ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 20 -20 THE LOGO
The logo was developed from a concept created by Lainie Joy of Borroloola. The five flowing figures have multiple meanings. They represent the five wards in our region (Never Never, Numbulwar Numburindi, Nyirranggulung, South West Gulf and Yugul Mangi); the five main rivers winding through our Region (the Limmen, McArthur, Robinson, Roper and Rose Rivers); the low-lying hills that are visible on the horizon nearly everywhere in the Roper Gulf Region and the Rainbow Serpent that underlies everything. The colours are based on the different colours of the soil, and the people co-existing in the Roper Gulf region.
RGRC ADMINISTRATION CENTRE COUNCIL OFFICES
Street Address Phone Fax 29 Crawford Street Katherine NT 0850 Barunga 08 8975 4505 08 8944 7059 2 Crawford Street Katherine NT 0850 Beswick 08 8975 4800 08 8975 4565 Postal Address Borroloola 08 8975 8758 08 8975 8762 PO Box 1321 Katherine NT 0851 Bulman 08 8975 4189 08 8975 4753 Phone 08 8972 9000 Jilkminggan 08 8975 4751 08 8975 4905 Fax 08 8944 7020 Email [email protected] Manyallaluk 08 8975 4055 N/A Website www.ropergulf.nt.gov.au Mataranka 08 8975 4576 08 8975 4608 Ngukurr 08 8975 4656 08 8975 4658 Roper Gulf Regional Council ABN 94 746 956 090 Numbulwar 08 8975 4675 08 8975 4673 WORKS DEPOT
63 Chardon Street Katherine NT 0850 OTHER LOCATIONS
COMMERCIAL, COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY Badawarka Kewulyi SERVICES Baghetti Larrimah 126 Victoria Highway Katherine NT 0850 Barrapunta (Emu Springs) Minyerri Boomerang Lagoon Mole Hill Costello Momob DESIGN AND LAYOUT Daly Waters Mount Catt Photography: Roper Gulf Regional Council Gorpulyul Mulgan Design and layout: Jodetluk (Gorge Camp) Nulawan (Nalawan) Sarah [email protected]
INDIGENOUS BROADCASTING
Located in Barunga, Beswick, Bulman, Ngukurr and Numbulwar. Phone 08 8972 9000
2 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | REGIONAL PLAN 2015-2016 CONTENTS Acronyms and Definitions Message from the Mayor Message from the Chief Executive Officer 1.INTRODUCTION 8 Our Mission, Vision and Values 10 Roper Gulf Regional Council 11 Elected Members of Council 12 Elected Member Attendance 13 Committees of Council 13 Local Authorities 14 2.REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 20 Delivery of Town Priorities in the Region 10 Grant Funding 10 Community Grants Program 10 Local Authority Project Funding 10 An Eventful Year at Roper Gulf 10 3.REPORT ON COUNCIL GOALS 64 Goal 1 70 Goal 2 76 Goal 3 87 Goal 4 101 4.FINANCIAL REPORT 104
3 ACRONYMS & DEFINITIONS DoE Department of Education (NTG) MES Municipal and Essential Services DoH Department of Health (NTG) MOU Memorandum of Understanding AAC Alawa Aboriginal Corporation DPMC Department of Prime Minister and MRM McArthur River Mine ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics Cabinet (Federal Government) MVR Motor Vehicle Registry AGD Department of Attorney-General DSS Department of Social Services NAMS National Asset Management (Federal Government) (Federal Government) Strategy AMP Alcohol Management Plan DSR Department of Sport and NFA New Future Alliance Recreation (NTG) BBRF Building Better Region Fund NLC Northern Land Council Department of Trade, Business BDSS Borroloola and District Show DTBI NPO Not Permanently Occupied and Innovation (NTG) Society NQF National Quality Framework DWP Daly Waters Progress Association BRWMWC Big Rivers Waste Management NT Norther Territory Working Group ELP Enterprise Learning Program NTEPA Northern Territory Environment CACP Community Aged Care Package EOI Expression of Interest Protection Authority Facility and Capital Equipment CBF NT Community Benefit Fund FACE NTPFES Northern Territory Police, Fire and CBT Community Benefits Trust Program Emergency Services Federal Government CDP Community Development FG NTG Northern Territory Government Foundation for Rural and Regional Program FRRR PAWA Power and Water Corporation Renewal CEO Chief Executive Officer R&M Repair and maintenance GEC Government Engagement CHCP Community Home Support R2R Roads to Recovery Program Coordinator RAF Regional Arts Funding CIG Capital Infrastructure Grant GIS Geographical Information System REIF Regional Economic Infrastructure CNP Community Night Patrol Governance Governance, Corporate Planning and Compliance Fund Community The term ‘community’ refers to RCD Residual Current Device all groups of people living in the GSAC Gulf Savannah NT Aboriginal RGRC Roper Gulf Regional Council region, unless specifically stated Corporation otherwise HMP Housing Maintenance Program RIBS Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Program CS Community Safety HLP Horticulture and Landcare Projects ROAMS Repair Order Analysis & Council Services Coordinator HQ Headquarters CSC Management System DAGJ Department of Attorney-General HR Human Resources RSAS Remote School Attendance and Justice (NTG) IAN Indigenous Affairs Network Strategy DBCDE Department of Broadband, Indigenous Advancement Strategy IAS RTEED Remote Training, Employment and Communication and the Digital IBP Indigenous Broadcasting Program Economic Development Economy (Federal Government) ICC Indigenous Coordination Centre RWMS Regional Waste Management DCA Department of Communications ICPA Isolated Children’s Parents Strategy and the Arts (Federal Government) Association S&R Sport and Recreation DCG Directorate of Corporate ICT Information and Communication Governance SASO Senior Administration Support Technology Officer DCM Department of Chief Minister IPWEA Institute of Public Works (NTG) SHS Sunrise Health Service Engineering Australia DCS Directorate of Commercial SIHIP Strategic Indigenous Housing and ISO International Organisation of Services Infrastructure Program Standardisation DCCS Directorate of Council and SNP School Nutrition Program ISRP Indigenous Sport and Recreation Community Services SPG Special Purpose Grant Project DENR Department of Environment and SSS Satellite Subsidy Scheme IT Information Technology Natural Resources (NTG) SWOT Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, IVMS In-Vehicle Monitoring System DET Department of Education and Threat Key Performance Indicator Training (Federal Government) KPI TNT Tourism Northern Territory Local Authority DHCD Department of Housing and LA VOQ Visiting Officers’ Quarters Larrimah Community Project Community Development (NTG) LCPA WHS Work Health and Safety Association DIHS Disability In-Home Support WMF Waste Management Facility LIP Local Implementation Plan DIPL Department of Infrastructure, WoNS Weeds of National Significance Planning and Logistics (NTG) LRG Local Reference Group Workshop Mechanical Workshop DIRD Department of Infrastructure and MAC Mungoorbada Aboriginal YMAC Yugul Mangi Aboriginal Regional Development (Federal Corporation Corporation Government) MAM Minister for Arts and Museums YS Youth Services DLPE Department of Lands, Planning MARIC Mabunji Aboriginal Resource and the Environment (NTG) Indigenous Corporation YTD Year to Date
4 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | REGIONAL PLAN 2015-2016 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR The 2016-17 financial year was one of continued success for Another area the Council has performed well in during Roper Gulf Regional Council, but it also marked the end of the past 12 months is in regard strengthening its Elected an era for the 12 Elected Members who have served during Members and Local Authorities through a range of training the current term of Government. and professional development opportunities. After being elected in 2012 and having our term extended Upskilling those who represent our communities, either until mid-2017, we have represented the constituents of our on the Council or on one of our 10 Local Authorities, is a five respective Wards at 45 Ordinary Meetings of Council critical step towards providing strong leadership and good and travelled tens of thousands of kilometres by air and governance, and I think the fact that every Local Authority road across our 186,000 square kilometre Local Government met its KPI of holding at least four meetings during 2016- Area to let the voices of communities be heard. 17 proves training sessions facilitated by staff and LGANT have helped members recognise their responsibilities and Leading a region as diverse as ours is a task that does obligations. not come without significant challenges, especially since the Council’s extremely small ratepayer base makes the The Council is committed to a sustainable, viable and vibrant organisation reliant on external funding streams to provide future for every person who lives in its Local Government the majority of its operational revenue. Area, so it is heartening to reach the end of this term of Government with so many strong, passionate individuals To that end, it was reassuring to see the Federal Government conveying the wishes of communities through Local commit to restoring indexation to the Financial Assistance Authorities. Grants (FAGs) provided to Councils in the 2017-18 Budget. On behalf of my fellow Elected Members, I would like An indexation freeze on FAGs has been in place for several to thank staff for their dedication and professionalism years, which has hurt the 17 Councils in the Northern in ensuring the past five years in Government have run Territory to the tune of $1 million every year, according to smoothly, and helped mould the Roper Gulf region into data released by the Local Government Association of the NT. something to be extremely proud of. By reinstating indexation, Councils – including our own – will have now access to additional funding to continue delivering the services and programs each and every one of us rely on in our day-to-day lives. In this Annual Report, you will see how the Council has performed with its strategic goals, which are benchmarked against a series of key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide the Strategic Leadership Team with a gauge of how effective the organisation has been in its service delivery.
Work, health and safety success was a highlight for the Tony Jack Council last year, and I congratulate staff on chalking up a Mayor, Roper Gulf Regional Council record 275 days reportable injury free – a phenomenal effort considering our workforce of almost 400 is spread across some of the remotest parts of the Top End.
5 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO This is my ninth Chief Executive Officer’s message for the recognise the cultural differences and obligations that exist Council’s Annual Report, and doing so every 12 months in our part of the world. provides an opportune time to reflect on what we have The Human Resources team has worked with Wardaman/ accomplished on behalf of the residents and ratepayers of Dagoman elder May Rosas to roll out cross-cultural the Roper Gulf region. training at each Council office, and I believe doing so has Modern, purpose-fit infrastructure is at the core of all empowered and educated both Indigenous and non- economic and social development opportunities in every Indigenous staff to the point where the organisation is now community across Australia, and that is no different in the standard for Local Government in the NT in this area. the remote towns that fall within the Council’s Local One of the Council’s four strategic goals is to promote Government Area. training, employment and economic development, and it One of the biggest infrastructure wins secured during the is an ambitious aim that is being achieved in part due to 2016-17 financial year was the $2.31 million project to changes to how Aged Care is delivered across the 186,000 develop freight hubs in the booming centres of Ngukurr and square kilometres we are responsible for. Numbulwar. In addition to passing a quality review within six months Heavy vehicle accessibility is vital for the continued during 2016-17, the Council’s dedicated Aged Care staff prosperity of remote localities, and that importance has had the privilege of taking to the stage at the Better Practice been acknowledged through all three tiers of Government Conference 2017 in Darwin to showcase an Indigenous providing funding to get the project off the ground. workforce that delivers leading services that focus on staff retention and quality care in six communities. The Council anticipates that when the Growth Centre Transport and Freight Hub Project is completed, it will Aged Care can be a difficult service to provide, especially provide local employment opportunities for Indigenous in remote locations, so I am proud to see the Council now Territorians, as well as paving business pathways to both operating under a model that provides viable training and towns due to improved transport and freight handling employment options for local residents. capabilities. It would be remiss of me to sign off on this message without Barunga residents also benefited from a major infrastructure acknowledging and thanking our Elected Members, who announcement during 2016-17, with the Council finished their five-year term of Government when the committing to construct a heavy vehicle private access road Council went into caretaker mode on July 14. behind the new store that will address traffic management The strong leadership they have exhibited since being concerns in the community. elected in 2012 has allowed the organisation to evolve with After the Local Authority identified the issues regarding truck the Roper Gulf region, and continue to deliver the services, accessibility, the Council worked with the NT Government programs and infrastructure that residents rely on every day. to obtain $283,800 through the Regional Economic Infrastructure Fund to deliver a solution that will separate pedestrians and the heavy vehicles that service the store. Internally, the Council has affected significant change in the area of staff cultural awareness over the past 12 months. With a workforce comprising of people from every walk of life, including 67 per cent whom identify as Indigenous, it has long been the wish of the Executive team to implement specialised training to increase the capacity of staff to Michael Berto CEO, Roper Gulf Regional Council
6 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | REGIONAL PLAN 2015-2016 7 INTRODUCTION The Roper Gulf region is a dynamic mixture of ancient traditions dating back tens of thousands of years and the modern way. Roper Gulf Regional Council’s strong Governance continues to lead the organisation towards achieving its mission, vision and values.
8 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1 | INTRODUCTION 9 OUR MISSION, VISION AND VALUES
Our Mission Our Vision Our Values Working as one towards a Roper Gulf Regional Honesty better future through effective Council sustainable, viable, Equality use of all resources vibrant Accountability Respect Trust
10 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL
Roper Gulf Regional Council delivers a range of services and programs as diverse as the part of the Northern Territory’s Top End it is located in. WEST ARNHEM REGIONAL COUNCIL EAST Incorporating a Local Government Area of 186,000 square ARNHEM REGIONAL kilometres – almost three times the size of Tasmania – the COUNCIL
Council’s operational footprint is the fourth largest in the NT Bulman and runs from the southern side of the Kakadu escarpment NYIRRANGGULUNG Weemol WARD to the northern edge of the Barkly Tablelands, and from Manyallaluk (Eva Valley) Numbulwar the western fringe of the Stuart Highway to the Gulf of Katherine Barunga NUMBULWAR NUMBURINDI KATHERINE Beswick Ngukurr Carpentaria and Queensland border. TOWN COUNCIL Urapunga WARD Jilkminggan Mataranka This vast area is rich in biodiversity and boasts area of tropical YUGUL MANGI Minyerri/ WARD savannah, dry grasslands and open forest is marked by Hodgson Downs iron-rich eroded sandstone, limestone escarpments and low Larrimah NEVER NEVER mesas. WARD Borroloola
Daly Waters The Roper Gulf region is dissected by large, ancient river VICTORIA SOUTH WEST systems including the Roper, Rose, McArthur, Robinson and DALY WARD REGIONAL Robinson River Limmen rivers. The combined annual flow of these rivers is COUNCIL 11750 gigalitres, which is the equivalent of about 23 Sydney BARKLY REGIONAL COUNCIL Harbours’ worth of water. The Katherine, Edith, Fergusson, East Alligator and King rivers also have their headwaters within the Roper Gulf region. There are more than 700 kilometres of coastline along the eastern edge of the Council’s Local Government Area that are home to beaches, mangrove swamps, river deltas, low coastal Almost 80 per cent of people living within the Council’s sea cliffs and islands. Local Government Area identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Roper Gulf Shire Council was formed in 2008 as an Islander, with 48.6 per cent speaking Kriol at home. amalgamation of a number of smaller Community Councils With continued change to Government policy, financial and previously unincorporated land. It was renamed Roper challenges, and changing service delivery expectations, the Gulf Regional Council in January 2014. Council resolved in 2016 to undertake an organisational The Census held in 2016 showed 6,505 people live in towns restructure best suited to meet the requirements of and outstations within the Roper Gulf regional boundary, regional service delivery in the Roper Gulf region. The main with a median age of just 26. Of this population base, change was a reduction of four Directorates to three and more than 42 per cent reside in the three largest towns of a redistribution of business units and activities aligning Ngukurr, Numbulwar and Borroloola, giving the overall area services and business activity to areas of similarity and an extremely low population density of one person per 28 functionality. The 2016-17 financial year was the first full square kilometres. reporting period following the restructure.
SECTION 1 | INTRODUCTION 11 ELECTED MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
The Roper Gulf Regional Council consists of 12 Elected Members from five Wards. Elected Members are elected through Local Government elections and by-elections. Following an electoral representation review in 2014, the Minister for Housing and Community Development approved an increase to 13 Elected Members, with the additional Elected Member to represent Numbulwar Numburindi Ward. The decision will come into effect at the 2017 Northern Territory Local Government election. As of 30 June 2017, Elected Members are as follows:
Mayor Deputy Mayor Tony Jack Judy MacFarlane South West Gulf Ward Never Never Ward
Nyirranggulung Ward South West Gulf Ward
Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Selina Ashley Anne Marie Lee John Dalywater Don Garner Daniel Mulholland
Yugul Mangi Ward Numbulwar Numburindi Ward Never Never Ward
Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Daphne Daniels Eric Roberts Kathy-Anne Annabelle Daylight Timothy Baker Jnr. Numamurdirdi
(Until May 31, 2017)
12 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 ELECTED MEMBER ATTENDANCE
ORDINARY MEETING OF COMMUNITY GRANTS FINANCE COMMITTEE AUDIT COMMITTEE COUNCIL COMMITTEE (4 MEETINGS) (3 MEETINGS) (8 MEETINGS* **) (2 MEETINGS)
NAME ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCE
Mayor Tony Jack 100% 100% - 100% Deputy Mayor Judy MacFarlane 100% 75% - 100% Cr. Timothy Baker 25% - 66% - Cr. Anne Marie Lee 50% - - - Cr. Kathy-Anne Numamurdirdi 50% 100% - - Cr. Selina Ashley 88% - - - Cr. Annabelle Daylight 100% - - 100% Cr. Daphne Daniels 75% - - - Cr. John Dalywater 63% 75% - - Cr. Eric Roberts 100% 75% - 100% Cr. Daniel Mulholland 88% - 100% - Cr. Don Garner 100% - 100% -
* February 2, 2017 Ordinary Meeting of Council postponed due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred and rescheduled for March 2, 2017. ** August 31, 2017 Ordinary Meeting of Council postponed due to no quorum and rescheduled for September 14, 2017. COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
Roper Gulf Regional Council operated three Committees of Council to assist with decision making during 2016-17. These were the Finance Committee, the Audit Committee and the Community Grants Committee. FINANCE COMMITTEE As per Section II of the Local Government (Accounting) Regulations, Roper Gulf Regional Council has a Finance Committee to assist with the overseeing of the organisation’s finances and resources. Specifically, it undertakes the financial management role of the Council in the months that Elected Members do not meet. The Finance Committee met four times in the year, on alternate months to the Ordinary Meeting of Council. In 2016-17, the member of the Finance Committee comprised: • Mayor Tony Jack; • Deputy Mayor Judy MacFarlane; • Councillor Eric Roberts; • Councillor Kathy-Anne Numamurdirdi; • Councillor John Dalywater; and • Independent Member Geoff Bishop.
SECTION 1 | INTRODUCTION 13 Independent Member Attendance A more rigorous agenda and work program has been set for the audit committee over the next financial year and will assist MEMBER ATTENDANCE (4 MEETINGS) the organisation now and into the future. Geoff Bishop 100% Independent Member Attendance
AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBER ATTENDANCE (3 MEETINGS) Members of the Roper Gulf Regional Council Audit Committee Mark Griffioen 100% include independents Mark Griffioen and Phil Vivian. Phil Vivian 100%
COMMUNITY GRANTS COMMITTEE Roper Gulf Regional Council offers a Community Grants Program to support projects within the Roper Gulf region. A Community Grant may be awarded to assist with the strengthening of local culture, economy, family or improving the environment. Individual applicants and community groups are encouraged to apply for a minor grant to the value of $1000, while incorporated organisations may apply for a major grant to the value of $3000.
The Elected Members who sat on the Audit Committee during 2016-17 were Councillors Don Garner, Daniel Mulholland and Timothy Baker. The meetings of the Audit Committee covered by this report were conducted on: • December 9, 2016; • February 8, 2017; and • May 12, 2017. Senior Council staff attended the meetings, as required, to provide information and respond to recommendations from the Audit Committee. LOCAL AUTHORITIES The Charter used by the Audit Committee to guide its activities was adopted by the Council on January 28, 2015. The 10 Local Authorities within the Roper Gulf Regional Council Local Government Area comprise of people who live During the year, the Audit Committee further reviewed in the respective communities, are selected on the basis of the audit work program, reviewed the proposed internal their capacity to contribute to the effective functioning of the audit program and system and provided further guidance committee and are appointed by Council. on the continued implementation of an organisation-wide compliance diary. The committee also reviewed the statutory Local Authorities are a critical link between the Council and reporting documents, as required by the Northern Territory the communities in which it delivers services and programs. Department of Housing and Community Development.
