WAVERLEY COUNCIL • ANNUAL REPORT Waverley
Council
2002-2003 Waverley Council Annual Report 2002/2003
Contents Page
Waverley Council – Who Are We and What Do We Do Our Vision and Mission...... 2 Our Principles and Values ...... 3 The Waverley Area ...... 4-9 Message From the Mayor ...... 10 Message From the General Manager ...... 11 Ward Boundaries and Ward Councillors ...... 12-13 Council/Council Committee Meetings – Dates and Times ...... 14-15 How Council is Organised...... 16-18
Reviewing Our 2002/2054 Management Plan – Did We Do What We Said We Would Do? Achievements and Progress 2002/2003 ...... 19-38 Access & Equity Activities • Multicultural Policy Action Plan • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access & Equity Policy • Young People • Disability Action Plan (Also see separate report on progress with Access & Equity Activities from our 2002/2003 Operational Plan) Meeting Our Statutory Requirements Our Reporting Requirements Under Section 428(2) Of The Local Government Act ...... 39-68
Our Financial Performance Financial Report...... 69-72
Our Environmental Performance Progress on Environmental Programs from 2002/2003 Operational Plan...... 73-92
How Our Performance Compares with Other Councils ...... 93-95
Our front and back covers show the new northern section of the Federation Cliff Walk which runs from Vaucluse to Dover Heights.
Annual Report 2002/2003 1 Waverley Council Our Vision and Mission
Waverley should be a place where: • Sound urban planning ensures outstanding local amenity, ecological and economic sustainability, heritage protection and the maintenance of a range of accommodation types, forms and affordability to meet the lifetime needs of its existing and new residents. • The natural environment is valued respected and carefully managed for the public benefit and for future generations • Suitable local employment opportunities are recognised and nurtured. • Transport and traffic flows, parking schemes, pedestrian accessibility and bicycle requirements are co-ordinated and managed for the safe and efficient movement of people and s vision of Waverley a reality goods around and through the municipality, while reducing pollution. • Beaches, parks and public spaces are maintained and enhanced to sustain social, cultural, recreational and environmental uses. • Accessible community services are developed and supported to ensure that Waverley sustains all the members of its community, contributing to their safety and security and their social and cultural enrichment. • The community is encouraged to participate in local democratic processes.
Waverley Council’s mission is to play a significant role in making the community’s vision of Waverley a reality by providing strong community leadership in policy, planning and the provision of services.
Waverley Council - Playing a significant role in making the communit y’
2 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Our Principles and Values
We have identified these key values and principles as integral in the achievement of our vision. They underlie our attitudes, our actions and the way we conduct business here at Waverley.
Integrity: We promote honesty and make decisions based on sound ethical principles. We are conscious of acting in the public interest. Openness: We value community input and participation. We are committed to staff input into decision making in line with the principles of industrial democracy.
We inform our community about our services and how they s vision of Waverley a reality can be accessed. Equity: We provide services and facilities on an equitable basis to all sections of our community, including those with special needs. Opportunities are also provided on an equitable basis to our staff. Service: We have a strong sense of providing a public service and maintaining adequate staff levels to do so. We are continually reviewing and improving the way we provide our services. We provide our services with a helpful and courteous attitude. Accountability: We take responsibility for our decisions. We care about our people and strive to work safely at all times. We strive to achieve our objectives in a timely and cost effective way. We encourage innovation and a ‘solutions’ approach to difficulties. Co-operation: We co-operate wherever possible with internal, external and regional customers to assist us in achieving our goals. We value a team approach.
Waverley Council - Playing a significant role in making the communit y’
Annual Report 2002/2003 3 Waverley Council The Waverley Area
A Profile of Waverley Waverley is a mid-sized urban local government area in Sydney with a population (excluding visitors) of 58,769 at the 2001 Census, a slight decrease of 1,613 since the 1996 census. Between the 1996 and 2001, the number of overseas visitors has increased from 1,293 (or 2% of the total population) to 1,906 (or 3%). In 2001, the proportion of overseas visitors in Sydney SD is much lower at 1%. Waverley is one of Sydney’s most popular residential areas. Features such as the local beaches, including the world famous Bondi Beach, the cosmopolitan community, a regional retail and commercial centre, efficient transport links and many local restaurants, cafes and cultural activities attract both residents and visitors. These attributes, combined with development that occurred in the earlier part of the 20th century, have contributed to Waverley being one of the most densely populated local government areas in Australia. With an area of 9.2 sq.km., Waverley had a population density of 6,595 people per sq.km, compared to only 329 people per sq.km. for Sydney overall.
Bondi Junction is a regional shopping and commercial centre offering services to the entire eastern suburbs and is well serviced by efficient train and bus links. These links bring Bondi Junction in close proximity to Sydney’s Central Business District. Waverley has no heavy industry. Its major employing industries are property and business services, retail, and health and community services.
The ages of Waverley’s People In Waverley, the median age of people in 2001 was 35 years. In 1996 and 1991 Waverley’s median age was 34 years. The median age of people in Sydney in 2001 was 34 years. In 1996, it was 33 years while in 1991 it was 32 years. About half (52%) of the people of Waverley are prime-age adults (25-55 years old), a much larger share than for the Sydney Statistical Division (SSD) (45%).
Between 1991 and 2001, the proportion of children aged 0-4 (5% of the total population) and 5-12 (7%) has remained fairly stable. In 2001, children aged 0-12 made up 12% of Waverley’s population, compared to 18% for Sydney overall, indicating no change in proportions for Waverley and Sydney between 1996 and 2001. The 12-24 age group which in Waverley had been recording decreases since the 1970’s has declined further, from 17% of the total population in 1996 to 15% in 2001, representing an overall decrease of 15%. Particularly significant are the reductions in the number of people aged 20-24. In the same period, Sydney’s 12-24 year olds have also decreased from 19% to 18%.
Waverley has an older population than Sydney. Between 1996 and 2001, the proportion of people aged 65 and over remained the same, 14% compared to 12% for Sydney SD.
Notable population changes in Waverley since 1996, are the increase in the number of older persons (up by 214) and the decrease in the number of young adults aged 18-24 (down by 1,285).
Waverley's population differs most in relative terms from Sydney SD for the 25-29 years old cohort (4.2% more of the population than for Sydney).
Living arrangements in Waverley The most common living arrangements for people in Waverley is as a couple (married or de-facto), with 41% of people living this way (compared with Sydney's 45%). In 2001, Waverley demonstrated significant differences in living arrangements compared to Sydney. 15% of Waverley’s residents lived alone (7% in Sydney SD) and 12% live in a group household (4% for Sydney).
Families in Waverley Altogether, 62% of Waverley's people live in families at an average size of 2.7 people (3.1 for Sydney SD). The most common family type is a couple without children. The largest average family size for couple families with children and students is 4.6. Of all family types in Waverley, couple only families made up 45% (41% in 1996), couple families with children 38% (39% in 1996) and one parent families 14% (16% in 1996). Between 1996 and 2001, the number of total families decreased by 570 (or 4%) from 14,161 to 13,591.
4 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council The Waverley Area
Overall in Waverley, 38% of adults (aged 15+) are married, 11% are separated or divorced, 6% are widowed, and 45% have never been married. Compared to Sydney SD, Waverley has 13.4 percent fewer people married and 10.9% more people who have never married.
Marriage rates among young people (15-24 years old) have fallen from 4.3% in 1996 to 2.8% in 2001. This is significantly lower compared to Sydney at 5%.
Housing in Waverley In mid-2001, Waverley had 29,525 dwellings, an increase of 332 since 1996. Some 2,675 dwellings were vacant, giving a vacancy rate of 9.1% of dwellings, above Sydney's 7.0%. Higher vacancy rates tend to be found in communities with a relatively large stock of rental flats or with more people on holidays.
In 2001, Waverley’s most common dwellings were walk-up flats/units (34% of Waverley's dwellings compared with 14% over Sydney). Other common types of dwellings are units/flats in buildings over three storeys (21%); attached houses such as town houses, terraces or semis (17%); free-standing houses (16%); flats on shops / offices (0.7%).
The most common form of housing tenure in Waverley is private rental, 39% of the occupied dwelling stock. This is a significantly larger proportion than the 24% in Sydney. Compared to Sydney, Waverley has a lower proportion of home ownership with 33% dwellings fully owned, compared with Sydney’s 39%. The other forms of housing tenure in Waverley are being purchased (13%; 24% for Sydney), and public housing (1.4%; 5% for Sydney).
The average number of people in each occupied dwelling in Waverley is 2.13 which is much lower than the Sydney average occupancy rate of 2.49. Since 1996, occupancy rates have risen by 0.04. Among common types of dwellings, the occupancy rate varies from an average of 1.8 persons/dwelling in flats/units in 4+ storey buildings to 2.9 persons/dwelling in separate houses
In general, detached houses are more likely to be fully owned in 'older' communities. In newer communities or those with an influx of new residents, it is more common to find higher proportions of dwellings that are still being purchased. Communities with more units or flats tend to have more rental housing. In Waverley, some 63% of houses are fully owned and a further 18% are being purchased, while 51% of flats and units are rented.
The average mortgage payment in Waverley in 2001 was about $1,611 a month. The most common payment band was $2,000 a month or more, paid by 36% of Waverley home buyers. Sydney's average mortgage was $1,334 a month.
Among private renters, the average rent was about $343 a week (about $1,486 a month). The most common rental range was $250 - $349 a week, paid by 38% of tenants. 12% of private renters in Waverley paid $500+. Sydney's average rent, by comparison, was $269 a week.
Incomes in Waverley In 2001, the median weekly income for people aged 15 years and over in Waverley was $500-$599, compared to $400-$499 for Sydney. While not directly comparable, the median income recorded in 1996 for Waverley was $400-$499, for Sydney it was $300-$399 [These results are not directly comparable across censuses due to differences in methodologies and do not account for inflationary factors].
Waverley residents of all ages earned on average much more than Sydney’s. For example, 11% of Waverley residents earned $1500+ per week, compared to 6% for Sydney overall. However, a significant proportion of Waverley residents earned incomes in the lower brackets - nearly a quarter (24%) of Waverley’s people earned incomes of under $300 a week. This compares with 35% for Sydney overall.
Ethnicity and ancestry In 2001, 52% of Waverley residents stated they were Australian-born. This compares to 54% Australian born people in 1996 and 1991. The number of people born overseas was 37% compared with 40% in 1996 and 41% in 1991. By comparison, Sydney SD has a higher proportion of Australian born residents (62% in 2001) and a lower proportion of people born overseas (31%). Annual Report 2002/2003 5 Waverley Council The Waverley Area
The most common foreign birthplaces in Waverley were United Kingdom with 4,122 people (7% of Waverley’s total population), followed by South Africa (2,075 or 3% of total population), New Zealand (2,054 or 3% of total population), Ireland (851) and Italy (528). The biggest increase since 1996 was among those born in South Africa, up by 602 people. A significant number (6,823 or 12%) of overseas born Waverley residents were born in countries other than those identified in the census. This is much higher than for Sydney overall, where only 7% of the overseas born population listed ‘other’ as their birthplace.
The 2001 Census was the first to ask people to describe their ancestry. Some people gave multiple answers. In Waverley, only 25% gave their ancestry as Australian. Of the others, the most commonly cited ancestry was English (31%) followed by Irish (15%), Eastern European (8%), North Africa and Middle East (5%), Northern European and German.
Compared with Sydney, the biggest differences in the common ancestries of Waverley were the larger proportion of people with Eastern European ancestry and the smaller proportion with Australian ancestry.
Waverley's indigenous population in 2001 was small, constituting 0.3% of the population compared with 1.0% over Sydney. Between 1996 and 2001 Waverley’s indigenous population decreased from 240 to 199 (17% decrease), compared with a rise of 13% for Sydney SD.
Compared with Sydney, Waverley has more recent immigrants, with 16% of the overseas-born population arriving over 1999-2001, and a further 10% over 1996-1998, compared with 10% and 9% for Sydney
Of Waverley's 21,997 people born overseas, over half (59%) speak only English and a further 34% speak English well. Conversely, some 6% of overseas-born are poor speakers of English. While 31% of the poor English speakers arrived in the past six years, 42% arrived over 15 years ago.
Waverley's recent immigrants are less likely to be poor English speakers than across Sydney, with 7% of those who arrived over 1999-2001 being weak at English, compared with 21% across Sydney. This suggests that Waverley had proportionally more immigrants from English-speaking countries than average for Sydney.
While 78% of Waverley's people speak English in their homes, 22% speak another language (compared with 29% in Sydney). This proportion may be much larger than indicated here since 10% of the total population did not answer this question in the census. The most commonly spoken language in 2001 was Russian, spoken by 1,883 people (16.4% of total non-English speakers), followed by Italian (868 or7.6%), then Greek (7%), Chinese (6.7%; Mandarin and Cantonese speakers combined), Hungarian (6.7%), French (5.7%) and Spanish (5.4%). 18% of non-English speakers are speakers of other languages not listed in the table.
Compared to Sydney, Waverley's foreign languages differ most (relatively) with Russian, which was spoken by an additional 3.2 percent of people in Waverley compared to Sydney, and with Cantonese, which was spoken by 2.2 percent fewer people.
Religion in Waverley Waverley's main religious belief is Christianity, followed by 56% of the community. The main Christian churches are Catholic (28%), Anglican (17%), Orthodox (4%) and Presbyterian (2%).
The most common non-Christian religion was Judaism, with 9,464 followers or 19.7% of the community (0.9% for Sydney). Other religions included Buddhism (1,128 followers) and Islam (384 followers).
From 1996 to 2001, the religion with the largest increase was Buddhism with a rise of 497 while the biggest fall was 1,110 for Catholic. By comparison, the number of people with no religion fell by 2,002 but the number who did not give their religion rose by 2,989.
6 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council The Waverley Area
Schooling in Waverley In 2001, Waverley was home to 704 pre-schoolers, 3,028 infant and primary students and 2,380 high school students. Compared with 1996, attendance decreased at preschool by 27 students; decreased at infants/ primary school by 243; and decreased at high school by 436 students.
The level of participation in education is indicated by dividing the student population by the size of the usual age group of the students: 3-4 years old for pre-school; 5-11 for primary school and 12-17 for high school.
Lower participation rates for pre-school can indicate too few places; for primary school, more young-starters or late-finishers; and for high school, more students leaving school before matriculating.
Waverley's school participation rates differ slightly from Sydney's. For pre-school students, the participation rate is 60% to Sydney's 56%; for primary students, 83% compared to 91%; and for high school students, 79% compared to 84%.
In Waverley in 2001, 44% of primary students and 27% of secondary students attended public schools. These rates were much lower than Sydney's (68% and 58% respectively). Attendance at Catholic schools (by 19% of primary and 24% of secondary students) was at about the same rate as Sydney (21% and 26% respectively). Other private schools attracted 37% of primary and 49% of secondary students, higher than Sydney's rates of 10% and 16%.
Tertiary and Further Education Waverley had a total of 5,548 people studying at university, TAFE or other tertiary places in 2001, with 44% attending full-time.
There were 3,138 university students (44% male and 56% female), a decrease of 172 since 1996. Some 56% of Waverley's university students attended full-time.
Most (68%) of Waverley's 1,420 TAFE students attended part-time. The majority of students were women with 706 men to 714 women.
The average number of years of school completed by adults is a good indicator of the overall education of a community. In Waverley', the average final year of school was Year 11.35 meaning a 'typical' adult left school after completing Year 11 and 4 months (compared with 10.80 for Sydney).
Some 71% of adults completed Year 12, while 8% left school before completing Year 10. By way of comparison, 50% of Sydney's adults completed Year 12 and 17% left school before completing Year 10. The Year 12 completion rate for men in Waverley was higher than for women by 73% to 70
Computer use in Waverley Computer usage in Waverley is greater than average for Sydney, with 46% of the population - 26,924 people - using a computer in the week preceding the 2001 Census, compared with 44% for Sydney. The age group most different from Sydney in computer usage was 0-9 years old, whose usage was 4 percentage points above Sydney's, at 36%.
Computer usage among age groups ranged from a maximum of 71% among 10-19 years olds to the lowest usage of 6% among those aged 75+ years old.
Computer usage by males is generally greater than for females, and this difference tends to increase with age. In Waverley, the greatest gender difference is for people aged 55-74 years old, when 30% of men use computers compared with 22% of women.
Living in Waverley – What the community thinks In general, residents are positive about living in Waverley. This was demonstrated in the findings of Waverley Council’s household survey undertaken in 2000 as part of the Community Indicators and Local Democracy Project.
Annual Report 2002/2003 7 Waverley Council The Waverley Area
Many people articulated that the area has a distinct character about it; people are friendly, shops and facilities are close and there is a sense of belonging to a community. The area is seen to represent a diverse mix of cultures, with over 80% of people in our Community Indicators Survey stating community tolerance as an ideal.
In particular, residents identified the beach, greenery and the natural beauty of the area as reasons why they live here. The area is convenient, closely located to the city, services and amenities, and generally has good public transport.
The percentages in the table below are the proportion of people in the survey indicating issues of importance to them. They were not asked to provide any ranking for these issues.
Most important issues relating to local government in Waverley Issues in Waverley Very important Issues in Waverley Very important & & important % important % Cleanliness of beaches 96.1 Litter and dumped rubbish 95.6 Sewage pollution at 95.1 Stormwater pollution of beaches 94.7 beaches and ponds Use of beaches 92.1 Safety on the streets 90.2 Crime 89.6 Rubbish collection 89.1 Use of parks 89.1 Use of coastal walk 87.8 Traffic congestion 87.6 Water safety 87.6 Waste recycling 87.5 Air pollution 86.2 Roads maintained to a 85.0 Noise pollution 83.3 good standard Vandalism 83.1 Public transport availability 82.5 Parking availability 81.9 Street lighting 80.7 Regeneration of native 80.5 Tree preservation 77.2 bush Health services 76.8 Urban design (aesthetic & 74.6 functional urban environment) Theft of personal property 72.8 Provision of swimming pool 71.3 on the beach Education and training 70.9 Noise violations 70.3 Homelessness 69.3 Mowing of nature strips 68.7 Provision of sporting 67.6 Aged services 67.2 facilities Graffiti 65.3 Arts, culture and entertainment 65.1 Library services 64.3 Abandoned motor vehicles 64.2 Children and family 63.9 Youth services 62.7 services Affordable housing 60.8 Disability services 60.6 Services to support 55.1 Employment support services 54.6 people on low incomes Migrant support services 49.6 Cultural and religious activities 42.4 Access to places of 41.5 worship
Where this information is from and its limitations.
Data sources and limitations of available information The information in this profile summary is taken from a variety of sources, including: ABS 2001 Census, Basic Community Profile and Snapshot, Waverley Statistical Local Area, available at www.abs.gov.au, A Community Portrait of Waverley compared with Sydney, prepared for Waverley Council by The Public Practice Pty Ltd and information previously published in Council’s 2000 Social Plan.
8 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council The Waverley Area
Data sources and limitations The information in this profile summary is based on Basic Community Profile tables generated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) from 2001 Census results. More information about the census is available at the ABS website www.abs.gov.au. ing sense of the data There are certain limitations that need to be borne in mind when analysing and comparing demographic data.
1. First release data While the Community Portrait provides a good overview of basic community characteristics, as first release data, it does not adequately cover Waverley’s diverse social mix and changing demographics. Expanded community profiles will be available from the ABS in May 2003. These profiles feature cross-referenced variables which will ensure a far more detailed analysis of complex community characteristics.
Average individual incomes, for example, are significantly higher in Waverley than in Sydney. However, income analysed in the context of family types, tenure, weekly rents or housing loan repayments will reveal a far more accurate picture of disposable incomes compared to Sydney. Similarly, the relatively high number of people living alone in Waverley compared to Sydney is an interesting statistic. Cross-referencing lone households with other variables, eg age, income or birthplace adds context and meaning, enabling issues such as social isolation to be more fully explored. Over the next year, Council staff will carry out more complex data analysis to update the demographic profile contained in Council's Social Plan 2000.
2. Methodology Results may vary from 1996 and 1991 published material due to methodology changes in data collection or dissemination; percentages may not be provided for some results due to very low populations; the effect of rounding and the exclusion of variables (eg "not stated", "not applicable") may result in totals less than 100%; the population total most commonly used in this summary refers to resident population excluding overseas visitors.
