68

Property/building maintenance

Building maintenance requests received

Building Maintenance RequestsLibraries Received 7%

Administration Anciliary buildings buildings 32% 12%

Community halls 12% Farrellys Road water main upgrade >> Engineering Services Community housing 23% Other buildings 14% 3 Capital Works Program

Capital Works Program budget 2008-09 2008/2009 budget

Building Maintenance Requests Received and Actioned Urban arterial $8.738 million Building maintenance requests received and actioned LATM traffic and road safety $0.954 million 250 Rural roads upgrade $0.065 million 219 General works $2.016 million 200 181 Master drainage $7.939 million

150 145 Unspecified works $0.350 million 121 126 126 132 Shoulder treatment $1.462 million 103 122 119 124 100 88 84 Pavement improvements $2.818 million 62 65 58 55 46 51 71 Bridge replacement $2.187 million 50 41 38 32 31 25 16 18 Footpaths and bikeways $2.398 million 9 9 10 9 12 8 7 5 8 9 6 0 3 Boat ramps $1.044 million Jun-08 Jul-08 Aug-08 Sep-08 Oct-08 Nov-08 Dec-08 Jan-09 Feb-09 Mar-09 Apr-09 May-09 Jun-09 Mirani and Sarina works $3.308 million Received Special projects $1.066 million Actioned Total $34.345 million

Average days DEPARTMENTAL SNAPSHOT

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 69 70

Parks >> Mackay Water and Waste Services (formerly Commercial Services) Item Quantity 4 Toilets cleaned 32,137 Barbecues cleaned 14,456 Campers 32,178 Requests attended 1891 Requests received 2356 Requests outstanding 2302 Mowed area 27,450,209 square metres Trees pruned 5402 Garden area serviced 38151.5 square metres Burials at Mt Bassett 405 Burials at Mt Bassett (ashes) 61 Materials Recovery Facility at Paget Burials at Mackay Cemetery 31 Burials at Mackay Cemetery (ashes) 17 Waste services - kerbside collection services Burials at Walkerston Cemetery 173 Burials at Walkerston (ashes) 37 Type of Per cent Burials at Mirani Cemetery 17 collection service 2007/08 2008/09 Difference difference Burials at Marian Cemetery 14 Waste collection 43,532 44,416 884 2% Burials at Sarina Cemetery 34 Recycling collection 41,558 42,243 685 2%

Kerbside recycling

Recyclable type 2007/08 2008/09 Change Per cent

ABS building approval figures for 2007/08 and 2008/09 Glass 554.22 588.28 34.06 6% Paper and cardboard 4319.84 3817.27 -502.57 -12% High-density polyethylene (HDPE) 112.01 108.09 -3.92 -3% Area 07/08 $m 08/09 $m Difference Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) 126.17 124.18 -1.99 -2%

Mackay Regional Council 488 398 18.5% decrease Aluminum 137.02 140.26 3.24 2% City Council 1,248 862 30.9% decrease Steel 120.31 126.79 6.48 5% Rockhampton Regional Council 481 262 45.6% decrease Mixed plastics 173.84 171.24 -2.60 -1% Cairns Regional Council 868 455 47.6% decrease Annual Total 5543.41 5076.11 -467.30 -8% DEPARTMENTAL SNAPSHOT

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 71 72

Kerbside collectionKerbside collection in the Mackay in the Mackay Regional Regional Council Council area area Waste received at Hogan’s Pocket landfill

Waste received Waste received Tonnes Mixed plastics Month in tonnes 2007/08 in tonnes 2008/09 6000.00 Steel July 6217.38 7197.06 5000.00 Aluminium August 6192.62 6784.82

4000.00 P.E.T. September 5944.7 7112.38 H.D.P.E. October 6569.8 7165.08 3000.00 Paper and cardboard November 6844.22 6509.72 2000.00 Glass December 6747.24 7087.29 1000.00 January 6912.94 6694.04

0.00 February 7222.62 6227.5

2007/2008 2008/2009 March 7329.16 7028.78

April 7746.22 6223.11 Green waste recycling May 7128.18 6554.4

June 6663.76 6494.23 Green waste tonnes 2007/2008 2008/2009 Change % Total 81,518.84 81,078.41 Tonnes recycled 11,453 9227.05 2225.95 -19%

* There has been a significant reduction of green waste processed for recycling. Major contributing factors Hogan’s Pocket Monthly Tonnages include recovery operations in 2008 following the February flood distorted the amount of green waste Hogan’s Pocket monthly tonnages received for processing in 2007/08 and green waste generated by private businesses with their own processes does not necessarily end up at Mackay Regional Council’s facilities. Tonnes 9000

