas virtue of Section 32, of the Privacy and Personal Fired Power Station. Information Protection Act 1998, Upper Lachlan Shire Council is bound by the Privacy Code of Upper Lachlan Shire Council has a Community Practice for Local Government. Enhancement Program agreement with Goldwind Australia Pty Ltd on 24 October 2013 The Privacy Code of Practice for Local in relation to the State Significant Development Government provides for the protection of of Gullen Range Wind Farm project. personal information and for the protection of privacy of individuals generally. A Privacy Upper Lachlan Shire Council has a Community Management Plan sets out the various Enhancement Program agreement with Taralga information protection principles, training, Windfarm Nominees Pty Ltd on 7 September induction and internal review procedures by 2014 in relation to the State Significant which Council manages any private and Development of Taralga Wind Farm project. personal information it holds. Upper Lachlan Shire Council resolved to adopt the updated Upper Lachlan Shire Council has a Community model Privacy Management Plan for Local Enhancement Program agreement with Energy Government (without amendment) as supplied Development on 20 October 2016 in relation to by the Office of Local Government in 2013. the Development of the Cullerin Range Wind Council has reviewed and adopted the Privacy Farm project. Management Plan and Privacy Policy on 15 June 2017. Upper Lachlan Shire Council has a Community Enhancement Program agreement with Upper Lachlan Shire Council has appointed, the Crookwell Development Pty Ltd on 27 July 2017 Director of Finance and Administration, Andrew in relation to the State Significant Development Croke, as the Privacy Contact Officer. The of Crookwell II and III Wind Farm project. Privacy Contact Officer will review all complaints received by Council with respect the Privacy and Upper Lachlan Shire Council has a Community Personal Information Protection Act 1998. Enhancement Program agreement with Rye Park Renewable Energy Pty Ltd on 21 August Section 33 (5) 2017 in relation to the State Significant Development of Rye Park Wind Farm project. Upper Lachlan Shire Council had no complaints pursuant to the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.

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APPENDIX B – DELIVERY PROGRAM ACTIONS REPORT

The Delivery Program Actions are integrated with the Tablelands Regional Community Strategic Plan (CSP) Strategies and referenced to a Community Aspiration. Each six month period the General Manager is to provide a progress report with respect to the Delivery Program Actions.

REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR NO.1 - COMMUNITY

Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 1.1 - Support the retention Support medical Director of Strategy CO1 - Facilitate and Completed – of medical and health care practitioners by providing Environment encourage equitable access to community buildings facilities in the towns. available community and Planning community infrastructure and are leased to facilitate buildings to facilitate health services, such as health care, health care services. care service provision. education and transport. 5. People attaining health and wellbeing. 1.2 - Support provision of Liaise with government Director of Strategy CO1 - Facilitate and Completed – ongoing ageing population agencies and associated Environment encourage equitable access to liaison continued. services and aged community groups in and Planning community infrastructure and Pending - Disability accommodation. advocating for adequate services, such as health care, Inclusion Action Plan aged care services and education and transport. priorities are ongoing. accommodation. 2. Community liaison to preserve and enhance community facilities. 1.3 - Community services Number of actions of the Directors of Strategy CO3 - Foster and Completed - review of for young, aged, disabled, Social and Community Plan, Environment encourage positive social Social and Community and people from diverse Cultural Plan and Ageing and Planning & behaviours to maintain our safe, Plan undertaken. cultural backgrounds. Strategy are implemented. Finance and healthy, and connected community. Cultural Plan has been Administration 6. Resilient and adaptable reviewed in June 2017 communities. and cultural funding program implemented.