14 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 LOCAL AUTHORITY ATTENDANCE
BARUNGA LOCAL AUTHORITY
5 MEETINGS HELD OF THE 6 MEETINGS SCHEDULED
MEMBERS % ATTENDANCE
Mayor Tony Jack 0% Councillor Anne Marie Lee 25% Councillor Selina Ashley 0% Councillor John Dalywater 0% Helen Lee-Chair 50% Jamie AhFat 0% Membership rescinded 14/09/2016 Esther Bulumbara 29% Membership rescinded 14/06/2017 Ruth Kelly 0% Membership rescinded 14/09/2016 Antony Groves 20% New member 14/12/2016 David Oenpelli 38% Anita Painter 25% Tony Walla 25% Amanda Ngalmi 33% Membership rescinded 14/09/2016 Nell Brown 20% New member 14/12/2016
BESWICK LOCAL AUTHORITY
4 MEETINGS HELD OF THE 4 MEETINGS SCHEDULED
MEMBERS % ATTENDANCE
Mayor Tony Jack 0% Councillor Anne Marie Lee 0% Councillor Selina Ashley 50% Councillor John Dalywater 0% Lorraine Benett-Chair 50% Joseph Brown 0% Membership rescinded 2/03/2017 Trephina Bush 100% Deanna Kennedy 75% Raelene Bulumbara 100% Savonne Scrubby 75% Kathleen Lane 75%
SECTION 1 | INTRODUCTION 15 BORROLOOLA LOCAL AUTHORITY
4 MEETINGS HELD OF THE 6 MEETINGS SCHEDULED
MEMBERS % ATTENDANCE Mayor Tony Jack 43% Cr Don Garner 57% Cr Daniel Mulholland 0% Maria Pyro-Chair 43% Stan Allen 57% Trish Elmy 29% Rebecca Gentle 29% Lizzie Hogan 29% Marlene Karkadoo 29% Mike Longton 57% Raymond Mawson 57% Bernie Redfern 33% Membership rescinded Johnathon Sauer 71%
BULMAN LOCAL AUTHORITY
2 MEETINGS HELD OF THE 4 MEETINGS SCHEDULED
MEMBERS % ATTENDANCE Mayor Tony Jack 17% Councillor Anne Marie Lee 17% Councillor Selina Ashley 17% Councillor John Dalywater 17% Margaret Lindsay 17% Maggie Chikappa 33% Membership rescinded 14/12/2016 Garett Lofty 0% Darilyn Martin 17% Esau Martin 33% Jerry Martin 33% Membership rescinded 14/12/2016 Kenneth Bununja 0% New member 2/03/2017 Annunciata Bradshaw 0% New member 31/05/2017
16 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 HODGSON DOWNS LOCAL AUTHORITY
4 MEETINGS HELD OF THE 4 MEETINGS SCHEDULED
MEMBERS % ATTENDANCE Mayor Tony Jack 0% Deputy Mayor Judy MacFarlane 40% Councillor Annabelle Daylight 20% Councillor Timothy Baker 0% Samuel Daylight 80% Sammy Swanson 20% Johnathon Walla 20% James Nuggett 80% Clive Roberts 80% Ken Muggeridge 80%
JILKMINGGAN LOCAL AUTHORITY
3 MEETINGS HELD OF THE 4 MEETINGS SCHEDULED
MEMBERS % ATTENDANCE Mayor Tony Jack 0% Deputy Mayor Judy MacFarlane 75% Councillor Annabelle Daylight 50% Councillor Timothy Baker 50% Cheryl Lardy 50% Wendy Daylight 75% Lisa MacDonald 75% Patrisha MacDonald 50% Maxie Millar 0% Membership rescinded 14/09/2016 Anne Marie McDonald 25% New Nomination 2/03/2017 Ossie Daylight 25% New Nomination 2/03/2017 Jeffery Joe 0% New Nomination 2/03/2017
SECTION 1 | INTRODUCTION 17 MANYALLALUK LOCAL AUTHORITY
3 MEETINGS HELD OF THE 4 MEETINGS SCHEDULED
MEMBERS % ATTENDANCE Mayor Tony Jack 0% Councillor Anne Marie Lee 0% Councillor Selina Ashley 0% Councillor John Dalywater 20% Robert Williri 40% Shaunette Mumbin 40% Eileen Lawrence 60% Andrew Hood 60% Darryl Kalakala 0% Sherese Dooley 20% Ben Kleing 40% Rachael Kandino 25% New Member 14/09/2016
MATARANKA LOCAL AUTHORITY
6 MEETINGS HELD OF THE 6 MEETINGS SCHEDULED
MEMBERS % ATTENDANCE Mayor Tony Jack 0% Deputy Mayor Judy MacFarlane 100% Councillor Annabelle Daylight 0% Councillor Timothy Baker 0% Di Angel 50% Alan Chapman 100% Sue Edwards 83% Di Jones 0% Membership rescinded 14/12/2016 Leah Niehus 100% Michael Somers 67% Tracey-Anne Wilson 67% Jill Emmerson-Smith 100% New member 2/03/2017 Phillipa Stansel 0% New member 15/06/2017
18 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 NGUKURR LOCAL AUTHORITY
4 MEETINGS HELD OF THE 6 MEETINGS SCHEDULED
MEMBERS % ATTENDANCE Mayor Tony Jack 14% Councillor Daphne Daniels 14% Councillor Eric Roberts 14% Bobby Nunggumajbar 14% Tanya Joshua 14% Membership rescinded 14/09/2016
Robin Rogers 14% Olga Daniels 14% Membership rescinded 14/09/2016 Jerry Ashley 14% Keith Rogers 14% Membership rescinded 14/09/2016 Ian Gumbula 14% Walter Rogers 14% Renelle Rogers 14% New Member 14/09/2016 Collin Hall 14% New Member 14/09/2016
NUMBULWAR LOCAL AUTHORITY
5 MEETINGS HELD OF THE 6 MEETINGS SCHEDULED
MEMBERS % ATTENDANCE Mayor Tony Jack 13% Councillor Kathy Anne Numamurdirdi 75% Ella Geia 63% Felicity Kym Rami 63% Douglas Wunungmurra 75% David Murrungun 38% Roland Nundhirrbala 63% Timothy Wurramarra 40% Membership rescinded 29/03/2017 Virginya Nundhirribala 20% New Member 26/10/2016
SECTION 1 | INTRODUCTION 19 REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE Roper Gulf Regional Council measures the effectiveness and efficiencies of its operation. This section explains the Council’s performance against the town priorities that were detailed in the Roper Gulf Regional Council Regional Plan 2016-2017. It also highlights the Council’s achievements for the financial year ending June 30, 2017.
20 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 21 DELIVERY OF TOWN PRIORITIES IN THE REGION Each community within the Roper Gulf region is unique. Town Priorities give the people who call these communities home an opportunity to express what is important to them, and the areas in which they would like to see additional operational resources allocated. The Town Priority projects listed in this section are a product of community consultation in the service delivery areas of Roper Gulf Regional Council. Comprehensive consultation with residents, stakeholders, Local Authorities, Elected Members staff during 2016-17 have ensured the listed priorities are up to date and best reflect the wishes of the community. Town priorities are divided into Core Services, Agency Services, Contract Services and Other/Advocacy to ensure easy delegation and management through the Directorate structure once funding has been secured. As many of the projects require Council to seek external funding to deliver, some Town Priorities will be carried over from one financial year to the next.
22 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 BARUNGA
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2016 PARTNERS
Right Path Project: Footpaths around the town to DCG Commenced at store with development of local area traffic enable old people and children to move through management project. the township without having to use roadways starting at the store Entry grids and stock exclusion fencing DCG Continue to advocate with landholders and NLC. Some activity by stakeholders in mustering buffalo near communities of Barunga, Bulman and Manyallaluk. Working with ranger groups in locations to address specific incidences of dangerous animals. Improve traffic management at the store DCCS REIF funding successful in partnership with Outback Stores management. Includes off-road car parking, pedestrian access and heavy vehicle access. Basketball court fencing to mitigate balls and DCG Completed repairs to the basketball hoops Bin holders DCCS Completed Cemetery Project – headstones, tables, shade, DCCS Commenced with CDP lights, water and toilet Animal Welfare DCCS Ongoing through Animal Management Program. Bridge railing and signage at new crossing DCG Not commenced. Advocacy ongoing through DIPL. Feasibility study for a full indoor, air-conditioned DCG Not commenced sports centre Parkland and open space long term strategy to DCCS Commenced plant appropriate tree species Covering the stage DCG Completed. Stage one of extension undertaken by CDP includes wheelchair access and certified staircase. Refurbished outdoor court at school to DCCS Completed by NTG complement the existing covered sport court Barunga to be District Hub for large sport and DCG Oval lighting confirmed and project commenced in partnership community events with NTG. Activities for 10-16 years old kids in the DCS Ongoing through Indigenous S&R, Remote S&R and OSHC. community to keep them engaged Program for school leavers to have a future DCS Capturing 16-18 year olds through volunteer component of pathway CDP and special events (eg. festivals, S&R carnivals). Community social club and promote responsible Community continues to advocate through alcohol drinking – as part of the Alcohol Management management processes of NTG. Community has identified old Plan store will become club.
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 23 Advocate for vacation childcare during school Ongoing. Due to DoE running the childcare program, has been holidays identified as no childcare services available during school holidays. Fencing around public housing Continues to advocate on behalf of residents through Local Authority. Advocate on behalf of tenants on storm drainage ISLRF funding to engage engineer to assess and design with Territory Housing dwellings where house drainage proposal. Design commenced. pads not installed at the time of construction Refurbished outdoor court at school to Completed by NTG complement the existing covered sports court Barunga to be the district hub for large sport and Oval lighting confirmed and project commenced in partnership community events with NTG.
Investment in heavy vehicle infrastructure seals road to Barunga growth Roper Gulf Regional Council and one of the highest priority areas is the congestion has committed to investing around the store,” she said. in infrastructure that will “We recognised the coming and going of heavy vehicles, provide both a solution and the unloading of food goods and freight, has not only to heavy vehicle traffic ripped up the Council’s road, but it’s also creating even management concerns and greater danger to pedestrians and other vehicle traffic.” pave a pathway to economic stimulation in Barunga. Mrs Hillen said that the Council was supportive of developing Indigenous businesses and thanked the NT The Council announced Government for its foresight in approving the funding for in February 2017 that it a project that would not be controlled by the Council. had been successful in securing $283,800 through “The REIF funding covers the construction of the road on the Northern Territory Government’s Regional land that does not belong to the Council, and the Council Economic Infrastructure Fund (REIF) to construct a private will then connect that system to our road network,” she access road for trucks entering Barunga to deliver freight said. to the community store. “What we’re building is a private access road, and will be Heavy vehicle movements within the community have up to Outback Stores to maintain.” long been a cause for concern for residents and Council Chief Executive Officer Michael Berto said the organisation staff, with truck drivers currently required to navigate was proud to be involved with delivering infrastructure around pedestrian traffic and passenger vehicles before for Barunga that would make a significant difference to its parking outside the entrance to the shop to unload. economic potential. With an upgraded $1.5 million store due to be built in the “Council is the Roper Gulf region’s biggest advocate, and community in coming months, the Council’s Director of part of that involves ensuring our communities receive Council and Community Services, Sharon Hillen, explained the financial support required to drive growth and unlock that the private access road – which will link up to Council- development opportunities,” he said. operated local roads in Barunga – would allow heavy vehicles to stop and unload safely behind the new facility. “This road is a much-needed piece of key infrastructure for Barunga that most people living in urban areas around the “One of the town priorities for the Barunga Local Authority country would take for granted.” is to address traffic management issues in the township,
24 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 BESWICK (WUGULARR)
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 OR PARTNERS
Entry grids and stock exclusion fencing DCG Continue to advocate with landholders and NLC. Some activity by stakeholders in mustering buffalo near communities of Barunga, Bulman and Manyallaluk. Working with ranger groups in locations to address specific incidences of dangerous animals. Water park DCG/Outback Store Not economically viable. Upgrade infrastructure - provide safe, DCG Ongoing through urban enhancement program, secure and quality infrastructure to areas installation of solar lights and local area traffic of high volume activity management. Solar lights at designated areas to target hidden DCG Secured funding for several solar lights. dark spots
Formalise landscapes through tree planting, DCG Ongoing. Bus stop off Central Arnhem Highway pathways, drinking fountains, park benches, completed. Lot 58 upgrade completed. shade area, community barbeque area, bollards and parking areas Stormwater drainage in new subdivision DCS Commenced Cemetery project – headstones and DCCS Commenced with CDP. surrounds Upgrade the intersection at new DCS Design commenced and liaison with DIPL ongoing. subdivision and Central Arnhem Road
Right Path Project DCG Commenced at basketball court in subdivision. Town street signage DCCS Commenced. Developing vandal-proof sign for installation. Relocate oval – feasibility study DCG Ongoing Existing oval realign drainage, expansion DCG Ongoing width 110m, overlay for future softball, install amenities block Upgrade Cemetery Road DCS Not commenced Driver education to reduce number of accidents DCS Commenced through DoT caused from unlicenced, intoxicated, speeding drivers Cultural education for young including school DCCS Aligned with community festivals and other civic events.
Skate park DCG LA allocated funding for small skate park. In project scope and design stage. Youth space - S&R plan - build on existing old DCG Ongoing outdoor court - expand existing slab, shade and water, skate/BMX portable units
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 25 RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 OR PARTNERS
Central Arnhem Road traffic calming device Advocacy with DoT commenced Reconstruct Central Arnhem Road – upgrade Advocacy with DoT commenced road to landfill
Upgrade of Waterhouse River Bridge Advocacy with DoT commenced Helipad Not commenced Relocate sewerage ponds NTG identified as not viable due to forecast community growth. Recognise, respect and celebrate activities that Ongoing are of importance to community members in their area
Literacy and numeracy program for older kids No information available from lead agency Resolve issue of Lot 3 – Single Men’s Quarters Ongoing. No solution identified to social issues arising from disused dwelling. PWC continues to provide power but no water or sewerage services available. Currently occupied by six homeless community members. Has been left with Traditional Owners. Support the social club – family friendly Ongoing Club house at oval including toilets and shower Not commenced Airstrip upgrade Not commenced
Project puts community on Right Path to increased pedestrian infrastructure What started as a project to allow those who had fallen “There is always a lot of pedestrian traffic in Beswick, and afoul of the law to give back to Beswick has evolved into having the Right Path Project providing footpaths around a source of community pride that is linking up the newer the community is a positive that allows people without and original sections of the Central Arnhem town. vehicular transport to get from the older area to the new subdivision year-round without having to worry about Providing concrete footpaths around the community has dust and mud,” she said. long been on the wish list of residents, and Roper Gulf Regional Council has been able to develop its Right Path Project to lay hundreds of metres of pedestrian pathways during the 2016-17 financial year. After starting with footpaths at the new store and basketball court, workers have extended them from the new subdivision down the hill towards the older part of Beswick in a move that will provide residents with all- weather access around their community. Director of Council and Community Services Sharon Hillen said the footpaths were a simple-yet-vital piece of infrastructure for Beswick.
26 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 BORROLOOLA
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT JUNE 30 2017 PARTNERS
Storm water audit, water channelling and erosion control for DCS Completed existing drains Town and camp drainage plans DCS Audit completed. Designs and costings for town camp roads have been forwarded to various stakeholders including MRM CBT Pool canteen option of privatisation to provide income DCG Not commenced
Traffic Management Plan DCCS Completed By-Laws for dog management DCG/DCCS Ongoing Local Authority Training on Governance and Project DCG Ongoing. Training held in February 2017 and will be Management scheduled biannually in future.
Waste Management Strategy for Borroloola including links to DCCS Ongoing Regional Strategy
Floodlights at showground DCG Not commenced Upgrade oval DCG Commenced Local event planning and support DCCS Commenced through Local Authority Establish a Tourist Information Bay and park areas including DCG Commenced and included in concept plans for dump point Borroloola Government Business Hub Project. Funding successful from Federal Government’s BBRF. New lights for town and suburb to eliminate dark spots and DCS New lights in CBD to be installed as part of CBD maintenance of existing lights upgrade.
Sports Ground Master Plan to include following elements: DCG Commenced. Funding application submitted to NTG • New softball diamond and MRM CBT. New temporary toilet block installed and water supply upgraded. • Improve site drainage • Upgrade cricket club shelter as a shared facility • Resurface/upgrade playing surface of oval • New shelter for spectators adjacent softball diamond • Upgrade toilet block and include showers for campers • Purchase new travelling irrigator • Lighting for softball diamond and oval Youth Centre upgrades: DCG Application to MRM CBT submittied for project • Shade cover or roof over both courts • Lighting for courts • Resurface courts • Replace current toilets • Expansion of building with larger covered space/verandah overlooking courts and relocate toilets to one side
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 27 RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT JUNE 30 2017 PARTNERS
Pool and Gym: DCCS Ongoing • Develop a revenue strategy • Establish a community trust or collaborative fund to help cover cost of staffing and operations • Increase linkage with training agencies and secure funding for staff training and pool attendant courses • Introduce an entry fee as a flat rate of $3.00 • All agencies that use the pool to pay for use • Develop community fitness and wellbeing programs • Develop social events/ programs that can be user pay • Reintroduce a kiosk at the pool • Do a business plan so a consistent funding model can be followed over successive years Support the operation of safe house for men, women and DCS Ongoing families and sobering up shelter Antisocial behaviour management through agency program DCS Several meetings with other community stakeholders support are focusing on youth services and community safety. Advocate for more public housing– vacant blocks on Broad Advocacy ongoing with DHCD Street Develop further public internet access and upgrade mobile Mobile black spot upgrade submission made and phone footprint tower upgraded in response. Produce a directory with information and map of the town Commenced Mara – Bing Bong Road access in wet Ongoing Searcy Street – Bing Bong Road culverts Ongoing Encourage to participate in business development CBD upgrade funding identified and engineer’s opportunities specifications in development Raise weed issues at bridge and other areas with appropriate Completed authority Encourage local businesses to set up a local Tourism Board Completed and provide office space or demountable for Tourism Board Proposed Multipurpose Centre to include move youth Completed programs to centre S&R programming: Ongoing • Activity programs planned at community level and an interagency program • A local sport and recreation coordination group established to plan 3-6 months blocks of activity and integrate calendars for better sharing and less duplication or double booking occurs, members of group should include Council S&R staff, CSC, Moriarty Foundation, AFL Development Officer, school, Preventative Health, and other groups or agencies working in recreation, sport or active living
28 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Borroloola Show secures bright future with infrastructure upgrade strategy Ahead of the 2017 Borroloola Show Roper Gulf Regional Council is working closely with the Local Authority and Council replaced the toilet block at the community’s other stakeholders to make sure older infrastructure is showground as part of an upgrade project funded by the upgraded or replaced as the needs and expectations of Borroloola Local Authority. the community evolve.” Director of Council and Community Services Sharon In an additional boost for the town, the Council has Hillen explained that replacing ageing infrastructure had utilised its strong working relationship with the been identified by the Local Authority as a town priority, Northern Territory Government to identify a $25,000 and that Council staff had worked fast to ensure the new funding opportunity the Borroloola and District toilet block was operational before gates opened on Borroloola’s biggest event. Show Society (BDSS) will use to upgrade legacy buildings at the venue. “Council owns and operates the Borroloola and Gulf District Sports Ground that hosts the annual Mrs Hillen said the Council looked forward to an ongoing partnership with the show society and congratulated Borroloola Show, and with the Local Authority, recognised committee members on their long-term vision for the that much of the legacy infrastructure in place was Borroloola Show. nearing end-of-life and in need of upgrading to meet the demand of facility users as the town goes through a “Council is happy to support the show society’s self- growth phase,” she said. determination and direction for the event, and strives to foster strong support and advocacy roles to volunteer “To achieve this, more than $100,000 is being allocated organisations who contribute community benefit to towns to the sports ground. in the Roper Gulf region,” she said. “The show is an extremely important social and economic event for the community and surrounding district, so
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 29 BULMAN AND WEEMOL
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT JUNE 30 2017 PARTNERS
Drainage improvements near council offices and workshop area DCS Identified as highest priority in road and stormwater audit.