8000 2006 - 2007 7000 2007 - 2008 6000 2008 - 2009 5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0 Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Paget Waste Management Centre

> For more information, also refer to the Mackay Water Services Annual Performance Report from page 93. DEPARTMENTAL SNAPSHOT

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 73 74 5>> Development Services Environmental health Health Governance Activities Mosquito control

Health governance activities MonthlyMonthly Hectares hectares Treated treated

Sewerage 1% Other 4% Nuisances 2% 5000 Caravan parks 2% 2006/07 Noise 1% Flammable liquids 8% 2007/08 Mosquito 5% 4000 2008/09 Malodours 1%

Outdoor events 2% 3000 Skin penetration 1% 2000

Temporary foods 15% 1000

Food 43% 0 July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Vendors 1%

Swimming pools 4%

Accommodation 6% 5000 2006/07 Footpath dining 1% 2007/08 4000 Number of Dogs Impounded and Released 2008/09

Local laws 3000

Number of dogs impounded and released in 2008/2009 2000

945 1000

0 805 Jan Feb Mar April May Jun

0 200 400 600 800 1000

Impounded Released DEPARTMENTAL SNAPSHOT

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 75

76

Environmental Protection Activities Environmental protection activities

Other 4% Water 5% Chemical storage 7% Plastic product manufacturing 1% Noise 3% Abrasive blasting 5% Odour 3% Dust 1% Over spray 2% Operating without an approval 2 %

Wooden product manufacturing 2%

Concrete batching 1% Boiler making or engineering 19% Surface coating 5%

Metal forming 1%

Metal recovery 1%

Motor vehicle workshop 37% Pest Management Activities

Pest management

Rabbits 1% Parthenium weed 9% Foxes 1%

Feral pigs 18% Giant rats tail grass 14%

Sicklepod 8%

Tobacco weed 1% Singapore Daisy 3% Lantana 3% Dingoes / Wild dogs 38% Salvinia 1%

Other plants 3%

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 77 Shoal Point 78

>> Policies

Borrowing policy Loans are used to fund major capital and infrastructure works so that repayments are spread over a number of years - usually the expected life of the asset. The Borrowings Policy deals with new borrowings, the purpose of the borrowings and repayment terms. Proposed borrowings and repayments are as follows:

Project 2008-2009 Loan 2009-2010 Loan 2010-2011 Loan Repayment term

General $8,365,000 $24,953,000 $30,000,000 9 to 20 years

Water $7,334,820 $7,000,000 $8,000,000 20 years

Victoria Street, Mackay Sewerage $4,889,140 $9,350,000 - 20 years Cleansing $430,000 $700,000 $14,500,000 15 to 20 years Revenue Policy Total $21,018,960 $42,003,000 $52,500,000 The Revenue Policy, adopted annually at the budget meeting in July, governs council’s revenue raising activities. The policy provides details on how rates are levied and explains the differential rating system that more fairly shares the burden of rates including differential categories. All water, sewerage and waste charges are based on this policy, as well as special levies, rate remissions, payments and discounts, and Purposes of borrowings overheads on private work. Copies of the Revenue Policy are available from www.mackay.qld.gov.au The type of projects that are funded by loan borrowings are those that will not have a financial impact over a number of years. This method ensures that ratepayers are not burdened with unrealistic expenditure levels. Special rates and charges The repayment for these capital works creates an asset for council, which can then be repaid over the years Under Section 534 1 (a and e) council is required to provide details of action taken in relation to, and relating to the life of the asset, where appropriate. expenditure on, a service facility or activity - for which the local government made and levied a special rate or charge for the financial year and a summary of all rebates and concessions allowed by the local government in relation to rates.

Special Rate (City Centre Management) A Special Rate was levied on properties within the City Centre Precinct for ‘City Centre Management’. The revenue from these rates was used as core funding for the promotion, revitalisation and enhancement of the City Centre area.

Special Charge (Rural Fire Services) Where requested by a Rural Fire Brigade (or group thereof) council levies a Special Charge to provide assistance with their operations. All funds levied (less an administration charge) are paid to the relevant Rural Fire Brigade or group.

Rebates and concessions Council has five different rebates and concessions in relation to rates. These are Pensioner Rates Concession, Rates Remission for non-profit community organisations, Rates Remission - Conservation Strategy, Rates Relief Policy and Undetected Water Leak Relief. Full details of these rebates and concessions are available within the Revenue Policy from www.mackay.qld.gov.au.