3. High proportion of ‘not stated’ The proportion of Waverley residents choosing to withhold information about themselves has significantly increased between 1996 and 2001 (ranging from 11% for ‘birthplace’, 13% for ‘income’ and 18% for ‘languages spoken at home’) and is much higher than for Sydney overall. The higher the number of ‘not stated’ in any data table, the less accurate is the information gained from the data provided in that table.
For example, in 2001, 11% of people did not state their birthplace, compared to only 6% in 1996. At the same time, the proportion of people born in Australia and born overseas has decreased by three percentage points. This reduction in the number of people born either in Australia or overseas has to be analysed with reference to the increase of people who did not state their birthplace. The question is: does this decrease really indicate that in the 2001 census, Waverley had fewer residents who were born overseas or that more people who were born overseas chose to withhold this information?
Annual Report 2002/2003 9 Waverley Council A Message From Councillor Paul Pearce , Mayor of Waverley
Once again I am very pleased to be able to report that Council’s finances are in a very satisfactory state – and I congratulate the General Manager and the staff for their efforts in achieving that objective.
This year we have certainly seen some changes at Bondi Junction. In February 2003 the Minister for Local Government agreed to bring all of the Bondi Junction CBD under the control of Waverley Council. This will improve the management of the Bondi Junction area.
As everyone going to the Junction notices the Bondi Junction CBD is undergoing great change. The Westfield development and the construction of the Mall are huge projects – and when these are completed the Junction will be a vibrant retail centre.
The processing of development applications is a council function, which generates a lot of community interest. At the beginning of 2003 we changed the way we deal with development applications by setting up the Development Control Committee. This committee, which includes all councillors, makes final determinations of DA applications. Formerly DAs came before the Planning Committee, which was made up of five councillors plus the mayor and could only make determinations if the recommendation was unanimous otherwise the matter was deferred to a full Council meeting.
Council has a long tradition of supporting the surf clubs which provide a great service to our community both by undertaking beach patrols and providing opportunities for young people to learn surf skills and how to be part of a team. This year Council undertook the $700,000 extension and refurbishment of Bronte Surf Club. The work included excavating 800 cubic metres of rock to provide a boat storage area and women’s change rooms.
The spectacular Federation Cliff Walk, above the high cliffs running from Vaucluse to Dover Heights, was opened in June 2002. This walk is an important link in the proposed South Head to La Perouse Walk – we now need to link Dover Heights to North Bondi and then all of Waverley’s coast line will be included in the walk.
This is the last foreword I will write for a Waverley Council Annual Report, as I will not be standing for Council at the March 2004 election. I have served twenty years on Council, and have been mayor for the past six years. I am proud of Waverley Council’s reputation as a progressive council, which implements innovative social, and environmental polices for the benefit of the entire community. These policies include: being the first Council to purchase green power, running our vehicle fleet on LPG, increasing the stock of affordable housing as well as providing support for a range of services for youth for the aged and for those with disabilities. Local government, being closer to the community, is the tier of government perhaps best able to formulate and deliver services at the local level.
I have enjoyed serving the people of Waverley and I trust they judge me as having served them well.
Councillor Paul Pearce M.P, Mayor of Waverley.
10 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council A Message From The General Manager, Kim Anson
The production of our Annual Report is a statutory requirement. The report contains all of the information required by the Local Government Act. It also provides an opportunity to review our progress in achieving the community’s vision for Waverley, which is reflected in Council’s Vision and Mission.
Our 2002/2005 Management Plan was produced in a new format to make it more readable and to ensure it was focussed on Council’s longer term, more strategic objectives. The changes in our Management Plan are reflected in our reporting in the second section of this report ‘Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan’ and in the quarterly Management Plan reporting format.
Overall 2002/2003 was a successful year. In addition to the targets in our Management Plan, Council’s achievements include:
Ö successfully managing the boundary change at Bondi Junction, with the transfer of an additional area of Bondi Junction from Woollahra Council; Ö receiving a Local Government Excellence in the Environment award for our stormwater initiatives, and a national award for the environmental performance of our vehicle fleet; Ö awarding the first Westfield/Waverley Library Award for Literature; Ö preparing and beginning implementation of a revised, more extensive and more easily understood Corruption Prevention Plan; Ö introducing new rates and property computer software and a new records management system to improve our operational efficiency; Ö implementing our first Occupational Health and Safety Strategic Plan; Ö developing and introducing an Organisational Development Strategy for Council; Ö reviewing and improving Council’s Committee structure; Ö implementing an improved and longer term financial planning process; Ö providing an extensive staff training program with a focus on ethics and management training; Ö beginning implementation of our Bike Plan and the Tamarama Pedestrian Study; Ö receiving external validation that our Seniors Centre and Meals on Wheels services meet national standards for Home and Community Care; Ö successfully managing the amalgamation of our Family Day Care Service with the Sydney Family Day Care Service; Ö developing and implementing a range of environmental programs including “Waterwise Waverley” week to coincide with National Waterweek 2002; Stage 2 of the Butt Free Bondi cigarette litter prevention program, the Sustainable Schools Challenge, the Greenwave Business pack, a New Tenant’s Kit to help reduce illegal dumping and actively promoted and enforced the Don’t be a Tosser anti littering campaign.
Kim Anson, General Manager
Annual Report 2002/2003 11 12 BONDI WARD LAWSON WARD HUNTER WARD Cr DominicWy Kanak(Greens) Cr JohnWakefield (ALP) Cr Joy Clayton(Lib) Cr Kerryn Sloan(Lib) Mayor Cr PeterMoscatt(ALP) Cr MoraMain(Greens) Deputy Mayor Cr George Newhouse (ALP) Cr Tony Kay(Lib) Cr SallyBetts(Lib)
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WAVERLEY WARD Bondi . CLARKE ST. BONDI Cr IngridStrewe (ALP) Cr RichardDavidson (Lib) Cr George Copeland(Greens) Bondi Mackenzies Pt. Bay Diamond Bay
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HEIGHTS DOVER AV. Ben Buckler Muriverie Pass Waverley Council Ward Councillors and Ward Boundaries
HUNTER WARD
Cr George Newhouse Deputy Mayor Cr Sally Betts (Lib) Cr Tony Kay (Lib) (ALP) (Fax) 9387 2060 (H) 9130 3250 (Fax) 9130 8256 (H) 9365 7707 (Fax) 9365 7707 Mob 0415 609 125 Mob 0425 363 530 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] BONDI WARD
Cr John Wakefield (ALP) Cr Dominic Wy Kanak (Greens) Cr Joy Clayton (Lib) (H) 9130 2373 (Fax) 9300 8132 (H) 9130 8460 (Council) 9369 8027 (H) 9130 8430 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected]
LAWSON WARD
Cr Peter Moscatt Mayor (ALP) Cr Mora Main (Greens) Cr Kerryn Sloan (Lib) (W) 9340 7572 (Fax) 9665 0116 (H) 9387 2535 (Fax) 9369 2809 (H) 9371 3568 (Fax) 9371 3568 Mob 0419 694 055 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] WAVERLEY WARD
Cr Ingrid Strewe (ALP) Cr George Copeland (Greens) Cr Richard Davidson (Lib) (H) 9389 7299 (Fax) 9389 4639 (H) 9369 5843 (Fax) 9369 5843 (H) 9365 7061 (Fax) 9365 3064 email: [email protected] email:[email protected] Mob 0408 238 736 email: [email protected]
Annual Report 2002/2003 13 Waverley Council Dates and Times of Council/Council Committee Meetings
Council is made up of twelve Councillors elected by the ratepayers and residents of Waverley for a four year term. Councillors are elected by Ward (a geographical area). Waverley has four Wards. Three of these wards (Bondi, Waverley and Nelson [now Hunter Ward]) were established in 1860, with Lawson Ward being created in 1867.
The positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor are decided annually by a vote of all Councillors. The current Mayor, Councillor Paul Pearce, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Mora Main, were elected in September, 1999 and re-elected in September 2002.
The Waverley Council area is located in the State Parliamentary seats of Coogee and Vaucluse and the Federal Parliamentary seat of Wentworth. The State Members for the area are Paul Pearce, M.P. (elected in March 2003), and Mr. Peter Debnam, M.P. The Federal Member for Wentworth is the Mr. Peter King, M.P.
Waverley Council encourages members of the community to attend meetings of Council. All meetings are open to the public and usually take place on the third floor of the Council Chambers.
Members of the public can address Council on any issue included on the Agenda for the meeting, provided they notify Administrative Services staff on 9369-8121 in advance of the meeting.
Addresses are limited to a three (3) minutes for one speaker for and another three (3) minutes for one speaker against each item. This time may be shared between speakers (e.g., 2 speakers for 1.5 minutes each) and Council may permit a 3 minute extension.
At Council Meetings the speaker is not permitted to question Councillors, or be questioned by them. Committee Meetings are more informal and allow the public to ask questions of Councillors.
Full Council Meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday of the month. Council also usually meets on the first Saturday of the month for Inspection Meetings.
Council’s Committees meet on the first and fourth Tuesday of each month, except in December and January.
Copies of business papers are available before meetings at Waverley Library or the Council Chambers.
Committee Meeting Times and Members
Community, Housing & Environmental Services & Public Works Committee ...... 1st Tuesday……………………………………………7.00 p.m. Mayor, Councillor Einfeld (Chair), Councillors Kanak, Moscatt, Davidson, Sloan and Doosey
Finance, Ethics & Strategic Planning Committee……………………………...1stTuesday…………………………………………...7.30 p.m. Mayor, Councillor Moscatt (Chair), Councillors Copeland, Doosey, Kanak, Davidson and Einfeld
Development Control Committee ……………….4th Tuesday …………………………………………..7.00 p.m. Mayor, Councillor Newhouse (Chair), Councillors Betts, Main, Sloan, Plummer and Moscatt
14 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Dates and Times of Council/Council Committee Meetings
Other Committees Waverley – Woollahra Process Plant Joint Committee Councillors Copeland, Main, Moscatt, Pearce (proxy Plummer)
Surf Life Saving Club Committee Councillor Moscatt
Waverley Disability Access Committee Councillors Einfeld and Main
Waverley Housing Strategies Committee Councillor Plummer
Waverley Traffic Committee Mayor of Mayor’s nominee
Local Ethnic Affairs Policy Statement Committee Mayor of Mayor’s nominee
Bondi Beach Safety Committee Councillor Moscatt
Bondi Junction Joint Planning Authority Councillors Copeland, Main, Pearce and Newhouse Alternates Councillors Einfeld, Moscatt, Sloan and Plummer (This committee ceased operation in February 2003, with the state government’s approval of changes to the Waverley and Woollahra Council boundaries at Bondi Junction.)
Other Organisations
Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils Councillors Pearce and Kanak (proxy Newhouse)
Bondi and District Chamber of commerce Mayor or Mayor’s nominee
Sydney Coastal Councils Group Councillor Copeland
Annual Report 2002/2003 15 16 General Managers Office General Manager Kim Anson • Lead the Executive and organisation • Strategic planning of Council direction, finances and staff • Ensure implementation of Council decisions and policies • New Policy and program development • Organisational development, business and service improvement
Public Planning & Corporate & Library & Beach & Works & Environmental Technical Community Recreational Services Services Services Services Services Director Director Director Director Director Paul Andersen Peter Brennan Bronwyn Kelly Meredith Wallace Geoff Reinhard W How CouncilisOrganised Annual Report 2002/2003 Resource recovery Strategic Urban Planning Financial Services Library Services Open Space and averley - Domestic Waste - DCP’s; LEP’s Recreational Planning Computer Services - Recycling - Heritage Conservation Community Services Employee Services - Services for Children Beach Services Commercial Waste Development Assessment and Families - Beach Safety Technical Services - Services for Young - Beach use and Public Places cleaning Building Compliance - Parking Services People maintenance C
and maintenance - Infrastructure - Multicultural Services - Bondi Pavilion ouncil Public Health Management - Meals on Wheels Community Cultural Construction - Traffic and Transport - Services for Older Centre management Regulatory Control Planning People - Disability Services Park Services Fleet Management Property Services - Park use and Environmental Services maintenance - Policy Development Capital Works and Community Development Emergency and Social Planning - Tree preservation and - Pollution Control Asset Planning management Management - Native bush Legal Services Insurance and Risk Employment and Training regeneration Bondi Junction - Planning Management Services - Strategic planning Bondi Beach Place - Centre Management Information and Management Administration - Administrative Visitor Management Support and Printing Services - Customer Services - Records Management Services - Community Liason Waverley Council How Council is Organised
The role of the elected Council is to represent the community, decide on Council’s strategic direction and policies, to allocate and monitor the use of Council resources through the budget process, and to appoint a General Manager.
The Mayor is elected by a vote of Councillors to preside at Council meetings, carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the Mayoral office and where necessary, to exercise Council’s policymaking functions between Council meetings. Council also elects a Deputy Mayor to undertake the responsibilities of the Mayor when the Mayor is unavailable.
Council’s General Manager (who is appointed by the elected Council) is responsible for providing advice to the elected Council on strategic, policy and resource allocation issues, ensuring the implementation of Council’s policies and decisions, leading and managing the day-to-day operations of Council, representing Council in its dealings with external organisations and bodies and appointing staff.
Reporting directly to our General Manager are five Departmental Directors. The General Manager and the five Directors make up Council’s Executive Team.
What Our Departments Do
Beach, Park & Recreation Services
Ö Cares for Waverley’s natural environment and provides for the recreational and cultural needs of Waverley residents and visitors. It does this through: Ö Providing Lifeguard Services. Ö Planning and Developing our Open spaces. Ö Maintaining our Open Space and Recreational Facilities. Ö Tree Preservation and Management. Ö Operating the Bondi Pavilion Community Cultural Centre.
Corporate & Technical Services
Manages Council’s major assets and resources, provides advice and support to all sections of Council and to Councillors to help them do their jobs effectively and acts as a major link between Council and the community – often the voice and the face of the Council.
Corporate and Technical Services undertakes its responsibilities by providing:
Ö Information and Administrative Services. Ö Computer Services. Ö Legal Services. Ö Financial Management. Ö Technical Services. Ö Property Management. Ö Employee Services. Ö Risk Management and by undertaking Service Evaluation and Improvement.
Library & Community Services
Works to promote individual and community well-being through the direct provision of human services.
Ö Provides attractive public facilities and a focus for community activities. Ö Undertakes successful advocacy for the community. Ö Acts as a gateway to the world’s information resources for all members of the community.
Annual Report 2002/2003 17 Waverley Council How Council is Organised
The main activities of this Department are:
Ö Library, Information and Cultural programs. Ö Community services for children and families (Child Care Centres, Family Support, Family Day Care), older people (Meals on Wheels, Housing, Seniors’ Centre), unemployed people (Waverley Works), and people with a disability (Waverley Community Living Project). Ö Provision of support for community groups. Ö Community development and social planning.
Public Works & Services
In 1996 Council adopted a model for the distribution of functions amongst the newly created Departments. This approach known as the “purchaser/provider split” has Public Works & Services, in nearly all areas of its activities, a provider of services. We have both internal (other Departments) and external (residents and ratepayers, commercial customers and utilities) customers.
This approach creates an environment in which we can improve competitiveness, achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction, meet defined service standards and increasingly strive for ‘value for money’.
Our Public Works and Services Department provide a wide range of essential public services to a diverse mix of customers. These services include:
Ö Managing our Capital Works. Ö Maintenance and construction of our roads, footpaths and other Council assets. Ö Management and maintenance of Council vehicles and equipment. Ö Waste collection and public places cleansing.
Planning & Environmental Services
Ö Promotes the conservation of natural resources in accordance with the principle of ecological sustainable development. Ö Develops, promotes and implements strategies for the enhancement of our natural and built environment. Ö Provides a range of services in a professional and caring way to Council and the public in the fields of planning and environmental services. Ö Provides health and regulatory services to preserve the amenity and well-being of our community. Ö Provides a range of planning and building services for the enhancement of our natural and built environment.
The main activities undertaken by Planning & Environmental Services are:
Ö Development and Building Control, including – Environmental Planning and Assessment; Local Government Act; Planning and Building and enforcement of Fire Regulations. Ö Strategic Planning, including – Strategic plans and policies; Heritage and conservation; Housing Planning Land Information Systems and Traffic and Transportation. Ö Bondi Junction Planning and Development. Ö Environmental Protection. Ö Environmental Health and Regulatory Services, including – Food hygiene; Immunisation; Services for the control of pests and vermin; Control of dogs and other animals within public places and Regulatory services aimed at residential parking, controlling and dumping of litter, rubbish and the like.
18 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We would Do?
The Local Government Act requires us to report each quarter on our performance in meeting the targets set in our Management Plan.
This section of our Annual Report aims to briefly outline what we achieved in 2002/2003 measured against the targets we set in our 2002/2005 Management Plan (see pages 23 - 38). It also details our progress with the significant issues, identified by key result area in the Management Plan, for the 2002/2003 period (see below) and it provide a summary of progress in relation to our Multicultural Policy, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access and Equity Policy, our Disability Action Plan and in providing services to young people.
A more detailed review of our access and equity activities in 2002/2003 compared to the targets set in our 2002/2003 Operational Plan is available in a separate report, which accompanies this Annual Report.
Management Plan is now based around six ‘Key Result Area’ – Community Well-Being, Environmental Management, Asset and Resource Management, Financial Management and Improved Efficiency, Open and Accountable Governance and Customer Service. Each of these KRAs are made up of a number of programs and each program has one or more activities that have specific targets. In addition, each KRA included a list of significant issues that were to be addressed in 2002/2003. The information that follows is about how these significant issues were progressed.
The Xmas/New Year events at Bondi Beach were confined within Bondi Pavilion. This more effectively manages crowd size and more effectively targets the local community.
The concept plan for the new skate park has been developed but not finalised after consultation sessions with the Stakeholder Reference Group. The project has also been delayed due to the unanticipated discovery of service infrastructure under the site.
Council Child Care Services charged daily fees of $40.50 for 2-5 year olds and $43.50 for under 2’s. These fees are at the affordable lower end of fees charged, with the lowest in Waverley in a community based centre being $42.50 for under 2’s and $35 per day for 3 to 5 year olds.
New waste collection arrangements did not commence in 2002/2003 but are scheduled for staged implementation from 2003/2004.
The implementation of the Visitor Management Strategy is on track. A summer afternoon cleaning crew commenced in November 2002, for the Bondi basin area, and operated until 30 March 2003. This group was able to ensure that rubbish bins were not overflowing and the beach parks, Campbell Parade and adjoining areas were clean and tidy. For Bronte Park and beach, the summer afternoon cleaning crew commenced in December 2002 and finished operation on 30 March 2003. Both received positive feedback from businesses and the public
The Bondi Junction Mall design was completed on target and construction commenced early in 2003. The completion date has been delayed from October to November.
Council adopted a Town Square concept for Bondi Junction after considering a detailed feasibility study and has prioritised other works in Oxford Street in the 2003/04 Capital Works schedule.
The implementation schedule developed for the Stormwater Management Plan for the 2002/2003 financial year was completed on time and within the budget allocation.
Council adopted the Transportation Policy in July 2002, after extensive consultation. Implementation of strategies has proceeded with significant progress being made on elements of the bike plan from Centennial Park to Bronte Beach, including calling of tenders for the construction of necessary works, and pedestrian strategies along major routes such as Bronte Road. A full-time Transportation Policy Implementation Manager has now been appointed following approval of funds for this purpose in the 2003/04 budget. Council has also approved the re-establishment of the Traffic Forum to advise on policy implementation.
DA median turnaround time is above the target and above the 2001/2002 median.
Annual Report 2002/2003 19 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We would Do?
The principles of ecologically sustainable development have been incorporated into all new and existing Council planning, building, and environmental policies. Recent examples include the Waverley Council Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy, Integrated Stormwater Management Plan, and Development Control Plans, 1, 2, and 20.
In 2002/2003, Environmental Services piloted four reviews of Council operational procedures to ensure compliance with ESD principles and relevant environmental legislation. These included:concreting, grass cutting, chemical application, pit cleaning.
There has been no activity as yet on the development of Open Space Plans.
The outline and policy structure of the Tree Management Plan is complete; the brief is currently being finalised so that advertising for a consultant can begin.
Projects in the Capital Works Plan are progressing in accordance with the schedule approved by Council.