Market garden for Bulman DCCS Ongoing through CDP Remove old playground and relocate to BBQ park DCG Removed old playground and funding received for new equipment. Upgrade S&R Hall: DCG Not commenced • Resurface the indoor court surface • Upgrade toilets an showers • Ventilation improvements • Landscaping • Half court on old outdoor court • Shade roof and verandah on oval side • Feasibility to widen the hall Upgrade the sports oval: DCG Irrigation repaired; fencing repairs ongoing • Repair fencing due to wandering stock. • Repair irrigation system • Re-level and refurbish the playing surface • Install shaded spectator facility at hall • Plant shade trees around oval • Provide a second amenities block Install speed bumps and signs DCS Ongoing Homeland roads upgrades DLGCS No funding available Housing upgrades and repairs DHCD In progress Support development of new Arts and Cultural Resource Centre at the DSS No festival held during reporting period. old store by Walaman Festival Public toilet block for Bulman including wash house for festival DoI Not economically viable. patrons Airstrip facilities – shelter, emergency phone and toilet at airstrip DoI Advocated but no response from DoT. Access road to airport from Central Arnhem Highway to be upgraded DoI Completed for all year round access Transitional housing DHCD No action Water quality improvement PAWA No action Public toilet block for Weemol including a laundry DCG Advocacy is ongoing Upgrade community space - mini oval DCG Commenced through Local Authority project funding. Basketball half-court installed. Park improvements - furniture and beautification DCCS Ongoing
30 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Greening vision provides Bulman dust suppression solution Creating a community aesthetic that is welcoming to The result is nothing short of a complete transformation visitors and provides a green backdrop for residents is a in some parts of Bulman, and places that used to be challenge made more difficult when it is located in one of dustbowls are now covered in lush grass for residents to the remotest parts of the Roper Gulf region. utilise. Improved landscaping and public space beautification are While the success always high on the list of town priorities for those who call has made Bulman Bulman home, and Council staff have taken some major more appealing steps towards delivering on the wish during 2016-17. visually, it has also played a The Bulman municipal services team undertook a role in creating a greening project over the past 12 months that involved dust suppression installing and repairing irrigation around key areas solution for the including the oval, Council office and store, and community. community entrance.
Weemol community space takes free throw towards reality A place where people can gather to talk and partake in Director of Commercial Services Marc Gardner visited physical activity is important to any community, and Weemol to watch the first pour in the construction of the it is something that is beginning to take shape for the court, and said it was fantastic to see CDP participants residents of Weemol. making their mark on the improvement of the communities. The community has had an upgraded public space – including a mini oval – on its town priority agenda for “The basketball half-court in Weemol will include a several years now and the 2016-17 financial year marked barbeque area and seating that will be a hit,” he said. the fist step in the project becoming a reality. Construction was halted by the early arrival of the wet The plan includes a basketball half-court, the first pour season but will continue throughout the 2017-18 which took place in November in a collaboration between financial year. staff and Community Development Program (CDP) participants keen to add concreting to their list of skills.
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 31 DALY WATERS
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS
Signage at the dump DCCS Purchased and scheduled for installation Install a speed bump at the entrance to the town DCCS/DCG Advocated with DIPL. Traffic counter installed. Formalise the Dump and Waste Management Plan DCCS Ongoing Metered lights at the tennis court DCG Commenced. Multiple solar lights to be installed. Consult with local community and stakeholders in relation to DCG Consultation with Daly Waters Progress upkeep of tennis court and other public open spaces Association undertaken by CEO, DCS and Deputy Mayor. Reticulated sewerage system Referred to NTG Road repairs to the by-pass road to Kalala Not viable. No gazetted road. Waste Management Strategy Ongoing Dead tree at park removal from the old police building Completed Food/camping/hotel signs on the highway Completed
Partnership continues to put Daly Waters on the map The strong working relationship between Roper Gulf Municipal services in Daly Waters are contracted out by Regional Council and the Daly Waters Progress Association the Council to DWPA as part of an ongoing agreement that (DWPA) continued to flourish and improve the amenity of allows residents to take ownership of tasks like slashing the Never Never Ward hamlet during 2016-17. and public space maintenance. Several community consultation meetings were held during the past 12 months, at which those who live and operate businesses in Daly Waters outlined what projects they would like to see made town priorities, including formalising a Waste Management Plan and installing metered lighting at the tennis court. The Council managed to deliver on numerous town priorities as part of the continued consultation – such as signage for the dump and advocating to have highway signage installed to promote facilities in Daly Waters – that will assist residents with their push for economic development through tourism.
32 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 HODGSON DOWNS/MINYERRI
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS
18 fences around public housing DHCD N/A More housing to reduce crowding DHCD NTG responsibility Morgue DHCD No action Roads and maintenance DoI Completed Safe house - men/women DHCD NTG responsibility Solar lighting for streets AAC No action Public pay phone Telstra No action New dump AAC Big Rivers Waste Management Working Group Coordinator working with AAC Solar light at Kewuyli DHCD Commenced Sports oval staged plan: AAC Ongoing • Shade planting around perimeter of oval • Construct toilet block adjacent to the oval • Construct portable stands for spectators and shade shelter in convenient locations with a good view of the oval • Continue planning to secure grant funding to construct shade over the water park • Investigate opportunities to fund a S&R officer with multi-agency partnership combining smaller funding sources to achieve sufficient funds to employ someone • Establish a coordination group in the community with all agencies, school and AAC working together to share ideas and resources to improve S&R programs in the community
Night Patrol agreement provides community safety empowerment A service partnership between Roper Gulf Regional Patrol (CNP) services in Minyerri on behalf of the Council and Alawa Aboriginal Corporation (AAC) is paving organisation. a pathway towards local solutions to community safety. The Council is funded by the Department of Prime During 2016-17, the Council and AAC signed a 12-month Minister and Cabinet to provide nightly patrols across agreement for the latter to deliver Community Night the Roper Gulf region, including in Minyerri, and the agreement means it remains responsible for the overall delivery of the program, while AAC will oversee the day- to-day operational requirements on the ground. As part of the partnership, staff will be sourced from within the community, meaning residents have taken ownership of the program and are being empowered to incorporate local strategies into the delivery of CNP that tackle safety concerns and antisocial behaviour.
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 33 JILKMINGGAN
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS Footpaths next to main roads DCG Reassessing due to changed location of store. Traffic management - Parking area near art centre and clinic DCCS Reassessing due to changed location of store. Upgrade of fencing and condition of playing surface at the oval DCG Ongoing S&R Precinct (oval, softball, outdoor court, S&R shed) Master Plan to DCG Commenced upgrade to S&R Hall. consider: • Minor configuration of oval so it can comply with standards to host games • Relocation of old softball nets to south-east corner of oval area • Resolve drainage issues • Additional shade tree planting • Integration with the sports court and shed should consider development of single toilet and change block to service both field and court
Sports court lighting and covering with a fixed roof DCG Not commenced S&R Hall upgrades: DCG S&R Hall upgrade commenced. • Complete roof insulation • Shipping container for storage to remove restriction on opening the end doors to improve ventilation • Improve entry and office facilities to allow better supervision and operation of the hall • Provide roller shutters or sliding glass windows for the kitchen servery so the air-conditioning in the kitchen can work more efficiently • Investigate other solutions to ventilation and cooling such as roof vents and evaporative cooling units Culverts for dump and farm roads DCS Not viable Install grids and stock exclusion fencing DCG Continue to advocate with stakeholders and NLC. New cemetery DCCS JCAC responsibility Solar lights for bridge, basketball court, small park behind Council centre DCG Solar light installed at basketball court. Cemetery project – headstones and surrounds DCCS JCAC responsibility Public toilet and shower at football grounds for visiting players DCG Ongoing
Shed over the basketball court DCG Ongoing Play equipment at S&R area, bough shed and Sungodown Camp DCG Bough shed allocation reallocated to Lot 77 due to no community consensus on location.
34 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS
Roof lining and airconditioning for S&R Hall DCG Commenced Shade shelter and seating at football oval DCG No funding available Formalised youth and men’s group programs DCCS No funding available Vehicle for S&R purposes DCCS No funding available Water park Not economically viable. Mobile phone coverage tower Minor upgrade completed More housing to reduce crowding Advocacy ongoing with DHCD Single men’s and women’s accommodation Advocacy ongoing with NTG Light at pumping station No information available from PAWA. Access to school sports court in the wet season and for children and youth Currently available but dependant programs on school staffing.
Sport and Recreation facilities in Jilkminggan undergo transformation Tradesmen have been a common sight at the hall during the part 12 months as they carried out tiling, painting and other minor works that represent stage one of a community wish to have all infrastructure around the hall and oval upgraded. Director of Corporate Governance Greg Arnott said the Council was working closely with the community and the Jilkminggan Community Aboriginal Corporation (JCAC) to prioritise upgrades and identify potential funding sources to finance the works. “Council is aware how important the sporting infrastructure and assets it controls in Jilkminggan are to community members,” he said. “Works are now under way that will make the Sport and Recreation Hall more modernised and welcoming.” An overhaul of sporting facilities has been high on In an additional boost for those with an affinity for the list of town priorities for Jilkminggan residents for basketball, a solar light was installed adjacent to the several years, but 2016-17 delivered the first stages of community court, which will increase public safety and significant upgrades to the community’s much-loved allow players to debrief about their performances once Sport and Recreation Hall. the sun goes down.
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 35 LARRIMAH
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS
Formalise the Dump and Waste Management Plan DCCS Ongoing Continue beautification of the park area at Lot 62 with stage 1 and 2 of the DCCS Ongoing irrigation Internal road repairs DCCS No action. Works proposed to be undertaken in 2017-18. Assess the viability or sustainability of refurbishing the bore at the oval to DCG Ongoing. Three-phase power provide irrigation for the field and public gardens installed. Clean-up of Green Park Roadhouse Not commenced Upgrade and realignment of the Western Creek access road to Stuart Highway – Not commenced including repairs, maintenance and radio transmission Mobile phone services Mobile black spot submission made but booster needed to improve service. Replacement vehicle for the Larrimah Fire and Response Group (FERG) Unit Completed
First step in providing improved Larrimah green spaces completed For a community that relies on attracting tourists to Consultation between the Council’s Executive team and underpin its sustainability, being able to provide inviting the Larrimah Community Project Association (LCPA) public spaces is vital. continued over the past 12 months, with discussions revolving around LCPA potentially providing mowing and However, keeping parks and gardens green in Larrimah watering services. has been a goal that Roper Gulf Regional Council staff and residents have at times struggled with due to inadequate and ageing water infrastructure. Following a $10,000 funding allocation to address water supply problems in the previous financial year, the Council in 2016-17 made the first step in refurbishing the bore at the community oval to provide an irrigation solution for the asset, in addition to other public gardens. Three-phase power has been installed at the bore site which will pave the way for increased output from future upgrades to the infrastructure.
36 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 MANYALLALUK
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS
Entry grids and stock exclusion fencing DCG Advocacy ongoing with stakeholders and NLC. Establish a network of paths throughout the town DCG CBF application successful for bollards to create vehicle and pedestrian diversions.
Road upgrades DCS Design completed. Works to commence • Repair washouts and concrete during 2017-18. • Bituminise • Kerb and gutter Local area traffic management – speed bumps, pedestrian crossing at DCCS CBF application successful for bollards to basketball court and clinic create vehicle and pedestrian diversions. Speed bumps installed.
Cemetery project – headstones and surrounds DCCS Commenced with CDP
Timers on the lights at the basketball court DCG Ongoing
Sports court area improvements: DCG Commenced • Concrete work • External lighting • Better linkage of stage and covered area • Sport and Recreation Master Plan 2015 Improvements to the swimming hole picnic area DCCS Ongoing • Sport and Recreation Master Plan 2015 Installation of Sports Oval between town and single men’s quarters DCG Commenced Water safety training with parents and children DCCS Commenced Park upgrades: DCG Completed • BBQ and shelter • Sandpit • Fence park • Upgrade softfall under swing Upgrade concrete slabs to paint ball games and hop scotch on them DCG Completed
Upgrade old Crèche for use as a youth centre DCG
Increase housing Ongoing Promote economic development potential for a localised mechanic at Not economically viable. either Manyallaluk, Barunga or Beswick to service all three location
Investigate feasibility of developing a rectangular field near the single Commenced men’s quarters
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 37 Cemetery protected from wandering stock through skills project The cemetery, which is located on the outskirts of the remote community, plays an important part in the lives of residents who have loved ones buried there, but it has long been subjected to buffalo and other animals wandering over and among graves. That access began to be limited during 2016-17 due to a partnership between Council municipal services staff and Community Development Program (CDP) participants. Installing headstones and beautifying the cemetery surrounds is a town priority for the Manyallaluk community, and CDP participants have been gaining new skills by producing headstones and starting to erect a timber fence around its boundary over the past 12 months. The project will continue into 2017-18, but the great Manyallaluk’s top cemetery is on the way to being stock- results achieved by the CDP crew have made tremendous proofed as part of a Roper Gulf Regional Council project to inroads into protecting graves and cemetery infrastructure improve the amenity of the facility. from the buffalo that inhabit adjacent bushland.
MATARANKA (INCLUDING MULGAN CAMP)
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS
Drainage at Elsey Street DCS Ongoing. Delay due to complexity of in-ground infrastructure. Upgrade toilets at Community Hall, add another toilet for DCG Incorporated in Master Plan. wheelchair access and remove eucalyptus tree Redevelop Cemetery Management Plan at Mataranka DCCS Incorporated in Master Plan.
Upgrade play equipment at S&R grounds DCG Commenced Lot 84 - development of Regional Recycling Centre Business DCCS Commenced Plans Museum upgrade DCG Incorporated in Master Plan. Upgrade toilets at S&R grounds in consultation with LA move to DCG Commenced. Works to commence in 2017-18 a more suitable site Budget. Park upgrades: DCG Commenced • Anthill • Water feature, statues using appropriate technology Multi-purpose court at old bowls club development feasibility DCG Completed study to include need, likely utilisation rates and options for meeting this need • Sport and Recreation Master Plan 2015
38 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Land Release Ongoing Town Plan review and update Investigated existing town plan and identified remains current. The development of a walking track from Bitter Springs to the In Elsey National Park development plan. Homestead Investigate options for Aged Care Facility and Childcare Centre Incorporated in Master Plan.
Physical activity in Mataranka gets boost with completion of multipurpose court The long-held vision of the Mataranka community to “Mataranka has wanted this as a town priority for nine have a dedicated undercover area to play sport has years, so it’s great to see it built and ready for the become a reality following the completion of the community to use,” she said. $255,000 first stage of a multipurpose court in 2016-17. “This community has always revolved around sport, so The non-slip multipurpose court and roof will allow the multipurpose court really represents an asset that sports-mad residents to play basketball, netball, tennis will have social and economic benefits to the Mataranka and hockey year-round in Mataranka. region.” The specialised playing surface is the key feature of stage The facility is available for members of the public to one of the project, and will ensure competitors of all ages utilise on weekdays, and is also available for long-term can enjoy their favourite sport, even during inclement hire so local sporting clubs can host competitions against weather delivered by the Top End wet seasons. visiting teams. Deputy Mayor Judy MacFarlane has been a vocal An official opening of the multipurpose court will be held advocate of the project and said she was thrilled to see in 2017-18 once the new Council has been sworn in. the roof go up over the court.
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 39 NGUKURR
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS Upgrade barge road and landing DCG Continue to advocate on behalf of community for development of infrastructure. Solar lighting for Police Lookout Park, cemetery and barge DCG Commenced. Funding received. footpath Install bus stops through town at Top Camp, Bottom Camp and DCG Ongoing. Bus stop near oval installed. opposite the store Commence installation of footpaths, road signs, associated DCG Commenced landscaping and park furniture Installation of water fountains DCG Commenced No smoking signage for public places eg. Oval DCCS Looking for alternative forms of communication.
Floodlighting for the oval DCG Seeking alternative funding sources. Enclose open drains DCS Commenced through Rainbow Street project. Upgrade dump and surrounds to improve waste management DCCS Commenced. Works to be completed in 2017-18.
Plan and design Police Lookout Park to include: DCG Commenced • Solar lights • Irrigation • Furniture • BBQ
Rehabilitate road surface on Pool and Oval Streets DCS Commenced in conjunction with Rainbow Street upgrade. Development of a permanent heavy vehicle truck stop and DCS Commenced as part of freight hub project. Works to turning bay with road signage be completed in 2018 dry season. Development of a multipurpose centre, public toilet and stage DCG Multipurpose centre not proceeding. Public toilet completed. Stage to be funded through Local Authority with works to be completed in 2018 dry season. Swimming pool complex improvement: installations of shade DCCS Local Authority partially funded some upgrades to cloths, community graffiti board, water fountains, CCTV and pool. upgrades to shade shelter, table and seats Development of new lawn cemetery, including fencing DCCS Commenced investigation Fencing off the Cemetery site DCCS Ongoing
40 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS
Sports oval and pool master plan for staged investment include DCG Planning ongoing in the overall feasibility assessment of the new multi-purpose centre to consider: • New location of multipurpose centre adjacent to oval • Reuse old centre for other purposes versus redevelopment of the space as a rectangle field • Funding operational model for centre • Integrate pool, indoor centre and oval in a single management model • Revenue streams possible to offset operational costs • Create a precinct for sporting and major cultural events • Changes to the pool • Provision of flexible space for youth centre as part of centre
Increase opportunity for Youth to be involved with trade training Trade training centre build by DoE and operated by school. Support development of Aged Care higher needs Implemented staff capacity to Certificate III level.
Encourage Government to undertake community fencing Tennant complaints forwarded to DHCD. program Installation of a compost toilet at airport DoT advised not viable. Development of an AMP - consult with broader community Change in Government policy towards action rather through public meetings to plan than planning.
Establishment of a Community Safety Committee to work with Elders’ group established in response to increase in Ngukurr’s Justice and Harmony Committee and other key antisocial behaviour and community unrest. stakeholders to develop place-based strategies that will address safety concerns
Jobs, training or further education offers guaranteed to all NTCET 16-18 year olds able to volunteer for CDP and are graduates living in Ngukurr through an organised transition to being identified by Youth Reconnect program. work program
Upgrade Roper Highway by sealing the road up to Ngukurr Current Government works include additional 10 kilometres of sealed road.
NT Government to establish MVR and other general frontline Ongoing services in Ngukurr
Assist stakeholders in Ngukurr to develop a subdivision project Commenced. 20 lots subdivided and 10 new to increase general industry and residential lots available to dwellings planned. Advocating to NLC about whole- residents and local businesses of-community land release.
Upgrade water quality Commenced. Works to be completed in 2017-18.