Councillors’ Remuneration Policy Councillors’ remuneration is determined by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal who set remuneration levels for all councils across the State. This determination is reviewed from time to time with

the last review taking affect from January 1, 2009. POLICIES

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 79 80

List of registers Council maintains a list of registers that are available on request. These include:

Section of the Local Name of register Government Act

248 Register of interests (access restrictions apply)

433 Register of electoral gifts

472 Register of delegations by Local Government

846 Register of accreditations and complaints

895 Register of local laws

921 Map and register of roads

1071E Register of regulatory fees

1132 Register of delegations by the CEO

1139 Register of interests of other persons (access restrictions apply)

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 Sandfly Creek, Mackay 81 82

>> Councillors’ attendances Councillors’ allowances Under Section 534 (1g[i]) of the LGA, council must provide the total remuneration paid by it to each and allowances of its councillors under the remuneration schedule during the year. Remuneration paid to councillors for the period 15/03/08 to 30/06/09

Councillors’ attendances Councillors 15/03/08 to 30/06/08 01/07/08 to 30/06/09 Under Section 534 (1h) of the LGA, council must provide details of the number of meetings attended by each councillor during the year. These details are illustrated in the table below. Cr Col Meng $40,463 $155,352

Cr Darryl Camilleri $26,002 $107,260 Special Councillors Ordinary meetings Cr Wendy Cameron $23,471 $96,820 Cr Kevin Casey $23,471 $96,820 Cr Col Meng 37 1 Cr $23,471 $96,820 Cr Darryl Camilleri 38 1 Cr Deirdre Comerford $23,471 $96,820 Cr Wendy Cameron 38 1 Cr Diane Hatfield $23,471 $96,820 Cr Kevin Casey 38 1 Cr Karen May $23,471 $96,820 Cr George Christensen 32 1 Cr David Perkins $23,471 $96,820 Cr Deirdre Comerford 38 1 Cr Paul Steindl $23,471 $96,820 Cr Diane Hatfield 37 1 Cr Greg Thomsen $23,471 $96,820 Cr Karen May 31 1 Under Section 534 of the LGA, the expenses incurred by and the facilities provided to each of its Cr David Perkins 37 1 councillors under the Local Government’s Expenses Reimbursement Policy during the year must be disclosed. Cr Paul Steindl 39 1

Cr Greg Thomsen 35 1 Superannuation contributions paid by council to councillors Total council meetings for the year 39 1 Councillors Superannuation

Cr Col Meng $18,515

Cr Darryl Camilleri $15,991

Cr Wendy Cameron $14,435

Cr Kevin Casey $14,435

Cr George Christensen $14,435

Cr Deirdre Comerford $14,435

Cr Diane Hatfield -

Cr Karen May $14,435

Cr David Perkins $14,435

Cr Paul Steindl -

Cr Greg Thomsen $14,435 COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCES AND ALLOWANCES

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 83 84

Breakdown of councillors’ expenses and reimbursements >> Councillors’ Reimbursement Policy The councillors’ Reimbursement Policy (as required under section 534 of the LGA) ensures accountability Professional and transparency in the reimbursement of expenses incurred by councillors and ensures that councillors are development, provided with reasonable facilities to assist them in carrying out their civic duties. The policy is as follows: conferences, Reimbursement meals and Travel and of private vehicle Provision Payment of expenses Councillors/expenses accommodation incidentals usage of facilities Expenses will be paid to a councillor through administrative processes approved by Mackay Regional Council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) subject to the limits outlined in this policy, or council endorsement Cr Col Meng $11,906 $4544 - $23,167 by resolution. Cr Darryl Camilleri $1168 $2376 - $1912

Cr Wendy Cameron $3430 - $7983 $3126 Expense categories (i) Professional development Cr Kevin Casey $4513 $734 $5267 $1598 Council will reimburse expenses incurred for mandatory professional development and discretionary Cr George Christensen $2332 $1595 $1612 $3761 professional development deemed essential for the councillors’ roles. The Mayor attends the Local Government Association (LGAQ), Urban Local Government Association (ULGA), Australian Cr Deirdre Comerford $2668 $1353 - $1116 Local Government Association (ALGA) and any other relevant conferences/seminars/workshops as the primary delegate (council shall appoint the other delegates). Councillors can attend workshops, courses, Cr Diane Hatfield $2136 $1603 - $1270 seminars and conferences that are related to the role of a councillor. Approval to attend is made by council resolution and therefore councillors should advise the CEO of their desire to attend an event. Cr Karen May $4059 $571 - $2138 The CEO will provide a report to council seeking approval on behalf of the councillor. Cr David Perkins $4397 $556 - $2957 Discretionary professional development Cr Paul Steindl $2759 $1180 $15,296 $1674 Each councillor can attend (at their own discretion) workshops, courses, seminars and conferences that improve the skills relevant to their role. This training is initially limited to $5000 per councillor over the Cr Greg Thomsen $3040 $4268 $1715 $2044 current term of office, but will be reviewed annually when setting the budget. There is no requirement for a council resolution to approve these attendances, however, the councillor would need to submit a request to Printing and stationery - - - $3348 the CEO (prior to attendance) and provide all relevant documentation within 14 days of attending the event Councillor inductions $13,464 - - - to ensure their expenses are reimbursed. Any professional development requiring overseas travel requires and training workshops council approval.