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Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 1.4 - Retain the youth Number of consultations Director of Strategy CO2 - Encourage and Completed – YA’MAD population demographic held with youth groups. Environment facilitate active and creative meetings being held. and provide appropriate Continue support of the and Planning participation in community life. Youth week activities facilities. Youth Committees. 2. Community liaison to preserve were undertaken in and enhance community facilities. April 2019. 1.5 - Lobby for retention of Advocate for education General Strategy CO1 - Facilitate and Completed - continue education facilities. facilities from pre-school to Manager encourage equitable access to advocacy to retain high school to be retained in community infrastructure and current education the Shire’s towns. services, such as health care, facilities and Council education and transport. support to local schools 2. Community liaison to preserve and school activities by and enhance community facilities. donations and work experience placements for school students. 1.6 - Protect significant Number of heritage sites Director of Strategy CO4 - Recognise and Completed - 5 heritage heritage sites to preserve receiving funding over three Environment celebrate our diverse cultural projects received grant the diverse history of the year program. and Planning identities, and protect and maintain funding in 2018/2019. Shire. our community’s natural and built cultural heritage. 1. A built environment enhancing the lifestyle of a diverse community.

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Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 1.7 - Social inclusion for Provision of recreational Director of Strategy CO5 - Maintain our rural Completed – Clifton all disparate communities. opportunities and upgrade Infrastructure lifestyle. Park in Crookwell to existing public 6. Resilient and adaptable shared footpath recreational facilities within communities. constructed. Goodhew the Shire towns. Park in Taralga new and refurbished equipment is provided. 1.8 - Manage and Regular communication and Director of Strategy CO4 - Recognise and In Progress - upgrade Council’s public support of Section 355 Environment celebrate our diverse cultural communication and buildings and community Committees arrangements. and Planning identities, and protect and maintain support to Section 355 centres. Preparation and review our community’s natural and built Committees is being Council buildings and cultural heritage. provided. Pending - prepare strategy on future 2. Community liaison to preserve Building Plans of arrangements. and enhance community facilities. Management are being established. 1.9 - Encourage Provide funding for existing All three Council Strategy CO2 - Encourage and In Progress – “Active recreational, cultural and library and swimming pool Department facilitate active and creative Villages” outdoor leisure activities while facilities. Also, manage Directors participation in community life. gymnasiums. maintaining public safety animal control and sporting 2. Community liaison to preserve Complete - lighting for standards. grounds activities. and enhance community facilities. soccer grounds; swimming pool repairs and Crookwell Pool building façade painted. Completed – annual animal control report submitted OLG.

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REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR NO.2 - ENVIRONMENT

Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 2.1 - Address Review of long-term Director of Strategy EN2 - Adopt environmental Pending - review of policy environmental Noxious Weeds Environment sustainability practices. and further consultation degradation issues, i.e. Management Strategy. and Planning 3. A healthy natural environment. required implementation noxious weeds control. of the Biosecurity Act, Regional Plan and establish Local Plan. 2.2 - Promote Review, update and Director of Strategy EN4 - Maintain a balance Pending – Upper Lachlan environmentally implementation of Upper Environment between growth, development and LEP Planning Proposals sustainable developments Lachlan Local and Planning environmental protection through have been submitted to (ESD). Environmental Plan (LEP) sensible planning. Department of Planning and Development Control 4. A prosperous economy with the and Environment. Plans (DCP). balanced use of our land. 2.3 - Promote use of Council promote alternate Director of Strategy EN5 - To investigate and In Progress - Council green and renewable energy source initiatives. Environment implement approaches to reduce partnering with OEH State energy. Implement Climate Change and Planning our carbon footprint. Government undertaking Adaption Strategy. 3. A healthy natural environment. an energy audit of council buildings. 2.4 - Pursue Section 94A Council is to manage and Director of Strategy EN1 - Protect and enhance Completed - 3 Community Development Contribution distribute the funds through Environment the existing natural environment, Enhancement Funds are payments for all State a Section 355 Committee of and Planning including flora and fauna native to operating through Section Significant - Designated Council. the region. 355 Committees of Developments. 1. A built environment enhancing Council distribute funds to the lifestyle of a diverse community. community groups. 2.5 - Support land care The waterways sustain Director of Strategy EN3 - Protect and Completed – support is initiatives to restore and natural ecosystems through Environment rehabilitate waterways and provided for land care beautify natural the expansion of willow and Planning catchments. groups within the Shire resources. removal and catchment 2. Community liaison to preserve and office accommodation programs. and enhance community facilities. is provided in Gunning.