A reorganisation within Public Works & Services has allowed us to establish a Strategic Asset Management Planning (SAMP) Team with membership from key departments. The Team is charged with developing a strategic plan to manage all our assets including buildings, parks, roads, drains, kerbs, gutters, and footpaths. The plan will build on and update our past and current asset condition surveys. A methodology has been adopted for planning which will take community views on service needs into account and will help ensure that our assets are developed, maintained and/or divested according to their potential to support the provision of services. The Plan will be completed by September 2004 and will show a complete asset schedule, condition profile, and the preferred strategies for securing access to assets at least cost and environmental impact over the long term.
The draft masterplan and LEP for the Green Square Town Centre was finalised and placed on statutory exhibition. The Councils will respond and then determine if any alteration to the adopted strategy for the sale of the Process Plant should occur.
Council’s audited accounts showed positive results for the 2002/2003 budget year. Waverley has recently rated its financial performance using the Department of Local Government’s new “Financial Health Checks System” and has done very well. The new Strategic Asset Management Planning methodology is a key initiative in financial planning, enabling us to identify and minimise the funds necessary for the area of operations that is usually the most financially challenging for all councils, namely asset and infrastructure maintenance. Departments also successfully participated this year in a program to establish a more accurate 2-3 year budget forecast longer giving managers more control and ability to plan or potential budget shortfalls in certain areas. Work commenced on development cost reduction strategies to be implemented over the next two years. These strategies are intended to result in permanent cost reductions and productivity increases.
The measures attached to the Waverley Community Indicators were reviewed by a staff team to incorporate 2001 Census data and other sources of contemporary statistics where available. While the broad indicator groups remain constant some new measures were introduced and others deleted, in an effort to improve the quality of data and to give a clearer picture of how well Waverley is achieving against the indicators developed by the community.
Waverley's progress against the indicators is reported in this Management Plan. The Indicator project will continue to review, monitor and report on progress. An expert panel will be established in 2003/2004 to oversee this process.
Our Call Centre has maintained its high standards in dealing effectively with customer inquiries. However, wait times for customers can still be a problem. An external review has now been commissioned to examine the workload for both the Call Centre and the Customer Service Counter to determine whether there are more effective ways of allocating resources to improve efficiency.
20 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We would Do?
Some key elements of a comprehensive complaints strategy have been introduced but others remain to be finalised in 2003/04. Improved procedures were successfully introduced for all complaints requiring reporting to any external bodies. In addition, new procedures for all other complaints were trialed in the General Manager’s office and in Planning and Environmental Services. These improvements will be included in the overall strategy, which has a 3-year action plan.
An overall survey strategy was developed. This strategy will result in improved co-ordination and cost reduction when undertaking surveys in the future.
Access & Equity Activities Summary Multicultural policy – action plan There have been two meetings with the Interdepartmental Multicultural Committee since January 2003 monitoring implementation across departments, including the following:
The Library was successful in getting a grant from the State Library to update reading material and other resources for the Russian speakers. Consultations were held with the Russian community, individual Russian clients and organisations in choosing reading material.
The Bondi Pavilion supported individual multicultural artists and held cultural activities including multicultural events.
Use of interpreters and Language Aides will be part of the customer training for front desk staff.
Lobbying and advocacy in the wider community has continued including:
• Made a submission in April 2003 to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee on the inquiry into the provisions of the Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Bill 2003. • Sent a support letter to the Minister for Citizenship & Multicultural Affairs supporting the work of Botany migrant Resource Centre. • Provided input was into the submission by Ethnic Workers in Local Govt Network (Oct 2002) for the DIMIA review of settlement services.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access and Equity Policy An exhibition of Aboriginal Art and several children’s activities were organised at the Pavilion during NAIDOC week
The submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee on the inquiry into the provisions of the Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Bill 2003 included the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Commissioner.
The Aboriginal Mentoring Program for candidates for the 2003 Local Government elections was widely advertised including the Koori Mail, Wentworth and Southern Courier, and all regional Aboriginal organisations and contacts. One person only applied. Since the elections were postponed for 2004 the promotion was extended to several groups and personal contacts were made, including the UNSW Aboriginal Education Program, Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative College and Koori Radio
Young People There has been progress with activities for young people, as identified in the Social Plan, including:
• Two music events at Bondi Pavilion for young people. There was a Battle of the Bands in March attended by over 400 people with eight bands playing. In June there was a DJ Competition with ten participants and around fifty young people attending.
• Bondi Blitz as part of Youth Week included live bands, DJs, Dance groups, skate clinic and competitions and a surf clinic attended by around 500 people. There was also a Youth Forum, 3x3 basketball competition and a Vaucluse High School DJ exhibition.
Annual Report 2002/2003 21 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We would Do?
The concept plan for the new skate park is being finalised after consultation sessions with the Stakeholder Reference Group. The project has been delayed due to the unanticipated discovery of service infrastructure under the site.
This has now been resolved and a DA is expected to be lodged soon.
Disability Action Plan Annual monitoring of the Disability Action Plan took place with the Director of each department attending a Disability Access Committee meeting to report on progress within their department.
Progress was made on the continuous accessible pathway routes, with the upgrade of the footpath in Bronte Road Charing Cross.
Various sections of Council consulted the Access Committee as part of their planning process, with site meetings where needed, concerning the Tamarama section of the Coastal Walk, Waverley Cemetery Plan of Management, Ocean St carpark (beneath the proposed housing development), and the new JC DeCaux bus shelters.
The Access Committee was consulted on aspects of the design for the Bondi Junction Mall upgrade.
A highly commended certificate was presented to Mayfields Café in Bronte Road Charring Cross for its wheelchair friendly layout, although the Access Committee was unable to identify a café or restaurant that fully met the Access Award criteria.
22 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Call Centre. Our call management standards. Meet or exceed standards set for managing calls. Ï • Council Chambers ground Internal and external customer At least 80% customer satisfaction and first floor customer survey results. on surveys. NOT MEASURED service counters. • Child Care customer service. External customer survey results. At least 80% customer satisfaction on surveys. 9 • Library customer service. Performance on statewide library Equal or exceed the statewide customer satisfaction survey. customer satisfaction result. 9 • Bondi Pavilion customer External customer survey results. At least 90% customer satisfaction service counter. on surveys. NOT MEASURED • Public Works customer Complaints as a percentage of Complaints about missed services services group. services provided. less than 1 per 1,000 services 9 provided. • Customer services General Council wide customer Customer service charter adopted standards. service charter adopted. by September, 2002. U
Improved complaints handling. New system for handling 9 complaints introduced by September 2002.
Results of evaluation of service Evaluation rates customer service NOT MEASURED provided by customer service staff. staff as satisfactory or better in service provision. • Monitor and report on Percentage of services provided At least 65% of CARS requests services provided. within and outside service completed within service standard Ï standards. and at least 80% of CARS requests completed within one week of service standard. • Regular customer surveys. Surveys of internal and external Comprehensive survey program 9 customers conducted and developed by December 2002. agreement reached on action to address issues raised.
23 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 9 Library Services. Loans per capita per annum. More than 9.6 loans per capita in 9 2002/2003. 9 Information inquiries successfully Sampling result shows more than completed. 90% of inquiries successfully completed.
Number of members. Membership for 2002/2003 is more 9 than 30,000 members. 9 Number of visits per annum. More than 572,000 library visits in 2002/2003. 9 Child Care and Family Childcare utilisation rate. Achieve a rate of 97% or 254 9 Support Services equivalent full time children in 2002/2003. 9 Affordability of fees. Fees remain within 15% of the average of other local providers.
Number of children with additional 25-30 additional needs children in 9 needs. Council childcare centres.
Quality of childcare in Waverley. 90% of eligible Waverley children’s 9 services are provided with information and resources from SUPS team.
Maintenance of external Accreditation maintained. 9 accreditation.
24 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Services for older people. Average number of daily meals Deliver an average of 140 delivered. affordable hot or frozen meals per U day.
Average monthly attendance at Weekly attendance at Seniors’ 9 Seniors’ Centre. Centre activities equals or exceeds 400.
Aged housing provision and Provide at least 43 units of 9 affordability. accommodation.
Rent to be no more than 30% of 9 tenant’s income.
Quality assurance in services for Achieve validation across HACC 9 older people. funded services.
Waverley component of Home 200 home library clients and 20,000 9 Library Service membership and loans per annum. loans count. • Services for people with a Number of people with mild Individual support and training 9 disability. intellectual disabilities supported provided to 12-16 adults. and provided with subsidised rental accommodation. Accommodation provided for up to 9 6 adults.
Disability Action Plan and Access Annual report on Disability Action policy implementation. Plan shows progress with items 9 identified for action.
25 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Services for our culturally Multicultural Policy - Action Plan Annual report on Multicultural 9 and linguistically diverse implementation. Policy – Action Plan shows community. progress with items identified. 9 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Annual report Aboriginal and Torres Islander Access and Equity Policy – Strait Islander Access and Equity Action Plan implementation. Policy – Action Plan shows progress with items identified for action. • Services for young people. Implementation of Social Plan Plan for new skateboard facility in activities for young people. Bondi Park finalised by December 9 2002. • Recreational facilities and Variety of recreational facilities and Upgrade path and landscape South 9 opportunities for the whole opportunities available. Bondi Park by June 2003. community. Replace at least one degraded U picnic shelter in Bronte by May 2003.
Install new seating in Waverley Park memorial garden by March U 2003.
Determine preferred use for old U Waverley Park tennis courts by September 2002. 9 Upgrade St. James Road Reserve playground by June 2003. • Affordable housing Units of housing provided. Using 2001/2002 (29 units) as a provision. base year maintain or increase the 9 number of affordable housing units.
26 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Bondi Pavilion Community Number/type of program provided. At least four community festivals/ 9 Cultural Centre. events held annually. 9 Children’s programs provided every school holiday period.
At least two workshops held per 9 week for disadvantaged groups and at least nine concerts for the frail aged held per annum.
At least 45 free art exhibitions 9 provided per annum. • Bondi/Waverley School of Community space: weekly use rate. At least 40 hours or more use per 9 Arts. week.
Arts Centre: Meets measures set Agreement with defined outcome U out in agreement. measures finalised by 2002/2003. • Waverley Library cultural Number/type of events/exhibitions At least one exhibition/event held programs and activities. held. every month. 9 • Support for community Grants/support provided. A minimum of $35,000 in grants 9 cultural groups. and financial support provided annually.
Outcomes achieved compared to Funded organisations meet agreed outcomes set as part of funding outcomes. 9 agreement. • Beach Safety Management Preventable loss of life or serious The number of lives lost or serious (Lifeguard Service). injury on Council’s beaches. injuries sustained on Council’s 9 beaches per annum does not exceed the average number for the past five years.
27 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Issue permits for use of Complaints as a percent of use Number of complaints does not Council’s beaches, parks and permits approved. exceed 10% of use permits issued. 9 reserves. • Licensing, compliance and Compliance with Legislation. All premises that need to be 9 Inspections. registered are registered and inspected annually. Ï Number and type of CARS All requests actioned within service requests received and actioned. standard. • Waste and recycling Trends in mass of waste collected Reduction in waste to landfill of 1% services. by category. annually. U
Increase in recycling of 2% Ï annually. • Public place cleaning. Areas cleaned by frequency. All areas cleaned in accordance with program. 9 • Emergency management. Meet legislative requirements to Requirements meet. support SES. 9 • Visitor management. Regulation of approved tourist All registered premises inspected 9 accommodation. annually to ensure compliance with regulations. Ï All complaints about unauthorised tourist accommodation actioned within service standard.
Implementation of tourism policy Proactive tourism policy and visitor 9 and visitor management strategy. management strategy developed by September 2002. Ï Strategy recommendations progressively implemented.
28 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Parking management. Resident satisfaction with parking At least 80% customer satisfaction and parking enforcement. on surveys. 9 • Employment and training Number of jobseekers assisted. Minimum of 6,000 eligible 9 services. jobseekers assisted by the end of current contract (June 2003). 9 Number of participants successfully Minimum of 100 participants for completing training programs. 2002/2003. • Social planning. Number of community and social Produce or update a minimum of 7 research projects undertaken. community and social research 9 projects. • Community development and Number and total value of At least $230,000 in community 9 support. community grants. grants provided to non-profit organisations. 9 Outcomes achieved compared to Funded organisations meet agreed outcomes set as part of funding outcomes. agreement. 9 Number of organisations provided Eight Management committees and with support. 25 organisations provided with specialist support. • Strategic planning of Regular survey of Waverley Community comments incorporated activities and services. community about what the into management planning process. U community wants from Council.
29 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Development and building Finalise applications within DA turn around time (median time Ï control. standard set. in calendar days) is less than the average for Group 2 councils. (In 1999/2000 this was 63.94 days).
Issue 80% of Construction 9 Certificates within 15 working days.
Number of appeals to Land and Number of appeals is no more than U Environment Court. base year 2001/2002.
Undertake inspections within Building sites inspected within 24 9 standards set. hours of phone request or 48 hours of written request. • Traffic and transport Changes in the travel modes of Annual increase in use of public Ï planning and management. Waverley residents. transport.
Traffic flow. Annual reduction in the number of Ï cars using major roads.
Reduced accidents on Waverley Annual reduction in accident rate. Ï roads. • Strategic planning. Number of new or amended Statutory or Council requests for planning policies including: LEPs, planning policies met. 9 DCPs, Environmental Studies and Strategic Plans. • Heritage conservation. Items of heritage conserved as Maintain or increase the number of percent of items identified. items conserved. 9
30 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Bondi Junction Town Centre Public place improvements Mall improvement projects Ï management and implemented. completed on time and on budget enhancement. by October 2003. 9 Town Square feasibility determined and future direction agreed – 2002/2003.
Strategic Plan completed. Strategic Plan prepared – Ï 2002/2003. • Open space planning Number of Management Plans Draft Tamarama Park Plan of development and reviewed and updated. Management completed by U maintenance. December 2002.
Draft Bronte Park Plan of U Management completed by February 2003.
Programmed landscape Landscape maintenance of major 9 maintenance of parks and parks (Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama, reserves. Waverley, Marks Park and Thomas Hogan Reserve) is undertaken daily. 9 Other parks and reserves are maintained every six weeks.
Graffiti and vandalism in Council’s Offensive graffiti removed within 24 9 parks and reserves. hours, vandalism inspected and repairs arranged within 24 hours.
31 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Tree planting and bush Trees planted. At least 200 extra street trees and 9 regeneration 100 extra trees in Council’s reserves planted by June 2003. 9 Area of native bush regenerated. 15% increase in area of native bush regenerated compared to 2001/2002.
Number of bushcare volunteers 10% increase in the number of 9 participating. bush care volunteers participating compared to 2001/2002. • Environmental conservation Targets set in our State of the Annual progress against our State 9 Environment Report. of the Environment Report targets. • Stormwater pollution control. Integrated Stormwater Implementation of Plan on time and Management Plan (ISMP) within budget. 9 implemented. • Community education on Waste Education sessions At least 0.5% of Waverley 9 waste reduction and conducted. population attend face to face recycling. sessions. 9 Waste education material provided. Published material reaches 95% of Waverley population. • Management of greenhouse Operational Plans include 2002/2003 Departmental 9 emissions from Council’s measures of Council’s performance Operational Plans show measures operations. in the control of greenhouse and reduction targets that we report emissions. on publicly.
Council’s vehicle fleet and Improvement in environmental 9 equipment Environmental performance of fleet and Management System (EMS) data equipment. on environmental and economic performance.
32 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Management of Council’s Water and energy use audit Audit undertaken 2003/2004. NOT REPORTED ON water and energy completed. consumption. Performance against water and Audit recommendations 9 energy audit recommendations. implemented – reduction in consumption achieved. • Policy development. All relevant Council policies and All new policies address ESD. guidelines include recognition of ESD principles. 10% of current policies reviewed annually to ensure they address ESD. • Service review to meet ESD All reviews include an assessment Checklist developed that can be requirements. of ESD as part of process. used with all service reviews to 9 check on ESD. • Monitoring of services and Report on sustainability indicators Indicators show no change or an service delivery to meet SOE in Council’s Annual Report. improvement on baseline figures. Ï targets. • Asset management and Asset renewal program in place. Asset condition assessment lifecycle planning methodology and funding NOT REPORTED ON requirements developed by June 2003. • Capital Works Performance against agreed All works completed at or below program and budget. budget and on time. (See detailed Ï program and targets in Appendix of this Plan). • Maintaining quality Number and response time to Using 2001/2002 as a base year accessible and safe complete maintenance requests by improve levels of customer Ï buildings. facility. satisfaction.
Customer satisfaction levels.
33 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Maintaining quality Work funded compared to work Increase in the percentage of work accessible and safe identified. funded compared to work required. infrastructure. Maintenance and construction Services meet agreed budget for Ï service costs at or below particular projects. comparable services.
Maintenance and construction Services have less safety incidents services meet all OH&S than industry average. requirements and best industrial practice. • Fleet and equipment All vehicles and equipment undergo 90% of vehicles and equipment maintenance. regular maintenance. available for use on a daily basis. 9 • Income collection. Quarterly results against budget. Key income targets met (rates, commercial investments and 9 projects etc.). • Expenditure management. Quarterly results against budget. Expenditure at or below target. 9 Expenditure reduced if income not achieved. • Budget planning, forecasting Timely preparation of forecast. Two year forecast finalised 9 and review. December 2002.
Debt service ratio. Ratio no more than 6% (in 9 2000/2001 ratio was 4.61%).
Unrestricted current ratio. Ratio of assets to liabilities is greater than 1:1. 9
34 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Internal and external auditing Findings from annual audits. Findings show high degree of compliance with prescribed 9 systems.
100% of accepted audit recommendations implemented. • Risk management Public liability insurance premium 100% of accepted 9 trends – mitigating measures taken. recommendations of risk assessments implemented. 9 Workers compensation premium Premium maintained at or below trend. premium expected for councils of similar size. • Procurement management Findings from annual audits. 100% of accepted audit Ï recommendations implemented. • Service evaluation and Recommendations from service 100% of accepted Ï improvement. evaluations. recommendations implemented.
Cost reductions of $50,000 in 2002/ Cost of services. 2003 without a drop in service level. • Occupational health and Reported incidents and injuries. No increase in serious incidents – safety. base year 2000/2001. U
Average return to work time is less 9 than 7 days. • Managing staff performance. Assessments completed on time. 95% of assessments completed within 6 weeks of due date. U • Staff training and Implementation of Training Plan. 95% of Training Plan achieved. 9 development.
35 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Reports required by Reports on time and in format Statutory information provisions legislation. required. met including: ¾ Management Plan by June 9 2003 Quarterly reviews to Council by 9 August ,October, 2000 February, April 2003 ¾ Annual Report and State of the Environment report by 9 November 2002. ¾ Statement of Affairs by July 2002. Summary of Affairs by 9 December 2002 and June 2003. Provision of financial reports and returns to DLG. 9 • Provide reports and Reports/information on time and in All reports and information provided 9 information required by state format required. on time and in format required. and federal government departments and agencies. • Records management. Service meets legislative Legislation – Requirements of State Ï requirements and standards set. Records Act and Record Keeping Guidelines met.
Service Standard – Met or exceeded. Ï • Computer services. Local area network availability. Maintain or improve availability 9 using 2001/2002 as a baseline. • Precinct system. Number of Precinct meetings and Using 1998/1999 as a base year 9 attendances. maintain or increase Precinct attendance figures.
36 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Community consultation on Number and type of other L&CS: At least one consultation per 9 activities/issues. community consultation year with target priority groups in undertaken. Social Plan. BP&RS: At least one consultation 9 undertaken for each priority project.
Consultation Policy updated. Policy updated by March 2003. • Regular consultative forums. Number of forums held. L&CS: At least 20 meetings of 9 regular forums across youth, disability access and multicultural issues held annually. BP&RS: Major Events committee meets at least quarterly. 9 Meet at least twice a year with Surf Lifesaving Clubs in the Waverley area. C&TS: Re-convene the Traffic U Forum in 2002/2003. • Measuring our performance. Improved measurement and 25% of measures in our 9 reporting of our performance. Management Plan reviewed during 2002/2003.
Measures from Community Indicators Project considered for 9 inclusion in quarterly Management Plan reporting and future Management Plans by February 2003.