(ii) Travel as required to represent council Council will reimburse local, interstate and, in some cases, intrastate and overseas travel expenses (such as flights, motor vehicle, accommodation, meals and associated registration fees) deemed necessary to achieve the business of council where a councillor is an official representative of council and the activity/ event and travel has been endorsed by resolution of council.

Council will pay for reasonable expenses incurred for overnight accommodation when a councillor is required to stay outside the Mackay Regional Council area. All councillor travel approved by council will be booked and paid for by council. This includes transfers to and from airports (eg taxis, trains and buses).

(iii) Private vehicle usage Councillors’ private vehicle usage will be reimbursed if the usage is for official council business. This includes travel to and from councillors’ principal place of residence to: > attend official council business/meetings/functions/community events and public meetings in the role of councillor > investigate issues/complaints regarding council services raised by residents/rate payers and visitors to the region. Councillors making a claim for reimbursement of private vehicle usage can do so by submitting the appropriate form detailing the relevant travel based on log book details. The amount reimbursed will be based on the published Australian Tax Office business-use-of-motor-vehicle-cents-per-kilometre method, and kilometre rate applicable at the time of travel. Councillors will be provided with an appropriate log book

to assist in this process. COUNCILLORS’ REIMBURSEMENT POLICY

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 85 86

(iv) Meals (c) Maintenance costs of council-owned equipment Council will reimburse reasonable costs of meals for a councillor when the councillor has incurred the cost Council is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and reasonable wear-and-tear costs of council-owned personally and the meal was not provided within the registration cost of the approved activity/event, upon equipment that is supplied to councillors for official-business use. This includes the replacement of any production of a valid tax invoice. facilities that fall under council’s Asset Replacement Program.

(v) Incidental daily allowance (d) Uniforms and safety equipment An incidental daily allowance of up to $20 will be paid to councillors to cover incidental costs incurred Council will provide to a councillor: while they are travelling and staying away from home overnight. Councillors claiming this allowance should > uniform allowance as per staff policy do so on the appropriate form within 14 days of the conclusion of the event to the CEO for reimbursement. > celebration polo shirt (as issued to each Mackay Regional Council staff member as part of the normal agreed uniform of council) (vi) Hospitality Councillors may have occasion to incur hospitality expenses while conducting council business apart from > Necessary safety equipment for use on official business (eg safety helmet, boots and safety glasses). civic receptions organised by council. The Mayor may particularly require additional reimbursement when entertaining dignitaries outside of official events. To allow for this expense, the following amounts can be (e) Use of council vehicles on council business claimed: $500 per annum for councillors and up to $6000 per annum for the Mayor (based on the category Councillors will have access to a suitable council vehicle for official business. A councillor wishing to use a assigned to council by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal. council vehicle for council business use must submit a request to the CEO at least two days prior, except in exceptional circumstances as determined between the councillor concerned, Mayor and CEO. (vii) Accommodation Councillors may need to stay away from home overnight while attending to council business. When (f) Private use of council vehicles attending conferences, councillors should take advantage of the package provided by conference The Mayor will be provided with a fully maintained Land Cruiser Sahara (or equivalent) including all running organisers (if applicable) and therefore stay in the recommended accommodation unless prior approval costs provided for unlimited and unrestricted use by the Mayor for council business and private purposes in has been granted by the CEO. All councillor accommodation for council business will be booked and paid recognition of the duties required to be performed by the Mayor and the irregular hours required to attend for by council. Suitable accommodation will be sought within a reasonable distance to the venue that the council, community and civic responsibilities. councillor is to attend. Should more than one councillor attend the same event, council will book and pay for a separate room for each attending councillor. (g) Telecommunication needs: mobile phones Either of the following options for mobile phones shall be available to councillors: > Mobile phone provided by council Provision of facilities Where a councillor is provided with a mobile phone by council, all costs attributed to council-business Council will provide facilities for the use of councillors in the conduct of their respective roles with council. use shall be paid by council (including total plan costs). All facilities provided remain the property of council and must be returned when the councillor’s term > Mobile phone provided by councillor expires. The facilities provided by council to councillors are to be used only for council business unless When a councillor uses his/her own personal mobile phone for business use, council shall reimburse prior approval has been granted by resolution of council. the councillor 90 per cent of the total phone account each month. This includes plan costs and actual calls made. The respective councillor is to provide the CEO with a copy of their monthly account for reimbursement. (Note: Councillors may request that council take over their number – and plan if so Facility categories required – for the term of office.) (a) Administrative tools and access to council office amenities (h) Insurance cover Councillors will be provided with the following: Councillors will be covered under relevant council insurance policies while discharging civic duties. > suitable office space at the administration building, Gordon Street, Mackay, and council Specifically, insurance cover will be provided for public liability, professional indemnity, councillors’ liability meeting rooms for daily use and personal accident. Council will pay the excess for injury claims made by a councillor resulting from the > secretarial support for Mayor and councillors located at the administration building, conduct of official council business and on any claim made under insurance cover. Council will cover costs Gordon Street, Mackay incurred through injury, investigation, hearings or legal proceedings into the conduct of a councillor, or > desktop and/or laptop computer arising out of (or in connection with) the councillor’s performance of his/her civic functions. If it is found the > use of council landline telephone and internet access councillor breached the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, the councillor will reimburse council with all associated costs incurred by council. > fax and/or scanner > printer, photocopier, paper shredder, filing cabinet (i) Fuel costs > stationery All fuel used in a council-owned vehicle on official council business will be provided or paid for by council. > hands-free mobile telecommunications device for councillors’ private vehicle (j) Car parking amenities > any other administrative necessities, which council resolves are necessary to meet the Council will provide councillors with car-parking spaces at all council premises, as provided for council business of council. staff. Councillors will be reimbursed for parking costs they have paid while attending to official council business (eg. secured vehicle parking at the airport). (b) Home office Council recognises that by using contemporary communication technologies (such as the internet for the (k) API card electronic distribution of agendas and minutes) that some councillors would be required to travel long distances, Councillors will become API members. therefore, it is necessary to provide home-office facilities to councillors. Accordingly, council will supply and pay for - an internet connection (broadband or dial-up), phone line for internet connection, fax/printer/modem and