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REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR NO. 3 - ECONOMY

Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 3.1 - Ensure financial Long-term Financial Director of Strategy EC4 - Foster and develop a Completed – new LTFP viability of Council. Planning (LTFP) model Finance and diverse, adaptive, and innovative adopted by Council in implemented. Administration agricultural industry. June 2018. Achieved 6 7. Responsible and efficient use of of 7 Fit for Future Fit for the Future Action resources. program benchmarks in Plan implemented in relation 2017/2018. Operating to sustainability. surplus result achieved in preceding 10 years. 3.2 – Prudent financial Complete implementation of Director of Strategy CO5 - Maintain our rural Completed – IT General management. the Internal Audit Strategy Finance and lifestyle. Controls internal audit and Plan. Achieve key Administration 8. Transparent and accountable project completed in financial benchmarks. governance. March 2019. 3.3 - Encourage Implementation of Southern Director of Strategy EC1 - Capitalise on the In Progress – sustainable population Tablelands Regional Environment region’s close proximity to Canberra implementation of growth and provision of Economic Development and Planning and its position as a convenient REDS. associated infrastructure. Strategy (REDS). location to attract industry and Completed – an Upper Development of a local investment. Lachlan Economic Business and Economic 4. A prosperous economy with the Development Strategy Development Strategic Plan balanced use of our land. has been completed to into REDS priorities. compliment REDS. 3.4 - Assist facilitation of Number of contacts with Director of Strategy EC5 - Encourage Completed – Grant employment opportunities. existing businesses and Finance and collaboration between businesses, Project Report provided grant application preparation Administration government, and training providers to to Council meetings. resources provided to assist develop employment and training Grants assistance businesses. opportunities for young people in the provided to community region. groups seeking grants. 7. Responsible and efficient use of resources.

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Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 3.5 - Encourage and Deliver on tourism member Director of Strategy EC3 - Support and foster Completed - supporting support viable local and non-member benefits Finance and conditions that enable local and local businesses by businesses. program. Administration small/home-based businesses to operating an accredited grow. VIC, conducting ongoing Tourism section is to 4. A prosperous economy with the co-operative marketing prepare two business balanced use of our land. both online and offline. promotions annually. Visit Upper Lachlan website now linked to Australian Tourism data warehouse and optimised for all devices. New Destination Guide launched in March 2019. Tourism membership scheme and promotions are being delivered. 3.6 - Promote tourism Marketing and promotion is Director of Strategy EC2 - Jointly develop In Progress – ULTA is opportunities and timely, professional, Finance and appropriate tourism opportunities and working with CRJO, community events. informative and responsive Administration promote the region as a destination. Destination NSW and to user needs. Capitalise on 2. Community liaison to preserve and Tourism ACT to promote Canberra Region brand enhance community facilities. and develop the opportunities. Canberra region and the Southern Tablelands in the Destination Southern NSW Destination Management Plan 2018- 2020. Canberra Partnership Framework released in April 2019.

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REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR NO. 4 – INFRASTRUCTURE

Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 4.1 - Improve local road Manage road assets to Director of Strategy IN3 - Maintain and Completed – capital and and regional road ensure public safety. Road Infrastructure improve road infrastructure and maintenance works transport networks. Hierarchy reviewed and connectivity. undertaken on Regional reported to Council. 7. Responsible and efficient use of and Local Roads as per the Pavement rehabilitation of resources. schedule published on regional roads. Council’s website. 4.2 - Infrastructure Plan is Asset Management Plans Director of Strategy IN4 - Maintain and update In Progress - Further implemented for new and Asset Strategies by Infrastructure existing community facilities, and refinement of Asset capital works, asset each Asset Class are support the development of new Management Plan and renewal and upgrades developed and community infrastructure as improvement in assets covering a 10 year period. recommendations needed. registers to be completed implemented. 2. Community liaison to preserve starting with field data and enhance community facilities. collection and update to the condition rating records. 4.3 - Bitumen seal all Prepare 4 year road capital Director of Strategy IN3 - Maintain and Completed - 4 year capital urban streets in towns. works program budget and Infrastructure improve road infrastructure and road works budget review works priorities connectivity. programmed and works annually. 1. A built environment enhancing have commenced. the lifestyle of a diverse community. 4.4 - Develop town main Town’s main street Director of Strategy IN2 - Improve public In Progress - town and street and CBD beautification improvement Infrastructure transport links to connect towns village streetscape program beautification programs. programs and street within the region and increase designs are going through cleaning. Streetscape Plan access to major centres. the Streetscape development and 2. Community liaison to preserve Committee. Quotations to implementation in and enhance community facilities. be sourced for bins, seats coordinated manner. and notice boards.

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Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 4.5 - Lobby for improved To ensure regional and rural Director of Strategy IN7 - Secure Completed – new mobile mobile telephone and areas are included in the roll Infrastructure improvements for, and future proof, phone towers to be funded broadband services. out of Federal Government telecommunications infrastructure. for Tuena and Wombeyan technological initiatives. 1. A built environment enhancing Caves. Lobbying for the lifestyle of a diverse provision of towers at community. Snowy Mount and is continuing. NBN services now provided to Crookwell. 4.6 - Improve water Implement town water Director of Strategy IN5 - Ensure high quality Not completed - sewer supply and sewerage supply and sewerage Infrastructure water supply options for the towns plant upgrades in facilities to towns. improvement programs. in the region. Crookwell and water 2. A healthy natural environment. supply treatment upgrades for Taralga are to commence in financial year 2019/2020. 4.7 - Provide waste pickup Council provide a strategy Director of Strategy IN6 - Implement safe, Not completed - village service for towns and for future waste service Infrastructure accessible, and efficient landfills have been villages and reduce the provision. Implement management and recycling options converted to transfer amount of waste going to improvement works to for general waste, green waste, stations. Crookwell landfill landfills. Crookwell landfill/waste and sewage. project to meet EPA centre and the village waste 7. Responsible and efficient use of compliance requirements transfer stations to ensure resources. has commenced. Council compliance with EPA resolution in June 2019 to guidelines. convert Crookwell landfill to waste transfer station.

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Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 4.8 – Actively seek Joint Goulburn Mulwaree Director of Strategy EC2 - Jointly develop In Progress - Committee funding for the Goulburn and Upper Lachlan Shire Infrastructure appropriate tourism opportunities formed. Regional to Crookwell Rail Trail Councils Committee formed. and promote the region as a Economic Impact concept. Feasibility Study to be destination. Assessment completed. completed. Project Strategy IN4 - Maintain and update Lobbying for funding estimates to be completed. existing community facilities, and opportunities is continuing. Council to pursue grant and support the development of new other funding options to community infrastructure as facilitate the development of needed. a rail trail. 4. A prosperous economy with the balanced use of our land. 4.9 - Develop new and Implementation of the Director of Strategy IN4 - Maintain and update In Progress - footpath upgrade existing footpaths Pedestrian Access and Infrastructure existing community facilities, and works proceeding in and cycleway networks. Mobility Plan (PAMP) to support the development of new accordance with current create links to community community infrastructure as PAMP priorities and services in conjunction with needed. funding timelines. Stronger NSW Government Stronger 1. A built environment enhancing Country Communities Fund Country Communities Fund the lifestyle of a diverse grant funding secured for program. community. footpath construction projects. Taralga and Collector footpath works commenced. 4.10 - Upgrade Stormwater Management Director of Strategy IN3 - Maintain and Completed - locations stormwater and kerb and Plans created and Infrastructure improve road infrastructure and requiring improvements are guttering in towns. recommendations connectivity. identified in the Flood Risk progressively implemented 2. A healthy natural environment. Study includes projects and in a 4 year capital works future budgets. Funding budget. application is lodged.