37 Annual Report 2002/2003 Reviewing Our 2002/2005 Management Plan Did We Do What We Said We Would Do?
Activity Measure Target Progress against Target in 2002/2003 • Provide Council information Customer survey on awareness of 80% of customers surveyed aware in a range of formats. Council services. of Council services. U
Number of specialised community L&CS: At least five specialised 9 information directories produced. directories produced and updated annually. • Maintain an up to date Number of hits on website. Maintain or increase the number of website. hits on our website using 9 2001/2002 as a baseline. • Ensure provision of Number of items and language Provide a similar number of items information in community provided. in community languages as base 9 languages. year 2001/2002.
Key 9 Achieved Ï Substantially achieved or on track to be achieved U Not achieved
38 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
The following information is provided in accordance with the annual reporting requirements outlined in Section 428(2) of the Local Government Act 1993. a) Statement of Expenses, Revenue and Assets
This information can be found in Council’s Financial Report, which begins on page 69. b) Actual and Projected Performance Comparison
This can be found in Section Two – Reviewing Our 2002 - 2005 Management Plan beginning on page19 - 38. c) State of The Environment – How Are We Going? (Also see pages 73 - 92) In our State of the Environment Report a number of environmental indicators have been included to help assess how Council, other government agencies and the community are looking after the environment and working towards the goal of ecologically sustainable development (ESD). As it is impossible to accurately assess when a community has achieved the right environmental and economic balance, indicators can show whether we are heading in the right direction. They can also be used as a report card to assess Council's performance in the years ahead.
The indicators that are used have met the following criteria: 1. they reflect something fundamental to the long term economic, environmental or social health of the community; 2. they are statistically measurable — either the data exists or a practical method of data collection can be created; 3. the indicator represents something that can be influenced by the community or government actions.
The indicators that have been chosen are by no means exhaustive, nor cover every environmental, economic or social consideration. However, they provide the starting point for Council's environmental program. Each year government agencies suggest a suite of indicators for councils and other agencies to use. Only some of these are included in this report because Council could spend all its time and resources collecting information on the state of and pressures impacting on the environment rather than acting to protect it.
The indicators chosen are listed below. For each indicator a baseline has been chosen — in most cases 1996 figures have been used unless relevant data or other information was unavailable. The last column shows Council’s movement toward sustainability compared with the 1996 baselines figures.
Sustainability Indicator 1996 baseline 2002 Movement toward sustainability Total tonnes waste to landfill 22, 387 17803 √ (no recycling) Paper use by Council 5961 4577 √ Total tonnes waste to 5792 7351 √ recycling
Annual Report 2002/2003 39 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Sustainability Indicator 1996 baseline 2002 Movement toward sustainability Total water consumption in 6,245,398 kL 6,417,060 kL √ Waverley Average percent Bondi Beach Bondi Beach √ compliance with EPA 100%, 100% 100%, 100% Beachwatch data Bronte Beach Bronte Beach 100%, 72% 100%, 100% √
Tamarama Beach Tamarama 100%, 66% 100%, 100% √ Number of pollution control 45 80 √ devices (including trash racks and pit baskets) Average percent New Indicator 94% _ compliance with of stormwater with ANZECC guidelines Total amount of litter 22.65 tonnes 267.48 tonnes √ collected from pollution control devices
Sustainability Indicator 1996 baseline 2002 Movement toward sustainability Area in active care of Council and 0 1319 √ community (m2) Number of trees approved under the tree preservation order − approved 101 370 _ 9 20 − refused _ Number of new native plantings New Indicator 3047 _ within the Waverley LGA Number of street and park trees − planted − removed New Indicator 245 _ 133 _ Number of companion animals 100,697 176,323 x registered in the LGA
40 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Sustainability Indicator 1996 baseline 2002 Movement toward sustainability Total area of open space 106.25 112 √ (hectares) Number of DA’s approved 904 1081 _ by Council Residential density 7202 6889 x (population per km2)
Sustainability Indicator 1996 baseline 2002 Movement toward sustainability Greenhouse gas emissions (tonnes 2543 3037 x of co2)from Council activities Number of resident trips made on New Indicator public transport (patronage per day) − bus 6643 − train 6780 − ferry / light rail 115
Percentage of Council vehicles 68% 100% √ using LPG fuel Registered vehicles in Waverley 25000 29673 x
Sustainability Indicator 1996 baseline 2002 Movement toward sustainability Number of affordable housing 34 56 √ units Number of community 60 1012 √ volunteers participating in sustainable activities Number of residents in precinct 361 354 _ forums
Annual Report 2002/2003 41 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
HERITAGE Sustainability Indicator 1996 baseline 2002 Movement toward sustainability Number of trees on Waverley 61 66 √ significant tree register Heritage items listed in 19 19 x Waverley LEP
COUNCIL SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability Indicator 1996 baseline 2002 Movement toward sustainability Grants obtained by Council or New Indicator Council sponsored organisations − environmental $305,000 − social $385,141
Number of Council staff 0 143 √ attending environmental training Water consumption from 140,153 189,002 x Council activities Total energy use by Council 1,576,464 3,267,429 x
KEY
√ ACHIEVED x NOT ACHIEVED
- NOT DIRECT IINDICATOR OF COUNCIL PROGRESS TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY
42 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements d) Condition of Public Works
Council’s Technical Services Section is responsible for our road, footpath and drainage assets.
In conjunction with the introduction of our Pavement Management System (PMS) we carried out a physical inspection of all our road assets (road pavements, kerbs and gutters and footpaths) to determine their condition and remaining useful life. We did not reassess the condition of road assets in 2002/2003.
¾ Road Pavements
From our PMS data, approximately 50% of the road pavements (600,000m2) within the Waverley area need rehabilitation and resealing works to bring them up to a reasonable standard.
With a design life of 100 years, funding of approximately 1% of the asset value is required each year to maintain the road pavements.
¾ Kerb and Gutter
From the PMS data, 65% of the kerbs and gutters in the area needs some form of reconstruction (approximately 150km). Based on the design life of kerbs and gutters, funding of 3 – 4% of the asset value is required each year to maintain the kerbs and gutters.
¾ Footpaths
Based on the PMS data, over 60% of the footpath network needs some form of reconstruction to improve pedestrian safety. Using a design life of approximately 20 years, funding of 5% of the asset value is needed each year to maintain the condition of our footpath assets.
¾ Drainage
Using the information collected as part of Waverley’s AAS 27 evaluation, we have over 70km of drainage assets of which only 50% are in a good condition. Based on a conservative estimate, 1.5% of the asset value is needed each year to maintain these assets.
Site Condition as at Estimate of cost to bring Estimate of cost to June 30, 2002 to satisfactory standard maintain standard (current $ value) (current $ value) Pavement rehabilitation and Urban Roads resealing works required $27,150,000 $2,715,000 Pavement rehabilitation and Regional Roads resealing works required $3,300,000 $330,000 Reconstruction and repairs Kerb and Gutter required to improve road $5,650,000 $1,130,000 profile. Upgrading works required to Footpath improve pedestrian safety and $12,300,000 $1,765,000 reduce Public Liability exposure. Works required to repair pipe Drainage network and improve capacity $35,500,000 $1,575,000 of system.
Annual Report 2002/2003 43 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Site Maintenance Programme Total 2002/2003
Urban Roads Minor maintenance $232,000 Concrete Roads 29,000 Local Roads Re-sheeting 56,000 Regional Roads Regional Roads Re-sheeting 87,000 $404,000 Kerb and Gutter Minor Repairs 162,000 Pram Ramps 40,000 Construction 47,000 $249,00 Footpath Minor Repairs 445,000 Construction 146,000 $591,000 Drainage Maintenance 158,000 Pit Cleaning 254,000 Construction 43,000 $455,00
Maintenance of Council Buildings
In 2002/2003, $910,000 was spent maintaining Council’s building property portfolio. Significant works were completed at the Bronte Park Community Centre ($21,500), Bronte Child Care Centre ($36,000), Council’s aged residential housing at 141 Bronte Rd ($41,000), Gardiner Child Care Centre ($18,000) and Wairoa Early Childhood Centre and Playgroup ($22,000). Major refurbishment commenced at Eastgate Carpark which over the next 3 years will see approx. $1m spent on replacing and upgrading facilities and essential services.
It is estimated that $2.4m would be required to bring all buildings up to a satisfactory standard with a recurrent budget of $1.8m to maintain them at that level. e) Legal Proceedings
During 2002/2003 Council spent a total of $595,556.80 on legal expenses. This included $274,418 on planning matters.
Other legal matters and costs included: Bondi Junction boundary transfer – legal advice $39,400. Twenty-three public liability claims - $134,614. Six rate recovery matters - $35,838. Two matters relating to abandoned cars - $3,441. One matter in relation to rental income recovery - $118. Proceedings in relation to building defects - $23,337. Legal fees and costs of $35,838 were recovered in relation to the rate recovery matters.
Council’s Legal Officer represented Council in the Land and Environment Court and the Waverley Local Court. In a number of matters Counsel, specialist law firms and expert advisers were briefed as required.
Local Court
Prosecutions were undertaken for offences involving parking offences, offences under the Local Government Act, 1999, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 and the Companion Animals Act, 1998.
Of the 290 cases determined, 102 resulted in a penalty and costs being awarded and 188 cases were dismissed or withdrawn.
44 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Income Fines and costs ordered by the magistrate to be paid:
Fines: $11,588.00 Court and Professional Costs 3,469.00 TOTAL $ 15,057.00
Land and Environment Court
Class 1 Appeals to the Land and Environment Court 2002/2003 Appeal No. Applicant Decision Date and Result Comment 335 Bronte Rd V & S Muriti Discontinued 24/09/2002 Bronte
0300/2002 19 Evans Street T Carnegie Dismissed Swimming pool Bronte
10101/2002 65-75 Brighton Blvde Gemco Developments Appeal upheld subject to 3 storey RFB Bondi Beach Pty Ltd condition 24 /01/2003 Court No. 10235/2002 15 Gardyne Street L & King Appeal upheld Section 96 Bronte application approved 10597/1999 5/08/2002 31 Ashton Street George Pethard Appeal upheld subject to 2 storey outbuilding Queens Park conditions 24/09/2002 Appeal No. 0097/2002 17 Roe Street Design Criteria Appeal dismissed application Dual occupancy North Bondi for dual occupancy refused
Court No. 10846/2002 154 Glenayr Avenue Kida Holdings Pty Ltd Consent Orders Application Mixed development Approved 7/04/2003 Court No. 10770/2002 129 Bondi Road Irwin Maherer & Partners Discontinued 15/05/2003 Bondi
Appeal No. 10886/2002 22-24 Murray Street Healthscope Ltd Discontinued 26/03/2003 Bronte
Court No. 11103/2002 62 Blair Street S Calabrese Discontinued 14/04/2003 Bondi
Court No. 10996/2002 Annual Report 2002/2003 45 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Appeal No. Applicant Decision Date and Result Comment 68 Francis Street Robert Henderson Consent Orders – Section 96 3 storey dwelling Bondi And Marijke Conrade Modification Approved 7/03/2003 Court No. 10977/2002 232 Campbell Pde C M Hairis, Architects Consent Orders – Convert club portion Bondi Beach development consent granted of building to additional flats Court No. 4/12/02 10339/2002 314 Bronte Road B & Y Raymond Appeal upheld development Mixed development Waverley consent granted subject to conditions Court No. 31/03/2003 10800/2001 24 Imperial Avenue Gemco Development Pty Discontinued 4/11/2002 Bondi Ltd
Court No. 10525/2002 14 Leichhardt Street HW & JL Hancock Appeal upheld subject to Bronte conditions 21/10/2002
Court No. 0096/2002 3-7 Lamrock Ave Jaques Avenue Bondi Appeal upheld subject to Mixed development & 10-12 Jaques Ave Pty Ltd conditions Bondi Beach 14/02/2003
Court No. 0271/2002 53 Wellington Street A Searle Appeal dismissed Carport Bondi 11/04/2003
Court No. 10136/2003 130 Glenayr Avenue Owners of SP 32335 Appeal dismissed Bondi 17/03/2003
Court No. 03/10184 284 Bronte Road 284 Bronte Road Discontinued Waverley Development Pty Ltd June 2003
Court No. 03/10094 28 Sir Thomas Stephen Bower Appeal dismissed Mitchell Road Bronte
Court No. 10527/2002 10 Sandridge Street Ash Somadi Appeal dismissed 27/06/2003 Bondi
Court No. 11027/2002 46 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Appeal No. Applicant Decision Date and Result Comment 10 Sandridge Street Ash Somadi Appeal upheld 27/06/2003 Bondi
Court No. 10114/2003 57 Curlewis Street Crystal Carwash Pty Ltd Discontinued 9/05/2003 Carwash Bondi
10160/2003 40 Hall Street CSA Architects Appeal upheld 2/06/2003 Backpacker Bondi Beach accommodation
Court No. 11102/2001 138-140 Warners Woniora Investments Appeal dismissed 27/05/2003 3 storey RFB Avenue, Bond Beach
Court No. 11024/2002 19 Evans Street Mrs T Carnegie Appeal upheld 30/04/2003 Swimming pool Bronte
Court No. 10128/2002 6-8 Jaques Avenue Lismore Bondi Pty Ltd Appeal upheld 29/04/03 Mixed development Bondi Beach
Court No. 10028/2003
Class 4 Appeals to the Land and Environment Court 2002/2003 Appeal No. Applicant Decision Date and Comment Result 50 Botany Street Hutchinson 3G Appeal upheld Applicant sought declaration Bondi Junction Australia Pty Ltd 3/09/2002 that condition of consent was ‘ultra vires’ 105/2002 114 Glenayr Avenue Waverley Council Dismissed – Respondent Application by Council for Bondi (WC & MI Ibrahim - to pay part of Council’s injunctive relief to enforce Respondent) costs conditions of development 40200/2001 consent 232 Campbell Waverley Council Application dismissed Application by Council that a Parade (CM Hairis Architects 10/10/2002 fresh DA to modify or alter an Bondi Beach – Respondent) existing consent is incompetent 4050/2003 f) Mayoral and Councillor Fees and Facilities
The Council’s policy on the provision of facilities for use by Councillors and the payment of Councillors’ expenses has not been revised in the past year.
Council policy states that Council will reimburse all reasonable travelling expenses by Councillors on Council business. Expenses covering conferences, advertising and childcare fees are also covered.
Annual Report 2002/2003 47 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Councillors also receive the benefit of the following:
¾ Use of official stationery and access to Council’s photocopiers and fax machines to discharge their Council functions;
¾ Word processing of official correspondence, subject to the prior approval of the General Manager;
¾ Postage of official correspondence;
¾ Meals on evenings of Council and Committee meetings;
¾ Use of a four drawer filing cabinet at home;
¾ Use of a telephone call card for official business;
¾ A personal computer with appropriate software and a separate phone line for the computer.
In addition to the facilities provided to Councillors, the Mayor is entitled to receive the benefit of:
¾ Use of a Council vehicle;
¾ Secretarial and administrative assistance relating to the discharge of his/her civic functions;
¾ A mobile phone. (The provision of a Council vehicle to the Deputy Mayor was withdrawn in September 1999).
In 2002/2003, Mayoral and Councillor fees and expenses were:
Mayoral Fees $ 23,660.00 Councillor Fees (including Deputy Mayor) $145,500.00 Councillor Expenses $208,956.50 g) Employment of Senior Staff
The Council has six senior staff as identified under the Local Government Act. The total amount of money payable for senior staff in 2002 - 2003, was:
Salary $858,082.93 Superannuation $ 31,081.75 Car $ 60,000.00 Fringe Benefits $ 35,714.59 Fringe Benefits Tax $ 35,663.27
The annual remuneration package for senior staff employed is:
General Manager $218,487.17 Director – Beach, Park & Recreation Services $151,476.28 Director – Corporate & Technical Services $163,088.83 Director – Library & Community Services $148,433.21 Director – Planning & Environmental Services $167,364.11 Director – Public Works & Services $171,692.94
Please note the above remuneration packages contain the following:
¾ Total value of the salary component of the package.
¾ Total amount payable by the Council by way of employer’s contribution or salary sacrifice to any superannuation scheme to which the member may be a contributor. 48 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
¾ Total value of any non-cash benefits for which the member may elect under the package.
¾ Total amount payable by the Council by way of fringe benefits tax for any such non-cash benefits. h) Major Contracts Awarded by Council (in excess of $100,000)
Council awarded four (4) contracts in excess of $100,000 during 2002/2003. This is a decrease on the seven (7) contracts awarded in 2001/2002.
Name of Contractor Description of Goods and/or Services Total Payable
Ford Civil Contracting Pty. Ltd Reconstruction of Bondi Junction Mall $4.896,958.00
Ausco Building Systems Pty. Relocation of S.E.S. $443,835.00 Ltd.
Osbuild (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. Waverley Cliff Walk Stage 2 $177,528.00
MacDonald Johnston Eductor/Truck Unit for stormwater/pit $264,902.00 Engineering Company cleaning i) 1) Bush Fire Reduction Activities.
The Waverley Council area is one of the most densely populated and urbanised in Australia and has few, if any, areas likely to be the subject of bush fire activity. With the exception of localised hazard reduction in the few pockets of remnant bushland, no bush fire reduction activities were carried out in the Waverley area during the year. j) Multicultural Services
During the past year Council continued to resource both a Multicultural Advisory Committee and an interdepartmental staff Multicultural Committee
The community based advisory committee met quarterly. Its main objectives are to provide advice to Council on current multicultural issues and to promote open communication between Council and community groups particularly in relation to implementation of our Multicultural Policy and Action Plan.
The interdepartmental committee was reconvened in March 2002. Its aim is to report on progress and advise Council staff on the implementation of strategies and actions contained in Council’s Multicultural Policy. Four meetings were held over the last 12 months reporting on the following achievements:
Internally: • The library was successful in obtaining a grant from the State library to update reading material and other resources for the Russian speaking population. Consultations were held with the Russian community, individual Russian clients and organisations in choosing reading materials. • Several multicultural exhibitions and activities were organised in the library (eg Remembering Ithaka, Baltics to Bondi, Lithuanian Culture and Folklore, Children of the Gulf War) • Use of interpreters and language aides was identified as an issue and will be part of the customer service training for front desk staff
Annual Report 2002/2003 49 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Lobbying and advocacy in the wider community: • A submission was prepared in April 2003 to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee on the inquiry into the provisions of the Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Bill 2003 • A letter of support was sent to the Minister for Citizenship & Multicultural Affairs supporting the work of the Botany Migrant Resource Centre which covers Waverley LGA • In October 2002, input was provided into the submission by Ethnic Workers in Local Government Network for a review of settlement services undertaken by the Department for Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA).
Refugee Week Refugee Week was marked in October with a successful public event. Dr Ozdowska, Human Rights Commissioner and Howard Glen from the Coalition for Refugees addressed the community meeting at the library. A number of local residents presented moving personal testimonies at the event. Linking into this activity was a Council initiated community development project involving the Department of Education, Bondi Schools District in a teacher education program and TAFE NSW in a Council sponsored poster competition that showcased the refugee experience and views about community harmony.
A display focusing on children’s stories and perspectives as refugees was installed in the Seniors’ Centre.
Children’s Week During children’s week in October 2002, Council’s Children’s Librarian visited centres, presenting multicultural stories.
Waverley SUPS program continued to provide services to children from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background and to children from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. Activities include workshops and training for staff on cultural awareness and diversity as well as 1:1 support for staff in centres who are including children from diverse backgrounds.
Social planning and Council’s Multicultural Policy Action Plan and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access and Equity Policy and Action Plan. Under social planning guidelines, the Local Government Act requires Council to identify and plan for the needs of people from diverse language and cultural backgrounds. During the past year, commitments under the Act for this target group continued to be monitored. Volume 2 of Council’s Social Plan, which was produced in 2000, contains strategies addressing the needs of all target groups in the community. These strategies are also reflected in its Council’s Management Plan. During the past year, Community Services staff developed a template to assist with the progress reports on social plan actions. Community Services Staff have also commenced analysis of changes affecting Waverley’s multicultural residents and its population profile.
Council’s Multicultural Policy Action Plan sets down specific actions and review mechanisms in an effort to meet the needs of Waverley’s multicultural community.
Implementation of the ATSI Access and Equity Policy and Action Plan continued through promotion of the reconciliation process, lobbying and consultation and development of a wide range of activities including displays, workshops, exhibitions and performance.