scanner suitable for connection to a council-supplied laptop - for each councillor residence. COUNCILLORS’ REIMBURSEMENT POLICY

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 87 88

>> Representative committees

Councillor membership boards, special purpose advisory committees and external committees

Committee Councillor

Affordable Housing Working Party Cr George Christensen Cr Darryl Camilleri Cr Diane Hatfield

Artspace Mackay Foundation Executive Committee Cr Col Meng

Asset Management Steering Committee Cr Darryl Camilleri

Audit Advisory Committee Cr Col Meng Cr Darryl Camilleri Cr Deirdre Comerford

Brewers Park Sportsground Committee Cr Paul Steindl

Business and Arts Connecting Communities Cr Wendy Cameron Cr Karen May

Coal to Coast Festival – Sarina Cr David Perkins Cr Karen May

Community Grants Advisory Committee Cr George Christensen Cr Wendy Cameron Cr Diane Hatfield

Crime Stoppers Cr George Christensen

DBCT Community Working Group Cr Karen May Cr Wendy Cameron

Events Precinct Steering Committee Cr Darryl Camilleri

Flood Recovery Task Force Cr Darryl Camilleri

Heritage Advisory Committee Cr Diane Hatfield Cr Wendy Cameron

JCU Community Consultation Cr Darryl Camilleri

Local Area Multicultural Partnership Committee Cr George Christensen

Local Authorities Waste Management Advisory Committee Cr Greg Thomsen (Proxy - Cr Paul Steindl)

Local Disaster Management Group Cr Col Meng Cr Darryl Camilleri Cr Karen May

Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association Cr David Perkins

Mackay Base Hospital Community Reference Group Cr Darryl Camilleri

Mackay District Disaster Management Group Cr Col Meng REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEES

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 89 Sarina beaches 90

Committee Councillor Committee Councillor

Mackay Development Advisory Board Cr Col Meng Rural Affairs Advisory Committee Cr Wendy Cameron Cr Darryl Camilleri Cr Deirdre Comerford Cr David Perkins Cr George Christensen

Mackay Local Marine Advisory Committee Cr Karen May Safe Communities Cr Diane Hatfield Cr Wendy Cameron Mackay Matsuura Sister City Advisory Committee Cr David Perkins Sarina Rural Skills Centre Management Board Cr Wendy Cameron Cr Paul Steindl Sarina Community Development Committee Cr Wendy Cameron Mackay Physical Activity Reference Group Cr Paul Steindl Cr George Christensen Cr Wendy Cameron Cr David Perkins Boating Facilities (Qld Transport) Cr Kevin Casey Sarina Districts “Field of Dreams” Committee Cr David Perkins Cr Karen May Mackay Region Economic Development Advisory Committee Cr David Perkins Cr Wendy Cameron Cr Deirdre Comerford Sarina Historical Centre Committee Cr George Christensen Mackay Tourism Cr David Perkins Sarina Landcare Integrated Catchment Management Association Cr Karen May Mackay Water Recycling Project Advisory Committee Cr Col Meng Cr Wendy Cameron Cr Deirdre Comerford Sarina Meals on Wheels Cr Karen May Mackay Sarina Coastal Project Cr Karen May Sarina Primary Health Care Council Cr Karen May