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 41 RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS
Advocate to upgrade Church with: Advocated to NLC community planning unit. • Access road • Disabled ramp and coffin trolley Advocate for more housing Advocacy on behalf of community continuing with DHCD. Increase access to public internet services NTG library review yet to formalise developments. Inter-agency Coordination Group to improve coordination of Ongoing through GEC-supported stakeholder programs and activities and improve resource sharing meetings. Discussions with Yugul Mangi to develop a more “whole Advocacy continues to ensure good communication community” approach to funding and managing Sport and and a whole-of-community approach to S&R services. Recreation facilities in the community
Funding partnership drives transport vision in remote Roper Gulf communities A $2.31 million plan to unlock the economic and social both communities would no longer have to be unloaded in potential of the remote communities of Ngukurr and “dustbowls” or “a paddock of mud”. Numbulwar will be realised after Roper Gulf Regional “Right now, we have heavy vehicles manoeuvring into these Council secured the funding needed to proceed with the towns without adequate heavy vehicle infrastructure, and ambitious project during 2016-17. that includes when they are unloading freight in dustbowls Road transport delivers the majority of freight to Ngukurr or a big, open paddock of mud, depending on the season,” and Numbulwar, and both communities have been identified she explained. as growth towns by the Northern Territory Government. Chief Executive Officer Michael Berto said it was hoped the As part of the Council’s push to develop freight infrastructure, new infrastructure would give Ngukurr and Numbulwar both communities will receive purpose-built facilities that more opportunities to develop, and attract much-needed include sealed heavy vehicle routes, undercover lay-down investment from the private and public sectors. areas for loading and unloading, and dedicated parking. “This project is necessary for the growth of the region, and The project has been funded by all three tiers of Government, reflects the needs of residents and businesses in Ngukurr a partnership that reflects the importance of adequate and Numbulwar,” he said. freight and transport infrastructure to regional economic “Council is doing everything it can to overcome the development. tyranny of distance and provide every opportunity for our The NT Government contributed $1m through its Regional communities to reach their economic potential.” Economic Infrastructure Fund, while the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development will add $999,500 to the project as part of its National Stronger Regions Fund. The Council has committed more than $300,000 to ensure the Growth Centre Transport and Freight Hub Project becomes a reality. Director of Council and Community Services Sharon Hillen said the project meant supplies vital to the operation of
42 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 NUMBULWAR
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS Build waterless public toilets at waterfront and airstrip DCG Waterfront toilet proposal not viable due to storm surge area. DoT not responsible for auxiliary buildings at airstrips. Education awareness program for health, dogs, litter, adult DCG/DCCS Commenced. By-Laws submitted to NTG for learning and governance consideration. Establish new dump site and decommission old dump DCG Commenced Right Path Project – including bike lanes and footpath lanes DCG Commenced in CBD
New cemetery and ongoing management DCCS Commenced discussion with NTG but no further action. Pedestrian crossing at community store, school, new town store DCG Ongoing and clinic, including signage Upgrade street lighting DCS Ongoing Improve traffic management at barge and workshop areas DCCS Incorporated in freight hub project. Curb, guttering and drain management to control storm water at DCS Completed school and along main road to the CBD
Planning for a new sports oval in a more suitable location DCG Commenced through NTG oval upgrade program. Resurfacing the sports court DCG Completed Planning to construct a roof over the sports court commence with DCG Commenced with works to be completed in design plans and costing, include a small toilet block to service 2017-18. courts Old S&R hall refurbished or replaced and transform block to DCG Commenced a community park and focus area with indoor and outdoor elements; shade, play, and program and activity spaces Improved mail services Australia Post Commenced. PO Box use yet to be implemented. Development of family and children’s centre DET and DoE Continue to advocate on behalf of community. Development of Alcohol Management Plan DoB and NT Police Completed Provide youth leadership courses to develop leadership skills for DCS Ongoing youth across the region and pathways to employment Relocation of football oval in new subdivision DCG Ongoing Construction of roof over basketball courts DCG Commenced and due for completion 2017-18. Shade over playground DCG Continue to seek funding. Bridge built over Phelps River and address series of culverts issue Advocacy continues on behalf of community.
Working partnership to support the small business Community Champion art centre and office developments; develop a Government Business and Service completed. Centre
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 43 RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS
New multi-purpose community building and oval in new suburb Ongoing advocacy
Support School Attendance Working Group to develop a localised Completed school attendance strategy that will increase attendance and have young adults and parents returning to school Develop arts and craft centre Completed through Community Champion Program. PA System installed in the RSAS Vehicle N/A
Working group offers fresh look at remote waste management potential The rubbish adding to landfills lead a unified approach that would provide the economy of in the Big Rivers region could scale needed to make recycling financially viable. soon be providing financial and “By collaborating, the group can achieve better economies environmental benefits to its of scale for recyclable materials, which otherwise may three Regional Councils, thanks have been unfeasible to manage, and can more efficiently to a collaboration driving organise regional transport of waste,” he said. a rethink on remote waste management. Roper Gulf Regional Council Director of Council and Community Services Sharon Hillen said exploiting resource The Big Rivers Waste recovery opportunities would allow the organisation Management Working Group to create an additional revenue stream and boost local (BRWMWG) comprises representatives of Roper Gulf employment. Regional Council, Victoria Daly Regional Council and West Daly Regional Council, and was funded by the Northern “Resource recovery can be a viable industry, and an Territory Department of Health, the Councils and in-kind employer of unskilled labour in remote areas, if we can support from Katherine Town Council. identify a marketplace for the Big Rivers region’s Councils as a collective,” she said. BRWMWG Co-ordinator Liam Harte said its purpose was to assess how waste was being managed at landfills operated “There’s money to be made in resource recovery, and by the Regional Councils, and to provide expertise and anything we can do to prevent material going into the support to improve operational practices for the betterment dump is a cost recovery for Council, because that means of communities and the environment. we’re not having to rebuild, upgrade or extend a facility to take on more life. “The main waste management issues in the communities is that they are, in many cases, using outdated landfilling “I think Roper Gulf could go it alone, but collectively, methods in landfills, which were improperly designed through the Big Rivers Waste Management Working Group, without separating recyclable and hazardous materials,” he we’ve been able to attract the funding of Government, who explained. recognise that our economy of scale across the region is far greater than us as individual Councils.” “Addressing this will go a long way towards improving the health and environmental outcomes from these sites.” As part of the BRWMWG initiative, every landfill in the Roper Gulf region will be inspected, with facilities in Resource recovery has long been overlooked at remote Borroloola, Ngukurr and Numbulwar set to undergo Waste Management Facilities due to the costs involved with the most radical makeovers in order to be eligible for transporting materials to a processing centre, but Mr Harte Environmental Protection Agency licencing under the Waste said he believed there was potential for the BRWMWG to Management and Pollution Control Act.
44 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 ROBINSON RIVER
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS
Community Night Patrol DCCS Ongoing Steel stand for bin holder GSNT Ongoing Employment and training GSNT Ongoing S&R equipment MAC Ongoing Container for sports equipment MAC Ongoing. Being incorporated into sports oval upgrade. Internal road repairs MAC Ongoing Travelling sprinkler for oval MAC Ongoing Tandem trailer for weekly rubbish picks MAC Completed Graffiti removal MAC Ongoing Cemetery management MAC Ongoing Dog management MAC Ongoing Tourism development MAC Ongoing More housing to address housing shortage MAC Advocacy continuing to DHCD. Traffic calming devices and signage MAC Ongoing
Council continues advocacy partnership for Robinson River development Having a minimal service footprint in Robinson River does not mean the Council is any less committed to championing the growth and economic development in the remote community. Currently, the Council only provides Community Night Patrol services that employ three people in Robinson River, but its advocacy to higher levels of Government on behalf of residents continued during the 2016-17 financial year. As part of the Council’s commitment to community engagement, two staff members from the Governance unit flew to Robinson River in June to attend a Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) board meeting and speak to stakeholders about town priorities. with MAC telling the Council staff that plans were under Some of the key priorities identified centred around way to overhaul the sports oval and purchase additional residential overcrowding and infrastructure upgrades, equipment that would provide more physical activity alternatives for Robinson River residents.
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 45 URAPUNGA
RESPONSIBILITY, PROJECT DETAILS STAKEHOLDERS OR STATUS AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 PARTNERS
Animal welfare DCCS Ongoing through Animal Management Program. Continue to develop Council services DCCS Investigation commenced into service delivery standards. Install fence around cemetery and enclose headstones DCCS Investigation commenced into service delivery around existing gravesites standards. Install solar lights at various locations around community– DCG Not commenced playground, public toilets, fellowship and entrance areas Bituminise dirt section to and around store area DCG Need to investigate land tenure boundaries. Upgrade existing public toilet installing power, lighting and DCG Scoping commenced landscaping Landscaping around community creating parks, gardens and DCCS Investigation commenced into service delivery grassed areas standards. Clear and upgrade old homestead area DCCS Store has taken responsibility for action. Landscape entrance into community– plant trees, irrigate, DCG Investigation commenced into service delivery install solar lights, shaded BBQ area standards. Construct Bodhi Bus shelter DCG Not commenced Community Night Patrol Services DCCS Commenced discussion to extend CNP service from Ngukurr. Provide S&R activities – exercise area, BMX/bike track, oval, DCG Commenced discussion with DPMC to extend basketball court service. Construct shade shelter at aerodrome and access to water DCG Ongoing Request the Government provide more maintenance from DIPL Ongoing Roper Bar to Urapunga Improvement to Roper Bar and Wilton River crossings DIPL To be completed 2017-18 Provide mobile phone coverage No response to Black Spot submission from Federal Government Repair current public telephone box and connection Phone provided by store Provide services for the old people – meals, washing, Investigation commenced into service delivery cleaning standards Install community washing machines at public toilet Not viable Upgrade old barge area Advocacy continues with DIPL
46 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Increased service delivery top priority for Urapunga residents A plan to increase the range of core and agency services was in response to the town priorities identified during offered to community members in Urapunga continues public consultation in 2016-17. to be developed through a collaboration between Roper “Urapunga has limited services and Council recognises Gulf Regional Council and local stakeholders. that,” she said. The small community, 30 kilometres from Ngukurr, “Residents have said they want more municipal services, is already receiving a number of municipal services, in addition to landscaping and the creation of barbecue including rubbish collection and the maintenance of areas, parks and other public spaces. parks and gardens, but the Council is investigating the feasibility of increasing its offering to incorporate some “Council is also investigating extending its existing non-traditional Local Government programs. Community Night Patrol program from Ngukurr to incorporate Urapunga.” Director of Council and Community Services Sharon Hillen explained that the service level plan development
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 47 OUTSTATIONS AND HOMELANDS
In partnership with the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Roper Gulf Regional Council delivered the following services to outstations and homelands within its Local Government Area during the 2016-2017 financial year:
LOCATION SERVICES DELIVERED Badawarka • Weed and fire control • Mowing common area and around infrastructure • Minor housing repairs and maintenance • MES checklist • Service of genset and water pump • General plumbing repairs Barrapunta • MES checks • Fire and weed control in and around outstation • General plumbing repairs Boomerang • Mowing and brush cutting around outstation and infrastructure Lagoon • Fire and weed control • Service getset • Minor housing repairs • Minor plumbing repairs Costello • Fire and weed control – cut up dead trees and stack for fire wood • Mowing and brush cutting around housing and infrastructure • MES checklist • Service and repairs to water pump and generator • Graded road into and around common areas of outstation • No service during wet season due to inability to access homeland
48 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 LOCATION SERVICES DELIVERED
Jodetluk • Twice-weekly services checks • Fortnightly refill of chloride tablets in sewer treatment tank • Weekly rubbish collection • Unblocked drain between ablution block and septic tank • Various plumbing repairs • Various electrical repairs • Mowing and brush cutting around housing and infrastructure • Weed control in and around outstation • Minor housing repairs • Various minor electrical repairs • HEA applications • HEA agreed works to Lots 1, 2A, 5 and 6 • Carried out electrical repairs to septic station pump Kewyuli • MES checklist • Minor electrical repairs in houses • Minor HMP repairs in houses • Service generator and water pump Mole Hill • Minor plumbing repairs • Service generator and water pump • Minor repairs and maintenance to dwellings House 1 and 2 • HEA applications • Fire and weed control Mount Catt • MES checklist – housing condition report • Pump out septic tank • Minor housing repairs and maintenance • Replaces and delivered new generator Mulgan Camp • Weekly services checks and rubbish collections • Weekly MES checks • Various plumbing repairs • Various minor housing R&M • Various minor electrical repairs • Weed control in and around outstation • HEA applications • HEA agreed works to Lots 4 and 6 • Mowing and brush cutting around housing and infrastructure • Repairs to ablution block • Fortnightly cleaning of ablution block • Regular servicing of septic pump
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 49 LOCATION SERVICES DELIVERED
Numerloori • Rubbish collection • HEA agreed works to Lot 2 • Removed water pump for wet season • Reinstall water pump • Fire and weed control • Replaced damaged /faulty generator • MES checklist • Brush cutting and mowing around outstation Nulawan • MES checklist • Install fire break around outstation • Minor plumbing repairs • Service genset and brush cutters • Rubbish collection and start pump to fill tanks • Carried out general tidy up of outstation • Delivered spare generator to outstation • No service during wet season due to inability to access homeland Werenbun • Weekly service checks and rubbish collections • Regular water filter services • Various minor housing repairs and maintenance • Various minor electrical repairs • Mowing and brush cutting around housing and infrastructure • HEA applications
MUNICIPAL AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES SPECIAL PURPOSE GRANTS VARIOUS OUTSTATIONS Kewulyi Purchased nine solar lights for various outstations; lights • Replace the underground water line from the pump to will be installed in 2017-18 financial year the tanks; purchased water pipe Badawarka Jodetluk • Installed new boundary fence around outstation and • Upgraded water tank upgraded electrical lines to dwellings; electrical works Nulawan completed by All Regions Electrical • Completed open maintenance grade on outstation Mole Hill access road and around common areas • Installed new boundary fence around outstation and Werenbun submitted grant application to upgrade water tank • Upgraded water tank; renewal of dump will be Costello completed in 2017-18 financal year; commenced • Completed power upgrade which permanently major structural repairs on House 1, 5 and 6 to make supplies power to four dwellings and the school; safe; completion of renovations will be in 2017-18 replace the underground water reticulation - entire financial year water reticulation pipe line will be replaced, including from tanks, pump, ablution and all houses; purchased reticulation pipe
50 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 GRANT FUNDING Roper Gulf Regional Council recognises the partnerships that the Council holds with other agencies, including the Federal and Northern Territory Governments, to provide the funding, support and delivery of essential infrastructure, community services and special projects. Roper Gulf Regional Council acknowledges the following agencies and services for the support provided in the 2016-17 year:
LEVEL OF AGENCY OR SERVICE TIED FUNDING UNTIED FUNDING TOTAL GRANTS GOVERNMENT
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY NT $5,510,597.00 $5,306,052.00 $10,816,649.00 DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING Aus $906,575.11 $0.00 $906,575.11 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Aus $880,736.63 $0.00 $880,736.63 DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND REGIONAL Aus $499,001.00 $0.00 $499,001.00 DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF PRIME MINISTER AND CABINET Aus $5,642,366.55 $0.00 $5,642,366.55 DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND MUSEUM NT $163,553.00 $0.00 $163,553.00 DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS NT $175,000.00 $0.00 $175,000.00 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES NT $728,557.00 $0.00 $728,557.00 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL NT $43,003.30 $0.00 $43,003.30 RESOURCES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH NT $155,105.19 $0.00 $155,105.19 DEPARTMENT OF SPORT AND RECREATION NT $3,980.00 $0.00 $3,980.00 DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND NT $17,010.00 $0.00 $17,010.00 JUSTICE
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND CULTURE - SPORT NT $314,650.00 $0.00 $314,650.00 AND RECREATION
TERRITORY FAMILIES NT $24,350.00 $0.00 $24,350.00 MFO CASH TRUST SYDNEY MYER FUND Other $9,427.00 $0.00 $9,427.00 CARERS NT Other $600.00 $0.00 $600.00 AUSTRALIA DAY COUNCIL NT Other $3,000.00 $0.00 $3,000.00 $15,077,511.78 $5,306,052.00 $20,383,563.78 * Amounts for Tied Funding, Untied Funding and Total Grants subject to change depending on receipt of audited 2016-17 financials.
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 51 Roper Gulf Regional Council is committed to the empowerment and betterment of its Local Government Area through providing financial support to individuals and community groups for COMMUNITY projects that strengthen local culture, economy, family or the environment. This support is provided through the Community Grants Program, which accepts applications through two rounds for minor GRANTS grants (up to $1000) and major grants (up to $3000). In 2016-17, the total funding pool for the Community Grants Program was $30,000. PROGRAM
52 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 In 2016-17, the Roper Gulf Regional Council Community Grants Program supported a variety of community events and sporting activities. The full list of 2016-17 recipients is below: 2016-17 COUNCIL COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM RECIPIENTS
ROUND RECIPIENT PROJECT AMOUNT
1 Borroloola Amateur Race Club To assist with the upgrade of spectator seating in Borroloola. $3000 1 Enterprise Learning Centre Assistance with the delivery of business workshops in $3000 Numbulwar. 1 Borroloola FERGS Assistance with the fit out of change room area and facilities $3000 at Borroloola FERGS Shed. 1 Mataranka Local Authority Assistance with the purchase and install of playground $3000 equipment in Mataranka 1 Numbulwar School Assistance with the building of a garden at the Numbulwar $1500 School 2 Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association NT branch 2017 sports camp $3000 2 Ngukurr School Sustainable Garden to Table project $3000 2 Mataranka Tourism Working Group Stay, Play and Explore Mataranka and Surrounds project $3000 2 Minyerri Arts and Cultural Centre Young Makers project $2000 2 Ngukurr netball team Netball training and trip to Melbourne $2000 2 Never Never Festival committee Stay, Play and Explore Mataranka and Surrounds project $1000 2 Big River Hawks Participation of girls’ team in under-18 NTFL competition $1000
Grant paves way to sporting trip of lifetime for Ngukurr netballers When you live in a remote community, securing The team was successful in securing the major grant in competition to test and develop your sporting skills can round two of the annual program, and will use the money be extremely tough. to help fund a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Melbourne to take to the court. But it is a hurdle that Ngukurr’s pint-sized netball stars have overcome through a $2000 funding windfall as part After purchasing uniforms and team travel outfits for the of Roper Gulf Regional Council’s 2016-17 Community southbound adventure, the girls have been busily honing Grants Program. their skills and understanding of the sport before they leave Ngukurr in late 2017. Coach Georgia Croad said there was an electric atmosphere among players as their departure date drew closer. “The girls have improved immensely with their netball and are now working so well as a team, which is great to see,” she said. “The countdown is now on, and every day at least one of the girls asks me how long until Melbourne.”
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 53 Grants helps remote kids converge for sporting fun A sports camp for “This much-needed camp will focus on team sports some of the Northern that remote children have very little exposure to,” she Territory’s most isolated explained. children was just one “It will develop gross motor skills, introduce team of seven projects that building, promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle shared $15,000 in choices, promote good mental health through social funding through round interaction with peers, promote equality in sport, two of Roper Gulf encourage collaboration between organisations, and Regional Council’s most importantly, instil a sense of community for 2016-17 Community isolated families.” Grants Program. Mrs Scott added that the grant allowed families to make The Council announced the recipients at its final the journey to Mataranka without some of the financial Ordinary Meeting of 2016 on December 14, with the burden associated with long-distance travel. NT branch of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) receiving a $3000 major grant that assisted with “It is always our aim to make our events accessible to running a two-day sporting event that offered a “sense of every child without adding further financial pressure to community” for rural families. families,” she said. ICPA Katherine branch President Kerrie Scott said the “It is not just a 10-minute drive on a Saturday morning inaugural sports camp, which was held in Mataranka for our kids to participate in sport; some of these families in April 2017, brought distance education students will travel long distances across dirt roads, and may be together to try their hands at team sports they would the only sporting activity they can be involved in. have otherwise had no exposure to because of “I would sincerely like to thank the Roper Gulf Regional geographic isolation. Council for awarding us $3000 through the Community Grants Program that will enable us to hold our very first ICPA sports camp in Mataranka.”