Council continued work with Eastern Region Local Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum on a variety of issues regarding our indigenous population. A regional project to develop an Aboriginal mentoring program moved forward with advertising and promotion carried out to identify a participant for Waverley.
50 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Multicultural activities and resources in the library The library has relatively small but growing collections of resources in languages other than English. The principal collections are Russian with 2,435 items, followed by Spanish (2,525), French (616), Hungarian (565), German (412), Polish (360) and Hebrew (181). The most heavily used collections were the Russian, Hungarian, Spanish and Polish resources, with 26,992 loans made from the Russian collection and 2,179 loans made from the Hungarian collection.
A total of 3,081 borrowers who read in languages other then English joined or renewed their membership during the period. 2,686 were adults and 395 were children.
The total number of registered NESB borrowers was 6,519, compared with 5,176 reported for last year. This represents an increase of 26% over the past year.
During the year the library received or acquitted the following grants:
• Library Development Grant for Russian Resources: a Centre for Excellence for the Russian Speaking Community. • Library Development Grant for the promotion of library services to the Polish, Russian, Greek, Italian and Hindi communities. • Planning has commenced to improve library signage for non-English speaking communities with a view to installing welcoming signage for Waverley’s principal NESB communities. • Various book displays with multicultural themes and the compilation of Multicultural Society - a booklist which includes a selection of works about multiculturalism, racism, immigration, associated fiction works and a list of multicultural authors. • Special storytime, films and display to coincide with Harmony Day
The Bondi Pavilion Community Cultural Centre supported individual multicultural artists and held cultural activities including multicultural events. These included the following exhibitions: • ‘Mapping Memories’ by local Indonesian born artist Jumaadi. The opening night celebration included Indonesian food and music. • ‘Crossing paths’ an exhibition of paintings by Sarah Chang, a Korean born artist
The annual South American Festival was held in February and included the cream of Central and South American performers. Included in the Festival was a mixed media exhibition called the ‘Neglected Heart of Heaven’ by the ‘Collective’ an independent group of South and Central American artists.
The Festival of the Winds. This is a significant annual festival, which celebrates the diversity of our culture through kiteflying and multicultural food, music and dance. Each year a range of cultures including indigenous culture is represented.
The Pavilion continued to provide affordable venues and work opportunities for NESB artists and performers, ensuring a vehicle for cultural exchange. Some of these include regular classes and one off bookings representing cultural groups including those involved in performance, dance and music. Events like Waitangi Day continue to be supported in the venue.
The School Holiday Program at the Pavilion included performances and workshops with artists and tutors from different cultural backgrounds. k) Works Carried Out on Private Land
Council did not carry out any work on private land during the year.
Annual Report 2002/2003 51 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements l) Contributions and Donations Organisation Contribution $ Community Support The Bondi Ballet 2,000.00 Uncommon Sense Productions 500.00 Waitangi Bondi Community Inc. 2,500.00 Flickerfest 2003 4,100.00 Lions Club of Bondi District 200.00 Sarala African Festival 2,100.00 Councillor Pat Dixon Memorial 1,500.00 Deborah Raphael – Centre for Refugee Research 1,000.00 Bondi Rotary Children’s Film Festival 350.00 Junction House 500.00 Markson Sparks 10,000.00 Australian Red Cross Farmhand Appeal 5,000.00 Sculpture By The Sea 12,000.00 Festival of the Winds 6,000.00 Marine Discovery Centre 4,000.00 Bali Memorial Dinner 9,350.00 Ken Clift – “Sister Street” Play 2,500.00 Mural for Bali Victims 550.00 National Trust (Membership) 1,000.00 Australian Capoeira Angola Festival 490.00 South East Division of General Practitioners 200.00 Bondi Community Bank 876.00 Bondi Toy Library 12,489.27 Francis Street Playgroup 750.00 Bronte Out of School Hours 1,986.00 Bondi Before and After Care 1,800.00 Waverley Community Out of School Care 770.00 Clovelly Out of School Care 1,500.00
Community Work Co-Ordination Eastern Suburbs Business Enterprise Centre 6,000.00 Bondi Beach Cottage 5,925.00 Norman Andrews House 26,000.00 Randwick Waverley Community Transport 13,792.00 Eastern Area Tenants Service 11,130.00 Lighthouse Community Inc. 6,700.00 Mindfields Support Group 266.00
Youth Services Waverley Action for Youth Services 61,233.00 Bondi Community Street Project 36,780.00
Community Living Project Junction House 30,340.00
Echo Part-Time Worker ECHO Bondi Junction Neighbourhood Centre 13,759.00
Library Administration Book Week Gift Vouchers 765.00
52 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Cultural Activities Waverley Art Prize 15,392.16 Waverley Photographic Competition 810.00 Waverley Randwick Philharmonic Society 3,500.00 Youth Art Awards -15 Prizes 1,875.00 North Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club 15,000.00 Bondi Surf Lifesaving Club 15,000.00 Tamarama Surf Lifesaving Club 15,000.00 Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club1 ,500.00
Refugee Week Children’s Art 950.00 Refugee Week TAFE Prizes 1,000.00
Risk Management Waverley Community Garden 425.00
Annual Award to Local Schools – Bondi Public School 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – Bondi Beach Public School 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – Bronte Public School 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – Clovelly Public School 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – Dover Heights High School 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – Moriah Junior College 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – Galilee Catholic School 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – St Catherine’s 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – St Charles’ 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – St Clare’s College 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – Waverley College 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – Waverley College Junior School 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – Waverley Public School 50.00 Annual Award to Local Schools – Moriah College 50.00 Bondi Beach Community Centre Group 2,000.00 Bronte After School Care 5,000.00 Heather Dyson 100.00
Tamarama Surf Lifesaving Club 3,125.00
Total $382,006.43
Annual Report 2002/2003 53 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements m) Human Resource Activities Undertaken by Council During 2002/2003.
A number of activities have been undertaken to ensure staff have good access to accurate and reliable information about their employment conditions, these include: Redesign of the leave forms for Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Other Paid Leave, Long Service Leave, Parental Leave, Family Carer Leave, Bereavement Leave, Leave Without Pay, Outdoor Timesheets and the Application for Salary Sacrifice Form. These revisions are intended to provide staff with clearer information about their employment conditions and to be easier to complete. They also include information on privacy legislation relating to the information provided by staff on the forms. A range of HR and OH&S information is accessible on Controlled Documents, eg new and revised policies and procedures, rates of pay, etc. The Staff Handbook has been updated a number of times to ensure information provided to new staff is relevant and up to date. Pipeline provides regular information for staff. Articles that appear in every issue are: - General Managers column - Dear Personnel Officer, which answers any frequently asked questions staff have - Council job vacancies - Topics discussed in Consultative Committee and OH&S Committee meetings - Training News – informing staff about training opportunities Articles on EEO, ethics and OH&S are published at least quarterly. Other information provided during the year covered: - Council’s Pay Policy Review - Superannuation information updates, seminar dates and personal interview times - Public holidays for 2002-2004 - Timesheet deadlines for public holidays - Studies Assistance - Council’s Employee Assistance Program - Policies and Plans, eg Learning & Development Schedule, Grievance Procedures, Discrimination & Harassment Policy - Performance Rewards - changes to the Award, eg Maternity leave
To improve Council’s human resource management we continued to develop and/or review our policies and procedures in consultation with staff: Drug & Alcohol Guidelines (reviewed) Harassment & Discrimination Policy (reviewed) Grievance Procedures (reviewed) Pay Policy, including our Salary System (reviewed), Salary Progression Rules (reviewed) and Job Evaluation Process (developed), Reward System Guidelines (developed), Guidelines for choosing a commencing salary for staff being appointed (developed), Skills & Performance Assessment Instructions and Form (reviewed) Studies Assistance categories (reviewed)
A series of activities were undertaken to inform our planning and management activities, eg. The Annual Sick Leave Report made recommendations to reduce discretionary absenteeism, including a further trial of flu vaccinations. Our Quarterly HR Reports to the Executive have been refined to provide more timely and useful information. Updates on legislative and Award changes are regularly provided for the Executive.
We have enhanced our utilisation of our HR Information System: The system was updated to incorporate changes to Award conditions, taxation and superannuation reporting requirements. The OH&S module has been activated, enabling more detailed and up to date OH&S reporting.
Our internal consulting to staff and management has continued to be utilised frequently, covering a broad range of issues such as recruitment, investigation of EEO and ethical issues, provision of support for staff with disabilities and coaching assistance to support application of learning from formal training. 54 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Industrial relations activities have included: Ongoing participation of the Employee Services Manager in USU Delegates Committee meetings to act as a referral source for staff concerns, and to brief the delegates on current Council activities. review of Council’s Pay Policy commencement of negotiations for Council’s Conditions Enterprise Agreement and Rangers Enterprise Agreement.
We have undertaken a broad range of OH&S initiatives including: development of an Incident and Accident Investigation Policy and Procedure development of over 60 Safe Work Method Statements resulting from a risk assessment prioritisation exercise development and implementation of OH&S training for all staff as part of the Induction Training program review and evaluation of the 2002/2003 OH&S Strategic Plan and the development of the 2003/2004 OH&S Strategic Plan training program established for Site Safety auditors and the completion of a Council-wide workplace OH&S audit. internal OH&S management system audit undertaken, with the results used in the development of the 2003/2004 OH&S Strategic Plan continued improvement on workers compensation and rehabilitation case management processes continuation of our Hepatitis A and B vaccination program
Human Resource Development Activities Undertaken During 2002/2003 A large range of human resource development activities were undertaken during 2002/2003, with the major focus for the year being refreshers in EEO, Ethics and a large range of OH&S training. A summary of the formal training conducted is provided below.
Category Topic No. of Staff who attended EEO EEO for managers 13 EEO for staff 105 Ethics Ethics for managers 23 Ethics for staff 126 Induction Waverley Council Induction 38 First Aid refresher 17 Advanced Fire Warden’s Emergency Procedures 11 Fire Warden’s emergency Procedures 18 Manual Handling 57 KeepSafe 33 Basic Oil Spills Response 21 Confined Spaces and SWMS training 9 Construction Induction 108 Accident Investigations 17 Site Audit 39 Traffic Controller 58 Dealing with Challenging Customer Situations 33 Drug and Alcohol Awareness for Indoor Staff 81 Drug and Alcohol Awareness for Indoor Managers 42 Drug and Alcohol Awareness for Outdoor Staff 136 Drug and Alcohol Awareness for Outdoor Managers 21 Other, including Managing Injured & Chronically 4 Absent Employees, First Aid, OH&S Consultation Management Leadership and Introduction to Motivation 94 Managing Performance and Under performance 41 Coaching 13 Introduction to Recruiting Staff 18 Developing Selection Criteria 14 Job Specific Job Evaluation Facilitator Training 8
Annual Report 2002/2003 55 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements n) Activities Undertaken During 2001 - 2002 To Implement Council’s Equal Opportunity Management Plan. Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Grievance Procedures reviewed Drugs & Alcohol in the Workplace Policy developed redraft of Recruitment Procedures under way and guides for developing selection criteria, interview questions and undertaking referee checks have been developed. Training in recruitment procedures, developing selection criteria and interview questions completed. Rolling series of EEO Seminars for managers and supervisors conducted. Regular articles in Council’s staff newsletter Pipeline provided up to date information on EEO, Ethics, discrimination issues and training opportunities. Specific EEO related articles covered: - Disability Discrimination - Sexual Discrimination - Acceptable Workplace Behaviour - Staff Survey Results - International Women’s Day - Seminars for Women in Local Government - Multicultural Advisory Committee - Role of Staff Advisers. Council’s Induction Program provided staff with information on their rights and responsibilities, including those relating to EEO. Courses were conducted in September, October 2002, & February 2003. Council participated in a Master Thesis Survey Project that should provide Council with feedback to improve our Induction processes. All position descriptions and selection criteria are reviewed prior to advertising to ensure they comply with EEO principles and are non-discriminatory. We have updated our EEO data collection to include carer responsibilities. A number of investigations have been undertaken to deal with staff complaints relating to EEO. A number of long term strategies have been implemented in order to improve our implementation of EEO in the workplace and to increase staff awareness of their rights and responsibilities. Council had already initiated some of the strategies that were recommended in reports, eg manager and supervisor participation in management/leadership development programs. Pre-employment medicals have been monitored to ensure that appropriate assessments of reasonable adjustments are considered. In 2002/2003 we identified 2 separate instances where we were able to employ staff with disabilities after seeking advice from Rehabilitation Providers or Treating Practitioners on appropriate reasonable adjustments. Reasonable adjustments have been provided for 2 outdoor staff to enable them to continue to work productively in their areas of expertise during their pregnancies. A ‘market adjustment provision’ has been included in Council’s Pay Policy that allows cars are car allowances to be offered for positions with a high level of market demand. As part of Council’s commitment to the National Framework for Women in Local Government each year we report on the percentage of women in senior positions:
Number of staff at management levels split by gender in2002/2003 Male Female Total Salary Management Level 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 Group M to P Middle Managers 19 25 16 26 35 51 Q to T Senior Managers 10 11 3 8 13 19 Senior Staff Executive 3 3 3 3 6 6
56 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements n) External Bodies Exercising Council Functions.
The Waverley Woollahra Joint Planning Authority was made up of 4 Councillors from each Council. The JPA met when required with the Chairperson alternating between Waverley and Woollahra every 6 months.
The JPA was until 14 February 2003 the determining authority under the EPA Act for development applications valued at more than $2 million made within the area covered by the Waverley Woollahra LEP 1991 – Bondi Junction Commercial Centre. The JPA also considered any proposed amendments to DCP’s, Traffic management Plans and S94 Plans in respect of the joint area. With the boundary adjustment between Waverley and Woollahra Councils at Bondi Junction on 14 February 2003 the JPA ceased to operate. p) Controlling Interests in Companies
Council has no controlling interest in any companies. q) Partnerships, Co-Operatives and Joint Ventures.
Council is part of Premsure – a joint insurance body with Manly and Woollahra Councils which is responsible for managing claims for professional indemnity, public liability and councillors and officers insurance (Directors and Officers Insurance) from the time when Premsure self insured or bulk purchased these insurances. At various times in the past, South Sydney, Wollongong and Randwick Councils were also part of Premsure and so claims from those Councils are also managed from time to time by the group.
Council is a member of Jobfutures Ltd, a national network of not-for-profit community organisations. Council’s WaverleyWorks, as a member of Jobfutures provides employment and training services for the unemployed and disadvantaged through a JobNetwork contract with the Department of Employment, Work Relations (DEWR).
The Waverley/Woollahra Process Plant, a waste disposal facility jointly owned and managed by Waverley and Woollahra councils, was closed in 1996/97. A management committee for the facility still exists and meets as required.
Council is also a member of the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) and the Sydney Coastal Councils.
SSROC is a resource sharing co-operative set up to exchange ideas and facilitate a common approach to the problems and opportunities of the Southern Sydney Region.
The Sydney Coastal Councils includes councils located on Sydney’s coastline and aims to promote co- ordination on issues relating to the urban coastal environment and waterways.
Annual Report 2002/2003 57 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements r) Other Regulatory Information.
A. Overseas Visits by Councillors. Nature of Visit Country Visited Dates Who participated Negotiate Public Liability London 11 – 21.10.2002 Director, Corporate & Insurance Cover. Technical Services
B. Statement of the Total Remuneration.
Council has six senior staff. Details of their total remuneration are listed in Section (g) on page .
C. Details of the Activities Undertaken by the Council during the Year to Develop and Promote Services and Programs That Provide for the Needs of Children.
Council centres Council's three Long Day Care services provided 168 licensed places for children aged 0-5 years providing care for approximately 260 children including full time and part time children mainly with working parents. Council's child care centres continued to provide affordable care in Waverley, with a maximum daily fee of $40.50 - $42.50 per day. These fees were within 15% of the average of other local service providers.
The utilisation rate for the three child care centres averaged 167.28 during the year. The average number of children per day was 99.75% of available licensed places. This was an exceptional annual rate.
Bronte Child Care Centre was successfully re-licensed during 2002/2003 year, gaining a three year licence effective March 2003.
Our child care centres continue to be promoted through the KIDS book, through Council's web site, the SUPS program and by inclusion in the Department of Family and Community Services Hotline.
The Supplementary Services Program (SUPS) which targets children with additional needs, including children with disabilities, children from a non-English speaking background, Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders and South Sea Islanders was provided to all Commonwealth funded services in Waverley.
Throughout the year, twelve new children with additional needs were placed in a Council’s three child care centres, making a total of 41 children for the year (an increase of five over last year and exceeding Council’s target of 25-30). These children including children with a disability, children with a parent with a disability, children from a non-English speaking background and children with significant family support issues.
16 families in Waverley received support through the Special Needs Subsidy Scheme funded by the Federal Government. Support was provided to these children and to their families through the Child Care Support Team which includes Speech Pathology, Family Support and the Waverley Supplementary Services (SUPS) Project.
The Family Support Service provided both an ongoing support service and one-off consultation to 41 families during the year. A four-week parent program was offered to the parents of Waverley Council’s Child Care services in July 2002. The focus was on positive parenting and the topics covered included child development, building self esteem and behaviour management. In the Waverley area this program is very affordable and child care is provided to allow all families access to parent education.
Staff from the Child Care Support Team attended and were active participants in a number of local committees focusing on the needs of children and their families. In collaboration with the Child Protection Network for South East Sydney, the team was involved in organising an Expo for Child Protection week in September at the Eastgate Shopping Centre.
The child care support team was involved in a Focus Group for service providers in the Eastern suburbs. The group met to consider developing new support structures for parents with children who have additional needs.
58 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
The SUPS Newsletter is provided quarterly to eligible child care services and a fact sheet is provided bi- monthly on specific topics.
Speech Pathology The Speech Pathology service consists of individual therapy, classroom programs, as well as monitoring particular children's progress. Speech and language resources were developed and provided for implementation by parents and teachers. There have been 18 new referrals from Council's Children's services with a monthly caseload of up to 19 children.
Council’s Holiday Care Program Our holiday care program took place at Waverley Child Care Centre from the 27 December 2002 to 9 January 2003. A total of 51 children utilised this service over a 9-day period. The program was offered to the families in the Council 3 Long Day Care Centres and Family Day Care as well as to families of children attending other long day care centres in the Waverley area. Included in the program were children with additional needs and receiving the Special Needs Subsidy. The review of the service indicates a continuing and strong demand for care during the holiday period. Promotion of the service is through flyers supplied to all local services.
Demand for home based child care provided by Waverley's Family Day Care (FDC) Service remained strong. However, along with other inner Sydney FDC schemes, Waverley FDC was experiencing a steady decline in the number of carers over the last decade. In an effort to retain a viable scheme for Waverley families and after months of research and negotiations, Council decided in July 2002 to absorb Sydney Family Day Care into the Waverley scheme. This decision to integrate Sydney FDC into Waverley’s operations was motivated by Council’s desire to increase availability of places over a larger geographical area, improve viability, increase funding levels and create opportunities for future growth. With the amalgamated service, the number of carers registered with the Waverley increased from 17 to 26, with 150 equivalent full time places.
After a review of service fees which included a comparison with six other services, Waverley FDC fees increased from $3.50 per hour to $3.80 per hour. This fee is comparable to that charged by other local providers in the Eastern region and services in the Sydney area. Waverley FDC represented the most affordable care in Waverley. Parents who use part time care and who have maximum Child Care Benefit (on a Pension or Benefit) can still access this care for a very low daily fee.
Closure of John MacNeil Child Care Centre Council commissioned a consultant’s report into the proposed closure by the Church in the Marketplace of the MacNeil Childcare Centre in Bondi Junction. This child care facility was a 65-place centre and its closure represented a loss to the area of 15% of its baby places. Despite significant Council and community representation, the centre was closed in December 2002. Council continues its lobbying efforts to ensure that a proportion of the proceeds from the sale of the child care centre site will be re-invested into children services in the Waverley area.
Increase of places for Kindamindi long day care centre Support was provided to the Kindamindi management committee in their re-licensing process and through Council’s captial works program. This effort has secured 6 additional child care places for this community based centre that were at risk due to non-compliance with space ratio regulations
Out of school-hours (OOSH) services Community Services staff continued in 2002-3 to work closely with staff and management committees of OOSH services in the area. A number of issues were identified, including the introduction of National Standards for OOSH services.