Mackay Whitsunday REDC Cr Col Meng Sarina Town Revitalisation Cr David Perkins Cr Karen May Mackay Whitsunday Regional Roads Group Cr Col Meng Cr Wendy Cameron

Mobility and Access Advisory Committee Cr George Christensen SARTOUR Cr David Perkins Cr Karen May Natural Environment Advisory Committee Cr Karen May Significant Investment in Capital in Health (SICH) Cr Darryl Camilleri Cr Wendy Cameron Cr Paul Steindl Smart Housing Cr Diane Hatfield Cr Deirdre Comerford North Queensland Sports Foundation Cr Paul Steindl Cr Darryl Camilleri Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society Incorporated Cr Greg Thomsen Stormwater Quality Management Committee Cr Deirdre Comerford Cr Kevin Casey Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group Inc Cr Wendy Cameron Cr Karen May Sustainable Futures Advisory Committee Cr Karen May Cr Deirdre Comerford Pioneer River Improvement Trust Cr Kevin Casey Cr Greg Thomsen Cr Wendy Cameron Sugar Shed Advisory Committee Cr David Perkins Pioneer Valley Tourism and Development Association Cr David Perkins Cr Darryl Camilleri Cr Karen May Planning & Development Impact Meetings Cr Diane Hatfield Traffic, Regulated Parking and Bicycle Advisory Committee Cr Kevin Casey Ports Corporation Community Reference Group Cr Karen May Cr Karen May Cr Wendy Cameron Rates Steering Committee Cr Darryl Camilleri Transport Advisory Committee Cr George Christensen Cr Paul Steindl Cr Karen May Reef Catchments Cr Karen May Cr Wendy Cameron WHaMB ROC Cr Col Meng Regional Arts Development Fund Cr Karen May Cr Wendy Cameron WHaM Regional and Transport Planning Program Cr Col Meng (Cr Diane Hatfield as observer) Reserve for Natural Resource Management (Slade Point) Cr Karen May Whitsunday Hinterland & Mackay Regional Planning Advisory Committee Cr Col Meng REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEES

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 91 92

Mackay Water Services

Annual Performance Report 2008 - 2009

Vision and Mission statements

Vision Mackay Water Services will be an innovative water service provider which is recognised for its commercial performance, provides regional leadership, has the respect of its customers and industry regulators and prides itself on its sustainability.

Mission Mackay Water Services is committed to delivering sustainable water services to the Mackay region in an efficient and commercially responsible manner.

Overview of 2008/09 financial year Mackay Water Services is a commercialised business unit of Mackay Regional Council that provides water and sewerage services to its residential, commercial and industrial customers. This business unit employs about 150 staff and has an annual budget of $87,849,727. Its operations are carried out according to the annual Performance Plan that defines council’s expectations in terms of performance, reporting, level of service and policy compliance.

The delivery of water and sewerage infrastructure increased significantly in 2008/09 compared to previous years. Highlights for the reporting year included the operational completion of the Mackay Water Recycling Project and the construction and replacement of about five kilometres of water main throughout the region.

Other achievements included:

> master plan and 10-year capital plan for water and wastewater was updated

> zero time lost or medical injury treatment required for the Alliance team (which maintains the record of zero time lost or medical injury treatment required since inception)

> Sarina Sewerage Report, master plan and modelling finalised

> Update of the Mackay Sewer Hydraulic Model progressed

> Mackay Water Recycling Project commissioned

> significant capital program delivered.