Numbulwar artists get business helping hand The talented artists in Laura Egan and Tanya Edgerton visited Numbulwar the remote community in January 2017 at the request of Elder Yulki of Numbulwar now Nunggumajbarr and spoke to female artists about how have a defined pathway the organisation could support the development of a for selling their wares formal art centre that would allow the women to generate thanks to Enterprise an income from the sale of their head-turning work. Learning Projects (ELP) As a result of the grant, the Numbulwar Weavers have and a Community been provided with specialist assistance from ELP to Grant from Roper Gulf identify numerous sales channels for their pandanus and Regional Council. ghost net baskets, while the community is continuing ELP, which supports with its vision of opening a sustainable, purpose-built grassroots micro business development in remote arts enterprise. Indigenous communities across Australia, applied for Ms Egan explained that one of the most practical steps the grant in round one of the 2016-17 program, and achieved during the visit was the creation of a pricing was successful in obtaining $3000 to deliver business guide for the artists to sell their baskets to both wholesale workshops in the community. customers and members of the public.
54 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 During the 2016-17 financial year, Local Authorities were able to undertake and complete numerous key projects that allowed the Council to achieve one of its goals by creating safe, strong and vibrant communities. LOCAL What makes a key project varies greatly from community to community, and they are prioritised by the relevant Local Authority, in collaboration with members of the community it represents and the AUTHORITY Council. FUNDING
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 55 The Council’s 10 Local Authorities chose the following projects as priorities for their 2016-17 allocation of project funding:
LOCAL AUTHORITY PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Barunga Pool fencing around playground; refurbish old stage; fuel for sporting trips – softball and basketball; shade over two grandstands at football oval; seating in cultural park Beswick Playground equipment; portable shade structure for cemetery; small skate park; solar light at cemetery; drinking fountain for Lot 57; Borroloola New toilet block at sports ground; Anyula Park upgrade; Tamarind Park upgrade; playground for new subdivision; new S&R equipment Bulman Bollards; dry toilet at Weemol; top dress oval; solar light for cul-de-sac Jilkminggan S&R Hall upgrade; playground at S&R Hall; jerseys for Blues Football Club; seating material for around oval Manyallaluk Cemetery fencing; entry sign upgrade; shade shelter for park and barbecue area; small slide and swing set for park and barbecue area Mataranka Playground equipment Hodgson Downs (Minyerri) Internal road upgrades Ngukurr Pool equipment; plants for beautification; David Daniels agreement sign Numbulwar Basketball court roof
Hodgson Downs roads score upgrade through Local Authority vision Downs Local Authority has overcome the problem in Minyerri. With residents crying out for more roads to be sealed to counter a dry season dustbowl and wet season mud puddle, the Local Authority resolved to pool its funding from the Department of Housing and Community Development for three consecutive years to pay for more than $175,000 worth of upgrades in identified locations throughout Minyerri. The vision shown by the Local Authority has been celebrated by the community, with many already providing feedback on the difference it has made to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. In total, the Local Authority allocated $204,120 to the The ongoing upgrading and maintenance of roads project, which was completed in 2016-17. within any remote town can represent a major financial impost due to isolation and a lack of ratepayers to fund The remaining $28,000 not spent on the infrastructure works, but some forward thinking from the Hodgson upgrade will be utilised to maintain the community’s road network over the coming 12 months.
56 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Infrastructure upgrade in Barunga takes centre stage In a community as renowned for its festivals and music as Barunga, having a stage that reflects the community’s passion for performing arts is critical. It is a sentiment that was echoed by the community’s Local Authority when it decided to allocate funding to upgrade existing stage infrastructure in 2016-17 ahead of the 32nd Barunga Festival in June. The stage was literally the centre of attention at the annual event as dignitaries, special guests and performers shared the space to welcome and wow patrons over the three days of the festival. Barunga Community Development Program participants went above and beyond during the refurbishment as they added wheelchair access and certified stairs to the stage, in addition to adorning it with stunning Indigenous imagery provided by local artists.
Numbulwar basketballers go for the hoop with $400,000 infrastructure spend Basketballers living in Numbulwar are fine-tuning Central Industries Pty Ltd won the tender to construct their on-court performances to celebrate a major the roof, which was started in late June and is scheduled infrastructure upgrade that will provide all-weather sport to be completed by the onset of the 2017 wet season. and recreation options in the remote coastal community. When the $400,000 roof has been installed, it will Infrastructure that promotes and facilities physical allow the Council’s Sport and Recreation team to host activity is always high on the list of residents who call a range of activities designed to engage youth and some of the remotest parts of the Roper Gulf region facilitate healthy choices, as well as deliver a venue for home, and the Numbulwar Local Authority listened to Numbulwar’s basketball team to host competitors from the public demand by allocating three years’ worth of across the Top End. combined funding to put a roof over the community basketball court.
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 57 Barbecue area additions beautify Manyallaluk activity hub A $10,000 commitment by the Manyallaluk Local The Local Authority resolved to allocate a portion of its Authority to beautifying one of the most popular parts of 2016-17 project funding to purchasing and installing the community is already paying dividends for residents. a shade shelter over the communal barbecue in Manyallaluk’s park, with local children also scoring an investment. When the project is completed, Manyallaluk’s smallest residents will have a swing set and slide to play on in the park as their family members make the most of the barbecue and shade provided by the new shelter. Community Development Program participants in Manyallaluk were only too happy to provide the labour for the project as they learnt new construction skills that will make them more appealing to potential employers when entering the workforce.
Communal area investment quenches thirst of Beswick residents Temperatures across the Central Arnhem region can “Easy access to potable water is something people in big be brutal during the build-up and wet season, which is towns don’t even think twice about,” he said. why a $3000 promise by the Beswick Local Authority “This commitment by the Beswick Local Authority to install a public water fountain in the community is provides that access, and it is already being utilised by already being celebrated. members of the public, especially youth.” The project was one of several smaller scale undertakings made by the Local Authority with its 2016-17 funding allocation, all of which aim to deliver small improvements to public accessibility, amenity and facilities. The fountain has been installed at Lot 57, and Central Arnhem Area Manager Nathan McIvor said the infrastructure was expected to be incredibly popular with residents when the mercury and humidity spiked ahead of the 2017 wet season.
58 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 AN EVENTFUL YEAR AT ROPER GULF
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 59 Minister hears Council’s infrastructure strategy for Borroloola Minister for Housing and Community Development Gerry McCarthy on day one of the 2017 Borroloola Show on June 30. The Council set up a stand at the annual event that outlined its project list—valued at more than $5 million—for residents before meeting with Mr McCarthy to discuss how they could be funded through a collaboration between the Council, the Northern Territory Government and McArthur River Mine’s Community Benefits Trust. Director of Council and Community Services Sharon Hillen met Mr McCarthy with Mayor Tony Jack, Councillor Don Garner and Local Authority members, and said the magnitude of the projects solidified Borroloola’s status as a A revitalised central business district, a modernised growth town. Government services hub and the long-term development “Council has some big things planned for Borroloola that of the community sports ground were in the spotlight when will help sustain the town’s forecast growth for decades to representatives from Roper Gulf Regional Council met with come,” she said.
Council adds strength to Katherine flood response Roper Gulf Regional Council has furthered its commitment Katherine Town Council and residents of Katherine when to the Katherine community by providing its 2 Crawford the town does flood. Street site as an emergency shelter during flood events. “The yard at 2 Crawford Street has historically been the With the wet season now upon Katherinites, the Council laydown area for people’s domestic vehicles, and agency confirmed that the site – which was purchased this year and vehicles and plant, and we expect that we will be able to will be redeveloped into the Council’s operations hub – had provide that same level of support to the community of been formally designated as an emergency location and Katherine.” vehicle compound in the new Flood Safe Katherine guide. In addition, the organisation’s Technical Services and Director of Council and Community Services Sharon Hillen Contracts Workshop, located at 63 Chardon Street, will be explained that the organisation had a large footprint in used as an overflow emergency location if the Katherine Katherine, and an obligation to assist the community in Town Council pound – the primary animal shelter listed in emergency situations. the Flood Safe Katherine guide – is overwhelmed by pets. “We have 87 staff in Katherine who are Katherine residents, and who are all willing to pitch in and assist in the time of an event,” she said. “Council has been involved with the Katherine Emergency Committee (KEC) since its inception. “Being outside the flood zone, the site is a strategic location for us as an organisation in preparing our remote communities that are flood and cyclone prone, but also for us to provide significant support to Government agencies,
60 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Deputy Chief Minister checks out new operations base The role the new 2 Crawford Street site will play in the strategic development of the Roper Gulf region was highlighted when two special guests attended the final Ordinary Meeting of Council of 2016 on December 14. As the push to redevelop the site continues, the Council welcomed Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison - who is also the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics – and Member for Arnhem Selena Uibo. During their 30-minute visit, the pair discussed remote infrastructure development with Elected Members and listened to some of the Council’s major achievements of the past 12 months, before they were given a tour of the premises by Mayor Tony Jack, Deputy Mayor Judy MacFarlane and Chief Executive Officer Michael Berto.
Lifeguard graduates take to water in Ngukurr Pool users in Ngukurr can feel more at ease in the water The five staff are Michael Back, David Lucas, Troy Wilfred, after five Council staff received their lifesaving accreditation Demetrius Ashley and Tysaac Farrell. in April. In an additional bonus for the Council and Ngukurr The municipal staff made the journey to Katherine for the community, Troy recently moved into the municipal course after they undertook Bronze Medallion training the services role from the Community Development Program. week before. Roper Area Manager Janeen Bulsey said “the achievements With the swimming pool being such a popular asset in the to date have been an awesome effort by the group, and community, especially during the build-up and wet season, completing the lifeguard course was the icing on the cake”. the achievement means that lifesaving duties will now be able to be shared by the quintet.
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 61 Barunga’s mining past steams into future through CDP innovation Patrons attending the 32nd Barunga Festival noticed a transformation by leading the team that repainted the colourful change to the community’s iconic park dweller steam tractor in a combination of traditional colours and when they arrived to celebrate Indigenous culture over the stunning Indigenous artwork. Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June. The 28-year-old said he was thrilled to be involved with As part of a community beautification push, Roper Gulf a project that preserved the role Barunga played in the Regional Council Community Development Program (CDP) mine’s operation. participants undertook a transformation of the dilapidated “It’s been sitting there for so long, it’s going to be nice that 1904 Avery steam tractor that has remained motionless in it’s going to be turned into something good,” he said. Heritage Park for more than four decades. “It’s got trees growing through it at the moment, so to be The machine is identifiable to anyone who has ever visited able to display it for other people to see when they come Barunga, but the Council is hoping its makeover will help in for the festival is going to be good, because people to promote the link between the community and the will see it a bit differently and learn what it means to the region’s rich mining past. community.” Community members operated the steam tractor at the CDP Senior Employment Supervisor Sommer Meadows nearby Maranboy tin mine until it closed in 1946, before said there was an air of excitement around the community it was dragged by a grader through the bush and across about the revitalisation. a creek for about 10 kilometres to its current location in 1974. “It’s of big significance to the community, because it’s basically taking back ownership of something that was The refurbishment began on March 30 when the 14-tonne theirs many years ago, because they had a milling station piece of Barunga’s history was craned onto a purpose- down at the Maranboy mine,” she explained. built slab in Heritage Park in front of dozens of excited onlookers. “This project is going to leave a permanent mark on Barunga and allow visitors to learn more about what Council Municipal Services Officer and Barunga artist community members did at the mine when it was running.” Owen Henry played a crucial role in the final step of the
62 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Council showcases animal health approach at inaugural municipal expo Local Government plays a major role in the NT’s economy, with 17 Councils collectively employing about 3000 Territorians as they receive and invest more than $400 million every year. More than 30 exhibitors were in attendance at the expo and Katherine Town Council’s Acting Director of Works and Services, David Moore, said it was hoped the event overcame the tyranny of distance for many delegates by placing suppliers in front of buyers. “To have this many exhibitors from all over Australia in one place for Council representatives to access is a unique opportunity that there’s a definite need for,” he said. Roper Gulf Regional Council Director of Council and The success of Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Animal Health Community Services Sharon Hillen and veterinarian Dr Program was in the spotlight when Local Governments from Sam Phelan spoke about the challenges involved with across the Top End converged on Katherine for the Northern animal management in remote communities, and how Territory Municipal Operations Works Conference and Expo the organisation has managed to record year-on-year on May 3 and 4. improvements through the implementation of its Animal The inaugural event was hosted by Katherine Town Health Program. Council and the Local Government Association of the NT “Animal management in our remote towns is something (LGANT), and provided an opportunity to discuss the latest the Council has had significant success with over the past innovations in the delivery of municipal services, as well as few years, and we now have a full-time veterinarian on staff keynote addresses on issues impacting Local Government to spearhead our Animal Health Program,” she explained. in the NT.
Dawn rises on Anzac Day commemorations Communities across the Roper Gulf region stopped to pay their respects to former and current service personnel when they commemorated Anzac Day on April 25. From Mataranka to Borroloola, communities attended a range of dawn and traditional services that shone the spotlight on the important role Indigenous Territorians have played in the defence of Australia. In Ngukurr, a small group made the barge trip to Tomato Island for a special dawn service with RAAF and Navy representatives before heading back downstream for the community service. Member for Arnhem Selena Uibo was a special guest at the Ngukurr ceremony and joined Council staff and community members in laying wreaths.
SECTION 2 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 63 REPORT ON STRATEGIC PROGRAMS AND GOALS The Roper Gulf Regional Council Annual Report for 2016-17 reports on the four strategic goals that were set by the Roper Gulf Regional Council Strategic Plan 2013-17 and highlighted in Roper Gulf Regional Council’s 2016-17 Regional Plan. Each of the four goals relates directly to services of Roper Gulf Regional Council’s three Directorates – Corporate Governance, Council and Community Services, and Commercial Services.
64 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 REPORT ON STRATEGIC PROGRAMS AND GOALS
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 65 DIRECTORATE OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
year, resulting in a reduction in the number of errors and timeliness of payments. Recruitment continues to be a focus for the HR team alongside dealing with many industrial relations questions from staff. The Workforce Development Plan is substantially completed and will be implemented in 2017-18, and will provide staff with the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills. Infrastructure and roads projects have commenced and been completed across the Council’s Local Government Area, with notable road works being carried out in Ngukurr. A severe weather event during March impacted Borroloola, which resulted in significant damage to the Rocky Creek causeway. With support from the Northern Territory Government, the road and underlying culvert have been temporary repaired Greg Arnott, Director of Corporate Governance while a permanent solution is developed. The development The 2016-2017 financial year was highlighted by the of an Asset Management Plan for all fixed and mobile assets continued improvement in Work Health and Safety, with continued throughout 2016-17, with all mobile plant, roads an incredible 275 days without a reportable injury. This is and 30 per cent of fixed assets being inspected. the longest period that Roper Gulf Regional Council has Significant work was undertaken in building relationships had injury free, and is a result of the hard work of the WHS with community through the Council’s 10 Local Authorities. staff and the focus that all staff now place on safety. This Attendance at these meetings by Elected Members has been outstanding result was only achieved through our staff extremely positive and provided communities with a direct looking out for each other and themselves, leading to a more voice on the Council. The Ordinary Meetings of Council positive and productive workforce. continued to be held in community, which also facilitated The Council has completed its upgrade of IT connections to access to Elected Members and Executive staff for community all its sites, which is providing a better quality of service to members. those locations. This has allowed the Council to implement The Council’s Community Grants Program was another video conferencing to all locations, including those on success in 2016-17, with $30,000 provided to individuals, satellite, making a significant saving in travel time and costs. groups and organisations to undertake projects that will help Continued development of the Council network will deliver with the betterment of the Roper Gulf region. ongoing improvements for all users. Human Resources has undertaken a consolidation of its payroll systems after the function was brought in-house last
66 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 DIRECTORATE OF COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORT
The Council approved the appointment of two additional CSCs for Manyallaluk and Jilkminggan to be implemented in the 2017-18 financial year to address the issues raised in the trial restructure. Area Managers reported that apart from this, the restructure was a better model for service delivery than with the previous format under Council Service Managers. The rise of Indigenous staff through the restructure to Coordinator positions was also a positive outcome due to the graduated stepping of levels from Municipal Officer to Area Manager. Two Indigenous Municipal Supervisors were promoted to CSCs, with one being awarded the 2016 Staff Member of the Year. Sharon Hillen, Director of Council and Community Services Community Services was a challenge during the year as I familiarised myself with the various programs, contracts and Change is inevitable and Roper Gulf Regional Council has funding agreements, and the Council resources associated to be flexible enough to move with the times. The 2016-17 with them. Several workshops were conducted with staff to financial year hailed in new Federal and Northern Territory review the service delivery models, and the realignment of Governments, and naturally some changes fundamental services was proposed to address several challenging deficits to remote service delivery across our region. With those in the Community Services program delivery. changes came changes to contracts and service delivery models which resulted in a reduction in income to the Within the restructure, it became evident that there were Council, which led to organisational restructure and several services which could be combined to produce better significant change, notably from four Directorates into three. outcomes for community and compliment other existing My focus changed from Council Services and Infrastructure services, as well as focus energies and experience on the Projects to frontline Council and Community Services. significantly changing worlds of Aged Care, Disability Care and Crèches. The restructure of Council Services was implemented over a three-month period, with quarterly reports to the Council Council Services will support Indigenous Broadcasting and Local Authorities, who provided feedback on the service and library services, a local extension to the Council’s levels in each location. The most significant issue arising communication strategy. Council municipal services care and from the restructure was the dual role of a Council Services Coordinator (CSC) over Barunga and Manyallaluk, and Jilkminggan and Mataranka. The key efficiencies affected were the significant time lost in travel from one community to the other, and the lack of consistent supervision of officers and extension support to other community services. Residents felt that the CSC was never available due to the movement from one town to the other. CSCs suggested the role was significantly greater and while manageable, they had less time to spend on the area of community consultation, and engagement suffered due to the one position straddling two towns.
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 67 maintain sporting facilities and open spaces, which can align Crèche services are undergoing changes to the service closely to the delivery of sport and recreation programs. delivery model and the Council corresponded with the Council service centre staff can provide additional support, Minister for Health to alert the Federal Government that its marketing and engagement to ensure programs and events proposed model was concerning, and that the complexity of are well attended and supported. the changes necessitated more resources than the Council currently has. Community Services passed the Aged Care review and attended the 2017 Better Practice national conference to Community safety is always high on the agenda and through promote the organisation’s Caring for Our Own – the Buddy increased hazard and incident reporting, the Council has System approach, with remote Indigenous staff presenting been able to ascertain that vandalism and malicious damage to their peers from the Aged Care sector. is costing it more than $600,000 annually. The Council has consolidated its community safety-aligned resources, such During the review, the Council worked closely with as Community Night Patrol, Youth Services, and Alcohol Government consultant Communio to undertake a and Other Drug initiatives, and has developed a draft continuous improvement plan for Aged Care, which ensured community safety strategy and a safety net of actions to the Council was not only compliant with industry standards, address youth at risk, urban decay, vandalism and graffiti, as but also that clients were happy with the service provided by well as advocating for regional towns on alcohol and other the Council. The Council commenced the development of its drug issues. The Council remains heavily involved in alcohol compliance and registration for the implementation of the management and the NT Police’s Safety Action Committees. National Disability Insurance Scheme, and continues to work Community Night Patrol received several commendations with the agency to implement the new scheme and improve from police throughout 2016-17 which demonstrated how disability services in remote locations. the complex service provided significant outcomes for people at risk in community.