Annual Report 2002/2003 59 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Children’s activities at the Bondi Pavilion The Bondi Pavilion Community Cultural Centre also provided diverse and affordable school holidays arts and craft activities, workshops and performances and other programs for children every school holiday period. In addition, the Pavilion provides regular space for local youth music concerts throughout the year and incorporated participatory arts components for children in all its major festivals. Throughout the year, the Pavilion provided a range of classes for children after school including dance, gym, pottery, painting and drama. Facilities also allow venue hire for birthday parties and craft parties for young children’s birthdays.
Promotion of these services is through Council’s website, local media and extensive distribution of pamphlets. Workshop and performance programs during school holiday periods attract in excess of 1500 children during a holiday period.
Grant funded projects such as the Musician in Residence included a program for preschoolers and primary age children who were involved in writing and recording their own music.
Children’s activities at the library The total number of loans of children’s items was 254 353 representing 38.87% of the total issues, a similar proportion compared to last year.
School holiday activities were arranged for each of the holiday periods. The programs comprised films, craft and performance sessions and, in general, were fully booked. Attendances have been drawn to Council’s attention regularly via the Information Bulletin.
Other regular activities comprised two weekly storytime sessions and one weekly film screening. In addition, the Children’s Library was used for regular children’s chess classes (twice weekly) and literacy classes (twice weekly). There were a number of “one off” special activities including storytelling and author presentation.
There were 13 regular preschool classes each week. These included three classes from Wairoa Public School and one autistic class from Waverley Public School. During Children’s Book Week there were visits from 60 classes, representing some 1500 children.
The storytelling outreach program took place across the full period, with a member of the Children’s Library staff visiting each of the Council child care centres during the school holidays to conduct special storytelling sessions. The Children’s Library has also proposed a program of regular visits to the Gardiner Child Care Centre outside school holidays, to read stories to the younger children who are unable to visit the library.
60 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
D. Council’s Performance in Relation to Programs Undertaken during the Year to Promote Services and Access to Services for Residents and Other Users Of those Services.
¾ How Council Promotes Its Services.
The main ways Council promotes its services are:
9 Regular advertising in local newspapers. 9 Producing and distributing publications, brochures, flyers and newsletters. 9 Displaying posters on noticeboards. 9 Holding public meetings, workshops and focus groups. 9 Regular mailouts to individuals and groups. 9 Supporting a resident Precinct Committee System. 9 Recorded messages on hold at the switchboard. 9 Media releases. 9 Our Internet site.
¾ Regular Newspaper Advertising. Council has a weekly advertising column in a local newspaper, which is distributed free of charge to households in the Waverley area. This column includes public notices on development proposals and approvals, dates and times of Council and Precinct meetings, information about traffic management changes to services and new services, draft policies being exhibited for public comment and other statutory notices.
A Mayoral column is printed alongside the advertising column each week, and covers items about the local community, Council initiatives and news about events, projects and programs of interest to local residents.
¾ Producing and Distributing Publications, Brochures, Fact Sheets, Flyers and Newsletters. Publications include:
♦ Management Plan produced annually which covers all Council’s principal activities, its performance targets and performance measures. The Management Plan is available for public inspection at the Council Chambers, Library, offices of local State and Federal Members of Parliament and on our Website.
♦ Statement of Affairs – which is produced annually and includes information about the structure and functions of Council and how these affect members of the public; how the public can participate in Council’s policy development and decision making, and how to access Council’s information and records. The Statement of Affairs is available for public inspection at the Council Chambers, Library and on our Website.
♦ Summary of Affairs – published bi-annually, the Summary of Affairs includes a list of all Council policy documents.
♦ Brochures, Fact Sheets and Flyers. Council produces a range of brochures on many subjects. We maintain brochure stands at the Council chambers, the Library, Bondi Pavilion and at the Community Services Offices for distribution purposes. We also produce flyers for letterboxing about various meetings, services and events.
♦ Newsletters. We produce a monthly Senior Citizens’ Newsletter and a bi-monthly newssheet called “What’s On at Bondi Pavilion!” Regular newsletters are also produced by the Waverley Library on their activities.
¾ Displaying Posters on Noticeboards. We have community noticeboards located in Waverley streets and bus shelters as well as numerous other display boards in Council buildings. Information on these noticeboards is changed regularly to ensure up to date information about Council, local services and activities is available.
Annual Report 2002/2003 61 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
¾ Holding and Attending Public Meetings, Workshops and Focus Groups. Council convenes public meetings on topics which are contentious or where public consultation is required.
Council also regularly convenes working parties and focus group discussions to enable participation in decision making by members of the community. Most recently we have been developing a community planning framework using the creation of a Bondi Junction Strategic Plan as a model.
Regular Mailouts to Individuals and Groups. We regularly include additional information on our services and contact phone numbers in mailouts such as the Rates Notice, licensing reminders, waste accounts etc. We also correspond regularly with residents and ratepayers about our services.
¾ Supporting a Resident Precinct Committee System. There are 13 Precinct Committees in Waverley who meet regularly to discuss matters of local interest. Council prepares regular mailouts to the Precincts about Development Applications, traffic matters, Council plans, codes and policies and/or specific matters where information has been requested. Council staff and Councillors often attend these meetings to hear residents’ concerns and provide information to members.
¾ Recorded Messages on Hold at the Switchboard. Callers placed on hold listen to music and messages about our services. Messages are updated or changed every three months.
¾ Media Releases. Council employs a full-time media officer whose job it is to regularly prepare media releases for local and metropolitan newspapers, radio and television. The subject of these releases varies in response to the current issues of concern to Council and the community.
¾ Our Internet Site. A unique web site name – www.waverley.nsw.gov.au was established and procedures developed to enable Council information to be placed quickly on the site for access by our community.
Access to Services.
In addition to promoting its services widely, Council provides a range of services to specific identified groups in the Waverley community. More details on the provision of these services is contained in our Access and Equity Summary on pages
E. Category 1 Business Activities Including Their Expenses, Revenues and Assets. Progress in Implementing the Principles of Competitive Neutrality, Including Complaints Handling and Complaints Received.
Council's Property Services Unit operates a significant sector of its property portfolio as a Category 1 Business returning greater than $2,000,000 per annum in income. Total expenses, revenues and asset values in 2002/2003 were as follows:
Total income $3,923,579 Total expenditure $1,387,587 Depreciation $474,211 Result Before Capital $2,535,993 Asset value $65,752,002 Return on investment 3.5% Value of notional subsidy $1,005,000
62 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
The Unit's portfolio included a number of properties notionally subsidised to the value of $1.005 million in accordance with Council policy. The portfolio also included all Council-owned unsubsidised properties operated on a commercial basis with a total value of $48.45 million. Market rents are sought on the properties categorised as commercial consistent with the principles of competitive neutrality.
No complaints have been received regarding competitive neutrality in relation to the business in the 2002/2003 financial year.
Council aims to achieve an average minimum 5% return on investment (asset value) on the unsubsidised commercial properties within the portfolio. Actual performance in return on investment for the commercial section in 2002/2003 was an average of 5.35%. Total income from the commercial sector exceeded $3.53 million, almost $1 million more than in 2001/2002. Six of the nine commercial properties produced returns on assets of greater than 6%. Three properties produced returns lower than 5%. One of these properties has shown poor returns for some years and may be reviewed. The other two properties are car parks which usually show lower returns due to market influences. One of these car parks has also been adversely affected by the introduction of the State Government's Parking Space Levy. The other has been affected by the terms of a 30-year lease established in 1982 which required Council to refrain from charging patrons for parking for the first two hours of each visit. Council has negotiated with the lessor in this regard and the situation has improved substantially. It will continue to improve in future years. Despite the comparatively poorer returns, both car parks will be retained as they are strategically significant to Council for purposes of managing amenity and development in Bondi Junction and provide a community benefit beyond car parking. The commercial section of the portfolio will be reviewed in business planning to be undertaken for 2003/2004.
Apart from this section, Council has not identified any Category 1 business activities but has identified several Category 2 businesses. These include Trade Waste, our Cemetery Unit and our Printing Section.
Council has established a customer request tracking system (CARS) to handle all customer requests and complaints, including competitive neutrality complaints. This system records these complaints and tracks the progress in replying to these matters. The community was notified of the customer request tracking system in Council's Management Plan.
Freedom of Information.
Statistical Information on Freedom of Information Applications and Outcomes.
(Also see pages 66 - 68).
Waverley Council received 15 requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 1989 in the period July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003, compared to 20 requests received in the preceding reporting period.
Primarily requests for information related to building, development and property matters such as requests to view letters of objection and complaints.
There were no internal reviews requested and no appeals made to the Ombudsman or the District Court relating to FOI matters dealt with by Waverley Council during this period.
Fees received for FOI applications totalled $3,431.00 compared with $4,211.00 received in the previous year.
FOI requests are generally processed within fourteen days, except when the information is difficult to locate, or where third party consultation is necessary. Our average processing time for applications in 2002/2003 was 10 days.
Annual Report 2002/2003 63 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Impact of FOI on Council’s Activities.
Access to information in local government under Freedom of Information is made complex because of the interaction between Section 12 of the Local Government Act, the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act and the FOI Act.
As far as possible we use the provisions of the model Privacy Management Plan developed by the Department of Local Government to guide decisions about access to information. 2001/2002 has seen a substantial reduction in the number of requests to obtain copies of objections to development applications because of revised notification letters and procedures.
There is an increasing trend to use FOI to obtain information for court matters or to obtain copies of complaints. Council has a general policy of not providing copies of complaints.
Amounts of Rates and Charges Written Off During the Year. (Local Government [Rates and Regulations] 1993)
An amount of $731,533.13 was written off as rates and charges during 2002/2003.This included mandatory rebates of $718,718.45 (Section 575) and general rates and charges abandonment of $12,814.68 (Section 595).
Our debt recovery policy includes issuing Rate and Instalment Notices in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act. A Reminder Notice will be directed on any account with an unpaid balance after the final day for payment of the quarterly rate instalment. If the account, other than one held by an eligible pensioner, is still not finalised after the issue of the Reminder Notice a Notice of Overdue Account is sent.
Accounts with an unpaid balance , where no mutually agreed arrangement has been negotiated, are referred to the Council’s debt recovery agency. The debt recovery agency issues a Notice of Legal Action and if the account remains unpaid a Statement of Liquidated Claim is sought.
For the 2002/2003 financial year, Council spent $35,241.63 on legal and professional costs associated with debt recovery of rates and charges.
Protected Disclosures
There were no protected disclosures received in 2002/2003.
Sponsorship
We obtained sponsorship for the following activities in 2002/2003:-
Wave Music Course at Bondi Pavilion - $2,000 from APRA/AMCOS. In kind sponsorship: $15,840 from Roland Corp - loan of equipment, $13,320 from Intermusic - loan of equipment, $1,070 from Revolver Magazine - free editorial and half price advertising, $500 from Sounds on the Street – use of studio space; $550 from H2O Graphics - half price artwork and printing. Total: $31,880
Lifeguard Service -$ 14,000 from Speedo - uniforms and other equipment for lifeguards.
Waverley Cemetery Grave Maintenance - $970 from Royal Aeronautical Society to maintain the grave of Lawrence Hargraves.
Westfield – Waverley Library Award for Literature -$3,500 for administrative expenses and the prize from Westfield.
64 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Privacy and Personal Information Management.
Council adopted a revised Privacy Management Plan in November 2002. This replaced the previous interim plan adopted in June 2000.
No privacy complaints were received during 2002/2003.
Annual Report 2002/2003 65 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
FOI Statistical Report – 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003 – Period ended 30 June 2003.
Section A – Number of new FOI requests
FOI Requests Personal Other Total
A1 – New (including transferred in) Nil 18 15
A2 – Brought forward Nil 2 1
A3 – Total to be processed Nil 20 16
A4 – Completed Nil 20 15
A5 – Transferred out Nil Nil Nil
A6 – Withdrawn Nil Nil Nil
A7 – Total processed Nil 20 15
A8 – Unfinished (carried forward) Nil 1 1
Section B – What Happened to New Requests?
Result of FOI Request Personal Other
B1 – Granted in full Nil 5
B2 – Granted in part Nil 8
B3 – Refused Nil 2
B4 – Deferred Nil Nil
B5 – Completed Nil 15
Section C – Ministerial Certificates
C1 – Ministerial Certificates Issued Nil
Section D – Formal Consultations
D1 – Number of requests requiring formal consultation NA
Section E – Amendment of Personal Records No requests
Section F – Notification of Personal Records No requests
66 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Section G – FOI requests granted in part or refused.
Basis of disallowing or restricting access Personal Other
G1 Section 19 (incomplete/wrongly directed) Nil 1
G2 Section 22 (deposit not paid) Nil Nil
G3 Section 22 (unreasonable diversion of resources) Nil Nil
G4 Section 25 (1) (a) (exempt) Nil 8
G5 Section 25 (1) (b),(c),(d) (otherwise available) Nil 1
G6 Section 25 (1) (e) (documents more than 5 yrs old) Nil Nil
G7 Section 24 (2) – deemed refused, over 45 days Nil Nil
G8 Totals Nil 10
Section H – Costs and fees of requests processed
H1 – All completed requests : Assessed Costs $3,431.00 FOI fees
Section I – Discounts allowed
Type of discount Personal Other
11 – Public interest Nil Nil
12 – Financial hardship – Pensioner/child Nil Nil
13 – Financial hardship – Non-profit organisation Nil Nil
14 – Totals Nil Nil
15 – Significant correction of personal records Nil Nil
Section J – Days to process
Elapsed Time Personal Other
J1 – 0-30 days Nil 14
J2 – 31-45 days Nil 1
J3 – Over 45 days Nil Nil
J4 – Totals Nil 15
Annual Report 2002/2003 67 Waverley Council Meeting Our Statutory Requirements
Section K – Processing time
Processing Hours Personal Other
K1 – 0-10 hours Nil 24
K2 – 11-20 hours Nil 2
K3 – 21-40 hours Nil Nil
K4 – Over 40 hours Nil Nil
K5 – Totals Nil 26
Section L – Reviews and Appeals
L1 – Number of internal reviews finalised Nil
L2 – Number of Ombudsman reviews finalised Nil
L3 – Number of District Court appeals finalised Nil
68 Annual Report 2002/2003 WAVERLEY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE for the year ended 30th June 2003
Budget Actual Actual 2003 2003 2002 $'000 Notes $'000 $'000 EXPENSES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES 28,137 Employee Costs 3 28,735 24,913 6,747 Materials & Contracts 7,891 6,533 825 Borrowing Costs 3 635 696 - Depreciation & Amortisation 3 6,166 6,043 15,188 Other Expenses 3 11,352 9,452 - Loss from Disposal of Assets 5 - 1,844 - Loss from interests in Joint Ventures & Associates 19 - - 50,897 Total Expenses from Ordinary Activities 54,779 49,481
REVENUES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES 27,433 Rates & Annual Charges 4 27,766 26,473 14,352 User Charges & Fees 4 16,243 14,030 721 Investment Revenues 4 1,550 1,170 5,961 Grants & Contributions - Operating 4 5,392 5,080 4,548 Other Revenues 4 5,392 4,309 - Profit from Disposal of Assets 5 19 - - Profit from interests in Joint Ventures & Associates 19 - - Revenues from Ordinary Activities before 53,015 56,362 51,062 Capital Amounts SURPLUS(DEFICIT) FROM ORDINARY 2,118 1,583 1,581 ACTIVITIES BEFORE CAPITAL AMOUNTS
310 Grants & Contributions - Capital 4 6,801 2,077 SURPLUS(DEFICIT) FROM ORDINARY 2,428 8,384 3,658 ACTIVITIES AFTER CAPITAL AMOUNTS
- Gain on Restructure of Council 24 3,036 - 2,428 NET SURPLUS(DEFICIT) FOR YEAR 11,420 3,658 2,428 TOTAL CHANGES IN EQUITY $ 11,420 $ 3,658
This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes. WAVERLEY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION as at 30th June 2003
Actual Actual 2003 2002 Notes $'000 $'000 CURRENT ASSETS Cash Assets 6 32,093 22,988 Investment Securities 6 - - Receivables 7 2,607 2,562 Inventories 8 124 110 Other 8 883 1,003 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 35,707 26,663
NON-CURRENT ASSETS Cash Assets 6 3,650 4,628 Investment Securities 6 - - Receivables 7 284 298 Inventories 8 - - Other 8 105 45 Property, Plant & Equipment 9 1,015,513 1,010,488 Investments accounted for using the equity method 19 - - TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 1,019,552 1,015,459 TOTAL ASSETS 1,055,259 1,042,122
CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 10 3,718 5,162 Borrowings10 1,793 1,561 Provisions 10 2,313 2,265 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 7,824 8,988
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables 10 2,316 1,776 Borrowings10 7,644 7,437 Provisions 10 10,001 7,867 TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 19,961 17,080 TOTAL LIABILITIES 27,785 26,068
NET ASSETS $ 1,027,474 1,016,054
EQUITY Accumulated Surplus 1,027,474 1,016,054 Asset Revaluation Reserve - -
- TOTAL EQUITY $ 1,027,474 1,016,054
This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes WAVERLEY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended 30th June 2003
Actual Actual 2003 2002 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Notes $'000 $'000 Receipts Rates & Annual Charges 27,712 26,454 User Charges & Fees 17,175 15,649 Investments Income 951 1,080 Grants & Contributions 10,342 7,063 Other operating receipts 6,386 4,735 Payments Employee Costs (27,297) (24,639) Materials & Contracts (8,551) (5,746) Borrowing Costs (581) (696) Other operating payments (12,790) (11,001) Net Cash provided by (or used in) Operating Activities 11 13,347 12,899
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Receipts Proceeds from sale of Property, Plant & Equipment 44 165 Proceeds from sale of Real Estate 5, 8 - - Proceeds from sale of Investment Securities - - Repayments from Deferred Debtors 12 12 Contributions to joint ventures by minority interests 19 - - Distribution received from associated entities 19 - - Payments Purchase of Property, Plant & Equipment (5,887) (6,460) Purchase of Real Estate 8 - - Purchase of Investment Securities - - Loans to Deferred Debtors - - Distributions from joint ventures to minority interests 19 - - Capital contributed to associated entities 19 - - Net Cash provided by (or used in) Investing Activities (5,831) (6,283)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Receipts Proceeds from Borrowings & Advances 2,000 1,000 Proceeds from Retirement Home Contributions - - Payments Repayments of Borrowings & Advances (1,561) (1,410) Repayment of Finance Lease Liabilities - - Repayment of Retirement Home Contributions - - Net Cash provided by (or used in) Financing Activities 439 (410) Net Increase (Decrease) in cash held 7,955 6,206
Cash at beginning of reporting period 11 27,616 21,410 Adjustment to opening Cash due to adoption of revised Accounting Standards 1 - - Adjustment to Cash arising from Council restructure 24 172 - Cash at end of reporting period 11 35,743 27,616
This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes WAVERLEY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the year ended 30th June 2003
2003 2002 $'000 $'000 Asset Council Outside Asset Council Outside Accum Accum Reval. Equity Equity Total Reval. Equity Equity Total Surplus Surplus Reserve Interest Interest Reserve Interest Interest Note Ref Balance at beginning of the reporting period 1,016,054 - 1,016,054 - 1,016,054 1,012,396 1,012,396 1,012,396 Change in Net Assets recognised in the Statement of Financial Performance 11,420 11,420 - 11,420 3,658 3,658 - 3,658
Adjustment due to compliance with 1 revised Accounting Standards ------
Transfers to Asset Revaluation 22 Reserve ------Transfers from Asset Revaluation 22 Reserve ------
Cash Contributions by Outside 19 Equity Interests - - - - Cash Distributions to Outside Equity 19 Interests - - - - Other Adjustments to Outside Equity Interest 19 - - - - Balance at end of the reporting period 1,027,474 - 1,027,474 - 1,027,474 1,016,054 - 1,016,054 - 1,016,054
This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
General Manager’s Office
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Develop strategies, plans Ensure the State of the Environment Report annually on progress and policies to assess Report is prepared and circulated needs and articulate Council’s direction, priorities and services in the community.
Progress to date: Achieved.
Beach Park and Recreation Services
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To clean and maintain 1.1 Deploy parks Beach bins are emptied twice daily during the Council’s beaches at Bondi, maintenance staff to swimming season (November-April) daily at Bronte and Tamarama. empty beach bins and other times. collect shoreline refuse.