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Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 4.11 - Progressively Prepare and implement a 10 Director of Strategy IN2 - Improve public In Progress - Abercrombie replace timber bridges on year bridge replacement Infrastructure transport links to connect towns River MR256 bridge local and regional roads. program with funding model within the region and increase replacement. Kiamma in Long Term Financial Plan access to major centres. Creek MR248E bridge (LTFP). 7. Responsible and efficient use of construction delayed. resources. Bridge assets condition assessment is continuing. 4.12 - Flood Risk Implementation of Flood Director of Strategy EN4 - Maintain a balance Completed - Flood Risk Management Plans Risk Management Plan Environment between growth, development and Management Plan and created for Crookwell, recommendations. and Planning & environmental protection. Study adopted by Council. Gunning, Taralga and Director of 4. A prosperous economy with the Collector. Infrastructure balanced use of our land. 4.13 - Transport link Pursue grant funding Director of Strategy IN3 - Maintain and In Progress – Successfully priority projects to State opportunities that deliver on Infrastructure improve road infrastructure and lodged and received grant Parks including the the pursuit of regional connectivity. applications for Wombeyan Wombeyan Caves Road economic growth benefits. Strategy EC2 - Jointly develop Caves Road MR256 and and Grabine Road Improve road infrastructure appropriate tourism opportunities Grabine Road reconstruction and assets with potential to and promote the region as a reconstruction and sealing. upgrade to facilitate stimulate the local economy. destination. Council was successful in economic benefits to the 4. A prosperous economy with the securing grant funding to region. balanced use of our land. commence works in 2019/2020. 4.14 - Progressively Reductions in classified Director of Strategy IN3 - Maintain and Completed – Council was bitumen seal all classified roads gravel sections. Infrastructure improve road infrastructure and unsuccessful in receiving roads. Improvement in road connectivity. grant funding for Rye Park network condition rating to 7. Responsible and efficient use of Road MR241. Council ensure public safety. resources. received additional grant funding for Wombeyan Caves Road MR258.

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REGIONAL CSP STRATEGIC PILLAR NO.5 – CIVIC LEADERSHIP

Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 5.1 - Participate in Report projects to Council General Strategy CL3 - Collaborate and Completed - participation resource sharing every year. Achieve Manager cooperate to achieve efficiencies and in Canberra Region JO initiatives. annualised $ savings a greater voice in regional decision- and Central West JO through participation in making, and encourage similar shared projects. New Canberra Region Joint cooperation across other sectors and Contracts: Bulk Fuels Organisation projects. community groups. and Copyright Licencing 7. Responsible and efficient use of (CENTROC). resources.

5.2 - Lobby other levels of Review the General Strategy CL2 - Encourage and Completed - lobbying Government for increased intergovernmental Manager facilitate open and respectful continuing through share of funding Agreement. Grants communication between the Canberra Region JO and distribution. Commission review and community, the private sector, Central West JO and amendment to Financial Council, and other government meetings with Assistance Grants (FAG) agencies. Government Ministers. distribution to rural councils. 8. Transparent and accountable No changes have been governance. authorised or legislated.

5.3 - Promote community Number of Community General Strategy CL1 - Effect resourceful and Completed – 4 engagement and Outreach Meetings and Manager respectful leadership and attentive community outreach involvement in decision program outcomes representation of the community. meetings conducted in making processes. achieved. Community 6. Resilient and adaptable May 2019. Survey undertaken every communities. four years. The “Voice” The “Voice” is produced Council newsletter quarterly. publication distributed quarterly.