DIRECTORATE OF COMMERCIAL SERVICES REPORT
core services and ultimately benefitting residents and stakeholders on the ground due to the Council’s limited capacity to generate sufficient operational funding through conventional Local Government like rates. The Directorate consists of three areas – Contracts, the Community Development Program, and the Mechanical Services business. The Contracts section of the organisation was also consolidated in 2016-17 to focus on delivering a number of contracts on behalf of the Government with a commercial focus, including outstations management, Territory Housing management, essential services, Australia Post services, airports and road works contracts, as well as Council services such as street lighting and cleaning contracts. Marc Gardner, Director of Commercial Services During 2016-17, the Contracts team carried out: Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Commercial Services • Installation of post boxes at Numbulwar and Directorate was formed at the beginning of the 2016-17 Mataranka; financial year to provide a focused service delivery model • Fencing at Badawarka and Mole Hill, and water tank that is commercially orientated, supporting the Council’s upgrades at Jodetluk and Werenbun;
68 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 • Major upgrades to three community houses at full-time employment, to furniture making and construction Werenbun; projects. Some of these have included: • Road works at Mount Catt, Nulawan, Costello and • Bulman having over 36 per cent of the CDP caseload at Turkey Lagoon, in addition to fire breaks; being employed (26 participants); • New Territory Housing service model reducing • Barunga has been a shining light with many outstanding maintenance issues to virtually nil community projects – most of all was the restoration of and undertaking preventative maintenance on the the steam tractor in Culture Park; organisation’s behalf; • Manyalluluk used recycled building materials to build • A range of road works projects and upgrades a church; throughout the Council area, including full • Ngukurr assisting the school building horse yards for maintenance grading of the Numbulwar and Ngukurr its riding program; roads; • Numbulwar and Binjari getting involved in scrap • Purchase and installation of solar lights for a range of material furniture making; communities and outstations, which have either been installed already or scheduled for installation during • Mataranka and Jilkminggan assisting with Mulgan the 2017-18 financial year; and Camp services and other community events; and • Installation of new street lights at Barunga and • Beswick with a market garden providing fresh produce Beswick. to the community. The Community Development Programme (CDP) is the The Council’s Mechanical Services business continued to be Council’s largest program and single source of revenue. It provided with a greater focus on cost recovery and for the accounts for approximately one third of all of the Council’s first time, the financial results were positive with a slight income and about a quarter of it’s staff. operating surplus in the 2016-17 financial year. Improved emphasis was placed on providing visiting services to In 2016-17, the program was transferred from the Council’s all of the Council’s communities to ensure maintenance Community Services Directorate into the Commercial and repairs were up to date, as well outsourcing to other Services Directorate. It has become a very well valued mechanical businesses in Ngukurr, Mataranka and program, and achieved a Good rating with the Department of Borroloola. Because of this performance, the Council is now Prime Minister and Cabinet by meeting all compliance and looking at further improving its mechanical services in 2017- performance requirements. 18 with the recruitment of an Indigenous apprentice. Initiatives have included developing CDP activities through The Numbulwar Mechanical Workshop continued to operate participant and Local Authority consultations that jobseekers at a loss, and this is a decision of the Council to provide and community residents would like to see. From this, a a valued service to the Numbulwar community due to its number of projects, infrastructure, training and ongoing remoteness. However, this loss is offset by fuel sales from the programs have been developed. Most importantly, it has workshop, which actually make a small profit and cover the empowered local people on the ground to employment operating costs of the operation sufficiently. outcomes or enterprise development. The contract with the Australian Government for this service is performance based – the greater the Council performs in providing outcomes and activities for participants, the greater the income levels are for the program. The revenue generated during 2016-17 exceeded internal targets for financial performance for the majority of the year and from February, a monthly income of over $1 million was achieved. There are many success stories with the CDP program during the financial year – from market gardens to people gaining
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 69 Goal One STRONG LEADERSHIP THROUGH GOOD GOVERNANCE, STRONG FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, CORPORATE PLANNING AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
Strategic programs for 2016-17 • Strengthening Elected Members and Local Authorities • Employee Incentive Program • Communication and Connectivity • Records Management • Youth Leadership Program • Induction Program • Risk Management Plan • Financial Management • Workforce Development Plan • Internet Connection • Safety Management System
HUMAN RESOURCES Human Resources is responsible for providing support in the various human resource functions such as recruitment, staffing, training and development, performance monitoring, employee mentoring and payroll support. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MEASURE PERFORMANCE MEASURE AS AT 30 JUNE 2017
Baseline Number of staff at the end of the period 334 Number of staff leaving in the period 179 Number of new staff in the period 186 Number of Indigenous staff in the period 231 Number of vacant positions at the end of the period 82
70 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Cross-cultural training develops staff awareness A long-held desire to provide every member of Roper The inaugural one-day workshop was held in Katherine Gulf Regional Council’s 400-strong workforce with an on April 26 and hosted by Wardaman/Dagoman elder awareness of Indigenous culture was realised this year May Rosas, who said she hoped the program fostered when the Human Resources team began delivering a mutual respect been Indigenous residents of the specialised training across the region. Council’s Local Government Area and staff. In partnership with Ngaigu-Mulu Aboriginal “We need this learning right now and for the future,” Corporation, the Council has developed a cross-cultural she explained. training program that provides both non-Indigenous “I really believe there are gaps we can minimise.” and Indigenous staff with a solid understanding of the respective cultures within the Roper Gulf Local HR Manager Michael Cook said the feedback from staff Government Area. who had completed the workshop had been extremely positive. Topics covered in the training included a local history of the Katherine region, kinship, Indigenous engagement “It’s great to see this training being rolled out across the and cultural orientation. region, because it’s something that’s been on Council’s wish list for some time,” he said.
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 71 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MEASURE PERFORMANCE MEASURE AS AT 30 JUNE 2017
Baseline Total Council expenditure $34,637,253 Amount of depreciation $4,357,505 Amount of rates outstanding $386,918 Total rates for the year $1,659,741 Amount of outstanding payments to creditors over 30 days $414, 528.14 Amount of outstanding payments over 30 days $36,146.50 Total surplus or deficit for the period $5,536,712 Cash balance at the end of the period $21,389,297 Amount of Current assets $22,988,737 Amount of Current liabilities $3,984,855 Effectiveness Actual and percentage of rates recovery 80% Financial ratios 3:1
72 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 GOVERNANCE, CORPORATE PLANNING AND COMPLIANCE
Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Governance unit is responsible for supporting the Mayor and other Elected Members, the operations of Council meetings, Council Committees and Local Authorities. The Governance unit also prepares publications, provides media responses and advice to the Council, and administers the Roper Gulf Regional Council website and social media accounts. The Council’s complaints management process, compliance and procurement functions are also managed through the Governance unit. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MEASURE PERFORMANCE MEASURE AS AT 30 JUNE 2017
Baseline Number of Ordinary Meeting of Council 8 Number of Local Authority Meetings scheduled 50 Number of Local Authority Meetings held 40 Number of Media Releases produced 26 Number of Newsletter produced 12 Effectiveness Percentage attendance rates for Elected Members at Ordinary Meetings of 78% Council Percentage of Local Authority Meetings actually held against scheduled 80% Efficiency Indicator Improved attendance rates from Council Members at Ordinary Meetings of 5% decrease on 2015-16 Council All 10 Local Authorities complete 6 meetings in a year • Barunga – 5/6 • Beswick – 4/4 • Borroloola – 4/6 • Bulman – 2/4 • Hodgson Downs – 4/4 • Jilkminggan – 3/4 • Manyallaluk – 3/4 • Mataranka – 6/6 • Ngukurr – 4/6 • Numbulwar – 5/6 100% compliance with Local Government Act No record Completion of review of all policies and procedures 20.16% (23 of 114 policies)
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 73 Governance training boosts outcomes for region Elected Members and staff joined others from Katherine Town Council, Victoria Daly Regional Council and Litchfield Council on April 19 at a meeting procedures workshop, which covered issues including agendas, minutes, legislation and policy comprehension, and how to plan for the timely auctioning of decisions. Manager of Governance and Corporate Planning Amanda Haigh said the diverse training, which incorporated records management for staff, played an important role in the Council achieving its Governance goals. “Local Government is a complex entity, so we have put a focus on delivering as much Governance training for Elected Members and Local Authority Members as possible Elected Members, Local Authority Members and staff were this year,” she explained. armed with increased knowledge about the legislative and “As a result, we have met all of our Local Authority Meeting operational requirements of their respective roles when benchmarks, which shows the training is paying off.” they attended an array of training workshops throughout the 2016-17 financial year. In one of their last official duties as Elected Members, Mayor Tony Jack, Deputy Mayor Judy MacFarlane, The Directorate of Governance, Corporate Planning and and Councillors Don Garner, Daniel Mulholland and Compliance put additional emphasis of the importance Eric Roberts flew to Canberra in June to represent the of upskilling over the past 12 months, which resulted in a Council at the 2017 National General Assembly of Local series of events hosted in Katherine with Elected Members Government. and staff, and in community with Local Authorities. During the three-day event, the quintet networked with The Local Authority training was facilitated with the Elected Members and politicians from across Australia, and assistance of the Local Government Association of the advocated strongly for the Roper Gulf region to continue Northern Territory. receiving support from the top two tiers of Government.
WORK, HEALTH AND SAFETY KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
PERFORMANCE MEASURE AS AT 30 JUNE 2017
5% per annum increase in hazards reported Achieved 10% reduction in recordable injury frequency rate Achieved 10% per annum reduction in incidents of property damage Achieved Zero significant incidents 1 Zero fatality Achieved
74 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Council celebrates record year for safety The record was reached on June 18, 2017 and Acting Work, Health and Safety Coordinator Renae Jarrett attributed the success to a multifaceted approach. “We’ve noticed an increase in hazard reporting in the 2016- 17 financial year,” she said. “The WHS culture has grown incredibly across Council, with Managers and Coordinators continually informing staff of issues through regular team meetings and toolbox talks. “In our remote sites, there’s an eagerness to take charge of WHS processes in community, and our supervisors are taking charge of their teams and enforcing safety into each activity before a job is undertaken.” Roper Gulf Regional Council’s commitment to safety Take 5, a personal risk management tool, was implemented across a diverse workplace was on display for all to see when Council-wide in during 2015-16 and its continued use has the organisation chalked up a milestone 275 days without a also contributed to the safest year on record for the Roper reported lost time injury during 2016-17. Gulf Local Government Area.
Remote mobile coverage unlocks Council service capacity The level of communication those in urban areas take “Having staff working in and visiting places where there is for granted is quickly opening up Roper Gulf Regional no mobile reception causes operational, productivity and Council’s ability to keep in touch with remote staff safety issues, because the only place you can get in touch following a series of mobile technology upgrades during with someone is from the fixed line in the Council office. 2016-17. “Now that Telstra is rolling out mobile coverage, we have An absence of mobile telephone coverage in Bulman, the same capacity to operate from our phones and keep in Jilkminggan and Manyallaluk has historically meant touch in places like Bulman and Jilkminggan as we do in staff were unable to be contacted while working in and the bigger towns.” travelling to the communities, with all calls having to be made and received from landlines in Council offices. In a bid to upgrade its network across remote parts of the Northern Territory, Telstra announced during the financial year that it planned to install hardware in each of the communities, in addition to Minyerri, during the latter stages of 2016-17 and early part of 2017-18. Manyallaluk was the first community to have the technology switched on and Information Technology Officer Alex MacPherson explained that it unlocked the Council’s capacity as a service provider. “Everything we do as an organisation is basically mobile, because we are covering a service area of 186,000 square kilometres,” he said.
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 75 Goal Two TO PROTECT AND CARE FOR THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Strategic programs for 2016-17 • Right Path Project • Animal Management Program • Cemetery Management • Roper Gulf Regional Council Green Plan renewal • Light up the Dark Spot Program • Strategic Weed Control Program • Cultural Heritage Projects • Sport and Recreation Facility Master Plan • Regional Waste Management Strategy • Service Level Plan
COUNCIL SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AS AT 30 JUNE AS AT 30 JUNE MEASURE PERFORMANCE MEASURE MEASURE PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2017 2017
Baseline Number of priority projects Total = 253 Baseline Total length of road by 936.21 kms • Barunga • 21 category • Beswick • 28 • Sealed • 84.33 kms • Borroloola • 27 • Gravel • 255.90 kms • Bulman • 14 • Formed • 120.12 kms • Daly Waters • 10 • Flat bladed track • 475.86 kms • Hodgson Downs • 10 Effectiveness Number of priority projects Total = 26 • Jilkminggan • 24 completed • Larrimah • 8 • Barunga • 5 • Manyallaluk • 16 • Beswick • 0 • Mataranka • 13 • Borroloola • 3 • Ngukurr • 33 • Bulman • 1 • Numbulwar • 26 • Daly Waters • 3 • Urapunga • 20 • Hodgson Downs • 1 • Weemol • 3 • Jilkminggan • 1 Amount of energy costs $402,571 • Larrimah • 1 • Manyallaluk Amount of water usage $372,693 • 2 • Mataranka • 1 The number of actual weekly 1196 • Ngukurr • 2 rubbish pickups • Numbulwar • 6 3 Volume of waste dumped at 32,938m • Urapunga • 0 the landfill by the kerb side • Weemol pickup service • 0 Volume of commercial waste 65m3 dumped at the landfill by businesses and service providers
76 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 AS AT 30 JUNE MEASURE PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2017
Effectiveness Number of priority projects Total = 204 commenced • Barunga • 14 • Beswick • 21 • Borroloola • 22 • Bulman • 8 • Daly Waters • 6 • Hodgson Downs • 6 • Jilkminggan • 16 • Larrimah • 4 • Manyallaluk • 12 • Mataranka • 12 • Ngukurr • 31 • Numbulwar • 18 • Urapunga • 17 • Weemol • 3 Number of priority projects Total = 11 not viable AS AT 30 JUNE MEASURE PERFORMANCE MEASURE 2017 Barunga • 0 Beswick • 2 Efficiency Percentage of priority 10.28% Borroloola • 0 Indicator projects completed against Bulman the number of priority • 1 projects listed for the year Daly Waters • 1 Percentage of priority 80.63% Hodgson Downs • 0 projects commenced against Jilkminggan • 2 the number of priority Larrimah • 0 projects listed for the year Manyallaluk • 2 Percentage of priority 4.35% Mataranka • 0 projects not viable against Ngukurr • 1 the number of priority Numbulwar • 1 projects listed for the year Urapunga • 1 Percentage in energy costs Decrease of Weemol • 0 compared to previous year 7.85% Effectiveness The number of kilometres of 110.5 kms Percentage in water costs Increase of road requiring maintenance compared to previous year 20.91% for the current year Percentage of roads 11.8% maintained to the total kilometres of road under the control of RGRC
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 77 PROJECT MANAGEMENT – STATUS OF WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE
LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATUS
Barunga Right Path Project Provide Community work placements for Ongoing - no materials or labour - seek Cap offenders to participate in ‘The Right Path’ Ex in 2017-18 project in Ngukurr, Barunga, Beswick, Jilkminggan and Numbulwar Material for some footpaths are in Ngukurr Barunga Solar Lighting Barunga: 2 at Norforce Park Completed, Leadsun $3,122 Green Frog $3,650 Barunga Staff housing Lot 266 refurbishment Works - Asbestos Kitchen works to be completed in Q1, 2017- removal, new Vinyl flooring, internal and 18 external painting and Cabinet works Barunga Water bubbler To be placed at basketball court Completed Barunga Basketball court fencing To mitigate balls and Completed repairs to basketball hoop. Fencing (2) 20m x 3.6m Barunga Repaint the Stage at Repaint Stage with white and navy blue Completed Cultural Park in Barunga back ground and Aboriginal flag colour in at Lot 326 the front. Width 4 meters and Length 13 meters brick wall. Beswick Beswick Station Preserve the original ‘Beswick Station’ Completed Heritage Park complex and create a Heritage Park for residents and visitors Beswick Basketball Court Landscaping, parking and vehicle control Wall complete. Materials purchased for Development with Footpath and landscaping to be completed retaining wall Lot 191 by CDP Beswick Office Upgrade Beswick Office upgrade works Commenced Beswick VOQ Accommodation Beswick VOQ Upgrade Completed Beswick Barbeques 2 x wood fired barbeques - 1 x at aged care Completed and 1 x at Lot 58 Beswick Aluminium tables and Completed chairs Beswick Stage and Shelter at Upgrade to stage and shelter Completed. Lot 58 Beswick Bus Stop Purchase and install bus stop Completed. Beswick Fence Works Lot 57 & 58 Bollards works Vehicle barrier, Brenda to provide layout and community requirement, Bollards instead of Fencing Borroloola Office and Tourist Bay Borroloola: Council office and Tourist bay Scope completed. Tender ready. design including sewer design inc sewer dump point relocation dump point relocation.