Mackay Water Services Annual Performance Report 2008 - 2009 93 94

The new Mackay water recycling plant at Bakers Creek

Mackay Water Recycling Project > the existing 600mm rising main running from Mt Bassett to the Sydney Street pump station has been The $154 million Mackay Water Recycling Project reversed and a second rising main (known as the (MWRP) progressed significantly during the 2008/09 southern rising main running 12 kilometres from the financial year and reached final completion in June pump station to Bakers Creek) was established 2009. This project is the largest regional water reuse scheme of its type in and provides significant > North Mackay pump station was upgraded to environmental benefits for the region. provide a capacity of 90 litres per second (l/s) Sydney Street pump station was upgraded to a A major initiative of Mackay Regional Council, the capacity of 1070 l/s. MWRP allows 90 per cent of Mackay’s wastewater to be recycled, which also serves to protect the Great Barrier Reef. This facility provides recycled water to Background on the MWRP 7000 hectares of agricultural land in the Chelona/ Homebush area in which 2000 hectares of land had The Tenix Alliance John Holland Joint Venture (TAJHJV) been affected by salt water intrusion and a further began building the facility in December 2006. The 2000 hectares were under threat. This project was contract included design and construction of two jointly funded by council, the State Government and water-recycling facilities, wastewater transfer systems, the Federal Government (under the National Water a 2200ML effluent lagoon, a recycled-water transfer Initiative). main and 15-year operation period of the new facilities. Work undertaken on the MWRP during the 2008/09 financial year included: Ogilvie Constructions, who came on board in May 2007, was contracted to the Recycled Water > Mackay Regional Council put in place Recycled Distribution Scheme to construct 27 on-farm storages Water Agreements with 32 growers and each and 22 kilometres of pipelines. grower has prepared a Farm Recycled Water Management Plan > thirty-two growers now have access to recycled water > the Mt Bassett treatment plant was decommissioned

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Col Meng, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, MackayFederal Water Member Services for Dawson Annual James Performance Bidgood, Parliamentary Report 2008 Secretary - 2009 for Water Dr Mike Kelly and 95 Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin inspect the MWRP - photo contributed by Daily Mercury. 96

Capital program Farrellys Road water main upgrade Trade waste The key drivers determining Mackay Water Services’ Under way in December 2008, this water main upgrade Council continued to implement its Trade Waste capital program are customer service, environmental involved the installation of a new Ø250 mPVC water Management Plan and new businesses were issued and social standards, population growth and Mackay’s main along Farrellys Road from Broadsound Road with trade waste approvals prior to discharging trade strategic plan. Major capital works undertaken to to Southgate Drive. The new section of main will waste. Existing businesses were also assessed for achieve these outcomes up to June 30, 2009 include: greatly improve water pressure in the Paget area by compliance and issued with approvals. The activities > Marryatt Street rising main constructed interconnecting the Ø200 water main in Broadsound led to improved quality of the sewerage received at Road to the Ø300 water main in Connors Road. wastewater recycling facilities. Planning on the Trade > Rural View water main extended Waste Improvement Strategy for the Mackay’s City > major upgrades commenced at Coles Road, The project – which was ongoing at June 30, 2009 – Heart also continued. The amalgamation of Mackay Beaconsfield Road and Gordon Street sewage included: City, Sarina and Mirani shires in March 2008 resulted pump stations > the installation of 500m of Ø250 mPVC pipe in a unified Trade Waste Policy and Management > seven pump stations replaced Plan across the entire region. In order to streamline > one culvert crossing the approvals process for commercial and industrial > two road crossings business, council aligned its plumbing inspection and > three offsets around existing services trade waste functions. River Street water main upgrade > four water main cut-ins. In July, 2008, Mackay Infrastructure Alliance completed a $1.4 million upgrade of the River Street trunk water main. Driven by the construction of the Bluewater Quay, the 60-year-old line was replaced Bedford Road upgrade Treatment plant highlights with a new 450mm trunk and 150mm service main This upgrade involved the installation of water and > Sarina plant staff reviewed the safety and Scientific and analytical services with connections from Wood Street to Carlyle Street. sewer mains on Bedford Road from Glenpark Street to environmental impacts of the plant at a risk- The Water Services’ laboratory (located at the Nebo Andergrove Road. management workshop aimed at improving service Road treatment plant) took possession of some new delivery. equipment including an inductively coupled plasma The project included: > Safety railings were installed and the access steps spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph – mass > the installation of 750m of Ø250 mPVC water main modified at Sarina treatment plant. spectrometer and a discrete analyser, to increase the > Marian and Mirani plants underwent infrastructure > installation of 500m of Ø150 uPVC sewer main range of materials that can be tested and the volume upgrades to increase the potable water supply to of samples that can be processed. The laboratory’s > eight road crossings both areas. scientific team continued to provide support to council > seven fire hydrant cut-ins and local businesses, who otherwise may have been > five sluice-valve cut-ins forced to send work to Brisbane or Townsville. Mount Bassett Wastewater Treatment Plant The main focus for 2008/09 was on decommissioning the Mount Bassett treatment plant which occurred in December 2008. This treatment plant had reached capacity and the facility emitted high levels of odour. Technology at the treatment plant was dated, operation and maintenance costs were high and the facility was unsuitably located in relation to town planning.