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Delivery Program Performance Measures Responsibility CSP Strategy and Aspiration Progress Report Actions 5.4 - Leadership and Council’s IP&R documents General Strategy CL1 - Effect resourceful and Completed - IP&R commitment to integrated clearly articulate the Manager respectful leadership and attentive documentation planning and reporting Council’s direction across all representation of the community. completed for 2018/2019. (IP&R). strategy platforms and 8. Transparent and accountable performance management governance. efficiency is evident to the community.

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FIT FOR THE FUTURE – COUNCIL ACTION PLAN

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN

Objective Strategies Actions Key milestones Progress Report 1. Secure Implement Special 1. Notify community of Commencement in July No action – a Council additional Rate Variation in intention to apply for SRV 2019 Resolution is necessary for a revenue to keep 2020/2021 Special Rate Variation 2. Community consultation Community engagement Council’s application. and engagement and support for the operating proposal is achieved performance 3. Notify IPART of intention ratio well above to apply the benchmark and ensure 4. Submit application to funding for IPART renewal of road 5. Fund infrastructure network assets renewal of its road network assets Procurement Committee Contracts Register implemented 2. Drive cost Implementation of a 1. Procurement Roadmap - recommendations to in 2018. savings through Best Practice in Arc Blue MANEX procurement Procurement Program LGP vendor panel and Utilisation of LGP TenderLink are utilised by 2. Review Procurement Vendor Panel and Council. Action Plan and policies TenderLink

CR JO procurement Canberra Region JO and LGP working group procurement meetings held. committee reports to management

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Objective Strategies Actions Key milestones Progress Report

3. Maintain Retention and 1. Maintain existing high RMS rating maintained RMS MR54 reconstruction and diverse income provision of Roads standard rating for road satisfactory or better sealing project of $10 million streams through and Maritime works in Contractor for unsealed sections was RMCC Commenced in state roads Services (RMS) Performance Report completed in January 2018. 2008 contract Routine Maintenance RMCC accreditation retained Council Contract Contracted project and Contractor Performance (RMCC) 2. RMCC Benchmarking completion date of 2018 Reports are satisfactory. for $10 million scope of road works RMS Audit Report identified actions to be addressed over

next 12 month periods.

4. Maximise Provision of road 1. Review pricing structures Remain competitive In 2018/2019 Council completed diverse income reconstruction for private works which with the private sector Woodhouselee Road North streams through contracted private are in demand at profitable and to secure contract unsealed road section upgrade private works works for renewable rates works for road as private works from condition energy developments reconstruction of consent in the Crookwell II

Wind Farm development.

2. Cost of service is Contract value: $1.2m. transparent and in accordance with the Council is meeting all NCP National Competition Guidelines and private works Policy Guidelines rates incorporated into Council Revenue Policy.

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INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN

Objective Strategies Actions Key milestones Progress Report 1. Implement best Asset Management 1. Review Asset Asset Management Infrastructure Plan reviewed and practice asset Improvement Management and Plans identify asset adopted by Council in June 2018. management Program Risk Plan, strategies service standards reporting and policies Asset Condition Rating System is to Infrastructure asset be further developed by classes valuation at Infrastructure Department in fair value 2019/2020 to enable evidence based 2. Review of Council Asset Management Plans using Infrastructure Plan – Ensure asset ISO55000 and infrastructure assets define community condition standards fair valuation to be completed by 30 service level set by are maintained above June 2020. Council for asset Condition 5 maintenance

2. Secure funding for Utilise borrowing 1. Review Council Commencing loan New loan of $1m accepted for the asset renewals capacity to invest in Borrowings/Loans financing Crookwell Memorial Oval Precinct infrastructure Policy arrangements with project and local roads bridge renewal projects – Financial Institutions replacement program.

Timber Bridge Replacement 2. Council Long Term Application for State Borrowings program for timber Program Financial Plan Government Local bridge replacements are priority bridge Infrastructure incorporated into the Council replacement schedule Renewal Scheme Delivery Program. Council is now (LIRS) funding eligible for accessing the Treasury Corporation borrowing facility.