78 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATUS
Borroloola Upgrade Oval General upgrade of the oval, top dressing Commenced through the softball oval AFL Oval upgrade, AFL Oval needs top dressing,Softball oval Near completion, requires lawn seed to be sewn,no works commenced on main oval, No Budget, needs approx $50k, Applied for funding Borroloola Development of Development of Interpretive signage at Action in hand with CSC Borroloola: Tamarind Park Tamarind Parl developing scope of works,CD : Design scope to Sarah Martin Design , 20K LA Funding available, SH developing project brief Borroloola NT Improving Borroloola Robinson rd.’s Local Area Traffic Commended. Tender ready. Strategic Local Roads Management in CBD. Infrastructure: Road Including: Searcy St drainage and stormwater audit + Local Authority Project Funding + Local Area Traffic Management Borroloola Local Area Traffic Pedestrian footpath in CBD + Robinson Commended. Tender ready. Management (LATM) Road local area traffic management CBD + NT Improving Project + Civil Engineer to design and Strategic Local Roads develop CBD local area traffic project Infrastructure + R2R 2015-16 Borroloola Softball Facility Upgrade Backstop and coaches boxes + Upgrade of Completed. softball oval, toilet block, fencing, repair cricket club building and scoreboard Borroloola Score board Oval upgrade Borroloola Works yard Shed To be scoped Borroloola Lot 383 Refurbishment works Completed Borroloola Office Upgrade Consultancy for Office upgarde Commended. Tender ready. Bulman Solar Lighting Bulman: 1 at the Park Waitng for 6 sets of batteries from Green Frog to start the next phase of repair works. Repairs to be caried out by: • Internally, • Leadsun $3,122 • Green Frog $3,650 Bulman VOQ Accommodation STAGE ONE: Visitor accommodation at Verandah and hand rails to be installed Lot 30 Bulman includes the purchase and installation of 2 x pre-fabricated two bedroom transportable buildings with roof and verandah installed between them and fencing of compound Bulman VOQ Accommodation STAGE TWO: Install of second Electric BBQ, Landscaping, Plumbing,Still to accommodation block, install of outdoor do is raise and drainage line, CDF Funding area and landscaping
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 79 LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATUS
Bulman Playground Equipment Remove old playground equipment and Commenced relocate new one to the BBQ Park Bulman Environment Landscaping, dust suppression at park and COMMENCED Greening is currently beautification barbeque area underway, once grass has been established, area for landscaping will be identified. Potential for CDP participation. Ongoing, TOTAL BULMAN FUNDING: $41,260. This project $11,260. Bulman Council Office Upgrade Scoped. Commencing Bulman Lot 1B refurbishment works Commenced Jilkminggan Playground Equipment Play equipment at Sport and Recreation Commenced through LA project funds,Money area left over from Bower shed to buy Jilkminggan Sport and Recreation Install double door Currently seeking funding Hall Stage 1: Install doors Stage 2: Line ceiling and walls and air-con building,No funding - scope and gain quotes, Cathy to update Jilkminggan Bough Shed Bough Shed with permanent roof and LA Approved, ON HOLD waiting reply from power box JCAC, Funding $34,000 PO issued Daly Waters Daly Water Tennis Court Upgrade Completed Larrimah Lot 62 Replace bore and irrigation system for park Completed Katherine Development of 2 Development of 2 Crawford Street Works commenced Crawford Street Manyallaluk Solar Lighting Manyallaluk: 1 at far end Scoped and commenced Manyallaluk Park Upgrade A park BBQ and Shelter Currently seeking funding, To confirm, Potentially Cap Ex 2016-17. $12,000 approx, LA funding $14,000. CDP to install Manyallaluk Concrete slabs Upgrade concrete slabs to paint ball games Potentially CDP project however unfunded, and hop-scotch etc. on them CDP to advice on completion, CDP to complete Manyallaluk Basketball Court Local Authority wanted to see the border STAGE ONE - Completed cemented, fenced, paving between the STAGE TWO - application for further funding court and stage, seating, spectator stands submitted. Completed $14,786, plus and water course $20,000 Bess Price funding, plus further $2,000. Manyallaluk Fence around bottom • 50 meter sq. fence around bottom Cemetery cemetery • With 4 barb wire around. • Warratah stocktite (pig proof) fence. • Pickets 5 meters apart. • Enter/Exit Gate
80 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATUS
Mataranka Master plan for delivery Master plan for development of precinct Develop plan to rationalise the precinct for precinct service delivery Mataranka Area Manager’s House Area Manager’s House To be scoped Mataranka Lot 17B Warlock Road Refurbishment Completed Mataranka Lot 17A Warlock Road Paint and toilet job Completed Mataranka Multipurpose centre A new undercover multipurpose centre in Completed. Mataranka Mataranka Community Hall Upgrade toilets at Community Hall, add Funding needs to be sourced another toilet for wheel chair access and remove eucalyptus tree near toilet. Mataranka Museum Museum upgrade Funding secured Multiple towns Soft fall for play area Soft fall for play area Completed Ngukurr Roads to Recovery Men’s Quarters Road Ngukurr reseal Completed 2014-19 Ngukurr Right Path Project Provide Community work placements for Ongoing, Ngukurr - investigate if more offenders to participate in ‘The Right Path’ materials are required. project in Ngukurr, Barunga, Beswick, Jilkminggan and Numbulwar Material for some footpaths are in Ngukurr Ngukurr Contractors Quarters STAGE ONE-Upgrade of lot 297 Ngukurr Scoping commenced. to enable accommodation for qualified contractors. 2- increase fence height Ngukurr Youth Services ablution Re-stump the ablution block Scoping commenced. block Ngukurr Playground soft fall Reinstall soft fall at the playground Plans sent for wood chip design. Ngukurr Swimming pool Re Locate pool entrance due to shop Commenced entrance development Ngukurr Ngukurr Cemetery Build the Ngukurr Cemetery Fence Action in hand with CSC Ngukurr: Fence Development of scope of works, Area Manager to scope. Ngukurr Contractors Quarters STAGE TWO: Demolishment of block ASTAGE CDP project for decking and landscaping, THREE: Decking and outdoor entertainment scope and proposal for disposing and tender. area and landscaping. Ngukurr NT Regional Economic Ngukurr: New Multipurpose centre SGL, Revision 2 released for Comments. Infrastructure Fund feasibility study $80,000 Ngukurr Building trades training Ngukurr Sport and Rec Hall safety upgrade Concrete works finished, fencing work to be project done by CDP, 4 solar light to be installed by CDP, Additional Drainage work - Muns Team, water bubbler, DIPL works to be included
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 81 LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATUS
Ngukurr Solar Lighting Ngukurr: 2 at footpath through to pool park Green frog Lights repaired @ Ngukurr 6 installed and 4 new ones. Ngukurr can start the installation process for the 4 Solar light fixed during supplier visit, Leadsun $3,122 Green Frog $3,650 Ngukurr Outdoor Stage Area and Located at the Oval At planning stage communal mural/ball Potential for CDP participants to assist wall Design has commenced, On hold, and combine with multi purpose sports facility, LA Funding Ngukurr Black spot Improve pedestrian facilities and signage Completed in community including shoulder work, curb and guttering, pedestrian crossings at school, store and office Ngukurr Electronic AFL Scoreboard has been ordered by AFL NT Completed Scoreboard and Yugul Mangi. RGRC is responsible for installation including shutter and power supply Ngukurr Park furniture 2 x jumbo park sets at Youth Park To be scoped throughout town parks 4 x in-ground bench seating at Sports Oval and facilities 4 x Setting Shelter at Youth Park, Pool Park and Sports Oval 2 x Grandstands at Oval 3 x bike stands at Pool Park 4 x Plank seating at pool toilets Irrigation of parks Ngukurr Relocation of White Move White House out of Cultural zone. Completed House Ngukurr Ngukurr Office Upgrade Block C Completed Ngukurr Move Green House Completed Numbulwar Solar Lighting Numbulwar: 1 x street opposite the water Commenced tower (LA approved that location) and 1 at Rec Hall Numbulwar Building trades training Numbulwar Lot 162 (Staff duplex house) - Binjari - $62,000 project All works completed except the hot water system. Numbulwar Building trades training Numbulwar Office Upgrade In progress project Numbulwar NT Regional Economic Numbulwar: Combined Business Centre Scoping completed Infrastructure Fund concept plans Numbulwar NT Regional Economic Numbulwar: New Waste Management UNOS engaged for environmental impact Infrastructure Fund Facility and who has visited the Numbulwar Dump - Desktop Study Report completed,On hold due to funding, Numbulwar: WMF $580,000, $80,000 for Consultancy
82 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATUS
Numbulwar House - Lot 156 Refurbishment house Scoped and commenced Numbulwar Growth Centre Transport Joint project with Ngukurr Funding granted and Freight hub project Numbulwar Shed over basketball Installation of a shed over the basketball Completed court court Numbulwar Pedestrian crossings Pedestrian crossing at community store, Completed school, Newtown Store and clinic Numbulwar Traffic management Improve traffic management at barge and Scoped workshop areas Numbulwar Shade at play ground Shade over playground Funding applied for Numbulwar Upgrade Sport and Gut internal office and make safe. Completed Recreation Hall Weemol Community space Upgrade community space - mini oval and Completed upgrade half court basketball
ROADS
LOCATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION STATUS
Multiple towns NT Improving Strategic Local Road and stormwater Audit Completed Roads Infrastructure: Road and stormwater audit Barunga Roads to Recovery 2014-19 Barunga: Causeway to cemetery 80% completed Barunga NT Improving Strategic Local Upgrade of road in front for Store Completed Roads Infrastructure including traffic management, heavy vehicle turn-around and off road car parking Barunga NT Improving Strategic Local Housing drainage easement Commenced Roads Infrastructure at Lot 57 area upgrade and concreting Beswick NT Improving Strategic Local Beswick’s new subdivision corner Scoped Roads Infrastructure: Road and stormwater audit Beswick Road upgrade in new sub- Kerb and gutter and storm water Scoped decision drainage in new sub-division Borroloola Roads to Recovery 2014-19 Borroloola - Stage 1 CBD Tendered Upgrade Borroloola NT Regional Economic Borroloola: Tourist bay design, Scoped Infrastructure Fund including re positioning of Waste dump point. Larrimah Roads Internal Road Repairs Scoped Manyallaluk NT Improving Strategic Local Manyallaluk causeway water Completed Roads Infrastructure: Road and Diversion stormwater audit
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 83 Mataranka Road Upgrades Road repairs and upgrades: Commenced Beswick Road, Sterling Road, Gunn Road, Conway Road’s drainage and Dump Road Mataranka NT Improving Strategic Local Mataranka’s Elsey Street Corner: Project managed by DIPL Roads Infrastructure: Road and Upgrade storm water drainage stormwater audit of road intersection Stuart Hwy & Elsey St design and document Ngukurr Roads to Recovery 2014-19 Mutju Street Ngukurr reseal Completed Ngukurr Roads to Recovery 2014-19 Centre Road (Mundulooloo st) Completed Ngukurr reseal Ngukurr Roads to Recovery 2014-19 Men’s Quarters (Bottom Road) Completed Road Ngukurr reseal Ngukurr Black spot wombat crossings Improve pedestrian facilities and Completed signage in community including shoulder work, curb and guttering, pedestrian crossings at school, store and office Develop school safety zone and bus parking zone Ngukurr NT Improving Strategic Local Rainbow Street Project as per Completed Roads Infrastructure IAS application - realignment of stormwater drainage Ngukurr/ Growth Centre Transport and Joint project with Ngukurr Completed Numbulwar Freight hub project Numbulwar Roads to Recovery 2014-19 Numbulwar CBD, Airport access Completed road
84 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 ANIMAL MANAGEMENT 2016-17
From December 2016, Roper Gulf Regional Council began Additional to these partnerships, Dr Phelan is also developing the implementation of its new-look animal management and links to the pharmaceutical and research industries. Generous veterinary service model with the employment of in-house donations of longer-acting tick and scabies products have veterinarian Dr Sam Phelan. been received from Merial, Zoetis and MSD. Work is also being done with the Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, The Animal Health Program continues to be developed and where dog ticks are collected and sampled to ensure they do grow, and has recorded solid results in its first six months of not harbour parasites capable of causing sickness in people. operation, including almost 900 dogs being treated in seven communities across the Council’s Local Government Area. The Council looks forward to seeing what will develop as part of the Animal Health Program over the next few years. The veterinary team has visited Barunga, Beswick, The introduction and rollout of By-Laws in communities Manyallaluk, Bulman, Jilkminggan multiple times over currently without them will begin a new chapter in the the past six months, and the more remote communities of Council’s approach to animal management. It is hoped this Ngukurr and Numbulwar once during the same period. will bring positive change to some of the more difficult A photographic database of all dogs in these communities situations faced in remote animal management. There are also has been established, which encourages responsible pet some interesting grant applications in the pipeline which if ownership and assists greatly with dog health monitoring successful, will result in a broadening of the Council’s animal and identifying problem dogs. The development of an health, welfare and control programs. on-the-ground workforce has commenced, with three casual The Animal Health Program is being delivered in the Indigenous employees joining the Animal Health Program in communities of Barunga, Beswick, Bulman and Weemol, the capacity of Animal Management Assistants (AMAs) – one Jilkminggan, Ngukurr and Numbulwar, and statistics for the covering Barunga and Beswick, and two based in Ngukurr. first six months of the program showed an average of 2.3 It is hoped that there will eventually be an AMA in every dogs per household, up marginally on the 2015-16 result of community, and people with a specific interest in animal 2.1 dogs per household. health are encouraged to contact Dr Phelan to discuss a career Of the 889 dogs treated during the reporting period, 64 per path in this field. cent were desexed, with a breakdown of 454 male dogs (72 Partnerships between the Council and key stakeholders have per cent desexed) and 435 female dogs (54 per cent desexed). been developed and strengthened throughout the 2016-17 A total of 1223 treatments were given between January and financial year. Animal Management in Rural and Remote June 2017, as shown in the below summary. Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) has supported the new program wholeheartedly, and has donated the database, provided the assistance of three veterinary volunteers to Animal Health Program Summary 1200 accompany the vet for two weeks of community visits, and 1200 provided its school education curriculum to the Council at 10001000 no cost. The education program will be rolled out over the next 12 months. Outback Stores is also working with the 800800 Council to enable effective veterinary products to be stocked in community, a venture that will be implemented over the 600600 first six months of the 2017-18 financial year. The Animal 400 Health Program also has received advisory and/or financial 400 support from the Northern Territory Department of Primary 200200 Industry and Resources and Department of Health, the Federal
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, and the Local 2017) given (Jan-June treatments Total 00 Ivermectin Other Injectable Desexing Euthanasia on Government Association of the NT, all of whom work closely antiparasitic sterilisation operations request with the program. treatment
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 85 Visiting vets help Council share remote animal health message and treatments when communities are cut off during the wet season. “Because I don’t have a vet nurse working with me like you would in a traditional vet practice, this program opens up the door for Indigenous employment in communities,” she explained. “The community feedback has been really good, because having an AMA available to each community during the wet means there will be someone there to treat animals for tick burden when that water comes up, which will create better outcomes for animals and owners.” The success of the program was on show in Barunga, Beswick and Bulman when Dr Phelan was joined on the road for five days by AMA Kaylene Runyu, and two vet volunteers, who travelled to the Northern Territory through the Council’s partnership with not-for-profit It is a scene more commonly associated with a school group Animal Management in Rural and Remote fundraiser or sporting carnival, but a production line Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC). buttering bread is one element of an innovative strategy that is improving animal health outcomes in remote Using buttered bread soaked with a parasite medication communities across the Roper Gulf region. is being utilised as the preferred treatment method by Dr Phelan, who said that it let the team cover the dog The novel approach is part of Roper Gulf Regional population a lot faster than if an invasive treatment Council’s new Animal Health Program, which was technique was used. rolled out in late 2016 under the guidance of in-house veterinarian Dr Sam Phelan. She added that having the vet volunteers available to lend their expertise meant more of a focus could be put Previously, the Council on educating owners about their obligations to their pets. engaged a private veterinary service to carry “We’re finding a lot of the desexing has already been out biannual community done by the vets who were previously contracted to do visits within its 186,000 the program, which frees up time for education, and square kilometre Local that’s the next phase,” Dr Phelan said. Government Area, but the “Part of that education is getting a photo, medical record switch to the new format is and history of each dog in a community and putting it already paying dividends into the Council’s database, which is an iPad-compatible on several fronts, including app donated by AMRRIC. owner education and local employment. “It’s helping to build familiarity between me, the animals and their owners, and that helps a lot with improving dog As part of the program, Dr health and identifying problem dogs. Phelan is training Animal Management Assistants “Council is committed to improving the health of (AMA) who can assist her animals in remote communities, and the comments we during remote visits, and are getting from owners during our visits so far suggest also provide local support the new Animal Health Program is on the right path to achieving that.”
86 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Goal Three SAFE, STRONG AND VIBRANT COMMUNITIES
Strategic programs for 2016-17 • Build capacity and community participation in • Support our young people to achieve their ambitions employment pathways through training, work experience and education. • Support communities to care for their aged and disabled • Attract and retain a skilled local workforce • Help our children get a good start to life • Provide a high-quality Community Night Patrol service • Support community involvement in sport, recreation • Ensure a safe work environment and cultural events
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (FORMALLY REMOTE JOBS AND COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME) KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MEASURE RESULT PERFORMANCE MEASURE TARGET AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 (MET OR NOT MET)
Percentage of eligible jobseekers have been provided with 100% NN – 4 / CA – 4 Both regions met monthly contact and individualised job plan Percentage of eligible jobseekers identified as requiring a driver’s N/A No longer a KPI No longer a KPI licence in their job plan undertake a driver’s licence assessment bi-annually Percentage of eligible jobseekers identified as requiring literacy, N/A No longer a KPI No longer a KPI language or numeracy training received such training Percentage of eligible jobseekers have an individualised job 100% New KPI as of 01/10/2016 Both regions met plan that complies with the requirements set out in the funding NN – 4 / CA – 4 agreement. Percentage of eligible jobseekers have been provided tailored 100% New KPI as of 01/10/2016 Both regions met assistance and quality training to over come barriers to NN – 3 / CA – 3 employment Percentage of eligible jobseekers placed in employment are 100% NN – 3 / CA – 3 Both regions met provided with quality post placement support Number of eligible jobseekers were supported to apply for No longer a KPI No longer a KPI vacancies and paid work assignments Percentage of WfD participants that have been placed in one or 100% NN – 3 / CA – 3 Both regions met more activities, sufficient to their participation requirements Percentage of attendance of all WfD participants in activities 100% NN – 4 / CA – 4 Both regions met Percentage of activities appropriate to WfD participants, local 100% NN – 3 / CA – 2 NN – Met labour market and the community CA – Not met The provider has made significant efforts to broker and place WfD New KPI as of 01/10/16 Both regions met participants in quality hosted placements with local employers NN – 3 / CA – 3 Percentage of the regional employment target is met 100% NN – 3 / CA – 3 Both regions met
NN = Ngukurr Numbulwar Region / CA = Central Arnhem Region Ratings 1 = Unsatisfactory / 2 = Needs to improve / 3 = Good / 4 = Excellent
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 87 Barunga The Barunga and Manyallaluk Community Development Program crews celebrated significant success during the 2016-17 financial year, which culminated in them being the first remote communities to enter a float in Katherine’s annual Christmas street parade. In a surprise result, the Minions-themed display claimed the best-in-parade result in the participants’ inaugural attempt, much to the delight of both communities. Participants have continued to develop their creative streaks throughout the rest of 2016-17 with a range of projects, ranging from jewellery design and upholstery for women, and drum and pallet furniture for men.
Beswick Beswick participants worked extremely hard over the past 12 months, with women developing their sewing and painting skills, as well as creating some head-turning garden ornaments to beautify the CDP work area. The community nursery continued to go from strength to strength and the male participants responsible for its maintenance were in the media spotlight in October when they welcomed ABC Rural to Beswick for a tour of the facility.
Binjari CDP participants in Binjari are helping to keep the Kriol language alive through print after it was announced books they had written and illustrated would be published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Women from the community, west of Katherine, have been learning to write Kriol for the past two years, with the success of their work culminating in the creation of three board books, three picture books and three chapter books. Fancy furniture was par for the course for male participants in 2016-17, with discarded pallets being transformed into stunning chairs that took on a range of themes, including one that would be at home in the Phantom’s Skull Cave and anther based on the Game of Thrones television series.
88 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Bulman/Weemol The natural environment was a priority for CDP participants in Bulman and Weemol last year as Roper Gulf Regional Council signed a host agreement with the Mimal Rangers. As part of the partnership, 15 participants are now doing land management work on country with the rangers. To celebrate the achievement, the participants were provided with a tent, swag and Camelbak for use in the field by CDP Regional Manager Janelle Iszlaub during a special presentation in Weemol.
Jilkminggan Mataranka The CDP team in Jilkminggan embraced a can-do attitude to Training has also played an important role improving their skillsets on the path to becoming job ready during in the development of CDP participants in 2016-16. Mataranka throughout the year, with skid steer operation and chemical handling courses Training was high on the agenda for male and female participants, highlighting the calendar. with many completing first aid and line marking courses that will make them more employable when opportunities arise in the region. In a demonstration of community spirit, participants also worked with Council staff to In April, men showed off their construction aptitude by building a help relocate the Mataranka bush camp to CDP training centre off the Jilkminggan municipal services yard, a Mulgan Camp. place that showcases community pride and provides a dedicated training location for participants.
Ngukurr The pride CDP participants in Ngukurr have for their community will be visible for everyone after they used their newly-acquired metalworking skills to build an entry sign in May. After consulting with the community on what it wanted depicted on the sign, the team got to work and constructed a piece that will not be able to be missed. The biggest project the team undertook in 2016-17 was in collaboration with Ngukurr School to create yards for students participating in the community horsemanship program. Many of the CDP crew were stars of the program when they attended the school, so they were thrilled to be able to give back to Ngukurr by working hard to build a modern facility for students to hone their equine talents.
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 89 Numbulwar Some of Numbulwar’s cohort of CDP participants To show off their work, several of the participants showed themselves to have the makings of master travelled to Katherine to enter their creations in the craftsmen during the past 12 months under the town’s annual show. guidance of new Builder Trainer Miguel Zahoran. Other projects undertake during 2016-17 included From the community workshop, which overlooks the welding training, a new skill that has provided a way for picturesque Gulf of Carpentaria, the men have created participants to give back to their community by assisting an array of timber furniture from recycled and locally- the municipal services team with small repair jobs to sourced wood, including coffee tables, lamps, chopping Council assets. boards and woomeras.
90 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 AGED CARE AND DISABILITY COMMONWEALTH HOME SUPPORT PROGRAM (CHSP) The program assists frail, older people (65 years and over, and are underpinned by a strong emphasis on restorative or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander approaches, including wellness and reablement. This program people) who are living in the community to maximise their helps its participants to stay living in their own homes for as independence. This is achieved through the delivery of timely, long as they can and wish to do so building relationships with high-quality entry-level support services, which take into the participants and their carers. account each person’s individual goals, preferences and choices,
Federal Aged Care Minister hears about Council’s Aged Care success Community Services Regional Manger Annalisa Bowden Mrs Bowden said she was thrilled with the feedback the was invited to Canberra on June 14 by the Chief Executive Minister provided during the meeting, and praised her Officer of Meaningful Ageing Australia (MAA), Ilsa staff for their dedication. Hampton, to represent Roper Gulf Regional Council in a “My staff are driven by shifting their focus to the future, meeting with Federal Minister for Aged Care Ken Wyatt. and reminding themselves that the people on our MAA is the national peak body for spiritual care and communities are at the centre of what we do,” she said. ageing, and Mrs Bowden had the opportunity to discuss “With this in mind, with the Minister how the Council had developed its Aged we will be able to Care service delivery model following proposed changes implement changes within the sector. that will ultimately During the meeting, she also highlighted the great work turn our services the Council’s Aged Care team was doing, as well as the into the leaders of need for training and developing staff in preparation for the industry.” providing care that meets each client’s deeper needs.