1.2 Use of tractor drawn Beach rake is used a minimum of 4 days a beach rake at all week at Bondi and one day a week at Bronte beaches. and Tamarama Beaches.
1.3 Investigate alternative Report to Council’s Fleet Manager on beach cleaning alternative beach cleaning equipment by June equipment. 2003.
1.4 Use of grader for Beach grading undertaken within 48 hours of grooming Council’s need identified in beach hazard reporting. beaches to minimise sand loss and ensure public safety.
Progress to date: 1.1 Introduction of summer cleaning crew meant that the bins were emptied 3 times per day during summer.
1.2 During the summer, spring and autumn seasons of the year the beach rake was used seven days per fortnight at Bondi and two days per fortnight at Bronte and Tamarama.
1.3 No formal report was made. The Director, Beach Park & Recreation Services and the former Bondi & Beaches Manager investigated possible alternative beach raking equipment. However, given the available budget and the ongoing functionality of existing equipment, replacement was not deemed necessary. The Fleet Manager is currently investigating acquisition of a new tractor.
1.4 Beach grading occurred at Bondi Beach twice (in July 2002 and May 2003) and at Bronte Beach once (in November 2002), due to build up of sand against the sea wall.
Annual Report 2002/2003 73 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To improve open space and 1.1 Prepare an open space plan Preparation on a draft Open Space Plan recreational facilities and for the Waverley Council commenced by December 2002. provide for a range of area reflecting the recreational opportunities in community’s diverse needs response to community and interests. needs. Preparation of draft Bronte Park Plan of 1.2 Review and update the Management completed by February Bronte Park Plan of 2003. Management.
1.3 Prepare a Plan of Draft Tamarama Park Plan of Management for Tamarama Management completed by June 2003. Park.
Progress to date: 1.1 A shortfall of resources has caused this project to be delayed. It is now scheduled for 2005/06.
1.2 Bronte Park Plan of Management currently being prepared and is due for completion November 2003.
1.3 Due to departmental commitments, Tamarama Park Plan of Management rescheduled for 2003/04.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To enhance the natural 2.1 Develop and implement a A minimum of 7 bush regeneration environment in the planning program for revegetation projects are established by June 2003. and development of and regeneration of Council’s reserves. remnant bush areas. 100% of active bush care volunteers to attend training workshops by November 2002.
2.2 Implement Wildlife Habitat Increase the vegetation cover in Council Corridor Study parks by planting a minimum of 1000 recommendations. indigenous trees and shrubs in Council’s reserves by June 2003.
Progress to date: 2.1: During the past 12 months, 1802 trees and shrubs were planted in Council’s parks and reserves. Over 1000 were native plants.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To seek supplementary 4.1 Apply for any relevant grant A minimum of 4 projects are undertaken funding for bush funding. with grant funding during the year. regeneration works and open space improvements.
Progress to date: 4.1 Cliffwalk Stage 2 and Thomas Hogan Reserve upgrade completed. Greenweb grant funding used to create new brochure and grant funding won by Environmental Services used to regenerate Gaerloch Reserve.
74 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To implement Council’s 5.1 Develop bushcare Educational Package completed by June Integrated Stormwater identification educational 2003. Management Plan. material.
5.2 Compile an information Database finalised by December 2002. database of Waverley’s native flora and fauna at remnant vegetation sites.
Progress to date: 5.1 Educational brochure completed. To be delivered by printer in August 2003.
5.2 Due to the Bushcare Co-ordinator position being vacant for several months, this project was re- prioritised. The database should be finalised by December 2003.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To clean Council’s 1.1 Immediate deployment of Emergency cleaning of Council’s recreational facilities, parks cleaning staff to undertake reserves undertaken within 24 hours. and gardens. any emergency cleaning and/or rubbish collection.
1.2 Co-ordination of work Cleaning of major parks (Bondi, Bronte, rosters to ensure Tamarama, Waverley and Marks Parks maximum cleaning staff and Thomas Hogan Reserve) on a daily are available at peak basis. times. Cleaning of major park facilities such as toilets, picnic sheds and BBQs completed daily by 10am.
All other reserves cleaned weekly.
1.3 Implement the Supplementary Public Place Cleaning recommendation of the service in place for the summer season at review of the Public Place Bondi Beach by December 2002. Cleaning unit at Bondi Beach.
Progress to date: 1.1 All emergency cleaning of Council’s reserves was undertaken by Parks staff within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.
1.2 The cleaning of all major parks was undertaken daily to agreed standards with significant Park facilities (toilets, barbeques, picnic sheds, children’s playgrounds) cleaned by 10am on most days. Cleaning of all other reserves was undertaken on a weekly basis and recorded on checklists.
1.3 The afternoon summer cleaning shift commenced operation in November 2002 and resulted in noticeable improvement. Feedback from residents and local businesses was very positive and funds have been allocated to repeat the program in 2003/04.
Annual Report 2002/2003 75 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To reduce noxious weeds and 3.1 Develop weed control program Weed control program other invasive plant species in for Council’s reserves. commenced by June 2003 Council’s reserves.
Progress to date: 3.1 Not commenced due to vacancy in Parks Manager’s position. Re-scheduled for June 2004.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To manage our tree 1.1 Develop and implement a Finalise Tree Management resources to enhance the comprehensive tree management Policy and Plan by June 2003. environmental amenity of policy. Waverley. Trees are pruned to Australian 1.2 Maintain Council trees in streets and horticultural standards and reserves. Council policies.
All identified hazards are 1.3 Immediate deployment of Tree inspected and made safe Maintenance staff to undertake within 24 hours. emergency work on storm damage or dangerous trees. All residents’ requests for 1.4 Maintain Council trees in streets and street tree pruning are reserves. addressed within 4 months.
Trees planted over past 5 1.5 Maintain Council trees in streets and years to be weeded, watered reserves. and mulched at least twice per year.
1.6 Administer Council’s Tree Preservation All street trees that have died Order. are replanted within 1 month of removal.
1.7 Plant trees. 200 extra street trees and 100 extra trees in Council’s reserves planted by June 2003. 1.8 Plant trees. All residents’ requests for street tree planting are addressed within 3 months. 1.9 Administer Council’s Tree Preservation order (TPO) 85% processing of written applications including inspection and determination completed within 20 working days of receipt. 1.10 Implement a program of aerial bundled cabling in priority streets. Aerial bundled cabling completed in Rowlands Avenue, Newland Street and Chesterfield Parade by June 2003.
76 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Progress to date:
1.1 Policy structure completed and the brief has been prepared and given to the consultants. Currently awaiting a response from them. The street tree survey will commence once a report from the consultants has been finalised.
1.2 Staff in Council’s Tree Maintenance Unit are qualified arborists and prune Council’s trees to current Australian Horticultural Standards.
1.3 One staff member of the Tree Maintenance Unit is on 24-hour call.
1.4 583 requests for street tree maintenance were completed in the financial year. 98% were completed within Council’s service standard.
1.5 From July to December 2002, a weeding and mulching program was introduced. Over 130 young street trees received this treatment, however with the onset of the drought in January, watering became the top priority and no further weeding and mulching was carried out in the remaining period.
1.6 133 dead trees were removed of which 80% were replaced within a month. A higher percentage was not achieved because street tree planting was suspended over summer due to drought conditions.
1.7 Reported on in Management Plan
1.8 All planting was suspended due to the summer’s drought conditions and resumed in April 2003. This aside, trees were almost always planted within 3 months of the request. 245 street trees were planted in total.
1.9 Achieved. 97% of the 513 applications received in the financial year were processed within the service standard time frame.
1.10 Achieved. Bundling was completed in these 3 streets. Stephen St, Porter St and Brisbane St were also done.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To facilitate tree 2.1 Produce and distribute Review existing printed material and preservation and brochures, pamphlets and update if required by June 2003. management within and other printed material on Tree outside Council by provision Preservation and of appropriate information in Management. a clear and helpful manner. Content for Parks and Trees updated 2.2 Regularly review and update by June 2003. Council’s Webster. Progress to date:
2.1 Achieved. The pamphlet was reviewed and no changes made.
2.2 Achieved. The site was reviewed and minor changes made. Discussions on further changes, in the context of changes to the whole Council site, were held with the Media Liaison officer.
Annual Report 2002/2003 77 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To reduce power and water 2.1 Investigate the implementation Implementation Plan produced by consumption in the Pavilion of building energy efficiency March 2003. and the reliance on fossil recommendations of Council’s fuels as the primary energy energy Smart Business source. Program.
Progress to date: 2.1 Due to the changeover in the Bondi & Beaches Manager’s role and the high priority of securing new Bondi Pavilion commercial tenancy leases, no plan was produced. A plan is to be produced by June 2004.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To clean and maintain the 1.1 Deploy parks maintenance All rubbish is collected and removed Bondi Beach Car Park. staff to clean car park. from the car park daily, 365 days of the year.
1.2 Engage Council’s Maintenance Repairs to access/exit equipment and Construction Division of completed within 24 hours. All other external contractors to repairs within 1 week. undertake any necessary repairs.
Progress to date: 1.1 Parks’s maintenance staff collected and removed litter from the car park at least once every day of the year and at least twice during the period when the new summer cleaning shift was in operation (November 2002 – December 2002).
1.2 Achieved.
Corporate and Technical Services
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Reduce power consumption 5.1 Improve energy efficiency of Reduce energy consumption by 20% and reliance on fossil fuels Council in accordance with the of 1998 levels by December 2006. as energy source and Energy Smart Business reduce water consumption. Program.
5.2 Reduce energy and water To incorporate energy efficient design consumption of Council criteria to all new facilities when facilities through improved involved in the design process. maintenance. Continue partnership with SEDA to reduce energy consumption through implementing and installing energy efficient equipment where feasible.
Progress to date: 5.1 The Minister for Energy presented council with a Bronze Award for significant energy savings in Nov 2002.
5.2 Light dimming equipment and energy efficient fluorescent tubes were retrofitted to light fittings in Council’s library in mid year, which resulted in energy savings up to 12%.
Calculations by Council’s SEDA partner indicate 2861 tonnes of green house gases were saved by Council energy efficiency initiatives.
78 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Objective Strategy Measure/Target 2.1 Develop strategies for 100% of design plans are Maintain an efficient and stormwater quality and accompanied by a soil and water safe stormwater system, quantity. management plan. which recognises environmental concerns. All designs for maintenance and construction comply with the requirements of the EMS.
2.2 Assist in the development and Assistance provided. implementation of the Stormwater Management Plan.
2.3 Assist in the monitoring and Assistance provided. maintenance of Council’s stormwater devices.
Progress to date:
2.1 Plans continue to require Public Works & Services to provide soil and water management plan prior to construction.
2.2 Maps of Council’s stormwater catchments, systems and devices are provided when needed.
2.3 Ongoing when needed.
Annual Report 2002/2003 79 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Objective Strategy Measure/Target 4.1 Develop Traffic Design Traffic Management Schemes within Plan and develop traffic and Management schemes specified period. transport management in consultation with strategies to improve the residents and others safety for all road users, including: improve residential amenity and actively promote and ¾ Bondi Basin – Stage 3 Completed by June 2003. encourage the use of public transport. ¾ Tamarama Pedestrian Implementation by October 2002. Study
¾ Traffic and Transport Implementation by June 2003. Forum recommendations.
4.2 Convene the Traffic and Priority list determined in time for budget Transport Forum to consideration by Council. develop priorities for traffic and transport projects.
4.3 Develop and implement Implementation of Stage 4 by June 2003. a comprehensive Bicycle Plan.
4.4 Implement Waverley Stage A recommendations complete by June Transportation Policy. 2003.
4.5 Investigate and pursue Level of grant funds to be increased or funding for traffic safety maintained at 2001/2002 levels. improvements.
Progress to date: 4.1 Plans for Blair Street/Glenayr Avenue roundabout completed – on hold pending funding for Glenayr Avenue upgrade. Tamarama Pedestrian Study – Plans completed. Construction in 2003. Traffic & Transport Forum recommendations – Awaiting funding for implementation of Traffic & Transport Policy.
4.2 See below 4.4 implementation of Waverley Transportation Policy.
4.3 Plans for Centennial Park to Bronte Beach completed. Construction in 2003.
4.4 Funding for implementation of Traffic & Transport Policy provided July 2003.
4.5 RTA funding for 2002/2003 maintained at same levels as for previous years.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Implementation of Provide technical assistance to ensure Ongoing Stormwater Management Stormwater Management Plan and Plan. Environmental Levy projects are completed.
Progress to date: The stormwater and environmental projects are progressing well.
80 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Planning and Environmental Services
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Control the level of pollution 2.1 Enforce the provisions of the Respond to and action 90% of from premises to enhance Protection of the Environment Act complaints within the service the health and amenity of and Regulations and relevant standard. the community. Australian Standards.
Progress to date: 2.1 218 pollution complaints including air (41), Land (16), Noise (104), Water (57) were recorded for the period. All were responded to and actioned commenced within the service standard.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target 3.1 Enforce the provisions of the Ensure a high standard of Public Health Act and regulations. public health is maintained in the community. 3.2 Prevent the spread of Legionella Collate reports by operators of disease within water cooling and Water Cooling towers biannually warm water systems and inspect premises with any irregularity within 24 hours.
Progress to date: 3.1 134 health complaints were received for: unhygienic premises (70), drainage (15), rubbish/vegetation (28), vermin (16), noxious weeds (6) and food poisoning (9). All were responded to and action commenced within the service standard.
3.2 Reports from all 50 water cooling towers within the Waverley area were received and collated and there were no irregularities reported.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Reduce the amount of litter 2.1 Conduct patrols, investigate and Maintain a regular patrol of all in public places. action incidents of littering clean-up areas and issue infringements or clean-up notices as required.
Progress to date: 2.1 Council Rangers no longer investigate rubbish dumping, however, they are responsible for enforcing littering under the Protection of the Environment Act. In this regard they issued 247 litter fines during the year.
Annual Report 2002/2003 81 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To assist the community 1.1 Develop, assist in the Assistance provided in the achieve ESD and to implementation of a review of development and support of promote ESD in the environmental policies and community based environmental community. programs, in particular those groups as the need arises. programs aimed at reducing the environmental impact of resource Report provided annually on extraction and the pollution by emerging environmental issues that products of human activity and may affect the policy or operational land use. aspects of Council.
1.2 Develop, implement and review Report on the implementation of the effectiveness of environmental and review the EPA funded education campaigns that modify stormwater education program by behaviour towards sustainable June 2003. development. Education campaign developed to promote the importance and protection of Council'’ remnant bushlands sites. 1.3 Promote the environmental achievement of Council to our Environment Page on Council’s local community and beyond. Internet site reviewed and updated every 6 months.
Assist Beach, Park & Recreation Services to co-ordinate and manage Council’s community based Bushcare Program. 1.4 Improve air quality and reduce and quantity of emissions into the Controls developed and included in atmosphere. relevant DCP for the emission of smoke and particles from wood fire heaters/fire places by September 2002.
Progress to date: 1.1 Assistance both technical and financial provided to community based environmental groups including but not limited to the Marine Discovery Centre, Council’s volunteer Bushcare program, Conservation Volunteers Australia, Coastcare, and Project Aware on the Rocks.
Environmental trends that impact on Council policy or operational aspects are reported to Council when information is received. Recent reports include rainwater tanks, greywater recycling, water conservation programs, and the greenhouse gas reduction initiatives of Council.
1.2 The NSW Stormwater Trust funded “Visitor Impacts in the Coastal Zone” project is in the final stages of implementation. To date, Council has piloted four educational strategies throughout the Bondi Basin. These have included:
• Coordination of 8 Clear Seas Days in partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia and local backpacker hostels. This involved recruiting volunteers to help clean up Bondi and learn about Council operations. • Distribution of Free Keep Bondi Beautiful Postcard packs for visitors throughout Waverley • Trialing litter awareness packaging throughout all major fast food outlets at Bondi Beach
Council received a Greenweb grant in partnership with Botany, Randwick, and Woollahra Council’s to develop a regional educational brochure to promote and maintain remnant vegetation in the Eastern Beaches region. 82 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Environmental Services also conducted a series of Gardening with Native Plants workshops to promote indigenous plantings on private property. 1.3 Target achieved.
Both technical and financial assistance has been provided by Environmental Services to assist BP&RS deliver their volunteer bushcare program. Recent initiatives have included National Tree Planting Day, Waterweek, Stage 1 of the Coastal Walk revegetation / maintenance works and community tree planting days. Further assistance will continue to be provided with the implementation of bushcare works scheduled within the Integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISMP).
1.4 Controls have been developed and included within the following relevant planning instruments; Waverley LEP, and DCP’s 1, 2, 13, and 20. It is recognised that other DCP’s will be modified as required.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To implement the principles 2.1 Participate in reviewing the Determine the amount and of ecologically sustainable operations of Council to composition of material collected and development (ESD) within determine compliance with ESD the effectiveness of all of Council’s the operations of Council. principles, in particular street stormwater pollution control devices sweeping, waste service by June 2003. activities, parks maintenance and stormwater quality Require that energy and water improvement devices (SQUID). efficiency be designed into all new capital works programs by December 2002.
2.2 Develop and assist in the Develop a greenhouse gas reduction implementation of ESD activities Action Plan as part of the Cities for including the reduction of air / Climate Protection Program by June water pollution and waste 2003. minimisation.
2.3 Undertake management reviews Prepare Councils annual State of the of existing ESD programs to Environment Report by November assess progress and 2002. compliance. Review and update the environmental management system for maintenance and construction activities by June 2003.
Review progress against Councils commitment to the SEDA Energy Smart Business Program every 6 months.
Audit and report on the progress of Councils catchment based Integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISMP) annually
Annual Report 2002/2003 83 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Progress to date: 2.1 A one-year SQID monitoring program completed in August 2002. A draft report has been prepared detailing a recommended SQID maintenance regime. Report due to go to Council in September 2003.
An ESD checklist has been developed for all potential Council sub-contractors to ensure ESD principles including water conservation and energy efficiency are considered in all new capital works programs.
2.2 Targeted achieved. Council adopted the Waverley Council Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy in May 2003.
2.3 Completed. The SoE report was endorsed at Council’s October meeting with minor amendments.
A comprehensive review of Councils EMS for Construction and Maintenance activities has been completed. The Officer Stormwater Working Party is currently implementing the recommendations detailed within the review.
This target has not yet been achieved due to a change of SEDA Energy Consultants. A complete review of our existing Action Plan has been scheduled for August 2003.
Progress against the implementation of the ISMP audited on a monthly basis by the Officer Stormwater Working Party. Biannual reports are submitted to Council.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Prepare and review existing 1.1 Formulate, review, update and Ensure that all new or amended local environmental plans integrate planning instruments, LEPSs, DCPs and planning policy (LEPs), development development control plans and comply with statutory guidelines control plans (DCPs), policies in line with relevant and timeframes. studies, strategic plans and Federal, State and Regional other plans that detail planning policies. Council’s commitment to ESD.
Progress to date: 1.1 The comprehensive review of planning controls for Bondi Junction is being initiated.
Council has resolved to prepare draft LEP amendments and site specific DCPs for the Bronte Bowling Club site.
A general "housekeeping" amendment to LEP 1996 has been carried out and is awaiting gazettal.
A review to DCP 1- Multi Unit Housing and DCP 2 – Dwelling Houses is completed and adopted by Council. The amendments are required in repose to the NSW Govt Better Design Policy & SEPP 65.
A review to DCP 14 - Car parking, DCP 28 - Contaminated land, DCP 29 - Advertising and Notification policy for DA and Section 94 Contribution Plan has been finalised and is adopted by Council. The amendments are required as a result of the Bondi Junction boundary change.
An application has been made to the Minister seeking partial exemption from SEPP 5 - Housing for older people on cases where a site is rezoned from non residential to residential land. Exemption has been granted.
Consultant was engaged to review the planning controls for Bondi Beach in March ‘03. A workshop held in June ’03 completes Stage 1 and allows for progression to Stage 2 of the study.
Jointly managed with Randwick City Council, SEPP 65 Design Panel has recently been established to review the designs of residential flat buildings within the Waverley and Randwick LGAs. The management of the panel is the responsibility of the Manager Statutory Planning.
84 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Identify and conserve items 2.1 Conserve items and areas of Ensure that 100% of the schedule of and areas of environmental environmental heritage within heritage items and conservation areas heritage in order to respect the Waverley LGA. are reviewed and updated annually. the area’s natural and built environment.