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Objective Strategies Actions Key milestones Progress Report

3. Minimise potential Utilise Statewide 1. Review Risk Risk Management RAMP approved by Council public liability Mutual Best Practice Management Plan and Action Plan (RAMP) management and reviewed by incidents Guidelines and Policy approved and Statewide Mutual for 2017/2018. achieve industry adopted by Council Actions identified for 2018/2019 with

benchmarks for risk annually by June key focus areas of Footpaths and management 2. Review Safe Work Tree and Tree Roots. practices Method Statements Safe Work Method for high risk priorities Statements (SWMS) SWMS progressively reviewed and reported to WH&S reported to the Council WH&S Committee every 6 Committee. months

4. Maintain assets in Evaluation of asset 1. Review of Council Condition Report The Building and Asset Management satisfactory utilisation and Infrastructure Plan prepared for Council Internal Audit Action Plan is being condition to meet rationalisation owned building implemented and was reported to community assets and Audit, Risk and Improvement expectations 2. Recommendations maintenance action Committee in September 2018. from Grant Thornton plan approved by Asbestos Management Register Building and Asset June 2018 completed and buildings condition internal audit. register in development. Work has commenced on establishment of trade services contract.

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EFFICIENCY ACTION PLAN

Objective Strategies Actions Key milestones Progress Report 1. Understand how the Benchmark Upper 1. Identify trend analysis of Management Tool -annual Benchmarking completed. organisation is Lachlan with other operational cost centres benchmarking performing Councils Local and functional service The LG Performance Government areas of Council Excellence Program Report Professionals Australia 2. Performance tool for for 2017/2018 was (LGPA) - Operational benchmarking by senior completed by Council and and Management management of final report tabled to Effectiveness Report operational efficiencies MANEX. of individual cost centres

2. Continue to Be an active partner in 1. Development and Implementation after JO Upper Lachlan Shire collaborate regionally the Canberra Region implementation of a JO Pilots Council is within the Joint Organisation of Strategic Plan Canberra Region Joint Councils (CRJO) Formulation of an effective Organisation (CRJO) 2. JO Strategic Plan aligned and efficient governance with Quadruple Bottom structure to oversee CRJO Strategic Plan 2019- Line principles implementation, review 2021 launched February and evaluation in CBR 2019. 3. Intergovernmental Region collaboration; i.e. ACT Intergovernmental Government and State CBR branding to support collaboration is continuing Government tourism and economic with ACT Government. development throughout the region Canberra Region “The Tablelands” branding and dedicated website is developed.

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Objective Strategies Actions Key milestones Progress Report 3. Continuously Undertake four year 1. Develop four year Program established and Delivery Program was improving the rolling program of program of service Delivery Program updated approved by Council in quality and service reviews as reviews, with a focus 6 Monthly Delivery June 2018. efficiency of all of part of Council’s on those services of Program Report to include Council’s services Delivery Program greatest cost to the service review progress Delivery Program action organisation and outcomes report completed every six 2. Update Delivery Annual update of months. Program to incorporate Council’s Long Term the service review Financial Plan Long Term Financial Plan program Implementation of was approved by Council 3. Implement program Internal Audit Plan by in June 2018. annually Grant Thornton Australia 4. Report outcomes over 4 year period to Internal audit project through the 6 month 2019/2020 completed March 2019 for Delivery Program IT General Controls. report and update Long Term Financial Plan annually to reflect any changes 4. Improve efficiency Provide innovative 1. Enhanced use of Establishment of In progress - evaluate through and leading technology particularly Development Assessment NSW Planning Portal technological technology interface in the area of staff (DA) Tool functionality and advancement remote and on-line application for Shire DA customer access Lodgement. Implementation of 2. Implement a Unified Integrated Unified Microwave towers Telecommunications Telecommunications communications link for solution System Crookwell to Gunning offices is completed.

New telephone system implemented in September 2018.

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