To replace the Mount Bassett facility, treatment plants were construction at Bakers Creek and Bucasia. These facilities provided a new, sustainable wastewater treatment system for Mackay. To further cater for future growth, capital upgrade works at the Nebo Road treatment plant also began.

River Street trunk drainage project

Mackay Water Services Annual Performance Report 2008 - 2009 97 98

WaterWise rebates Total regional water usage Mackay Water Services continued its highly successful for 2008/09 Water Rebate Scheme, offering residents rebates on the cost of purchasing WaterWise bathroom fittings. During 2008/09, more than $21,000 was paid out to Megalitres Location Megalitres Location residents who purchased WaterWise goods from their (rounded values) (rounded values) local hardware stores to the value of almost $87,000. Residents’ purchases included 20 water-efficient Nebo Road WTP 12,209 Armstrong Beach bore 52 shower roses, 56 dual-flush cisterns and 36 rainwater tanks. Sarina WTP 331 Belly Keel bore 78

Sarina bores 97 Marian 195

Water conservation measures Sarina bores 109 Mirani 107 During 2008/09, water restrictions were enforced across all of Mackay Regional Council’s water supply Marwood bores 49 Finch Hatton 32 areas. Level 1 restrictions applied to all areas except Eton, Calen, Kolijo, Bloomsbury, Sarina and the Marwood bores 170 Gargett/Pinnacle 35 surrounding beaches and the Pioneer Valley which were all on higher restriction levels. Marwood bores 89 Walkerston 363

Marwood bores 54 Eton 52

Water education Marwood bores 6 Midge Point 438 Mackay Water Services continued its Water Koumala bores 12 Calen 40 Education Program to help students learn about water conservation, water cycles and where water from their Koumala bores 5 Bloomsbury 6 tap at home actually comes from. Council’s water education officer visited 12 schools and presented three water catchment activities at the Materials Total water usage for the period 2008/09: 14,529 megalitres Recovery Facility.

Teemburra Dam The Pioneer River

Mackay Water Services Annual Performance Report 2008 - 2009 99 100

Mackay Water Services snapshot Customer survey results JulyCustomer 2008 Survey - June Results 2009 July 2008 - June 2009 Item 2008/09

Wastewater treatment plants 5 Attitude of staff receiving request Attitude of staff attending request

Urban water treatment plant sites 2 67.6 68.6

Rural water treatment sites 13 e e ag ag t 29.2 t 27.9 en en c c

Total length of water main 1064.28km r r

Pe 2.5 0.0 0.6 Pe 2.9 0.0 0.7

Number of water pump stations 33 VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR VERY POOR VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR VERY POOR Satisfaction level Satisfaction level Number of water reservoirs 41

Total water supplied/annum 12,408ML Time taken to address request Appearance of completed work

Average household 256kL 73.5 consumption/annum Water access: $208.90 53.0 e Properties where a metered water supply has been e ag Average residential water bill/ $464.90 connected will be charged on a per factor basis. ag t t 34.6 annum Vacant land is allocated one factor per allotment. en en c c 18.4 r r 7.4 Pe School visits 15 Pe 4.2 1.6 2.3 2.7 2.3

VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR VERY POOR VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR VERY POOR Total length of sewer main 814.27km Water consumption tariffs Satisfaction level Satisfaction level Average residential sewerage $540.00 Council is responsible for providing water and bill/annum sewerage infrastructure for existing and future users of Degree work addresses request Overall satisfaction with response these services. Number of water connections 34,693 72.3 Tarrif 1 0-50 kilolitres per half year $1.00/kl 68.7

Number of sewer connections 32,733 e e

Tarrif 2 Over 150 kilolitres per half year $1.50/kl ag ag t t

en 26.8 en c c 23.3 r r Pe Pe 2.7 0.7 1.0 2.3 1.0 1.0 Cross-subsidies evaluation VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR VERY POOR VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR VERY POOR Satisfaction level Satisfaction level

Water supply Residential Commercial Industrial Survey average

LRMC ($/kl)* 1.79 1.79 1.79 67.3 STAR RATING Revenue received ($/kl) 2.03 1.79 1.89 e ag t 26.7 Price differential 0.24 0.00 0.10 en c r

Pe 3.7 1.0 1.3 Cross subsidy received No No No VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR VERY POOR *Based on independent assessment of water and sewerage pricing in 2003 (indexed by the average increase Satisfaction level in charges to 2009). Note: Long Run Marginal Cost (LRMC) was determined using the Turvey method.

Mackay Water Services Annual Performance Report 2008 - 2009 101 102

Mackay Regional Council Annual Report 2008 - 2009 Mackay Harbour Beach PO Box 41, Mackay, Qld 4740 Ph 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529) > Fax (07) 4944 2400 www.mackay.qld.gov.au