HOME CARE PACKAGES PROGRAM (HCCP) The program is part of the Federal Government’s continuum of care for older Australians, and is for people who have complex needs that can only be met by a coordinated package of care. The objectives of the program are: • to assist people to remain living at home; and • to enable consumers to have a choice and flexibility in the way that the consumers are supported at home.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AS AT MEASURE RESULT PERFORMANCE MEASURE TARGET 30 JUNE 2017 (MET OR NOT MET)
Number of Aged Care clients assisted 97 N/A N/A Percentage of Aged Care participants from priority target groups/communities 100% 100% Met Percentage of Aged Care clients achieving improved independence, participation and 100% 100% Met wellbeing Percentage of Aged Care clients achieving individual goals related to independence, 100% 100% Met participation and wellbeing
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 91 DISABILITY IN-HOME SUPPORT KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AS AT MEASURE RESULT PERFORMANCE MEASURE 30 JUNE 2017 (MET OR NOT MET)
Number of DIHS clients accessing the service 9 Met Number of hours of attendant/personal care DIHS provided 437 Met Number of new DIHS clients N/A Met Total number of DIHS clients on the wait list N/A Met Number of meals to DIHS clients 4215 Met Percentage of DIHS clients achieving their individual support plan goals N/A Met Number of one way transport trips Monday to Friday to DIHS clients 315 Met Hours of social inclusion for DIHS clients 63 Met
Council’s approach to Aged Care celebrated at Darwin conference Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Aged Care staff made a delivery of services in some of the remotest parts of the beeline for Darwin on May 3 and 4 to attend the Better Roper Gulf region. Practice Conference 2017, the focus of which was Part of the presentation also discussed the challenges “Rethinking Aged Care”. the Council faced in the delivery of the services. Community Services Regional Manager Annalisa Bowden The Council delivers Aged Care services in seven with her team actively participated in the event after they communities on behalf of the Department of Health. were asked to do a presentation entitled Caring for our Own—the Buddy System. “Presenting in Darwin let us showcase quality care and our Indigenous workforce,” Mrs Bowden said. The presentation outlined the role the Council’s Indigenous Aged Care Coordinators played in the
92 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 INDIGENOUS BROADCASTING PROGRAM
The Council provides the Indigenous Broadcasting Program (IBP) on behalf of the Australian Government in in the communities of Barunga, Beswick, Bulman, Ngukurr and Numbulwar. The IBP has been utilised in, and successful with, spreading cultural information, engaging with older community members, and recording their conversations to be put on air. These engagement discussions talk about their background, their family history, cultural issues and traditions, which allow and encourage the younger generation to preserve language and culture. Stations broadcast in local Indigenous language, as well as playing music to support local culture. Community members and guests from different organisations are also welcome to advertise community events.
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 93 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AS AT MEASURE RESULT PERFORMANCE MEASURE 30 JUNE 2017 (MET OR NOT MET)
Indigenous broadcasting and communication services are available, supported or enhanced for N/A Met 2 hours per day (Monday-Friday) Compliance with all contract schedule requirements, including budgets , timeframe, targets and 100% Met reporting requirements at reporting dates Percentage of Indigenous people employed in delivery of the IBP 100% Met Deliver and broadcast hours/coverage - Community Services announcements, local cultural 100% Met programming, Indigenous language broadcast and technical services Number of IBP employees undertaking training and development activity and graduation 100% Met Number of IBP employees graduations N/A Met Achieve expected level of Indigenous employment (5 Indigenous people, 4 hours per day) 100% Met
CRÈCHE
Three Crèches operate in Jilkminggan, Manyallaluk and Beswick with a focus on ensuring that the educational program is stimulating and engaging, and enhances children’s learning and development. The program nurtures the development of life skills and complements children’s experiences, opportunities and relationships at school, at home, and in the community. A focus is on safeguarding and promoting children’s health and safety, providing a rich and diverse range of experiences that promote children’s learning and development.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AS AT MEASURE RESULT PERFORMANCE MEASURE 30 JUNE 2017 (MET OR NOT MET)
Number of Crèche services 3 Met engaging in quality improvement activities Number of Crèche services that 3 Met have developed and implemented a Quality Improvement Plan Number of Crèche services using 3 Met an approved learning framework when developing the educational program Number of Crèche services Staff in three Met employing educators with an early centres childhood or education-related working Certificate III or higher qualification towards qualification
94 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE The Outside School Hours Care Program is provided by the Council on behalf of the Federal Department of Education and Training in Jilkminggan and Ngukurr, and is strategically designed to address target issues such as: • To prevent at-risk behaviors and boredom by participating in physical activities; and • To allow the kids to escape from the community issues and have place to talk about issues and express themselves. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AS AT MEASURE RESULT PERFORMANCE MEASURE 30 JUNE 2017 (MET OR NOT MET)
Number of OSHC services engaging in quality improvement activities 2 Met Number of children attending the OSHC service N/A Met Number of OSHC services which has developed and implemented a Quality Improvement Plan 2 Met Number of OSHC services using an approved learning framework when developing the educational 2 Met program Number of OSHC services employing educators with an early childhood or education related Working Not met Certificate III or higher qualification towards SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM
The Council is the service provider for the School Nutrition Program on behalf of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in Bulman and Manyallaluk. The program provides: • Breakfast and lunch five days per week to school children; • Employment and training for local Indigenous people; and • Support for school attendance and educational outcomes, as well as parental engagement in their child’s education. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AS AT MEASURE RESULT PERFORMANCE MEASURE 30 JUNE 2017 (MET OR NOT MET)
Number of students provided meals five days a week during the school terms for SNP N/A Met Number of quarterly reports to the Local Authority on the % of parent participation and number of 4 Met meals provided at each site for SNP Percentage of Indigenous people employed in delivery of the SNP Project 100% Met Feedback survey on quality of meals provided N/A Met
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 95 INDIGENOUS SPORT AND RECREATION PROJECT
The Indigenous Sport and Recreation Project provided by the Council on behalf of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy is strategically designed to address target issues in Barunga, Beswick, Borroloola, Bulman, Manyallaluk, Jilkminggan, Mataranka, Ngukurr and Numbulwar. The project provides: • Active participation of all Indigenous Australians in sport and recreation activities, including individuals with a disability; • Encouragement for community ownership and management of sport and recreation activities; • Training and mentoring Indigenous employees; • School attendance; • Safety in Indigenous communities; • Employment opportunities for Indigenous people; • Health issues (high blood pressure, heart disease); • Boredom, frustration, depression, self-confidence, social interaction; and • Crime, antisocial behavior, mental health issues, alcohol and other drugs.
Borroloola youth roll up sleeves to put on show-stopping performance A gazetted public As the crowd rolled into the Borroloola and Gulf holiday did not District Sports Ground for the 2017 Borroloola Show, stop Borroloola’s the Council staff took to the oval to set up a variety of dedicated Sport and challenges aimed at increasing social interaction and Recreation team self-confidence, including ball games, soccer workshops from organising a and the show-stopping tug-of-war. range of fun physical With show patrons pausing to witness the exhibition of activities for youth physical endurance, almost two dozen youth split into attending the two teams and used a combination of tactics and brute community’s annual strength to try and overpower their opponent, much to show in June. the delight of cheering onlookers.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AS AT MEASURE RESULT PERFORMANCE MEASURE 30 JUNE 2017 (MET OR NOT MET)
Number of Indigenous staff who have successfully completed accredited and non-accredited training Working Not met in coaching/officiating or similar that enhances ISRP service delivery towards Number of sport and recreation activities Indigenous community members participated in during Not able to Not met the agreed five days per week of operation for the reporting period give statistics Number of Indigenous people participating in the sport and recreation activities compared with the 100% Met agreed target of 4000 male and female participants in each activity
96 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 REMOTE SPORT PROGRAM The Council provides the Remote Sport Program on behalf of the Northern Territory Government Department of Sport and Recreation to strategically address target issues in Barunga, Beswick, Borroloola, Bulman, Manyallaluk, Jilkmingan, Mataranka, Ngukurr and Numbulwar. The program provides: • Opportunities for future jobs for community members; • Pathways for emerging professional athletes and coaches; and • Health and wellbeing of the population. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AS AT MEASURE RESULT PERFORMANCE MEASURE 30 JUNE 2017 (MET OR NOT MET)
Number of employed staff to deliver regular organised sporting competitions N/A Met Increase in regular sporting competitions N/A Met Number of staff participating in training and development 100% Met Number of community members participating in training and development 100% Met Number of coaches, umpires and scorers to officiate community competitions 100% Met Number of athletes, coaches, umpires and scorers to represent their region at regional sporting 100% Met tournaments ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS INFORMATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM The Alcohol and Other Drugs Information and Education Program is strategically designed to address alcohol, drugs and volatile substance issues in Beswick, Borroloola, Jilkminggan, Ngukurr and Numbulwar. The Council provides the service on behalf of the Northern Territory Government Department of Health. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AS AT MEASURE RESULT PERFORMANCE MEASURE 30 JUNE 2017 (MET OR NOT MET)
Number of Youth Diversion staff trained with current first aid certificate and working towards 70% Met Certificate III in AOD/Community Health Hours per client used for education 160 Met Number of episodes involving identified vocational and/or educational programs: education or 10 Met training employment skills, living skills, physical exercise and other recreational activities Number of episodes involving identified cultural activities 10 Met Number of clients receiving counselling and case management 10 Met Number of hours spent on counselling and case management 10 Met
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 97 INDIGENOUS YOUTH RECONNECT PROJECT The Indigenous Youth Reconnect Project is funded by the Australian Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy in Borroloola, Ngukurr and Numbulwar, and is strategically designed to address the issues: • Getting children into schools; • Improving education outcomes, including Year 12 attainment; and • Early childhood development, care, education and school readiness.
Roper and Central Arnhem regions rock to tune of youth empowerment One of Australia’s biggest hip-hop stars swapped from engaging with such a high-profile mentor in the bright lights of the stage for a more intimate familiar surroundings. performance mentoring at-risk youth in Ngukurr in April. “They have seen Timomatic on television and sung Nigerian-born Australian singer-songwriter Tim Omaji, along to his music, so bringing him to community to aka Timomatic, travelled to the remote community for meet with them face to face and talk about youth issues two days to host a series of empowerment workshops and empowerment as part of the Right Path Project is a and mentoring sessions as part of Roper Gulf Regional perfect extension of that familiarity,” she said. Council’s Right Path Project. “During the event, participants had an opportunity to The project targeted youth under 24 from Ngukurr and access information and support services on a range Numbulwar, and offered a range of sport and recreation of topics, including alcohol and other drugs, mental activities, information sessions and support services health, antisocial behaviour and employment, as well designed to offer a pathway to increased engagement as listen to positive messages from Timomatic about and self-esteem. the challenges he has overcome to now be a household name in Australia.” The excitement of participants reached fever pitch on the final night when Timomatic put on a special live Due to the overwhelming success of the event, the performance for the entire community. Council brought Timomatic back to the Roper Gulf region in late 2016-17 to take part in the Intercommunity Sport The Council’s Community Services Regional Manager, and Recreation Weekend, the highlight of which was Annalisa Bowden, said she believed youth benefitted another concert that rocked Barunga well into night.
98 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 COMMUNITY SAFETY The Council is the service provider for the Community Night Patrol Program on behalf of the Australian Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy. The service is provided in: • Barunga; • Manyallaluk; • Beswick; • Minyerri (through Alawa Aboriginal Corporation); • Borroloola; • Ngukurr; • Bulman; • Numbulwar; and • Jilkminggan; • Robinson River. • Mataranka;
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MEASURE RESULT PERFORMANCE MEASURE AS AT 30 JUNE 2017 (MET OR NOT MET)
Number of Indigenous staff who have attained Certificate III in Community 14 staff graduated in November 2016. Met Night Patrol 27 staff have commenced study Number of Community Night Patrols delivered per week, per location: Barunga - 5 per week 4 per week Not met Beswick - 5 per week 4 per week Not met Borroloola - 5 per week 4 per week Not met Bulman - 5 per week 3 per week Not met Jilkminggan - 5 per week 4 per week Not met Manyallaluk - 5 per week 5 per week Met Mataranka - 5 per week 3 per week Not met Minyerri - 5 per week 5 per week Met Ngukurr - 7 per week 5 per week Not met Numbulwar - 5 per week 3 per week Not met Robinson River - 5 per week 5 per week Met Number of Indigenous clients participating in Community Night Patrol 5,682 Met service
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 99 Police commendations cap off stellar year for Community Night Patrol crew It is fair to say that no two shifts are ever the same for • The Borroloola patrol was involved in some very Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Community Night Patrol serious matters, including the apprehension of an (CNP) staff, and that is reflected in the exceptionally escaped inmate from a Darwin correctional facility varied type of incidents they responded to during the and the prevention of two cases of potential self- 2016-17 financial year. harm; and Community Safety Regional Manager Daniel Kirk was • The Bulman patrol closed down a gambling ring asked to pinpoint the highlights for his teams across the established by local teenagers. Roper Gulf region over the past 12 months and came up From an operational perspective, the Council’s CNP with: services now operate under the guidance of two Area The Manyallaluk patrol successfully locating children Managers based in Ngukurr and Beswick, Dennis Braun lost on a fishing trip, and being involved with locating and Martin Cooke. The positioning of these frontline and rescuing local ranger who had run out of fuel in a staff aligns with the restructure of the Council into remote area; two distinct management areas, Roper and Central Arnhem, and Mr Kirk said it had allowed all but one key • The Barunga CNP team was commended by local performance indicator (KPI) to be achieved in 2016-17. police for the professional way in which it handled tense domestic situations; “We were able to meet all the contract KPIs with the exception of service provision, which was due to • The Beswick and Barunga patrols were involved unauthorised absences by staff,” he explained. in rescuing six teenage girls stranded without transport during the Barunga Festival; “Increased manpower utilising Community Development Program volunteers in Ngukurr is showing • The Numbulwar patrol was commended by results in reducing crime within the community, and Northern Territory Police for the assistance provided increased surveillance by CNP staff of Government and to the Tactical Response Group during recent Council assets across the region during recent school community unrest; and holidays showed a remarkable reduction in break-ins • Team members in Mataranka were commended by compared to the previous period.” the Council’s Deputy Mayor for their dedication to the role and above average performance;
100 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Goal Four SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Strategic programs for 2016-17 • Future Employment Programs • Assets Audit • Energy Efficient Programs • Government and Commercial Contracts • Technical Services Employment Programs • Assets Management and Maintenance Plan • Road Maintenance Plan • Economic Growth and Employment Projects • Outstation Services • Safety in all activities
Works scheduled to begin on future home of Council operations A multimillion-dollar commitment to the administration and delivery of services across the Roper Gulf region started to take shape in Katherine during the 2016-17 financial year. After purchasing the well-known 2 Crawford Street site – more easily recognisable as the old Landmark building – last year, progress on the ambitious plan to transform it into the Council’s long-term operational hub is going ahead in leaps and bounds after the contract to carry out building works was awarded to Katherine Constructions and a joint venture of Katherine businesses. Initial works are scheduled to begin onsite in September 2017, and Director of Corporate Governance Greg Arnott said the undertaking would consolidate the Council’s service delivery in line with its strategic vision. “Currently, Council operates from three separate sites in Katherine, which is not optimal in terms of both employee collaboration and financial management,” he said. “By redeveloping the 2 Crawford Street site as the Council’s new headquarters, we will be able to consolidate our operation and bring the majority of Katherine-based staff under one roof, which should allow us to provide a more effective delivery of services and programs across our Local Government Area.”
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 101 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
AS AT PERFORMANCE MEASURE 30 JUNE 2017
Number of tenancy management requests compared to number of tenancy 0% - all work plans are up to date with Territory management requests acted upon is not greater than 20% Housing with maintenance requests to the Council Deliver 100% breakeven cost structure for Council assets 109 - Budget $78,794/Actual $120,490 110 - Budget $2,737,376/Actual $785,923 115 - Budget ($753,858)/Actual ($987,845) Total number of visitor accommodation utilised compared to availability 1786 guests/8400 available beds • Rooms per night • Occupancy per night Ratio of internal to external work carried out by Council Mechanical Services 89% internal: 11% external Increase in vocational Indigenous training programs offered through Directorate Successful in receiving additional $300,000 for increase 10% per annum Jilkminggan and Binjari for Youth Employment Specialist Number of contracts in budget 19 Number of contracts outside budget 0 100% of streetlights and new air conditioners installed are energy efficient On track Local unsealed roads are graded/maintained not more than 3 times per year Contract grading of Ngukurr, Numbulwar, Urapunga, Bulman and Weemol roads 100% of all Council electrical equipment, smoke alarms, fire equipment and RCDs On track as per Asset Maintenance Plan are inspected within policy timeframes Percentage completion of long-term Asset Management Plans for all assets 65% Total number of assets/completed plans 0.3 5% increase in Council Technical Services operations N/A - changed business model Panel of contractors utilised for more than 80% of Council external works Achieved More than 90% of fleet are serviced within mileage/time frames to increase Achieved preventative maintenance
102 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Workshop team makes way for milestone apprentice The Mechanical Services side of Roper Gulf Regional Council’s operation continued to evolve during 2016-17, with plans to expand the amount of remote and external work undertaken necessitating the employment of an apprentice. As part of a bid to increase the amount of time the Council’s mechanics spend on the road maintaining vehicles and plant in its remote service delivery areas, the Council announced in June that it would recruit an Indigenous apprentice to complete a Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology. Mechanical Services Coordinator Luke MacFarlane said the appointment of a four-year apprentice would allow pave the way for a service expansion that focused on securing outside commercial opportunities. “Having an apprentice based in the Katherine workshop “As the business is growing, we are looking to take on will let us having it manned every day, rather than more and more external work, mainly from staff and staff closing it when the mechanical team is out on bush referrals at the moment,” he explained. service trips.”
Housing maintenance delivery boosts Indigenous employment Maintenance Officers (HMO) have been employed, all of whom have been sourced from communities the contract services. About 650 dwellings in nine communities are the responsibility of the HMOs, who are supported and guided by the Council’s Builder Trainer, Paul Sullivan. He praised the work ethic of the men and said it had been a pleasure to watch them develop as operators. “Over the past three years, I have watched each HMO grow in confidence and expand in their ability to carry out repairs and maintenance on community houses,” he explained. “The role of a HMO consists of carrying out day-to-day maintenance issues, such as repairing or replacing doors, One of the most significant contracts managed through windows and general plumbing issues, while liaising with Roper Gulf Regional Council’s Directorate of Commercial contractors and reporting electrical faults. Services has provided a sustainable employment pathway “The HMOs get a sense of pride when completing for those living in remote communities. maintenance issues around their community, as they can Within the Council’s current Territory Housing see the improvements their work is making.” maintenance contract, a team of six Indigenous Housing
SECTION 3 | REPORT ON COUNCIL PERFORMANCE 103 SECTION FOUR: FINANCIAL REPORT This section contains the Audited Financial Statements of Roper Gulf Regional Council for the 2016-17 reporting period. These statements are an indicator of the Council’s financial position and performance as at June 30, 2017.
104 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION FOUR: FINANCIAL REPORT
SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 105 106 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 107 108 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 109 110 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 111 112 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 113 114 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 115 116 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 117 118 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 119 120 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 121 122 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 123 124 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 125 126 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 127 128 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 129 130 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 131 132 ROPER GULF REGIONAL COUNCIL | ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 SECTION 4 | FINANCIAL REPORT 133 Street Address 29 Crawford Street Katherine NT 0850 Postal Address PO Box 1321 Katherine NT 0851 Phone 08 8972 9000 Fax 08 8944 7020 Email [email protected] Website www.ropergulf.nt.gov.au