Progress to date
2.1 Work on the first comprehensive review of the existing heritage listings is continuing.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Assist in the development 4.1 Encourage alternative modes of Review relevant traffic and of traffic and transportation transport and promote public transportation annually. policies to minimise the transport use. impact on the environment.
Progress to date 4.1 A position paper on the convening of a public forum calling for debate upon promoting a light rail link to service the Eastern Suburbs is being developed in association with SSROC.
Recommendations made in the Waverley Transportation Policy for amendments to current car parking contribution rates are being programmed for implementation.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Satisfy the requirements of 6.1 Undertake a review of Council’s Complete Plan review and adopt the Environmental Planning Section 94 Contribution Plan. new strategy by December 2002. & Assessment Act and Regulations to enable Council to levy and administer Section 94 contributions.
Progress to date 6.1 The consultants preparing the S.94 Contributions Plan are completing their work on the draft that is to go to exhibition in October/November 2003.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target 1.1 Determine appropriate Development Application turnaround Assess and determine applications in accordance with time (median time in calendar days) applications for authority delegated by Council, to be less than the average for development and ensuring wherever possible, the Group 2 Councils. construction certificates in principles of ESD, transport accordance with Council’s policies and heritage obligations. conservation are addressed.
1.2 Refer applications that may not 100% Of applications not capable of be determined by delegated being determined by delegated authority to Council. authority are referred to the first available Council meeting.
Annual Report 2002/2003 85 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Progress to date: 1.1 Refer to the Management Plan in respect to the turnaround times for determining Development and Construction Certificates.
1.2 All applications not capable of being determined by delegated authority were referred to the first available Council meeting. Assessment Officers and the Development & Building Unit determined applications within the limits of their delegated authority.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Monitor the built 2.1 Inspect building works as Inspection of building sites within 48 environment to ensure required at appropriate stages hours of request received in writing adequate levels of during the construction period. and 24 hours of request received by development and building phone. control are maintained having regard to the 2.2 Investigate complaints for non- Complaints are investigated within 5 provisions of the EP&A and compliance with Council working days. LG Acts and the principles approvals and for unlawful of ESD. activities.
Progress to date: 2.1 Undertook in excess of 95% of building site inspections within the specified time.
2.2 We received 468 CARS complaints for non-compliance with Council approvals and for unlawful activities and all were responded to and action commenced within the service standard.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target 3.1 Notify adjoining and affected Undertake notification in accordance Provide improved property owners and occupiers with Waverley Development Control opportunities for public and take into account Plan No. 29 – Advertising and participation in the submissions prior to Notification of Development development assessment determination. Applications. process, including the development of programs 3.2 Undertake public and/or precinct Attend Precinct and conduct public that enhance community consultation for relevant meetings as required. awareness of the cultural, applications. natural and built environment.
Progress to date: 3.1 All development application were notified/advertised in accordance with Waverley Development Control Plan No. 29, with continuing emphasis on notifying all owners/occupiers who may be affected by a development proposal. We also introduced a practice to notify each Precinct DA representative of all individual development applications received in their Precinct.
3.2 During the year, senior officers of the department attended a number of Precinct meetings and conducted and attended public meetings in respect to some of the more controversial and development proposals.
86 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Objective Strategy Measure/Target 4.1 Promote and encourage Undertake reviews of the assessment and Provide a professional multi-skilling within the compliance teams at least once annually. planning and building assessment and advisory service to the compliance teams so community. that service levels are optimum
4.2 Expert technical advice Technical staff available between 9.00am and available to customers/ 10.00am and 4.00pm and 5.00pm. community by phone and at counter. Maintain a duty officer for interviews and advice between 8.30am and 5.00pm.
Progress to date: 4.1 A review of the Assessment and Compliance Teams did not occur during the year because of the workloads. This review will be conducted during the next quarter as part of the Business Process Review of Development Assessment.
4.2 All professional and technical staff are available to customers/community between 9.00 am and 10.00 am and 4.00 pm and 5.00 pm. At least one duty officer is available for interviews and advice daily, between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To ensure that building and 5.1 Consider and ensure that the 90% Of relevant development development control environmental provisions applications meet the minimum 3.5 conforms with the principles contained within planning star energy rating provision as of ESD and all policies are implemented, in recommended by the Energy Smart developments recognise particular, heritage Homes Policy. our cultural, architectural, conservation, traffic/transport landscape and environ- policies and urban design 100% Of relevant development mental heritage in the principles. applications have approved soil, water planning and development and waste management plan prior to process. the issue of Construction Certificates.
All relevant applications provide a strategy for minimising private vehicle usage/traffic generation and promote the use of public transport and pedestrian/ cyclist safety and amenity.
Progress to date: 5.1 In excess of 90% relevant development applications (new residential flat buildings and dwelling houses) meet the minimum 3.5 star energy rating provision as recommended by the Energy Smart Homes Policy.
All developments now have an approved Soil, Water and Waste Management Plan prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate.
Annual Report 2002/2003 87 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Public Works and Services
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Reduce the amount of 2.1 Participate in the strategies of the Increase or address areas of under pollution entering the ISMP (Integrated Stormwater performance in the capture of receiving waters eg., management Plan). pollutants from the stormwater beaches. system.
Progress to date: 2.1 The register of over 3000 stormwater pits has been prioritised on the basis of improved quality and flood mitigation outcomes. The new schedule of maintenance will commence after the arrival and deployment of the new adduction truck in August 2003.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Reduce greenhouse 3.1 Development and Improved environmental performance of emissions from all fleet and implementation of an the fleet. maintenance equipment. Environmental Management Strategy (EMS) for Council’s fleet and equipment aimed at ensuring optimal environmental and economical fleet performance.
Progress to date: Refer to the Management Plan review.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Increase the usage of 4.1 Pursue joint venture and/or Regularly inform Council of alternative (green) fuels in strategic partnership progress. Council’s heavy fleet and, opportunities with OEMs and continue to influence the others. decision making of councils in the region to promote the 4.2 Lobby for and make application Regularly inform Council of use of natural gas vehicles. to Federal (and State) progress. Government for funding opportunities to subsidise Council’s expansion of natural gas vehicles.
4.3 Influence take up of natural gas Active in promotion of local vehicles in the Region and government issues/interests. represent view of local government in development of Inform SSROC Fleet management industry. Group on progress.
88 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Progress to date: Refer to the Management Plan review.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Introduce measures to 2.1 Commence an Reduction in number of recorded incidences reduce the incidence of education campaign measured against previous years. illegal rubbish dumping. involving local real estate agents, The removal of dumped rubbish from shopkeepers and footways and roads by no later than 7 residents to encourage working days. proper use of waste services and presentation of material for collection.
Progress to date: Service complaints – Refer to the Management Plan review.
The commercial and domestic waste operations were delivered within budget. The commercial waste income was reached.
No adjustments were made to service standards.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To assist residents to 1.1 The provision of a reliable A recorded increase in the quantity of reduce the quantity of their and efficient recycling collected recycling and greenwaste disposable waste. collection service. material conveyed to reprocessing facilities compared to previous years.
1.2 The provision of a reliable The number of customer complaints not and efficient service for the exceeding one per 1,000 services collection of greenwaste. rendered.
All complaints received being satisfactorily attended to within the service standard.
Prepare relevant section of Councils State of Environment Report by October 2002. 1.3 Develop and disseminate waste minimisation Report to Council meetings on waste awareness material for figures. Council and its residents.
1.4 Review and improve the waste reporting requirements of Council. Prepare and distribute at least one brochure a year on waste minimisation 1.5 Education material and topics. services will be provided in formats easily understood by those with NESB. Prepare and hold waste management seminars for staff and residents as required.
Annual Report 2002/2003 89 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Progress to date: Service complaints – refer to Management Plan review.
6 composting and worm farm workshops were held (January 2003 – July 2003) focussing on source based reduction of organic waste. Approximately 90 people attended. Council received a $5,000 EPA grant for localising the EPA’s “Don’t be a tosser” campaign. Postcards, butt bins, litter stickers and a banner focussing on Bondi Beach were distributed as part of this campaign. Materials from this project was evaluated and incorporated into the “Splash!” Project.
The “Recycling -sort it out” brochure and information stickers for recycling crates were updated and reprinted to be distributed on request, with contamination letters and with the new ‘Tenant’s Survival Guide”.
Waste Services worked with Environmental Services on the development of a waste and recycling information for the pilot “Business Environmental Assessment Program” and the “Tenant’s Survival Guide”.
No adjustments were made to service standards.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To assist in maintaining the 1.1 The provision of an effective The daily removal of refuse from all area by the prompt removal service for the regular emptying street litter bins so that bins do not of litter from footways, malls of street litter bins. become overfilled and are unable to and roadways. be used effectively.
1.2 The regular cleaning and The daily cleaning and removal of removal of litter and dumped litter from the footways, roads and rubbish from all footpaths, roads gutters of all commercial areas. and malls. Cleaning and removal of litter from the footways, roads and gutters of all residential areas.
All complaints received being satisfactorily attended to within the service standard.
The daily removal of collected litter 1.3 The removal of collected litter and refuse from the beach reserves, and refuse from the three beach parks and cemeteries as required. reserves, Waverley Park and our cemeteries.
The removal of refuse from street litter bins was maintained on a daily basis in accordance with work schedules. Seven requests were received and they were actioned within the service standard.
The cleaning program for commercial areas was maintained throughout the period and the summer cleaning crews for the Bronte & Bondi areas were undertaken.
The daily removal of litter collected from the three beach reserves, parks and Waverley Cemetery as required was maintained throughout the quarter.
90 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Objective Strategy Measure/Target To maintain footpaths and 2.1 The provision of a service for the Compare actual performance to roads in a neat and tidy mowing of grass verges and the planned performance priority system. manner by the removal of weeding of footways and roads weed and overgrown grass. on a needs basis.
2.2 Develop, implement and review Visible reduction of weed infestation. a weed management plan.
Reduce the amount of 3.1 Participate in strategies to Increase or address areas of under pollution entering the minimise pollution at source. performance in the capture of receiving waters e.g. pollutants from the stormwater beaches. system.
Introduce new or improved 4.1 Evaluate effectiveness of Implement review results. measures to maintain summer cleaning strategy. significant public places. 4.2 On Campbell Parade wash Review effectiveness by March footpaths and repair Public Art 2003. installations on a regular basis.
4.3 Develop, implement and review a graffiti abatement plan Plan developed and implemented by September 2002.
Review and report on implementation by March 2003.
Progress to date: No adjustment was made to service standards.
Objective Strategy Measure/Target Implement the Local Waste 1.1 Formulation of implementation Agreement by Council to strategies. Management Plan. strategies.
1.2 Community education and Public education campaign reaching liaison. 95% of residences in half of local government area. (Stage 1).
Staged roll out of new service over 1.3 Supply of new bins and capital next 2 years. equipment. Progress of implementation reported 1.4 Training and liaison with staff. to Council.
Annual Report 2002/2003 91 Waverley Council Progress On Environmental Programs
Progress to date: 1.1&1.2Progress on the implementation was delayed due to changes in staffing arrangements. A new Waste Policy and Planning Manager, Waste Education Officer and Data Officer have been appointed to the project team. It is expected that a project manager will start with the team in mid August.
Options for service changes were developed and modelled in January – March 2003. The modelling identified the need for further data. A survey of properties was then undertaken in April/ May 2003.
The model was further refined and developed. An initial presentation was made to the general manager in late May 2003.
In June/July implementation plans including detailed budgets and a consultation strategy were developed. It is expected that a report will go to council in early September.
1.3 Fleet procurement for the new system started in early July.
A report on the SSROC regional tender went to Council in June. The regional recycling tender documentation has been developed and will be advertised as soon as possible subject to legal review.
1.4 The new project team has attended induction training, work plans have been developed and fortnightly team meetings have been instigated
92 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council How Our Performance Compares With Other Councils
Background
Each year for the last eight years the Department of Local Government has produced a report containing comparative information on New South Wales councils.
Councils are classified into groups by the Department of Local Government (DLG) and by the Federal Government.
Waverley is in the DLG’s Group 2, which also includes Ashfield, Auburn, Botany Bay, Burwood, Concord, Drummoyne, Hunters Hill, Kogarah, Lane Cove, Leichhardt, Manly, Mosman, North Sydney, Pittwater, Strathfield, Willoughby and Woollahra councils.
Waverley is classified by the Australian Classification of Local Governments as a 3(UDM) Council, with an estimated population in 2001 of 63,741 (an increase of 1.18% over the previous five years), a population density of 6,928.37 – the highest in New South Wales. 23.84% of our population is classed as being of non English speaking background. (UDM means we are an urban metropolitan developed medium council).
All the information that follows relates to the 2001/2002 financial year unless otherwise indicated.
Waverley’s Performance
9 Our average residential rate increased by 2.1%. The average rate increase for the state was 3.5%. Our average residential rate at $523.47 is on the lower end of the range in our group and less than Woollahra at $707.27 and the Group 2 average of $612.67. It is also less than the New South Wales mean of $571.00.
9 Our average business rate of $3409.94 was close to the average of $3412.99 for our group and more than that charged by Woollahra. While the DLG report indicates that our 2001/2002 business rate was 7.4% less than the rate for the previous year this was the result of changing over our rates data to the new GEAC system. The data in GEAC is recorded differently to the way it was recorded in GENASYS.
9 Outstanding rates, charges and fees for 2001/2002 were 4.01%, below the group average of 5.65% but above our 2000/2001 figure of 2.82%. This increase reflects some small changes in our procedures including the creation of debtor files in June with payment now received until July, in the new financial year.
9 Revenue from rates and annual charges increased by 7.64%, this was a greater increase than the group average of 5.90% and more than increases in 1999/2000 and 2000/2001. Much of this increase was due to income from parking meters.
9 Our user charges and fee revenue increased by 22.13%, well above the 3.80% increase in the previous year.
9 Rates (including the domestic waste charge) represented 49.87% of our ordinary revenue, user charges 26.43% and interest 2.20%. These figures show some minor variations from the previous year, the most significant being a 3.5% increase in user fees and charges. Other changes in revenue received included decreases in grants, contributions and donations and a 0.7% increase in other revenue sources.
9 Ordinary revenue per capita increased by 12.3% to $800.30, above the group average increase of 7.1%.
9 Our employee costs are the highest in Group 2 and at 52.70% above the average for the group of 41.56%. However, our materials and contracts costs at 13.82% are the lowest for the group and almost half the group average of 24.19%.
9 Our total expenses for ordinary activities per capita of $770.96 is higher than the group average of $717.33 and a 9.3% increase on our expenses in 2000/2001. Annual Report 2002/2003 93 Waverley Council How Our Performance Compares With Other Councils
9 Our current ratio of 2.48 (which measures our ability to meet liabilities) is an improvement on the previous year and higher than the group average of 2.33. 29.1% of New South Wales councils have a current ratio between two and three. A ratio of 2 : 1 or better is regarded as good. 9 Our debt service ratio decreased from in 4.61 in 2000/2001 to 4.38% in 2001/2002. 55.2% of New South Wales councils have a debt service ratio of less than five. In 2001/2002 the average debt service ratio for urban councils was 6.5%.
9 We have a capital expenditure ratio of 0.75, which is less than the group average of 0.86 and the New South Wales mean of 1.06. This was a decrease from 2000/2001 when the ratio was 0.94.
9 Our EFT staff number increased by 4.3% to 434 following a reduction of 3.3% in 2000/2001. This number is larger than the group average of 260.37 and the New South Wales mean of 234.
9 Our Annual Report, State of the Environment Report and Financial Reports were all received by the DLG by the due date. Overall 74.4% of councils submitted their Annual Report on time, 67.4% their SoE Report and 92.4% their Financial Report.
9 We spent $55.84 per capita on library expenses compared to the group average of $35.14. Woollahra spent $36.06 on library expenses. We spend the largest amount on library expenses in our group. The next highest spending council is Willoughby ($51.68). In 2000/2001 Willoughby was the highest spending council on library expenses in our group. Across the state we spend the 4th highest per capita amount on library expenses.
9 The report again notes the increase in library membership across the state and the need to better measure library services and use of the internet as many library users don’t borrow material but use the services available in the library. Our per capita circulation figure of 10.33 is an 8.3% increase on 2000/2001 and puts us in about the top 8% for library circulation figures in the state. Within our group the average per capita circulation figure is 8.34.
9 Our domestic waste charge of $317.75 is higher than the group average of $226.22 and the New South Wales mean of $192.00. It is towards the upper end of charges (the top New South Wales charge in 2001/2002 was $322.00) and was a 19.7% increase on the previous year. Our cost per service of $212.40 was also above the group average of $134.27 and New South Wales mean of $111.00. Woollahra has a cost per service figure of $69.84.
9 We recycled 17.9% more and collected 5.8% less domestic waste than 2000/2001. This was a good result compared to the previous year. However, our recyclable collection in 2001/2002 was still less than the group average and the New South Wales mean.
9 We determined 929 development applications, an increase of 23.2% on the previous year. Our mean time to determine applications was 85.32 days (a decrease of 11.9% on 2000/2001) compared to the group mean of 76.84 days and the New South Wales mean of 47 days.. Our median development applications processing time was 70 days (an increase of 9.4%) compared to the group median of 61.59 days and the New South Wales median of 27.5 days.
9 We spent 2.94% of total planning and development costs on legal expenses compared to 5.17% in 2000/2001. Our legal costs are less than the New South Wales mean (10%) and group average (16.23%) and are among the lowest for metropolitan councils.
9 Our per capita spending on environmental management and health was $18.17 (an increase of 27.95 on 2000/2001). Our expenditure is slightly above the group average of $17.74 and the New South Wales mean of $18. 58.1% of all New South Wales councils spend less than $30 per capita on this item.
9 Our expenditure per capita on recreation and leisure increased by 5.7% and is towards the upper levels for New South Wales councils. It is higher than the group average of $58.11 and the New South Wales mean of $53.00. 94 Annual Report 2002/2003 Waverley Council How Our Performance Compares With Other Councils
9 We are in the top 35% of New South Wales councils with our per capita expenditure on community services. Our expenditure of $78.33 in this area increased by 15.3% in 2001/2002 compared to the previous year and is 44% higher than the group average and 43% higher than the New South Wales mean.
Comment
The above observations on the 2001/2002 data suggest that we have a comparatively low residential rate when compared with other Councils. We have been successful in generating income from other sources over recent years but this income can be more prone to change than rate income.
We have a sound financial basis and good financial management. This is evidenced by our low level of outstanding rates, current and debt servicing ratios and the increase in per capita revenue received in 2001/2002.
Our comparatively high employment costs are offset by lower contract costs because of our decision to contract out fewer functions than many other councils. Despite a small increase in staff we were able to marginally reduce our employee cost.
While our capital expenditure ratio was lower than 2000/2001, we are currently developing an improved approach asset management to ensure our significant range of infrastructure is properly maintained.
Our expenditure on library, community, recreation and leisure services relative to other councils is high because of our commitment to these areas. Unfortunately, the DLG data lacks information on participation rates, which would show the value the community gains from this expenditure.
Our domestic waste charges are towards the upper level of such charges, reflecting in part aspects of our collection methods.
The increase in the amount of recycling collected is welcome, as is the reduction in the amount of domestic waste collected. However, further improvement in this area is required. Council will shortly receive a detailed report about the implementation of the adopted waste management plan.
Despite a significant increase in the number of Development Applications determined we were able to reduce our mean turn around time, although our turn around time remains in excess of the time frame set by legislation. Council will recall that we increased planning staff in 2002/2003, implemented a new software system (GEAC) and established the Development Control Committee. All these strategies should improve median DA processing time in future years.
Our expenditure of planning and development related legal expenses are low compared to other councils and reflect our commitment to mediation and alternative dispute resolution rather than using a more legalistic framework. This approach contributes to the time taken to determine Development Applications.
Annual Report 2002/2003 95 WAVERLEY COUNCIL • ANNUAL REPORT
How to contact us: Cnr. Paul Street & Bondi Road, Bondi Junction P.O. Box 9, Bondi Junction 2022 DX 12006, Bondi Junction email: [email protected] homepage: www.waverley.nsw.gov.au
Telephone enquiries General Business: 9369 8000 General Fax: 9387 1820 TTY for hearing impaired: 9389 9827 After hours emergencies: 9369 8000 your call will be directed to the appropriate area
2002-2003